UP Asks Eateries On Kanwar Yatra Route to Display Owner Names"So That the Faith of Hindus Is Not Hurt"
New Age Islam News Bureau
18 July 2024
IMAGE: Uttar Pradesh Minister Asim Arun showers
flower petals on Kanwariyas during the Kanwar Yatra, at Meerut Tirahe, in
Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, July 13, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo
-----------
·
UP Asks Eateries On Kanwar Yatra Route to
Display Owner Names"So That the Faith of Hindus Is Not Hurt"
·
Drop Sabka Saath Slogan as Muslims Did Not Vote
for BJP: BJPBengal LoP
·
Muslim Spiritual Board of Russia Lashes Out at
Imam Who Advocated Wife Beating
·
US ‘Actively Assisting’ Israel’s Genocide in
Gaza: Jewish Peace Group
·
Saudi Arabia Calls for UN Security Council
Resolution to Compel Israel to End War, ‘Starvation’ Of Gazans
India
·
'Islamisation of Bengal a Reality': BJP's IT
Cell Chief
· Muslims now 40% of Assam population: CM Assam
·
In Malerkotla, 20 Armed Men Attack Muslim Activist,
Chop Ear; Victim Blames Land Mafia
·
Shia Mourners Booked Under UAPA for Raising
Pro-Palestine, Anti-Israel Slogans AtMuharram Procession In Srinagar
·
TMC MP Challenges Himanta's Muslim Population
Claims
·
Amid ongoing search for militants, 2 soldiers
injured in fresh gunfight in J-K’s Doda
·
Families alleged ‘mob lynching’, but police
chargesheet says cow transporters ‘jumped to their deaths’
·
Doda attack: Jaish suspects infiltrated six
months ago, ‘stayed off grid’ in Jammu
·
Security forces exchange fire with militants
who killed 4 Army soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda
--------
Europe
·
Government-Funded Anti-Muslim Hate Crime
Monitor Accused of Focusing on ‘Extremism’
·
Owner of buildings ‘expropriated’ to create
mosque says project ‘destroyed’ his life
·
JD Vance's 'Islamist Country' Remark Sparks
Outrage In UK, Deputy PM Dismisses 'Fruity' Remark
·
Two Jews and A Muslim: New UK Government’s
Senior Lawyers Are Sworn In
--------
North America
·
Vandals Repeatedly Target New Twin Cities
Muslim Community Centre
·
CAIR-MN calling for hate crime investigation
after vandalism at future Muslim centre
·
Islamic Insurance Helps Cover Muslim Farmers
Battling Climate Change
·
Taliban urges Imams to combat climate change
·
Islamic State attacks on track to double in
Iraq and Syria: CENTCOM
·
US fears Islamic State comeback in Syria, Iraq
·
The Muslim perspective on the attempted
assassination of Donald Trump
--------
Arab World
·
Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli strikes on UN
school in Gaza
·
Rock Inscriptions in Saudi Arabia’s Baha
Bookmark A Historic Era
·
Al-Baha festival provides economic benefits to
farmers
·
Saudi Endowment Authority tops government
employee engagement rankings
·
Saudi military industries authority to
participate in Farnborough airshow
·
AlUla forges ahead with prestigious
accreditation award
-------
Pakistan
·
Facebook Restricted Across Multiple Service
Providers inPakistan: NetBlocks
·
38 booked for attacking Muharram security team
in Bahawalpur
·
Balochistan’s young lawyers push for
accountability in judiciary
·
Shehbaz prays for Biden's swift recovery after
COVID diagnosis
·
PPP not in favour of ban on any party: CM Murad
·
Islamabad urges Kabul to take 'immediate
action' against terrorists involved in Bannu attack
·
Pakistani students in Bangladesh asked to stay
away from protests
·
'No one can dare to ban PTI,' Gandapur warns
PML-N govt
·
Pak Army continuing efforts for bringing youth
of tribal districts into mainstream
--------
Mideast
·
Israeli Strike Kills Islamic Group Leader, Abou
Mahmoud Mohammed Jabara, In Lebanon's Bekaa Region
·
Iran's embassy condemns attack on Shia mourners
in Oman
·
Islamic Jihad: Enemy's allegations about
movement's leader’s presence in Khan Yunis schools are pure lies
·
Senior Labour figures dismiss JD Vance's claim
on Britain becoming first 'Islamist' nuclear-armed nation
--------
Africa
·
We Have Successfully Overcome Boko Haram Attacks
InBorno - Commissioner
·
Islamic Relief hijacked in Philippi while
helping flooded residents
·
Rwanda's ruling coalition gets the highest
number of seats in parliament
·
Former South African President Zuma faces
expulsion from ANC after joining a rival party
·
UAE lifts 2022 visa ban on Nigerians
·
4 civilians killed in Boko Haram terror attack
in Cameroon
--------
Southeast Asia
·
Collaboration Key To Make Indonesia Muslim Fashion
Hub: Trade Minister
·
Tengku Zafrul: Second Trump presidency could be
good for Malaysia
·
Over 50% Of Halal Certified Companies Owner By
Non-Bumiputera: DPM
·
Malaysia will continue to support mandate of
UN-Habitat - Nga
·
Malaysia-Iran cooperation will not be
influenced by foreign parties - PM Anwar
·
MUI Suspends Two Members Over Links to
Jewish-Affiliated Organization
·
Indonesia, UAE Ink MoU Aimed at Linking Payment
Systems
·
Indonesia to Establish Task Force to Combat
Illegal Imports
·
Jokowi Makes EV Investment Pitch to UAE Leader
--------
South Asia
·
5 killed, 13 injured in traffic accident in
Badakhshan, Afghanistan
·
US providing emergency assistance to flood
victims in Afghanistan
·
Pakistan and Iran deport over 2,000 Afghan
refugees
·
Hundreds of security personnel to secure Paris
Olympics opening ceremony
·
Israeli parliament approves resolution
rejecting Palestinian statehood
·
SIGAR reveals lack of transparency in US aid to
Afghanistan
·
Over 1,000 Afghan refugees deported from Iran
and Pakistan
·
Japan expresses solidarity with storm and
flooding victims in Afghanistan
·
Afghanistan’s premier futsal league season
three to begin in two days
·
People will obtain passports easily in near
future, Hanafi
·
Russian investors interested in Panjshir mining
·
DAB governor, head of UNAMA discuss financial
service development
·
NDC to recruit state universities’ graduates
·
Recent floods victims deserve urgent assistance
·
Israeli airstrike in Syria results in
casualties
·
Understanding global concept of gender
·
Using own funds, Zabul residents launch public
projects
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL:
UP Asks
Eateries On Kanwar Yatra Route to Display Owner Names"So That the Faith of
Hindus Is Not Hurt"
July 18,
2024
IMAGE:
Uttar Pradesh Minister Asim Arun showers flower petals on Kanwariyas during the
Kanwar Yatra, at Meerut Tirahe, in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, July 13, 2024.
Photograph: ANI Photo
------------
The
police in Muzaffarnagar have ordered that all eateries on the Kanwar Yatra
route should display the names of owners to avoid any "confusion", a
move seen by the Opposition parties as targeting Muslim traders.
Congress
spokesperson Pawan Khera called the order "state-sponsored bigotry".
All
India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen president Asaduddin Owaisi compared it with
Apartheid and Judenboykott, the boycott of Jewish businesses in Hitler's
Germany.
"This
has been done to ensure that there should be no confusion among Kanwariyas and
no law and order situation arises. All are following this voluntarily," he
had told reporters.
Both the
Congress and the AIMIM have shared a video of Singh's media byte regarding his
order.
In a
post on X, Khera said, "Not just political parties, all right-thinking
people and the media must rise against this state-sponsored bigotry. We cannot
allow the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) to push the country back into dark
ages."
AIMIM
leader Owaisi said in his post in Hindi on X, "As per the order of Uttar
Pradesh Police, now every food shop or cart owner will have to put his name on
the board so that no Kanwariya buys anything from a Muslim shop by mistake.
This was called Apartheid in South Africa and in Hitler's Germany, it was
called 'Judenboycott'."
On July
9, the Vishva Hindu Parishad claimed that Muslims are selling puja items at
various Hindu pilgrimage sites by "concealing" their identity and
urged all state governments to take effective steps to prevent them from
running such shops "so that the faith of Hindus is not hurt".
In a
statement, Vishva Hindu Parishad secretary general Bajrang Bagra also appealed
to people to remain vigilant and immediately inform the local administration if
they find anyone from the minority community selling puja items near temples
and other Hindu religious sites.
Akhilesh
slams order
In
Lucknow, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday said the
Muzaffarnagar police's order asking eateries on the Kanwar Yatra route to
display their owners' names is a "social crime" and asked the courts
to take suo motu cognisance of the matter.
Reacting
to a news article on the order, Yadav wrote on X, "... And what if the
name of the owner is Guddu, Munna, Chhotu or Fatte? What can you find out from
these names?"
"The
honourable court should take suo motu cognizance of this matter and investigate
the intentions of the government and take appropriate punitive action,"
the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said.
He also
termed the order a "social crime".
"Such
an order is a social crime aimed at spoiling the peaceful atmosphere and
harmony," he said.
Muzaffarnagar
police chief Abhishek Singh on Monday said, "About 240 km of Kanwar Yatra
route falls in the district. All the eateries, including hotels, dhabas and
carts, on the route, have been asked to display the names of their proprietors
or those working on these shops."
"This
has been done to ensure that there should be no confusion among kanwariyas and
no law and order situation arises. All are following this voluntarily," he
had told reporters.
The
decision has drawn flak from politicians and members of the civil society.
Source: rediff.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.rediff.com/news/report/up-asks-eateries-on-kanwar-yatra-route-to-display-owner-names/20240718.htm
------
Drop
Sabka Saath Slogan as Muslims Did Not Vote for BJP: BJPBengal LoP
The
remarks by the Leader of Opposition triggered a controversy with senior party
leaders including trying a course correction
July 18,
2024
Leader
of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. File
photo | Photo Credit: PTI
--------------
Claiming
that Muslims of West Bengal did not vote for the Bharatiya Janata Party in the
recently concluded Lok Sabha election, the Leader of the Opposition in the
Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, on Wednesday stirred a hornets’ nest by calling for
putting an end to the BJP’s slogan of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.
“Stop
Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas . No need for minority Morcha [of the BJP],” the party
leader said at an event to take stock of its performance in the Lok Sabha
election.
The
remarks have triggered a controversy with senior party leaders including BJP
State president Sukanta Majumdar trying a course correction.
The
slogan Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas was coined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in
2014. In the recently concluded Lok Sabha election, the BJP won only 12 seats
in West Bengal, whereas the Trinamool Congress bagged 29. The BJP’s performance
was considered a setback as the party had won 18 Lok Sabha seats in the 2019
election. The party’s vote share stood around 38%, whereas Trinamool secured
about 46%.
Speaking
to presspersons, the Leader of the Opposition said only Hindus had voted for
the BJP in the Lok Sabha election, and alleged that local imams and muezzins
had threatened Muslims against voting for the BJP candidates.
“In the
2021 Assembly elections, 91% Muslims voted for Mamata Banerjee and in 2024, 95%
Muslims voted for Trinamool,” the Nandigram MLA said.
The
State BJP leadership held a press conference to clarify his remarks.
“The BJP
does not indulge in any politics over any particular community. We are for the
welfare of all 140 crore Indians,” State BJP spokesperson Shamik Bhattacharya
said. The BJP wants the support of “nationalist Muslims” and it does not matter
if they do not vote for the party.
Mr.
Adhikari was also quick to clarify his remarks saying that comments reflected a
political reality and were not aimed at the government schemes under Mr. Modi.
Source: thehindu.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/drop-sabka-saath-slogan-as-muslims-did-not-vote-for-bjp-says-suvendu/article68416559.ece
--------
Muslim
Spiritual Board of Russia Lashes Out at Imam Who Advocated Wife Beating
17 Jul,
2024
Getty
Images / AlxeyPnferov
------------
The
Muslim Spiritual Board of Russia has taken a stand against a cleric who sparked
public uproar with his commentary that seemed to encourage domestic violence.
In a
video podcast published by Tatar Inform news outlet on Sunday, the cleric, Imam
Timur Kamaev, attempted to explain a passage in the Quran regarding
disciplining disobedient wives; the Surah An-Nisa 34. He said that the process
should come in stages, with “those women whose rebellion you fear” to first be
“admonished” verbally, then barred from the marital bed and then “beaten.” When
asked to clarify the last part, Kamaev said it refers to light blows which
would not cause injury.
“For
example, there is such a thing as a Miswak, which is a small stick [for
brushing teeth]. You can gently hit your wife a couple of times with it –
moving your hand from the elbow, not from the shoulder,” the imam suggested,
adding that through this, the wife “must understand that she is doing something
wrong.”
The
story was quickly picked up by several other news outlets, and went viral on
social media, with some users slamming the imam’s suggestions as a “call for
violence,” while others doubted he correctly interpreted the religious text.
Tatar Inform later deleted the controversial podcast, accusing peers who publicized
it of taking the imam’s words out of context.
The
Muslim Spiritual Board of Russia on Wednesday rejected Kamaev’s reading of the
passage, stressing that violence is not encouraged in Islam.
“We are
fundamentally opposed to domestic violence and affirm that [Islamic Prophet]
Muhammad’s message is, at its core, humanistic… Unfortunately, there is still
widespread prejudice in the world, and primarily among Muslims themselves, that
Islam allows or even encourages this kind of ‘educational measures’ against
one’s wife,” Damir Mukhetdinov, deputy head of the board, told Gazeta.ru news
outlet. He noted that such misunderstandings are common with interpretations of
the Quran, as is the case with the famous Surah At-Tawbah 5, or Verse of the
Sword, “on the basis of which aggressiveness and militancy are attributed to
Islam.”
Mukhetdinov
suggested that with his interpretation, Kamaev may have tried to “appeal to
such views of the average person” and “clarify that the verse in question
should not be taken literally.” According to Mukhetdinov, the term “beat” in
this instance should be interpreted as “cut ties."
Source: rt.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.rt.com/russia/601225-quran-beating-wife-imam/
--------
US
‘actively assisting’ Israel’s genocide in Gaza: Jewish peace group
17 July
2024
A woman
walks with a girl past the rubble of a destroyed building in Khan Yunis in the
southern Gaza Strip on July 8. (Photo by AFP)
--------------
A
US-based Jewish peace group says Israel is continuing to commit acts of
genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip with full support from
Washington.
The
Jewish Voice for Peace made the remarks in a series of social media posts on
Tuesday, as the Israeli regime’s genocidal war on the besieged territory enters
its tenth month.
The
Israeli regime’s genocide “is accelerating with full support from the US,"
the group said, calling for action against the occupying regime.
The
Jewish activist organization further accused the Joe Biden administration of
"actively assisting" Israel in committing genocide in Gaza, given its
recent decision to resume transferring 500-pound bombs to the Israeli military.
"The
US isn't just allowing the Israeli [regime] to commit genocide; it's actively
assisting it. It's well past time for a weapons embargo," the group said.
Last
Wednesday, a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity said Washington is
set to resume shipping 500-pound bombs to Israel.
The
official added, however, that the US would continue to hold back on supplying
2,000-pound bombs over what he claimed to be “concerns” about their use in the
densely-populated city of Rafah in southern Gaza.
The US
media also confirmed that the shipment of 500-pound bombs to Israel is getting
underway.
In May,
the Biden administration paused a planned shipment to Israel of 2,000-pound and
500-pound bombs amid concerns about Israel’s plans for a possible ground
assault on Rafah, where 1.5 million displaced Palestinians have sought refuge.
Israel
launched the war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance movement
Hamas waged the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity
in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.
Since
then, the United States has supplied the Tel Aviv regime with more than 10,000
tons of military equipment and used its veto power against all United Nations
Security Council resolutions that called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
The Tel
Aviv regime has so far killed at least 38,713 Palestinians, mostly women and
children, in Gaza, and injured 89,166 others.
Source: presstv.ir
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/07/17/729486/Palestine-Israel-US-Jewish-Voice-for-Peace-accuse-Biden-administration-assisting--genocide-Gaza-Washington-support
--------
Saudi
Arabia calls for UN Security Council resolution to compel Israel to end war,
‘starvation’ of Gazans
July 18,
2024
Saudi
Arabia’s permanent representative to the UN, Abdulaziz Alwasil said Tel Aviv
must comply with the UN Security Council’s own resolutions, which call for an
immediate ceasefire and the delivery of aid into Gaza. (AFP file photo)
--------------
NEW
YORK: Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the UN, Abdulaziz Alwasil, on
Wednesday called on the UN Security Council to adopt a resolution that would
compel Israel to end its war on Gaza.
Alwasil
said Tel Aviv must comply with the Security Council’s own resolutions, which
call for an immediate ceasefire and the delivery of aid into Gaza.
He said
Israel, as the occupying power, must be forced to respect international law.
This includes implementing the International Court of Justice’s provisional
measures to end the genocide being perpetrated on the Palestinian people.
Alwasil
said the UN Security Council, since the beginning of the assault on Gaza 10
months ago, has been holding “meeting after meeting to no avail.”
Meanwhile,
the world continues to witness the Israeli “war machine deliberately targeting
civilians and imposing the harshest forms of collective punishment by killing,
displacing, starving and imposing a blockade on civilians.”
Alwasil
added: “All of these blatant violations are happening before the eyes of the
world and the international community continues to turn a blind eye.
“And
this inaction pushed the occupation power, which is hiding behind a solid wall,
to take advantage of this weakness and international silence to impose its
inhumane, violent practices unabated.”
The
Saudi Arabia envoy was speaking at a signature UN Security Council meeting
called by Russia, which is holding the rotating presidency of the body for the
month of July. It was chaired by Moscow’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Alwasil
lamented the failure of the Security Council to stop the war, which he blamed
on members of the body being bound by “short-sighted, selfish political
interests that have impeded its ability to take the necessary firm actions to
stop the Israeli aggression.”
“The
failure by the international community and the Security Council to protect the
innocent civilians has led so far to the killing of 38,000 people and the
injury and maiming of tens of thousands, most of whom are women and children,”
said Alwasil.
He
added: “How can such a forced displacement that is recurrent in Gaza be
justified? How can we stay silent in the face of this systematic starvation and
deliberative blockade? How can the international community stand idly while a
major humanitarian catastrophe is taking place before our eyes?”
Alwasil
vowed that his country would continue to support the Palestinian right to
self-determination and the establishment of a state on the lines of 1967 with
East Jerusalem as the capital.
This
would “ensure comprehensive justice (and) peace in line with the Arab Peace
Initiative and the relevant resolutions of international legitimacy.”
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2551696/saudi-arabia
---------
India
'Islamisation
of Bengal a Reality': BJP's IT Cell Chief
17 July
2024
BJP's IT
cell chief Amit Malviya on Tuesday flagged a post by Bengal Leader of
Opposition Suvendu Adhikari wherein the latter claimed that many were allowed
to cast their votes in the recently concluded Raiganj assembly bypolls based on
'handwritten ...
Malviya,
however, chose to highlight the issue that "99 per cent of booth presiding
officers" in the Raiganj bypolls were Muslims, and claimed that is the
reason why Trinamool won the seat.
He said
in a post on X, "Mamata Banerjee model of ‘winning’ elections. It can’t be
a coincidence that 99% of the booth presiding officers in Raiganj by-poll, a
seat which is BJP bastion, were Muslims. Result: TMC won! Islamisation of West
Bengal is a...
Suvendu,
on the other hand, alleged that the "handwritten voter slips" were
behind his party's heavy loss in the bypolls.
He
posted the results of the 2021 Assembly elections, the 2024 LS election vote
count in the Raiganj Assembly segment, and the recently concluded bypolls to
flag the stark difference in votes polled for the two parties in these
elections.
According
to Adhikari's tweet, the BJP got 79775 votes while the TMC bagged 59027 votes
in the 2021 Assembly elections in Raiganj.
In the
2024 Lok Sabha elections in the Raiganj Assembly segment, Adhikari claims that
the BJP got 93402 while the TMC got 46663 votes.
Then he
went on to highlight that in the bypoll elections, the picture took a drastic
turn as the TMC received 86479 votes while the saffron party managed only 36402
votes.
Adhikari
has also launched a portal to enable genuine voters who allegedly could not
exercise their franchise during the Lok Sabha elections and the recent bypolls
to register their complaints.
Adhikari
claimed that thousands of electors could not cast their votes during assembly
by-elections in four segments on July 10.
"As
promised, I have launched a portal where genuine voters can register their
names, who were not allowed to vote in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and the
recently concluded assembly bypolls.
"Whoever
was not allowed to vote, can register themselves, and full secrecy will be
ensured," the Leader of Opposition in the assembly said in a post on X on
Monday.
Source: deccanherald.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.deccanherald.com/india/west-bengal/islamisation-of-bengal-a-reality-malviya-says-99-muslim-presiding-officers-in-raiganj-bypoll-led-to-bjp-loss-3109128
---------
Muslims
now 40% of Assam population: CM Assam
Jul 18,
2024
RANCHI:
Jharkhand should treat Assam as a cautionary tale of how demographic change
caused by "infiltration from Bangladesh" has become "a matter of
life and death" for the state's indigenous population, CM Himanta Biswa
Sarma said Wednesday in Ranchi.
"In
Assam, Muslim population is 40%. It was 12% in 1951. We lost districts due to
infiltration and demographic change... It isn't a political issue for me. I
keep fighting this day in and out," Sarma, BJP's poll in-charge in
Jharkhand, said on the sidelines of meetings to take stock of the saffron
party's poll preparations.
