Fri Mar 21 2025, 11:40 PM

Islamic World News ( 3 March 2025, NewAgeIslam.Com)

Comment | Comment

Hindutva Outfit Seeks Ban On Participation Of Muslims In Holi Celebrations In Uttar Pradesh

New Age Islam News Bureau

3 March 2025

Representational image.

Shutterstock picture.

----------

· Hindutva Outfit Seeks Ban On Participation Of Muslims In Holi Celebrations In Uttar Pradesh

· Uttar Pradesh: Gorakhpur Mosque Committee Razes Two Floors After Ultimatum Terming The Construction “Illegal”

· Balochistan National Party Chief Akhtar Mengal Questions Credibility Of Election Process

· Over 6,000 Forced Marriages Prevented in 3.5 Years in Afghanistan: Ministry for Prevention of Vice

· Bangladesh Home Adviser Urges All Not To Smoke In Open Spaces Especially during Ramadan

· Campus Rabbi, Muslim Chaplain Share Lessons on Resilience

-----

India

· Uttar Pradesh: Hindutva Group Posts Mughal Emperors Aurangzeb And Babur’s Photos In Toilets

· UP Mosque Cleric Booked For Using Loudspeaker Without Permission On Friday

· Gujarat’s Lone Muslim MLA Claims Being Targeted Over Religious Identity

· Muslims To Help Rehabilitate First-Time Offenders And Non-Habitual Crime Accused During Ramzan Through Charity

· J&K Police seize property of 4 terrorists operating from PoK

· Mehbooba Mufti urges her MLAs to push for restoration of July 13 as holiday in J-K Assembly

· Court acquittal three years on is cold comfort for Muslim man rebuilding life after demolition

----

Pakistan

· KP says waiting for federal govt’s approval to negotiate with Afghan Taliban

· Pakistan to come out of economic crisis if 'Oct 12' not occurs again: PM’s aide

· Policeman martyred in Bajaur attack

· Govt expects no hiccups as IMF reviews targets

· PTI slams police raid on Quetta Press Club

· Authorities impose Rs1.59m fine on hoarders on first day of Ramazan: Karachi commissioner

-----

South Asia

· Human Right s Groups urge Pakistan to halt Afghan refugee expulsions

· UN: Ramadan in Afghanistan arrives amid food insecurity affecting 15 million people

· Islamic Emirate’s condolence message on the martyrdom of the deputy administrator of Darul Uloom Haqqania

· Vocational Training Program Launched for Recovered Addicts in Herat

· UN: Ramadan in Afghanistan arrives amid food insecurity affecting 15 million people

-----

North America

· ‘Leaving is not easy’: Imam who survived mosque terror attacks announces move to Oz

· Crypto prices rally after Trump backs five coins for 'crypto reserve'

· Private spacecraft Blue Ghost lands on Moon

· Canada could send troops to Ukraine – Trudeau

· Trump has no idea where most of the Ukraine aid went – and honestly, who does?

· US may launch Nord Stream 2 – FT

-----

Mideast

· Outrage As Israel Cuts Off Gaza Aid To Pressure Hamas To Accept New Ceasefire Proposal

· UN urges Israel to restore Gaza aid as Hamas sees ‘coup’ against truce

· Over 500 colonists storm Al Aqsa Mosque

· Syria forces deploy in Damascus suburb after deadly unrest: state media

· Egyptian foreign minister stresses importance of maintaining Gaza ceasefire

· Turkiye’s Kurds say PKK militants heeding jailed leader’s peace call is the right move

· Syria forms committee to draft transitional constitutional declaration

· Prominent Lebanese Druze leader says he will visit Syria soon as tensions with Israel simmer

· Pezeshkian says Gaza, Lebanon need more Muslim support as previous inaction takes toll

-----

Arab World

· Islamic Nations Back Riyadh Charter For Artificial Intelligence

· Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli decision to block humanitarian aid to Gaza as ‘blackmail’

· Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve welcomes recruits to fifth ranger corps

· A tapestry of traditions: Saudi Arabia’s Farasan Islanders embrace spirit of holy month

· Saudi entities sign housing deal to support vulnerable families

· Saudi Arabia launches national food safety campaign

· Umrah guests tour Qur’an printing complex in Madinah

· Makkah enhances services for Ramadan visitors

· Dates distribute among 28,000 Muslims in Nepal under Saudi Gift Program

-----

Europe

· Starmer Announces 'Coalition Of The Willing' To Guarantee Ukraine Peace

· Ukraine still 'ready' to sign US minerals deal, Zelensky tells BBC

· Belfast factory to supply 5,000 missiles to Ukraine

· Scholz calls Ukraine demilitarization ‘unacceptable’

· Warm reception for Zelensky as he meets King at Sandringham

· Zelensky bruised but upbeat after diplomatic whirlwind

· UK’s Starmer announces ‘coalition of the willing’ to deploy troops in Ukraine

-----

Africa

· Paramilitary Shelling Kills Six In Sudan’s North Darfur: Rescuers

· Churches must prioritise community outreach, welfare – Pastor Obeya

· Kazakhstan hails successful visit to Nigeria, signs MoU on Islamic banking

· ‘Be Vigilant, Report Suspicious Activities’ – Police Clarify Reports Of 79 Terrorists In Abuja

· Namibia's 'founding father' Sam Nujoma honoured in state funeral

-----

Southeast Asia

· Religious Tourism in West Sumatra: From the Grand Mosque to the Oldest Surau

· Worshippers’ donations push Kuala Krai mosque’s tarawih imam pay to five figures, on top of free housing, food and transport

· MACC confirms former PM Ismail Sabri is a suspect in RM170m graft probe

· Anwar: Parliamentary Services Bill a benchmark for Malaysia’s democratic maturity

· Penang to promote its Ramadan bazaars as tourism attractions, KonYeow says

· Another WWII-era bomb safely detonated at Kinarut construction site

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/hindutva-muslims-holi-celebrations-uttar-pradesh/d/134771

-----

Hindutva Outfit Seeks Ban On Participation Of Muslims In Holi Celebrations In Uttar Pradesh

02.03.25

Representational image.

Shutterstock picture.

----------

The Dharam Raksha Sangh, a Hindu nationalist outfit based in Vrindavan, has issued a statement expressing distrust towards the Muslim community and alleged the possibility of disturbances during the Holi celebrations.

The group has urged Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to impose restrictions on their participation.

Dharam Raksha Sangh's national president Saurabh Gaur claimed that recent incidents in Bareilly showed people belonging to the Muslim community threatening the Hindus.

"We have decided to prohibit the entry of Muslims in Holi celebrations at major pilgrimage sites like Mathura, Vrindavan, Nandgaon, Barsana, Gokul and Dauji," he stated.

The organisation declared that Holi is a festival of love and harmony for the Sanatan community and opposed any involvement of Muslims in selling colors or entering the festivities.

"We still perceive a threat from their intentions. They could cause disturbances," Gaur alleged.

Supporting the demand, Dharam Raksha Sangh's national coordinator Acharya Badrish likened the Muslims to "separatists and jihadists" and urged the government to enforce a ban similar to restrictions placed on Muslim participation in Garba festivities in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

"Since they object to colors and gulal, they have no place in our Holi celebrations," he remarked.

Badrish suggested that Muslims could be allowed if they provided a written assurance to the Hindus.

"Otherwise, they should be kept away and the government must ensure it," he said.

Meanwhile, Dinesh Sharma, a petitioner in the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute, wrote a letter to the chief minister in his blood and demanded a ban on the entry of Muslims into Braj’s Holi celebrations.

He alleged that Muslims could "spit on sweets" during the festivities.

In response, Shahi Idgah Intazamia Committee secretary Tanveer Ahmed, who is the legal representative of the Muslim side in the temple-mosque dispute, dismissed these statements as divisive.

"Holi in Braj has always been celebrated with love and peace. There has never been any complaint from any community. Even great Krishna devotees like Ras Khan and Taj Bibi, who were Muslims, are revered here," he said.

Ahmed highlighted that even during the recently concluded Maha Kumbh, the Muslims provided shelter and food to the Hindu pilgrims, showcasing communal harmony.

"Holi will be celebrated here in the same spirit of brotherhood. People will exchange greetings and embrace each other as per tradition. Such statements only seek to create divisions," he said.

Ahmed said while the Dharam Raksha Sangh's statement may reflect personal opinions, it is up to the government to respond to their demands.

Source:telegraphindia.com

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

https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/hindutva-outfit-seeks-ban-on-participation-of-muslims-in-holi-celebrations-in-uttar-pradesh/cid/2086590

--------

Uttar Pradesh: Gorakhpur Mosque Committee Razes Two Floors After Ultimatum Terming The Construction “Illegal”

March 2, 2025

Mosque committee razes two floors after ultimatum in UP’s Gorakhpur.

------------

Muslims in Uttar Pradesh’s Gorakhpur faced an unfortunate incident as they prepared for the blessed month of Ramadan. Authorities ordered the demolition of two upper floors of the Abu Huraira Masjid, terming the construction “illegal.”

On February 13, Shoaib Ahmed, the mosque’s caretaker, received a notice from the Gorakhpur Development Authority (GDA) citing the mosque’s construction was without an approved map and violated building regulations.

The notice gave Ahmed a 15-day deadline to dismantle the unauthorized portion, threatening that if not complied with, the demolition would be carried out by the authorities at Ahmed’s expense.

Ahmed, however, contested the notice, arguing that the mosque had been built with the consent of the municipal board after the original structure was demolished in January 2024. The land, allocated by the municipal corporation, was 520 sqft and designated for religious purposes.

He further pointed out that an objection was filed the following day, along with a request for more time to respond, but the demolition order was still issued promptly.

The legal counsel for Ahmed, Jai Prakash Narayan Srivastava, argued that the mosque’s land was not in dispute, and there was no requirement for a map for construction on plots of less than 100 square meters, as per a 2008 directive from the Urban Development Department. Ahmed also stated that when his father had inquired with the GDA about building the mosque, he had been informed that a map was unnecessary for a plot of this size.

The mosque, constructed just a year ago, replaced an ancient mosque that had been demolished by the Gorakhpur Municipal Corporation on January 25 of the previous year, along with several nearby houses and shops. After negotiations, the municipal corporation allocated a 24×26 feet plot for the new mosque. The previous mosque’s caretaker, Suhail Ahmed, passed away last year, and his son, Shoaib Ahmed, assumed responsibility for managing the mosque.

This incident in Gorakhpur follows a troubling trend in Uttar Pradesh, where Muslims have been forced to demolish mosques under similar circumstances. On February 21, a historic mosque on Delhi Road in Meerut was demolished to make way for the construction of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) Corridor.

Despite having documents dating back to 1857, the mosque’s representatives had no choice but to comply with the demolition notice. In another incident, parts of a mosque in Kushinagar were demolished in January, with authorities labeling it “illegal” and “encroachment.” These events have sparked concern and protests within the Muslim community, with calls for alternative sites to be provided for the construction of mosques. — With Agencies Inputs

Source:muslimmirror.com

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

https://muslimmirror.com/uttar-pradesh-gorakhpur-mosque-committee-razes-two-floors-after-ultimatum/

--------

Balochistan National Party Chief Akhtar Mengal Questions Credibility Of Election Process

Abdul Wahid Shahwani

March 3, 2025

KHUZDAR: Balochistan National Party (BNP) chief Sardar Akhtar Jan Mengal has questioned the credibility of the election process, saying candidates won’t win the contest without “backing from powerful quarters”.

Mr Mengal, who is also member of the National Assembly, touched on various issues during a media talk at his MengalKotWadh residence on Saturday.

“Neither politics nor democracy is intact in the country,” he claimed.

“The electoral process is merely a political ploy where candidates will not be elected through a democratic process but rather with the backing of powerful forces.”

Assailing the current state of politics, Mr Mengal regretted that businessmen and traders are using politics as a tool to protect their wealth and business interests rather than for national development.

The veteran politician also strongly criticised the Balochistan government, accusing the authorities of failing to take any substantial steps to resolve the pressing issues of the province.

All political parties in the province unite for political gains but lack seriousness when it comes to problem-solving, he said, adding that successive governments had only worked to sustain their rule rather than addressing Balochistan’s challenges.

He recalled past political alliances such as MRD, ARD, etc, arguing that such alliances were temporary arrangements to achieve political goals.

“Once these goals were achieved, major stakeholders abandoned their commitments, leaving Balochistan’s problems unresolved,” he pointed out.

Rights violation

Mr Mengal said Balochistan was facing a “complex set of interrelated problems”.

“Initially, Balochistan’s people demanded development, basic facilities, and constitutional rights. Now, these demands have expanded to include concerns about unconstitutional actions and fundamental rights violations,” the BNP chief added.

He condemned the sacking of journalists who attempt to highlight Balochistan’s issues.

“If a journalist or TV anchor tries to expose the province’s challenges, they are either targeted, forcibly disappeared, or face fabricated cases,” Mr Mengal claimed.

He criticised the authorities for ignoring the deteriorating situation despite being fully aware of the severity of the crisis.

Referring to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, he asserted that the project has not benefited Balochistan as promised.

“While other provinces are seeing the development of motorways, underground trains, and power projects, CPEC in Balochistan has only resulted in corruption and exploitation,” the BNP chief alleged.

He pointed out that despite Gwadar Port’s significance, its benefits have largely gone to people from other provinces, while locals continue to suffer from electricity shortages, with power being imported from Iran.

Mr Mengal accused the government of enforcing draconian laws to curb public freedoms.

“These laws are not just affecting Balochistan but are designed to suppress people across Pakistan,” he said.

He compared the current governance style with martial law regimes of Ayub Khan, Yahya Khan, Ziaul Haq, and Pervez Musharraf.

Resignation as MNA

Mr Mengal while talking about his own politics said he had submitted his resignation as MNA.

“Whether they accept it or not is their decision. I presented my resignation in front of the media and submitted it to the assembly secretary, as the speaker was not present at the time,” he explained.

Responding to criticism about the procedure, he said it was his personal decision whether to bring witnesses.

He expressed disappointment with parliamentary politics, stating he had tested provincial, local, and national assemblies but found no real solutions for Balochistan’s problems.

“Even in future assemblies, the chances of resolving Balochistan’s issues remain slim,” he added, noting that BNP’s national council would decide whether to continue participating in parliamentary politics or not.

He urged the youth to intensify their struggle for their rights.

He highlighted the lack of basic facilities such as healthcare, employment, education and clean drinking water in the province.

He also criticised “business-minded politicians” who, after spending money to win elections, prioritise their financial interests over public welfare.

“If these investors had put their money into villages or cities, essential services like schools, healthcare centers, and water supply would have been ensured. But they prefer their profits over people’s problems,” Mr Mengal lamented.

The BNP leader reaffirmed his party’s commitment to fighting for Balochistan’s rights and stressed that only a leadership with the people’s mandate could bring real change.

Source:dawn.com

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

https://www.dawn.com/news/1895448/akhtar-mengal-questions-credibility-of-election-process

--------

Over 6,000 Forced Marriages Prevented in 3.5 Years in Afghanistan: Ministry for Prevention of Vice

2025-03-02

KABUL(BNA): In a press conference held in Kabul today, Seif-ul-Islam Khaibar, spokesperson for the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (MPVPV), shared details about the ministry’s activities over the past month. He highlighted the ministry’s role in addressing women’s rights issues and broader social concerns.

During the previous month alone, the ministry’s inspectors handled 30 legal cases related to women’s rights across the country.

According to Khaibar, nine women were granted their rightful inheritance, ten were protected from forced marriages, seven were rescued from domestic violence, and two were freed from unlawful confinement in their homes.

Additionally, he reported that the ministry detained 12 individuals involved in superstitions, un-Islamic practices, and corrupt activities, handing them over to judicial authorities for further action. The ministry also held 70 reformative meetings with traders to regulate market prices and prevent hoarding, usury, fraud, and unethical trade practices. Furthermore, 1,640 awareness sessions were conducted with government officials, tribal elders, youth, and religious scholars to promote Islamic values and discourage harmful social behaviors.

The spokesperson also noted that 1,185 complaints were registered with the ministry last month, out of which 850 were successfully resolved.

Khaibar firmly rejected reports from some international organizations claiming that Afghan women and minorities are being subjected to restrictions by the ministry. He emphasized that, contrary to such claims, the ministry remains committed to upholding the rights of all citizens in line with Islamic principles, ensuring that no one’s fundamental rights are violated.

As an example of the ministry’s commitment to women’s rights, Khaibar pointed out that over the past three and a half years, the ministry has successfully prevented more than 6,000 cases of forced marriages.

He further assured that, in collaboration with relevant institutions, the ministry is working actively to regulate market prices, combat economic exploitation, and ensure ethical business practices.

This report underscores the ministry’s ongoing efforts to address legal, social, and economic issues while staying committed to its mission of promoting moral and ethical values in Afghan society.

Source:bakhtarnews.af

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

https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/over-6000-forced-marriages-prevented-in-3-5-years/

---------

Bangladesh Home Adviser Urges All Not To Smoke In Open Spaces Especially during Ramadan

Mar 3, 2025

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury. Photo: Collected

-------------

Home Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury yesterday urged the public to refrain from smoking in open spaces as people are criticising a recent attack on two women by a group of men in the capital's Lalmatia.

"From what I understand, the two women were reportedly smoking when some people, who were on their way to say their prayers, intervened. In the altercation, the women allegedly threw tea on them," the home adviser said in reply to a question from a journalist while visiting the Public Order Management (POM) Police Lines in Mirpur.

"As you all know, smoking in public is prohibited for both men and women... It is an offence. Therefore, I request that no one smokes in public spaces. Especially during this month of Ramadan, everyone needs to show more restraint," he said.

He added that "religious advisers" are also urging everyone not to eat or drink in public, as it is a sign of disrespect for those who are fasting.

On Saturday evening, two women were taken into custody after they got engaged in an altercation with locals for smoking in public, police said.

The women were physically assaulted by the group of men.

Jewel Rana, additional deputy commissioner of Mohammadpur zone, said the women were escorted to Mohammadpur Police Station for their safety.

According to police, the women were smoking at a tea stall in Lalmatia, behind Aarong, when some locals confronted them, asking them not to smoke in public. The situation escalated into a heated argument, prompting police intervention.

Meanwhile, the home adviser also requested that businessmen refrain from increasing the prices of goods during Ramadan.

"You will see that in other religions, during their religious events, they reduce the prices of goods. However, in our country, the opposite happens. During Ramadan, prices are actually raised."

He urged businessmen to lower the prices to ease the burden on consumers.

Compared to last Ramadan, the prices are somewhat lower this time, he said.

Source:thedailystar.net

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

https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/home-adviser-urges-all-not-smoke-open-spaces-3838361

--------

Campus Rabbi, Muslim Chaplain Share Lessons on Resilience

3 Mar, 2025

Muslim Chaplain Khalil Abdur-Rashid speaks at an interfaith discussion on mental resilience on Thursday. Campus Rabbi Getzel Davis joined Abdur-Rashid at the event, which was held in Fong Auditorium. By Mae T. Weir

------------

Campus Rabbi Getzel Davis and the University’s Muslim Chaplain Khalil Abdur-Rashid hosted an interfaith discussion on mental resilience to explore different religious practices on Thursday.

At the event, in Fong Auditorium, the two spiritual leaders took turns offering different perspectives from their faiths.

“Some people approach religion and bridge building by kind of arguing that everything is the same,” Davis said.

He said that their approach would instead consider the differences with the expectation of finding “dialogue” between the approaches.

Davis began by discussing the Jewish concept of geneivatda’at.

“Geneivatda’at, meaning ‘stealing another person’s thoughts,’ is a Biblical law against misrepresentation,” he said. “This prohibition guides one towards a life of honesty and sincerity.”

