Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Eidgah Issue: Muslim Side Asked To File Objections To Plea For Worship Over Krishna Koop
New Age Islam News Bureau
14 March 2024
Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Eidgah
-----
·
Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Eidgah Issue: Muslim
Side Asked To File Objections To Plea For Worship Over Krishna Koop
·
CAA Should Be for All Persecuted People
‘Irrespective of Religion’, Says Taliban
·
Russia Calls Islamophobia 'An Unacceptable Form
Of Racism'
·
11 Muslims Arrested By Hisbah, a Sharia Police, In Kano For Eating During Ramadan
·
Women Rights Organisation Asks To Release
Report "Gaza Embraces Death In Front Of Lie Of Peace"
----
India
·
Hurriyat Conference Chairman Calls For Making
Mosques Effective Centres Of Social Awareness And Reform
·
'Won't Get Misled by Mamata, Kejriwal, Owaisi':
Muslim Influencers Say CAA of No Concern to Community
·
CAA not anti-Muslim and doesn't violate Article
14, will never be taken back: Amit Shah
·
At 33.6%, Telangana Has Highest Count Of Muslim
Students Pursuing Higher Education
------
South
Asia
·
Help Common People Instead Of Hosting Iftar
Parties: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina
·
450 Punishments Implemented in Country After
Islamic Emirate's Return
·
World Bank Report: Afghanistan’s trade deficit
widens
·
Kandahar Governor, Pakistani Diplomat Discuss
Durand Line
·
Mujahid: Lack of Intl Recognition a Cause of
Delay in Formalizing Cabinet
·
Interior Minister Haqqani and Uzbekistan FM
Saidov Pledge to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
·
UNAMA should not review Afghanistan’s issues
from a negative perspective: Mujahid
-------
Europe
·
Russia Calls US Idea To Build Pier Off Gaza
'Dances On Bones'
·
UK Unveils New Extremism Definition Amid Rise
In Hate Crimes Against Jews, Muslims
·
Muslims Will Become Majority In Swedish Cities
In Just 1 Generation, Boasts Pakistani-Born Theologian
·
Oxford Mosque 'Locked Down' After 'Stabbed' Man
Collapsed On 'Mosque's Front Doors' As Police Rush To Scene
·
Italy Rejects Extradition To Israel Of
Palestinian Over Rights Fears
·
Russia concerned about Muslims’ access to holy
sites in Jerusalem
·
Germany says Israel abiding by international
law as Gaza death toll surpasses 31,000
·
Hundreds block San Francisco airport terminal
calling for permanent Gaza ceasefire
·
Anti-Islam Geert Wilders Fails to Get Coalition
Support to Become Dutch Premier
------
Africa
·
Muslim Council sensitizes clerics on preaching
methodology
·
South Africa Says Citizens Fighting Alongside
Israeli Forces In Gaza To Be Arrested Upon Return
·
Ramadan: Bauchi adjusts closing hours for civil
servants
·
Zamfara Emir urges residents to intensify
prayers against rising banditry
------
Arab
World
·
Saudi Arabia announces registration date for
Grand Mosque Itikaf
·
Nasrallah stresses US hypocrisy regarding issue
of Gaza
·
The Quba Mosque in Madinah: A beacon of Islamic
heritage
·
“KSrelief is the only entity authorized to
receive donations outside Saudi Arabia”
·
Saudi Arabia inaugurates world’s first 3D
printed mosque
·
Tourism ministry steps up inspections of
Makkah, Madinah facilities
·
Saudi volunteers step up to serve pilgrims at
the Two Holy Mosques
·
Houthis launch missile, 4 drones in latest
attack off Yemen
----
Mideast
·
Palestinians Denounce Israeli Field Executions
In West Bank
·
Israel says air strike on Gaza UN food centre
killed Hamas militant
·
Nasrallah says support arenas in Lebanon,
Yemen, Iraq will have their say in Ramadan.
·
Iran's FM says Islamic countries have to put
end to crimes of Zionist enemy
·
Iran: Five lawmakers withdraw from major Sunni
blocs and form an alliance
·
International community urged to redouble
efforts to assist Rohingya refugees
·
Israel says it plans to direct Palestinians out
of Rafah ahead of anticipated offensive
·
Israel 'weaponized' humanitarian measures in
Gaza as tool of mass displacement: Report
-------
Southeast
Asia
·
West Must Stop 'Hypocrisy,' End Israel Atrocities
In Gaza: Malaysia PM
·
KPDN to continue monitoring sale of Israeli
dates in the market - Armizan
·
Penang maintains working hours for civil
servants during Ramadan
·
Fadhlina: School canteens remain open to cater
to non-Muslims during Ramadan
·
Fahmi tells Islamist activist to check with DPM
Zahid if Bumiputera businesses neglected
----
North
America
·
US: Detention of Americans 'Significant
Obstacle' to Relations With Kabul
·
Biden Admin' On The Defence On Holding Enough
Meetings With Arab, Muslim American Community Leaders
·
US expected to impose sanctions on two West
Bank outposts linked to attacks on Palestinians
·
US pause on funding UNRWA may become
'permanent': Report
·
CAIR Condemns Israeli Attack on UN Aid
Distribution Centre in Gaza, Torture of Palestinian Detainees
---
Pakistan
·
Pakistan, China Friendship Must Achieve ‘Higher
Heights’ Now: PM Shehbaz
·
Cipher, Toshakhana cases: Appeals against
convictions: IHC turns down objections over maintainability
·
PTI founder, Qureshi’s appeals are
maintainable, IHC holds
·
New Sindh govt decides to take on Karachi’s
worsening crime rate
·
Pakistan, Bahrain call for an immediate
ceasefire in Gaza
·
Mock security drill conducted at Adiala Jail
·
Over 1.8m ration bags delivered to people under
‘Ramazan package’
Compiled by New Age
Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/krishna-janmabhoomi-shahi-eidgah/d/131919
------
Krishna
Janmabhoomi-Shahi Eidgah issue: Muslim side asked to file objections to plea
for worship over Krishna Koop
Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Eidgah
-----
Mar 14,
2024
Justice
Mayank Kumar Jain directed Muslim side to file objections by March 20 in an
application seeking puja inside Shahi Eidgah premises of Mathura on April 1
The
Allahabad high court on Wednesday asked the Muslim side to file objections by
March 20 to an application seeking directions not to interfere with the Hindu
devotees in performing worship over Krishna Koop (Krishna Well) situated at
Mathura’s Shahi Eidgah and to maintain adequate security and safety during the
worship.
Justice
Mayank Kumar Jain also directed the Muslim side to file objections by March 20
in another application seeking puja inside Shahi Eidgah premises of Mathura on
April 1, which is “Mata Sheetla Saptami” and on April 2, which is “Mata Sheetla
Ashtami”, as per the Hindu calendar.
An
application filed by Ashutosh Pandey (plaintiff in one of the Krishna
Janmabhoomi suits) said that every year “pooja and archana” is performed by
Hindu devotees as “Bassoda pooja” on the premises of the disputed property.
“This
year, such pooja and archana would be falling on 1.4.2024, as ‘Mata Sheetla
Saptami’ and on 2.4.2024, as ‘Mata Sheetala Ashtami’. On the said dates, as per
past practice, Bassoda Pooja has to be performed by the plaintiffs, while the
defendants are preventing the plaintiffs to perform such pooja and archana in
Krishna Koop (Krishna Well),” the application said.
The
other application was also moved in one of the 18 suits on the Krishna
Janmabhoomi-Shahi Eidgah. It sought directions that the respondent/defendants
shall be restrained from interfering in the worship by Hindu devotees over
Krishna Koop at Shahi Eidgah by Muslim community and maintaining adequate
security and safety.
After
hearing the parties concerned, the court said, “Objections against the aforesaid
applications (paper no.A-20) may be filed by the defendants by the date fixed.”
Meanwhile,
after hearing the parties at length in the Krishna-Janmabhoomi Shahi Eidgah
matter, the Allahabad high court adjourned its hearing till March 20.
In
continuation of her earlier arguments, advocate Taslima Aziz Ahmadi, appearing
on behalf of Muslim side through video conference, submitted before the court
that suit is barred by limitation.
It was
further submitted that suit has been filed for possession after removal of the
Shahi Eidgah Masjid structure as well as for restoration of the temple and for
a permanent injunction. The prayer in the suit shows the structure of the
masjid is there and the committee of management is in possession of the same,
she said.
“In this
way, a question/dispute has been raised on Waqf property and thus provisions of
Waqf Act will apply and, in such, it is the waqf tribunal who has jurisdiction
to hear the matter and not a civil court,” Ahmadi said.
The
court asked her to conclude her arguments by the next date of hearing.
Source: hindustantimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/krishna-janmabhoomi-shahi-eidgah-issue-muslim-side-asked-to-file-objections-to-plea-for-worship-over-krishna-koop-by-march-20-101710351930009.html
------
CAA
Should Be for All Persecuted People ‘Irrespective of Religion’, Says Taliban
Devirupa
Mitra
March
14, 2024
New
Delhi: In its first reaction to the implementation of the Citizenship
(Amendment) Act in India, the Taliban’s head of political office in Doha,
Suhail Shaheen, said that any such law should be for all “irrespective of
religion”, even as he denied that there was any persecution of minorities in
Afghanistan.
On March
11, the Indian government notified the rules for the implementation of the
controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Announcing the rules, Indian home
minister Amit Shah said that it will “enable minorities persecuted on religious
grounds in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan to acquire citizenship in our
nation”.
The
stated objective of the CAA, which was passed by parliament in December 2019,
is to accelerate the process of granting citizenship to Hindus, Parsis, Sikhs,
Buddhists, Jains and Christians purportedly fleeing persecution from India’s
Muslim-majority neighbours – namely, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.
However, the cut-off date for refugees to arrive in India to qualify under the
CAA is December 31, 2014.
In a
statement to The Wire, Taliban spokesperson and head of the political office in
Doha Suhail Shaheen said, “This should apply to all whether they are Muslims,
Hindus or Sikhs.”
When
asked for clarification on whether he was referring to India’s CAA, Shaheen
affirmed, “Yes, it should be for all who are persecuted in their countries.”
At the
same time, Shaheen, who is also the Taliban’s designated Permanent
Representative to the United Nations, claimed that there was no persecution of
Sikhs and Hindus in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.
“I would
like to say that minorities like Sikh and Hindus are not persecuted in
Afghanistan; they have freedom of performing their rituals and have the same
right in the sight of the law as I have,” he said.
Shaheen
additionally expressed his hope for equal treatment of Indian Muslims, stating,
“I hope also minority in India i.e. Muslims, are not persecuted as Hindus and
Sikhs are not persecuted in Afghanistan.”
The CAA
is being implemented at a time when India has improved ties with the Taliban
government in Kabul, despite not according it full diplomatic recognition in
line with the international community.
India
has now a team of diplomats in the Afghan capital, with Ministry of External
Affairs officials regularly meeting with Taliban government officials. It
recently also sent a technical team to look at the condition of the
India-Afghanistan friendship dam at Herat.
The
Afghan embassy in New Delhi is also now manned by Afghan diplomats who are in
contact with the central foreign ministry in Kabul.
Meanwhile,
the Taliban’s relations with Pakistan has cooled over the issue of
Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP), which has been accused of being behind a series of
terror attacks by Islamabad.
When the
CAA was approved by parliament in December 2019, the Islamic Republic of
Afghanistan was still at the helm. The Ministry of External Affairs had to
clarify that the allegations of persecution was not being made against the
post-2001 Afghanistan government, but specifically against the Taliban.
“On
Afghanistan, you see we have and especially in the context of a statement which
came out from their side especially when we spoke about the minorities, we said
that we didn’t say that religious persecution is taking place under the
present, the current government of Afghanistan,” said MEA spokesperson at the
weekly briefing of December 19, 2019.
He
further explained that “during the previous Mujahideen and Taliban regimes,
religious minorities were deliberately victimised on the basis of religion in
2001 and we are all aware of that”.