Sarma
alleged that in Jharkhand, "appeasement politics" by the Hemant Soren
govt had triggered a "land jihad", where illegal immigrants were
luring tribals into fake marriages to usurp land.
"We
don't want this state to suffer the way Assam is suffering," Sarma said.
"They (JMM, Congress) are misleading everyone by putting the blame on
Centre. But let me tell you, central forces can't stop infiltration. If it is
happening in Khunti district, Centre can't do anything. It is state govt's job.
I do this regularly in Assam."
The
Assam CM pointed out that even Jharkhand HC recently directed the state govt to
identify infiltrators and deport them back. "If you only blame Centre for
it, then leave the chair, we will do what needs to be done after coming to
office," Sarma said.
He said
if BJP formed the next govt in Jharkhand, it must think of a stringent law to
prevent tribal girls falling prey to the designs of infiltrators on pretext of
marriage.
On Soren
taking over the chief ministership within days of getting bail in a land-linked
money laundering case, Sarma alleged that the former committed the equivalent
of "a political murder" by forcing his predecessor Champai Soren to
step down.
State
Congress president Rajesh Thakur said Sarma must pose questions to PM Narendra
Modi and home minister Amit Shah if he genuinely cared for the state and the
country. "If he or BJP is talking about infiltration, then it must first
accept that the country's borders aren't safe under the Modi govt."
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the
text of the original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/muslims-now-40-of-assam-population-cm-himanta-biswa-sarma/articleshow/111818093.cms
--------
In
Malerkotla, 20 armed men attack Muslim activist, chop ear; victim blames land
mafia
July 18,
2024
A social
activist from Muslim community, Adnan Ali Khan, was allegedly attacked by a
group of men in broad daylight in Malerkotla town on Wednesday. One of his ears
was also chopped using a sharp-edged weapon.
Khan
said that the attackers were carrying revolvers, swords and other sharp-edged
weapons and they were at least 20 in number. Fearing threat to his life, he has
urged the AAP government and Punjab Police to give him security cover.
Khan,
who had recently formed an organisation – “Muslim Tiger Force” – while blaming
“Muslim land mafia” for the attack, said that he was targeted as he has been
speaking out against the mafia that have encroached on Waqf Board property in
Punjab including mosques, burial grounds and others.
“Recently
I got a chunk of land vacated from encroachers in Raikot. That’s why I have
been targeted. I have been requesting for long to Punjab CM and DGP to provide
me security but no one bothered. I fear serious threat to my life,” he alleged.
Khan
said that on Wednesday he was present at a typist’s shop in the market of
Malerkotla when a group of at least 20 men, armed with swords and weapons,
opened attack on him. “My one ear has been chopped and I have received 15
stitches. They wanted to kill me,” said Khan, alleging that the local police
was not registering the FIR under attempt to murder sections.
“I
request CM and DGP to take strict action against this Muslim land mafia who
almost killed me and left me blood-soaked on road. Thanks to the crowd which
took me to hospital. Malerkotla police is not putting serious charges like
attempt to murder on them because of local MLA’s pressure. There are 15
stitches on my head and ear. I can’t hear properly as they pierced a sharp
weapon in my ear,” said Khan.
In the
recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, Khan had campaigned for Congress’s Sukhpal
Singh Khaira who unsuccessfully contested from Sangrur seat.
Malerkotla
DSP Gurdev Singh said that an FIR has been registered against six identified
persons named by Khan and their unidentified accomplices. “FIR sections have
been put as per the initial medical report which says injuries were caused with
blunt weapons. We will add attempt to murder later during further course of
probe,” said the DSP.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/malerkotla-armed-men-attack-muslim-activist-chop-ear-land-mafia-9460204/
--------
Shia
mourners booked under UAPA for raising pro-Palestine, anti-Israel slogans at
Muharram procession in Srinagar
Srinagar
MP Syed Aga Ruhullah sought the immediate release of youth arrested in the
case, and said it was ‘a harsh measure and an attempt to turn youth into
criminals’
July 17,
2024
A case
under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) was lodged by the J&K
Police against Shia mourners who allegedly raised pro-Palestine and anti-Israel
slogans during a Muharram procession in Srinagar two days ago. The move has
been condemned by several regional leaders.
“All
arrangements were made to ensure safe and secure Muharram processions for Shia
mourners. It’s a condition on part of the organisers, too, to cooperate.
However, some mischievous elements violated [the rules]. Police action has been
initiated and an investigation is underway,” Inspector General of Police (IGP)
Vidhi Kumar Birdi said.
A case
under Sections of the UAPA has been lodged at the Kothi Bagh Police Station in
Srinagar against “unknown persons who attended the 8th Muharram procession” at
Lal Chowk. Scores of mourners were seen carrying Palestine flags during the
procession and several youth were picked up.
Watch: As Muharram begins, Srinagar youth
distribute water, food
Srinagar
MP Syed Aga Ruhullah sought the immediate release of the youth arrested in the
case. “It’s a stated foreign policy of the country to support Palestine. The
youth just reiterated the stand on the streets. They were booked under UAPA
because they are Muslims. It’s a harsh measure and an attempt to turn youth
into criminals. This regime should book the government under UAPA too for
supporting Palestine,” Mr. Mehdi said.
He said
Shia mourners would support all oppressed and persecuted communities, whether
they be Muslims, Hindus or Sikhs. “It is a moral duty,” Mr. Mehdi said.
Kashmir’s
chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also expressed regret over the police action.
“It’s sad UAPA was slapped for raising voice in solidarity with oppressed
Palestinians, and protesting the year-long massacre of innocent children, women
and unarmed citizens,” the Mirwaiz said.
Mehbooba
Mufti seeks action against J&K DGP for ‘failure to contain militancy’,
‘communal agenda’
Shia
mourners on Wednesday took out a procession of the Youm-e-Ashura, a tradition
of the 10th Muharram. The procession, attended by hundreds of locals, started
from Gulshan Bagh Botakadal, passed through Madin Sahab, and concluded
peacefully at Mir Shams-ud-Din Araqi in Srinagar’s Zadibal.
Additional
Director General of Police (ADGP)-Law and Order Vijay Kumar, and Kashmir Inspector
General of Police V.K. Birdi, monitored the procession at Zadibal. “A
three-tier security is in place for 10th Muharram,” Mr. Kumar said.
Senior
leaders, including National Conference (NC) vice president Omar Abdullah, and
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra, joined Shia
mourners and served drinks from stalls during the processions.
Source: thehindu.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/shia-mourners-booked-under-uapa-for-raising-pro-palestine-anti-israel-slogans-at-muharram-procession-in-srinagar/article68415125.ece
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TMC MP
Challenges Himanta's Muslim Population Claims
Jul 18,
2024
Trinamool
Congress MP Sushmita Dev on Thursday contradicted Assam chief minister Himanta
Biswa Sarma's comment on the growing Muslim population in the state since 1951.
The
chief minister of Assam, during a press conference in Ranchi on Wednesday,
said, "Changing demography is a big issue for me. In Assam, the Muslim
population has reached 40 per cent today. In 1951, it was 12 per cent."
Sarma
also claimed that tribal girls were being lured into inter-faith marriages by
‘illegal immigrants’, saying, "We have lost many districts. This is not a
political issue for me. It is a matter of life and death for me."
His
comments caused a stir and a day later Sushmita Dev asserted that the chief
minister has got his facts wrong.
The TMC
MP put up a video on social media stating that the Muslim population in Assam
in 1951 was 25 per cent and not 12 per cent.
“A false
statement has come to light from Assam CM from Jharkhand. Firstly, I want to
tell that according to government data in 1952, 25 per cent of the Muslim
population was registered,” she said.
She also
questioned chief minister Sarma's numbers asking how he figured out this
percentage increase without a census being done in the country in the last ten
years.
She
said,“I want to remind Assam CM that the Indian Government was supposed to
conduct the population census but given the COVID-19 excuse, the census to date
has not taken place...then how did the 40 per cent figure come from?”
The TMC
MP also blamed the chief minister for not effectively sealing the
Indo-Bangladesh border, with only 78 per cent secured.
CM Sarma
had made thecomments in Jharkhand, where he is the co-in charge of assembly
elections. He warned the people of Jharkhand that what had happened to tribal
women in Assam, was also happening in their state and that a BJP government
would stop this practice.
Source: hindustantimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tmc-mp-challenges-himantas-muslim-population-claims-want-to-remind-assam-cm-101721274982393.html
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Amid
ongoing search for militants, 2 soldiers injured in fresh gunfight in J-K’s
Doda
Written
by Arun Sharma
July 18,
2024
security
attack, jammu, indian expressThursday's gunfight, which came within 24 hours of
terrorists having a brief exchange of fire with security forces in Desa’s
Bhatta forests, has been the third attack on security forces by militants in
the area since Monday night. (Express Archives)
Two
soldiers were injured in a fresh firefight between security forces and
militants early on Thursday in a forested area in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda
district. While the Indian Army confirmed the fresh encounter in Upper Desa
Bhatta forests in Kashtigarh area saying an operation was in progress, sources
said two soldiers were injured and they have been referred to the Doda
Government Medical College Hospital.
Thursday’s
gunfight, which came within 24 hours of terrorists having a brief exchange of
fire with security forces in Desa’s Bhatta forests, has been the third attack
on security forces by militants in the area since Monday night.
The
fresh exchange of fire between the two sides started after militants attacked a
party of security forces camping near a government school building in the area
around midnight. The gunfight stopped around 4 am after terrorists fled from
the spot.
The
security forces have launched massive combing and search operations in Desa
forests after they were attacked on Monday in which four soldiers, including an
Army captain, were killed. As the searches continue, security forces stay at
safer locations after sunset and resume operation in the morning.
The
militants who are believed to have escaped after killing the four Indian Army
personnel on Monday night, had a brief exchange of fire with security forces
and then with members of Melan Village Defence Group on the intervening night
of Tuesday and Wednesday.
The
security forces assisted by helicopter and drone surveillance have launched
massive searches in these forests. Para commandos have also been dropped at
different places in the area to locate the absconding militants.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/j-ks-doda-fresh-gunfight-soldiers-injured-militants-search-9460284/
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Families
alleged ‘mob lynching’, but police chargesheet says cow transporters ‘jumped to
their deaths’
Written
by Jayprakash S Naidu
July 18,
2024
cow
transporters, mob lynching, gau rakshaksThe SIT’s chargesheet said that the
five men who identified themselves as gau rakshaks (cow protector) were waiting
in three cars to intercept the victims (Express File Photo)
Three
cattle transporters who were found under a bridge in Arang in Chhattisgarh’s
Raipur district last month “jumped” to their deaths and were neither assaulted
nor confronted, a Special Investigation Team has said in its chargesheet filed
in a court last week. The police had earlier invoked assault and attempted
murder charges in the FIR.
The SIT
is learnt to have charged five arrested men under sections of culpable homicide
and common intention for the deaths of the three men, Saddam Qureshi (23),
Guddu Khan (35), and Chand Miya Khan (23).
Qureshi
and his cousin Chand Miya Khan (23), both from Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur
district, and Guddu Khan (35) from Shamli district, were transporting cattle
from Mahasamund to state capital Raipur on June 7 when they were allegedly
chased by a mob on suspicion of cow smuggling and were later found lying on the
rocks below a bridge.
While
Chand Miya died on the spot, Guddu died on the way to the hospital that day and
Qureshi succumbed to his injuries on June 18.
The
SIT’s chargesheet said that the five men who identified themselves as gau
rakshaks (cow protector) were waiting in three cars to intercept the victims
and gave their truck a chase, periodically pelting it with rocks and breaking
its windshield. The chase allegedly continued for 53 kilometres, with the
chargesheet claiming that the accused did this with the full knowledge that it
was illegal and could lead to death or injuries.
Scared,
the victims allegedly stopped their car on the bridge over the Mahanadi river
and jumped down in a bid to escape.
Sources
said that a report from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) could not
conclusively establish assault. Additionally, the chargesheet was filed based
on circumstantial and technical evidence, with no eyewitness accounts, they
said.
Qureshi’s
cousin Shoaib Khan had however claimed before the police that he received a
frantic call from his cousin saying that they had been assaulted.
“Qureshi
was a helper. He called and kept the phone in his pocket. He was screaming that
his hand and leg were broken. He was pleading, ‘bhaiya paani pila do ek ghoot.
Maro mat bas paani pila do (give me a sip of water, please don’t beat me)’,”
Shoaib had said. “We could also hear some men ask him, ‘kahan se laaye ho…
chodenge nahi (where did you bring it from… we will not spare you)’,” he had
told The Indian Express earlier.
At that
time, police had registered an FIR under IPC sections 304 (culpable homicide)
and 307 (attempt to murder). However, after Qureshi’s death on June 18, the
police claimed that his postmortem report did not mention injuries from assault
and dropped the attempted murder charge.
When
contacted about the chargesheet on Wednesday, Additional Superintendent (Raipur
Rural) Kirtan Rathore reiterated: “The assault never took place. The three got
scared and jumped.”
However,
Shoaib, based on whose statement the police filed its first FIR, accused the
police of lying. He also said he would take legal counsel on their next course
of action.
“I told
you the truth. I got a call from Saddam who said he was being beaten. My friend
who was with me got a call from Chand, who said that their vehicle was stopped.
I could hear Saddam screaming and crying for help and asking for water,” he
told The Indian Express.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/families-alleged-mob-lynching-but-police-chargesheet-says-cow-transporters-jumped-to-their-deaths-9459933/
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Doda
attack: Jaish suspects infiltrated six months ago, ‘stayed off grid’ in Jammu
So far,
11 Armed Forces personnel have been killed by such groups, usually comprising
three to five men, in six separate attacks this year.
Written
by Deeptiman Tiwary
July 18,
2024
The
recent attacks that have rocked the Jammu region are suspected to have been
perpetrated by a “fresh batch of terrorists” who infiltrated in the past six months
and comprise fighters from Pakistan’s Punjab as well as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
regions, said sources. Most of them are suspected to be Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)
recruits.
According
to sources, while the ‘People’s Anti-Fascist Front’ claimed credit for the attacks
in Poonch-Rajouri earlier, the ‘Kashmir Tigers’ took responsibility for the
more recent attacks in Doda-Kathua. Both these groups are suspected to be JeM
fronts, said sources.
The
groups are highly trained, motivated and those from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
region may also have battle experience, including in Afghanistan, said sources
in the security establishment. Former Pakistan Army soldiers may also be among
them, added sources.
So far,
11 Armed Forces personnel have been killed by such groups, usually comprising
three to five men, in six separate attacks this year. Most of these casualties
have taken place in the past few weeks alone. Besides, nine passengers also
died when a civilian bus was targeted in Reasi last month.
Captain
among four Army personnel killed in J&K gunfight, search ops on J&K L-G
Manoj Sinha pays tribute to the Army personnel in Jammu, Tuesday. (PTI)
The
recent incidents come on the back of a series of precision attacks in the Jammu
region since October 2021. Before the June-July attacks this year, the Army had
already lost close to 40 personnel since 2021. The earlier attacks, however,
were focussed in the Poonch-Rajouri sector, near the Line of Control (LoC). But
the recent attacks have moved deeper into regions such as Doda, Kathua and
Reasi.
“This is
a different batch of terrorists that has infiltrated in the past six months.
The Poonch-Rajouri sector terrorists, we suspect, continue to operate in that
region. The new batch is suspected to have been divided into four-five lean
groups, which are operating with considerable stealth and are highly trained,”
said a security establishment officer in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
Security
agencies engaged in counter-terrorism in the region, however, believe they are
all drawn from the same pool.
“Both
the Poonch-Rajouri and Doda-Kathua-Reasi batches have the same modus operandi.
They have the same level of military training, reconnaissance capability,
aversion to use of technology or public contact, and apply similar guerilla
warfare tactics. Both have similar sophisticated weapons and have been making
videos of the attacks. Given the nature of the attacks, the presence of Pathan
fighters from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region, who have earlier fought alongside
the Taliban, cannot be ruled out,” said another officer from J&K.
Captain
among four Army personnel killed in J&K gunfight, search ops on Clockwise
from top left: Captain Brijesh Thapa, Naik D Rajesh, Sepoy Ajay Kumar Singh and
Sepoy Bijendra
“Both
groups have made sophisticated videos of the attacks using body cameras, and a
backend team puts text in impeccable literary English for propaganda. They
sometimes even quote noted authors and poets such as Robert Frost,” said an
Armed Forces officer.
The
continued attacks, despite aggressive counter operations by the security
forces, has the establishment worried. While the groups are estimated to number
not more than 20 in both the regions, security forces have not had much
success.
“They
simply disappear in the thick jungles after the attacks. It is very difficult
to chase or locate them in such hilly forests. Recently, when the Army became
more careful about its movements, they ambushed an IAF’s administrative unit
vehicle in Poonch,” said an Armed Forces officer.
In many
of the attacks, like in the recent ambush on an Army convoy in Kathua, they
even looted the security forces’ weapons and bulletproof jackets, said sources.
Sources
pointed out that the security forces suffered additional casualties in counter
operations. In October 2021, for instance, five soldiers were killed in an
ambush at Dehra ki Gali in Poonch, and another five were killed when they
pursued the attackers.
doda
encounter, jammu terror attack A security personnel stands guard during an
anti-terror operation in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, Tuesday, July 16,
2024. (PTI Photo)
In May
2023, five Para commandos were killed in Kandi forests of Rajouri as they
waited for suspected terrorists to pick up their food. In the recent Doda
attack too, five Army personnel were killed during a search operation following
an intelligence input.
Explaining
the difficulties in tracking these groups, a J&K Police officer said: “They
don’t use phones. They don’t go to villages and live with locals. They live in
the woods or in caves. They either buy the food carried by Bakarwals in the
jungles, or source it from their contacts through a chain that does not lead to
them. Food is sometimes dropped in the jungle, which is picked up at will. If
they have to send a message, they use a radio frequency messenger that cannot
be intercepted. So human intelligence is all we can depend on.”
Security
forces suspect some local support too. “You cannot operate for months, even
years, without some local support. They are getting precise information about
the movements of security forces. They are constantly on the move. There have
been spottings by locals too, and some successes have resulted from them. But
we are yet to get a big breakthrough,” the officer said.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/doda-attack-jaish-suspects-infiltrated-six-months-ago-in-jammu-9459987/
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Security
forces exchange fire with militants who killed 4 Army soldiers in Jammu and
Kashmir’s Doda
Massive
searches are underway in Doda to track the militants.
Written
by Arun Sharma
July 17,
2024
Encounter
in DodaDoda: Security forces personnel during and encounter with terrorists in
Desa forest area, in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, Tuesday, July 16,
2024. (PTI Photo)
The
militants who are believed to have escaped after killing four Indian Army
personnel in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda on Monday night had a brief exchange of
fire with security forces during the early hours of Wednesday in a forested
area of the district.
According
to sources, the exchange of fire between the security forces and the militants
took place around 1 am when they opened fire on the search parties in the
Bhatta Dessa forests of Doda. The security forces then retaliated, and after a
brief exchange of fire, the militants fled. While escaping, they came across a
Village Defence Group (VDG) and had a brief exchange of fire with it before
absconding to the upper reaches of the area.
Massive
searches by security forces, Jammu Kashmir Police, and Central Armed Police
Force personnel are underway in the area, said officials
On
Monday night, militants attacked a joint search party of the Army and police
personnel in the forest area killing a Captain among four soldiers. They are
believed to be the same group who had fled after attacking the security forces
and police in Foda district’s Sezan forests on the evening of July 9.
The
security forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police have been conducting a series of
joint and coordinated operations to eliminate militants who they believe to
have infiltrated from across the border and are moving in the upper reaches of
Udhampur, Doda, and Kishtwar districts.
Searches
in Doda forests have been underway since terrorists attacked a patrol party
killing an SPO on April 28 in Udhampur’s Basantgarh area which borders
Bhaderwah’s Seij Dhar area.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/security-forces-exchange-fire-with-militants-who-killed-4-army-soldiers-in-j-ks-doda-9458154/
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Europe
Government-Funded
Anti-Muslim Hate Crime Monitor Accused of Focusing on ‘Extremism’
17 July
2024
Through
14 years of Conservative rule, the UK Government has increasingly severed lines
of engagement with Muslim communities amidst a rising tide of anti-Muslim
hatred that is fracturing social cohesion and national unity.
But the
precedent for this process began under the Labour Party in 2009 when Gordon
Brown abruptly banned the government from engaging with the Muslim Council of
Britain (MCB) – the umbrella body representing some 500 mosques and Muslim
community organisations nationwide.
At the
time, MCB’s deputy leader, Daud Abdalah, had signed a controversial document in
Istanbul calling for violence against Israel and condoning attacks on British
troops.
The
Government lifted the ban the following year after the MCB denounced the
Istanbul declaration, made clear that Abdalah had acted in a personal capacity,
and confirmed its commitment to ensuring members remained true to council
policies opposing antisemitism and attacks on British defence interests.
A decade
later in March 2020, under Boris Johnson’s premiership, the MCB made a fatal
political mistake: it published an extensive report documenting evidence of
high-level institutionalised Islamophobia across the Conservative Party and
government.
Almost
instantly, the organisation became persona non grata. Government departments
were banned from engaging with the MCB.
But it
wasn’t just the MCB. After that point, the UK Government began to
systematically degrade and sever ties with diverse Muslim organisations across
the country – to the point that there is now only one that it considers
legitimate enough to speak with: a little-known group called ‘Faith Matters‘.
Originally
established in 2006 under Tony Blair, Faith Matters was founded by Fiyaz Mughal
and Iman Atta.