He connected the concept to examples from the modern day, such as deceptive advertising and social media algorithms.

“When we surf the web or when we consume various sorts of media, even Instagram or Facebook or other things, we need to think about, these things are designed to distract and misinform us,” he said, using a PowerPoint and images generated with artificial intelligence to illustrate his argument.

Davis advised attendees to be mindful about what they share and consume online, and to consider a “technology sabbath” — not using any technology for one day a week.

Abdur-Rashid then gave attendees an introduction to the Islamic approach to mental health and mental well-being. He explained how transcendental thinking — thinking about one’s own thoughts to achieve wellness — has been incorporated into Islamic practice.

He said that in the Islamic tradition, achieving wellness starts with thoughts instead of actions.

“It starts with the mind,” he said.

Abdur-Rashid outlined five obstacles that, according to Islamic tradition, all people experience when trying to translate a good thought into a good action: obstruction, procrastination, acceleration, ostentation and resignation.

“Just because an idea is there doesn’t mean that you’ll necessarily be able to follow through on it, especially if you yourself are going through challenging times,” he said.

Thursday’s event was the first of two in a series on resiliency. The first event focused on mental resiliency while the second, planned for April 27, will focus on strategies for physical resiliency.

“We created this series after noticing that many in our communities are facing challenges and demonstrating remarkable resilience — especially over the past year and half,” Davis wrote in a statement.

“Jews and Muslims have a rich history of sharing spiritual practices for well over a millennium, and we wanted to bring those traditions into our community discussions,” he added.

Source:thecrimson.com

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

https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2025/3/3/muslim-jewish-resiliency/

---------

India

Uttar Pradesh: Hindutva Group Posts Mughal Emperors Aurangzeb And Babur’s Photos In Toilets

March 1, 2025

A controversial incident unfolded in Pilkhuwa town, located in Uttar Pradesh’s Hapur district, when members of a Hindutva group posted images of prominent Mughal emperors, Aurangzeb and Babur, in public toilets and urinals.

The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday, February 26. The radical group, wearing saffron scarves, filmed the act and uploaded the footage on social media. In the video, the group is seen pasting images of Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, and Aurangzeb, the longest-reigning Mughal emperor, onto the walls and urinals of public restroom facilities.

After placing the images, the members of the group reportedly proceeded to desecrate the photographs by beating them with shoes, asserting that they had renamed the facilities.

This act is part of a larger, growing trend of aggressive actions by Hindutva outfits across India, aimed at diminishing the legacy of Mughal rulers. Just a few days earlier, on February 23, a similar incident occurred in Delhi, where a group of Hindutva supporters spat on and urinated on an Akbar Road signboard.

They then placed a poster of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a revered Maratha king, over the signboard, further exemplifying the group’s actions against Mughal history.

These acts are not isolated but are part of a broader and coordinated campaign led by Hindutva groups and far-right politicians. Over the past few years, these groups have ramped up efforts to rename Mughal-era landmarks, including cities, roads, and institutions, and even school curriculum chapters associated with the Mughal Empire.

The most notable example is the renaming of the city of Allahabad to Prayagraj by the Yogi Adityanath-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Uttar Pradesh. Similarly, in Maharashtra, the city of Aurangabad was renamed Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, in honor of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Shivaji Maharaj, who was tortured and executed by Aurangzeb.

Proponents of these renaming campaigns argue that they aim to recover India’s “true heritage” and eradicate the influence of Mughal rulers, whom they view as foreign conquerors who persecuted the Hindu community during their reign. This rhetoric has gained significant traction, especially following the release of Chhaava, a Bollywood film that portrays Aurangzeb as a villain.

However, these actions have also sparked concerns about rising communal tensions and the potential for hate-driven attacks. Critics argue that these campaigns could deepen divisions in India, with Hindutva groups pushing for contemporary Muslims to take responsibility for the actions of Mughal rulers from centuries ago. — With Agencies Inputs

Source:muslimmirror.com

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

https://muslimmirror.com/uttar-pradesh-hindutva-group-posts-mughal-emperors-photos-in-toilets/

---------

UP Mosque Cleric Booked For Using Loudspeaker Without Permission On Friday

March 2, 2025

A case was registered against a mosque cleric in Jahanabad on Sunday, March 2, for allegedly violating loudspeaker regulations. According to Station House Officer (SHO) Manoj Kumar Mishra, Sub-Inspector Varun filed the FIR, claiming that a loudspeaker was used at an excessively high volume during the afternoon Namaz at the Kazitola mosque on March 1.

The cleric, Maulvi Ashfaq, had been informed on February 25 about the loudspeaker restrictions, which require prior permission for its use. Despite this, he allegedly used a loudspeaker during the Azaan on February 28 without proper authorization. When questioned, he failed to provide any documentation permitting the use of the loudspeaker.

As a result, the case was filed against him under sections 223 (disobedience to public servant’s order), 270 (public nuisance), and 293 (continuing nuisance after injunction) of the BNS (British Noise Statutes). SHO Mishra explained that the loudspeaker use was particularly disruptive to the ongoing Board examinations for classes 10 and 12, as it affected students who were attempting to concentrate and those with serious health conditions.

In a separate but related incident, three individuals were booked for installing loudspeakers at religious locations in violation of government and Pollution Control Board regulations aimed at controlling noise pollution. In Tiyori village, two loudspeakers were set up at religious places without the necessary approvals, further aggravating concerns about noise levels in the area.

The issue of loudspeakers at religious sites has been a subject of judicial scrutiny. Earlier, the Allahabad High Court observed that religious places are primarily intended for prayer and devotion, and that the use of loudspeakers cannot be claimed as an inherent right.

The court noted that loudspeakers often create a nuisance for local residents. Similarly, the Bombay High Court recently called for more stringent measures against loudspeaker use, recognizing that they are non-essential to religious practices and often cause disturbances in residential areas.

In May 2022, the Allahabad High Court ruled that the use of loudspeakers for the azaan (Islamic call to prayer) is not a fundamental right, dismissing a petition from Irfan, a resident of Uttar Pradesh’s Badaun district. Irfan had sought to overturn a sub-divisional magistrate’s decision that denied his request to use a loudspeaker for the azaan.

These rulings highlight the growing concerns over noise pollution and the need for regulated use of loudspeakers, even in religious contexts. — With Agencies Inputs

Source:muslimmirror.com

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

https://muslimmirror.com/up-mosque-cleric-booked-for-using-loudspeaker-without-permission/

-------

Gujarat’s Lone Muslim MLA Claims Being Targeted Over Religious Identity

March 3, 2025

A heated debate unfolded in the Gujarat Assembly during the budget session when Congress MLA Imran Khedawala strongly opposed a statement made by Minister Jagdish Vikrama.

The controversy began when Vikrama claimed that “most encroachments around religious places have been carried out by a particular community.” Khedawala, the only Muslim MLA in Gujarat, reacted sharply, accusing BJP leaders of targeting him due to his religious identity. “I am the only Muslim MLA in Gujarat, and that is why I am being singled out,” he asserted, calling on the Muslim community to remain vigilant and choose leaders who can advocate for their concerns both inside and outside the assembly.

Representing the Jamalpur-Khadia constituency, Khedawala emphasized that his victory was not driven by communal politics.

He pointed out that his constituency consists of 60% Muslims and 40% Hindus, and he represents all constituents equally, regardless of their faith. He also stressed that his election was not based on religious lines but rather on his ability to serve everyone in his constituency.

Khedawala strongly rejected accusations of engaging in religious politics and reaffirmed his dedication to India’s secular values. “This is our country, and we will live and die in this soil,” he declared, reinforcing his commitment to the nation’s unity and secularism despite attempts to paint him as a communal figure. — With Agencies Inputs

Source:muslimmirror.com

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

https://muslimmirror.com/gujarats-lone-muslim-mla-claims-being-targeted-over-religious-identity/

--------

Muslims To Help Rehabilitate First-Time Offenders And Non-Habitual Crime Accused During Ramzan Through Charity

Mar 2, 2025

Mumbai: With the sighting of the new crescent moon on Saturday, the holy month of Ramzan began on Sunday. Fasting, feasting, and prayers are some of the visible features of this month. Little known outside the community, however, is the act of charity Muslims do in Ramzan. Zakat, or 2.5% of the annual saving/wealth, is one of the pillars of Islam. Though zakat can be given anytime in the year, most Muslims wait for Ramzan because of a belief that any good work done in this month gets blessings 70 times more than in other months.

It is in this background that Global Care Foundation, a city-based NGO, is seeking zakat funds for a noble cause. Engaged in getting first-time offenders and non-habitual crime accused released from jails, the Foundation has secured bails for over 1200 inmates in the last seven years from jails in Mumbai, Thane, Nashik, and Pune.

Recently, in association with the iconic Islam Gymkhana, the Foundation held a programme called 'Together, Let Us Free Prisoners'.

"Our goal is not just to free prisoners but to free them from the stigma that follows their incarceration. Our motto is that justice should not be a privilege of the wealthy and it should be accessible to all. Zakat provides us with the means to ensure that those who deserve a second chance get one," says Foundation's founder- managing trustee Abid Ahmed Kundalam.

Kundalam adds that his team's priority is to help the first-time offenders and those jailed for petty crimes. "We do not touch accused of serious crimes like rape and murder." explains Kundalam.

The Quran specifies eight categories of eligible recipients for zakat. They are: travellers in need, for causes that align with Islamic principles, individuals struggling to repay legitimate debts, captives and enslaved people, individuals who have recently embraced Islam, those responsible for collecting and distributing zakat, individuals facing hardship, and people with little money.

"Slavery has been abolished from everywhere and it is prisoners who deserve to be freed. The Foundation is doing a great job," says scholar Mufti Ashfaque Kazi.

Congress MLA Amin Patel has watched the Foundation's work closely. "Many accused do not get bails because of lack of bail money or lack of legal aid. Rehabilitation of the released accused is important.The Foundation tries to rehabilitate the inmates it gets released. It deserves zakat funds," says Patel.

Source:indiatimes.com

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

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/muslims-to-help-rehabilitate-first-time-offenders-during-ramzan-through-charity/articleshow/118667299.cms

---------

J&K Police seize property of 4 terrorists operating from POK

Mar 2, 2025,

JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir Police have attached four properties in Poonch district belonging to three terrorists operating from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.

The trio fled to POK and is now “actively engaged in promoting terrorism, disturbing peace, and threatening social harmony in Poonch and other parts of Jammu and Kashmir,” police said.

The properties belong to Najab Din and his brother Mohd Latif, residents of Kirni village, and Mohd Bashir alias Tikka Khan, of Qasba village.

On Feb 28, properties of five Hizbul Mujahideen operatives were seized from Gool area of Ramban district.

Source:indiatimes.com

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

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/jk-police-seize-property-of-4-terrorists-operating-from-pok/articleshow/118667228.cms

--------

Mehbooba Mufti urges her MLAs to push for restoration of July 13 as holiday in J-K Assembly

by Naveed Iqbal

March 3, 2025

People’s Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti has instructed her party’s MLAs to ensure that their resolution regarding July 13 is the “first to be passed in the Assembly session”.

The resolution called for the restoration of July 13, marked as Martyrs’ Day in Kashmir, as a gazetted holiday in Jammu and Kashmir. It had been a public holiday in the erstwhile state, but after the abrogation of J&K’s special status and the changing of its status to a Union Territory in 2019, the administration has done away with official commemorations.

The J&K Legislative Assembly is set to be in session starting Monday.

“July 13 holds significant historical importance in Kashmir. It marks the day in 1931 when 22 Kashmiris were martyred during a protest against the oppressive rule of the Dogra Maharaja’s monarchy. These martyrs are remembered for their resistance against colonial and autocratic rule, symbolising the Kashmiris’ long-standing struggle for democracy and constitutional rights,” Mufti, a former chief minister of J&K, told her party’s MLAs.

Highlighting the day’s “gradual erasure from public memory, especially under the UT administration”, Mufti said the decision to cancel the holiday “sparked widespread resentment and is seen as part of a broader effort to alter the region’s political narrative and suppress historical symbols of a cry for democracy”. Restoring recognition of this day, she said, holds deep symbolic value for Kashmiris.

The 90-member House has three PDP MLAs, one of whom has submitted the resolution seeking the restoration of July 13 as a state gazetted holiday.

Chief spokesperson of the ruling National Conference, Tanvir Sadiq, termed the PDP’s move “hypocrisy” and “scripted drama”. Sadiq pointed out that when the PDP formed a government in J&K together with the BJP, with Mehbooba Mufti as CM, “Not once did her alliance Cabinet colleagues pay tribute to the July 13 martyrs.”

In a post on X, he said, “We are committed to restoring all the holidays that the PDP-BJP government, and after that the (UT) administration, scrapped without the consent of the people. And we will do so soon.”

Source:indianexpress.com

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

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/mehbooba-mufti-urges-her-mlas-to-push-for-restoration-of-july-13-as-holiday-in-j-k-assembly-9864994/

---------

Court acquittal three years on is cold comfort for Muslim man rebuilding life after demolition

Adnan Ali

March 3, 2025

In February 2021, a woman accused Shafiq Ansari, a 55-year-old former municipal councillor from Rajgarh district in Madhya Pradesh, of raping her in his home. Shortly after, in March, the police filed an FIR against him. He spent three months in jail. A year later, in March 2022, the Sarangpur municipality demolished Ansari’s home.

His son’s education was derailed and Ansari suffered immense humiliation.

Four years later, on February 14, an additional sessions judge in Rajgarh noted that there were significant inconsistencies in the testimonies of the woman and her husband. He acquitted Ansari.

“I kept telling the police to investigate them, but they ignored me,” Ansari said in a phone interview. “This happened because of police negligence.”

Ansari said that his two-storeyed, 4,000 sq feet home was demolished without prior notice. Despite having no criminal record, he was included in Madhya Pradesh’s “anti-goon” campaign. “Early in the morning, four-five JCBs arrived and bulldozed my house,” Ansari said, recalling the events of March 13. He lived in the house with seven members of his family. “We weren’t even allowed to take our belongings,” he said. “After the demolition, even the rubble and iron from my house were taken away.”

“Now, the case is over, but my home is gone,” he said.

Ansari insisted that his home was built legally and that he had all the documents to prove it. But authorities never gave him a chance to present his records.

The case also disrupted the education of his son, 33-year-old Mohammad Ahsan. Ahsan and Ansari’s brother, Mohammad Iqbal, were booked for allegedly obstructing government work when in July 2021 they asked a police team that visited their home to show a search warrant. Ahsan had to put his studies on hold.

Ahsan had earned a Bachelor of Technology degree and had secured admission into an institute to pursue a master’s degree. As he waited to join the course, he took up a job with a logistics company. “If I had continued, I’d be a head manager by now,” he said.

Ahsan recalled the day he received a sudden call from home: a woman had accused his father of rape and an FIR had been filed. “From that point on, I spent most of my time in courts and police stations,” said Ahsan. “I couldn’t continue my studies or my job.”

Describing the demolition, Ahsan says that around 2 am on the night of March 13, 2022, he was woken from his sleep by a well-wisher informing him that officials would come in the morning to demolish their home.

“I didn’t believe it because we hadn’t received any official notice,” he said.

But by morning, the tip-off proved to be true. When officials arrived, he showed them property documents, but they insisted he lacked construction approvals. “I asked for time to provide those papers too, but they refused to listen,” Ahsan said. “Before my eyes, they demolished my home.”

Ansari had previously been a municipal councillor from Sarangpur Municipality, winning his first term in 1993. He had various stints in office, the last one ending in 2015. In 2022, after the rape case, his wife ran as an independent candidate and won by a big margin. This victory, said Ansari, proved that the public did not believe the accusations.

“Though my reputation was defamed, it didn’t really harm my public image,” said Ansari. He was associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party and the party was in power in Madhya Pradesh when his home was torn down.

When the Rajgarh Sessions Court delivered its verdict, Additional Sessions Judge Chitrendra Singh Solanki noted that the complainant had not reported the alleged assault immediately. The judgement also said forensic evidence did not support the accusation.

One key detail that came out in court was that the complainant’s house had also been demolished. The judge noted that Ansari had previously filed a complaint against her, which led to her home being demolished. The court suggested the rape allegation had likely been made in retaliation for that.

Ansari also believes that his identity played a role in what happened. “There were several reasons for my house being demolished and everything else, but I believe my being Muslim was a big factor,” he said.

Advocate Om Prakash Vijayvargiya, who defended Ansari, said that the accusations against Ahsan and Ansari’s brother Iqbal for obstructing government work were filed after the police entered their home without a search warrant.

“We told the court that the police had no search warrant when they arrived,” he said. “If something is happening at a house, it’s natural for people to try to stop the police from interfering.”

Now that he has been acquitted, Ansari said that he plans to seek compensation for the demolition of his home, arguing that justice has not yet been served.

Source:scroll.in

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

https://scroll.in/article/1079784/court-acquittal-three-years-on-is-cold-comfort-for-muslim-man-rebuilding-life-after-demolition

--------

Pakistan

KP says waiting for federal govt’s approval to negotiate with Afghan Taliban

Arif Hayat

March 2, 2025

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on Sunday said it was waiting for the federal government’s approval regarding the terms of reference (TOR) for a jirga formed to negotiate with the Afghan government, a statement issued by KP chief minister’s press secretary said.

KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had announced plans to send a delegation to Afghanistan for a dialogue on bilateral issues in January. The provincial government said it would engage cross-border tribesmen to curb militancy and ensure regional peace.

However, Federal Minister for States and Frontier Regions, Kashmir Affairs, and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam said last month that negotiations with Afghanistan fell outside the provincial government’s jurisdiction.

A consultative meeting hosted by the chief minister on February 15 emphasised the need for government-level dialogue with Afghanistan to ensure peace in the country.

According to the statement issued by the CM secretary today, Gandapur said that his government had formed a jirga at the provincial level for negotiations with the Afghan government.

“We are waiting for the approval of the jirga’s TORs from the federal government,” the statement quoted the KP CM as saying. “As soon as the TORs are finalised, the jirga will be sent to Afghanistan,” the chief minister said.

According to the statement, the CM met with Afghan Consul General in Peshawar Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir and discussed matters of mutual interest, including the promotion of bilateral trade, regional peace, and stability.

The resolution of problems faced by Afghan citizens living in the province and other issues, such as difficulties faced by traders and common people, were also discussed, the statement said.

Meanwhile, an agreement was reached on efforts to open the borders as soon as possible. “Traders and transporters are facing difficulties during the month of Ramadan due to the closure of the border,” the CM said, adding that the closure was not in the interest of either people.

“Regional peace is in the interest of both Pakistan and Afghanistan,” the CM said, per the statement.

Islamabad has repeatedly conveyed its concerns to the Afghan government over the presence of terror outfits, including the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), inside Afghanistan, saying that the militants have consistently used Afghan soil to launch terror attacks inside Pakistani territory. Kabul denies the allegations.

Source:dawn.com

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

https://www.dawn.com/news/1895337/kp-says-waiting-for-federal-govts-approval-to-negotiate-with-afghan-taliban

--------

Pakistan to come out of economic crisis if 'Oct 12' not occurs again: PM’s aide

By Web Desk

March 02, 2025

FAISALABAD: Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah has said that government put the country on right track and it would surely emerge as a stronger economy of the world after a couple of years if the progress continues and no incident like “October 12” — a reference to the 1999 military coup — occurs again.

The ruling PML-N senior leader made the remarks while addressing a ceremony in Faisalabad on Sunday that was held to distribute Minority Cards among religious minorities of Punjab.

On October 12, then-army chief General Pervaiz Musharraf dissolved the parliament and ousted then-prime minister Nawaz Sharif in a bloodless coup.