Claiming
that Taliban issued a call for minorities to “convert to Islam or leave the
country”, the MEA spokesperson also reiterated the clean chit to the Islamic
Republic. “We are also aware that the current government has substantially addressed
the concerns of the minorities as per their constitutional provisions and
laws.”
The link
between the Taliban and the persecution of minorities was also reiterated by
Indian government ministers at the time of the return of the insurgent group to
Kabul.
A week
after the Taliban returned to power, an Indian Air Force plane airlifting
Indians from Kabul also brought back 24 Afghan Sikhs and Hindus. At that time,
minister of urban affairs and petroleum Hardeep Puri had tweeted that “recent
developments in our volatile neighbourhood & the way Sikhs & Hindus are
going through a harrowing time are precisely why it was necessary to enact the
Citizenship Amendment Act”.
In
total, over 300 Afghan Sikhs and Hindus arrived in India after the Taliban
takeover. However, none of them would qualify for Indian citizenship under the
amended law, and most of them departed for foreign shores. Unlike in India
where they don’t have financial means to survive, refugees who are
rehabilitated in western countries often get funds till they get jobs.
The two
former Afghan Sikh lawmakers who fled Kabul have also left India – Narendra
Singh Khalsa is in Canada, while Anarkali Kaur Honaryar took refuge in France.
The new
Taliban government had held a series of a meeting with Hindu and Sikh leaders
over several months after they came to power to assure them of security.
The
meetings also took place after the insurgent Islamic State in Khorasan Province
(ISKP) took responsibility for attacks on a gurudwara in Kabul in 2022.
Incidentally, the MEA expedited the pending visas for over 100 Afghan Sikhs
after the 2022 gurudwara attack.
A month
later, Taliban asserted that Afghan Sikhs and Hindus should return to their
homeland as the security situation had been resolved.
According
to Guljeet Singh, a social worker who is involved with the Afghan Sikh
community in Delhi, there were only two families left after the Taliban
takeover, who were also preparing to leave the country. He also claimed that
that there are thousands of pending applications for citizenship from Afghan
Sikhs and Hindus over the decades.
Meanwhile,
around 50 men have returned to earn their living from their shops and
properties in Kabul and Jalalabad. “They can’t give up their assets. But they
are staying together in a community centre or gurudwara for safety,” he told
The Wire.
When
asked whether the Afghan Sikhs and Hindus felt danger from the Taliban, he said
that the group was not targeting them. “But the society is so militarised,
everybody has a gun. So, they always feel insecure,” he told The Wire.
The
latest report of the UN Secretary General on Afghanistan, as well as the
briefing by the UN Special Representative for Afghanistan, Roza Otunbayeva
spotlighted the restrictions on women and children, but also made a passing
reference to “marginalisation of minorities”, but didn’t elaborate further. The
majority of the sectarian attacks since 2021 have been against Shia groups like
the Hazaras by ISKP.
Source: thewire.in
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://thewire.in/diplomacy/caa-should-be-for-all-persecuted-people-irrespective-of-religion-says-taliban
------
Russia
Calls Islamophobia 'An Unacceptable Form Of Racism'
Moscow Central Mosque
-----
Elena
Teslova
14.03.2024
Russia
considers Islamophobia "an unacceptable form of racism," Russian
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Wednesday.
Speaking
at a news conference in Moscow, Zakharova said Russia stands in solidarity with
the approaches of Muslim countries and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation
(OIC) on this issue.
"We
stand against discrimination and harassment of Muslims on the grounds of
religious affiliation as well as for ensuring religious freedoms based on
respect for not only the individual but also collective rights of
believers," she said.
Zakharova
pledged Russia's support for a draft resolution of the Muslim countries at the
UN General Assembly titled "Measures to Combat Islamophobia"
dedicated to the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, which is celebrated
every year on March 15.
The
resolution prescribes respect for Islam as a component of the principle of
cultural and religious diversity and also provides for the establishment of the
mandate of the UN Special Envoy to combat this form of religious intolerance,
she noted.
"Russia
is a co-sponsor of the draft resolution," she said.
Last
week, Zakharova slammed Islamophobia in Europe, saying it had reached an
"unprecedented scale” in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of
Europe.
Source: aa.com.tr
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/russia-calls-islamophobia-an-unacceptable-form-of-racism/3163877
-----
11
Muslims Arrested By Hisbah, a Sharia Police,
In Kano For Eating During Ramadan
The Islamic police, known as Hisbah, will continue to look for people
not observing the fast
------
Fanen
Ihyongo, Kano
March
14, 2024
Eleven
Muslims have been arrested by the Kano State Hisbah Board for allegedly eating
during the Ramadan period.
Hisbah,
a Sharia police, said the suspects violated the Ramadan fast. Among those
arrested is a woman who was spotted eating groundnut during fasting time.
The
arrests were made during the annual Ramadan enforcement operations, which
included searches of eateries and markets, it was learnt.
Hisbah
spokesman, Lawal Ibrahim, yesterday told newsmen that the arrests were made in
Kano city’s markets.
According
to Hisbah, non-Muslims are exempted from such enforcement activities, but if
found selling food during fasting hours to Muslims, they could be considered
guilty of the offense.
Ibrahim
said: “The individuals arrested include 10 men and one woman, who was caught
eating from her groundnut-selling stall.
“We
apprehended 11 persons, including a lady selling groundnuts who was seen eating
from her wares, after some persons alerted us.
“The
other 10 persons are men who were arrested across the city, especially close to
markets where a lot of activities happen.
“We
don’t arrest non-Muslims because this doesn’t concern them, and the only time
they could be guilty of a crime is when we find out they cook food to sell to
Muslims who are supposed to be fasting.”
Source: thenationonlineng.net
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://thenationonlineng.net/11-muslims-arrested-in-kano-for-eating-during-ramadan-2/
-----
Women
Rights Organisation Asks To Release Report "Gaza Embraces Death In Front
Of Lie Of Peace"
Resource
: Saba
-----
[14/March/2024]
SANA'A
March 14. 2024 (Saba) - Intsaf Organization for Women's and Children's Rights
held a press conference to issue a human rights report entitled "Gaza
embraces death in front of the lie of peace."
At the
conference, the Minister of Human Rights in the caretaker government, Ali
Al-Dailami, pointed out that the Palestinian people are being killed and
exterminated in cold blood by the Zionist entity, in full view of the world.
He
pointed out that international mechanisms and women's rights and issues are
only mobilized when America and Britain want to exploit women, stressing that
there are chilling crimes against Palestinian women.
Minister
Al-Dailami called for reviewing the broken international mechanisms, and
finding alternative mechanisms, whether Arab, regional or humanitarian, to
pressure the so-called international justice.
Meanwhile,
the official of the human rights and legal department of Ansar Allah, Abdul
Wahab Al-Mahbashi, reviewed the situation in the Gaza Strip, and the crimes of
genocide against the Palestinian people, in light of Arab, Islamic and
international failure.
He
pointed out that Sanaa refused to join the official Arab system in exchange for
giving up Gaza because Sanaa is enough for the honor of being with the
countries of the axis of resistance in a position of pride and honour.
Ahmed
Baraka, representative of the Islamic Jihad movement in Sana'a, pointed to the
war of ethnic cleansing practiced by the Zionist entity with regional and
international support, in order to end the Gaza file, which has become a
concern for the world with its resistance and steadfastness, so the decision
was that it should be eliminated.
He
explained that women and children took the largest share of Zionist crime, as
70 percent of Gaza's martyrs are women and children, pointing out that the suffering
suffered by women is great and they bear a great burden in times of peace and
war.
Baraka
called for exposing the practices of the Zionist entity and its crimes against
the Palestinian people and women in particular, praising the efforts of the Intsaf
organization in shedding light on the suffering of the Palestinian people and
highlighting the crimes of the Zionist entity, calling for the continuation of
this approach.
For her
part, the head of the organization, Sumaya Al-Taifi, explained that the report
contains only part of the violations and criminality suffered by women and
children by the Israeli-American enemy with global complicity of the United
Nations.
Despite
the war of total genocide, the international community had not fulfilled its legal
responsibilities and its role in international protection mechanisms for
children and women had not been activated in order to ensure that the leaders
of the Zionist occupation were held accountable as war criminals for what they
had committed against Palestinian children and women.
The
report dealt with the catastrophic and tragic conditions that women in
Palestine have been living in for more than 155 days as a result of the
aggression and blockade.
He
pointed out that the aggression and blockade deprived women of their basic
rights to access health services by targeting hospitals and centers, spreading
diseases and epidemics, high rates of malnutrition and hunger, especially among
pregnant and lactating women, in addition to increasing the rate of abortion
and fetal malformation as a result of the use of internationally prohibited
weapons.
The
report touched on the situation of women in the Gaza Strip under the occupation
of the Zionist entity and the violence and violations they are subjected to,
indicating that the rates of murder and hunger are increasing dramatically.
He
reviewed examples of humanitarian stories of the flagrant violation of the
rights of women and children in Gaza that are guaranteed by all laws and laws,
including the right to life, to live in peace and security, and to ensure their
basic and non-basic needs.
The
report referred to the shameful and inhuman attitude of the United Nations and
its abandonment of its responsibilities in the face of violations against
Palestinian women, considering what is happening in Palestine as a result of
the impunity of the Zionist entity.
He
reported that since the start of the aggression on the seventh of October 2023
until March 2024, more than 104,000 people were killed and wounded, including
31,184 dead, including eight thousand and 900 women, while the number of
children reached 13,430.
The
report called for stopping the Zionist aggression on Gaza and withdrawing from
it, lifting the siege by land, sea and air, allowing the return of displaced persons
to Gaza, and forming an independent fact-finding committee consisting of
persons known for their competence and impartiality to investigate all
violations and crimes occurring in Palestine in general and in Gaza in
particular, and to bring the perpetrators of crimes and massacres to trial.
He
called for activating the role of the international community in international
protection mechanisms for children and women, in order to ensure that the
Zionist occupation in Palestine is held accountable as war criminals because of
what they committed against Palestinian children and women.
He urged
the leaders of the Arab and Islamic countries to stand by the Palestinian
people in a serious and practical way, and held them responsible for neglecting
their duties.
The
report also calls on all neighboring countries to strive to open safe corridors
for the entry of adequate humanitarian aid into Gaza, rescue the wounded
victims of the raids and provide them with the necessary health assistance.
It also
called on the United Nations, the World Health Organization and the Red Cross
to work to stop the Zionist occupation's targeting of internationally protected
civilian objects, such as hospitals and schools, and to take appropriate
measures in this regard, calling on the Security Council to take appropriate
and effective decisions regarding the massacres and violations committed by the
Zionist entity against women and children, whose protection is guaranteed by
international laws and conventions, and to take the necessary and deterrent
penalties for the perpetrators of these crimes and violations.
The
organization urged all governmental and private bodies and international and
local community organizations to work to support children and women victims of
wars and aggression, in order to reduce the psychological and social effects
they are exposed to during the period of aggression.
It held
the American administration and the Zionist occupation forces fully responsible
for the worsening humanitarian reality and the worsening of the humanitarian
catastrophe in the Gaza Strip.
Source: saba.ye
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3312886.htm
----
India
Hurriyat
Conference Chairman Calls For Making Mosques Effective Centres Of Social
Awareness And Reform
March
14, 2024
Hurriyat
Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Wednesday called for making mosques
effective centres of social awareness and reform to tackle the constant social challenges
faced by the society.
He urged
the Islamic scholars and Imams of the mosques to realise their responsibilities
regarding the reformation of the society.
“They
should lay emphasis on personal and societal reform in their sermons during the
blessed fasting month of Ramadhan,” he said after inaugurating the newly
constructed Muhaajir-e-Millat Masjid Shareef in Reshanhar in Nawa Kadal area of
the city.
The
Hurriyat Conference chairman said that mosques should be actively utilised as
the best centres for value based upbringing of the children and youth in the
light of Islamic teachings and for efforts towards societal reform.