In 2012,
with the financial support of David Cameron’s Conservative-led coalition
Government, Faith Matters established ‘Tell MAMA’ as a national anti-Muslim
hate crime monitoring agency.
The
organisation was launched by then Senior Minister for Faith, Baroness Sayeeda
Warsi. It was modelled on the Community Security Trust, a British charity which
monitors antisemitic incidents across the UK.
Unlike
the Community Security Trust, Faith Matters is not a charity. Rather, it’s a
Community Interest Company (CIC), which means it is subjected to much lighter
regulation.
Since
2012, as one of the only Muslim-led organisations the UK Government actively
engages with, Faith Matters has received £7 million in government funding
specifically to support its work monitoring anti-Muslim hate incidents across
the country through Tell MAMA. Despite this, on the ‘about’ section of its
website, Tell MAMA, states that is “an independent, non-governmental
organisation” and that its work “is not influenced or wholly shaped by
government”.
Shortly
before crashing out of power in the 2024 UK elections, the Conservative Party’s
manifesto mentioned Tell MAMA specifically, noting that it is “proud to support
and help fund” its “vital work”.
British
Muslim women speak out
It
remains to be seen whether Faith Matters will continue to be the singular
Muslim organisation of choice that Keir Starmer’s Labour Government turns to in
understanding and combating Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred. If that’s the
case, it would likely be challenged by some of the most prominent British
Muslim politicians in the country.
On 20
May, several senior British Muslim members of the House of Lords publicly
challenged the Conservative Government about its unstinting support for Faith
Matters and its Tell MAMA initiative and the seeming monopoly it appears to
hold on government engagement with Muslim communities.
Baroness
Shaista Gohir, the cross-bench life peer and respected women’s rights
campaigner, told her fellow Lords in Parliament in May 2024 that Muslim
communities “do not have trust and confidence in Tell MAMA.
“I have
written a letter to the Government with 31 questions about Tell MAMA, and the
Government have not answered them. When will the Government answer my questions
in full, and when will Tell MAMA’s data be made available in full? When will
Tell MAMA’s poor governance and the quality of its work be assessed? When will
its funding be reviewed? It gets around £1 million a year, and no one knows
what it does with this money. Why the lack of transparency when it comes to
Tell MAMA?”
Former
Cabinet Minister and Conservative Party Co-Chair Baroness Warsi also spoke in
the House of Lords in support of Baroness Gohir, noting that she had seen her
letters to the Government about Tell MAMA.
“To some
extent, I bear responsibility, as I was there when the organisation was set
up”, Baroness Warsi admitted. “There are deep concerns about its finances,
governance, associations and connections… These are really serious allegations
about an organisation that is there to protect Muslims in the United Kingdom. I
urge my noble friend to look at these matters seriously.
Several
other senior British Muslim women politicians, including Baroness Hussein-Ece
and Baroness Uddin supported these lines of questioning and expressed concern
with the Government’s lack of meaningful efforts to address anti-Muslim hate
crimes, particularly against British Muslim women who bear the brunt of such
attacks.
In
response, then Minister Baroness Swinburne confirmed to the House of Lords that
“the department is being asked to investigate and look at all the matters”
raised by Baroness Gohir.
The
Conservative Government’s written answers in the House of Lords to Baroness
Gohir’s questions offered little clarity. The Government noted that Tell MAMA
was being funded “with the express remit of supporting victims of anti-Muslim
hatred and monitoring incidents”, and insisted that its work is “recognised
internationally as a good practice model in recording and monitoring
anti-Muslim hate”.
What are
these Concerns?
To get a
deeper understanding of the concerns raised, I reached out to Baroness Gohir
and asked to see her correspondence with the British Government.
From
January to March 2024, Baroness Gohir – who is CEO of the Muslim Women’s
Network, a national charity – wrote a series of letters to two Conservative
Ministers, Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Secretary Michael Gove, and
Baroness Jane Scott, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Social Housing
and Faith.
The
letters asked a series of urgent questions about how some £7 million in public
funds allocated to monitor anti-Muslim hate crimes has been spent on the
government’s watch for around a decade.
Gohir’s
letters ultimately question whether Tell MAMA has functioned as effectively as
it should as a national anti-Muslim hate crime monitoring agency, and whether
it is doing as good a job as it should with the public funds it receives via
Faith Matters.
When I
approached Tell MAMA for comment, I did not receive a response from them
directly. Instead, Byline Times received letters from Faith Matters’ appointed
legal representatives, the London-based law firm Mishcon de Reya. Their
response unequivocally denied any lack of transparency and poor governance and
demanded that we desist from publishing Baroness Gohir’s concerns and
allegations in her letters under threat of a defamation lawsuit.
Earlier
this year, Byline Times revealed that the Conservative Government had reversed
its decision to appoint Tell MAMA’s founder, Fiyaz Mughal, as its new
anti-Muslim hatred tsar. The reversal occurred after the Government received
inquiries from Byline Times about Mughal’s role in suppressing a Tell
MAMA-commissioned report describing Conservative Party ties with far-right
groups.
Neither
Mughal nor Tell MAMA responded to Byline Times’ enquiries at the time about the
appointment. But three months later, on 20 June, following my enquiries with
Tell MAMA about Baroness Gohir’s concerns, Mishcon de Reya demanded on behalf
of its client that Byline Times remove our article about Mughal. Tell MAMA also
published Mishcon de Reya’s letter on its website – but deleted it after
receiving this newspaper’s rebuttal.
On 15
July, after I contacted the new Labour Government about its relationship with
Tell MAMA, the organisation republished that legal letter, published the second
legal letter from Mishcon de Reya and tweeted them out, in order to “rightfully
question whether Ahmed can be impartial in his journalism in the future towards
Tell MAMA”.
On 9
January, Baroness Gohir wrote to Gove raising concerns about “the lack of
transparency” in public funding to Faith Matters and Tell MAMA.
She
noted that it is not possible for the public to find out who – other than the
UK Government – funds Faith Matters, nor to know how Faith Matters spends the
public funds it does receive. She also questioned the government’s reliance on
one organisation.
“Any
funds that are made available to tackle and monitor anti-Muslim prejudice
should not be restricted to certain groups,” she wrote. “Muslim communities are
very diverse and an approach where several organisations are involved is essential
to improve reach and effectiveness.”
In
response, Baroness Scott – then Minister at the Department of Levelling Up,
Housing and Communities (DLUHC) – wrote: “There is a robust monitoring and
evaluation process for all our funded partners including Tell MAMA”. She said
it sends the DLUHC “regular quarterly reports”, detailing “the work carried out
against the work plan”.
Trust
and governance issues?
Another
problem identified by Baroness Gohir is that Tell MAMA is widely distrusted by
the very Muslim communities it is supposed to protect.
“The
absence of support from Muslims should be a cause for concern, unless, of
course, this aligns with the Government’s strategic goals,” she wrote in the
letter, which included 31 detailed questions about Tell MAMA’s work, funding,
transparency, and accountability.
This
included a request for “a breakdown of how the recent £1 million awarded by the
Government will be spent… the timeline for expenditure and whether all funds
have been paid in full”.
Her
letter also claimed that Tell MAMA suffers from “poor governance”, with its
director Iman Abou Atta simultaneously acting as a company director and board
member of Faith Matters.
Baroness
Gohir wrote that there is no independent board able to hold Tell MAMA’s director
to account on issues such as “setting salaries” or “safeguarding the
organisation from undue government influence”.
Faith
Matters legal representatives, Mishcon de Reya, said that while Atta “feeds
into project-related matters, including management of projects and associated
risks, her role on the board is, in effect, secretarial (as company secretary).
She takes no part in decision-making by the board, including refraining from
voting on any board matters. This is a perfectly normal and acceptable arrangement
within CICs.”
On 11
March, Baroness Gohir sent a letter to Baroness Scott requesting the government
investigate irregularities in Companies House filings by two directors of Faith
Matters, Atta, who is Fiyaz Mughal’s ex-wife, and Haifa Shhadeh. Baroness
Gohir’s letter noted that Atta and Shhadeh appear to be, or have been,
directors of separate community interest companies – Social Change Through
Education in the Middle East CIC and Stop Funding Hate CIC – yet filed
different biographical data, with variations in surname, date of birth,
nationality and occupation.
Baroness
Gohir concluded: “I strongly urge the Government to pause funding until a
comprehensive investigation is conducted… As the guardian of public funds, this
responsibility falls upon the Government.”
Baroness
Scott replied to Baroness Gohir’s concerns on 17 April, writing: “With regards
to the second letter concerning the two directors of Faith Matters including
the CEO of Tell MAMA’s variation of name spelling and inconsistent date of births,
we suggest you raise this complaint with Companies House directly.”
Faith
Matters unequivocally denied any misconduct in the Companies House filings.
Mishcon de Reya said that “the only ‘irregularity’ appears to be that Ms Atta
erroneously recorded her date of birth as April 1978, rather than April 1976,
in respect of Stop Funding Hate CIC, an organisation from which she resigned in
February 2021”.
Countering
extremism?
On 8
March, Baroness Gohir wrote to Baroness Scott noting that the most recent Companies
House statement filed by Faith Matters at the time (March 2022) “does not even
mention Tell MAMA’s Islamophobia monitoring work”.
Instead,
the CIC filing referred to “promoting community cohesion, countering extremism,
and tackling hatred and intolerance”, as well as, “developing social media
literacy skills”; “countering hatred and intolerance”, and “debunking myths and
misinformation”.
In
comments to Byline Times, Baroness Gohir said: “It’s a bit odd they don’t
mention they monitor Islamophobia and instead talk about tackling attitudes,
extremism, but don’t say what type and who. I don’t think it’s tackling
extremism against Muslims but Muslim extremism.”
Mishcon
de Reya flatly denied this on behalf of Faith Matters, asserting that the
“extremism” referred to was to do with Islamophobic and far-right sentiment.
From
2012 to 2016, Faith Matters’ Companies House CIC documents explicitly describe
running a national hate crime monitoring project. From 2017 to 2022, they
don’t.
Between
2016 and 2022, the organisation received £5.6 million from the government. It
received a further £1 million in 2023.
Government
guidance states that CIC directors “have an important additional obligation to
prepare an annual CIC Report (form CIC34) to be filed with their accounts. The
purpose of the CIC Report is to show that the CIC is still satisfying the
community interest test, and that it is engaging appropriately with its
stakeholders in carrying out activities, which benefit the community.”
The
“minimum requirements” in each annual CIC report include providing “details of
what the CIC has done to benefit the community” and “details of how it has
consulted its stakeholders on its activities”.
Faith
Matters CIC reports should, then, contain details about Tell MAMA’s national
anti-Muslim hate crime monitoring activity. In 2012, Faith Matters’ community
interest company filing reported developing “a national hate crime monitoring
project to counter religious hate crime”.
But in
2017, its CIC report noted that Faith Matters had provided “counselling,
one-to-one advice, signposting, and pastoral care services to people affected
by hate crimes through the Tell Mama project in 2016/2017”. The filing did not
describe a national hate crime monitoring project.
By 2018,
there was no further mention of Tell MAMA at all, but a reference to “support
services for victims of anti-Muslim hate”, rather than a national hate crime
monitoring project. The report also mentioned producing “research reports on
extremist groups”.
From
2019 to 2022, Faith Matters’ CIC reporting over four years repeated almost
verbatim the same text about its activities, saying its work focused on
“promoting community cohesion, countering extremism, and tackling hatred and
intolerance”. Neither Tell MAMA nor national anti-Muslim hate crime monitoring
were mentioned.
The
discrepancy raises the question of whether Tell MAMA’s data collection in this
period could be properly characterised as a systematic national monitoring
service, as opposed to something less fitting.
When
asked about Faith Matters’ failure to mention a national anti-Muslim hate crime
monitoring project in its CIC reports from 2016/17 to 2022, Mishcon de Reya
denied any such omissions, stating: “… our client did in fact refer to Tell
MAMA and its work on anti-Muslim hate crime monitoring in its CIC reports from
2016 onwards.”
Then on
10 July, subsequent to the above statement, Faith Matters filed a new CIC
report referring to “hate crime work” for the first time after omitting it for
four years: “Our work continues in tackling misinformation, hatred and
intolerance online as well as offline. And our work has been noted as best
model in hate crime work.”
Source: bylinetimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://bylinetimes.com/2024/07/17/government-funded-anti-muslim-hate-crime-monitor-accused-of-focusing-on-extremism/
--------
Owner of
buildings ‘expropriated’ to create mosque says project ‘destroyed’ his life
17th
July 2024
António
Barroso explains buildings in council’s name – but he still has to pay for them
The
absolute shambles of a “supersonic expropriation process” to supposedly
construct a new mosque in Lisbon’s Mouraria district has once again come to the
fore, with the previous owner of the two buildings seized by Lisbon city
council stressing the whole experience has “destroyed” his life.
António
Barroso was forced to give up his rights to two buildings in Rua Benformoso in
2016.
At the
time the city council was being run by former Socialist prime minister António
Costa (now the president of the European Council) and his deputy Fernando
Medina (who went on to be Lisbon mayor after Costa, and then minister of
finance, in Costa’s last government).
António
Barroso told a meeting of Lisbon Municipal Assembly this week that the whole
process had been “badly handled” by the two men: since 2017, the buildings have
been in the name of the city council, but Mr Barroso still has to go on paying
for them ‘every month’.
“I
wanted to keep living there”, he told the meeting during the time for public
speaking – but instead he was left with debts to the tax office and social
security. He said he has even been threatened by the council that he would end
up living on the streets.
As Lusa
news agency explains, the project to build a new mosque in Mouraria dates back
to 2012. Initially it was planned to demolish buildings to create a square that
would allow access to the mosque via a pedestrianised passage between Rua da
Palma and Rua do Benformoso.
It was
in this context that António Barroso’s properties were expropriated: he claims
for a value very much below what he should have been offered. But what adds to
the agony, is that nothing, but nothing, has ever moved forwards.
IL
councillor Angélique da Teresa stresses that the mosque project dates so far
back, that it probably now is “out of date” (as so many more Muslims have since
begun living in the area, and requiring a mosque in which to worship).
“How can
a city council that allows so much of its property to be occupied illegally;
that has vacant properties, that accumulates debts due to non-collection of
rents; that had a drainage plan in the drawer for decades on end, despite
successive floods; that hasn’t yet finalised the decentralisation process in
the riverside area; which has the Tapada das Necessidades, a royal garden, in
total decay; which hasn’t resolved the Braço de Prata Factory and which
operates without the minimum safety conditions, then manage to implement an
expropriation process so quickly?” She queried.
Agreeing
with the need to build a mosque in order to have a ‘dignified and safe’ place
for people to pray, IL defended the implementation of the project in a space
‘where there is no need to expropriate anyone’, pointing out that Lisbon has
empty plots of land where the mosque could be built.
“We
don’t have to condemn anyone to being left without their home, and even more so
an elderly person over the age of 70,” she said (referring to António Barroso).
Referring
the council’s position to the vice-president, Filipe Anacoreta Correia
(CDS-PP), the councillor for Municipal Works, Filipa Roseta (PSD), said that
the current executive decided, two months after taking office in October 2021,
to suspend the compulsory works to demolish the house of Mr Barroso.
It now
remains to be seen whether the whole project will be shunted sideways, to an
area where no residents are required to lose their homes, or their lifetime’s
assets.
Source: portugalresident.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.portugalresident.com/owner-of-buildings-expropriated-to-create-mosque-says-project-destroyed-his-life/
--------
JD
Vance's 'Islamist Country' Remark Sparks Outrage In UK, Deputy PM Dismisses
'Fruity' Remark
17 July
2024
A day
after former US president Donald Trump announced Ohio Senator JD Vance as his
running mate, the vice presidential pick has already sparked controversy. His
recent statements against the newly elected Labour Government have sparked
outrage across the UK.
Speaking
at the National Conservatism Conference in Washington last week, Vance cited a
conversation with a friend and said that the UK is on track to become "the
first Islamist country with nuclear weapons".
What Did
Vance Say?
"I
was talking about, you know: what is the first truly Islamist country that will
get a nuclear weapon?” he said. “Maybe it is Iran, maybe Pakistan already kind
of counts, and then we finally decided that it’s actually the UK – since Labour
just took over," Vance was quoted as saying.
"American
leaders should look out for Americans... and for the Brits, UK leaders should
look out for citizens of the UK or subjects or whatever you guys call
yourselves," Vance added further, adding that the Torys in the UK have
"got to get a handle on this".
Outrage
In The UK
Politicians
in the UK have slammed the remarks as "ignorant and racist".
Labour
MP Rosie Duffield called the remark an "obviously a pretty ignorant and
racist comment” while Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer termed the comment as
"Islamophobic."
Even
Reform UK Leader Nigel Farage, who is known for favouring Trump and his
policies, disagreed with the VP pick's comments.
"The
truth is that Islamists are not within Labour but without and that will cost
them the next general election," stated Farage.
UK
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner dismissed the comments as another one of
Vance's "fruity" remarks.
Speaking
to ITV's Good Morning Britain, the Deputy PM said - "I think he said quite
a lot of fruity things in the past as well."
“Look, I
don’t recognise that characterisation. I’m very proud of the election success
that Labour had recently. We won votes across all different communities, across
the whole of the country. And we’re interested in governing on behalf of Britain
and also working with our international allies," she added further.
The
Labour Party ousted the Conservatives in the UK General Elections 2024 earlier
this month. The Labour Party, led by Sir Keir Starmer, formed the government
after a landslide victory.
Source: outlookindia.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.outlookindia.com/international/trump-vp-pick-jd-vances-islamist-country-remark-sparks-outrage-in-uk-deputy-pm-dismisses-fruity-remark
--------
Two Jews
and a Muslim: new UK government’s senior lawyers are sworn in
At the
Royal Courts of Justice in the Strand, Attorney-General Richard Hermer KC and
Solicitor-General Sarah Sackman, both Jewish, were sworn into their roles
alongside lord chancellor Shabana Mahmood, who is a Muslim.
Sackman,
elected Finchley and Golders Green MP earlier this month, said it was a “huge
honor” be handed the ministerial role in Keir Starmer’s government.
The
barrister, a regular at New North London synagogue said all three legal experts
had “reaffirmed our commitment to protect the rule of law and advise the
Government as it serves the public.”
Dame Sue
Carr, the lady chief justice referenced Sackman’s seminar at the LSE titled
‘Law and the City’ which provoked laughs from the audience at the ceremony.
She
said: "The title may perhaps pay tribute to a well-known American TV
series. If so, I wonder if there is scope to draw on its sequel.
“Why
might that be? Well, you were first elected to parliament, as MP for Finchley and
Golders Green, just over a week ago. “And ‘just like that’, you are here today
taking your oath as solicitor general, your first ministerial office.”
Dame
Carr also praised Mahmood noting she was “the first lord chancellor to swear
their oath on the Qur’an.”
Hermer,
who was made a peer by Keir Starmer, also said it was a “profound privilege” to
hold the role of Attorney General and said it was “our job to speak truth to
power”.
He is a
member of Alyth Gardens synagogue and was among a group of top Jewish lawyers
who signed a letter calling on Israel to observe international laws in its
response to the Hamas terror attacks of October 7th.
Like
Sackman, Hermer has worked at Matrix Chambers, leaving the firm with two
members in the heart of Downing Street.
The new
Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary in the government also pledged to
continue “defending the international rule of law and upholding human rights”
as she was sworn in at the ceremony.
Barrister
Adam Wagner, who attended the ceremony, later posted on X: ”An absolute
privilege to have been present for the swearing-in of the new Lord Chancellor,
Attorney General and Solicitor General.
“Very
moving to hear Shabana Mahmood talk about her Kashmiri heritage and how she is
the first Muslim to be Lord Chancellor, and swear on the Koran.
“And to
follow the Abrahamic theme, the new AG and SG Richard Hermer KC and Sarah
Sackman are Jewish.
“But the
most inspiring thing of all was to hear all three talk passionately about the
rule of law and promise to uphold it, something which has been sorely lacking
in recent years.
“There
was a huge amount of goodwill from the bar and solicitor, professions, and
Judiciary. Here’s hoping that they honor it!”
Source: ynetnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/h17pbwr000
--------
North America
Vandals
repeatedly target new Twin Cities Muslim community center
July 17,
2024
ST.
ANTHONY, Minn. — Police are investigating a series of burglaries and acts of vandalism
at the site of a planned Muslim community center and mosque.
In the
last two months, a vacant former bank building in St. Anthony and the site of
the newly established Tibyan Center has been targeted repeatedly.
It
appears the same group of young people have shattered windows, broken in
multiple times, or attempted to, and caused about $20,000 worth of damage.
Jaylani
Hussein, the executive director of CAIR-MN, says the building had been vacant
for more than a year without incident, then the plans for the space were
announced to neighbors in May.
Since
then, police have five different open cases at the location.
Hussein
says there have been more incidents than that.
"Minnesota
leads the nation in attacks against mosques for the past three years," he said.
"These eight incidents at this particular mosque unfortunately appear to
be at this moment a connection to the same type of behavior. That's why we're
concerned and on edge."
Yusuf
Omar, the executive director of the East African Community Coalition, is part
of the effort to open the community center.
"While
our community is resilient, we should not have to endure such persistent
hostility," he said.
The
young people doing this can be very brazen, recording each other with their
phones.
Abdulahi
Nuur was working inside when four vandals challenged him.
"They
were not scared," he said. "They asked me questions like, 'This is
not your building,' or 'We can come here anytime.' I was a little bit scared
because there was no one around."