Speaking on the occasion, the PML-N leader said: "In 1999, Pakistan was making progress on a fast track under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif but the incident of October 12 occurred and the country plunged into unprecedented terrorism and load-shedding."

The PM's aide said that in 2013, people again voted for Nawaz and he overcame issues and put the country on the track to development again.

"The dollar rate was about Rs106, petrol Rs65 and growth rate was 6.2% but in 2017 a deep-rooted conspiracy was hatched and a project was launched by ousting the PML-N government," he added.

Sanaullah said the new experiment resulted in an unprecedented price hike and inflation in addition to pushing the country to the brink of bankruptcy.

He said that the government was also actively working to reduce inflation which has already dropped from 40% to 4% while more steps are being taken to further reduce it.

Referring to the ouster of prime minister Imran Khan from power in April 2022, the PML-N leader said that the country was facing multifaceted crises and people were leading a very miserable life when the PML-N moved a “no-confidence motion” and saved the country from default.

Moving on to the financial difficulties being faced by the country, he said: “Federal government under the leadership of PM Shehbaz and Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) led by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir” were making all-out efforts to put the country’s economy on the right track.

The government, under the visionary leadership of PM Shehbaz, put the country on the road to progress and prosperity after saving it from default and it would emerge as a strong economy after a couple of years if the pace of national development continued, he said.

“If truth be told,” Sanaullah said three pillars of the state have lost their significance, adding that only the fourth pillar, the media, will lead the country forward.

He said that the minorities are an integral part of Pakistan as they always played a dynamic role in national development and the government would ensure unity and equality across the country.

He, however, urged the people especially minorities to ignore negative propaganda and support the government’s efforts to create an inclusive and prosperous Pakistan for all.

Source:thenews.com.pk

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

https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1288074-pakistan-to-come-out-of-economic-crisis-if-oct-12-not-occurs-again-pm-s-aide

---------

Policeman martyred in Bajaur attack

Ghulam MursalinMarwat | Anwarullah Khan

March 3, 2025

BAJAUR / LAKKI MARWAT: A policeman was martyred by unidentified assailants in an attack in the Khar area of Bajaur, on Sunday.

The cop, identified as Ismail Khan, was returning home from a nearby market after shopping when the assailants ambushed him in the Badisamoor area, rescue officials said while quoting locals.

The 38-year-old victim was critically wounded in the attack and died while being administered first aid at the District Headquarters Hospital, Khar.

District Police Officer (DPO) Waqas Rafiq said the martyred cop was head of the Quick Response Force of district police.

Talking to reporters after the incident, the DPO said a police team immediately arrived at the scene to arrest the attackers, but they fled.

He vowed to use all resources to trace the attackers, adding that an investigation has been launched into the incident.

No group has claimed the responsibility for the attack.

This is the second attack targeting police in Bajaur in a month.

Body recovered

Separately, the body of a civilian employee of a state institution was recovered from fields near Gul Kallay Daud Shah in Bannu district on Sunday.

Police said the body was recovered from the precinct of the Cantonment police station.

They identified the deceased as a clerk.

The victim’s brother told police that his brother had been recently appointed to the army.

“He had come to the village on leave. On Saturday, he left home after evening prayer and did not return”, he added.

According to the brother, his family started a search for him and found his body in the fields.

He told police that his brother had been killed with a firearm and that his family had no enmity with anyone.

Police said the body was handed over to relatives after completing medico-legal formalities.

A case has been registered against unknown persons under Section 302 (intentional murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code and an investigation has been started, police added.

Source:dawn.com

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

https://www.dawn.com/news/1895456/policeman-martyred-in-bajaur-attack

--------

Govt expects no hiccups as IMF reviews targets

KhaleeqKiani

March 3, 2025

• Nine-member Fund mission begins first biannual review of $7bn Extended Fund Facility

• Govt hopes for successful completion of talks, release of $1.1bn tranche within three weeks

• Insists revenue shortfall offset by higher primary budget surplus, better non-tax revenue receipts

ISLAMABAD: As a nine-member mission from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) begins its first biannual review of Pakistan’s $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF), signed in September last year, the government remains optimistic about a successful conclusion to the talks, which would unlock a $1.1bn tranche over the following three weeks.

The IMF delegation, led by Nathan Porter, will hold discussions with Pakistani authorities for 10 days from March 3 to 14, assessing the country’s compliance with quantitative performance criteria, structural benchmarks and indicative targets under the 37-month programme.

A senior government official involved in preparations for the IMF review said there were some technical slippages for certain given deadlines, but they had been overcome with some delays — within weeks or a month.

“The performance review, in principle, is based on the first half of the current fiscal year — July 1 to Dec 31, 2024 — and while some shortcomings could be observed at that time, all those missing links have now been covered,” he said.

The most critical weakness observed so far had been the revenue shortfall against programme targets, the official said. But he hastened to add that this had been more than compensated through a higher-than-targeted primary budget surplus and greater-than-estimated revenue-to-GDP ratio owing to better receipts from non-tax revenues like central bank profit, petroleum levy, telecom profits, etc.

He said the revenue shortfalls were also based on changed ground realities given the changing domestic and international macroeconomic conditions. Last month, the IMF also lowered Pakistan’s growth estimate to 3pc for the current fiscal year, down from 3.2pc it had projected at the time of the EFF signing in September 2024.

Lower-than-estimated cotton and wheat output and struggling industrial output appeared to be key reasons for substantial revenue shortfalls.

Debt maturity

Lately, the government has also been able to prolong the debt maturity period, which was a cause for concern until October last year. The 32-month target for the end-December average debt maturity period now goes beyond 39 months, which simply meant the country was safe in terms of debt repayment period. This was used through surplus cash in the system a few months ago and shifting debt to longer-term products from shorter-debt instruments.

“We have also already met some targets that are due by the end of February. We expect that some overperformances would be able to compensate for underperformances due to legitimate reasons when we sit with the Fund staff for discussions,” the official said.

However, he agreed that relevant authorities would need to be better prepared for the expansion of the tax net in the retail sector and outstanding structural benchmark regarding amendments to the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) law by the end of December. Except for SWF, almost all 17 structural benchmarks, some continuous until the end of February, have been met, albeit some with delays.

The Ministry of Planning has also, of late, informed all the stakeholders, including federal ministries and provinces, about the criteria and methodology for the selection of future Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) projects.

Starting the upcoming budget, factors to be considered for project selection for PSDP would include strategic and core ongoing projects, ongoing projects with over 80 per cent expenditure with realistic completion estimate, exceptional and high-scoring infrastructure projects, pre-scrutinised approved projects at working-party levels, foreign-funded projects with adequate rupee cover allocation and provincial projects in 20 least-developed districts.

On top of this, climate-responsive and resilient projects would also be part of the PSDP.

Meanwhile, a key structural benchmark under the IMF programme requires the government to amend the Civil Servants Act, 1973, by February 2025. This amendment will mandate high-ranking public officials (BPS 17 to 22) to digitally file asset declarations, including foreign holdings, which will be publicly accessible while ensuring data protection.

According to the IMF, a significant share (around 45pc) of the EFF-envisaged fiscal adjustment (about 3pc of GDP) was legislated upfront as a prior action in federal budget 2024-25, alongside implementation of a large increase in electricity tariffs as part of a new energy policy.

The remaining structural conditionality was oriented towards strengthening the tax system, addressing energy bottlenecks, restructuring or privatising public sector enterprises, strengthening central bank operational independence, enhancing financial sector stability and protecting the most vulnerable.

Tax base expansion

Just before the IMF mission’s visit, the lender reiterated last week that its programme aimed to raise Pakistan’s notably low tax-to-GDP ratio by 3pc of GDP while improving the fairness and efficiency of the tax system by broadening the tax base and improving tax compliance.

Three key areas of focus include: expanding direct taxes by bringing retailers, property owners and agricultural income into the tax net; rationalising personal and corporate income taxes by reducing exemptions and streamlining rates in the general sales tax system; and enhancing Federal Excise Duty coverage and eliminating tariff exemptions to increase customs revenue.

Source:dawn.com

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

https://www.dawn.com/news/1895459/govt-expects-no-hiccups-as-imf-reviews-targets

--------

PTI slams police raid on Quetta Press Club

Ikram Junaidi | Saleem Shahi

March 3, 2025

ISLAMABAD / QUETTA: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Sunday condemned a police raid at the Quetta Press Club (QPC) a day ago, where candidates shortlisted under the SBK (Sardar Bahadur Khan) Testing Service for government school positions were detained from the premises.

Following the arrests, the protest by candidates demanding appointment as government teachers at the SBK Women’s University expanded on Sunday.

PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqqas Akram, in a statement, called the incident another glaring example of the “reign of terror” prevailing in the country.

He said the oppressive action was not only an attack on the independence of the media but also an assault on the freedom of expression, which was intolerable and unacceptable.

Mr Akram emphasised that press clubs served as a safe space for journalists and citizens, but this regime was violating their sanctity with impunity.

He vowed that PTI stood firmly with journalists and demanded accountability for the abettors, facilitators and orchestrators of this heinous act. He urged that Section 144, which prohibits public gatherings, should not be imposed to ban peaceful political activities.

Highway blocked

Meanwhile, the protesters claimed to have passed the selection test for appointment as teachers at the SBK Women’s University. They said they had resorted to stage protest after a long delay in their appointments.

On Saturday, police barged into the QPC and arrested representatives of the protesting candidates, who had arrived to hold a news conference. Since then, three dozen protesters have been held for the alleged violation of Section 144.

The arrests further agitated the protesters, who blocked the Quetta-Karachi highway and demanded the release of their colleagues. They said the university administration was not issuing their appointment letters despite passing the test.

A large number of shortlisted candidates gathered at the Quetta-Karachi Highway in the Mangochar area of Kalat district and blocked the road.

They placed barricades and big boulders and stopped traffic on the road connecting Balochistan with Sindh. Several buses, trucks, passenger coaches and other vehicles were stuck on both sides of the road due to the protest. The highway was only opened a day ago after over a week-long closure.

Ijaz Khan, a candidate, told the media persons the protest would continue until the release of their leaders and their appointments as university teachers.

While raising concerns over university’s recruitment process, members of the Balochistan Assembly said the varsity was not a recruitment agency and had no experience in holding tests and interviews.

The lawmakers demanded that the appointments be made through the Balochistan Public Service Commission.

Source:dawn.com

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

https://www.dawn.com/news/1895450/pti-slams-police-raid-on-quetta-press-club

--------

Authorities impose Rs1.59m fine on hoarders on first day of Ramazan: Karachi commissioner

Imtiaz Ali

March 2, 2025

Authorities took action against price gougers in Karachi on the first day of Ramazan by imposing a total fine of over Rs1.5 million and arresting 14 alleged hoarders and sealing 18 shops, a press release from the Commissioner’s office said on Sunday.

The city administration on Friday fixed new prices for meat and other edible items in the advent of the holy month, posing a challenge for authorities who have yet to fully enforce the previously notified prices for several essential items like beef and mutton.

The administration fixed the price of boneless beef at Rs950 per kilogramme and beef with bones at Rs750 per kg. The price of boneless heifer meat was fixed at Rs1,150 per kg and meats with bones at Rs1,000 per kg.

According to Sunday’s press release, “All deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners checked the prices,” with authorities imposing a collective fine of Rs1.59m on alleged price gougers on the first day of Ramazan.

“Fourteen suspects were arrested and 18 shops were sealed,” the press release read, adding: “A fine of Rs 692,000 was imposed in the south district [of Karachi], a fine of Rs 471,000 was imposed in the east district, Rs 296,000 in Korangi, Rs 19,000 in the central district, Rs 28,000 in Kemari and Rs 80,000 in the west district.”

The release added that of the 14 suspected price gougers, six were arrested in Kemari, while the other eight were arrested in Korangi. Additionally, 15 shops in Korangi were sealed alongside three others in the west district.

“The commissioner has directed all deputy commissioners to ensure that food items are available … at reasonable prices during the month of Ramazan, deal strictly with illegal profiteers, do not give concessions to anyone and whoever violates the government rates should be fined heavily or arrested,” the statement read.

It added that, as per the commissioner’s orders, assistant commissioners have confiscated goods from suspected price gougers.

“Action will be taken against shopkeepers involved in [selling goods at] high prices,” the release read. “This will help the administration to make its efforts to prevent high prices effective.”

Source:dawn.com

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

https://www.dawn.com/news/1895342/authorities-impose-rs159m-fine-on-hoarders-on-first-day-of-ramazan-karachi-commissioner

---------

South Asia

Human Right s Groups urge Pakistan to halt Afghan refugee expulsions

By Fidel Rahmati

March 3, 2025

A group of human rights organizations and refugee advocacy groups have issued an open letter to the government of Pakistan, stating that the forced expulsion of Afghan migrants violates international law, their basic rights, and the country’s obligations, calling for an immediate halt to the process.

The open letter states: “Many Afghan men and women, particularly human rights defenders and activists, have fled due to violence, harassment, political repression, and honor killings,” as mentioned on Sunday.

These organizations and activists argue that “forced migration, detention, exorbitant visa costs, and the imminent mass expulsion” are placing immense pressure on Afghan migrants.

Meanwhile, the Pakistani government has set a deadline of March 31 for Afghan refugees awaiting resettlement in countries such as the United States, Germany, Australia, France, and the UK to leave Pakistan. Those who fail to comply will face forced expulsion.

The letter also highlights that Pakistani police have detained human rights defenders and children, forcibly expelling them without their companions or family members, including pregnant women, the elderly, and disabled individuals.

The letter further states that many individuals with valid visas and legal rights to stay in Pakistan are also at risk of forced expulsion.

The organizations add that Afghan women and girls in Pakistani prisons are facing “gender-based violence” during their detention.

The letter emphasizes that refugees cannot be penalized or coerced into expulsion and calls on the government of Pakistan and the international community to stop this process and provide legal protections for Afghan women and girls.

Additionally, the letter stresses the need to prevent the forced expulsion of migrants and urges the respect of international laws regarding the treatment of refugees.

These human rights organizations have called for urgent action from both the Pakistani government and the global community to ensure the safety and legal protection of Afghan refugees, particularly vulnerable women and children, in accordance with international standards.

It is noteworthy that Pakistan has given refugees, who are awaiting resettlement in Western countries, a deadline of March 31 of this year to leave the country.

Source:khaama.com

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

https://www.khaama.com/human-rights-groups-urge-pakistan-to-halt-afghan-refugee-expulsions/

--------

UN: Ramadan in Afghanistan arrives amid food insecurity affecting 15 million people

By Fidel Rahmati

March 3, 2025

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says that this year’s Ramadan in Afghanistan arrives at a time when millions of Afghans do not know where their next meal will come from. The organization added that nearly 15 million Afghans are facing food insecurity.

On Sunday, March2, OCHA wrote that currently, 3.1 million people in Afghanistan are struggling with acute hunger. The organization acknowledged that more than one billion dollars are needed to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need in Afghanistan.

The UN office also highlighted that of the total budget required for humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan, only 9.9 million dollars have been secured so far. OCHA urged its donors to help the organization address the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

Previously, OCHA had stated that in 2025, approximately 23 million people in Afghanistan will require humanitarian assistance, and addressing their needs will require a budget of 2.24 billion dollars.

On February 19, OCHA announced that between January and October 2024, humanitarian aid was provided to around 18 million people in Afghanistan. This aid included food, health services, and support for farmers. OCHA had previously stated that approximately 23 million people in Afghanistan are in need of humanitarian assistance.

The situation in Afghanistan remains dire, with millions of people struggling to survive amid a deepening humanitarian crisis. The support needed to alleviate their suffering is substantial, and urgent action is required from the international community.

As the crisis continues to worsen, it is vital for both authorities and organizations worldwide to step up their efforts in providing aid to those affected by the ongoing challenges in Afghanistan. The international community’s response will play a crucial role in alleviating the hardships faced by millions in this war-torn country.

Source:khaama.com

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

https://www.khaama.com/un-ramadan-in-afghanistan-arrives-amid-food-insecurity-affecting-15-million-people/

--------

Islamic Emirate’s condolence message on the martyrdom of the deputy administrator of Darul Uloom Haqqania

March 2, 2025

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

It is with profound sorrow that we have received the news of the martyrdom of Mawlana Hamid-ul-Haq Haqqani, the Deputy Administrator of Darul Uloom Haqqania, in a heinous explosion in Peshawar. (Surely, we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return.) The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan unequivocally condemns this egregious act of violence against MawlanaHamidul-Haq Haqqani. His martyrdom constitutes a grave loss for scholarly and religious institutions. The Islamic Emirate extends its deepest condolences to his distinguished and erudite family, his students, and all those associated with him. We pray for Jannat al-Firdaws for him and beseech divine patience and immense reward for his bereaved family and the wider academic fraternity. May Allah Almighty exact retribution upon the perpetrators who systematically target righteous scholars in the region, and may He safeguard all religious scholars from such reprehensible atrocities in the future

Source:thekabultimes.com

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

https://thekabultimes.com/islamic-emirates-condolence-message-on-the-martyrdom-of-the-deputy-administrator-of-darul-uloom-haqqania/

---------

Vocational Training Program Launched for Recovered Addicts in Herat

2025-03-02

HERAT(BNA): A new vocational training program has commenced in Herat, aimed at empowering 500 recovered addicts with valuable skills to foster job opportunities and prevent relapse into addiction.

The initiative, organized by the Herat Department of Labor and Social Affairs, is being held at a 4,000-bed addiction treatment center in the city.

The training program features a diverse range of courses, including tailoring, electrical wiring, electrical appliance repair, shoemaking, and bag-making. The inauguration ceremony was attended by notable figures, including the Deputy Governor of Herat, heads of government departments, representatives from the private sector, and both local and international organizations.

Hafiz Mirza Mohammad Abu Mansoor, Head of the Labor and Social Affairs Department in Herat, confirmed that the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has provided all necessary equipment and materials for the vocational courses. He also noted that experienced instructors have been hired to ensure high-quality training.

During the opening ceremony, several recovered addicts expressed optimism about the training, highlighting how acquiring new skills could help them reintegrate into society and start anew.

The director of counter-narcotics in Herat underscored the significance of such programs, stating that vocational training plays a vital role in preventing relapse and enabling individuals to rebuild their lives.

Source:bakhtarnews.af

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

https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/vocational-training-program-launched-for-recovered-addicts-in-herat/

---------

UN: Ramadan in Afghanistan arrives amid food insecurity affecting 15 million people

By Fidel Rahmati

March 3, 2025

Source:khaama.com

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

https://www.khaama.com/un-ramadan-in-afghanistan-arrives-amid-food-insecurity-affecting-15-million-people/

--------

North America

‘Leaving is not easy’: Imam who survived mosque terror attacks announces move to Oz

3 Mar 2025

A Christchurch Islamic leader who survived the March 15 mosque shootings and became an inspiration as he led his community through the tragedy is leaving New Zealand.

Imam Gamal Fouda was giving his Friday prayer on the afternoon of March 15, 2019, when a terrorist stormed the Masjid Al Noor on Deans Ave and opened fire.

He survived but 42 of his congregation were murdered before the gunman travelled across town to the Linwood Mosque and shot dead another nine people.

Fouda was later elected as a community member.

Today he announced his decision to leave Aotearoa.

“After much thought, I have accepted a new role in Australia and will be moving on from my position as Imam in this beloved community,” he said.

“Serving as an Imam in Christchurch has been one of the greatest honours of my life.

“Over the years, I have witnessed the strength, resilience, and kindness of this community – both Muslim and non-Muslim.

“The tragic events of March 15, 2019, changed us forever. But in the face of hatred and violence, we stood together with love and unity.