“During
the performance of the five daily prayers, the Muslims in the area become
acquainted with each other’s well-being, leading to the formation of a caring
and united society,” he said.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/mirwaiz-umar-farooq-mosques-effective-centres-social-awareness-reform-9212116/
---
'Won't
Get Misled by Mamata, Kejriwal, Owaisi': Muslim Influencers Say CAA of No
Concern to Community
MARCH
14, 2024
Amidst
the political furore over the Citizenship Amendment Act, a number of Muslim
influencers have come out in support of the law. Dr Feroz Bakht Ahmed, former
chancellor of Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MAANU), said there’s
nothing for the Muslim community to debate or protest about the CAA since it
does not concern them.
“Every
channel is debating CAA, leading to the perception that there are issues with
CAA… but there’s nothing to debate…there should only be discussions which
clarify that this law is about giving right not taking away,” Ahmed told
CNN-News18.
The CAA
amends the Citizenship Act of 1955 to provide Indian citizenship to migrants
from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan who belong to Hindu, Sikh, Jain,
Parsi, Buddhist, and Christian communities and had entered India on or before
December 31, 2014, due to religious persecution in their home countries.
When
asked about the spectre of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) that has
been raised by opposition politicians like Mamata Banerjee and Asaduddin
Owaisi, Ahmed said, “NRC kal aata hai, aaj aa jaye (Doesn’t matter whether NRC
comes today or tomorrow). Why should an Indian Muslim, who has sacrificed for
this country, shed his blood against the British…why should he worry? So many
other Islamic countries including Pakistan have NRC…Only the illegal immigrant
should fear the NRC.”
Owaisi
and Banerjee in their statements on Wednesday said that the CAA was just a
precursor to the NRC. “Amit Shah took my name in Parliament and said Owaisi ji,
NPR (National Population Register) bhi hoga aur NRC bhi hoga,” Owaisi said.
West
Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee was accused of fearmongering by BJP
leaders after she told a gathering, “The moment you apply under CAA, your
citizenship will be taken away. What will happen to your property? They will
take you to detention camps.”
Dr Imam
Muer Ahmed Ilyasi, chairman of the All India Imam Organization, called these
statements political attempts to gain Muslim votes. “A lot of politicians have
always misled people by saying that CAA is inimical to Muslim interests. But in
reality, CAA is only about minorities of Pakistan, Afghanistan. India has
always provided refuge to persecuted people. No Muslim or Indian is impacted by
this law. This is just to divide votes ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, ” he said.
When
asked if the CAA was anti-Muslim since it didn’t make provisions for persecuted
Muslims like Ahmadiyyas, Balochs, or Rohingyas, Ilyasi argued that Pakistan,
Afghanistan, and Bangladesh were Islamic countries, so it was more important to
make provisions for non-Muslim persecuted minorities in these countries. He
said this did not mean that the law should be seen as anti-Muslim.
He
added, “As chief imam, I appeal to all Indian Muslims not to get misled by
these political statements and fearmongering.”
Faheem
Baig, chairman of Shama Educational And Charitable Society, agreed. Baig comes
from north-east Delhi’s Jafrabad, which saw communal riots in 2020 that took
place following protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act. “The way we saw
violence in north-east Delhi…people were misled that detention centres were being
built in Assam where Muslims would be rushed…I come from north-east Delhi, so I
saw real-time. The government failed (then) in communicating the right message
and the opposition succeeded in misleading. Videos of detention centres in
other countries went viral, outsiders came to the area and incited Muslim women
who ordinarily never step out of purdah,” he said.
Asked
about statements made by opposition leaders against CAA, the Muslim influencers
who spoke to CNN-News18 were unanimous — both sides were playing politics.
“Muslims
now won’t get misled by Mamata, Kejriwal, Owaisi. Wo apne pair par kulhadi mar
rahe hain., jeetne ke liye sabka vote chahiye hoga, ye sab karke wo apna kaam
kharab kar rahe hain (They are harming their own prospects. To win they would
need everyone’s votes and this way they are reducing their own chances),” they
said.
Source: news18.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.news18.com/india/wont-get-misled-by-mamata-kejriwal-owaisi-muslim-influencers-say-caa-of-no-concern-to-community-8814736.html
--
CAA not
anti-Muslim and doesn't violate Article 14, will never be taken back: Amit Shah
March
14, 2024
Union
Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah said the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is
not anti-Muslim and the law will never be taken back.
“This is
our sovereign right to ensure Indian citizenship in our country, we will never
compromise on it and CAA will never be taken back,” the minister told ANI in an
interview.
Slamming
Opposition parties over their "politics of lies", Shah pointed out,
"I have spoken on CAA at least 41 times on different platforms and spoken
in detail that the minorities of the country need not be afraid because it has
no provision to take back the rights of any citizen."
The Home
Minister's remarks come a week after rules of the Act were notified.
He
pointed out that Muslims have the right to apply for citizenship in the country
as per the Constitution, pointing out that CAA is meant for persecuted
minorities, including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians
from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan,
who arrived in India before December 31, 2014.
Refuting
Opposition's claims that "CAA is unconstitutional", the senior BJP
leader said, "They always talk about Article 14. They forget that there
are two clauses in that Article. This law does not violate Article 14. There is
a clear, reasonable classification here."
Slamming
claims that the BJP is using CAA for political gains, the minister said the
opposition had made similar objections to crucial national security decisions.
"They even said that there was a political benefit in surgical strikes and
air strikes. So, should we not take action against terrorism?" Shah
questioned.
Source: theweek.in
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2024/03/14/caa-not-anti-muslim-and-doesnt-violate-article-14-will-never-be-taken-back-amit-shah.html
---
At
33.6%, Telangana has highest count of Muslim students pursuing higher education
Mar 14, 2024
HYDERABAD:
Telangana has emerged at the top of the charts in gross enrolment ratio (GER)
of Muslim students pursuing higher education in India. The state's average is
pegged at 33.6% - at least 6% more than Tamil Nadu that comes in at second
place with a GER of 27.6%, shows a study conducted by the National Institute of
Educational Planning and Administration, Delhi University.
GER is
used to measure the count of people who are enrolled in school compared to the
number of people who should ideally be enrolled at that level. Other
top-ranking states and UTs include: Punjab (26.9%), Puducherry (25.7%), Kerala
(20.3%) and Goa(19.5%).
These
numbers, the report helmed by former professor Arun C Mehta, are an indication
of opportunities available to Muslim youth - in the 18 to 23 age group --
across various states. "They indeed indicate progress over the years
within the Muslim community. In fact we have also seen more students continuing
their education after Class 12 and getting into commerce and arts fields
including BBA, BA, BCom," said S Q Masood, an academic and an activist
working for the community. He, however, added: "Intense competition in
medical and engineering fields poses a challenge, especially for Muslim
students from govt schools, where most of the students from underprivileged
section study. Reservation is also a concern. Making slight adjustments in
these areas could propel us towards achieving at least a 50% GER in the
future."
According
to the report, the GER in Telangana is higher among Muslim girl students who
scored 34% as compared to the boys who hit a GER of 33%. The examined data was
sourced from the databases of Unified District Information System for Education
Plus and the All India Survey on Higher Education for the year 2020-21 and
2021-22, which are overseen by the Union ministry of education, the report
stated.
Speaking
about women being frontrunners, Rubina Nafis Fatima, of SAFA Foundation working
for upliftment of Muslim women, said numbers were only partially accurate.
Emphasising the scarcity of higher learning institutes in areas like the Old
City, she said how it's a stumbling block for many. "Accessibility and
mobility remain major concerns for Muslim women. To encourage them to pursue
higher education, there is need for additional institutions in these areas,
with improved public transport," Fatima added, highlighting better
awareness about getting girls married after 18 years has contributed to rise in
GER.
While
experts also acknowledged Telangana's performance being better than other
states, they maintained that the numbers are still low when it comes to the
overall enrolment ratio. On average, the state's enrolment in higher education
is about 40%. "To get anywhere close to that, we need better
infrastructure, quality teachers, and exposure to extracurricular activities
such as sports, art, and technology for students to be able to seek different
opportunities," said Mohammad Asif Sohail, an academic and activist.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/at-33-6-telangana-has-highest-count-of-muslim-students-pursuing-higher-education/articleshow/108478591.cms
----
South
Asia
Help
Common People Instead Of Hosting Iftar Parties: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina
Mar 13, 2024
Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina today called for standing beside the common people as
much as possible during Ramadan.
She made
this appeal while chairing a Cabinet meeting held at her office in the capital.
Cabinet
Secretary Mahbub Hossain briefed reporters after the meeting at the Bangladesh
Secretariat.
"Today
the prime minister made an appeal. She earlier gave a decision not to arrange
iftar parties. [Today] She said those who are eager or have resources should
stand by the people as per their capacity. If needed, they should stand by the
common people with the money they are eager to spend on the Iftar
parties," said Mahbub.
Besides,
the premier issued two directives for the authorities concerned -- to develop
agriculture-based cooperatives and to construct modern preservation storages in
the country's eight divisions to preserve agro-goods.
She
directed the agriculture ministry and the Rural Development and Cooperatives
Division to develop agriculture-based cooperatives in line with the dream of
the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The
construction of modern preservation storages will help control unusual
price-hikes of goods and maintain the normal supply of the products in the
market during the off-season.
The PM said
the modern preservation storages should have separate chambers for different
agricultural goods, according to the cabinet secretary.
Source: thedailystar.net
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/help-common-people-instead-hosting-iftar-parties-pm-3565941
----
450
Punishments Implemented in Country After Islamic Emirate's Return
Naweed
Samadi
March
14, 2024
After
the Islamic Emirate's return, more than four hundred and fifty punishments have
been carried out across the country.
Abdul
Rahim Rashid, the Head of Press and Foreign Relations of the Supreme Court,
noted that these sentences were carried out in public after evaluation by
tripartite courts in various provinces.
"Since
the Islamic Emirate's return, in various provinces, over 450 individuals have
received punishments, with some well-known criminals and corrupt individuals
being publicly punished,” Rashid added.
Some
legal experts and religious scholars believe the implementation of Sharia
rulings aids in maintaining order and security but emphasize that Sharia laws
and international treaties should guide the execution of punishments.
"Sharia
requires consideration of conditions and the existence of an Islamic system.
There must be a unified system and law, with judges' decisions aligning with
Sharia principles," Hasebullah Hanafi, a religious scholar, remarked.
"Afghanistan's
criminal law discussions have incorporated treaties and covenants, ensuring
international compliance and state civil liability,” Mohammad Asif Faqiri, a
legal expert, said.
According
to the Supreme Court, five sentences of Qisas (retaliation) have also been
carried out in the provinces of Farah, Laghman, Ghazni, Maidan Wardak, and
Jowzjan, an issue that has faced reactions from international organizations
including Amnesty International and the United Nations Assistance Mission in
Afghanistan.
Source: tolonews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-187821
----
World
Bank Report: Afghanistan’s trade deficit widens
Fidel
Rahmati
March
13, 2024
The
World Bank says Afghanistan’s exports dropped 5% to $140.5 million from last
January.
According
to this World Bank report, recently published under the title “Afghanistan
Economic Update,” the country’s exports were $148.1 million in January of the
previous year.
However,
the World Bank report states that Afghanistan’s imports have increased by 37%
compared to January last year, rising from $600 million in January of the
previous year to $830 million in January 2024, thereby increasing the trade
deficit.
The
World Bank has estimated Afghanistan’s annual imports at a total of $5.5
billion, which, according to the bank, indicates a trade deficit of $3.5
billion.
The
World Bank says Afghanistan faces an economic recession due to reduced economic
activity and ongoing inflation.
In its
report, the bank stated that the annual inflation rate in the country reached
-10.2% in January of this year.
The
report from the World Bank indicates that this inflation resulted from a sudden
decrease in the price of food items (-15.1%) and non-food items (-4.8%).