Hussein
feels speaking up about what's happening is the best way to fight against it
and ultimately put an end to it.
"We
need average Minnesotans who hear this message tonight to speak to their
neighbors and friends and say, 'This is not acceptable.'" he said.
Source: cbsnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/st-anthony-mosque-muslim-community-center-vandalism-burglaries/
--------
CAIR-MN
calling for hate crime investigation after vandalism at future Muslim center
18-07-24
A local
Muslim advocacy group has called for a hate crime investigation after multiple
vandalism incidents targeting a new Islamic center in St. Anthony.
The
Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations called on law
enforcement Wednesday to investigate a possible bias motive for a series of
vandalism attacks at the Tibyan Center.
The
group stated that over the past two months, the center has been the target of
seven separate incidents of vandalism and break-ins, causing extensive damage
costing more than $20,000.
The
Tibyan Center experienced the attacks since it announced plans to open a
youth-focused center and mosque in May, according to CAIR-MN.
The St.
Anthony Police Department detailed the various incidents at the location in the
last couple of months:
On May
22, pry marks were found on the outer door of the building. Officers checked
inside and determined that a fire extinguisher had been expelled and a Clorox
liquid toilet cleaner had been sprayed on the floor near a restroom.
On June
15, an employee found a broken window, but authorities did not find any
evidence of entry being made.
On both
June 27 and 29, an employee reported that a group of juveniles entered the
building through the front door using a key or lock pick. Video showed the
juveniles running around, taking cellphone video and spraying Lysol.
On July
7, four men approached the front door, with one of them pulling forcefully on
the door. After seeing an employee inside, the men left in a vehicle.
On July
16, an employee saw two men inside the building on surveillance video; however,
they left before police arrived. Officers viewed the video and saw two men who
damaged the door lock with a pry bar and entered the building. There was also a
broken window, according to police.
Law
enforcement noted that all five of these incidents are under active
investigation.
CAIR-MN
also stated there was an incident on May 29, where the building was broken
into, fire extinguishers were sprayed and computers and other items were
stolen. They also noted additional break-ins on June 30 and July 2.
The
group is calling on both local authorities and the FBI to investigate the
attacks and determine who is responsible.
“CAIR-Minnesota
is deeply concerned by these repeated attacks, particularly given the rise in
attacks on Minnesota Mosques and centers,” said Jaylani Hussein, executive
director of CAIR-MN. “These attacks have shaken our community, and many members
who were excited about the opportunity the new center represents are now
feeling fearful and vulnerable. We believe these attacks may be part of a
broader effort to intimidate and harm Muslim communities and we call on law
enforcement and community help in bringing these assailants into custody.”
Anyone
with information about the vandalism incidents should contact CAIR-MN, local
law enforcement or the St. Anthony Police Department at 612-782-3350.
Source: kstp.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://kstp.com/kstp-news/local-news/cair-mn-calling-for-hate-crime-investigation-after-vandalism-at-future-muslim-center/
--------
Islamic
Insurance Helps Cover Muslim Farmers Battling Climate Change
July 17,
2024
(Bloomberg)
-- On his four and a half acres of land in central Pakistan, Izhar ul-Haq
approaches farming as a science. He knows the precise acidity of the soil and
the exact amount of brackish groundwater his crops can tolerate if mixed with
water from the canals that snake through his wheat and cotton fields.
When
he’s not working the plot, Izhar, 30, studies YouTube videos for new strategies
to combat the water scarcity and high temperatures that plague Pakistan’s
agricultural heartland. Shifting growing seasons and frequent droughts
exacerbated by climate change mean that “old farming techniques don’t work
anymore,” he says.
Yet, all
that careful research won’t protect Izhar against heavy financial losses if a
climate disaster strikes — like in 2022, when record floods decimated much of
Pakistan’s farmland. None of his crops are insured. He’s never purchased
commercial coverage, in part because his religion discourages it. Such
contracts contain an element of interest, which is forbidden under Islamic law
to prevent exploitative contracts.
The dilemma
facing farmers like Izhar is sparking interest in takaful insurance, a
financial product designed to adhere to Islamic principles. In this model,
buyers pay into a pool to offset each others’ losses and, if there’s a surplus
after service fees and other costs, are eligible to get some of their money
back. The approach is one of several niche instruments, such as catastrophe
bonds and weather derivatives, that are gaining popularity as homeowners,
businesses, and governments look for ways to hedge against growing climate
risks.
In
Pakistan, “the economic impact of weather on food security is the biggest
hitch,” says Zeeshan Hasib Baig, general manager of agricultural giant Syngenta
AG’s local subsidiary. “The topic is at the top of the mind of all farmers
across the board.”
Umair
Ismail Ghaya, former executive director at insurance company Salaam Takaful,
says the 2022 floods helped bring renewed attention to takaful insurance as a
possible solution in Pakistan, which aims to shift a third of the country’s
financial industry from conventional to Islamic banking by next year.
“When a
disaster happens, everybody is sensitive,” he says. “That sort of gave even
more push and credence to our idea.”
In the
past year, Salaam Takaful has partnered with large agricultural companies in
Pakistan including Syngenta and National Foods Ltd. to pilot Islamic insurance
programs. They also work with InFarmer, a satellite-data provider, and
JazzCash, a popular mobile payment service.
Customers
can pay their premiums in cash, a major perk since 79% of Pakistanis don't have
bank accounts. Payouts are delivered through the JazzCash app, bypassing the
traditional banking system.
Salaam
Takaful’s main offering incorporates another lesser-known insurance strategy
that’s often used to protect against extreme weather. The instruments employ a
parametric approach, which means they pay out when certain thresholds, such as
average daily temperatures or millimeters of rainfall, are breached. The main
advantage is that parameters are agreed upon ahead of time, so there’s no
time-consuming loss assessment after a disaster occurs.
The
potential returns can be attractive. For example, one of the parametric
insurance products offered on Salaam Takaful’s website claims that if a farmer
contributes $5 per acre per year, he stands to receive to receive around $18
per acre if a metric is hit.
But for
parametric insurance to be successful, policyholders have to be spread across a
wide enough area that a single weather event doesn’t affect everyone. That will
be challenging in Pakistan, one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the
world. By 2035 to 2044, about 5 million more people will be exposed to extreme
river floods, according to the Asian Development Bank. The agriculture
industry, which supports nearly two-thirds of Pakistan’s population, is
especially vulnerable.
The
global takaful insurance market, which was worth about $32 billion in 2022, is
projected to grow to almost $127 billion by 2032 according to Allied Market
Research. Demand is rising at about 10% a year, the United Nations Development
Programme estimates, with significant footholds in Muslim-majority nations
including Saudi Arabia and Malaysia.
Still,
Pakistan has long lagged other countries in insurance penetration, which still
hovers around 1% despite more than a decade of efforts to boost coverage.
Uninsured losses from climate disasters have accounted for about 10% of its
gross domestic product over the past two decades. The 2022 floods alone caused
some $30 billion in losses, almost none of which were covered.
For now,
whether takaful insurance becomes widespread in Pakistan depends on who is
promoting the tool and subsidizing premiums, says Naveed Alam, the founder of
InFarmer. “Farmers still aren’t ready to pay directly from their pockets,” he
says.
Local
non-governmental organizations and development institutions such as the World
Bank have expressed interest in supporting such programs until they take off.
And advocates say innovations in the takaful industry could help Pakistan
overcome its insurance gap.
“When
you are looking at climate change and the impacts of climate change, you need
to have a financing mechanism that relates with [people’s] values,” says
Muhammad Ali Khan, who authored a recent report on takaful insurance for UNDP
and the Islamic Development Bank.
At an
outreach session in Pakistan’s Toba Tek Singh district in May, dozens of
small-scale farmers gathered for a sales pitch from Salaam Takaful. Over the
whir of fans, representatives took turns explaining how weather conditions
automatically trigger payouts that growers can claim even before their crop is
harvested. Several farmers were interested, though they also had plenty of
questions.
In rural
communities, it’s common to take advances from landlords, family members and
loan sharks to help pay for raw materials like seed and fertilizer. That means
that farmers “stand to lose pretty much everything” if they have a bad season,
says Maha Qasim, founder of Zero-point Partners, a climate advisory firm in Karachi.
But
entering the insurance market can also be intimidating. Many farmers would
rather borrow from people close to them rather than go through the slow and
bureaucratic process of dealing with a company, Qasim says. “I think it can be
a little bit overwhelming.”
--With
assistance from Faseeh Mangi.
Source: bnnbloomberg.ca
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/investing/commodities/2024/07/18/islamic-insurance-helps-cover-muslim-farmers-battling-climate-change/
--------
Taliban
urges Imams to combat climate change
July 17,
2024
The
Taliban, whose beliefs are rooted in centuries-old Pashtun culture and an
extreme interpretation of Islam, affirms that climate change is real and
destroying God’s creation. The group has asked imams in Afghanistan’s tens of
thousands of mosques to emphasize the need for environmental protection during
Friday prayers. Carbon footprints will weigh heavily on judgment day,” said
Kabul-based Imam Farisullah Azhari.
“God
will ask: How did you make your money? And then he will ask: How much suffering
did you cause in the process?”
Afghanistan,
with its parched deserts and deforested, flood-prone valleys, is deemed one of
the countries most vulnerable to climate change. Recent flash floods,
particularly violent due to hardened soils from prolonged drought, have
resulted in hundreds of deaths.
Before
the Taliban takeover, international estimates suggested Afghanistan needed more
than $20 billion between 2020 and 2030 to respond to climate change. The
Taliban-run government acknowledges that global climate funds have dried up,
echoing sentiments from the United Nations’ regional director for Asia and the
Pacific, Kanni Wignaraja. Despite their deeply rooted Islamic beliefs, the
Taliban affirm that climate change is real and destroying God’s creation.
Taliban’s
call for environmental protection
Linking
modern science with centuries-old religious beliefs presents a unique
challenge. Scholars are debating how to reconcile these ideas at the
Taliban-run Afghanistan Science Academy in Kabul.
“Climate
change is real,” said Abdul Hadi Safi, a professor of Islamic studies. However,
he noted that if God doesn’t want something to happen, it won’t occur. The
Taliban’s approach to the environment has its historical roots in the Quran,
which encourages the planting of trees, for example.
However,
at the Taliban’s Afghanistan Science Society, religious leaders now debate how
to reconcile their ancient religious texts with modern climate science. Just
like they invaded our country, they’ve invaded our climate,” Lutfullah
Khairkhaw, the Taliban’s deputy higher education minister, said in his opening
speech at the Jalalabad conference this year. “We must defend our climate,
water, and soil to the same extent we defend ourselves against invasions.”
Their
defense strategy includes traveling the country to educate the primarily
uneducated population about climate change and how to combat it.
The
article notes that because Afghanistan under the Taliban is essentially now a
pariah state, it receives little foreign assistance in its efforts.
Afghanistan’s struggle against climate change continues amid limited foreign
support, internal skepticism, and the race against environmental degradation.
Source: devx.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.devx.com/news/taliban-urges-imams-to-combat-climate-change/
--------
Islamic
State attacks on track to double in Iraq and Syria: CENTCOM
Jul 18,
2024
BAGHDAD
— The U.S. Central Command said Wednesday that the Islamic State group is
trying “to reconstitute” as the number of attacks in Syria and Iraq is on track
to double this year, compared to the year before.
IS
claimed 153 attacks in the two countries in the first six months of 2024,
CENTCOM said in a statement. According to a U.S. defense official, who spoke on
condition of anonymity as he wasn't allowed to speak publicly on the matter,
the group was behind 121 attacks in Syria and Iraq in 2023.
“The
increase in attacks indicates ISIS is attempting to reconstitute following
several years of decreased capability,” CENTCOM said.
In
northeastern Syria, Kurdish-led authorities issued a general amnesty Wednesday
that would include hundreds of Syrians who have been held by the main
U.S.-backed force over their roles within IS.
The
U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF, are holding over
10,000 captured IS fighters in around two dozen detention facilities —
including 2,000 foreigners whose home countries have refused to repatriate
them. The SDF captured the last sliver of land in Syria from IS in March 2019.
The
Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria said a life sentence will be
reduced to 15 years in jail, while those detainees serving life sentences who
have incurable diseases will be set free, as will those who have reached the
age of 75. It said the amnesty will not include IS officials and members who
fought against the SDF, nor those who carried out attacks with explosives that
killed people.
Legal
expert Khaled Jabr told The Associated Press that the amnesty will include some
600 Syrian citizens who are held on terrorism charges and links to IS, as long
as their hands are not tainted with blood or they were detained while fighting
SDF members.
The
announcement comes just after the 10-year mark since the militant group
declared its caliphate in large parts of Iraq and Syria. At its peak, the group
ruled an area half the size of the United Kingdom where it attempted to enforce
its extreme interpretation of Islam, which included attacks on religious
minority groups and harsh punishment of Muslims deemed to be apostates.
Militants
also killed thousands of members of the Yazidi religious minority and kidnapped
thousands of women and children, many of whom were subjected to sexual abuse
and human trafficking.
A
coalition of more than 80 countries, led by the United States, was formed to
fight IS, which lost its hold on the territory it controlled in Iraq and 2017
and in Syria in 2019, although sleeper cells remain in both countries and
abroad.
Iraqi
officials say that they can keep the IS threat under control with their own
forces and have entered into talks with the U.S. aimed at winding down the
mission of the U.S.-led military coalition in Iraq.
The
talks come at a time of increased domestic tensions over the U.S. military
presence.
From
October to February, an umbrella group of Iran-backed militias calling itself
the Islamic Resistance in Iraq launched regular drone attacks on bases housing
U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria, which they said was in retaliation for
Washington’s support of Israel in the ongoing war in Gaza and were aimed at
forcing U.S. forces to withdraw from Iraq.
Those
attacks largely halted after three U.S. soldiers were killed in a strike on a
base in Jordan, near the Syrian border in late January, prompting U.S.
retaliatory strikes in Iraq.
On
Tuesday, two Iraqi militia officials said they had launched a new drone attack
targeting the Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq. The officials spoke on condition of
anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly. It was unclear
whether the attack had hit its target. U.S. officials did not immediately
respond to requests for comment.
Source: navytimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.navytimes.com/flashpoints/2024/07/17/islamic-state-attacks-on-track-to-double-in-iraq-and-syria-centcom/
--------
US fears
Islamic State comeback in Syria, Iraq
July 17,
2024
WASHINGTON
—
U.S. forces
in the Middle East are seeing new reasons to worry about the Islamic State
terror group, which appears to be taking advantage of some newfound stability
to wreak havoc in parts of Iraq and Syria.
The
group, also known as IS or ISIS, claimed 153 attacks across both countries
between January and June of this year, according to a statement Wednesday from
U.S. Central Command.
“ISIS is
on pace to more than double the total number of attacks they claimed in 2023,”
it said, warning, “The increase in attacks indicates ISIS is attempting to
reconstitute following several years of decreased capability."
The
latest CENTCOM assessment also suggested that IS operatives have started
feeling secure enough and confident enough to begin planning attacks beyond the
borders of Syria and Iraq.
“We
continue to focus our efforts on specifically targeting those members of ISIS
who are seeking to conduct external operations,” according to CENTCOM’s
commander, General Michael Erik Kurilla.
Some
independent analysts have counted as many as five external plots tracing back
to IS in Iraq and Syria since the start of the year.
This is
not the first time this year that U.S. officials have expressed renewed
concerns about IS’s activities.
Back in
April, CENTCOM said IS likely had grown to about 2,500 fighters across Syria
and Iraq — more than double previous estimates shared in January.
And U.S.
partners have likewise warned about a possible resurgence.
Officials
with the political wing of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces told VOA in
January that the terror group’s activities had "increased
significantly," both in areas patrolled by the SDF and in areas overseen
by the Assad regime.
The
nonprofit Counter Extremism Project (CEP), which has been tracking IS activity
in Syria, has likewise been warning of a more active and violent trajectory.
“The
level of violence increased in June by every metric compared to May,’ CEP said
in its monthly report.
“Several
brutal attacks were carried out against local tribesmen in the Jubb Jarah
region of eastern Homs that resulted in locals hunting down and killing two
ISIS members,” it added. “Still, the vast majority of ISIS activity remained
focused on [Syrian] security forces.”
CENTCOM
said it has begun pushing back against the renewed IS activity, launching
almost 200 operations with the SDF and the Iraqi military over the first six
months of 2024.
It says
those operations led to the deaths of 44 IS fighters, including eight senior
leaders, and the arrest of another 258 IS members.
But
despite the success of the U.S. and its Syrian and Iraqi partners, there are
indications that conditions are ripe for a lasting IS comeback.
The vast
majority of the U.S. anti-IS operations, 137 of the 196 missions, took place in
Iraq, where according to some analysts, IS poses the lesser threat.
“Two-thirds
of IS attacks from Iraq and Syria comes from Syria,” said Aaron Zelin, a fellow
at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, who specializes in jihadism.
Zelin
told VOA the situation on the ground may be more treacherous than the numbers
indicate.
“Since
2020, IS has had a strategy or policy of underreporting claims in Syria, so
it's likely even worse there," he said. “That's why even though it's [IS]
not really a daily problem in Iraq these days, its strength in Syria could once
again threaten Iraq if the U.S. withdrew from Syria.”
Additionally,
the group’s current emir, Abu Hafs al-Hashimi al-Qurashi, has been in place for
almost a year, potentially creating some stability after the group lost its two
previous emirs within a span of 10 months.
A report
issued earlier this year based on intelligence from United Nations member
states warned that IS may be even bigger than the U.S. estimates suggest.
The U.N.
report said IS likely had between 3,000 to 5,000 fighters across Syria and
Iraq, adding that the central Syria desert had become "a logistics and
operations hub with 500 to 600 fighters."
Source: voanews.com
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https://www.voanews.com/a/us-military-islamic-state-attacks-on-track-to-double-in-iraq-syria-compared-to-last-year/7701854.html
--------
The
Muslim perspective on the attempted assassination of Donald Trump
(July
17, 2024 / JNS)
It is
essential for us to understand how Muslims perceive the attempted assassination
of Donald Trump. Why? Because many Muslims will draw their own conclusions as
to what it means and use them as part of their long-term plan to destroy our
civilization.
It is
still too early to come to conclusions about what the prevailing view of the
assassination attempt will be in the Muslim world, but from what we hear, a
fascinating perception seems to be emerging.
Some are
comparing Trump’s survival to the attempted assassination of the future
Jordanian King Hussein in 1951. When the attempt occurred, Hussein was
accompanying his grandfather King Abdullah I of Jordan on a visit to the
Al-Aqsa mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.
During
their visit, a terrorist shot and killed Abdullah and tried to kill Hussein.
But Hussein was wearing a medal over his heart. The bullet ricocheted off the
medal and he survived. A rumor quickly spread that Hussein’s survival “proved”
that he was protected by Allah. Therefore, anyone who tried to kill him would
be defying the will of Allah.
This, in
turn, filled potential enemies with the fear of Allah’s wrath, which is a
powerful emotion in the Arab world, Turkey and Iran.
How does
this relate to the attempted assassination of Donald Trump?
It seems
that there are people in the Muslim world who believe that Trump survived the
assassination attempt because God is on his side and Trump is doing God’s work.
Indeed, Trump himself said, “It was God alone who prevented the unthinkable
from happening.”
This
resonates with Muslims, whose worldview is overwhelmingly based on the profound
belief that Allah controls the world.
It is
difficult for Westerners to accept this because they are often post-Christian
and post-Jewish. They usually fail to understand others whose worldview is
based on religious identity. Nonetheless, this Muslim religious understanding
of the world is very real.
The
Muslim view of the attempted assassination of Trump has been reinforced by the
fact that just before the assassin fired, Trump turned his face to the right.
As a result, the bullet only grazed his ear. Had Trump not turned his head, he
would have been struck in the head and killed instantly.
Many in
the Muslim world are saying that Trump turned his head because Allah wanted him
to. Thus, Allah protected Trump just as he did the future King Hussein.
From
this point of view, it is logical to conclude that it would be dangerous to go
against Trump, who is protected by God himself. Trump, therefore, is an agent
of God carrying out God’s will.
How
might this affect the Muslim world’s relationship with America, Israel and
their erstwhile Arab allies?
Trump
was strongly pro-Israel during his previous term as president. He moved the
U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, recognized Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan
Heights and helped broker the Abraham Accords.
No other
American president succeeded in brokering anything like the Abraham Accords, a
far-reaching change in the relationship between Israel and its Arab neighbors.
Allah, it is believed, made it happen.
Arabs
and Iranians reason that if Trump is reelected to the presidency, this too is
the will of Allah. It would indicate that Allah favors Trump’s support for
Israel and the Arab states that seek to advance their relations with Israel.
Allah, we are hearing from Muslims, saved Trump to carry out Allah’s mission
regarding the Muslim world.
This
entails expanding the Abraham Accords, ramping up pressure on Iran, giving
Israel the weaponry it needs to finish the job in Lebanon and Gaza, and
resuming America’s traditional support for what the press calls the “moderate”
Arab regimes.
It is
hard for Westerners, including many Americans, to accept this because we find
it difficult to accept that people in other parts of the world think
differently than we do.
We
ignore their worldview at our peril because people in the Middle East make
decisions and pursue policies that make sense to them based on their worldview,
not ours.
This
difference in worldview extends even to Muslims who have lived in the West for
years. Indeed, some of our most obstinate enemies have lived among us and in
Israel for long periods of time, speak our languages and know our culture
inside out. They also know how to use our culture to wrap us around their
little fingers; to lull us into a false sense of security to eventually
overpower us and destroy us.