“We supported one another, we healed together, and we showed the world the true meaning of faith and solidarity.

“I will always remember standing with you in grief, leading prayers for the Shuhada, and working together to rebuild.”

Fouda said he would “deeply miss” the people of Christchurch.

“The friendships, the moments we shared, and the lessons I have learned will remain in my heart wherever I go,” he said.

“Al Noor Mosque is no longer just a mosque. It has become a global symbol of peace, resilience and unity.

“The world has looked to us as an example of how faith can unite rather than divide.

“That message must not fade – it must grow stronger. This community must continue to stand as a beacon of hope.

“It is up to all of us to carry forward this legacy – of love, peace and understanding.“

He thanked his “dear Muslim brothers and sisters” for their warmth, faith and dedication.

He said he deeply appreciated the friendships and support within the wider Christchurch and New Zealand community.

“Leaving this place is not easy,” he said.

“I will miss leading you in prayer, reflecting with you, and working together for the good of society.

“Please forgive me for any shortcomings, and I pray that our paths cross again.

“May Allah bless this community with peace and unity. May He guide us all on the path of righteousness.

“Jazakum Allah khayran, and thank you all. Wasalamalaykumwarahmatullahiwabarakatuh. ”

Fouda said New Zealand would hold a special place in his heart forever.

“This land has been my home, my comfort, and my inspiration,” he said.

“The memories, the friendships, and the love I’ve found here will always stay with me, no matter where I go.

“Though miles may separate us, my heart will always beat with love for this beautiful country and its wonderful people.”

Source:newstalkzb.co.nz

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

https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/inspirational-muslim-leader-mosque-terror-attack-survivor-announces-move-to-australia/

---------

Crypto prices rally after Trump backs five coins for 'crypto reserve'

3 Mar, 2025

US President Donald Trump has revealed the names of five cryptocurrencies that he says he'd like to be included in a new strategic reserve to make the US "the Crypto Capital of the World".

The market prices of the five coins he named - Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana and Cardano - all swiftly jumped after the announcement.

During Trump's presidential campaign, he aggressively courted the crypto community. The previous US president, Joe Biden, had overseen a crackdown on crypto due to concerns about fraud and money laundering.

It is unclear how the new stockpile will work. More information is expected on Friday, when Trump plans to host the first Crypto Summit at the White House.

In a social media post on Sunday, Trump said he had signed an order which "directed the Presidential Working Group to move forward on a Crypto Strategic Reserve that includes XRP, SOL, and ADA".

About an hour later he added in another post: "And, obviously, BTC and ETH, as other valuable Cryptocurrencies, will be at the heart of the Reserve."

The first three coins he named jumped by up to 62% on Sunday.

Bitcoin and Ethereum also jumped by more than 10% each.

The posts marked a new upward turn for crypto prices, which had dropped sharply since spiking after his election.

Shortly after taking office in January, Trump signed an executive to create a presidential working group tasked with proposing new crypto laws and regulations.

The order called on the group to "evaluate the potential creation and maintenance of a national digital asset stockpile" that could use "cryptocurrencies lawfully seized by the Federal Government through its law enforcement efforts".

It is unclear whether creating a new national strategic stockpile would require an act of Congress.

Trump had previously been a crypto critic, telling Fox News in 2021 that Bitcoin is a "scam".

But in recent weeks, both he and his wife Melania Trump have launched their own cryptocurrencies, leading to accusations that they are trying to profit from his White House policies.

Source:bbc.com

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

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn0jgggd7r4o

---------

Private spacecraft Blue Ghost lands on Moon

3 Mar, 2025

A private spacecraft has landed on the Moon, becoming only the second commercial vehicle to reach the lunar surface.

Blue Ghost left Earth on January 15, after being launched by US firm Firefly Aerospace with the intention of exploring the Sea of Crises, a huge crater visible from Earth.

The project is the latest collaboration by US space agency Nasa and private companies.

Intuitive Machines, another firm, is hoping to land its Athena spacecraft near the Moon's south pole in the next few days.

Intuitive was the first private company to achieve a lunar landing. Its spacecraft Odysseus reached the Moon on 22 February last year.

However, the mission was short-lived as the spacecraft landed on the slope of a crater, broke some landing gear and toppled over.

Blue Ghost touched down smoothly, having been orbiting the Moon for the last two weeks.

Staff at Firefly's headquarters in Texas broke out into cheering and applause when they were told their landing was successful.

Dr Simeon Barber, a planetary science researcher from the Open University, said Blue Ghost was essentially the first successful private venture to the Moon, as the vehicle was intact and responsive.

He told BBC Breakfast: "[They've] demonstrated a technology for landing on the surface of the Moon, the kind that had been forgotten after the Apollo era when we had astronauts on the [lunar] surface."

The importance of the Moon to many private firms, said Dr Barber, was to use it as a launch pad for exploring the rest of space.

"By going to the Moon, we can learn how to run robotic instruments in space [and] in the really harsh environment of the Moon, which is at times hot and at times cold. It's very dusty, there's lots of radiation."

He said at some point it was likely humans would return to the lunar surface and explained it had been so long because of a lack of funding.

The last time humans set foot on the Moon was 19 December 1972, during the Apollo 17 mission.

"The Apollo missions were hugely successful," explained Dr Barber. "But they were 'touch and go' missions."

Back then, astronauts would be there for three days before having to leave again, as costs were running into the billions of dollars. "That's not sustainable," he said.

Dr Barber said the belief now was that bringing private companies into the fold would help reduce costs as a result of commercial competition.

It could lead to cheaper landers and innovations that might extract resources from the moon, such as water for the astronauts to drink.

The first private company to attempt to reach the moon was another US firm, Astrobotic Technology.

They tried reaching the moon in January 2024, but their lander never made it to the moon, because of a suspected fuel leak, and crashed back to Earth.

The fiery descent meant the spacecraft broke apart in its final moments before plunging into the southern Pacific Ocean.

Source:bbc.com

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

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd9208qv1kzo

---------

Canada could send troops to Ukraine – Trudeau

2 Mar, 2025

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has claimed that his country is considering all possible options and is not ruling out sending troops, after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a new “coalition of the willing” to secure Kiev’s positions should a peace deal with Moscow be reached.

Starmer hosted an emergency meeting in London on Sunday, during which he acknowledged that while some nations have little to contribute, those willing should act with urgency. Asked whether Canada would consider deploying its troops, Trudeau said that any scenario was possible.

“Canada has looked at the ways it can best help, and as I said a few days ago, everything’s on the table,” Trudeau said, insisting that his country “has been one of the strongest countries in support of Ukraine from the beginning.”

As an example of Canada’s leadership in supporting Kiev, Trudeau highlighted a joint effort with the UK and Poland under which they have “provided military training to over 44,000 Ukrainian troops” since 2015 – an average of roughly 4,400 per year. He also cited “almost $20 billion” ($13.8 billion USD) in “multifaceted assistance” to Kiev. However, Germany’s Kiel Institute estimates Ottawa’s total contribution at around $8.6 billion, making it the fifth-largest individual state donor after the US, Germany, the UK, and Japan.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova responded with amusement to Trudeau’s remarks, questioning whether Canada even has enough troops to protect its own borders – apparently referencing US President Donald Trump’s running joke about absorbing Canada as the 51st state.

“And who will protect Canadian soil in the event of a northward expansion of the United States? Apparently, Ukrainians who fled to Canada from mobilization,” Zakharova quipped.

Starmer reiterated on Sunday that “not every nation will feel able to contribute, but that can’t mean that we sit back,” emphasizing that the UK is “prepared to back this with boots on the ground and planes in the air, together with others.”

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that European troops would only be deployed once the situation on the ground is deemed safe for them. He proposed a temporary month-long “truce in the air, on the seas, and on energy infrastructure” – an idea that Moscow has previously denounced as a Western ploy to rearm and bolster Kiev.

Moscow has strongly opposed the deployment of unauthorized foreign troops to Ukraine, warning that without a UN mandate, they would be considered legitimate targets. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said that the idea of deploying foreign troops to Ukraine – pushed primarily by France and Britain – is meant to “further fuel the conflict and stop any attempts to cool it down.”

Source:rt.com

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

https://www.rt.com/news/613595-trudeau-canada-troops-ukraine/

---------

Trump has no idea where most of the Ukraine aid went – and honestly, who does?

2 Mar, 2025

Donald Trump is pulling Ukraine aid numbers out of thin air – or maybe somewhere less polite – but let’s be real, does anyone actually know what’s going on?

The US president keeps saying that the reason Washington wants dibs on Ukrainian natural resources is because “the United States has put up far more aid for Ukraine than any other nation, hundreds of billions of dollars,” and that “we’re in there for about $350 billion. I think that’s a pretty big contribution.” But ABC News’ fact checking says that the figure is actually closer to $182 billion, which also includes the cost of making weapons and “restocking US weapons supplies.” In other words, a lot of that “aid” never even left the US.

That’s the dirty little secret regarding all of this so-called aid for Ukraine. There’s no shortage of casual observers who believe that every dollar of committed foreign aid for Kiev actually went to the country to rescue kittens and kids.

Trump keeps saying he doesn’t know where all the aid even went. Well, join the club. What’s undeniable is that much of it helped paid for old US weaponry to be promptly turned into expensive fireworks by Russian missiles, and for US weapons makers to churn out some shiny new ones to replace them, courtesy of the American taxpayer. Washington might as well have just shipped over a giant stack of cash with a sign that said, “For target practice.”

Anyway, Zelensky is now sounding like a guy who doesn’t think that he should have to pay for this whole movie, now that it turns out that it sucks. So he’s at the ticket booth just as the closing credits are about to roll, arguing with management and haggling over whether any cash that actually made it into Ukrainian hands should actually be considered a debt or just written off as a donation – or “grant.”

“When it is said that Ukraine received $200 billion to support the army during the war – that’s not true. I don’t know where all that money went. Perhaps it’s true on paper with hundreds of different programs – I won’t argue, and we’re immensely grateful for everything. But in reality, we received about $76 billion. It’s significant aid, but it’s not $200 billion,” Zelensky said. ”We should not recognize grants as debts. I agreed with Biden that this is a grant. A grant is not a debt. We’re not going to pay back grants.”

We’re talking about a lot of money. You’d think that someone would’ve at least written down the actual deal on a bar napkin or something.

Zelensky apparently doesn’t have much of a clue where all the cash went. Trump clearly doesn’t know. Maybe check near the $10,000 hammers on the defense procurement lists – or for a new yacht somewhere in a tropical tax haven that was recently christened as “Not Laundered, I Swear.”

Last year, the Ukrainian security service found that officials were working with Ukrainian weapons companies to embezzle $40 million earmarked for mortar shells. A couple of years ago, the New York Times found that almost a billion dollars in weapons contracts had missed their delivery dates, and the cash just kind of… disappeared. Like a rabbit in a magic show that goes into the hat and never comes back out – but everyone still claps because it’s “for Ukraine” and if you don’t cheer for all this, then you may as well just pack up and move to Moscow already.

Trump keeps trying to say that Kiev’s European backers deserve fewer post-war spoils because they didn’t invest as much, which isn’t true. The EU is too stupid to have caught onto the scam early enough to have spent most of the aid on itself. French President Emmanuel Macron interrupted Trump, grabbing his hand to explain during his recent White House visit that the EU is holding Russian assets in Europe hostage as “collateral for the loan” that they’ve given Ukraine.

The EU is actually going a lot further than that and is stealing the interest on those assets to give to Ukraine – “borrowing” Russia’s credit card in order to lavish gifts on Zelensky. The EU’s current chief diplomat, KajaKallas, is a big fan of the idea of stealing those Russian assets outright. Macron, with Trump sitting beside him and the global press barely bothering to react, announced that Russia can have its frozen assets back – right after it forks over a giant pile of cash to the EU when the war wraps up. Oh sure, that doesn’t sound like a shakedown at all. A shining moment for capitalism – with a slight hostage negotiation vibe.

European leaders made a pilgrimage to Kiev recently to support Zelensky on the third anniversary of the day the conflict escalated and he started dressing like he collects cover charges at the local strip joint. It’s also the third full year of the West tossing money at him like he’s also personally giving them private shows in the VIP room.

Britain is offering to tuck another $5.7 billion in military aid into his cargo pants for “military aid” this year, much of which may or may not, in reality, just end up in the pockets of the British military industrial complex.

The “Ukraine aid” cash laundering machine is now such a prominent feature of European democracy that it’s what caused Germany to recently require premature national elections. Chancellor Olaf Scholz had wanted to hand over another €3 billion in military aid “for Ukraine” to the benefit of the German stock exchange’s star student, weapons-maker Rheinmetall, but his finance minister wanted instead to just hand over some of the old junk in their military attic to Kiev for which they could bill Brussels and get some of their own donated cash “for Ukraine” back from the giant EU recycled weapons slush fund. But because the hand-me-downs were long range Taurus missiles capable of hitting Russia, the same Ukrainian troops that were already FUBARing German tanks by attempting to “repair” them could do some real World War III grade damage if left unsupervised. The disagreement ultimately blew up the traffic light coalition.

Meanwhile, the EU just keeps throwing cash at the Ukraine issue like gambling addicts at a rigged casino, convinced that the jackpot is just one more bet away.

It turns out that Brussels also gave Poland a pile of money, generously and unwittingly donated by EU taxpayers: €114 million, to be exact. Warsaw was supposed to buy power generators for Ukrainians with it. But the EU’s anti-fraud team just reported a few days ago that some of the generators were overpriced by 40%. Sounds like a bunch of Poles figured that “surge pricing” can be profitably defined as just inflating the cost of power equipment.

The EU says that the Polish government agency managing the program was about as cooperative with their investigation as a cat at bath time, but the anti-fraud office worked with Polish prosecutors and Warsaw’s central anti-corruption bureau, and now wants €91 million of it back. Good luck with that. On the upside, another €22 million was caught and saved before it could fall into the abyss like the rest.

So maybe Polish officials know what they’re talking about. One former Polish deputy minister, Piotr Kulpa, said that corruption is kind of a tango with both supplier and recipient nations grooving together, and specifically brought up the two trillion that the US basically set on fire in Afghanistan as an example. Which would explain why some political opposition figures in France, for example, are starting to wonder if maybe one of the reasons why this whole “defend Ukraine” thing isn’t going too well is because the money isn’t actually going towards that.

Back in 2023, several EU nations accused Estonia of treating EU military aid reimbursements like a personal ATM. And guess who was Estonian prime minister back then? That’s right – current EU foreign policy chief KajaKallas. Maybe she studied pricing math at the same school where Germany’s foreign minister AnnalenaBaerbock learned geometry?

Over in the Czech Republic, the media reported that the “Help Ukraine” foundation had received a grant of about €800,000 to help Ukrainian refugees to learn Czech. The Czech prosecutor’s office claims that by helping Ukrainians, the founder of this NGO was rather focused on helping ONE Ukrainian in particular – himself, charging him with embezzlement.

As for where Trump might want to start looking if he wants to figure out where all the aid to Ukraine went, he could always just start with the Pentagon Inspector General’s report from a year ago, which found that “59% of the total value” of defense articles provided to Ukraine “remained delinquent.”

That would be “delinquent” as in “missing.” Weapons not actually showing up on the battlefield like a kid who never shows up to class. It’s no wonder spending even more money is a tough sell right now stateside. Particularly when it doesn’t seem that much has changed since back in 2022 when the scams were so flagrant that they were happening right under the nose of observers in Kiev.

But then again, what do you expect when USAID, the supposed gold standard for foreign aid, and which is now being subjected to a proctology exam by the Trump administration, once reportedly dropped over $100,000 on a Ukrainian anti-corruption TV show to raise awareness about the very same message that Zelensky peddled as president: fighting corruption. Looks like that’s going really well so far. Clearly yet another case of money “for Ukraine” well spent!

Source:rt.com

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

https://www.rt.com/news/613583-trump-ukraine-aid-scam/

---------

US may launch Nord Stream 2 – FT

2 Mar, 2025

US investors are backing a plan to activate Russia’s Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline, the Financial Times has reported, citing sources. The conduit between Russia and Germany, which was never put into operation, may now serve as leverage in the ongoing Ukraine peace talks, the publication has suggested.

The deal is being set up by Matthias Warnig, former executive director of the Swiss-based Nord Stream 2 operator, FT claimed on Sunday. Unnamed US investors are supporting the plan in a “once unthinkable move that shows the breadth of [US President] Donald Trump’s rapprochement with Moscow,” the outlet wrote.

During his first term in office, Trump was critical of Nord Stream 2, targeting it with sanctions. In an interview in October, he even boasted that his actions had “killed” the project.

Since the outset of his second term in office, however, Trump has initiated a notable shift in US-Russia relations, seeking closer political and economic ties with Moscow and signaling that Washington could “at some point” lift sanctions.

Warnig’s plan involves US businessmen reaching out to the White House as part of back-channel efforts to broker peace in Ukraine, the FT wrote. Some in Trump’s team reportedly see Nord Stream 2 as potential leverage in peace talks.

One US-led consortium of investors has reportedly drawn up the outlines of a post-sanctions deal with Nord Stream 2 owner Gazprom. The US investors would collect “money for nothing,” claimed one senior US official.

Nord Stream 2, which was intended to complement the already operational Nord Stream 1, was completed in 2021, but was never commissioned due to concerns over the EU's increased dependence on Russian energy. In September 2022, the pipelines were targeted by a series of underwater explosions, which caused severe leaks. One string of Nord Stream 2 remains intact and filled with gas, but Germany refuses to use it due to sanctions and political considerations.

Russia has always insisted on being a reliable energy supplier. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in January that Moscow was interested in resuming gas deliveries to the EU, provided that there are buyers.

Brussels moved to eliminate energy reliance on Moscow in the aftermath of the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, and increased purchases of more expensive LNG from the US. Despite this, EU nations continue to buy both the piped fuel and LNG from Russia.

The FT reported in January that EU officials were considering the option of resuming Russian pipeline gas imports as part of a potential peace agreement in Ukraine, with proponents arguing that this could lower energy prices in Europe and revive the bloc’s industrial sector.

In a recent interview with The Economist, presumed future German chancellor Friedrich Merz insisted there would be no return to Russian gas “for the time being” but conspicuously failed to rule out the possibility.

Source:rt.com

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

https://www.rt.com/news/613573-us-launch-nord-stream-leverage/

--------

Mideast

Outrage as Israel cuts off Gaza aid to pressure Hamas to accept new ceasefire proposal

March 02, 2025

TEL AVIV, Israel: Israel faced sharp criticism as it stopped the entry of all food and other supplies into Gaza on Sunday and warned of “additional consequences” for Hamas if a fragile ceasefire wasn’t extended.

Mediators Egypt and Qatar accused Israel of violating humanitarian law by using starvation as a weapon.

The ceasefire’s first phase saw a surge in humanitarian aid after months of growing hunger. Hamas accused Israel of trying to derail the next phase Sunday hours after its first phase had ended and called Israel’s decision to cut off aid “a war crime and a blatant attack” on a truce that took a year of negotiations before taking hold in January.

In the second phase, Hamas could release dozens of remaining hostages in return for an Israeli pullout from Gaza and a lasting ceasefire. Negotiations on the second phase were meant to start a month ago but haven’t begun.

Israel said Sunday that a new US proposal calls for extending the ceasefire’s first phase through Ramadan — the Muslim holy month that began over the weekend — and the Jewish Passover holiday, which ends on April 20.

Under that proposal, Hamas would release half the hostages on the first day and the rest when an agreement is reached on a permanent ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. The militants currently hold 59 hostages, 35 of them believed to be dead.