The
World Bank added that while the decrease in the price of goods might provide
short-term relief for financially vulnerable families, according to the bank,
this situation could lead to significant economic damage.
The
World Bank report states that long-term inflation could delay consumer
purchases, reduce merchants’ investments, and halt economic growth.
The bank
further reminded in its report that the value of the Afghan currency had been
maintained against foreign currencies over the past 18 months but had
depreciated in January this year, including against the dollar and most other
foreign currencies.
The
World Bank also added that revenue collection in Afghanistan was also 2% less
than the set target, totaling 189 billion Afghanis in the fiscal eleven months
(March 2023 – February 2024).
The
interim government of Afghanistan has not yet reacted to this World Bank
report, but economic sector officials always consider maintaining the value of
the Afghan currency against foreign currencies and collecting revenues as among
their achievements.
However,
Afghanistan is facing a dire humanitarian crisis. The country’s healthcare
system is on the brink of collapse, with a significant shortage of medical
supplies and healthcare professionals.
Hospitals
and clinics across the country are struggling to provide basic services to the
population, exacerbating the health crisis exacerbated by malnutrition and the
spread of infectious diseases. The lack of international funding and sanctions
has further strained the healthcare infrastructure, leaving millions without
access to essential health services.
Moreover,
the situation has led to an alarming level of food insecurity, with millions of
Afghans at risk of hunger and malnutrition.
The
agricultural sector, a cornerstone of the Afghan economy, has been severely
impacted by droughts and the lack of access to farming supplies and markets.
This
crisis is compounded by the displacement of populations due to ongoing conflict
and natural disasters, making it challenging to deliver humanitarian aid to
those in need. The international community’s response has been hindered by political
complexities, leaving a significant gap in the provision of necessary aid to
address the urgent humanitarian needs of the Afghan population.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.khaama.com/world-bank-report-afghanistans-trade-deficit-widens/
---
Kandahar
Governor, Pakistani Diplomat Discuss Durand Line
March
13, 2024
Obaid
Rahman Nizamani, the head of the Pakistan diplomatic mission in Kabul, on his
visit to Kandahar engaged in discussions on the Durand Line with Mullah Shirin
Akhund, the governor of Kandahar province, who also serves as the head of the
committee tasked with resolving Durand Line issues.
Zabihullah
Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, said that Pakistan's
concerns and the border area conflict that occurred a few days ago in Khost
province were the main topics of this meeting.
Mujahid
said: "It has been said regarding the relations along the mentioned line
that both sides should make an effort. If you are aware, an incident happened
in Khost three days ago which is under investigation, and the governor of
Kandahar is responsible for that joint committee which occasionally holds
meetings between Afghanistan and Pakistan, hence the issues were shared."
Political
analysts said that improving relations between the current Afghan government
and Pakistan is crucial, and Islamabad must be sincere in its interactions with
Kabul.
"The
meeting of the Pakistani ambassador with the governor of Kandahar is
significant because changes have occurred in Pakistan, a new government has
emerged, hence they want to convey the message about future relations and how
relations and Pakistan's policies will be, through him to Mullah Hibatullah,”
said Aziz Marij, a political analyst.
"It
would be good if we could resolve issues through diplomatic means rather than
through the media. This way, the situation can proceed normally and improve,
allowing both countries to make appropriate use of the good situation,” said
Moeen Gul Samkanai, another political analyst.
Previously,
Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting foreign minister, had stated in a meeting with
Obaid Rahman Nizamani that his return to Kabul would positively impact the
diplomatic relations between Kabul and Islamabad.
Source: tolonews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-187813
---
Mujahid:
Lack of Intl Recognition a Cause of Delay in Formalizing Cabinet
Sodaba
Nazhand
March
13, 2024
Zabihullah
Mujahid, the spokesman for the Islamic Emirate, told TOLOnews that the lack of
recognition of the Islamic Emirate and the absence of a constitution have
prevented the announcement of an official cabinet.
Mujahid
added that despite this, work in government institutions is proceeding
normally.
"We
will reach the stage where the current government, which is an acting one,
becomes permanent. Some shortcomings remain in the legal area,” the spokesman
said.
Three
weeks after the Islamic Emirate took control of the country, it announced a
caretaker cabinet at a press conference. Nearly three years have passed since
that day, but there has still been no official cabinet announcement. Currently
21 ministries are managed by acting ministers.
Some
experts say a constitution is crucial for stability in the country and said
that drafting a constitution is an important task for the caretaker cabinet.
"Without
the existence of law, [the government] is neither accountable to the people nor
can it prosecute the people. This means that without a law, on what basis do
you prosecute a criminal?" said Abdul Shukor Dadras, a legal affairs
expert.
"In
my opinion, the government should consult the nation and discuss the
constitution, which is an important matter, and on this basis announce the
official cabinet,” said Moeen Gol Smakani, a political affairs expert.
Abdul
Latif Mansur, Acting Minister of Energy and Water, emphasized the need for a
constitution in the country a few days ago at a meeting in Paktia province,
saying it was a serious necessity.
Source: tolonews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-187818
---
Interior
Minister Haqqani and Uzbekistan FM Saidov Pledge to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
2024-03-13
KABUL
(BNA) In a meeting, held in Kabul, Acting Minister of Interior Affairs Khalifa
Sirajuddin Haqqani and Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Baxtiyor Saidov expressed
their commitment to enhancing bilateral relations between their nations.
The
meeting aimed to foster good neighborliness, promote regional stability and
explore opportunities for economic collaboration.
During
the meeting, Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani warmly welcomed Mr. Baxtiyor Saidov and
reiterated Afghanistan’s dedication to strengthening ties with Uzbekistan.
Both
leaders emphasized the importance of mutual respect, trust, and cooperation in
fostering a closer relationship between the two nations.
Mr.
Baxtiyor Saidov commended the efforts of the Islamic Emirate in maintaining
security and combating narcotics in Afghanistan.
He
acknowledged the significance of these measures in ensuring stability within
the region. Moreover,
Meanwhile,
Minister Haqqani assured Mr. Saidov that Afghanistan provides a favorable
security environment conducive to economic development.
He
stressed the importance of launching economic projects that would have a
substantial positive impact on regional stability.
The
meeting concluded with a mutual understanding to enhance cooperation in various
sectors, including trade, investment, infrastructure development, and cultural
exchanges.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/interior-minister-haqqani-and-uzbekistan-fm-saidov-pledge-to-strengthen-bilateral-ties/
---
UNAMA
should not review Afghanistan’s issues from a negative perspective: Mujahid
March
14, 2024
The
United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is expected to decide on continuing the
work of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in a day.
However,
Islamic Emirate officials say UNAMA has not been successful in fulfilling its
mission so far and they hope that it focuses on the key challenges of
Afghanistan.
“UNAMA
shouldn’t always look at the issues of Afghanistan from a negative point of
view, they should take into consideration issues in which we have made
progress; we have achievements; we have security and stability, and that the
people of Afghanistan are in a good economic condition compared to the past.
UNAMA should be a partner of Afghanistan, not always be critical and always use
their channel for preparing propaganda,” said Zabihullah Mujahid, IEA
spokesman.
“So, we
ask UNAMA to change its policy regarding Afghanistan and cooperate with
Afghanistan more effectively,” he added.
In the
last meeting of the UN Security Council on Afghanistan, the majority of the
council members supported the continuation of UNAMA’s work in Afghanistan
because they believe that UNAMA’s existence is important for delivering
humanitarian aid, ensuring human rights and forming a comprehensive government.
UNAMA’s
mission in the country is extended annually by the UNSC members.
Meanwhile,
the mission of this organization in Afghanistan will end in four days (March
17th).
Source: ariananews.af
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.ariananews.af/unama-should-not-review-afghanistans-issues-from-a-negative-perspective-mujahid/
---
Europe
Russia
calls US idea to build pier off Gaza 'dances on bones'
Elena
Teslova
13.03.2024
Russia
on Wednesday called US intentions to build a pier off the Gaza Strip to deliver
humanitarian aid "dances on bones."
Responding
to a question by Anadolu at a press briefing in Moscow, Russian Foreign
Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova questioned how serious can be initiatives
on building infrastructure in a war-torn region.
"These
are dances on bones, mocking people, because now, when civilians are dying
there every day, we need to talk about their destinies, and not about some
illusory future projects that in the first place need peace to be implemented,
otherwise we perfectly understand how all this will end.
"When
a country does not even want to hear — I am now talking about the United States
of America — about even formulating a call for a cease-fire, how can we treat
initiatives to build civilian infrastructure where they do not want a
cease-fire?" she questioned.
US
President Joe Biden on Monday announced plans to set up a temporary pier off
Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians, starving due to Israel's
blockade.
Israel
has waged a deadly military offensive on the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, 2023
cross-border attack led by the Palestinian group Hamas in which nearly 1,200
people were killed.
More
than 31,272 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have since been killed in
Gaza, and over 73,024 others injured amid mass destruction and shortages of
necessities.
Israel
has also imposed a crippling blockade on the Palestinian enclave, leaving its
population, particularly residents of northern Gaza, on the verge of
starvation.
According
to the Palestinian Health Ministry, at least 27 people have died of
malnutrition and dehydration in Gaza as a result of the Israeli blockade.
The
Israeli war has pushed 85% of Gaza’s population into internal displacement amid
a crippling blockade of most food, clean water, and medicine, while 60% of the
enclave's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the UN.
Israel
stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice. An interim
ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to
guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.
Source: aa.com.tr
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/russia-calls-us-idea-to-build-pier-off-gaza-dances-on-bones/3163655
----
UK
unveils new extremism definition amid rise in hate crimes against Jews, Muslims
Michael
Holden
14 March
2024
LONDON
(Reuters) - Britain unveiled a new definition of extremism on Thursday in
response to an eruption of hate crimes against Jews and Muslims since the Oct.
7 Hamas attacks on Israel, although critics said the change risked infringing
on freedom of speech.
Earlier
this month, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak warned that Britain's multi-ethnic
democracy was being deliberately undermined by both Islamist and far-right
extremists, and more needed to be done to tackle the problem.
Antisemitic
incidents rose by 147% in 2023 to record levels, fuelled by the Oct. 7 attacks,
according to Community Security Trust, a Jewish safety watchdog. Tell Mama, a
group which monitors anti-Muslim incidents, said last month that anti-Muslim
hate crimes also had grown by 335% since the attacks.
"Today's
measures will ensure that government does not inadvertently provide a platform
to those setting out to subvert democracy and deny other people's fundamental
rights," said Michael Gove, the communities minister who heads the
department that produced the new extremism definition.
"This
is the first in a series of measures to tackle extremism and protect our
democracy," Gove said.
The new
definition states that extremism "is the promotion or advancement of an
ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance", that aims to destroy
fundamental rights and freedoms; or undermine or replace the UK's liberal
parliamentary democracy; or intentionally create an environment for others to
achieve those results.
Britain
already bans groups which it says are involved in terrorism, and supporting or
being a member of these organisations is a criminal offence. The militant
Palestinian group Hamas is among the 80 international organisations that are
banned.
Groups
which will be identified as extremist following a "robust" assessment
over the next few weeks will not be subject to any action under criminal laws
and will still be permitted to hold demonstrations.
But the
government will not provide them with any funding or any other form of
engagement. Currently, no groups have been officially defined as extremist
using the former definition which has been in place since 2011.
Gove
said in an interview on Sunday that some recent large-scale pro-Palestinian marches
in central London had been organised by "extremist organisations",
and people might choose not to support such protests if they knew they were
giving credence to those groups.
Even
before the new definition was announced, critics warned it could be counter-productive.
"The
problem with a top-down definition of extremism is that it catches people who
(we) don't want to catch," said Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the
spiritual head of the Anglican Communion.
"It
may accidentally inhibit what we have very preciously in this country, an
extraordinarily robust freedom of speech and ability to disagree
strongly," Welby told BBC Radio on Wednesday.
More
than 50 survivors or relatives of victims of Islamist attacks in Britain have
also signed a letter accusing some politicians of playing into the hands of
militants by "equating being Muslim with being an extremist."