It may
be impossible for many of us to understand the logic that leads people to
believe that the failed attempt to assassinate Trump “proves” that Allah saved
Trump so he might carry out the policies listed above. Nonetheless, it makes
total sense to many in the Muslim world.
Source: jns.org
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.jns.org/the-muslim-perspective-on-the-attempted-assassination-of-donald-trump/
---------
Arab World
Saudi
Arabia condemns Israeli strikes on UN school in Gaza
July 17,
2024
RIYADH:
Saudi Arabia has condemned Israel’s targeting the UNRWA-run Al-Razi School in
Nuseirat camp in Gaza, and Al-Attar area in Khan Yunis, killing dozens and
injuring hundreds, the Kingdom’s foreign ministry said.
The
statement described the attacks as “a series of repeated violations by the
Israeli war machine against defenseless civilians.”
Israeli
airstrikes killed more than 60 Palestinians in southern and central Gaza overnight
and into Tuesday, including one that struck an Israeli-declared “safe zone”
crowded with thousands of displaced people.
Tuesday’s
deadliest strike hit a main street lined with market stalls outside the
southern city of Khan Younis in Muwasi, at the heart of the zone that is packed
with tent camps. Officials at Khan Younis’ Nasser Hospital said 17 people were
killed.
Saudi
Arabia renewed its categorical rejection of the continuation of Israeli
genocidal crimes, and demanded an immediate ceasefire and ensuring the
protection of civilians, relief facilities and their workers.
“The
Kingdom holds the Israeli occupation forces fully responsible for their
continued violation of all international and humanitarian norms and laws,” the
statement read.
Saudi
Arabia also reiterated the legal, humanitarian and moral responsibility placed
on the international community to put an end to these ongoing violations of
international law and international legitimacy resolutions by the Israeli
forces.
The
Kingdom said the failure to do so “not only reflects the inability and weakness
of the international community institutions, but also portends consequences
that go beyond this crisis and affect the foundations of international
legitimacy and credibility, and the extent of our ability to maintain regional
and international security and stability in the future.”
Source: arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2551576/saudi-arabia
--------
Rock
inscriptions in Saudi Arabia’s Baha bookmark a historic era
July 17,
2024
RIYADH:
The “Book Plateau,” in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s Baha region, is drawing
visitors from far and wide. Nestled in Baljurashi, the inscribed rock
epitomizes the rich cultural tapestry of the area.
Located
at the confluence of two streams at the foot of Wadi Khara, this archaeological
wonder has been likened to the pages of an open book and earned its name from
the old inscriptions adorning its surface, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The
carvings are believed to date back some 1,400 years. The site boasts early
Islamic inscriptions without diacritical marks, some of which bear the names of
the Prophet’s companions and their followers.
There is
another rock formation nearby which resembles a palm, bearing different
inscriptions. Five graves can be found at the top of Mihras Mountain, two of
which are noticeably elevated. While their exact history and occupants remain
unknown, it is believed they belong to people who once inhabited the area.
Abdulrahman
Al-Ghamdi, director general of the Heritage Authority in Baha, told the SPA
that the authority had included the site in the National Antiquities Register
following a survey in 2005. The inscriptions, which are etched onto granite
rock faces, stand as silent witnesses to the area’s historic importance.
Baha’s
summer season is attracting local and international visitors to its heritage
villages and historic and archaeological sites.
These
attractions have become crucial economic drivers, shaping the national tourism
vision in line with the Kingdom’s ambitious goals.
Source: arabnews.com
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They
also showcase the region’s historic legacy for present and future generations.
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2551541/saudi-arabia
--------
Al-Baha
festival provides economic benefits to farmers
July 17,
2024
AL-BAHA:
More than 45 farmers, beekeepers, and small business owners participated in the
fourth Khayrat Al-Baha Festival.
Organized
by the region’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the seasonal
festival provided a valuable opportunity for all farmers in the region to
showcase their agricultural products, including various types of fruits,
olives, honey, and their derivatives.
Several
of the participating farmers said that the event provided them with
considerable marketing and selling opportunities.
Farmers
said their sales had increased each year due to the influx of visitors for the
festival, which first hit the calendar in 2021.
One of
them, Saleh Al-Ghamdi, pointed out that the festival was one of the most
important economic and tourism events in the region.
Ali bin
Aoun, another farmer, said that the Khayrat Al-Baha Festival had contributed to
the development of the agricultural sector, especially olive production and
derivatives in the region, and had encouraged producers to expand their
projects.
He noted
that it provided opportunities to market, promote, and introduce products, in
addition to exchanging experiences with other farmers and connecting with
companies to stay updated on the latest developments in agricultural
technologies.
The
agricultural sector in the Al-Baha region, including Sarat and Tihama, provides
an essential part of the region’s tourism identity.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2551496/saudi-arabia
--------
Saudi
Endowment Authority tops government employee engagement rankings
July 17,
2024
RIYADH:
The Saudi General Authority for Awqaf has claimed top spot in the 2023
Government Sector Employee Engagement Awards.
The
authority’s impressive 89.20 percent engagement rate was top of all government
institutions, councils, and public bodies in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press
Agency reported on Wednesday.
In a
ceremony which highlighted positive competition and human resource development
in the endowment sector, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development
Ahmad bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi presented the award to Imad bin Saleh Al-Kharashi,
governor of the General Authority for Awqaf.
The
award aims to foster positive competition among government entities, while
emphasizing the importance of organizational goals to employees, encouraging
innovative solutions, developing staff skills, and improving productivity.
These
factors contribute to enhancing and developing the work environment.
The
award’s evaluation considered several key indicators: practical purpose with a
positive sector impact; leadership alignment with the authority’s strategy and
goals; innovation encouragement; effective team collaboration; continuous
professional development contributing to the endowment sector’s growth; high
performance directed toward impactful programs; and a stable work environment
focused on quality and excellence.
The
authority’s climb from second place in 2022 to first in 2023 reflected a
notable increase in employee engagement, which rose from 86 percent to 89.20
percent.
This
improvement was driven by various initiatives, including strengthening
institutional culture; enhancing the work environment through events that
promoted employee integration; fostering a culture of cooperation and
transparency; recognition programs; stimulating creative ideas; and
empowerment.
This
recognition not only highlights the authority’s internal success but also
reinforces its strategic direction in talent acquisition.
The
General Authority for Awqaf is dedicated to enhancing, governing, and
preserving the endowment sector.
It aims
to develop and raise awareness through innovative endowment products and
services, positioning the sector as a leader in sustainable development both
locally and globally.
The
authority focuses on implementing best practices and establishing regulations
to advance and empower endowment work.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2551461/saudi-arabia
--------
Saudi
military industries authority to participate in Farnborough airshow
July 17,
2024
RIYADH:
The General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) will participate in the
Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2024, one of the world’s largest and
most influential defense and aerospace exhibitions.
The
event will occur from July 22 to 26, 2024, in Hampshire, London, United
Kingdom.
GAMI
aims to showcase its efforts in developing the military industries sector in
Saudi Arabia, with the goal of enhancing national military manufacturing
capabilities and making the sector a significant contributor to the Saudi
economy and its defense and security independence.
The
participation in FIA aims to highlight the capabilities of the Saudi military
and defense industries sector and the achievements made by GAMI in building
industrial and service capabilities in the Kingdom, in line with its strategic
role in localizing over 50 percent of government spending on military equipment
and services by 2030.
GAMI
welcomes investors from around the world who are interested in investing in the
promising military industries sector in the Kingdom.
The
authority will showcase the supply chains it has established for small and
medium-sized local and foreign companies as part of its efforts to create
numerous investment opportunities in the military industries sector, in
addition to strengthening international partnerships to achieve strategic
independence for the military industries.
This
will enable the sector to develop military and security systems and industries.
This
participation comes at a time of rapid development and localization in the
military industries sector in the Kingdom, as well as an increase in investment
opportunities and abundant local capabilities to meet the operational needs of
military devices.
It is in
line with the Kingdom’s focus on the sector by creating strategic partnerships
and engaging with international investors interested in investing in Saudi
Arabia.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2551396/saudi-arabia
--------
AlUla
forges ahead with prestigious accreditation award
July 17,
2024
ALULA,
Saudi Arabia: AlUla, with its seamless blend of ancient and modern, has been
awarded a prestigious internationally recognized accreditation.
The
oasis city has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first
destination in the Middle East to be accredited by Destinations International;
the USA based global association for destination professionals, as officially
announced today at the Destinations International Annual Convention in Florida.
The
accreditation falls under the Destination Marketing Accreditation Programme
(DMAP), an industry standard for quality and professionalism among destination
organizations and comes a year after AlUla made history by becoming the first
member of Destinations International from the Middle East.
Supported
by a calendar of year-round events and authentic hospitality options, AlUla is
as one of Saudi Arabia’s main tourism sites and has been operational and open
to global tourists for four years. The latest accreditation is testament to
AlUla’s vision and mission to spark a new wave of tourism excellence globally,
centered around creating a sustainable, community-oriented experience economy.
Phillip
Jones, chief tourism officer at the Royal Commission for AlUla, said:
“Completing the Destination Marketing Accreditation Programme is a significant
milestone for AlUla as we strive to develop a tourism industry and eco-system
that is best-in-class and future-thinking. This recognition strengthens our
commitment to ensuring the highest standards within our destination, and
establishing trust among visitors, community, stakeholders and our partners. By
being part of Destinations International, an incubator for best practices, we
hope to share our unique methodology with the world and showcase just why AlUla
is one of the most innovative and coveted luxury destination in the world right
now.”
To
receive DMAP accreditation, a destination organization must satisfy more than
100 performance standards in domains including governance, financial
management, human resources, sales and marketing, stakeholder engagement and
destination development. The standards are set by an independent panel of
industry veterans representing a range of destination organizations. Standards
are updated regularly to reflect the evolution of best practices in the
industry.
For
AlUla, this latest recognition adds to several recent accolades. In May, the
2024 World Travel Awards honored AlUla as Middle East’s Leading Festival &
Event Destination, Saudi Arabia’s Leading Cultural Tourism Project and Middle
East’s Leading Cultural Tourism Project. Also in May, RCU received a five-star
rating for organizational excellence from the European Foundation for Quality
Management and an award of excellence from the Middle East Facility Management
Association.
With its
bevy of regional and global accolades, AlUla continues to solidify its status
as a leading luxury boutique heritage destination, where travelers can deeply
connect with arts and culture, natural beauty, holistic wellness, and thrilling
adventure.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2551386/saudi-arabia
--------
Pakistan
Facebook
restricted across multiple service providers in Pakistan: NetBlocks
July 17,
2024
A restriction
on access to social media platform Facebook was reported to be in effect across
multiple service providers in the country on Wednesday, Yaum-i-Ashura or
Muharram 10, according to Internet monitor Netblocks.
Yaum-i-Ashura
is observed every year on Muharram 10 with solemnity to pay homage to Imam
Husain — the grandson of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) — and other martyrs of
Karbala.
NetBlocks
said authorities “typically restrict mobile internet services” on the occasion.
Downdetector,
which tracks outages by collating status reports from several sources including
users, also showed that user reports indicated problems in accessing Facebook.
Facebook
and Instagram are both owned by Meta.
The
Balochistan government already previously decided to suspend mobile phone and
internet services in the provincial capital and some other sensitive districts
during four days of Muharram.
The
Punjab government had also requested the interior ministry to shut down social
media apps on the internet from Muharram 6 to 11 to control the dissemination
of hate material and misinformation in a bid to avoid sectarian violence.
The
Ministry of Interior had deferred the decision on the Punjab government’s
request for the suspension of six social media platforms for around a week.
A
statement issued by the interior ministry had said no decision was taken on the
provincial governments’ requests for internet shutdown, adding that Prime
Minister Shehbaz Sharif would make the final decision in this regard.
Last
week, the interior minister had said that since the suspension of internet or
mobile services created difficulties for citizens, such decisions would be made
after considering ground realities and the security situation.
Source: dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1846386/facebook-restricted-across-multiple-service-providers-in-pakistan-netblocks
--------
38
booked for attacking Muharram security team in Bahawalpur
July 17,
2024
BAHAWALPUR:
Saddar police on Tuesday registered a case against 38 people, including three
nominated motorcyclists and 35 unidentified men, for allegedly attacking a
police team during Muharram security duty and damaging an official vehicle and
their gadgets at Bindra Pulli here on Multan Road on Monday night.
According
to the first information report registered under sections 353, 379, 186, 506,
427, 148, and 149 of Pakistan Penal Code, complainant ASI Muhammad Abid Qazi
stated that three motorcyclists Muhammad Waqas, Ehtesham, and Muhammad Hamza,
along with other bikers attempted to break the police cordon and remove
barriers installed for the safe passage of a Muharram rally, trying to disrupt
the security measures. When resisted by the police, they allegedly used abusive
language and left.
However,
after a short while, these motorcyclists, accompanied by about thirty-five
unidentified accomplices, returned and allegedly attacked the police officials
on duty. They assaulted the officials with clubs, tore the uniforms of
constables Shehzad Muddasir and Ibrar Hussain, and stole their cash.
The
police have so far made no arrests.
KIDNAP:
Three men allegedly abducted a young girl from her house at village 2011/EB in
the limits of Gaggoo police station in Vehari district.
According
to police sources, Ghulam Murtaz Rehmani along with his two unidentified
accomplices in the absence of her father Hanif allegedly abducted Khadeja (23)
at gunpoint and bundled her into a car and managed their escape.
The
Gaggo police have registered a case.
STAY
ORDER: The Multan bench of Lahore high court (LHC) on Monday stayed the
transfer of 89 traffic wardens and sought a report from additional
Inspector-general (establishment).
According
to counsels Mahar Muhammad Ilyas, Ms. Nadira Noor and Aftab Khan of petitioners
Khalil Ahmed, Muhammad Shafiq, Rizwan Salim and others belonging to Vehari
district, they submitted to the high court that the cadre of wardens has been
changed and they are working under district traffic police officer and as such
their transfers couldn’t be ordered on provincial level.
The LHC
suspended the orders of AIG and sought a report from him.
Source: dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1846195/38-booked-for-attacking-muharram-security-team-in-bahawalpur
--------
Balochistan’s
young lawyers push for accountability in judiciary
July 17,
2024
QUETTA:
Advocate Fatima Nazar, president of the Young Lawyers Forum for Judicial
Reforms’ Balochistan chapter, urged the judiciary on Tuesday to adopt the
tradition of strict internal accountability to ensure the timely provision of
justice.
Speaking
at a press conference along with other female lawyers, Ms Nazar acknowledged
the judiciary as a crucial state pillar and pointed out that inadequacies in
the judicial system had eroded public trust. She cited delays as a significant
obstacle to justice.
“To
enhance Pakistan’s judicial system, we need comprehensive reforms. The country
cannot progress without a robust justice system. Currently, Pakistan ranks
142nd globally in terms of justice, and the reputation of our institutions is
marred by corruption,” she explained. She insisted her organisation is
dedicated to enhancing the justice system. Its goals include ensuring justice
provision, eliminating double standards, preventing corruption, forgery, and
misuse of authority, and holding judges accountable.
Stressing
that the forum’s mission was to improve the judicial system in Balochistan, she
urged lawyers to join the platform to improve the credibility of the judiciary
and provide quick and affordable justice to the public. She said the Young
Lawyers Forum for Judicial Reforms was established to recommend and implement
improvements in the justice system.
She said
the forum aimed to propose new laws, enforce existing ones, organise annual
internships for new lawyers and provide free legal services to the
underprivileged, particularly women. It also plans to assist innocent prisoners
who are unable to pay minor fines. This initiative will start from Mach Jail.
Ms Nazar
stressed that the forum was non-political and non-linguistic, solely focused on
improving the justice system. They support the rules of the Bar Council of
Pakistan and provincial bar councils, maintaining complete impartiality in
elections.
In
response to a question, she said that all lawyers’ degrees are equal, and their
only aim is to play their part in delivering justice to the public.
Source: dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1846289/balochistans-young-lawyers-push-for-accountability-in-judiciary
--------
Shehbaz
prays for Biden's swift recovery after COVID diagnosis
July 18,
2024
Prime
Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday extended his well wishes to President Joe
Biden of the United States, who has tested positive for COVID-19.
The
White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, announced the positive test
for the 81-year-old Democratic leader on Wednesday after the president of
UnidosUS, a Latino civil rights organisation, mentioned that Biden would not be
able to attend a scheduled event due to the illness.
Jean-Pierre
added that despite being vaccinated and boosted, Biden was experiencing mild
symptoms.
Earlier,
when boarding the Air Force Oneto travel from Las Vegas to recuperate in
Delaware, Biden reassured reporters: "Good, I feel good."
However,
he climbed the stairs into the aircraft slowly, clinging to the railing tightly
and pausing a few times along the way.
Following
the announcement by the White House, the 72-year-old prime minister took to his
social media to wish Biden a quick recovery from the illness.
In a
post on X, Shehbaz wrote: "Wishing President Biden @POTUS swift and
complete recovery from Covid. Good wishes."
Shehbaz's
post comes days after he, along with other prominent political figures,
inlcuding President Asif Ali Zardari and founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf
(PTI) Imran Khan, condemned the assassination attempt on former US president
Donald Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania.
Biden's
illness comes at a crucial time for him as he has been losing ground in
battleground states against Trump, who is headlining a triumphant convention
this week.
The
White House said Biden planned to spend a long weekend at his Delaware beach house.
It was unclear how long the sickness would keep him for the campaign trail.
Source: thenews.com.pk
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--------
PPP not
in favour of ban on any party: CM Murad
July 17,
2024
KARACHI:
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) never
supported any move to ban a political party, calling on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf
(PTI) to "adhere to political norms".
“The PTI
will have to review its role if it is demonstrating political behaviour or
not,” the Sindh CM said while speaking to the media in Hyderabad on Wednesday.
According
to a statement issued by the CM House, the chief minister led the main Ashura
procession at Numaish Chowrangi in Karachi. Then he flew to Hyderabad, where he
also participated in a mourning procession at Imambargah Mola Ali and took
aerial views of the processions.
Replying
to a question, CM Murad said that a political party did not emerge merely by
winning votes and bagging seats, but it needed to adhere to political norms.
“We
[PPP] have not been consulted for banning PTI, but as a matter of fact, the
Pakistan Peoples Party has never been in favour of banning any political body,
” the CM said.
The
Sindh CM's remarks came days after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif-led government
announced its decision to ban the former ruling party for its alleged
involvement in anti-state activities including the May 9 events and its
attempts to sabotage Pakistan's deal with the International Monetary Fund
(IMF).
The
potential move was unveiled by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, who while
addressing a press conference on Monday said that the PTI and Pakistan
"cannot co-exist".
The
federal government's decision which according to Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, is
not final and will be presented before the parliament and discussed with the
allies, drew criticism from various political quarters including the PPP
veterans, including Farhatullah Babar and Mian Raza Rabbani. Both PPP stalwarts
opposed the government's decision.
Rabbani
had said that the talk of banning a political party is against all the norms of
democracy and the government should refrain from taking such a step which will
add to political chaos and bog down the economy.
Meanwhile,
Babar dubbed banning a political party "absurd," saying: "It is
also rubbish to talk about launching a treason case against a political
leader."
He said
no case regarding treason or a ban on a political party can sustain itself,
adding that these decisions would further deepen the political crisis.
Hours
after the PPP leaders voiced strong opposition to the government's decision,
PPPP Secretary General Nayyar Hussain Bokhari said that these leaders merely
expressed their personal opinions and their remarks did not reflect the party's
policy which he said would be issued after due consultations.
In a
statement issued on Tuesday, Bokhari — while only mentioning the name of Babar
— said the PPP issues its position only through its spokesperson or relevant
persons and the party leadership will give its opinion only after consultation.
A day
earlier, PPP's Information Secretary Shazia Atta Marri and Senator Sherry
Rehman said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had not taken the
party into confidence over its decision to ban the PTI.
Source: thenews.com.pk
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--------
Islamabad
urges Kabul to take 'immediate action' against terrorists involved in Bannu
attack
July 17,
2024
After a
deadly terrorist attack on Bannu Cantonment two days ago, Pakistan has issued a
"strong demarche" to Afghanistan and demanded the Afghan Taliban-led
interim government to take "immediate action" against the
perpetrators of the terror incident.
At least
eight Pakistan Army soldiers had embraced martyrdom as security forces
effectively thwarted a terrorist attack at Bannu Cantonment killing all 10
militants two days ago, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a
statement on Tuesday.
The
terrorists attacked the Bannu Cantonment in the early hours of July 15 but
their attempt to enter the facility was effectively thwarted by the security
forces personnel, resultantly the militants rammed an explosive-laden vehicle
into the perimeter wall of the cantonment, the military’s media wing had said.
In a
statement today, the Foreign Office said the deputy head of mission of the
embassy of Afghanistan in Islamabad was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs today to deliver Pakistan’s strong demarche over the deadly terrorist
attack on Bannu Cantonment.
The FO
said the terrorist attack was carried out by the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group based
in Afghanistan. The militant group along with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP),
is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of civilians and law enforcement
officials in multiple terrorist attacks inside Pakistan, the statement added.
Islamabad
urged Kabul to “fully investigate and take immediate, robust and effective
action against the perpetrators of the Bannu attack and to prevent the
recurrence of such attacks against Pakistan using the territory of
Afghanistan”.
Pakistan
reiterated its serious concerns over the presence of terror outfits inside
Afghanistan that continue to threaten Pakistan's security. "Such incidents
also go against the spirit of bilateral relations between the two brotherly
countries," it read.