The US had no immediate comment. Netanyahu said Israel is fully coordinated with the Trump administration and the ceasefire will only continue as long as Hamas keeps releasing hostages.

Saying the ceasefire has saved countless lives, the International Committee of the Red Cross said that “any unraveling of the forward momentum created over the last six weeks risks plunging people back into despair.”

UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher called Israel’s decision “alarming,” noting that international humanitarian law makes clear that aid access must be allowed. Medical charity MSF accused Israel of using aid as a bargaining chip, calling that “unacceptable” and “outrageous.”

Five non-governmental groups asked Israel’s Supreme Court for an interim order barring the state from preventing aid from entering Gaza, claiming the move violates Israel’s obligations under international law: “These obligations cannot be condition on political considerations.”

The war has left most of Gaza’s population of over 2 million dependent on international aid. About 600 aid trucks had entered daily since the ceasefire began on Jan. 19, easing fears of famine raised by international experts.

But residents said prices shot up as word of the closure spread.

From the heavily destroyed Jabaliya urban refugee camp, Fayza Nassar said the closure would worsen dire conditions.

“There will be famine and chaos,” she said.

Hamas warned that any attempt to delay or cancel the ceasefire agreement would have “humanitarian consequences” for the hostages. The only way to free them is through the existing deal, the group said.

Families of hostages again pressed Israel’s government.

“Postponing the negotiation on the deal for everyone’s (release) can’t happen,” LishayMiran-Lavi, wife of hostage OmriMiran, said in Tel Aviv. “Hostages don’t have time to wait for an ideal deal.”

Israel was accused of blocking aid throughout the war

Israel imposed a siege on Gaza in the war’s opening days and only eased it under US pressure. UN agencies and aid groups accused Israel of not facilitating enough aid during 15 months of war.

The International Criminal Court said there was reason to believe Israel had used “starvation as a method of warfare” when it issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu last year. The allegation is also central to South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide.

Israel has denied the accusations. It says it has allowed in enough aid and blamed shortages on what it called the UN’s inability to distribute it. It also accused Hamas of siphoning off aid — an allegation that Netanyahu repeated Sunday.

Kenneth Roth, former head of Human Rights Watch, said Israel as an occupying power has an “absolute duty” to facilitate humanitarian aid under the Geneva Conventions, and called Israel’s decision “a resumption of the war-crime starvation strategy” that led to the ICC warrant.

The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostage.

Israel’s offensive has killed over 48,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. It says more than half of those killed were women and children. It does not specify how many of the dead were combatants.

Israeli bombardment pounded large areas of Gaza to rubble and displaced some 90 percent of the population.

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2592199/middle-east

---------

UN urges Israel to restore Gaza aid as Hamas sees ‘coup’ against truce

March 02, 2025

JERUSALEM: The United Nations on Sunday called on Israel to immediately allow aid into Gaza, hours after it suspended humanitarian deliveries into the war-battered territory as talks on a truce extension appeared to hit an impasse.

With uncertainty looming over the truce, both Israel and Palestinian sources reported Israeli military strikes in the Gaza Strip which the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory said killed at least four people.

The 42-day first phase of the ceasefire drew to a close, and early on Sunday Israel announced a truce extension until mid-April that it said US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff had proposed.

Hamas has repeatedly rejected an extension, instead favoring a transition to the truce deal’s second phase that could bring a permanent end to the war.

The Palestinian group, whose October 7, 2023 attack on Israel triggered the fighting, said the “decision to suspend humanitarian aid is cheap blackmail, a war crime and a blatant coup against the (ceasefire) agreement.”

In a statement posted online, UN chief Antonio Guterres called for “humanitarian aid to flow back into Gaza immediately,” urging “all parties to make every effort to prevent a return to hostilities” and militants to release “all hostages.”

The head of the United Nations humanitarian agency OCHA, Thomas Fletcher, said in a post on X that “Israel’s decision to halt aid into Gaza is alarming” and may be in violation of international law.

Following the announcement of the aid suspension, AFP images showed trucks loaded with goods lined up on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing.

“Since the morning we haven’t seen any trucks entering,” said Umm Mohammad Abu Laia, a resident of Rafah on Gaza’s southern border.

She warned of a “crisis” as the prices of basic commodities surged “as soon as the merchants heard about the closing of the crossing.”

The first phase of the truce, which took effect on January 19, saw an increase of aid into Gaza, where the war destroyed or damaged most buildings, displaced almost the entire population and triggered widespread hunger, according to the UN.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, asked by reporters about the risk of starvation, dismissed such warnings as “a lie.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said he had “decided that, from this morning, all entry of goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip will be suspended.”

It said there would be “consequences” for Hamas if it did not accept the temporary truce extension, which would cover the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish holiday of Passover.

On a sandy street in Gaza City, Mays Abu Amer, 21, expressed hope the ceasefire can continue “forever.”

“We have so much destruction, we need a lot of time for reconstruction,” she said.

Mediator Egypt and the International Committee of the Red Cross have appealed for the truce to be maintained.

Militant group Islamic Jihad, a Hamas ally, accused Israel of “sabotaging” the ceasefire.

According to Israel, the truce extension would see half of the hostages still in Gaza freed on the day the deal came into effect, with the rest to be released at the end if an agreement was reached on a permanent ceasefire.

Of the 251 captives taken during Hamas’s October 2023 attack, 58 remain in Gaza including 34 the Israeli military has confirmed are dead.

In Israel, mourners who turned out to farewell Shlomo Mansour, 85, whose body militants had held in Gaza and returned to Israel on Thursday, said more should be done to get the remaining captives home.

“Return all of them immediately,” said VarditRoiter.

Under the first phase of the truce, Gaza militants handed over 25 living hostages and eight bodies, including Mansour’s, in exchange for the release of about 1,800 Palestinian prisoners.

Israelis in Jerusalem welcomed the decision to block aid, describing it as a way to pressure Hamas into making concessions.

Neria, a 27-year-old teacher who only gave his first name, told AFP it was a “smart move” that could “push forward new things, the release of more hostages and the end of the war.”

In southern Gaza on Sunday, the civil defense agency reported shelling and gunfire “from Israeli tanks,” which the army said it was “unaware of.”

The Palestine Red Crescent said Israeli drone strikes killed one person in the same area and another in a nearby town.

The military said it had conducted an air strike in northern Gaza targeting suspects it said had “planted an explosive device” near its troops.

Including the deaths on Sunday, Gaza’s health ministry has recorded 116 people killed by Israel’s military since the ceasefire took effect on January 19, substantially reducing violence.

The 2023 attack that sparked the war resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 people in Israel, mostly civilians, while Israel’s retaliation in Gaza has killed more than 48,300 people, also mostly civilians, data from both sides show.

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2592183/middle-east

---------

Over 500 colonists storm Al Aqsa Mosque

02 Mar 2025

Occupied Jerusalem: At least 548 colonists stormed the blessed Al Aqsa Mosque from the Mughrabi Gate today, under the protection of the occupation police.

Local sources said that the colonists carried out provocative tours and performed Talmudic rituals in the courtyards of Al Aqsa, especially in the eastern part of it.

Since the start of the genocide and aggression that the Israeli occupation has been committing against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank in October 2023, more than 68,000 settlers have stormed Al-Aqsa under the protection of the occupation police, amid tightening entry procedures to Al-Aqsa Mosque and the entrances to the Old City.

2 Palestinians killed, several injured as Israeli Occupation shells southern Gaza Strip

In a separate report, two Palestinians were killed and others were injured as a result of the Israeli occupation army's shelling today on the cities of Rafah and Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip.

QNA correspondent in the Gaza Strip said a young Palestinian man was killed after being shot by an Israeli occupation army sniper while he was on the roof of his house in the center of Rafah city.

A woman was killed and another was injured as a result of Israeli drone shelling that targeted a group of Palestinians in the town of Abasan Al Kabira, east of Khan Yunis.

In another attack, three Palestinians were injured by Israeli occupation army bullets east of Rafah city.

The number of martyrs since this morning in the Gaza Strip has risen to four, with the occupation forces opening heavy fire and launching shells in several areas of the Gaza Strip, in a continuous violation of the ceasefire agreement between the Israeli entity and Hamas.

Source:thepeninsulaqatar.com

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

https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/02/03/2025/over-500-colonists-storm-al-aqsa-mosque

--------

Syria forces deploy in Damascus suburb after deadly unrest: state media

March 02, 2025

DAMASCUS: The forces of Syria’s new authorities deployed Sunday in a Damascus suburb following deadly clashes with Druze gunmen, state media said amid tensions after Israeli demands to protect the minority group.

Jaramana, a mostly Druze and Christian suburb of the capital, saw a fatal shooting at a checkpoint on Friday, followed a day later by clashes between security forces and local gunmen tasked with protecting the area, according to a war monitor.

On Sunday local security chief HossamTahhan said that “our forces have begun deploying” in Jaramana to end the “chaos and illegal checkpoints by outlaw groups,” according to a statement on official news agency SANA.

He vowed to arrest those involved in Friday’s killing of a defense ministry employee at a checkpoint, saying the culprits had “refused” to hand themselves in.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor said another person was killed in clashes on Saturday and nine more wounded.

Restoring and maintaining security across Syria remains one of the most pressing challenges for the new authorities after Bashar Assad’s December overthrow.

Adding to tensions, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Saturday issued a warning to the new Islamist-led authorities not “to harm the Druze,” who also live in Lebanon, Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

Jaramana resident Salah Abdulrazak Al-Amed, 56, called the Israeli remarks “inflammatory and rash statements” that aimed to “polarize sections of the people.”

Issa Abdulhaq, 53, said that “Israel can declare whatever it wants... They are just talking to themselves.”

The Druze, who make up about three percent of Syria’s population, largely stayed on the sidelines of the country’s war.

Tahhan said there was “great cooperation” from Jaramana residents on bringing the suburb under the control of the new authorities.

Druze leaders in Jaramana had said in a statement that they would “withdraw protection from all offenders and outlaws,” pledging to hand over anyone proven responsible for the latest violence “to face justice.”

Jaramana was one of the first areas where residents, on the eve of Assad’s fall, toppled a statue of his father, former President Hafez Assad.

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2592200/middle-east

--------

Egyptian foreign minister stresses importance of maintaining Gaza ceasefire

March 02, 2025

LONDON: Egypt’s Foreign Affairs Minister Badr Abdelatty on Sunday stressed the importance of fully implementing the ceasefire agreement in Gaza after a meeting with DubravkaSuica, the European commissioner for the Mediterranean.

Abdelatty emphasized during a joint press conference in Cairo with Suica the urgent need to immediately begin negotiations for the second phase of the agreement between Israel and Hamas.

He highlighted the need to maintain the ceasefire, release all Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners according to the deal’s terms, and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid.

The minister said: “Egypt, Qatar, and the US are playing an active role, and we want to emphasize the importance of implementing (the ceasefire). We must begin discussions on the second phase.”

Israel blocked aid trucks from entering Gaza on Sunday, escalating a standoff over the six-week ceasefire, prompting Hamas to seek intervention from Egyptian and Qatari mediators.

A proposed US temporary ceasefire would pause fighting until the end of Ramadan, around March 31, and the Jewish Passover holiday, around April 20. However, this ceasefire would be contingent upon Hamas releasing half of the hostages, both living and deceased, on the first day. The remainder would be released at the end of the ceasefire period.

Hamas has reaffirmed its commitment to the original ceasefire, intended to lead to negotiations for a permanent end to the conflict in Gaza.

Abdelatty stressed that goodwill and commitment from all parties would ensure the success of these discussions for a permanent ceasefire, the Emirates News Agency reported.

He stressed that a political process should follow the ceasefire to establish a Palestinian state and called on all parties to ensure effective humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza, rejecting its use as a collective punishment against Palestinians.

Abdelatty said that the reconstruction plan for Gaza would be presented at the upcoming Arab emergency summit this week in Cairo, and that discussions with the EU and other countries to secure international support would take place.

Suica said the EU was “investing in multilateral programs to empower Palestinians and keep Gaza on the map.” She added that she hoped a ceasefire agreement would help in “paving the way for a two-state solution, which the EU supports and believes should come without preconditions.”

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2592198/middle-east

--------

Turkiye’s Kurds say PKK militants heeding jailed leader’s peace call is the right move

March 02, 2025

DIYARBAKIR, Turkiye: Residents in Diyarbakir, Turkiye’s largest Kurdish-majority city, said on Sunday that the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party’s (PKK) decision to heed its jailed leader’s call for peace was correct and prosperity would follow if the decades-old conflict ended.

On Saturday, the PKK declared an immediate ceasefire, a news agency close to it said, heeding jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan’s disarmament call, in what could be a major step toward ending a 40-year insurgency that has killed more than 40,000 people.

President Tayyip Erdogan’s government, its nationalist ally, and the pro-Kurdish DEM Party have voiced support for the peace call. However, Erdogan also warned that Ankara would resume military operations against the militant group if promises are not kept.

ZihniCapin, a teacher, said in Diyarbakir that people were “exhausted both mentally and physically” by the conflict, and added he hoped the process would conclude in a way that contributes to “prosperity, peace and happiness” in the region.

“I think it is a very correct and appropriate decision. Hopefully, the process will meet the expectations of all the people in Turkiye and the Middle East,” he said.

The PKK is designated a terrorist group by Turkiye and its Western allies. It called on Saturday for greater freedoms for Ocalan, who has been kept in near total isolation since 1999, to advance the disarmament process, but Ankara has said there would be no negotiations.

TuncerBakirhan, co-chair of DEM, said on Sunday that political and legal adjustments were now “inevitable” after the peace call, and added that Turkiye’s parliament had a “historic role” to play.

“This process is not one that should be squandered. It must not remain on paper only,” Bakirhan told DEM members in Ankara. “The call is not one for winning and losing... There is no winner, no loser,” he added.

The ceasefire could have wide-ranging implications for the region if it succeeds in ending the conflict between the PKK — now based in the mountains of northern Iraq — and the Turkish state.

It could also give Erdogan a domestic boost and a historic opportunity to bring peace and development to southeast Turkiye, where the conflict has killed thousands and severely damaged the economy.

ZulkufKacar, who works as a purchasing manager outside Turkiye, said those who lay down arms need to be given amnesty.

“Enough is enough, this suffering. This suffering needs to end,” Kacar said in Diyarbakir.

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2592197/middle-east

--------

Syria forms committee to draft transitional constitutional declaration

March 02, 2025

DAMASCUS: The interim President of the Syrian Arab Republic, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, announced on Sunday the formation of a committee to draft a constitutional declaration for the country’s transition after the overthrow of longtime ruler Bashar Assad.

The new authorities are focused on rebuilding Syria and its institutions after Assad’s removal on December 8, ending more than half a century of his family’s iron-fisted rule and 13 years of devastating war.

The presidency announced “the formation of a committee of experts,” including one woman, tasked with drafting “the constitutional declaration that regulates the transitional phase” in Syria.

The seven-member committee would “submit its proposals to the president,” it said in a statement, without specifying a timeframe.

In late January, Sharaa, leader of Islamist group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) which spearheaded Assad’s overthrow, was appointed interim president for an unspecified period.

Syria’s new authorities have repealed the Assad-era constitution, and Sharaa has said rewriting it could take up to three years.

In late January, Sharaa promised a “constitutional declaration” to serve as a “legal reference” during the country’s transitional period.

Sunday’s announcement came “based on the Syrian people’s aspirations in building their state based on the rule of law, and building on the outcomes of the Syrian national dialogue conference,” said the presidency.

It also came “with the aim of preparing the legal framework regulating the transitional phase,” it added.

A national dialogue conference held this week in Damascus set out a path for the new Syria.

Who are the committee's members?

The committee includes Abdul Hamid Al-Awak, who holds a doctorate in constitutional law and lectures at a university in Turkiye, and Yasser Al-Huwaish, who was appointed this year as dean of Damascus university’s law faculty.

It also includes Bahia Mardini — the sole woman — a journalist with a doctorate in law who has been living in Britain, and Ismail Al-Khalfan, who holds a doctorate in law specializing in international law, and who this year was appointed law faculty dean at Aleppo university.

Another committee member, Mohammed RedaJalkhi, holds a doctorate in law specializing in international law from Idlib university, where he graduated in 2023.

The final statement of this week’s dialogue conference called for “a constitutional committee to prepare a draft permanent constitution for the country that achieves balance between authorities, sets the values of justice, freedom and equality, and establishes a state of law an institutions.”

Syria’s conflict broke out in 2011 after Assad brutally repressed anti-government protests.

It spiralled into a complex conflict that has killed more than 500,000 people, displaced millions more domestically and abroad and battered the economy, infrastructure and industry.

In December, a caretaker government was appointed to steer the country until March 1, when a new government was due to be formed.

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2592174/middle-east

--------

Prominent Lebanese Druze leader says he will visit Syria soon as tensions with Israel simmer

March 02, 2025

BEIRUT: A prominent Druze leader in Lebanon said Sunday that he will soon visit Syria to meet its interim leader as tensions simmer between members of the minority group, the war-torn country’s interim government, and Israel.

“The free Syrians must be cautious of the plots of Israel,” veteran Druze leader Walid Jumblatt said at a news conference Sunday, accusing Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of creating sectarian division and chaos in the country. “In Syria there is a plot for sabotage. There is a plot for sabotage in the region and for the Arabs’ national security.”

Syrian Druze gunmen have clashed in recent days with government security forces on the city of Jaramana, on the outskirts of the capital, Damascus.

Since the downfall of President Bashar Assad in December, Israel has pushed its forces into southern Syria to create a demilitarized buffer zone. Israel’s defense ministry said Saturday that it was instructing the military to prepare to defend Jaramana and protect the Druze.

In the Druze-majority southern province of Sweida, many who protested against the Assad government in recent years have also protested against Israel’s airstrikes and military push into the country.

The Druze religious sect is a minority group that began as a 10th-century offshoot of Ismailism, a branch of Shiite Islam. Over half of the roughly one million Druze worldwide live in Syria. Most of the other Druze live in Lebanon and Israel, including in the Golan Heights which Israel captured from Syria in the 1967 Mideast War and annexed in 1981.

Jumblatt is one of Lebanon’s most prominent political leaders and arguably the Mideast’s most powerful Druze figure. He is both an outspoken critic of Israel and a supporter of the Palestinians, but also spoke out against the Assad dynasty in Syria.

He last visited Syria in December, days after a lightning insurgency led by Islamist group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham overthrew Bashar Assad, and met with interim leader Ahmad Al-Sharaa. In 2015 during the Syrian civil war, Jumblatt negotiated with Syrian opposition in Idlib, following reports of persecution and attacks on the Druze who lived in the northwestern province by extremist groups.

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2592170/middle-east

--------

Pezeshkian says Gaza, Lebanon need more Muslim support as previous inaction takes toll

March 2, 2025

“With the blessings of this holy month and with the collective efforts of the leaders of Muslim countries, we will witness the expansion and strengthening of cooperation among Muslim countries and greater efforts to reduce the suffering of the Palestinian people, including the oppressed people of Gaza and Lebanon," Pezeshkian wrote in his Sunday message.

Over 46,000 Palestinians and 3,000 Lebanese have been killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza and Lebanon since October of 2023. In addition to the vast carnage, the regime has left behind vast swathes of destruction in both territories. Israel has also brought West Asia to the brink of an all-out regional conflagration multiple times in the past 1.5 years.

Since the beginning of the latest wave of Israeli violence, Iran has called on Muslim nations multiple times to rally behind those under attack in order to limit the regime’s extent of violence. Tehran said those with close ties to Israel must cut their ties for at least a short period of time, a request that almost all Muslim countries ignored.