Source: yahoo.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/uk-unveils-extremism-definition-amid-000349216.html
---
Muslims
will become majority in Swedish cities in just 1 generation, boasts
Pakistani-born theologian
March
13, 2024
Swedish
women have never had so few children as in 2023, new data shows. Based on the
childbearing gap, Yasir Qadhi, a Pakistani-born American theologian, predicts
that in just one generation, half of Malmö’s population will be Muslim.
“Walking
through the streets of Malmö is like walking through Baghdad, the capital of
Iraq, or Damascus, the capital of Syria,” said Yasir Qadhi, a Pakistani-born
American theologian, as reported in the Swedish newspaper Samnytt.
Qadhi,
who has a doctorate in theology from Yale University, gave lectures on Islam to
young Muslims in Stockholm and Malmö. He says he asked himself during his visit
to Malmö whether he was in Sweden, according to a video he posted on YouTube.
He also
shared his theory with the world that the towns he mentioned would become
Muslim towns because while Swedes have few children, it is not uncommon for a
Muslim family to have five or six. In a generation’s time, Malmö will not be
dominated by Swedes, according to the theologian.
As Remix
News previously reported, ethnic Swedish children are already a minority in the
school system of Malmö, with one Swedish academic reacting to the massive
demographic transformation known as the Great Replacement by claiming that
schools should be taught in Arabic, as Swedish is now a minority language.
Associate
professor of social work, Erica Righard, who works at Malmö University, wrote
in her report for the Growth Commission, that the demographic changes present
“new challenges for integration.”
Conservatives
in Sweden have long pointed to Malmö as a harbinger of a future that the
majority of Swedes remain opposed to, as the city has completely transformed
from nearly all ethnic Swedes into a multicultural area marked by urban decay,
no-go zones controlled by migrant clans, and a city unsafe for women in many
areas.
Data
also shows that migrants and those of a migrant background are responsible for
the vast majority of murders, shootings, gang rapes, and robberies in Sweden.
According
to the latest figures from Statistics Sweden, birth rates in the country have
sunk to an all-time low in 2023.
Righard’s
report also confirms what was once dismissed as right-wing rhetoric and a
conspiracy theory. In this European city, the Great Replacement, which describes
the demographic displacement of Europeans with non-Europeans in their native
countries, is statistically undeniable and ongoing.
Qadhi
himself promotes a range of apps and learning programs in various business
ventures, with his products often targeting the West’s growing Muslim
population.
Source: rmx.news
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.rmx.news/migration/muslims-will-become-majority-in-swedish-cities-in-just-1-generation-boasts-pakistani-born-theologian/
---
Oxford
mosque 'locked down' after 'stabbed' man collapsed on 'mosque's front doors' as
police rush to scene
James
Saunders
13/03/2024 -
A man
has been hospitalised after allegedly being stabbed in Oxford outside a mosque.
A
“significant police presence” is at the scene, and officers have established a
cordon outside the Central Oxford Mosque, with members of the public urged to
avoid the area.
Thames
Valley Police Oxford said it was “on the scene of a serious incident” on Manzil
Way, while multiple police cars were seen on the nearby Cowley Road.
A
statement from the Central Oxford Mosque Society said: “Earlier this evening, a
young man was stabbed in an altercation in the Cousin Close alleyway adjacent
to Manzil Way. This incident is unconnected to the masjid... The young man came
into the masjid seeking medical attention.
“He was
assisted by trustees and the ambulance was called – paramedics and police have
closed Manzil Way and Cousin Close.”
A mosque
spokesperson told the Oxford Mail: “Us Muslims, our job is to protect life. You
save one person, you save all of humanity.
“We were
made aware that there has been a young person involved in an altercation.
“When we
went outside a young man said ‘I’ve been stabbed’, so we immediately brought
him into the mosque to help him.
“He
collapsed outside the mosque front doors where we administered first aid with
our trained first aiders.
“The
police and ambulance attended the scene and the young man is in hospital – our
thoughts and our prayers are with the young man and his family and we hope he
makes a full and speedy recovery.”
Oxford
City Councillor Shaista Aziz said: “I was at the mosque today with my family
and we left a few minutes before police cars started screeching in the
direction of the mosque, so it was quite shocking to see that.
“I
pulled over for the police to get past and the ambulance and then my mum was
quite panicked because she thought something had happened at the mosque.
Spain
tourist backlash: Britons 'will take money elsewhere' as new rules proposed for
UK tourists
“I made
phone calls to my family members to find out if they were okay as I had no idea
what was going on.
“It is
very shocking that this has happened on the second day of Ramadan and so close
to the mosque… People weren't able to leave and have obviously had to wait for
the police cordon to be lifted.
“It is
very devastating, and this is the latest number of recent stabbings in Oxford –
it is shocking there has been a big spike in stabbings in the city.
“There
needs to be some serious questions asked about what is going on in relation to
knife crime in Oxford.
“Prayers
are with the victim, I hope he pulls through and thoughts are with his family
too.”
Officials
have not yet confirmed whether the man had been stabbed, but GB News has
approached Thames Valley Police for comment.
Source: gbnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.gbnews.com/news/oxford-mosque-locked-down-stabbing
----
Italy
rejects extradition to Israel of Palestinian over rights fears
MARCH
13, 2024
An
Italian appeals court refused on Wednesday to send a Palestinian suspected of
plotting terrorist attacks to Israel, saying he risked "cruel, inhuman or
degrading treatment" if he was extradited.
The man,
named by the court as Anan Kamal Afif Yaeesh, 36, was one of three Palestinians
arrested in central Italy on suspicion they were planning attacks in an
unspecified country.
Israel
applied for the extradition of Yaeesh, but his lawyer opposed the request,
presenting reports by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch on prison
conditions for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.
In a
written ruling, a panel of three judges in the central city of L'Aquila sided
with the defense, saying Yaeesh would face "acts constituting a violation
of human rights" if the extradition request was granted.
However,
they ruled that he should be kept in prison in Italy because he is being
investigated by the public prosecutor's office for the same charges for which
Israel had requested his extradition.
Yaeesh
is accused of financing terror group in Tulkarm
The
substance of the allegation against him was not discussed in the hearing.
Israel has repeatedly said detainees and prisoners are treated in accordance
with international law.
Israel,
which is at war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, has accused Yaeesh of financing a
terror group from the Tulkarm refugee camp in the West Bank, called the Tulkarm
Brigade.
Italy
said on Monday the three arrested Palestinians had set up a cell linked to the
Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, a group linked to Palestinian President Mahmoud
Abbas' Fatah movement. The group is considered a terrorist organization by
Israel, the European Union, and the United States.
Source: jpost.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
The
other two did not appear in court because Israel has not requested their
extradition.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-791803
----
Russia
concerned about Muslims’ access to holy sites in Jerusalem
Elena
Teslova
13.03.2024
Russian
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova expressed concern Wednesday about
the situation in Jerusalem where Muslims have encountered problems gaining
access to holy sites.
Zakharova
said the problems of the status of Jerusalem and holy places in the city must
be solved as part of a comprehensive diplomatic process on the
Israeli-Palestinian settlement.
"The
Russian Federation stands for starting collective work today in the interests
of creating the necessary conditions for a political settlement of this
long-standing crisis based on the principle of two states, Palestine and
Israel, existing in peace and security,” she said.
"Within
the framework of a comprehensive diplomatic process, solutions must be found to
fundamental problems, including the problem of the status of Jerusalem and the
holy sites located there. In the context of today's events, the situation in
this city with the onset of the holy month of Ramadan is of serious
concern," she said in response to a question by Anadolu at a news
conference in Moscow.
Zakharova
said the world is waiting for practical steps to end the bloodshed in the Gaza
Strip, and that chances to stop it would be much higher if the US did not veto
relevant draft resolutions in the UN Security Council.
"I
would like to remind that (after vetoing the Russian draft after Oct. 7,), the
US delegation thrice vetoed in the UN Security Council, initiatives aimed at
calling a cease-fire and halt of the hostilities," she said.
Zakharova
emphasized that right after solving the primary task of declaring a cease-fire,
a political process has to be started because the history of the conflict shows
that without bridging fundamental chasms, sides violate all cease-fire
agreements in time after achieving it.
She
opposed attempts to revert the state of affairs to what it was before Oct. 7
and said it would not give necessary results, and only a two-state solution
could end the conflict.
The
Israeli war has pushed 85% of Gaza’s population into internal displacement amid
a crippling blockade of most food, clean water and medicine, while 60% of the
enclave's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the UN.
Israel
stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice. An interim
ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to
guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.
Source: aa.com.tr
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/russia-concerned-about-muslims-access-to-holy-sites-in-jerusalem/3163641
---
Germany
says Israel abiding by international law as Gaza death toll surpasses 31,000
Oliver
Towfigh Nia
13.03.2024
Germany
on Wednesday reiterated that Israel is complying with humanitarian law in its
war on the Gaza Strip, where the death toll has crossed 31,000.
Asked at
a routine government press briefing in Berlin whether Chancellor Olaf Scholz
still believes Israel is upholding international law in the Palestinian
enclave, his spokesman Steffen Hebestreit replied: “The chancellor has said he
is convinced that Israel is abiding by international law, so this is not a
changed position.”
Israel
started its war on Gaza after the Oct. 7, 2023 cross-border incursion by Hamas.
It has since killed more than 31,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children,
and pushed the territory to the brink of famine.
Germany
has time and again said Israel has a right to defend itself, but has called on
Israel to abide by international law, and allow more aid into the territory.
Scholz
in October last year, just at the start of the conflict, had said Israel would
abide by international law, and “I have no doubt about that.”
Meanwhile,
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius gave the green light for the country's
air force to drop urgently needed supplies over Gaza.
The
people in Gaza are lacking the most basic necessities, and we want to do our
part to ensure that they get access to food and medicine, Pistorius said.
With
help entering Gaza by truck far below pre-war levels, foreign governments have
turned to airdrops.
Source: aa.com.tr
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/germany-says-israel-abiding-by-international-law-as-gaza-death-toll-surpasses-31-000/3163630
----
Hundreds
block San Francisco airport terminal calling for permanent Gaza ceasefire
13 March
2024
Hundreds
of anti-war protesters demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and calling for an end to
US military assistance for Israel blocked the international terminal at the San
Francisco International Airport on Wednesday.
Footage
from the scene showed protesters carrying banners with messages such as
“Permanent Ceasefire Now,” “Stop the World for Gaza” and “Stop Arming Israel.”
An ABC News affiliate put the number of demonstrators at more than 300.
“We do
not want to be here. We are forced to be here because we have lost count of the
petitions we’ve sent, the emails we’ve sent, of the meetings we’ve had with our
congresspeople, of the days we’ve marched through the streets begging our
government to hear the millions of voices for ceasefire,” said a protester, in
footage shared by AJ+ reporter Dena Takruri on X.
Protests
demanding an end to the war in Gaza have occurred in many US cities in recent
months, including near airports and bridges in New York City and Los Angeles,
vigils outside the White House, and marches in Washington.
This
month, large protests were seen ahead of US President Joe Biden’s State of the
Union address and the Oscars. Demonstrators have regularly interrupted Biden’s
campaign events and speeches.
Airport
officials said the international terminal remained open, but passengers were
re-routed around the activity. Activists blocked the roadway outside the
airport, marched in circles, and chanted slogans.
Passengers
planning to reach the terminal were told to get dropped off at the rental car
center and take an air train to the terminal. There were no known flight
delays.
Some
travelers expressed their disapproval of the protest.
“It’s
not right,” Kamaljit Singh told KTVU, Fox’s San Francisco outlet. “It’s
inconvenient. “If they want attention, they should march at the White House.”
The war
began on October 7, when thousands of Hamas terrorists attacked southern Israel
under a barrage of rockets fired at population centers all over the country.