The FO
spokesperson added that the “Bannu Cantonment attack is yet another reminder of
the serious threat posed by terrorism to regional peace and security”.
Reiterating
the call for decisive action against terrorism, the statement said Pakistan
"remains steadfast in its commitment to combat this menace and to uphold
its security against all threats".
'Major
catastrophe prevented'
The ISPR
had said that the Bannu suicide blast led to the collapse of a portion of the
wall and damaged the adjoining infrastructure, resulting in the martyrdom of
eight brave sons of soil.
"This
timely and effective response by the security forces prevented a major
catastrophe, saving precious innocent lives. The gallant and selfless action of
the security forces is a testament to their unrelenting resolve in the fight
against terrorism," read the statement.
The
attack, as per the ISPR, was carried out by the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group
operating from Afghanistan and has used the neighbouring country's territory to
carry out terrorist attacks inside Pakistan in the past as well.
It is to
be noted that Pakistan, back in November 2023, had summoned the head of the
Afghan diplomatic mission in Islamabad and demanded the extradition of terrorist
Gul Bahadur — the leader of a faction of the outlawed TTP.
Bannu
Cantt attack comes as Islamabad time again called on the Afghan Taliban
administration in Kabul to prevent its soil from being used by various banned
outfits responsible for terrorist attacks against Pakistan.
Last
month, the government approved the launching of operation
"Azm-e-Istehkam", a renewed national anti-terror drive, in light of
the surge in terrorist attacks in the country in recent months.
The
country, during the second quarter of 2024 witnessed 380 violence-linked
fatalities and 220 injuries among civilians, security personnel, and outlaws,
resulting from as many as 240 incidents of terror attacks and counter-terror
operations, said a Security Studies (CRSS) Annual Security report.
This
includes 236 fatalities among civilians and security forces personnel, the
report said.
Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan provinces – both bordering Afghanistan, were
the epicentres of violence, accounting for nearly 92% of all fatalities and 87%
of attacks (including incidents of terrorism and security forces operations)
during this period.
Individually,
the former suffered 67% and the latter 25% of all fatalities in Q2, 2024.
Source: thenews.com.pk
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--------
Pakistani
students in Bangladesh asked to stay away from protests
July 17,
2024
Pakistan
High Commission in Bangladesh has advised all the Pakistani students to take
safety precautions and stay away from violent protests which have claimed the
lives of six people.
Three
students were among the dead while many others sustained injuries after
students in the South Asian nation protested against the quota system for
government jobs.
The
government announced to shut down all public and private universities
indefinitely from today after the protests turned violent.
It has
sparked anger among students who face high youth unemployment rates, with
nearly 32 million young Bangladeshis not in work or education out of a total
population of 170 million people.
Syed
Ahmad Maroof has advised the students to stay inside their hostels and stay
away from the protests for their safety.
Deputy
Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar spoke to High
Commissioner Maroof to inquire about the welfare of Pakistanis in Bangladesh.
The
envoy informed Dar about the security situation and the steps taken by the high
commission to ensure the welfare of Pakistanis in the country.
During
their discussion, the high commissioner said that the embassy has also opened a
helpline for the convenience of people in distress.
The
foreign minister directed Maroof to take care of the welfare of the Pakistanis
living in Bangladesh, especially the students living in the Dhaka campus.
He also
advised him to stay in close touch with local authorities to ensure the safety
of the students.
What's
happening in Bangladesh?
Students
in the country are protesting against a quota system for government jobs which
include a 30% reservation for family members of freedom fighters from the 1971
War of Independence from Pakistan.
Demonstrations
intensified after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina refused to meet the protesters'
demands, citing ongoing court proceedings, and labelled those opposing the
quota as "razakar".
The
protests turned violent this week when thousands of anti-quota protesters
clashed with members of the student wing of the ruling Awami League party
across the country. Police used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the
protesters.
Six
people, including at least three students, were killed during the clashes on
Tuesday, police said.
Authorities
have deployed riot police, along with the Border Guard Bangladesh paramilitary
force, at university campuses across the country to maintain law and order.
Late on
Tuesday, the University Grants Commission ordered all universities to shut down
and instructed students to vacate the premises immediately for security
reasons. High schools, colleges and other educational institutions were also
shut.
Police
raided the headquarters of the main opposition, the Bangladesh Nationalist
Party (BNP), in Dhaka around midnight on Tuesday and arrested seven activists,
including a former leader of its student wing.
The
protests are the first significant challenge to Hasina's government since she
secured a fourth consecutive term in January in an election boycotted by the
BNP.
Experts
attribute the unrest to stagnant job growth in the private sector, making
government jobs, which offer regular wage hikes and other privileges,
increasingly desirable.
Currently,
56% of government jobs in Bangladesh are reserved under various quotas,
including 10% for women, 10% for people from underdeveloped districts, 5% for
indigenous communities, and 1% for people with disabilities.
Source: thenews.com.pk
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--------
'No one
can dare to ban PTI,' Gandapur warns PML-N govt
July 17,
2024
PESHAWAR:
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has blasted the
federal government's move to ban the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and challenged
the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) by saying: "No one can
dare to impose a ban on the PTI."
PTI-backed
CM Gandapur made the statement in a press conference in Peshawar today after
the controversial decision of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led
coalition government to slap a ban on the Imran Khan-founded party opened
Pandora’s box amid ongoing political crisis.
The
chief minister visited Supreme Command Post Kohati Gate in Peshawar along with
the Peshawar commissioner, the KP Assembly speaker, CCPO, and others to review
security arrangements for Muharram processions.
While
talking to the journalists, he said that Muharram events were going on peacefully
across the province and all provincial departments were working in complete
coordination to maintain law and order.
Reacting
to the Federal Information Minister Ataullah Tarar announcement to ban the
former ruling party, Gandapur slammed the federal government and alleged that
the current rulers “stole the mandate” to get into power.
Upping
the ante against the embattled PTI, the PML-N-led government decided to ban the
former ruling party as well as file references against the top party leaders
founder — Imran Khan, Arif Alvi and Qasim Suri — under Article 6 (high treason)
for dissolving the National Assembly in April 2022.
“They
are talking about banning a political party [PTI] that secured the highest
number of votes,” the PTI stalwart said.
Welcoming
the Supreme Court’s verdict declaring PTI eligible for reserved seats for women
and minorities, the chief minister termed it the “victory of PTI’s stance” on
reserved seats matter.
He
demanded Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja to step down
following the verdict — which overturned the Election Commission of Pakistan
(ECP) and the Peshawar High Court’s (PHC) rulings to deny reserved seats to the
PTI-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) successful candidates.
To
another question, he replied that his party was “not in favour of ad hoc
judges’ appointments at the top court” and announced that the issue would be
taken up in the assembly. He insisted that the appointments of the jurists
should be based on merit instead of ad hoc basis.
He said that
PTI founder Imran Khan will decide on initiating political dialogue with the
ruling parties.
After
the government’s decision drew condemnations from PTI political rivals , CM
Gandapur termed it a political gimmick, asking the opponents to openly oppose
the government's plan to ban the former ruling party.
He added
that all parties should come forward with a united stance if they wanted to
counter unjust move.
Meanwhile,
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar clarified earlier
in the day that the decision to impose a ban on the former ruling party has not
been taken yet by the federal government.
Dar,
while addressing a press conference in Lahore, said that Information Minister
Tarar had clearly announced a day ago that the government would deliberate on
the ban on the PTI and make a decision after consulting its allies.
The
ruling PML-N faced a backlash following the PTI ban announcement which was
strongly opposed by its major ally in the coalition government, Pakistan
Peoples Party (PPP), and other opposition parties.
Source: thenews.com.pk
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Pak Army
continuing efforts for bringing youth of tribal districts into mainstream
July 18,
2024
Pakistan
Army is continuing its efforts for bringing youth of tribal districts into the
mainstream.
ISSB
Cadre was conducted by Pakistan Army to prepare the youth of North Waziristan
for commission in Army.
Fourteen
candidates participated in the cadre. The candidates were prepared for all the
tests conducted during ISSB apart from final interview preparation.
Source: radio.gov.pk
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--------
Mideast
Israeli
strike kills Islamic Group leader, Abou Mahmoud Mohammed Jabara, in Lebanon's
Bekaa region
2024-07-18
The
leader of the "Islamic Group" (Al-Jamaa Al-Islamiya), Abou Mahmoud
Mohammed Jabara, was killed on Thursday after being targeted by an airstrike on
the "Gaza road" in the Bekaa region, the state-run National News
Agency confirmed.
In the
details, an Israeli drone had attacked Jabara's car on the "Gaza
road," causing it to catch fire.
Source: lbcgroup.tv
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--------
Iran's
embassy condemns attack on Shia mourners in Oman
Jul 17,
2024
Tehran,
IRNA - Iran's embassy in Oman has strongly condemned a "savage
attack" on a group of Shia Musluims near a mosque in Muscat, which killed
six people and wounded 28 others.
The
shooting attack took place on Monday night in the Wadi Kabir district of the
Omani capital during a ceremony commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hossein
(AS), the revered grandson of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him).
In a
statement posted on its official social media page, the Iranian embassy
condemned the heinous attack that led to the "martyrdom of a number of
innocent people, including a Royal Oman Police officer".
The
embassy stressed that "terrorism in all its religious and political forms
is condemned".
The
Daesh (ISIS) terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the deadly attack.
Source: en.irna.ir
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--------
Islamic
Jihad: Enemy's allegations about movement's leaders presence in Khan Yunis
schools are pure lies
17 Jul
2024
GAZA
July 17. 2024 (Saba) - The Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine considered, on
Wednesday, the allegations of the "Zionist enemy" about the presence
of a leader in the movement "in the two schools in which the enemy
committed brutal massacres in western Khan Yunis yesterday, Tuesday, to be pure
lies and baseless.
The
movement said in a press statement: "After investigation and scrutiny, it
became clear that what the "Israeli" enemy army said about the
presence of someone who claimed to be "the commander of a company in the
naval unit affiliated with the Islamic Jihad Movement" in any of the two
schools in which the enemy committed brutal massacres in western Khan Yunis
yesterday, Tuesday, is pure lies and has no basis in truth at all."
Source: saba.ye
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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3349911.htm
--------
Senior
Labour figures dismiss JD Vance's claim on Britain becoming first 'Islamist'
nuclear-armed nation
17.07.2024
LONDON
Senior
figures in the UK Labour Party firmly rejected remarks by former US President
and presidential candidate Donald Trump's vice-presidential pick, who suggested
that under Labour, Britain could become the first nuclear-armed "truly
Islamist country."
JD
Vance, a junior senator from Ohio recently announced as Trump's running mate
for the 2024 presidential election, made the controversial statement at the
National Conservatism Conference in Washington earlier this month.
"I
have to beat up on the UK — just one additional thing. I was talking with a
friend recently and we were talking about, you know, one of the big dangers in
the world, of course, is nuclear proliferation, though, of course, the Biden
administration doesn’t care about it.
"And
I was talking about, you know, what is the first truly Islamist country that
will get a nuclear weapon, and we were like, maybe it's Iran, you know, maybe
Pakistan already kind of counts, and then we sort of finally decided maybe it's
actually the UK, since Labour just took over," he said.
Angela
Rayner, the UK's Deputy Prime Minister, responded to the comments in an
interview with broadcaster ITV, saying: "I don’t recognize that
characterization. I'm very proud of the election success that Labour had
recently. We won votes across all different communities, across the whole of
the country, and we're interested in governing on behalf of Britain and also
working with our international allies."
Rayner
also noted that Vance has made "quite a lot of fruity things in the
past" and expressed her willingness to meet him and Trump if they succeed
in the upcoming US election.
The
remarks by Vance are seen as particularly awkward for the UK's Foreign
Secretary David Lammy, who has been making efforts to build a rapport with
Vance, citing their similar modest economic backgrounds as common ground.
Treasury
minister James Murray also told Sky News: "I don't know what he was
driving at in that comment, to be honest. I mean, in Britain, we're very proud
of our diversity."
Source: aa.com.tr
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--------
Africa
We have
successfully overcome Boko Haram attacks in Borno - Commissioner
July 17,
2024
Tar said
this at a two-day workshop on Addressing Patterns of Violence, Injustice and
Criminality in Nigeria, on Wednesday in Abuja.
The News
Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised by
International Alert Nigeria with the support of the Borno State Ministry of
Information and Internal Security.
The
commissioner said that journalists and media organisations must refrain from
projecting the state based on past events and begin to report the true position
of its activities.
“The
media is still trapped in the old narrative of Borno being the home of
insurgence, but all this has changed; our 27 local governments are fully
controlled by the federal forces.
“There
is freedom of movement, our transportation is booming, our agriculture is
booming and everything is working.
“This
narrative needs to be carried by the media and that is what I mean by
journalist not projecting the state in its true positions,” he said.
Tar said
that Maiduguri, the state capital, was very safe for habitation and every other
business activity including journalism. He gave the assurance of the governor
that journalists and media organisations now have the freedom to enter any
organisation for information without fear of being blocked or censored.
Paul
Nyulaku-Bemshima, the Country Director of International Alert Nigeria, said
that the essence of the meeting was to brainstorm and identify the major issues
that Nigeria was grappling with about security.
“This
expert meeting is on addressing patterns of violence, injustice and
criminalities in Nigeria and it is the second edition.
“The
overriding objective of this meeting is that we identify key resolutions of
what is going on in different regions of Nigeria.
“This is
because working in silos is always very counterproductive, so it is always good
to establish peer learning opportunities like this.
“Where
we all together access the drivers of injustice insecurity, violence and
injustice across the country,” he stated.
Nyulaku-Bemshima
said that it was pertinent to address these three factors that cut across the
whole country and were bedevilling every region in order to provide solutions
and achieve growth and development.
He
recommended exit pathways such as amnesties, an increase in access to justice
in communities where rights have been violated and other kinetic and
non-kinetic actions and solutions.
Melissa
Camaganacan, 2nd Secretary, High Commission of Canada to Nigeria, recommended
the inclusion of gender equality perspectives in security measures.
Dr
Joseph Ochogwu, Director General, of the Institute of Peace and Conflict
Resolution, lauded the organisers of the event for the forum to deliberate and
provide solutions to ensure peace and security in the country.
Ochogwu
was represented by Dr Abosede Babatunde, Senior Officer, Institute of Peace and
Conflict Resolution. Other stakeholders, including representatives of the
Nigeria Army Resource Centre, the Nigerian Union of Journalists, and Security
stakeholders from North-West, South-East and international stakeholders
commended the organisers and called for a sustained platform for dialogues.
Source: pulse.ng
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--------
Islamic
Relief hijacked in Philippi while helping flooded residents
Ten
gunmen hijacked staff and volunteers from Islamic Relief South Africa when they
went to Brown’s Farm in Philippi, Cape Town, on Sunday 14 July to distribute
food to people whose homes had been flooded.
The
organisation’s car was stolen but a few hours later police recovered it about
10km away.
Community
leaders in Brown’s Farm said they were aware of the incident and urged
residents to help stop robberies by identifying perpetrators.
Islamic
Relief has been working with Cape Town Disaster Risk Management to help
families affected by fierce storms and flooding, providing hot meals, water,
sandbags, mattresses, blankets, hygiene kits and other items, especially in
informal settlements.
A
representative, Safwaan Mohamed, said shortly after the team had delivered
water and hot meals to 798 people in Brown’s Farm on Sunday, the gunmen
surrounded them and held them at gunpoint. “Everyone was completely shaken up,
both staff and volunteers. Six staff members and six volunteers were involved
in the aid distribution when the hijacking took place.”
He said
none of the staff or volunteers - all high school graduates or university
students - had been harmed, but they were traumatised. “Currently they are
going through trauma counselling,” he said.
Islamic
Relief had provided emergency support to more than 10,000 people affected by
the storms to date, said Mohamed. But with more than 100,000 people affected
and more bad weather on the way, the organisation was ramping up its efforts,
he said.
Mohamed
said the organisation had been in Siqalo informal settlement this week with a SAPS
and Law Enforcement escort. “We will be there even tomorrow.”
He said
they were grateful to police “for their swift action in retrieving the vehicle,
which was found stripped in Nyanga, and for providing a law enforcement escort,
which allowed the organisation to continue its vital work”. In future, Islamic
Relief would work more closely with SAPS when delivering aid to communities
affected by the storms, he said.
Siqalo
informal settlement leader Sakhumzi Kakaza said the robberies were affecting
the community directly. “At the end of the day it is us who will suffer if this
relief doesn’t come. These criminals are opportunists who take advantage of the
situation,” said Kakaza.
Thamsanqa
Khabiqheya, a community leader in Siyahlala informal settlement where the
hijacking took place, said neighbourhood watches in Brown’s Farm were unarmed,
making it difficult for members to stop the robberies.
“Someone
knows who these perpetrators are. It’s a friend or a brother of someone but
people don’t want to talk because they fear for their lives,” said Khabiqheya.
Western
Cape SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said the case was under
investigation by Nyanga police.
Source: groundup.org.za
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https://groundup.org.za/article/islamic-relief-ramps-up-support-to-flood-victims-in-spite-of-hijacking/
--------
Rwanda's
ruling coalition gets the highest number of seats in parliament
Rwanda's
ruling coalition is leading with the highest number of seats in the legislative
election with President Kagames Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), remaining
largely dominant with more than 62% of the votes.
Other
historic parties, notably the Liberal Party and the Social Democratic Party,
received nearly 11% and 9% of the votes respectively.
Parties
allied with the RPF, some of whose leaders are ministers, supported President
Paul Kagame during the presidential campaign and followed him in his campaign
meetings.
The two
groups outside the coalition and its allies, PS Imberakuri and the Democratic
Green Party finished with a little over 5% of the votes, thus reaching the
minimum threshold to obtain seats in Parliament.
Following
these proportional representation elections, the composition of the assembly is
expected to change little compared to the one elected in 2018.
The
electoral commission has not yet provided the distribution of the number of
deputies by political party.
President
Paul Kagame has won 99% of the vote in provisional results from Monday's
presidential election in Rwanda, electoral authorities said, an outcome widely
expected as the country's long-time ruler aims to extend this three-decade grip
on power.
Kagame's
opponents — Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and
independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana — were getting under 1% of the vote in
provisional results accounting for 79% of all ballots cast.
Source: africanews.com
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Former
South African President Zuma faces expulsion from ANC after joining a rival
party
Former
South African President Jacob Zuma was expected to face a disciplinary hearing
with the African National Congress party on Wednesday, after campaigning
against the organization he once led as head of a new political party in
national elections in May.
The
hearing could lead to Zuma, 82, being expelled from the ANC, which he joined in
the late 1950s when it was a liberation movement fighting against the apartheid
system of white minority rule.
Zuma was
forced to step down as South African president in 2018 amid allegations of
corruption and has been embroiled in a political feud since then with President
Cyril Ramaphosa, who replaced him as the leader of the party and the country.
Zuma's
split with the ANC was confirmed in December, when he appeared at a press
conference and announced he would campaign for the recently-founded MK Party in
the May 29 elections. He has been fiercely critical of Ramaphosa, even accusing
him of treason at one point.
While
Zuma said he would retain his ANC membership despite becoming the leader of the
MK Party, the ANC suspended him in January. It said he had attacked the
integrity of the party.
It
wasn't clear if Zuma would attend Wednesday's hearing at the ANC headquarters
in Johannesburg, or if it would be held virtually. MK officials have said he
wants to appear in person, while the ANC wants it to be held online.
Zuma has
been called a destabilizing figure in Africa's most industrialized country, but
his MK Party won 14% of the national vote on May 29 in the first election it
has contested, stunning many.
MK's
surprising share of the vote was a prime factor in the ANC losing its majority
for the first time since the end of apartheid in 1994 in an historic result for
South Africa, leading to the formation of an unprecedented multi-party
coalition government.
MK has
refused to join the coalition and will become the official opposition as the
third biggest party in Parliament. Parliament will open Thursday for a new term
following the election.
The
election reinforced how popular Zuma remains in parts of the country despite
facing multiple legal battles. He was sentenced to prison in 2021 for contempt
of court after refusing to testify at an inquiry into alleged corruption during
his presidency from 2009-2018. He is due to go on trial next year over separate
corruption allegations relating to the time before he was president.
His
prison sentence led to him being disqualified from standing for a seat in
Parliament in the May election, but he has continued to be the face and the
leader of the MK Party.
Source: africanews.com
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UAE
lifts 2022 visa ban on Nigerians
The
United Arab Emirates has lifted a 21-month long visa ban on Nigerians.
Nigeria’s
information minister Mohammed Idris said Monday that the UAE’s decision to lift
the ban that has been in place since October 2022 came after “mutually
beneficial negotiations” between both governments. He referred to “updated
controls and conditions” that prospective Nigerian visitors to the UAE must
abide by.
Instead,
travellers will be required to submit documents proving their identity and
showing travel history, among other things, to generate a verification number
that would then be used to apply for a visa. An exception is granted for
applicants 13 years or younger, according to a website of the Emirati
government.
The
UAE’s ban was premised on a number of factors, including allegations of
improper conduct and attempts to circumvent visa rules. The row escalated when
the Nigerian government cut back Emirates Airlines’s flights to Nigeria from 21
times a week to just once. It was supposedly in retaliation for the UAE’s
refusal to allow Nigerian airliner Air Peace fly thrice a week to Dubai,
approving only one weekly flight.
Emirates
suspended its flight operations to Nigeria late 2022, blaming an inability to
repatriate tens of millions of dollar earnings away from the country. But on
taking office in May 2023 Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu began meeting with
authorities, including Emirati president Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to
resolve the impasse.