Analysts have long cautioned regional countries that inaction regarding the Palestinian cause and Israeli aggression in West Asia would be more costly than allowing the regime and its patron, the United States, to dictate the situation. Egypt and Jordan are now facing this reality, as U.S. President Donald Trump is pressuring them to host the over 2 million Palestinians he plans to expel from Gaza, while threatening to cut off financial aid if they refuse. Both scenarios spell trouble for the two Arab countries which are grappling with significant economic and social woes.

Source:tehrantimes.com

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

https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/510439/Pezeshkian-says-Gaza-Lebanon-need-more-Muslim-support-as-previous

--------

Arab World

Islamic Nations Back Riyadh Charter For Artificial Intelligence

March 02, 2025

RIYADH: Fifty-three member states of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, have unanimously approved the Riyadh Charter for Artificial Intelligence in the Islamic World.

The charter was announced during the Global AI Summit, organized by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority in September 2024 in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported Sunday.

A milestone in the field, it establishes a shared ethical and strategic framework for AI in the Islamic world, the SPA added.

The charter was approved during the 45th session of the ICESCO Executive Council, held in Tunisia, with all member states in attendance and the Saudi AI authority participating.

The session discussed the Riyadh charter as a comprehensive strategic framework for AI development, aligning with Islamic values, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing international cooperation.

Member states affirmed their commitment to strengthening AI governance and supporting its responsible adoption in the Islamic world.

During the session, the organization’s Center of Foresight and Artificial Intelligence director, Kais Hammami, presented the charter, outlining its key pillars and strategic objectives.

He emphasized its significance in guiding AI development to serve the shared interests of Islamic countries.

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2592186/saudi-arabia

---------

Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli decision to block humanitarian aid to Gaza as ‘blackmail’

March 02, 2025

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia strongly condemned on Sunday the Israeli government’s decision to halt the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, calling it an act of “blackmail and collective punishment” that violates international law.

In a statement on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its denunciation of Israel’s move, warning that it constituted a direct violation of international humanitarian law amid the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

“The Kingdom renews its call on the international community to stop these serious Israeli violations, activate international accountability mechanisms, and ensure sustainable access to aid,” the statement said.

The condemnation comes as Israel blocked the entry of aid trucks into Gaza over the weekend, escalating tensions over a truce that had temporarily halted fighting for the past six weeks.

Hamas has called on Egyptian and Qatari mediators to intervene in the standoff.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that Israel had adopted a proposal from US envoy Steve Witkoff for a temporary ceasefire during the upcoming Ramadan and Passover periods. If agreed upon, the truce would pause hostilities until the end of Ramadan around March 31 and the Jewish Passover holiday around April 20.

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2592180/saudi-arabia

--------

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve welcomes recruits to fifth ranger corps

March 03, 2025

RIYADH: The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve has welcomed 40 women and 26 men to its fifth ranger corps.

They were recruited from local communities following their successful graduation from the reserve’s nine-week training program, and will join the existing ranger team of 180 to help in conservation work.

Andrew Zaloumis, the CEO at the reserve, said the rangers were pivotal in helping achieve the body’s mission.

He said: “These local people, from across the reserve, know its land, its flora and fauna and its communities. They are the natural guardians of the Kingdom’s rich natural and cultural heritage.”

The reserve received 18,000 applications and candidates underwent written and physical tests and multiple interviews to win a coveted place on the ranger training program.

Run by Ali Al-Balawi, the nine-week program provides the skills required to join the ranger corps.

Modules include conservation management, data collection, patrolling, cultural heritage management, tracking, fitness, self-defense, first aid and 4x4 driving.

Al-Balawi said: “I take great pride in training rangers from the local community at Prince Mohammed bin Salman Reserve.

“When the protector comes from the same place, there is a profound sense of responsibility towards the nature they know and cherish, making them more capable of protecting and conserving it.

“These rangers are not just trained to perform specific tasks — they are true ambassadors of nature, and I am honored to be part of fostering this spirit that connects people to their land and their role in conserving it for future generations.”

The 66 new recruits will join the 180-strong ranger force, working alongside the Special Forces for Environmental Security and the Border Guard to safeguard the natural and cultural assets of the reserve — both on land and at sea.

Their duties will include ecological monitoring to inform conservation strategies; supporting animal reintroductions; managing wildlife populations; and overseeing development projects to ensure compliance with environmental and social impact assessments.

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve is home to the Middle East’s first female ranger corps. Of the 246 rangers, 34 percent are women.

The objectives of the royal reserves are to support the Kingdom’s efforts in sustainability and environmental conservation, contributing to the Saudi Green Initiative’s goal of protecting 30 percent of the Kingdom’s terrestrial and marine areas by 2030.

One of eight royal reserves, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve stretches from the lava plains of the Harrats to the Red Sea in the west, connecting NEOM, Red Sea Global, and AlUla. It is home to PIF’s Wadi Al-Disah project and Red Sea Global’s destination AMAALA.

The reserve includes 15 distinct ecosystems. At just 1 percent of the Kingdom’s terrestrial area and 1.8 percent of its marine area, it boasts over 50 percent of the Kingdom’s species, making it one of the most biodiverse protected areas in the Middle East.

The reserve is committed to restoring and conserving the natural and cultural environment, including the reintroduction of 23 native species — including the Arabian leopard, cheetah, Arabian oryx and lappet-faced vulture — as part of a wide-ranging rewilding program.

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve was established by royal decree and is overseen by the Royal Reserves Council, which is chaired by the crown prince.

Its program is integrated with Saudi Arabia’s wider sustainability and conservation schemes, including the Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives.

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2592218/saudi-arabia

---------

A tapestry of traditions: Saudi Arabia’s Farasan Islanders embrace spirit of holy month

March 02, 2025

RIYADH: Steeped in history, the Farasan Islands have long embraced unique Ramadan traditions, welcoming the holy month with a blend of faith and maritime charm.

Farasan women used to prepare their homes by painting walls to highlight intricate engravings and plasterwork, while laying smooth pebbles on courtyards to add a maritime-inspired touch.

AmnahAqili spoke to the Saudi Press Agency about these preparations, recalling the renewal of wooden bed frames, the polishing of utensils, the preparation of spices, and the weaving of doum palm frond carpets.

Aqili noted that with the arrival of Ramadan, the air would be filled with the scent of mastic from clay water jugs and the sweet aroma of coffee from traditional pots. The exchange of Ramadan dishes among neighbors was another cherished tradition in the community.

Abkar Al-Mashrai’i recalled a time over 70 years ago when the islanders would rely on news from Jazan to begin Ramadan.

Nightly recitations of the Qur’an by the glow of lanterns would echo through the alleys, and the muezzin’s melodic call would announce sahoor. Children and young men filled the evenings with traditional games, Al-Mashrai’i added.

The Farasan community continues to honor the spirit of Ramadan through acts of worship, compassion, and the exchange of gifts, strengthening both spiritual and social bonds.

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2592185/saudi-arabia

--------

Saudi entities sign housing deal to support vulnerable families

March 02, 2025

RIYADH: The National Developmental Housing Foundation, known as Sakan, and the Social Development Bank have partnered to provide 4,000 housing units for eligible families across Saudi Arabia as part of the second phase of the Joud Regions campaign.

The agreement was signed during a ceremony attended by Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al-Hogail, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi, and Deputy Minister of Interior Nasser Al-Dawood.

This partnership builds on a previous agreement that secured housing for 1,000 families. The initiative directly supports Vision 2030’s goal of increasing homeownership rates among citizens, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Sakan Secretary-General Abdulaziz Al-Karidis and Social Development Bank CEO Sultan Al-Humaidi signed the agreement.

Al-Humaidi confirmed that the agreement is part of the bank’s efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships that provide sustainable financing solutions.

He noted that cooperation with Sakan through the construction completion program will help eligible families complete their housing units.

The program aims to finance 5,000 beneficiaries nominated by Sakan from social security recipients and similar categories, according to SPA.

Al-Humaidi said: “At the Social Development Bank, we are committed to leveraging our capabilities to support the most vulnerable groups and enable them to access suitable housing.

“We believe housing stability is key to enhancing quality of life and achieving the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 targets of increasing homeownership rates among citizens.”

Al-Karidis explained that the agreement is part of efforts to develop sustainable solutions for eligible families and highlighted the bank’s crucial role in supporting housing empowerment for beneficiaries.

He thanked the attending ministers for their continued support of developmental and housing initiatives, emphasizing that this collaboration reflects the integration of concerned entities to achieve Vision 2030 goals of providing suitable housing and enhancing quality of life.

Meanwhile, the Joud Regions campaign headquarters was inaugurated at Misk City in Riyadh on Saturday under the patronage of Al-Hogail.

During the ceremony, the regional governors announced their participation in the initiative, demonstrating strong support for community programs aimed at enhancing housing stability for citizens.

Al-Hogail expressed his gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their generous support of the campaign, which included an SR150 million ($40 million) contribution, and for their ongoing interest in supporting developmental housing programs and community initiatives.

He emphasized that the campaign embodies the spirit of social solidarity and strengthens the partnership between the government and the community in achieving the objectives of Vision 2030.

Al-Karidis also praised the vital role of governmental, nonprofit entities, and individuals in supporting housing initiatives that help ensure housing stability for needy families.

The initiative allows both citizens and residents to contribute to housing support for vulnerable families through the Joud Housing platform and application, furthering national efforts to enhance quality of life and promote sustainable development in the housing sector.

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2592157/saudi-arabia

--------

Saudi Arabia launches national food safety campaign

March 02, 2025

RIYADH: The Saudi Food and Drug Authority, in collaboration with the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, has launched a nationwide regulatory campaign to enhance food safety during Ramadan.

The campaign focuses on verifying the quality of commonly consumed foods and ensuring compliance with health regulations, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

It includes intensified inspections of food warehouses, sales outlets, and distribution centers to check the accuracy of food and nutritional data, assess compliance with transportation and storage requirements, and examine product tracking mechanisms.

These measures aim to keep markets free of unfit products while ensuring adherence to technical regulations and standard specifications, the SPA reported.

Alongside inspections, the campaign features food safety training programs for food establishment employees to enhance compliance with health requirements and ensure the availability of safe, high-quality products.

Special attention is given to Makkah and Madinah, where independent control plans address the high influx of Umrah performers and visitors to the Two Holy Mosques, ensuring food safety and quality, according to the SPA.

The authority remains committed to continuous inspection efforts across all branches and offices to uphold health standards and verify product safety throughout manufacturing, storage, and distribution, reinforcing food security during Ramadan.

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2592156/saudi-arabia

---------

Umrah guests tour Qur’an printing complex in Madinah

March 02, 2025

RIYADH: The guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Umrah and Visit toured the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur’an in Madinah, as part of a cultural program organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.

The group comprised 250 Umrah performers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Georgia, Australia, New Zealand, and Russia.

During the visit, which coincided with the start of Ramadan, the guests were briefed on the extensive work involved in serving the Holy Qur’an, including printing, publishing, translation and distribution.

Guests learned about the Kingdom’s efforts in preserving the Qur’an, along with the rigorous processes of review and verification to ensure the highest standards of accuracy and quality.

At the end of the visit, the complex presented the guests with copies of the Holy Qur’an, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

The visitors expressed their gratitude to the Kingdom and its leadership for its significant efforts in serving Islam and Muslims worldwide.

They also toured several historical and religious sites in Madinah, including the Quba Mosque, Mount Al-Ramah, and the Uhud Martyrs’ Cemetery.

They likewise visited the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization before heading to Makkah to perform the rituals of Umrah.

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2592155/saudi-arabia

---------

Makkah enhances services for Ramadan visitors

March 02, 2025

RIYADH: Government agencies in Makkah have begun implementing plans to provide the best services for visitors and Umrah performers during Ramadan, with a high influx of worshippers from within and outside the Kingdom expected.

The General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque has launched its Ramadan season plan with several projects, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Tahallul from Nusuk service has been trialed at five locations within the Grand Mosque, following strict hygiene standards. For the first time, the authority is offering a mobile hair-cutting service via specially designed carts that move with the crowds.

Additionally, luggage storage services have been enhanced with designated shelves and an electronic tracking system, including six drop-off points at the mosque’s main entrances.

The number of electric golf carts has been doubled to 400, distributed across 11 locations inside the Grand Mosque, the SPA reported.

The authority has improved iftar meal distribution through electronic registration, introduced location-based guidance signs for visitor access, and increased the presence of reporting teams around the clock to handle inquiries and maintenance requests.

In coordination with relevant authorities, the authority has developed crowd management and guidance plans within the Two Holy Mosques and their courtyards. Specialized personnel have been deployed for spatial guidance, and clear pathways have been designated to ensure smooth movement.

Prayer areas in both mosques have been prepared to accommodate the largest number of worshippers while ensuring their comfort.

The authority has also launched the Walking Guides initiative, providing trained teams to assist visitors and Umrah performers in navigating the mosques and responding to inquiries in multiple languages.

Meanwhile, Makkah Municipality has begun implementing its plans for municipal services, including public sanitation, waste disposal, pest control, and monitoring commercial establishments related to public health.

Its services also include inspecting food products for suitability, maintaining and cleaning municipal facilities, preparing infrastructure, and overseeing public restrooms, parks, green spaces, and drainage networks.

The Makkah region branch of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance has started implementing its plans to welcome worshippers across the region’s governorates.

This includes cleaning, furnishing, and perfuming mosques, maintaining equipment, ensuring the availability of prayer supplies, and intensifying inspection tours to verify mosques’s readiness to receive worshippers.

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2592153/saudi-arabia

--------

Dates distribute among 28,000 Muslims in Nepal under Saudi Gift Program

March 02, 2025

RIYADH—The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance has begun implementing the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Gift Program, including the Luxury Dates Gift Program, which was launched through the offices of the religious attachés at the Saudi embassy in Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, to support more than 28,000 Muslim beneficiaries across the country.

The launching ceremony was attended by Saudi Ambassador to Nepal Saad Abu Humaid, Chairman of the Islamic Commission Shamim Ansari, Member of Parliament Khalid Siddiqui, and Supervisor of Preachers Sheikh Abdul Qayyum. During the ceremony, seven tons of dates were delivered to a number of charitable societies and Islamic centers to distribute among over 28,000 Muslims in Nepal.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Gift Program, which is supervised by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call, and Guidance, is tasked with distributing dates in 102 countries around the world, with a quantity reaching 700 tons of dates, an increase of 200 tons over the last year. This move reflects the keenness of the wise leadership on taking care of Muslims around the world during the holy month of Ramadan.

Source:saudigazette.com.sa

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

https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/649804/SAUDI-ARABIA/Dates-distribute-among-28000-Muslims-in-Nepal-under-Saudi-Gift-Program

--------

Europe

Starmer announces 'coalition of the willing' to guarantee Ukraine peace

March 03, 2025

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a four-point plan to work with Ukraine to end the war and defend the country from Russia.

The UK, France and other countries will step up their efforts in a "coalition of the willing" and seek to involve the US in their support for Ukraine, he said.

"We are at a crossroads in history today," Starmer said after a summit of 18 leaders - mostly from Europe and including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who said Ukraine felt "strong support" and the summit showed "European unity at an extremely high level not seen for a long time".

It comes two days after a fiery exchange between the Ukrainian leader and US President Donald Trump in the White House.

"We are all working together in Europe in order to find a basis for cooperation with America for a true peace and guaranteed security," Zelensky said after the summit.

Speaking at a news conference shortly after the meeting of leaders, Starmer said four points had been agreed:

to keep military aid flowing into Ukraine, and to keep increasing the economic pressure on Russia

that any lasting peace must ensure Ukraine's sovereignty and security and Ukraine must be present at any peace talks

in the event of a peace deal, to boost Ukraine's defensive capabilities to deter any future invasion

to develop a "coalition of the willing" to defend a deal in Ukraine and to guarantee peace afterwards

Sir Keir also announced an additional £1.6bn ($2bn) of UK export finance to buy more than 5,000 air defence missiles. This comes on top of a £2.2bn loan to provide more military aid to Ukraine backed by profits from frozen Russian assets.

"We have to learn from the mistakes of the past, we cannot accept a weak deal which Russia can breach with ease, instead any deal must be backed by strength," he said.

The prime minister did not state which countries had agreed to join this coalition of the willing, but said that those who had committed would intensify planning with real urgency.

The UK, he said, would back its commitment with "boots on the ground, and planes in the air".

"Europe must do the heavy lifting," he said, before adding that the agreement would need US backing and had to include Russia, but that Moscow could not be allowed to dictate terms.

"Let me be clear, we agree with Trump on the urgent need for a durable peace. Now we need to deliver together," Sir Keir said.

When asked if the US under Trump was an unreliable ally, he said: "Nobody wanted to see what happened last Friday, but I do not accept that the US is an unreliable ally."

Countries at the summit included France, Poland, Sweden, Turkey, Norway, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, Finland, Italy, Spain and Canada.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that there was now an urgent need to "re-arm Europe".

These sentiments were echoed by Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte, who said the meeting had seen European countries "stepping up" to make sure Ukraine has what it needs to "stay in the fight as long as it has to continue".

After the summit, Zelensky went to Sandringham where he met King Charles III. He later spoke to reporters at a final press briefing where he said he was ready to sign a deal on minerals with the US.

Ukraine was expected to sign the deal - which would grant the US access to Ukraine's rare mineral reserves - during Zelensky's visit to Washington, but the Ukrainian delegation ultimately left early after a heated confrontation with Trump in the Oval Office.

Earlier on Sunday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned a deal on minerals between the US and Ukraine could not be signed "without a peace deal" with Russia.

But when asked by the BBC about the future of the deal following the summit, Zelensky said it was ready to be signed.

"The agreement that's on the table will be signed if the parties are ready," he said.

Sunday's summit concludes a hectic week of diplomacy, which included visits to Washington by French President Emmanuel Macron, Sir Keir and Zelensky.

Zelensky's meeting, however, culminated in a heated exchanged with Trump and US Vice-President JD Vance, in which the US president accused his Ukrainian counterpart of "gambling with World War Three".

Trump has said he wants to end the war in Ukraine and has expressed trust in Russian President Vladimir Putin, to the consternation of many of his Western allies.

The US has also begun peace talks with Russia - excluding Ukraine.

At one point, the US leader accused Ukraine of starting the war - even though it was Putin who launched a full-scale invasion of Russia's neighbour on 24 February 2022.

Source:bbc.com

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

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9vygkzkkrvo

--------

Ukraine still 'ready' to sign US minerals deal, Zelensky tells BBC

March 03, 2025

Volodymyr Zelensky has said he is still "ready to sign" a US-Ukraine minerals deal after leaving the White House without it being agreed.

Ukraine's president said in response to a question from the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg that, despite a fractious meeting with US President Donald Trump last week, he is still willing to have a "constructive dialogue" with the US, adding: "I just want the Ukrainian position to be heard."

"We want our partners to remember who the aggressor is in this war," he told reporters.

When relations between the US and Ukraine first became strained over the Trump administration's handing of peace talks with Russia, the minerals deal was intended as a stepping stone towards further security ties between the two countries.

But after Zelensky, Trump and US Vice-President JD Vance had a heated argument in front of the media in the Oval Office, the Ukrainian leader was told to leave without the deal being signed.

Zelensky's remarks come as US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told the BBC's US partner CBS News it was "impossible to have an economic deal without a peace deal".

Bessent said Zelensky had "thrown off the sequencing" of how the minerals deal and peace deal were supposed to play out - instead choosing to "relitigate" discussions in public when they should have taken place in private.

Speaking after a summit of European leaders in London on Sunday, Zelensky said the combative nature of his recent meeting in Washington did not benefit the US or Ukraine as partners, and only really benefited Russian President Vladimir Putin.

However, he said that he would return to the White House if invited.