They brutally killed 1,200 people, including cases of torture and rape, and
seized 253 hostages. Israel swiftly declared war on Hamas, vowing to topple the
terror group’s regime in Gaza and free the hostages, 130 of whom are still held
captive by Hamas.
The
Israel Defense Forces has since overrun most of the Palestinian enclave,
alongside intense airstrikes, in a campaign that has killed over 31,000 people,
according to Hamas-run Gaza health authorities. These numbers cannot be
independently verified and are believed to include over 13,000 terror
operatives who were killed in battle as well as Gazans who were killed by
terror groups’ misfired rockets. The IDF also killed more than 1,000 terrorists
inside Israel on and immediately after October 7.
While
the United States has called for a temporary ceasefire to send more aid to Gaza
and get hostages taken by Hamas on October 7 released, it has rejected calls
for a permanent ceasefire, saying such a step would let Hamas regroup.
Israel
has rejected Hamas’s demand for an end to the war as a condition for a hostage
release deal as “delusional.”
Source: timesofisrael.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.timesofisrael.com/hundreds-block-san-francisco-airport-terminal-calling-for-gaza-truce/
----
Anti-Islam
Geert Wilders Fails to Get Coalition Support to Become Dutch Premier
March
14, 2024
The
Hague, Netherlands. Geert Wilders, whose anti-Islam, anti-immigration rhetoric
swept him to a stunning victory in the November election, said Wednesday he
doesn’t have the support of his prospective coalition partners to become the
next Dutch prime minister.
Wilders
took to X, formerly Twitter, to say that “I can only become premier if ALL
parties in the coalition support that. That wasn’t the case.”
His
comment came after media reported, citing unnamed sources, that a breakthrough
in coalition talks announced Tuesday night was that the leaders of all four
parties involved in drawn-out coalition negotiations would remain in
parliament.
That
sets up the likelihood of some sort of technical Cabinet made up of experts.
While it now looks like Wilders will not lead the government, he and his Party
for Freedom will remain the driving force behind the next administration.
Wilders
later added another comment on X to say that, one day, he still wants to be
prime minister. “Don't forget: I will still become premier of the Netherlands,”
he said. “With the support of even more Dutch people. If not tomorrow, then the
day after tomorrow. Because the voice of millions of Dutch people will be
heard!”
After
the Nov. 22 elections, Wilders' party holds 37 seats in the 150-seat lower
house of the Dutch parliament. The four parties in government talks hold a
combined 88 seats, giving them a comfortable majority. Polls since the election
show that support for Wilders' party continues to grow.
After
two decades of trenchant opposition, Wilders seemed to have a shot at leading a
nation that long prided itself on its tolerant society, but he has stepped
aside in the interest of pushing through most of his agenda.
“I
really wanted a right-wing Cabinet. Less asylum and immigration. Dutch people
number 1,” Wilders said on X. “The love for my country and voter is bigger and
more important than my own position.”
The rise
of the populist far right in a polarized political landscape has been underway
for years in Europe but Wilders' election victory still came as a shock to the
Netherlands and well beyond.
Wilders
has often called for a ban on mosques, Islamic schools and the Quran, but in a
concession to his prospective coalition partners in January, he withdrew draft
legislation to implement the bans.
Source: jakartaglobe.id
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://jakartaglobe.id/news/antiislam-geert-wilders-fails-to-get-coalition-support-to-become-dutch-premier
----
Africa
Muslim
Council sensitizes clerics on preaching methodology
AbdulGafar
Alabelewe, Kaduna
March
14, 2024
The
Muslim Council of Nigeria (MCON), has sensitized no fewer than 100 Islamic
scholars on preaching methodology in Kaduna, which aimed at uniting the
scholars across board.
President
of the Council, Alhaji AbdulRahaman Abiodun Sadiq, called for collective
efforts and cooperation of the scholars to ensure that the aim of the
sensitization programme is not defeated.
On the
purpose of the exercise, he noted that with the advent of social media, many
scholars have derailed, while using the social media platform as an avenue to
attack one another.
The
scholar opined that with the sensitization programme, all challenges identify
before now will soon be over, urging clerics to emphasize peaceful coexistence,
unity and piety during their Tafsir sessions and other Ta’alimat throughout the
month-long fast and beyond.
Alhaji
Sodiq encouraged the beneficiaries of the sensitization exercise to uphold the
dictates of the holy book and the hadith of prophet Mahammed as a guideline
during their preaching.
“Islam
is a religion of peace, and we must all strictly adhere to the dictates of the
religion. It is our esponsibility as a Muslim Council of Nigeria to ensure that
all the islamic scholars are on the same page with one another without any form
of discrimination, or using abusive words during preaching,” president of MCON
emphasized.
Some
clerics interviewed were very optimistic of a positive result, as the exercise
availed them the opportunity to become good preachers, and promulgate unity
within and outside Islam.
Source: thenationonlineng.net
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://thenationonlineng.net/muslim-council-sensitizes-clerics-on-preaching-methodology/
---
South
Africa says citizens fighting alongside Israeli forces in Gaza to be arrested
upon return
14 March
2024
South
Africa says its citizens who are fighting alongside Israeli forces in the
besieged Gaza Strip will be arrested once they return home, nearly three months
after the African nation filed a lawsuit against Israel at the International
Court of Justice (ICJ) over the regime’s genocidal acts in the Palestinian
territory.
South
African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor made the remark earlier this week,
saying the arrest will be made against her country’s nationals who either fight
in the Israeli armed forces or alongside them in the war-torn coastal sliver,
the Associated Press reported on Wednesday.
She made
the comment at a Palestinian solidarity event attended by officials from South
Africa’s ruling African National Congress party.
“I have
already issued a statement alerting those who are South African and are
fighting" alongside or in the Israeli military that "we are ready.
When you come home, we are going to arrest you,” Pandor said, which was greeted
with rapturous applause from the audience.
Furthermore,
South Africa’s top diplomat encouraged people to protest outside the embassies
of what she called the “five primary supporters” of Israel and its military
action in the Gaza Strip.
Pandor
did not mention the “supporters” by name, but almost certainly was referring to
the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany among others.
In late
December, South Africa stated before filing a lawsuit against Israel at the ICJ
that the occupying regime has failed to uphold its commitments under the 1948
Genocide Convention.
Pretoria
argued that Tel Aviv’s actions in Gaza since the onset of the current war have
been genocidal in character because they are intended to bring about the
destruction of a substantial part of the Palestinian national, racial and
ethnical group.
In its
interim ruling on January 26, the top UN court ruled that South Africa's claims
are plausible, ordering provisional measures. The Hague-based court also said
that the Israeli regime must implement steps to prevent genocidal acts and
allow humanitarian aid flow into Gaza.
South
African has already said that those with dual South African-Israeli citizenship
could be stripped of their South African citizenship.
In
November, the country’s lawmakers voted in favor of closing down the Israeli
embassy in Pretoria and suspending all diplomatic relations until the onslaught
stops.
South
Africa, which has a significant Jewish population of around 70,000 people, has
been an outspoken critic of the Israeli regime's genocidal war on Palestinians
and has led some initiatives to hold Israel accountable for its crimes in Gaza.
Israel
began the campaign of death and destruction in Gaza on October 7, 2023, after
the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm
against the usurping entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities
against the Palestinian people.
Since
then, the regime has killed more than 31,000 Palestinians, mostly women and
children, and injured some 73,000 others. The regime has also imposed a
“complete siege” on the territory, cutting off fuel, electricity, food and
water to the more than two million Palestinians living there.
Source: presstv.ir
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/03/14/721852/Palestine-Israel-South-Africa-Gaza-ICJ-arrest-genocide-
-----
Ramadan:
Bauchi adjusts closing hours for civil servants
13th
March 2024
Umar Sani
Bauchi
State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has approved the adjustment of closing
time for civil servants during the Ramadan fasting period.
In a
statement signed on Wednesday by the Overseeing Director, Establishments for
Head of Civil Service, Isma’il Ibn Garam, the governor said civil servants are
to close at 3 pm from Mondays to Thursdays, while on Fridays, offices are to
close at 1 pm with effect from the start to the end of the fasting period.
The
statement added that the adjustment is to support Muslim civil servants in
observing the sacred practices of Ramadan and to engage fully in worship.
“The
government, therefore, encouraged the civil servants to use the holy month to
pray for the prosperity and advancement of the state and nation at large,” the
statement read.
Meanwhile,
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Sokoto, has approved the payment of half the
salary as a Ramadan gift to all civil servants from primary school teachers to
local government staff as well as pensioners in the state.
This,
according to the governor, formed part of his efforts to ensure that Muslims in
the state start this year’s Ramadan fast comfortably.
A
statement signed by his media aide, Abubakar Bawa, and made available to
newsmen on Sunday read, “The governor in a magnanimous gesture, which is
expected to commence tonight, is to assist workers in the state observe this
year’s Ramadan fast with relative ease.
“Governor
Aliyu, therefore, appealed to the Muslim ummah to use the sacred month to pray
for Allah’s intervention in the numerous challenges hindering Nigeria’s
development.
“He also
called on traders and wealthy individuals in the state to show love and mercy
to the have-nots for them to earn Allah’s mercy and forgiveness in this holy
month.
“The
governor thanked the people of the state for their continued support and fervent
prayers to his administration, which he described as key to all the success so
far recorded in the state.”
Source: punchng.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://punchng.com/ramadan-bauchi-adjusts-closing-hours-for-civil-servants/
---
Zamfara
Emir urges residents to intensify prayers against rising banditry
Jerry Wright-Ukwu
March
14, 2024
The Emir
of Moriki in Zamfara state, Alhaji Bashar Ismaila, has emphasized the
importance of prayer and spiritual intervention in addressing the prevalent
issue of banditry in the state.
Speaking
at the official opening of the annual Tafsir at the Miriki Jumuat Mosque, the
traditional ruler urged the people of the emirate to dedicate themselves to
prayers during this period of fasting.
According
to Emir Ismaila, the fasting period presents an opportune time for the Muslim
Ummah to seek divine intervention against the scourge of banditry that has
plagued their communities.
He
stressed the significance of returning to God and seeking spiritual guidance to
overcome the challenges faced by the state.
Additionally,
Emir Ismaila appealed to individuals who can financially support the less
privileged in the community.
He
highlighted the economic hardships many people face in Zamfara state and across
Nigeria, and emphasized the importance of collective support in addressing
these challenges.
Furthermore,
the traditional ruler underscored the importance of seeking forgiveness from
Allah and repenting from past misdeeds during fasting.
Source: politicsnigeria.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://politicsnigeria.com/zamfara-emir-urges-residents-to-intensify-prayers-against-rising-banditry/
---
Arab
World
Saudi
Arabia announces registration date for Grand Mosque Itikaf
14th
March 2024
Riyadh:
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has announced the date for registering for
Itikaf or seclusion in the Grand Mosque in Makkah during the current holy month
of Ramzan.
The
General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque
said that registration for Itikaf will start on Saturday, 7th of Ramzan
corresponding to March 17.
The
registration will be available through the official website of the presidency
of the two holy Mosques and ends when the number is complete.
Conditions
for Itikaf
Approval
of the pledges and legal controls of the Grand Mosque and adherence to them
Commitment
to enter into seclusion at the specified time on the 20th of Ramzan
The age
of the person in retreat must not be less than 18 years
About
Itikaf
Many
muslims choose to spend the last ten days of Ramzan in Itikaf, where one
focuses solely on worshiping God and refraining from getting involved in
worldly affairs and following the example of the Prophet Muhammed, peace be
upon him.
The
Sunnah is to remain in the Itikaf for ten days, but at least one day and one
night.
Source: siasat.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.siasat.com/saudi-arabia-announces-registration-date-for-grand-mosque-itikaf-2991844/
---
Nasrallah
stresses US hypocrisy regarding issue of Gaza
Mar 14,
2024
TEHRAN,
Mar. 13 (MNA) – Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah stressed the
US hypocrisy regarding the issue of Gaza, adding that no one can believe that
Biden is unable to end the Israeli war on Gaza.