The
lifting of the ban this week was preceded by Emirates’s announcement in May
that it would resume daily flights between Lagos and Dubai later this year in
October.
“The
Lagos-Dubai service has traditionally been popular with customers in Nigeria,”
Adnan Kazim, deputy president and chief commercial officer for Emirates said in
May. A feature of the resumption of the service is that Emirates will offer
“more than 300 tonnes” of weekly cargo capacity in its passenger aircrafts’
lower deck in and out of Lagos.
Source: africanews.com
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4
civilians killed in Boko Haram terror attack in Cameroon
July 17,
2024 GNA
YAOUNDE,
July 16 (Xinhua/GNA) — Four civilians were killed overnight into Tuesday, after
armed militants of the terror group Boko Haram raided a civilian community in
Cameroon’s Far North region, according to security and local sources.
The
attack took place in Sandawadjiri Village in Mayo-Sava division of the region.
The
militants invaded the village and opened fire, when villagers were deep asleep,
said an army official in the region, who spoke under condition of anonymity.
“They started shooting indiscriminately, killing four civilians and looting
property.”
Following
the attack, troops pursued the assailants and killed two of them. “Several
others escaped with bullet wounds,” the official said.
Boko
Haram has been operating in the region since 2014.
Source: gna.org.gh
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Southeast Asia
Collaboration
key to make Indonesia Muslim fashion hub: Trade Minister
July 17,
2024
Trade
Minister Zulkifli Hasan emphasized collaboration as crucial for Indonesia's
journey towards becoming a global Muslim fashion hub.
Speaking
at the launch of the 2025 Jakarta Muslim Fashion Week (JMFW) on Wednesday, he
acknowledged the challenges involved in achieving this goal.
Establishing
Indonesia as a center for Muslim fashion and the halal industry is essential,
he emphasized, urging the government and fashion designers to work together to
achieve the goal.
"Without
collaboration, we cannot produce something spectacular," he said.
"This goal is a priority program for us."
Hasan
stated that his ministry is actively supporting this initiative through various
efforts, including trade diplomacy, trade agreements, and promotional campaigns
in non-traditional markets like the Middle East, India, Africa, South America,
and beyond.
Trade
promotions aim to increase the value of exports, including in the textile
sector, he added.
"Business-matching
events, exhibitions, digital marketing campaigns, and participation in events
like New York Fashion Week are all part of our strategy to boost exports,"
he said.
The 2025
JMFW is a joint initiative by the Ministry of Trade, the Indonesian Chamber of
Commerce and Industry (Kadin), and other relevant ministries and agencies.
The
event aims to showcase a diverse range of products, including modest fashion
apparel alongside supporting industries like textiles, cosmetics, jewelry,
accessories, and lifestyle essentials.
The 2024
JMFW, which took place in 2023, featured over 214 designers showcasing more
than 1,000 collections. The event concluded with a successful increase in
transactions, reaching US$20.1 million compared to US$13.2 million in 2022.
Source: en.antaranews.com
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Tengku
Zafrul: Second Trump presidency could be good for Malaysia
18 Jul
2024
KUALA
LUMPUR, July 18 — Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku
Zafrul Abdul Aziz today said Malaysia would stand to gain if Donald Trump wins
a second presidential term, as he could renew the trade war he previously
launched against China.
The
minister said Malaysia and others such as Singapore and Vietnam would benefit
if firms operating in China relocate to escape increased US tariffs that Trump
has pledged to impose if he were to regain power.
“For
Malaysia and the region, it must be acknowledged that there has been a benefit,
especially for Malaysia, Vietnam, and Singapore.
“This is
because our country is perceived as neutral, resulting in an increase in market
demand for products originating from our side,” he told reporters after
announcing his ministry’s report card today.
Tengku
Zafrul said that even under President Joe Biden, tariffs on Chinese
semiconductors have already been ramping.
Trump
and Biden the main contenders for the US presidential election in November this
year.
Source: malaymail.com
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Over 50%
of halal certified companies owner by non-Bumiputera: DPM
18-07-
2024
PETALING
JAYA: Deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi reported that the majority of
halal-certified companies in Malaysia are non-Bumiputera owned.
“As of
July 2024, a total of 9,146 companies had obtained halal certification from
Jakim, of which 5,270 or 57.6% are non Bumiputera-owned,“ he said during Minister’s
Question Time in Dewan Rakyat today.
The
Bagan Datuk MP was responding to a question from Adnan Abu Hassan’s (BN-Kuala
Pilah) about government plans to strengthen the halal industry for various
business sectors, including SMEs, Bumiputera companies, rural businesses, and
young entrepreneurs.
Ahmad
Zahid revealed that Bumiputera-owned companies account for 3,616 (39%) of
halal-certified businesses, with 8,105 being SMEs and 1,041 multinational
corporations.
He also
mentioned that the government is working to boost Bumiputera involvement in the
halal industry through the Halal Industry Master Plan 2030, which aims to
enhance the competitiveness of Bumiputera-owned companies.
“Halal
Development Corp has carried out various efforts, including development programmes
involving local companies.
“Through
this platform, Bumiputera companies will have the opportunity to venture into
the halal sector, which has high potential to strengthen the supply chain and
adapt to digital technology and the commercialisation of innovative products,“
he said.
Source: thesun.my
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Malaysia
will continue to support mandate of UN-Habitat - Nga
18-07-
2024
PUTRAJAYA:
Malaysia will continue to support the mandate of the United Nations (UN) Human
Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, as the country’s urbanisation rate is
predicted to reach 85 per cent by 2040.
This was
conveyed by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming during his
meeting with newly appointed UN-Habitat executive director Anaclaudia Rossbach
in New York, the United States, recently.
Nga said
Malaysia believes in the implementation of the New Urban Agenda, which is
adopted by more than 190 countries under the UN, as a constructive way to
achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“We must
avoid a tale of two cities...We cannot have one part of our cities for the poor
and one part for the rich,” he said in a statement today.
He said
Malaysia would accelerate the SDG implementation by assigning each SDG to a
specific lead ministry to strategise, plan and take action in delivering
effective and innovative solutions.
“We hope
to reach zero incidence of poverty by 2025. We believe that housing, especially
the provision of adequate and affordable housing, is critical for us to achieve
sustainable development,” he said while sharing Malaysia’s continued commitment
to support the New Urban Agenda platform, which would help member states in the
Asia Pacific region to prepare and submit their NUA reports.
UN-Habitat
is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally
sustainable cities and urban management to provide adequate shelter for all.
Rossbach,
from Brazil, succeeds Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif of Malaysia who held the
position from 2018 to 2024
Housing
and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming/BERNAMApix
Source: thesun.my
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Malaysia-Iran
cooperation will not be influenced by foreign parties - PM Anwar
18-07-
2024
KUALA LUMPUR:
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasised that , focusing solely
on the mutual benefit and prosperity of both nations.
In a
Facebook post, Anwar said he conveyed this message during a telephone
conversation with Iranian President-elect Dr Masoud Pezeshkian earlier today.
“Our
discussion also covered the ongoing commitment of both countries to strengthen
bilateral relations, investments, and trade between Malaysia and Iran, as well
as exploring further cooperation in various promising areas,” he said.
Anwar
extended congratulations to Pezeshkian, who is scheduled to be inaugurated as
Iran’s new President on July 30, expressing optimism for Iran’s continued
progress under his leadership.
He also
offered condolences for the recent passing of former Iranian President Ebrahim
Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash on May 19.
“I also
commended Iran’s unwavering support for justice for the Palestinian people and
its opposition to the injustices and genocide committed by the Zionist regime
in Israel,” he said.
Towards
the end of their conversation, the Prime Minister invited Pezeshkian to visit
Malaysia at his earliest convenience, while Pezeshkian reciprocated by inviting
him to Iran to further strengthen the friendly relations between the two countries.
Pezeshkian,
69, who is former Health Minister, was elected as the ninth President of Iran
in the presidential election held on July 5.
Source: thesun.my
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MUI
Suspends Two Members Over Links to Jewish-Affiliated Organization
July 18,
2024
Jakarta.
The Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) for Fatwa, Muhammad Asrorun
Niam Sholeh, announced the suspension of two MUI members suspected of
involvement with an organization affiliated with Jewish interests. This action
follows a controversial meeting between Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) members and
Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Israel.
While he
did not disclose the identities of the suspended MUI members, he confirmed that
the suspension was for clarification purposes after the NU members' meeting
with the Israeli President.
"Although
these two individuals did not travel to Israel, they are part of an
organization with Jewish links, and last year they visited the Israeli
Ambassador in Singapore. We will discuss this further, but for now, they are
suspended," Asrorun Niam said on Wednesday.
Despite
not attending the meeting with President Herzog, the two members' involvement
with the organization prompted MUI to take preliminary action for further
investigation.
Asrorun
Niam, a former Chairman of the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI)
from 2014 to 2017, condemned the NU members' meeting with President Herzog,
calling it inappropriate given the current circumstances. He noted that the
individuals involved had provided clarification and faced sanctions for their
actions.
Earlier,
Indonesia's largest Muslim organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), denounced the
visit of five Muslim scholars to Israel. NU Secretary-General Saifullah Yusuf
clarified that the trip was made without the organization's consent or
permission.
Local
media identified the individuals as Zainul Maarif, Munawar Aziz, Nurul Bahrul
Ulum, and Izza Annafisah Dania. Zainul is an Islamic civilization teacher at
Nahdlatul Ulama University, while Munawar is a registered member of NU’s
representative unit in the UK. Nurul is associated with the Australia-Indonesia
Muslim Exchange Program (AIMEP) and the Australia-ASEAN Muslim Exchange Program
(AAMEP) and is a graduate of the State Islamic University (IAIN) in Cirebon.
Source: jakartaglobe.id
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Indonesia,
UAE Ink MoU Aimed at Linking Payment Systems
July 18,
2024
Jakarta.
The central banks of Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently
inked a deal that would link their respective payment systems.
The
freshly inked memorandum of understanding (MoU) became one of the partnerships
that President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo had brought home from his state visit to
Abu Dhabi. Jokowi at the time met with his Emirati counterpart Mohamed bin
Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ).
Bank
Indonesia announced that the MoU aimed at linking the two countries’ payment
systems to make it faster, more efficient, transparent and affordable.
The
central bank said that the deal would establish a joint mechanism for sound
risk management and facilitate regulatory cooperation, among others. It also
seeks to protect the rights and interests of users in compliance with the
existing regulations in each country.
The
Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) stated that this partnership was part of its
country’s effort to be a global financial technology and cross-border payments
hub.
“Through
this cooperation, the potential for conducting cross-border payments between
the two countries under the local currency transaction framework, which is
scheduled to be operationalized in 2024, is a promising prospect,” Bank
Indonesia’s governor Perry Warjiyo was quoted as saying in a press statement.
The MoU
followed an earlier agreement signed last year, which facilitated enhanced
cooperation and exchange of information on payment systems, among others.
In May,
Indonesia and the UAE signed a MoU on local currency transactions after a
growth in non-oil trade. This MoU defines a framework that would enable
importers and exporters to make their transactions in local currencies, be it
Indonesian rupiah or the Emirati dirham, thus potentially reducing the
countries’ dependence on the American dollar.
Government
data showed Indonesia-UAE trade amounted to $5 billion in 2023. Bilateral trade
totaled $1.9 billion in the first five months of 2024.
Source: jakartaglobe.id
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Indonesia
to Establish Task Force to Combat Illegal Imports
July 18,
2024
Jakarta.
Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan revealed plans to establish a Task Force on
Illegal Imports, which will include police officers and representatives from
the Attorney General's Office (Kejagung).
"I
have initiated law enforcement measures against the influx of illegal products.
With support from the Attorney General and the Chief of Police, we hope the
task force will be operational in the next couple of days. We have already
identified the hotspots and will begin field operations," Zulhas said on
Wednesday.
While
the Trade Ministry already has an internal team focused on combating illegal
imports, Zulhas emphasized that the new task force, composed of law enforcement
officers, will bolster legal actions against illegal importers.
"Law
enforcement involves specific authorities. We cannot prosecute individuals
without proper legal proceedings. Therefore, we are collaborating with the
police and the Attorney General," he explained.
Zulhas
mentioned that the formation of this task force is in response to numerous
reports from business associations such as the Indonesian Employers Association
(Apindo), the Indonesian Textile Association (API), and the Chamber of Commerce
and Industry (Kadin).
He
stressed that the crackdown will target all illegal goods, including
counterfeit products. The ministry has already mapped out areas where illegal
goods are prevalent, primarily in regions like Batam and South Sulawesi.
"We
will check all illegal goods. We are aware of the modus operandi and have
identified the hotspots. These include Banten, Jakarta, Central Java, East
Java, North Sumatra, Batam, and South Sulawesi," Zulhas added.
Kadin
has expressed concerns about the influx of imported products flooding the
market and has urged the Trade Ministry and related agencies to rigorously
assess incoming product types and entry routes.
Additionally,
Kadin has proposed establishing a task force to combat illegal imports as
Indonesia considers imposing a 200 percent import duty on imported goods such
as clothing, steel, and textiles, citing challenges faced by domestic
industries competing against cheaper imports.
Source: jakartaglobe.id
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Jokowi
Makes EV Investment Pitch to UAE Leader
July 17,
2024
Jakarta.
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo recently tried to convince his Emirati
counterpart Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ) to have Abu Dhabi invest in
nickel-rich Indonesia’s electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem.
The EV
sector -- alongside Indonesia’s new capital Nusantara-- has become a common
theme in Jokowi’s business pitches to world leaders. Most recently, Jokowi
tried to promote Indonesia’s EV ecosystem sector to MBZ when the former made a
state visit to Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, according to Foreign Affairs Minister
Retno Marsudi.
“The
[leaders’ tête-à-tête or private meeting] mainly focused on investment
partnership, among others on the cooperation regarding the nickel industry
development. Indonesia holds huge nickel reserves, and our country has
developed the metal’s domestic processing ecosystem, namely batteries and EVs,”
Retno said in a press statement on Wednesday.
“For
this reason, President Jokowi asked the UAE to invest in Indonesia’s EV sector,
be it in the upstream or downstream operations,” Retno said.
Retno
did not say whether the UAE was open to the idea of investing in Indonesia’s EV
ecosystem.
Indonesia
has stopped exporting unprocessed nickel in favor of processing the metal
domestically. By having such a ban in place, the government is hoping that
foreign businesses will set up their factories in Indonesia. According to the
2024 US Geological Survey report, Indonesia has the world’s largest nickel
reserves, totaling 55 million metric tons.
Indonesia
earlier this month launched Southeast Asia’s first and largest EV battery cell
plant in West Java’s Karawang. This project belongs to HLI Green Power: the
joint venture established by South Korean automaker Hyundai, Seoul-based
battery manufacturer LG Energy Solution, and local firm Indonesia Battery
Corporation (IBC). Hyundai is also already producing its EV model Ioniq 5 in
its Cikarang manufacturing plant.
The
government data showed that the UAE was still far from being Indonesia’s top
foreign investor. In the first quarter of 2024, Emirati investments in
Indonesia totaled $4.1 million. This makes the UAE Indonesia’s 40th largest
source of foreign direct investment in that period.
Source: jakartaglobe.id
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South Asia
5
killed, 13 injured in traffic accident in Badakhshan, Afghanistan
July 18,
2024
Local
officials in Badakhshan province report that five people have died and 13
others were injured as a result of a traffic accident.
The
Security Command of Badakhshan province stated that the incident occurred on
Wednesday, July 17, on the road to Kohistan district in the province, resulting
in five fatalities and 13 injuries.
According
to Ehsanullah Kamgar, spokesman for the Security Command of Badakhshan, the
incident occurred when 18 individuals were traveling in a Land Cruiser towards
Kohistan district, and the vehicle carrying them veered off the road.
Officials
in Badakhshan have described the injuries of four individuals from this
incident as severe.
Traffic
accidents have recently seen a notable increase in Afghanistan, with the
primary causes often attributed to driver negligence and road defects.
As
traffic incidents continue to pose significant challenges, efforts to enhance
road safety and increase driver awareness remain crucial in mitigating such
tragedies in the future.
Source: khaama.com
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US
providing emergency assistance to flood victims in Afghanistan
July 18,
2024
Karen
Decker, a U.S. Embassy official for Afghanistan, expressed solidarity with the
recent flood victims in Nangarhar, Laghman, and Panjshir provinces, stating
that her country is arranging emergency aid for those affected by the floods.
On
Wednesday, July 17th, the U.S. Embassy official for Afghanistan posted on social
media that they are monitoring the situation closely and mobilizing assistance
for those in need, including essential supplies like food and water.
Ms.
Decker wrote, “We are monitoring the situation and coordinating emergency aid,
including food, water, and other essential needs, to support those affected.”
Meanwhile,
Japan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan also conveyed sympathy for the recent flood
victims in the country and assured that his country is closely monitoring the
situation and stands with the people of Afghanistan.
Takayoshi
Kurokawa stated, “The recent severe storms and devastating floods in Nangarhar,
Kunar, Laghman, Panjshir, and Kapisa deeply saddened me. I express my
condolences to those who lost their lives and extend my sympathies to their
families.”
The
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reported that 727
families have been affected following the recent floods in Nangarhar, Laghman,
and Kunar provinces.
The
Directorate of Information and Culture of Nangarhar released the latest
casualty figures on Wednesday, July 17, stating that the recent storms and
floods in the province claimed the lives of 45 individuals, with 350 others
injured.
Provinces
like Laghman, Kunar, Panjshir, Kapisa, and Badakhshan have also been affected
by the floods, resulting in five fatalities in Kunar and two in Kapisa. The
ongoing humanitarian response remains critical as authorities and international
organizations continue to assess and address the needs of affected communities.
Source: khaama.com
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Pakistan
and Iran deport over 2,000 Afghan refugees
July 18,
2024
The
Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation announced the expulsion of over two
thousand Afghan migrants from Iran and Pakistan.
The
ministry stated on Thursday, July 18th, in a newsletter, that a total of 2,243
Afghan migrants were expelled from Iran and Pakistan in one day.
According
to the ministry’s newsletter, those expelled entered the country via the
borders of Torghundi, Spin Boldak, Islam Qala in Herat province, and Silk
Bridge in Nimruz province.
Based on
reports from the border provinces, 43 individuals from the Torghundi,
comprising 7 families; 147 individuals from the Spin Boldak border in Kandahar
province, comprising 30 families; 827 individuals from the Islam Qala border in
Herat province, and 391 individuals residing in Iran through the Silk Bridge in
Nimruz province, have returned.
Recently,
Pakistan and Iran have expedited the expulsion of Afghan migrants lacking legal
residency documents. Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel Prize laureate, has recently
urged her country to halt the expulsion process of Afghan migrants from
Pakistan.
This
mass expulsion of Afghan migrants comes amid a dire humanitarian crisis in
Afghanistan, where the situation has been exacerbated by the forced return of
migrants.
Many of
these refugees face severe challenges, lacking access to basic amenities,
adequate facilities, and employment opportunities.
The
influx of returnees further strains already stretched resources and
infrastructure in Afghanistan, exacerbating the plight of vulnerable
populations grappling with economic hardships and insecurity.
Source: khaama.com
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--------
Hundreds
of security personnel to secure Paris Olympics opening ceremony
July 18,
2024
As the
2024 Paris Olympics approaches, French media have reported that nearly a
thousand security personnel have been deployed to ensure the security of the
opening ceremony along the Seine River, where 10,000 athletes will participate
in a parade.
The
opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, scheduled for July 26th of this year,
is set to be the largest international sporting event, featuring a parade of
10,000 athletes along the iconic Seine River.
France
24 reports that 800 armed security personnel are stationed around the Seine
River to ensure the security of the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony.
These
security forces are equipped with advanced equipment to handle any potential
threats.
The
Paris Summer Olympics will run from July 26th to August 11th, with 10,500
athletes competing in 32 sports.
The
extensive security measures underscore the importance of safeguarding such a
major global event, highlighting France’s commitment to ensuring the safety and
success of the 2024 Paris Olympics amidst current global security challenges.
The
grandeur of the opening ceremony along the Seine River symbolizes the unity of
athletes from around the world and celebrates the spirit of international
sportsmanship.
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Israeli
parliament approves resolution rejecting Palestinian statehood
July 18,
2024
Israeli
media have reported that the country’s parliament (Knesset) has passed a
resolution rejecting the establishment of a Palestinian state with a majority
vote.
According
to the Israel Times, in a report released early this morning Thursday, July
18th, the resolution was supported by coalition parties of Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu, right-wing opposition parties, and even with the backing of
the National Unity Party led by Benny Gantz.
The
report states that the resolution against the formation of a Palestinian government
was passed with 68 votes in favor and 9 votes against. Its provisions negate
the establishment of a Palestinian state as a two-state solution.
The
Israeli parliament has approved this controversial resolution amidst ongoing
extensive negotiations to halt the war in Gaza. The two-state solution remains
one of the supported options by international organizations and countries.
Since
the outbreak of war, the Palestinian people have faced a dire humanitarian
crisis. Over 38,000 individuals have been killed, and thousands more have been
injured and displaced from Gaza.
The
conflict has exacerbated already challenging living conditions, with
infrastructure severely damaged and essential services disrupted.
International
calls for ceasefire and humanitarian aid have intensified as the situation
continues to deteriorate with devastating consequences for civilians caught in
the crossfire.
Source: khaama.com
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SIGAR
reveals lack of transparency in US aid to Afghanistan
July 18,
2024
The
Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), in its latest
report, has raised concerns about the potential misuse of U.S. financial aid to
Afghanistan under the Taliban regime.