But he refused to be drawn into talking about about conceding territory to Putin - an option Trump officials have touted as part of a peace deal - or expressing regret in how he had handled the meeting with Trump.

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and currently controls around 20% of Ukrainian territory.

Strong Ukrainian army is 'best security guarantee'

Zelensky was speaking to the media in London following a summit in which world leaders agreed on a four-point plan to work with Ukraine to stop the war and defend it from future Russian aggression.

Among these pledges is for the UK, France and other nations to form a "coalition of the willing" to defend a potential peace agreement in Ukraine.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reiterated Europe "must do the heavy lifting", but any agreement would need US backing.

Asked for his thoughts on the outcome of the summit, Zelensky said the "best security guarantees are a strong Ukrainian army".

But he added Europe needed some form of US input, perhaps in the form of air defence and intelligence, in an apparent sign of agreement with Sir Keir.

In an interview with France's Le Figaro newspaper on the way to the summit, French President Emmanuel Macron was quoted as saying that a month-long truce on striking in the air, on the sea and energy infrastructure was on the table.

During this time, a peace deal could be thrashed out, while the deployment of European troops would occur in a second stage.

Asked by the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg about these reports, Zelensky replied he was "aware of everything".

'I am exchangeable for Nato'

Zelensky insisted Ukraine's relationship with the US will continue and he was "sure this situation will pass by", in reference to the fall-out with Trump.

He said there had been communication between the US and Ukraine since Friday, but "not on my level".

The Ukrainian leader also said: "The failure of Ukraine would not just mean Putin's success, it would be a failure for Europe, it would be a failure for the US."

Following the row in the Oval Office, several leading Republicans backed how the meeting had been handled by Trump and criticised Zelensky.

Senator Lindsey Graham - once a staunch supporter of Ukraine - told reporters that Zelensky "either needs to resign and send somebody over that we can do business with, or he needs to change".

Asked about these calls to step down in the interest of US-Ukraine relations, Zelensky said that to resign was one thing, but preventing him from running again would require Nato membership.

Ukraine joining the transatlantic military alliance has been a demand of Kyiv since the war began, and forms a key part of the country's victory plan - though the Trump administration has said this was unlikely.

"I am exchangeable for Nato," Zelensky told journalists before he was due to leave the UK.

"I have said that I am exchanging for Nato membership, then it means I have fulfilled my mission. Nato means I have fulfilled my mission."

He added it was "not very democratic" for people from other nations to be deciding who led Ukraine, but said Graham could become Ukrainian and then "his voice will have weight" in deciding who its leader was.

Source:bbc.com

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

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8j0ggm3mdwo

--------

Belfast factory to supply 5,000 missiles to Ukraine

March 03, 2025

The Thales missile factory in Belfast is to supply 5,000 air defence missiles to Ukraine, the Prime Minister has announced.

The deal is worth up to £1.6bn and will involve recruiting 200 additional staff.

Thales is a French-owned company which one of Europe's biggest arms manufacturers.

The order is for lightweight multirole missiles (LMMs) which Ukrainian forces are already using.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the order as he laid out a four point plan to "reach peace and defend Ukraine".

A £162m contract announced in September last year saw 650 LMMs supplied to Ukraine as an initial order to ramp up production, with the first deliveries in December.

The new order is much bigger: it is worth an initial £1.16bn with the potential for around a further £500m of work to be added in collaboration with a Ukrainian industry partner.

The partner firm will manufacture launchers and command and control vehicles for the missiles in Ukraine.

The UK Ministry of Defence said it is the largest contract ever received by Thales in Belfast.

The Defence Secretary John Healey said the deal would "help protect Ukraine against drone and missile attacks and help deter further Russian aggression following any end to the fighting".

The contract has been placed by the MoD's procurement arm Defence Equipment & Support on behalf of the Ukrainian Government.

It will be funded by a loan underwritten by United Kingdom Export Finance (UKEF) after a deal signed last year to allow Ukraine to draw on £3.5bn worth of support from UKEF to spend with UK industry.

Source:bbc.com

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

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c74knzk9x8zo

--------

Scholz calls Ukraine demilitarization ‘unacceptable’

3 Mar, 2025

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has claimed that European security must center around a “strong” Ukraine, rejecting Russia’s position on the matter, after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s announced plans for a new coalition of nations willing to bolster Kiev against Moscow.

Starmer hosted an emergency meeting in London on Sunday, acknowledging that while some of Kiev’s backers have limited resources, those capable should act urgently. Speaking to journalists after the gathering, Scholz did not specify whether Berlin would deploy troops but emphasized continued financial and military support for Ukraine.

“It is clear that we must support Ukraine financially and with military means,” he stated, noting that Berlin “alone has raised a total of €44 billion” for Kiev. According to the Kiel Institute, Germany is the second-largest individual state donor, contributing approximately $18 billion in military and other aid.

“Secondly, we must know that at the core of any future peace order must be the ability for Ukraine to defend itself and have a strong army… All security architectures must revolve around it,” he added.

Russia has argued that the conflict was provoked by NATO’s expansion toward its borders and has ruled out any temporary ceasefires, insisting on a permanent resolution. Moscow maintains that peace could be achieved if Ukraine commits to neutrality, demilitarization, and denazification, and recognizes the territorial realities on the ground.

Scholz, however, dismissed Moscow's concerns stating that “the Russian perspectives cannot be accepted," and that “the question of demilitarization that Russia demands cannot be accepted.” On the contrary, he added “Ukraine must be… so strong that it is not attacked again.”

The German Chancellor also expressed concerns about the possibility of a less confrontational government emerging in Kiev, which he deems unacceptable for a “democratic and sovereign nation” like Ukraine. Vladimir Zelensky’s five-year presidential term expired last year, but he has declined to conduct new elections, citing the martial law imposed in 2022. After US President Donald Trump labeled him a “dictator without elections,” Ukrainian lawmakers passed a motion supporting his claims to presidential powers, on a second attempt.

Following a lengthy phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump last month, the Kremlin indicated readiness to initiate the peace process, emphasizing the need to address the root causes of the conflict. Moscow is firmly opposed to NATO troops, including under the guise of peacekeeping forces, and Kiev’s aspirations to join the bloc, considering it to be among the reasons for the escalation of the conflict in early 2022.

Source:rt.com

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

https://www.rt.com/news/613596-scholz-ukraine-demilitarization-unacceptable/

---------

Warm reception for Zelensky as he meets King at Sandringham

March 03, 2025

Volodymyr Zelensky has met King Charles III at Sandringham, after attending a summit of European leaders on ending the war in Ukraine.

As the Ukrainian president arrived at the King's Norfolk residence, local residents, some holding Ukraine flags, gathered outside the estate to witness his entrance by helicopter.

Zelensky was in London over the weekend for the talks on European defence, after a fiery exchange with US President Donald Trump in the White House on Friday.

Ukraine's president was "warmly received", and the meeting lasted just under an hour, royal sources said. The pair were served tea in Sandringham's Saloon room.

Zelensky described it as "a very good meeting".

"I'm very grateful for this meeting and for how His Majesty helps Ukraine and supports us," he told reporters. "He's met our warriors here, being trained in the UK, and we're very thankful to the Royal Family for their support."

The King has previously expressed support for Zelensky and Ukraine, saying the country had experienced "indescribable aggression" following Russia's "unprovoked attack on their land".

The Ukrainian people have shown "truly remarkable courage and resilience in the face of such human tragedy", the King said last year.

They first met at Buckingham Palace during Zelensky's surprise visit to the UK in 2023, and the same day the King visited Ukrainian troops being trained in Wiltshire.

Today's meeting was requested by the Ukrainian president, with the agreement of the UK government.

After the summit had concluded, Sir Keir unveiled a four-step plan world leaders hope will guarantee peace in Ukraine.

These steps include keeping military aid flowing and the creation of a "coalition of the willing" to defend Ukraine as part of a peace agreement.

Sunday's meeting in Norfolk has allowed Zelensky to meet the King well before Trump's second state visit to the UK, which was offered when Sir Keir presented the US president with an invitation letter from the monarch during a visit to Washington last week.

While the Ukrainian leader's visit is an official one, it is less formal than a state visit.

Traditionally, second-term US presidents are not offered a state visit and have instead been invited for tea or lunch with the monarch at Windsor Castle.

Sir Keir said Trump's last state visit in 2019 had been a "tremendous success" and that the invite for a second visit was "truly historic" and "unprecedented".

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office after reading the letter, Trump said he accepted the invite and that it would be an "honour" to visit the "fantastic" country. When the trip will take place has yet to be announced.

Sir Keir dismissed calls by SNP first minister John Swinney to cancel the invite to Trump after his disastrous Oval Office meeting with Zelensky - in which he accused the Ukrainian leader of "gambling with World War Three".

Source:bbc.com

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

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce98v8mnxm3o

--------

Zelensky bruised but upbeat after diplomatic whirlwind

March 03, 2025

"Bruised but motivated," was how one of VolodymyrZelensky's entourage described how they had been feeling, as a small group of journalists crammed into what felt like an even smaller room at Stansted Airport.

The British state had done its best to give the Ukrainian president "all bells and whistles" when he arrived in the UK for a summit with 18 world leaders after his dressing down by Donald Trump and JD Vance on Friday night, a government source told me.

He shared an embrace with Sir Keir Starmer outside No 10, where he was greeted with spontaneously cheering crowds, and met with King Charles for tea.

But it was telling that in the 90 minutes before his plane's wheels went up as he heads back home, Zelensky wanted to go on the record to make his arguments to the world - this time speaking only in Ukrainian - to make sure he was not misunderstood.

Having been slammed in the White House, then feted in the UK, his mood, in public at least, was not downhearted.

"If we don't keep our spirits up, we're letting everyone down," he said.

He made positive noises about Sir Keir and French President Emmanuel Macron's plan to grab hold of the plans for peace before presenting them to the US, for Europe to up its game, developing its own more convincing security guarantees.

Zelensky told me he would be prepared to give Donald Trump one of his demands - to sign the minerals deal that would give the US access to someone of Ukraine's resources.

Beyond that, despite all the pressure of a three-year war, under all the demands from the White House which, fairly or not, has the power to protect or abandon his country, on Sunday night Zelensky stood firm.

He told us it was wrong at this stage to discuss giving up territory Russia has captured, and it was too early to be "talking about lines", which the prime minister had mentioned earlier.

He would not apologise to Trump or express regret for anything that happened in the Oval Office, which at the moment, the US president's camp is repeatedly calling for.

Even the boss of Nato called for Zelensky to find a way to reset his relationship with the US leader.

Yet in the stuffy room at Stansted, there was not much in Zelensky's tone that suggested he was interested in making nice.

He said he had travelled for hours to get to the White House - his visit was a mark of respect. He also said he would never "insult anybody" and the conversation as it erupted had not been a positive for anyone.

Zelensky chose his words very carefully. He tried to an extent to avoid a post-mortem of what went on. He was not rude about Trump - he barely mentioned him by name - and suggested tensions would pass.

If you watched the full horror of what happened in the Oval Office you may well not blame Zelensky for feeling it's simply not for him to say sorry.

If you listen to him talk about what has happened to his country, you can understand why it feels so impossible at this stage for him to acknowledge compromises might have to come to end the war.

Watching him in person talk about the violence and the suffering that has been unleashed, you sense his total disbelief that anyone might not see the world his way, where Russia's aggression means Putin must not be spared punishment, and his people should be protected at all costs.

But the reality? Neither Zelensky nor any Western leader so far has persuaded Trump to adopt that moral clarity on this war. And even if it's painful, without a willingness to compromise, it's hard to see an end to this war.

Zelensky is though, a master communicator - genuine, doubtless, but also a performer by trade.

"Our freedoms and values are not for sale," a message of no surrender Zelensky wanted to communicate, along with a willingness to sign the minerals deal.

He again expressed his thanks for the backing of the US and other countries. But don't forget right now, for all of the encounters we have with the leaders involved in public, there are so many more between them and their teams behind closed doors.

Just when our conversation was coming to an end, a suggestion that Macron and Sir Keir were proposing a month-long truce as part of their plan for peace reached my phone.

Did President Zelensky know and would he agree such a deal, I asked.

"I am aware of everything," he joked, getting a laugh in the room, then offering handshakes and photos on his way out to the plane.

He may wanted to have had the last word at the end of a dramatic and difficult weekend. But the conversation about this conflict has many weeks, if not many months to run.

Source:bbc.com

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

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0rz178el8go

--------

UK’s Starmer announces ‘coalition of the willing’ to deploy troops in Ukraine

2 Mar, 2025

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the UK and France are ready to lead a “coalition of the willing” to provide military support to Ukraine, including the deployment of troops and aircraft, aiming to secure Kiev’s positions once a peace deal with Moscow has been reached.

During an emergency summit in London on Sunday, following Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky’s disastrous trip to Washington, Starmer emphasized the necessity for the EU and other sponsors to step up and take a leading role in supporting Kiev. While acknowledging that some nations have little to contribute, he insisted that those willing should act with urgency.

“Not every nation will feel able to contribute, but that can’t mean that we sit back. Instead, those willing will intensify planning now with real urgency. The UK is prepared to back this with boots on the ground and planes in the air, together with others,” Starmer told the press.

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that European troops would only be deployed once the situation on the ground is safe for them. He proposed a temporary month-long “truce in the air, on the seas, and on energy infrastructure” – an idea that Moscow had previously denounced as a Western ploy to rearm and bolster Kiev.

“There will be no European troops on Ukrainian soil in the coming weeks,” Macron said in an interview with Le Figaro. “The question is how can we use this time to try to get a truce accessible, with negotiations that will take several weeks, and then, when the peace is signed, a deployment.”

Moscow has repeatedly ruled out temporary ceasefires similar to the failed Minsk agreements, insisting on a permanent, legally binding deal that addresses the root causes of the conflict. The Minsk ceasefire, which was ostensibly intended to freeze the conflict between Kiev and the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, was in fact only “an attempt to give Ukraine time” to build up its strength, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel admitted in 2022.

The summit was attended by several European leaders, including Starmer, Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and others, along with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

Trudeau did not rule out potentially deploying troops to Ukraine, saying that Ottawa “has looked at the ways it can best help, and as I’ve said a few days ago, everything’s on the table.”

However, Italian Prime Minister GiorgiaMeloni stated that there was still no single specific plan for troop deployment and stressed that “the presence of Italian troops in Ukraine has never been on the agenda.”

Tusk noted that the leaders had failed to propose a systematic, common position to shape future security guarantees for Ukraine or “a concrete plan for negotiations” with Russia.

“We all get a sense at this moment that no one has a plan for it, and that sense of chaos, makeshift approach … sometimes sparks emotions like we have seen in that unseemly spectacle in Washington a few days ago, which we all would rather avoid,” Tusk said.

Source:rt.com

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

https://www.rt.com/news/613593-uk-france-troops-ukraine/

--------

Africa

Paramilitary shelling kills six in Sudan’s North Darfur: rescuers

March 2, 2025

PORT SUDAN: Paramilitary artillery shelling of a crowded market and nearby displaced people’s camp in Sudan’s Darfur region killed six people on Sunday, local health volunteers said.

The camp, Abu Shouk, is on the edge of the North Darfur state capital, El-Fasher, which paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have besieged since last May as part of the nearly two-year-old war against Sudan’s army.

The shelling “resulted in the deaths of six unarmed civilians so far, with other injuries yet to be counted,” said the local Emergency Response Room, one of hundreds of volunteer groups across war-torn Sudan helping to evacuate wounded, staff soup kitchens and maintain health services.

“This attack... struck the crowded market while civilians were shopping for Ramadan necessities,” the committee added, blaming the RSF.

The Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan, which started on Saturday in Sudan, comes as the northeast African country continues to grapple with war, starvation and displacement.

In December, a United Nations-backed assessment said famine had taken hold in Abu Shouk and two other camps in the El-Fasher area, Al-Salam and Zamzam, and was projected to expand to five more areas including the city itself by May.

The RSF have seized nearly the entire vast western region of Darfur.

However, they have not managed to claim El-Fasher, where army and allied forces have repeatedly pushed them back.

Sudan’s war has so far killed tens of thousands, uprooted more than 12 million and brought millions to the brink of mass starvation.

On Wednesday the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) said intense fighting in Zamzam camp had forced it “to temporarily pause the distribution of life-saving food and nutrition assistance” there.

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2592195/middle-east

--------

Churches must prioritise community outreach, welfare – Pastor Obeya

March 2, 2025

by AdeolaOgunlade

The Regional Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, South West, Pastor Joseph Obeya, has stressed the need for churches to actively engage in community outreaches and welfare programs, emphasising that the church should serve as a refuge for the vulnerable and helpless in society.

Speaking in an interview with The Nation during the recently concluded three-day Lagos Healing and Deliverance Crusade at the National Stadium, Lagos, Pastor Obeya highlighted the importance of combining spiritual revival with humanitarian efforts.

The event, attended by thousands, featured a medical outreach and welfare distribution program that provided healthcare, food, and clothing to those in need.

He reaffirmed the biblical call for believers to be “the light of the world” and urged churches to shine through both evangelistic and charitable works. Pastor Obeya also revealed that Dunamis International Gospel Centre operates a welfare bank across its branches, including its Glory Dome headquarters, where food and financial aid are distributed to support those in need.

“The house of God is a place of refuge. If people cannot find solace in the church, then we are facing a serious crisis in our generation,” he stated. He further explained that Jesus Christ not only met the spiritual needs of people but also reached out to their physical and emotional needs.

“The example Christ set for us in the scriptures should serve as our model so that we can make a lasting impact in our world.”

Head of the medical outreach, Dr. Victor Benebo described the initiative as an extension of the ministry’s vision to “rescue mankind from the afflictions of the devil.” During the outreach, 418 patients were attended to, including 145 men, 278 women, and children.

“We conducted free eye screenings, provided prescription glasses, and administered necessary eye medications. Additionally, we offered free dental care, including cleanings, polishing, and certifications,” Dr. Benebo stated.

He noted that a team of doctors, laboratory scientists, microbiologists, and nurses were present to conduct screenings and manage health conditions.

Deacon Gabriel Owunu, a member of the church’s welfare department, noted that the crusade served as a platform to expand evangelism and church planting efforts.

“We see this as an opportunity to reach deeper into Lagos, especially its inner communities. Our goal is to win souls and establish more churches as a result of these efforts,” he said.

Source:thenationonlineng.net

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

https://thenationonlineng.net/churches-must-prioritise-community-outreach-welfare-pastor-obeya/

--------

Kazakhstan hails successful visit to Nigeria, signs MoU on Islamic banking

March 2, 2025

by Vincent Ikuomola Abuja

Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, AlibekKuantyrov, has described his delegation’s visit to Nigeria as a great success, highlighting key economic and investment opportunities explored during the trip.

Leading a 30-member delegation comprising public and private sector representatives, Kuantyrov noted that one of the major achievements was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nigerian investment bank, TAJ Bank, to support the establishment of an Islamic bank in Kazakhstan.

The delegation’s visit was facilitated by the Ooni of Ife, Oba AdeyeyeEnitanOgunwusi, as part of efforts to strengthen economic ties between both nations.

He said: “So, I consider this visit to be very successful, and we’re going to continue our joint work with the Nigerian side. And in the coming future, we’re also awaiting a business delegation led by His Royal Majesty, His Royal Highness, to Kazakhstan, to Astana International Forum, where we’re going to go on with mutual realisation of investment and trade projects.”

Kuantyrov explained that some agreements have already been signed.

He said, “We already, for example, today, signed a memorandum between Astana International Financial Centre and the Taj Bank. So, this in particular is directed at developing the Islamic banking and Islamic finance in Kazakhstan, where, you know, Nigeria has a great experience. So, we have quite a big Islamic population in our country.