Sayyed
Hassan Nasrallah made remarks on Wednesday night on the occasion of the
beginning of the holy month of Ramadan.
Addressing
the Quranic Evening session in Beirut’s Dahiyeh, Sayyed Nasrallah underlined
the US hypocrisy regarding the issue of Gaza, AL- Manar reported.
Sayyed
Nasrallah said that Biden’s administration has to halt the Israeli war on Gaza,
away from aid ploys.
Nasrallah
addressed the Zionist enemy’s premier Benjamin Netanyahu, “You have failed to
achieve any of the Gaza war’s targets, even the Rafah operation will not offer
you an image of victory.”
Sayyed
Nasrallah underlined the unprecedented steadfastness of the Gaza people despite
all the Zionist barbarism and cruelty, adding that even the Americans told the
Israelis that eradicating Hamas is impossible.
Hezbollah
Leader indicated that all Gaza support fronts are playing their role of exerting
pressure on the Israeli enemy, affirming that the Lebanese front supports Hamas
and its terms about the ceasefire talks.
Sayyed
Nasrallah shed light again on the Israeli concealment of losses on the northern
front, adding that some remarks unveil the truth.
In this
regard, his eminence quoted Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Chief of
Staff Herzi Halevi as saying that their soldiers are fighting in Gaza and the
North and suffering heavy losses.
Sayyed
Nasrallah responded again to the political parties and journalists claiming
that the Hezbollah border battle has not helped Gaza, asserting that 100
thousand Zionist soldiers are deployed near the Lebanon border to prevent the
Resistance from invading occupied Palestine.
Sayyed
Nasrallah highlighted the personnel shortage suffered by the Israeli occupation
army which needs recruiting 14500 officers and soldiers, adding that the
political crisis with the Haredim prepares for the collapse of the occupation
entity.
In this
regard, Sayyed Nasrallah quoted the former Israeli premier Yair Lapid as saying
that ‘Israel’ does not have enough soldiers to wage a war on Lebanon.
Finally,
Sayyed Nasrallah maintained that further patience would lead the Axis of
Resistance to achieve a major victory, underlining the Zionist military,
economic, and political exhaustion in this regard.
Sayyed
Nasrallah maintained that Quranic education helps us confront challenges,
adding that the Resistance martyrs’ wills are full of Quran verses, which
illustrate the Holy Book’s role in their lives.
Source: mehrnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://en.mehrnews.com/news/213009/Nasrallah-stresses-US-hypocrisy-regarding-issue-of-Gaza
----
The Quba
Mosque in Madinah: A beacon of Islamic heritage
March
13, 2024
MADINAH
— The Quba Mosque, situated in Madinah, holds the distinction of being the
first mosque established by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) following his migration
from Makkah.
This
historic mosque, which saw the Prophet laying its foundation stones and his
companions completing the construction, continues to serve as a significant
place of worship close to the Prophet's Mosque.
Renowned
for its historical importance and the virtues of praying there, the Quba Mosque
attracts both locals and visitors, making it one of the most visited mosques in
Madinah.
It
facilitates all daily prayers, including the special Friday and Eid prayers,
showcasing its pivotal role in the Muslim community.
The
mosque has witnessed several renovations throughout history to preserve its
rich heritage.
Notably,
in 1388 AH, its external walls were refurbished, and it underwent a significant
expansion on the northern side.
Further
enhancements were made in 1405 AH when King Fahd ordered a comprehensive
rebuild and expansion, ensuring the preservation of its traditional aspects.
These
renovations expanded the prayer hall to 5,035 square meters and the overall
mosque and its facilities to 13,500 square meters from an original 1,600 square
meters.
Additions
like a library and marketing area were introduced to further serve the
visitors, enriching their spiritual and educational experience at the mosque.
Continuing
this legacy of growth and preservation, the current Custodian of the Two Holy
Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Salman
have announced an unprecedented expansion project for the Quba Mosque.
Named
after King Salman, this initiative is set to expand the mosque's total area to
50,000 square meters, allowing it to accommodate up to 66,000 worshippers.
This
expansion signifies a monumental step in enhancing the mosque's capacity to
serve as a historical and spiritual sanctuary for Muslims worldwide.
Source: saudigazette.com.sa
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/641198/SAUDI-ARABIA/The-Quba-Mosque-in-Madinah-A-beacon-of-Islamic-heritage
----
“KSrelief
is the only entity authorized to receive donations outside Saudi Arabia”
March
14, 2024
RIYADH —
The Ministry of Interior confirmed that the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and
Relief Center (KSrelief) is the only entity authorized to receive and distribute
donations outside Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The
ministry emphasized that the Saudi society is a giving society. “The donation
campaigns carried out by the Kingdom to relieve countries during disasters, and
the Ehsan, Farajat and Tabarra platforms are based on regular procedures that
ensure that donations reach those who deserve them and are not used for
exploiting in a way undermining the security,” it said.
The
ministry stressed that any fundraising activities in any form will expose the
perpetrator to the legally prescribed penalties. It called on the public to
report any violation by calling over the unified number 911 in the regions of
Riyadh, Makkah, and the Eastern Province, and the number 999 in the rest of the
regions of the Kingdom.
Source: saudigazette.com.sa
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/641218/SAUDI-ARABIA/-ldquoKSrelief-is-the-only-entity-authorized-to-receive-donations-outside-Saudi-Arabia-rdquo
---
Saudi
Arabia inaugurates world’s first 3D printed mosque
13 Mar 2024
Doha,
Qatar: In a unique and unprecedented step bridging both technological
innovation and tradition, Saudi Arabia has inaugurated the world’s first mosque
built using 3D technology.
Inaugurated
just ahead of Ramadan, the 5,600 sq m Abdulaziz Abdullah Sharbatly Mosque is
situated in a residential area of Jeddah and stands as a beacon of innovative
design and spiritual significance.
The
project completed in just over nine months utilizes cutting-edge 3D printers
from Guanli, a renowned Chinese manufacturer.
The
mosque stands with an interesting design reflecting both beautiful Islamic
aesthetics and modern ingenuity facilitated by 3D printing technology.
The
design also pays homage to Hejazi architecture while presenting it in a
contemporary format.
Arab
News reported that the minarets have become a distinctive landmark in the
neighborhood with the outdoor area inspired by Hijr Ismail beside the Kaaba in
Grand Mosque.
Wajnat Abdulwaheed,
a prominent Saudi business woman, built the mosque in memory of her late
husband, Abdul Aziz Abdullah Sharbatly.
Abdulwaheed
describes the creation of this remarkable project as a heartfelt tribute and
enduring gesture of love towards her late husband as she shared multiple
pictures of the project and video on her X account (formerly known as Twitter).
She
posted on X stating her love for the country [Saudi Arabia], adding that she
wanted the “Kingdom to be a pioneer in building the first mosque using 3D
technology, which will aid in the success of Saudi vision for 2030.”
The 3D
printing technology allows construction parts and components to be tailored to
specific projects, and reduces waste by using exact amount of material needed
to create a structure or by using recycled materials, leading to cost saving
and improved sustainability.
On the
regional perspective, Dubai has first planned on building a 2,000 square meters
mosque using 3D technology that was scheduled to be completed by 2025 as part
of its ambition to become the world’s capital of 3D printing. However, Wajnat’s
dedication preceded that with Abdul Aziz Abdullah Sharbatly mosque.
Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/13/03/2024/saudi-arabia-inaugurates-worlds-first-3d-printed-mosque
---
Tourism
ministry steps up inspections of Makkah, Madinah facilities
March
13, 2024
RIYADH:
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb has issued instructions for
an increase in inspections of tourist hospitality facilities, including hotels
and serviced apartments, in Makkah and Madinah during the holy month of
Ramadan.
This
initiative is part of the “Our Guests are a Priority” campaign, which sets out
to ensure adherence to the tourism system and its regulations while enhancing
the quality of services offered to Umrah pilgrims.
Accompanied
by ministry officials, Al-Khateeb inspected tourist facilities in Makkah and
Madinah, emphasizing the goals of the campaign.
At the
beginning of the Umrah season in Ramadan, the ministry’s supervisory teams made
at least 468 monitoring and inspection rounds in hospitality facilities in
Makkah, uncovering more than 278 violations.
They
also made at least 214 monitoring and inspection tours of facilities in
Madinah, during which they identified more than 125 violations, the Saudi Press
Agency reported.
Major
violations included engaging in activities without a license, maintaining a low
level of service, and neglecting proper maintenance. Additionally, there was a
lack of commitment to announcing the price list of units and services in Arabic
and English.
The
supervisory and inspection tours are part of the Ministry of Tourism’s role in
serving visitors and pilgrims, domestic and international. The goal is to
provide high-quality services and to allow pilgrims to complete their rituals
with ease and comfort.
Visitors
and Umrah pilgrims are encouraged to share their feedback on services by
contacting the Visitor Care Center on 930 or through the ministry’s official
social media channels.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2476156/saudi-arabia
----
Saudi
volunteers step up to serve pilgrims at the Two Holy Mosques
March
13, 2024
TAREQ
AL-THAQAFI
MAKKAH:
Each year, Saudis from all throughout the Kingdom volunteer their time to
assist pilgrims and make their visit to the Two Holy Mosques as easy as
possible.
In
Makkah, visitors witness the creativity and dedication of these young Saudi men
and women, who use their knowledge, abilities, and skills to deliver
exceptional services.
As part
of Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom is encouraging volunteer activity with the
goal of reaching 1 million volunteers by 2030.
Volunteering
in Makkah encompasses a broad range of tasks, including assisting pilgrims with
their transportation to and from the Grand Mosque, managing airport transfers,
distributing water bottles, serving meals, and translating for non-Arabic
speakers.
Rania
Shodri, a pilgrimage guide and volunteer, said that volunteer work in Makkah is
a great opportunity for those who want to contribute to society.
There is
a host of opportunities for volunteers in the Kingdom across a variety of
sectors, such as social services, healthcare, education, humanitarian aid, and
dawah and guidance, Shodri said. People can also volunteer at hospitals,
schools, social service offices, and the Two Holy Mosques.
Volunteers
can also contribute to organizing events and programs, offering psychological
and social support for those who need it, and participating in awareness and
educational campaigns, she added.
Those
wishing to volunteer can join local organizations in Makkah or contact the
authorities responsible for organizing volunteer work and training volunteers.
According
to Shodri, volunteer work in the Kingdom requires the highest level of
discipline and commitment and, in some sectors, has specific requirements
related to permits and training. Security procedures and special protocols
might also be applicable due to the nature of the place and the event.
The
General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques told Arab News that
there are three levels of volunteer work at the Great Mosque, depending on the
skills required to carry out the tasks involved.
The
first level is open to all as it requires a simple set of skills. The second
level involves carrying out assignments based on skills acquired through
practice and experience. The third is the professional level, which involves
carrying out assignments that require expertise and a certain educational
level.
The
authority said that it aims to reach 2,500 volunteers by the end of Ramadan.
Entities
involved in volunteer work span governmental authorities, licensed charitable
and private associations, and universities and institutes, the authority added.
Information
within the Great Mosque and courtyards is available in 50 languages, including
English, French, Malay, Farsi, Urdu, Russian, Chinese, Hausa, Turkish, and
Bengali. Teams at these sites also provide information regarding prayer times,
lectures and exhibition visit dates.
Live
translation for sermons and lessons, online live streaming, and wireless
headphones are also among the services and amenities provided to visitors.
Barcodes
on information cards facilitate access to the electronic services provided by
the language and translation agency, including to the Manarat Al-Haramain
platform, on which pilgrims can listen to the live translation of sermons and
scholarly lessons in many languages.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2476121/saudi-arabia
---
Houthis
launch missile, 4 drones in latest attack off Yemen
March
14, 2024
RIYADH:
Houthi forces fired one anti-ship ballistic missile and four drones in their
latest attack on ships transiting the waterway off Yemen, but all were
destroyed, the US military said on Thursday.