SIGAR,
in its July report released on Wednesday, highlighted the opaque and suspicious
fate of nearly $300 million out of America’s total assistance to Afghanistan.
Findings
from the office indicate that the U.S. Department of State has failed to
provide adequate documentation regarding its aid to Afghanistan and how it has
been utilized.
Additionally,
SIGAR noted deficiencies in the State Department’s procedures for assessing the
risks associated with aid to Afghanistan.
The U.S.
Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction continues to emphasize
the necessity for the State Department to map out the path of aid and to provide
sufficient documentation on who benefits from this assistance.
According
to Voice of America’s report, based on guidelines from the U.S. State
Department, all its agencies are mandated to evaluate all programs for risks
prior to budget allocation and ensure that terrorists and their supporters do
not benefit from American financial contributions.
At least
two departments within the U.S. State Department have failed to provide
sufficient documentation on preventing terrorist groups from accessing this country’s
assistance to Afghanistan, according to SIGAR, who noted that this section’s
documents are absent from at least two departments of the U.S. State
Department.
SIGAR’s
report highlights the urgent need for transparency and accountability in U.S.
aid to Afghanistan. Ensuring terrorist groups do not misuse funds is crucial
amid ongoing reconstruction efforts and evolving political landscapes in the
region.
Source: khaama.com
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Over
1,000 Afghan refugees deported from Iran and Pakistan
July 17,
2024
The
Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations announced the expulsion of over one
thousand Afghan migrants from Iran and Pakistan.
According
to a press release on Wednesday, July 17th, a total of 1,408 individuals were
deported from these countries in a single day.
The
ministry stated that those expelled returned to Afghanistan through various
border points, including Torghundi, Spin Boldak, Islam Qala in Herat province,
and the Silk Bridge in Nimruz province on July 15th and 16th.
Recently,
Pakistan and Iran have expedited the deportation of Afghan migrants lacking
legal residency documents. Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel laureate, has urged
Pakistan to halt the deportation of Afghan migrants from the country.
Meanwhile,
the rapid expulsion of Afghan migrants from neighboring countries poses
significant challenges for Afghanistan, which is already grappling with
internal displacement and humanitarian issues.
The
influx of returnees adds pressure to already strained resources and raises
concerns about those affected’s well-being and future prospects.
Efforts
to address these challenges will require international cooperation and support
to ensure the safe and dignified return and reintegration of Afghan migrants.
Source: khaama.com
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Japan
expresses solidarity with storm and flooding victims in Afghanistan
July 17,
2024
The
Embassy of Japan in Kabul expressed
solidarity with the victims of severe storms and devastating floods in recent
days in Nangarhar, Kunar, Laghman, Paktia, and
Kabul.
In a
note on social media today, Wednesday, July 17, the embassy stated that Japan
will always stand by the people of Afghanistan in times of hardship.
Heavy
rains, destructive floods, and storms in recent days have resulted in numerous
casualties and injuries across several provinces of Afghanistan.
Save the
Children, in a report released this morning, stated that approximately 1,500
children have been displaced from their homes due to recent floods and storms
in some provinces of Afghanistan.
The
figures presented by the organization indicate that about 1.36 million people,
including 858,000 children, have been affected by natural disasters in Kunar,
Laghman, and Nangarhar provinces.
Takayoshi
Kuromiya, the Ambassador of Japan to
Kabul, remarked, “I am deeply saddened by the severe storms and
devastating floods that have occurred in recent days in Nangarhar, Kunar,
Laghman, Paktia, and Kabul.”
He added
that Japan is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to stand
alongside the people of Afghanistan.
Source: khaama.com
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Afghanistan’s
premier futsal league season three to begin in two days
July 17,
2024
The
Afghanistan Football Federation announced that the third season of the national
futsal league will commence on Friday, July 19.
The
tournament will feature 10 teams competing at the Afghanistan Football
Federation Futsal Committee Gymnasium.
In Group
1, participating teams include Shams, Arya Foruj, Zeyton, Ettehad Herat, and
Baradaran Khawaja Zada.
Group 2
will see matches between teams such as Zaher Asad, Sadagat, Jawanan Mihan,
Saadat Nimruz, and Peyroozi Panjshir.
The
third season of Afghanistan’s Premier Futsal League coincides with the national
futsal team’s qualification for the 2024 Futsal World Cup.
Afghanistan
is grouped with Argentina, Ukraine, and Angola in the World Cup’s Group C.
Afghanistan
national players will face Angola first, Argentina, and Ukraine in their
group-stage matches.
Despite
the progress in futsal, athletes in Afghanistan often face challenges due to a
lack of attention and financial support.
Sports
infrastructure in Afghanistan struggles with inadequate funding, impacting
training facilities and athlete development.
Many
athletes in Afghanistan lack proper coaching and support systems, hindering
their potential for international success.
Source: khaama.com
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People
will obtain passports easily in near future, Hanafi
July 18,
2024
KABUL:
The Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs Mawlavi Abdul Salam Hanafi
said that all Afghans will obtain passports without any problem in the near
future. Mawlavi Hanafi made the speeches during the inauguration ceremony of
passport distribution centers in the capital Kabul province, Arg said in a
statement Wednesday. Hanafi appreciated the efforts of the leadership of the
Ministry of Interior Affairs and officials of the General Directorate of
Passport for establishing the new pass port distribution centers, according to
the statement. “Having a passport is the right of every citizen and opening of
the three new passport distribution centers will effectively address the
existing difficulties in this field,” the statement quoted Hanafi as saying. In
the past there was a single passport distribution center across the country
that could not meet all the requirements of the people, Hanafi said, assuring
that with the establishment of the three passport distribution centers that are
well-equipped with all necessary facilities and separate mosques and waiting
halls for male and female clients, will address the problems facing the people
in the obtaining of the passport. The deputy PM emphasized that the leadership
of the Islamic Emirate has been committed to providing the people with better
and fundamental services and facilities and will try that all compatriots have
access to better and higher quality services. The Kabul Times
Source: thekabultimes.com
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Russian
investors interested in Panjshir mining
July 18,
2024
BAZARAK:
A number of Russian investors, in a meeting with the Governor of the country’s
northeastern province of Panjshir, Hafiz Mohammad Agha Hakim, said that they
are ready to invest in the province’s mines. The Russian investors said that
they are ready to invest and extract Panjshir’s mines by using advanced mining
machinery, the provincial press office said in a statement the other day. After
the resumption of power by the Islamic Emirate, a suitable investment ground
has been provided in Afghanistan, the Russian investors said, asking the
provincial administration to provide them with necessary cooperation and
facilities in investing in the province’s emerald mines, according to the
statement. The provincial governor Agha Hakim stated that with the resumption
of power by the Islamic Emirate, investment ground has been provided in
Afghanistan and domestic and foreign investors can use the opportunity. Agha
Hakim assured that for eign investors with full confidence can invest in the
mines of Panjshir. This is to be noted that a large number of Iranian, French,
and American, have shared their investment plans in various sectors of the
province. The Kabul Times
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DAB
governor, head of UNAMA discuss financial service development
July 18,
2024
KABUL:
The acting Governor of Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB), Mawlavi Noor Ahmad Agha, in a
meeting with Roza Otunbayeva, the Special Representative of the
Secretary-General for Afghanistan and Head of the United Nations Assistance
Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), discussed the development of financial
services, the bank said in a statement the other day. Speaking at the meeting,
Mawlavi Agha said that the development of financial services is vital in all
parts of the country and considered it significant in developing the country’s
economy. Mawlavi Agha said that hisled bank is committed to expanding financial
services to all parts of the country so that the Afghan people can equally
access financial services, according to the statement. “To facilitate
microfinance for the people, a regulation has been enacted, and the people can
access microfinance upon its execution,” the statement quoted Noor Ahmad Agha
as saying. He urged the aid agencies to contribute to creating job employment
and decreasing the level of unemployment. Considering the development of
Islamic Banking significant in the contemporary era, Mawlavi Agha emphasized
using the experience of the developed countries and Islamic banking
institutions. He stated that DAB is committed to developing Islamic banking in
the country and is seeking to pave the way for providing financial and banking
services based on Sharia law. Meanwhile, the Special Representative of the
Secretary-General for Afghanistan and Head of the United Nations Assistance
Mission in Afghanistan, Roza Otunbayeva, pledged to support the development of
financial services and establish relations with the leading Islamic banking
institutions, considering this sector significant for the Afghan people. The
Kabul Times
Source: thekabultimes.com
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NDC to
recruit state universities’ graduates
July 18,
2024
A
cooperation agreement has been signed between the National Development
Corporation (NDC) and the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) during a press
conference attended by the leadership of both organizations. Under the
agreement, the NDC will recruit graduates from state universities to
participate in its major projects, including the significant Qush Tepa project.
In the press conference, the NDC leadership provided a comprehensive overview
of their current and ongoing projects. This included a detailed presentation of
the various initiatives the NDC has implemented across the country. One of the
key projects highlighted was the large-scale Qush Tepa project. The NDC’s media
team shared the progress and underscored the project’s critical importance to
the nation. Additionally, the agricultural complex associated with the Qush
Tepa project was introduced during a seminar at the press conference. It was
explained that the agricultural development plans within this project could
play a pivotal role in reducing poverty. The agricultural complex aims to
significantly contribute to agricultural development, poverty reduction, and
the greening of the country. The project will include fish farming and the
breeding of other animals such as sheep, goats, and cattle. These initiatives
are part of a broader strategy to enhance agricultural productivity and
sustainability. Abdul Rahman Attash, the Chief Executive Officer of the NDC,
stated, “We are working towards the country’s development with very limited
resources. We must not view the budget as the only essential element for the
country’s progress. Instead, good planning and a positive mindset are crucial
for the nation’s development and advancement.” This agreement arrives at a time
when many graduates from state universities face uncertainty and a lack of
employment opportunities. The initiative by the MoHE and NDC offers hope for
thousands of talented young graduates who can now look forward to being
employed and contributing to their country’s development with their skills and
knowledge. The partnership between the sides signifies a strategic move to
harness the potential of the nation’s educated youth. By integrating university
graduates into large-scale national projects, this collaboration aims to
provide meaningful employment opportunities while advancing critical
infrastructure and development goals. The Qush Tepa project, central to this
agreement, is expected to have a transformative impact on the region. It
includes a wide range of development activities, particularly in agriculture,
which are crucial for the socio-economic upliftment of the area. The
agricultural complex within the Qush Tepa project is designed to promote
sustainable agricultural practices. By introducing modern fish farming
techniques and promoting livestock breeding, the project aims to increase local
food production and create new economic opportunities for the rural population.
Moreover, the project’s focus on poverty reduction aligns with broader national
development goals. The NDC’s approach to integrating agricultural development
with infrastructure projects is expected to benefit various sectors of the
economy and improve the overall quality of life for the citizens. The press
conference also emphasized the importance of innovative thinking and strategic
planning in national development. Abdul Rahman Attash’s remarks highlighted the
need for effective use of available resources and the implementation of
well-conceived plans to achieve sustainable progress. This cooperation
agreement between the NDC and MoHE represents a significant step toward
addressing the employment challenges faced by university graduates. It provides
a pathway for their professional growth while ensuring that their expertise is
utilized in projects that have a lasting impact on the nation’s development.
The collaboration between the NDC and MoHE is a promising development for Afghanistan’s
future. By tapping into the potential of the country’s educated youth and
channeling their talents towards critical national projects, this initiative is
set to drive progress and prosperity for the nation. Safi
Source: thekabultimes.com
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Recent
floods victims deserve urgent assistance
July 18,
2024
Natural
disasters have caused huge financial and human losses in the country, amid
heavy climate changes recently. Although, the development of science and
technology, to some extent, has provided awareness about the most possible
occurrence of natural incidents such as storms, heavy snowfall and rainfall,
volcanic eruptions, etc. so that measures can be taken to reduce financial and
life losses, the natural events happen terrifyingly and at the same time as
dangerous as it couldn’t be prevented or controlled. But, the related organs
should be attentive to take protective measures prior to the happening of the
destructive incidents. The occurrences of such unfortunate and unexpected
events make us realize that we should hurry to the assistance of our injured
co-citizens on time and help them as much as we can. Two days ago, some regions
of the country, particularly, the country’s eastern province of Nangarhar were
hit by heavy rains and storms which caused huge human and financial losses. The
Ministry of Public Health of the Islamic Emirate confirmed that according to
preliminary figures, due to heavy rains, lightning and storms in the province,
35 bodies and about 230 wounded have been taken to the provincial hospitals.
The number of injured people may rise as many residents are still under rubble
and mud and sludge. In other provinces of the country, reports said that the
stormy winds have collapsed thousands of fruitful and non-fruitful trees, and
floods washed out hundreds of hectares of land. So, in view of the magnitude
and worse incident, not only the officials of domestic and foreign aid agencies
but also our compatriots should help the victims, especially by donating blood
to the injured people. Those in dire need of financial aid, should also be soon
covered because their situation has been assessed as very critical and they are
feared to lose their lives if not are not provided with urgent assistance. Not
only the organs concerned, but all countrymen who can do something for the
victims and the country’s national traders have the responsibility to share
aids with the local aiding institutions to cover the fresh flood victims. They
should provide them with at least urgent makeshift shelters as they have
earlier did with thousands of earthquake and flood victims in other parts of
the country, a few months ago. We should not wait for the flow of foreign aids,
we should do our best to address the problems of our citizens not only, when
they are facing natural incidents, but donate aids if they are poor, have
problems in paying their house rent, having trouble when are indebted and have
to pay their loans but are not cannot afford them. Likewise, donation and
charity should be continued in the best ways, so that on the one hand,
responsibility is fulfilled and on the other hand, the injured compatriots in other
provinces who have been affected by natural disasters are taken care of, so
that this assistance becomes an Islamic culture.
Source: thekabultimes.com
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Israeli
airstrike in Syria results in casualties
July 18,
2024
In a
recent event, an Israeli airstrike on Damascus, the capital of Syria, caused
substantial casualties among Syrian military personnel. Reports indicate that
six Syrian soldiers were killed and 18 others injured in the attack. The
Israeli military claimed responsibility, stating they targeted Syrian command
centers and infrastructure. Early on Monday morning, many military stations
outside of Damascus as well as a residential building inside the capital were
struck by an airstrike. These details were verified by the official Syrian news
agency, which noted both civilian and military casualties, and cited a military
source. The residential area’s destruction as a result of the bombing
highlights how serious the strike was. In response, the Syrian Armed Forces
announced that their air defense systems had intercepted and neutralized a
significant number of Israeli missiles. Despite these efforts, the attack
resulted in considerable damage and casualties. The Syrian military’s statement
emphasized the ongoing and aggressive nature of Israeli operations in Syrian
territory. The frequency of Israeli airstrikes in Syria has significantly
increased since the beginning of the Gaza conflict, with near-daily attacks by
Israeli forces intensifying regional tensions. The Gaza conflict has directly
correlated with the surge in Israeli military activities in Syria, marking a
period of heightened confrontations. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) justified
their actions by claiming they targeted Syrian military command centers and
infrastructure threatening Israeli security. The IDF maintained that these
preemptive strikes are necessary to dismantle potential threats and ensure
Israel’s security, framing the actions as defensive measures against hostile
Syrian forces. These airstrikes’ impact extends beyond military targets,
significantly affecting the civilian population. The recent attack on a
residential building in Damascus highlights the collateral damage and human
cost of such military operations. Civilians in the affected areas face
increased risks and disruptions due to ongoing military activities. The
international community has expressed concern over the continuous airstrikes by
Israel in Syria. Various international bodies and countries have voiced their
apprehensions about the escalating conflict and the resulting humanitarian
crisis. These recurring airstrikes have also sparked debates about the legality
and morality of military actions in densely populated areas. The recent Israeli
airstrike on Damascus, resulting in six Syrian soldiers’ deaths and injuring 18
others, highlights the region’s ongoing volatility. The intensification of
Israeli military operations in Syria, particularly amid the Gaza conflict,
underscores the complex nature of the Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape.
Continuous targeting of military and civilian sites in Syria by Israeli forces
poses significant challenges to regional stability and peace. The international
community remains vigilant, urging restraint and dialogue to address the underlying
issues fueling the conflict. Mashal Noori
Source: thekabultimes.com
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Understanding
global concept of gender
July 18,
2024
Part IV
Islam,
as a comprehensive and complete religion, presents a program for the well-being
of humanity in this world and hereafter. It introduces a woman as a human being
to the world, describing her with noble names in the verses of the Quran and
the sayings of the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him). Islam has defined her
rights and responsibilities according to justice and her innate nature. In
Islamic society, a woman is seen as a complete human being and a source of
dignity, honor, and chastity, which is not the case in the West. After the
emergence of feminist movements in Afghanistan coinciding with the occupation
and the rise of the republic system, some Muslims, both men and women, were
influenced by its widespread promotion. They argued that Islam does not have a
problem with feminist movements and equality of rights between men and women in
various domains, supported by textual arguments that will be elaborated upon
here. They present reasons to justify gender equality, citing a Hadith from the
Prophet (peace be upon him) where he said, “Women are equal to men.” In
response to this argument, it must be stated that this Hadith is not primarily
about equality between men and women. Rather, this hadith is fundamentally related
to a legal ruling prohibiting the wrongful consumption of others’ property.
When this Hadith is considered in context and in conjunction with preceding
verses, its purpose and ruling become clear. Allah has prohibited Muslims from
wrongfully consuming each other’s property. Therefore, the concept of equality
is not relevant in this context, and using this hadith to argue for gender
equality is completely unfounded and incorrect. Per this perspective, Islam has
defined and legislated the rights and responsibilities of men and women. As
mentioned earlier, when rights and responsibilities are assigned based on
humanity itself, they are equal. This means that the obligations of men and
women, regardless of their gender, are the same. Islam does not differentiate
between men and women in inviting them to faith, nor in the obligations related
to acts of worship such as prayer, charity, fasting, pilgrimage, and others.
Islam has imposed equal rulings upon men and women regarding moral virtues such
as honesty, trustworthiness, generosity, sacrifice, sincerity, and abstaining
from vices like lying, envy, betrayal, breach of trust, and hypocrisy.
Similarly, in matters of transactions such as buying and selling, renting,
agency, and others that pertain to humanity itself, no distinction has been
made between men and women. However, concerning inheritance shares, hijab,
roles in the workplace and society, as well as worldly obligations and social
duties, Allah has assigned responsibilities and rights according to their
natural disposition. Therefore, the theory that Islam has no issue with gender
and feminist movements and that equality between men and women is an Islamic
perspective is completely rejected. These movements fundamentally originate
from Western beliefs and principles rooted in the concept of absolute freedom.
Governments must focus seriously on cultural education to familiarize people
with this understanding, as we will delve into further in the concluding part
of this series, God willing. Firooz Ahmad Ebrahimi
Source: thekabultimes.com
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Using
own funds, Zabul residents launch public projects
July 18,
2024
Zabul Province
in Afghanistan has seen minimal reconstruction over the past two decades,
leaving residents with few public service improvements. With the Islamic
Emirate’s return to power, both the government and local citizens have
mobilized, using their resources to develop public welfare projects. Across
Zabul’s districts, residents are funding and carrying out reconstruction
initiatives, such as building roads, schools, and bridges over rivers. In
Arghandab District, locals have recently constructed 11 bridges over rivers
using their funds, addressing a crucial need. Haji Mohibullah, a resident,
mentioned that these bridges have significantly eased travel across rivers,
overcoming previous difficulties. He emphasized that all construction expenses
were covered by the local community. He said, “The bridges built at the
people’s expense are now serving the community. More bridges are under
construction, with all costs covered by the locals.” In other districts of
Zabul, residents have funded the construction of schools. Sharifullah, a
resident of Shajoy district, collected contributions to build a school in his
area. He expressed his commitment to continue this initiative in regions
lacking schools, where students currently study outdoors. He said, “Although
education was not a priority before, the villagers united to build a school so
that children who were deprived of education can now study, and someone
educated can emerge from our community.” Currently, the number of schools built
by local residents in various districts of Zabul has reached 10. Mawlavi Gul
Wali Muttaqi, head of Zabul’s Department of Education, praised the
community-funded schools and mentioned efforts to provide educational materials
with the help of collaborating organizations. He said, “UNICEF has provided
stationery to schools in 12 districts. Inshallah, there will be no students
facing issues with stationery. Once educational institutions reach all areas,
all necessary materials will be provided.” Haji Dad Mohammad, a 60- year-old
resident of Zabul, expressed his happiness that, after decades, the people of
the province have united to work for the common good. He stressed that,
alongside the government, people need to create their own conveniences and work
for themselves. He said, “We are very happy that the people have come to an
agreement, overcoming ethnic divisions and discord, and have collectively
supported national development at their own expense. The people of this area
are united.” Residents of Zabul state that community-funded projects involve
both financial contributions and active participation from locals. Samiullah
Zabul, a 27-year old resident of Arghandab district, said that he has been
working alongside other laborers in his area for the past three months. Despite
lacking financial means, he decided to contribute as a laborer in the
reconstruction efforts. He said, “All of us from the area have gathered,
contributing financially and working ourselves. We are very happy and thankful
to our coordination manager. We want to do more work.” With the end of
insecurity in the country, reconstruction efforts by the government,
organizations, and local citizens have increased in various provinces. Afghans
hope that the coming years will see a self-reliant Afghanistan. Ehsanullah
Wolasmal
Source: thekabultimes.com
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/kanwar-yatra-hindus-hurt-up-faith/d/132738