“So, this is just a particular project that we are developing at the moment. And of course, there will be other projects.”

The Deputy minister stressed that his country and Nigeria have the potential to improve on the current trade relations.

Currently, the trade volume between both countries is hovering around one million dollars.

This, Kazakhstan Deputy Foreign Minister said, would be addressed by developing the value-added trade between two countries.

He explained that the visit to Nigeria is aimed at exploring all avenues.

He said: “The trade is not that big. I think it’s less than one million dollars. And, of course, we have to raise this figure manifold, because we have a great potential for that.

“On the one hand, Kazakhstan is rich in one kind of resources, mineral resources and agricultural resources, and Nigeria is also rich. And more than that, we should develop the value-added trade between two countries.

“And that’s why we are here, and that’s why we are discussing this potential, not only in trade, but also in mutual investment and in cooperating in the ICT, IT and AI spheres.”

Speaking further on the delegations activities in Nigeria, he said the delegation had been involved in government to government and business to business meetings.

The issue of visa was also part of discussion, the Deputy Foreign Minister said.

“Well, for the last two days, these have been very active days, and we had plenty of G2G and B2B meetings. Well, yesterday we started with a meeting with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where we discussed issues on political consultations, visa requirements, and also mutual support at international platforms, including the UN. After that, we had a meeting with the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.

“And we are very much interested in developing cooperative projects in the sphere of solid minerals with Nigeria, and, of course, increasing our bilateral trade. For example, one of the interests is directly importing cocoa beans, of which the chocolate, the Kazakhstani chocolate, is made. And, of course, there are many, many other spheres where we can cooperate, including exporting Kazakhstani grain, high-quality grain, wheat, to be particular, to Nigeria.

“After that, we also had a meeting with two ministers, one of the Minister of Oil and also the minister of gas, where we also expressed mutual interest in developing oil and gas projects together and exchanging technologies and expertise in developing these spheres.

Also, we had a meeting with the EXIM Bank that is helping trade operations, export and import operations. And we decided to have close cooperation with the Kazakhstani EXIM Bank as well.

“And today, we also had a meeting with the Minister of Agriculture, where we discussed phytosanitary and other restrictions, that elimination of them will be helping us in boosting our bilateral trade, especially in the agricultural sector.

“I personally had a meeting with the Minister of Digital Economy, where we also agreed upon cooperating in the spheres of cost monitoring, in the sphere of IT development, ICT development, smart bridges, e-golf, etc., where Kazakhstan has a lot of experience and is one of the forerunners in the world in e-golf and ICT. And Nigeria has a great potential to do the same, and Nigeria has been developing very rapidly in the sphere of ICT and smart cities.”

Source:thenationonlineng.net

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

https://thenationonlineng.net/kazakhstan-hails-successful-visit-to-nigeria-signs-mou-on-islamic-banking/

-------

‘Be Vigilant, Report Suspicious Activities’ – Police Clarify Reports Of 79 Terrorists In Abuja

3 March 2025

The Nigeria Police Force has refuted circulating social media reports alleging the presence of 79 terrorists in the Lugbe area of Abuja, describing the claims as false and misleading.

Amid rising security concerns in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the police reassured residents that there is no intelligence to support such allegations.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Force Public Relations Officer, ACP OlumuyiwaAdejobi, dismissed the viral message—widely circulated on WhatsApp and other platforms—as a deliberate attempt to incite panic and disrupt peace in the city.

“The attention of the Nigeria Police Force has been drawn to a false and misleading message alleging the presence of 79 terrorists in the Lugbe axis and announcing a curfew. This message is entirely untrue and should be disregarded,” the statement read.

The police emphasized that intelligence assessments had found no evidence of any terrorist activity in Lugbe or its environs.

“The message, purportedly signed by ‘ACP Prince OlumuyiwaAdejobi, Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Police Command Headquarters, Abuja,’ is a fabrication. It was generated by individuals seeking to create tension and panic in the FCT,” the statement added.

The police authority urged Nigerians to rely only on verified information from official sources, including the police force’s social media handles, and warned against spreading unverified security alerts that could cause unnecessary alarm.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents of the FCT and the entire country. We encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station,” the statement read.

Source:naijanews.com

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

https://www.naijanews.com/2025/03/03/be-vigilant-report-suspicious-activities-police-clarify-reports-of-79-terrorists-in-abuja/

---------

Namibia's 'founding father' Sam Nujoma honoured in state funeral

2 March 2025

Namibia’s founding president, Sam Nujoma, who steered the country to freedom from apartheid South Africa, was laid to rest in the country’s Heroes Acre cemetery on Saturday.

It was attended by his widow, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and African leaders past and present.

They described Nujoma as an African icon, and a man of principles who defended the African continent against colonial systems.

"On these hallowed grounds the final resting place of Namibia's heroes and heroines to lay to rest. A most distinguished son of the soil. A giant among leaders and a revolutionary icon," said incumbent president NangoloMbumba.

Mourners from all corners of the country gathered from early in the morning at Heroes Acre in the capital, Windhoek, to pay their respects to Nujoma who died two weeks ago at the age of 95.

Described as the “founding father” of Namibia, he rose from herding cattle as a boy to leading the county’s independence struggle against apartheid South Africa.

He was seen as the last of a generation of leaders who headed anti-colonial movements and fought for freedom across the continent.

"He's an epitome of the struggle for the liberation of an African person. The African person in this context, Namibia, he is one of the few who stood up in the 50s to fight against apartheid, racial discrimination," said PendukeniIthana, vice-chairperson of the Sam Nujoma Foundation.

Nujoma who served three terms as president from 1990 to 2005 was widely credited with bringing peace and stability to Namibia.

Namibia had observed a 21-day mourning period, with flags at half-staff. Nujoma’s body was honoured with a nationwide farewell as his remains were flown to seven regions including his village homestead of Etunda, in Okahao.

As his casket, draped in the Namibian flag, was lowered, there was a 21-gun salute and a flypast by the Namibian Air Force.

Source:africanews.com

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

https://www.africanews.com/2025/03/02/namibias-founding-father-sam-nujoma-honoured-in-state-funeral/

---------

Southeast Asia

Religious Tourism in West Sumatra: From the Grand Mosque to the Oldest Surau

March 3, 2025

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tourist destinations in West Sumatra (Sumbar) are quite abundant, including the ones for religious tourism.

Sumbar is one of the popular tourist destinations, such as Jam Gadang in Bukittinggi City, RajoBasa Palace in Tanah Datar Regency, Lake Singkarak, and the Mentawai Islands which are among the world's best surfing spots.

Not to mention, religious tourism is also a favorite among tourists. It is no wonder that Sumbar is called one of the tourists' paradises.

In addition to natural and cultural tourism, Sumbar is also known for its religious tourism. The strong Islamic culture also influences the existence of religious tourism in the form of mosques. Here are the religious tourist destinations in West Sumatra.

1. Grand Mosque of West Sumatra

The Grand Mosque of West Sumatra is located in the city center, precisely on Jalan Khatib Sulaiman, North Padang District, Padang City. The solidly standing mosque with unique architecture has attracted the attention of many parties. This mosque has won the award for the best architectural building.

In daily life, the Minangkabau community is very close to the values of customs and culture. This is reflected in the architecture of the Grand Mosque, which mimics the roof of the traditional RumahGadang (big house).

The mosque, which stands on an area of more than 40,000 square meters, has a spacious, neatly arranged, and clean yard, making it suitable for taking selfies.

2. Ganting Grand Mosque

The Ganting Grand Mosque is located in Ganting Village, Padang City. The front of the mosque exhibits neoclassical architecture. The mosque's area is estimated to be around 30x30 square meters with 25 sokoguru (pillars) and can accommodate up to 4,000 worshipers.

The number of pillars symbolizes the number of prophets and messengers in Islam. The names of the 25 prophets and messengers are carved in Arabic calligraphy, giving artistic and religious value to the mosque building.

The Ganting Grand Mosque, which was built in the 19th century, has a rich and important history in the context of the culture and struggle of the people of West Sumatra. According to the book "Padang RiwayatmuDulu" (Padang,Your Past History) by RusliAmran, the Ganting Grand Mosque was built in 1866, making it the oldest mosque in Padang City.

The Ganting Grand Mosque was designated as one of the cultural heritages in Padang City. This is evidenced by the Decree of the Mayor of Padang Number 25 of 1998 concerning Cultural Heritage. The mosque is also one of the historical evidence of the struggle of the people of West Sumatra in gaining independence for Indonesia. Since its construction, the mosque has been renovated twice, in 1970 and 2007.

3. Al - Hakim Mosque

The Al Hakim Mosque stands majestically on the edge of the beach in Padang City. The mosque is white with gold accents on the inside. Its location near the beach makes this mosque a busy place for visitors every day.

There are cleanliness officers ready to maintain the mosque's cleanliness. Thus, visitors can comfortably worship in this place. As evening approaches, the terrace of the mosque is often crowded with people who want to witness the sunset over the sea of Padang. It is also easy to find food here, as there are many vendors selling various snacks, sugarcane juice, and traditional dishes.

4. Muhammadan Mosque

The Muhammadan Mosque is located at JalanPasarBatipuh No. 19, South Padang, Padang City. The mosque is located in the midst of a densely populated area. At first glance, there is nothing special about this mosque, but after learning its history, it turns out that this mosque was built by three Muslims from India.

The mosque, which witnessed the silent spread of Islam in Padang City, is estimated to be 3 centuries old, or was built around the years 1700-1800 AD. In addition, there is a story circulating that initially, the construction of this mosque did not use cement as a wall binder, but instead used egg whites mixed with limestone.

5. LubukBaukSurau

The LubukBaukSurau (A surau is an Islamic assembly building) located in Tanah Datar Regency, West Sumatra, tells an invaluable cultural story. This is where the great scholar and Minangkabau statesman, BuyaHamka, studied and sought knowledge of Islam during his childhood. Due to its historical value, this surau has been designated as a cultural heritage by the local tourism office. The LubukBaukSurau, which has 3 levels of roofs with 2 roofs in the shape of a pyramid and one roof resembling the roof of the RumahGadang as the characteristic of Minangkabau traditional houses.

6. GadangSyekh Burhanuddin Surau

GadangSyekh Burhanuddin Surau is named after one of its founders, Syekh Burhanuddin. This surau is known as the oldest surau in West Sumatra. The surau is located in TaluakNibungTanjung Medan, Sandi Ulakan Village, UlakanTapakis District, Padang PariamanRegency.BustamiTuanku Khatib Majolelo, the trustee of this grand surau, stated that SurauGadang was built by Syekh Burhanuddin in 1680. The building, mostly made of wood, was renovated after an earthquake in 2007.Those are some of the mosques that can be recommended for religious tourism, offering various unique features with high cultural and historical values.

7. Sukarno's Resting Place during the Japanese Era

Vice Chair of the Minangkabau Cultural Foundation, HasrilChaniago, said that when Sukarno and Fatmawati were exiled by the Dutch in Bengkulu, the Japanese landed in Sumatra in 1942. The Dutch then took Sukarno and his entourage to Painan, and they were picked up by the Hizbul Wathan (HW) warriors using a cart pulled by a cow.

The HW entourage that picked up Sukarno was led by Dahlan Datuk Junjungan, who was the father of the Indonesian Minister of Information in 1998, Muhammad Alwi Dahlan. "I got this story directly from Mr. Alwi Dahlan," said Hasril to Tempo last week.

According to Hasril, there are many versions regarding Sukarno's residence in Padang. Some say that Sukarno lived for a long time in the house of Waworuntu, a Dutch veterinarian. "There are many versions, some say at the Waworuntu's house, and some also at Egon Hakim's house," he said.

Source:tempo.co

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

https://en.tempo.co/read/1981776/religious-tourism-in-west-sumatra-from-the-grand-mosque-to-the-oldest-surau

-------

Worshippers’ donations push Kuala Krai mosque’s tarawih imam pay to five figures, on top of free housing, food and transport

03 Mar 2025

KOTA BARU, March 3 – A mosque in Kuala Krai, Kelantan has again caught attention this Ramadan for offering a massive amount of allowance for an imam to lead tarawih prayers whoch occurs every night during the holy month.

SinarHarian reported that while Tengku Muhammad Faris Petra Mosque initially offers RM6,000 per month, but contributions from worshippers often push the amount into five figures.

“In terms of payment, the mosque has set a base amount of RM6,000, but contributions from worshippers often increase this to five figures, as they donate and give alms to support the tarawih imam.

“We usually open a Ramadan fund for worshippers to donate, and this is also given to the imam. Accommodation, food, and transportation are also provided free of charge,” its chief imam Ahmad Maher Safiain reportedly said.

He said the substantial remuneration has drawn applications from individuals in Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, and Egypt, all keen to lead prayers at the mosque.

However, the mosque prioritises local hafiz (Quran memorisers) over foreign imams.

Ahmed Maher said the mosque wants an imam with a melodious yet strong voice and skilled Quranic recitation to enhance the spiritual experience of worshippers.

“This is important because during this blessed month, when rewards are multiplied, we want the imam’s recitation to touch the hearts of the congregation.

“It also serves as an attraction for people to come to the mosque and increase their acts of worship,” he said.

Last year, a post from the mosque’s Facebook page gained widespread attention by offering a RM6,000 payment for tarawih imams throughout the Ramadan month.

Ahmed Maher was then quoted saying the move was aimed at elevating the prestige of the role, which he said is not as easy as it seems.

Ahmad also explained that receiving a four-figure payment as a tarawih imam is not a new practice in this country, pointing to how a mosque in Kuala Lumpur would even offer a compensation of RM1,000 just for leading prayers for a single night,

Source:malaymail.com

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

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/03/03/worshippers-donations-push-kuala-krai-mosques-tarawih-imam-pay-to-five-figures-on-top-of-free-housing-food-and-transport/168483

--------

MACC confirms former PM Ismail Sabri is a suspect in RM170m graft probe

By Syed JaymalZahiid

03 Mar 2025

PUTRAJAYA, March 3 — The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) confirmed today that former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri is one of the key suspects in an ongoing corruption investigation involving hundreds of millions of ringgit in government funds.

This marks the first time the anti-graft body had named the Bera MP and Umno leader as a suspect.

"In this matter I can state that he is a suspect,” Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki told reporters here, referring to Ismail Sabri.

The MACC revealed last month that it is probing allegations of power abuse and embezzlement of public money used to fund the Ismail administration’s publicity drive, leading to the arrest of four aides to Ismail.

The agency did not clarify then if the former prime minister is a witness or was directly involved.

Source:malaymail.com

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

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/03/03/macc-confirms-former-pm-ismail-sabri-is-a-suspect-in-rm170m-graft-probe/168512

--------

Anwar: Parliamentary Services Bill a benchmark for Malaysia’s democratic maturity

By Soo Wern Jun

03 Mar 2025

PUTRAJAYA, March 3 — The tabling of the Parliamentary Services Bill tomorrow reflects the ability of the government in fulfilling its promises for institutional reforms, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today.

Amid criticisms over the slow pace, the prime minister explained that implementing the reforms has not been an easy task as it involves long discussions.

“This shows our country’s maturity in democracy and the Parliament Services Bill that will be tabled tomorrow in Parliament will be a benchmark of the MPs’ freedom of speech, reflecting that the Parliament is not too tied with the public services process.

“It will need the support of two-thirds of the Parliament and this is an important programme as it shows our ability to improve the governance and democracy of the country,” Anwar told civil servants at the Prime Minister’s Department monthly assembly here.

The Parliamentary Services Act 2025 aims to set up Parliamentary services as a separate service from the civil service.

On a separate note, he encouraged all civil servants to be well-versed with what goes on in Parliament.

“My view is that, civil servants should be more observant, even though they have been informed, the awareness should be raised.

“I see that decisions can’t reach the bottom and that’s why there is anxiety at the bottom,” he said.

Reminding Cabinet members and the Chief Secretary to the Government who is also present at the monthly assembly, Anwar said head of departments should not only focus on their respective departments.

Instead, he said they must ensure that decisions made during meetings be made known to all civil servants.

“This is similar to the Bills debated in Parliament, civil servants must understand that the democratic system had improved.

“So I hope in meetings like post-Cabinet meetings and department meetings — I see a disconnect whereby what is discussed does not reach the bottom - decisions be passed down to the bottom so that it ensures the efficiency of daily operations,” said Anwar. Source:malaymail.com

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

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/03/03/anwar-parliamentary-services-bill-a-benchmark-for-malaysias-democratic-maturity/168493

--------

Penang to promote its Ramadan bazaars as tourism attractions, KonYeow says

By OpalynMok

03 Mar 2025

GEORGE TOWN, March 3 — Penang said today it aims to further promote the state as a food paradise by adding its Ramadan bazaar as a tourism product next year.

Penang Chief Minister Chow KonYeow said the annual bazaar, especially the ones located in the Unesco Heritage Zone, has potential to be a tourism product.

“We already have a strong base, and the popularity of Ramadan bazaars is growing each year,” he said in a press conference after attending the opening of the Boya Institute Penang office, Phoenix Asia Academy of Technology and Metaverse Universal College at CPT Campus here.

He said the state needed to seize the opportunity by making its Ramadan bazaars a key attraction in the state’s tourism sector.

“This will not only attract domestic tourists but also international visitors,” he said.

He added that Penang is well known for its unique food and cultural heritage, so the Ramadan bazaars can serve as a platform to introduce these aspects to tourists.

He said a more well-organized Ramadan bazaar concept could be introduced in several locations instead of being limited to just one area.

“During Ramadan, we can see many bazaars opening in various places which showed there is a high demand, not only from the local community but also from tourists who want to experience shopping for food at a Ramadan bazaar,” he said.

Chow said this initiative was proposed by Penang Muslim League President Datuk Seri HajaNajmudeen Kader yesterday when he visited the Muslim League’s Ramadan Bazaar.

“This initiative aligns with the state government’s efforts to promote Penang as a preferred tourism destination throughout the year,” he said.

He said there will be more comprehensive promotional efforts, including through state tourism campaigns and digital marketing, to boost the recognition of Ramadan bazaars locally and internationally.

Source:malaymail.com

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

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/03/03/penang-to-promote-its-ramadan-bazaars-as-tourism-attractions-kon-yeow-says/168510

--------

Another WWII-era bomb safely detonated at Kinarut construction site

02 Mar 2025

PAPAR, March 2 — A World War II-era unexploded bomb found at a construction site near Lok Kawi Plastic Industries in Kinarut was successfully detonated today.

Papar police chief, Supt Kamaruddin Ambo Sakka, said that the unexploded ordnance (UXO) aerial bomb, believed to still be ‘live’, was detonated in three staged explosions between 11.55 am and 1.25 pm.

“No untoward incidents occurred during the operation. Prior to the bomb destruction, the police informed various involved agencies, including the Department of Environment. After the detonation, the Kinarut Police Station team collected information from the surrounding area to find out if anyone was affected by the explosions,” he said in a statement.

He added that the operation adhered to the standard operating procedures (SOP) set by the Disaster Management Committee under the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA).

On Feb 27, a 120cm-long, 250-kilogramme bomb was discovered by workers cleaning the construction site at 1.30 pm before being detonated. — Bernama

Source:malaymail.com

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

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/03/02/another-wwii-era-bomb-safely-detonated-at-kinarut-construction-site/168467

---------

URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/hindutva-muslims-holi-celebrations-uttar-pradesh/d/134771

New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism

Donate Now

Islamic World News ( 3 March 2025, NewAgeIslam.Com)

Hindutva Outfit Seeks Ban On Participation Of Muslims In Holi Celebrations In Uttar Pradesh

Loading..

Loading..