In a
post on X, the US Central Command said the missile and drones were launched
from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen into the Gulf of Aden between 2 a.m. and
4:50 p.m. (Sanaa time) on March 13, 2024.
Fortunately
the attacks "did not impact any vessels and there were no injuries or damage
reported," the CENTCOM said, adding that US naval forces in the area
"successfully engaged and destroyed" the Houthi weapons.
"These
actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international
waters safer and more secure for US Navy and merchant vessels," the post
said.
On
Wednesday, US and British forces carried out airstrikes on Houthi positions in
the western Yemen city of Hodeidah, a day after the Iran-backed militia
launched missile and drone attacks on ships in the Red Sea.
An earlier
CENTCOM post said the Houthis fired a close-range ballistic missile at the US
naval destroyer Laboon, but it did not strike the ship or cause any damage.
The US
and UK, supported by other nations, had also launched dozens of attacks on
military targets in Sanaa, Saada, Taiz, and other Houthi-controlled
territories, hitting missile and drone launchers and depots, radar sites, and
other military infrastructure.
The
attacks, however, has not stopped the Houthis, whose leaders had promised to
continue attacking ships suspected of transporting goods to Israel.
The
Houthis have expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people amid an Israeli
offensive in the Gaza Strip, which was triggered by the massive Hamas attack on
southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2476466/middle-east
----
Mideast
Palestinians
Denounce Israeli Field Executions In West Bank
Mar 13,
2024
TEHRAN,
Mar. 13 (MNA) – The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates
says the executions across the occupied territories are further proof that
Israel wants to escalate tensions during the holy month of Ramadan.
In a
statement released on Wednesday, the ministry said the surge in Israeli
violence will only drag the region into further escalation and blow up the
situation, Press TV reported.
“The
series of field executions committed by the Israeli occupation army in the West
Bank is clear evidence that the Israeli regime is the one seeking to blow up
the situation during the month of Ramadan, and enter it into a never-ending
cycle of violence.”
Israeli
forces killed at least six people, including two minors, in raids on multiple
locations in the occupied West Bank.
“In 24 hours,
the Israeli occupation has killed six Palestinians, including children. These
are war crimes and crimes against humanity according to international law,” the
statement read.
The
ministry said Israel's continued impunity from punishment and accountability
encourages it to commit more war crimes.
“The
political and military echelon has enabled soldiers and settlers to shoot at
Palestinian citizens who do not endanger them in any way. It is obvious that
this escalation is proof that the Israeli regime is adding fuel to the fire to
expand the cycle of violence.”
Israeli
forces shot dead a 13-year-old boy, identified as Rami al-Halhuli, in the
Shu’fat refugee camp in occupied East al-Quds on Tuesday evening. The regime
said he had fired fireworks at them.
However,
witnesses say the slain Palestinian teen had shot the fireworks upwards into
the air, not at the Israeli forces.
Israel’s
minister Itamar Ben-Gvir expressed support for Israeli soldiers amid outrage
over the killing.
The
killing followed multiple raids across the city of Jenin and the Jenin refugee
camp. Dozens of Israeli military vehicles and bulldozers, supported by drones
and an undercover special unit, took part in the raid in the early hours of
Wednesday.
Violence
has surged in the occupied West Bank since Israel launched war on war on
October 7, 2023. At least 420 Palestinians have been killed there, mostly
during confrontations with Israeli forces.
Israeli
violence often soar during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan over access to
al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East al-Quds.
Source: mehrnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://en.mehrnews.com/news/213004/Palestinians-denounce-Israeli-field-executions-in-West-Bank
---
Israel
says air strike on Gaza UN food center killed Hamas militant
March
14, 2024
Israel
said on Wednesday its airstrike on a U.N. food distribution centre in southern
Gaza killed a Hamas commander whom it targeted, and Palestinian health
officials said it killed four more people including a U.N. worker, Reuters
reported.
The
Israeli military said the strike killed Mohammad Abu Hasna, whom it described
as a Hamas militant who provided intelligence to the group on Israeli troops’
positions and was “also involved in taking control of humanitarian aid and
distributing it to Hamas terrorists.”
In a
statement, Hamas said Abu Hasna was a member of its police force and condemned
his killing as a “cowardly assassination” meant to disrupt aid distribution.
Hamas
identified another of the five killed as the head of an emergency committee for
Rafah, Nidal al-Sheikh Eid.
The main
U.N. agency for Palestinians (UNRWA) said one of its facilities had been hit in
Rafah, an area in southern Gaza where more than half of Gaza’s 2.3 million
population is sheltering, read the report.
At least
one UNRWA staff member was among the five killed and 22 others were injured,
the agency said, adding that the facility’s coordinates had been shared with
the Israeli military.
“Today’s
attack on one of the very few remaining UNRWA distribution centres in the Gaza
Strip comes as food supplies are running out, hunger is widespread and, in some
areas, turning into famine,” said UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini.
Hamas
has denied Israel’s accusations that it diverts food aid and says Israel is
using famine to pressure the Palestinian population.
Israeli
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday he was determined to have
UNRWA replaced by other agencies without harming aid distribution, citing
alleged links between the agency and Hamas militants.
In
Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at a news briefing said he
had not yet received details of the incident but said Israel must protect
safety of humanitarian workers despite tough conditions.
“You’re
in a war zone. You have a terrorist group that is firing from hospitals, from
schools, from apartment buildings, but the Israeli military, the Israeli
government have a responsibility and an obligation to do everything possible to
ensure that the humanitarians can do their jobs,” said Blinken.
With the
Gaza war now in its sixth month, The U.N. has warned that at least 576,000
people in Gaza – one-quarter of the population – are on the brink of famine and
global pressure has been growing on Israel to allow more access to the enclave.
On
Tuesday, the United Nations used a new land route to deliver food to northern
Gaza for the first time in three weeks, Reuters reported.
“We have
been taking efforts to facilitate more aid into northern Gaza,” Israeli
government spokesperson Tal Heinrich told journalists on Wednesday. “This was a
pilot to prevent Hamas from taking over the aid as they often do.”
The
U.S., Jordan and others have conducted airdrops of aid in Gaza and on Tuesday a
ship carrying 200 tonnes of aid left Cyprus in a pilot project to open a sea
corridor to deliver supplies. While U.N. officials have welcomed new aid
routes, they stress there is no substitute for land access.
The war
began when Hamas fighters attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and
seizing 253 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Israel then launched an
air, sea and ground assault that has killed more than 31,000 Palestinians,
health authorities in Hamas-run Gaza say.
Since
the Gaza war began, violence has also risen in the Israeli-occupied West Bank,
with stepped up Israeli military raids and Palestinian street attacks.
On
Wednesday, Israeli officials said a 15-year-old Palestinian stabbed a soldier
and a guard at a checkpoint between the West Bank and Jerusalem before being
shot dead, read the report.
In
separate incidents, Israeli forces killed two Palestinians during a raid in
Jenin, the official Palestinian news agency WAFA said, while a 13-year-old
Palestinian was killed by Israeli forces on the outskirts of Jerusalem, in what
Israeli police described as a violent riot.
Source: ariananews.af
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.ariananews.af/israel-says-air-strike-on-gaza-un-food-center-killed-hamas-militant/
---
Nasrallah
says support arenas in Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq will have their say in Ramadan.
[14/March/2024]
BEIRUT
March 14. 2024 (Saba) - Secretary-General of the Lebanese Hezbollah Sayyed
Hassan Nasrallah has stressed that the support arenas in Lebanon, Yemen and
Iraq will also have their say in the holy month of Ramadan.
Nasrallah's
statement came in the opening of the Ramadan Qur’anic evenings Wednesday
evening in which he said “We have entered the sixth month of confronting the
aggression in Gaza and on the support fronts in Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq.”
Nasrallah
added neither the Americans nor the British nor the Europeans who followed them
were able to prevent the Yemeni brothers from striking ships heading to
occupied Palestine.
He
pointed out that the Islamic Resistance in Iraq sending drones and missiles to
the usurping entity is an ongoing and continuous matter.
Nasrallah
continued that Gaza is still resisting with courage and tenacity and steadfast
through its resistance and that of its people.
He added
“This steadfastness astonished many in this world and made them ask in what
culture they believe in, saying this is the culture of the Holy Qur’an.”
Nasrallah
pointed out that "there are strategic losses in what has been happening in
Gaza since October 7," and that "the enemy lost the war even if it
went to Rafah because it did not present a scene of victory and did not achieve
any of the goals that it announced."
Sayyed
Nasrallah said “One of the signs of victory for the resistance and defeat for
the Zionist enemy is that the first goal I announced was to eliminate the Hamas
movement, and today we are in the sixth month."
He
wondered who are you negotiating with? Hamas, the Qatari and the Egyptian, with
those who sit on behalf of the American and the “Israeli”... and this Hamas is
the one that negotiates on behalf of all Palestinian resistance and all
resistance fronts.. Pointing out that this confirms that “Hamas is still strong
and capable and it refuses and says no and sets conditions.”
He also
stressed that "we are required to be patient because this exam has
repercussions in the form of a shortage of money and lives."
Source: saba.ye
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3312897.htm
---
Iran's
FM says Islamic countries have to put end to crimes of Zionist enemy
[14/March/2024]
TEHRAN
March 14. 2024 (Saba) - Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian has
stressed that it is the duty of all Islamic countries to put an end to the crimes
of the Zionist enemy entity.
Tasnim
International News Agency reported that Abdollahian sent separate messages to
the foreign ministers of Islamic countries on the occasion of the holy month of
Ramadan and referred to the complete human siege imposed by the Zionist enemy
on the residents of Gaza, stressing the need for the Islamic world to
effectively confront the warmongers.
Abdollahian
said" We welcome the month of Ramadan this year in a situation in which
humanity is witnessing one of the largest crimes and genocide in its
history."
He added
the human tragedy that occurred in the occupied territories these days is
another manifestation of the historical violation of the rights of the
oppressed Palestinian people and the blatant use of force against the original
owners of the occupied land by the illegal Zionist entity.
He
continued saying these day not only are innocent Palestinian men, women and
children being killed by these perpetrators, but also hospitals, medical and
relief centers, mosques and churches are not safe from the Zionist entity and
the practices of the Zionists can be considered a violation of the most basic
principles of human rights and are clear examples of crimes against Humanity
genocide and ethnic cleansing.
Source: saba.ye
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3312899.htm
----
Iran:
Five lawmakers withdraw from major Sunni blocs and form an alliance
2024-03-14
Shafaq
News/ Five prominent members of the Sovereignty and Azm bloke announced their
withdrawal from the two Sunni coalitions on Wednesday evening, forming a new
parliamentary bloc called "Leadership." The move was reportedly
motivated by a desire to ensure "national balance" and facilitate the
return of displaced people to their home areas.
The
breakaway group includes two Sovereignty lawmakers, Mahmoud al-Mashhadani and
Talal al-Zobai, as well as two Azm lawmakers, Khalid al-Obeidi and Mohammed
Nouri Abdul-Rabb, and politician Sheikh Faris al-Faris.
In a
statement reviewed by Shafaq News Agency, the group said, "based on our
national commitment to responding to the demands of all Iraqi people and
meeting the needs of our people and constituents to achieve real representation
and genuine partnership in political decision-making, we announce the formation
of the new (Leadership) political parliamentary bloc."
They
added that "the decision to form this bloc came as a national necessity
based on the principles of transparency, clarity, honesty, mutual trust,
dialogue, cooperation, and joint decision-making among the bloc's members and
with others."
"We
will begin opening dialogues with all influential political parties and
parliamentary blocs without exception to implement the terms of the political
agreement in forming the current government, foremost of which is ensuring
national balance and achieving the legitimate demands of our people in the
liberated areas."
The
lawmakers called for expediting the return of the displaced and compensating
them to restore their lives in their areas, and finalizing the legislation of
the General Amnesty Law."
Source: shafaq.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://shafaq.com/en/Iraq/Five-lawmakers-withdraw-from-major-Sunni-blocs-and-form-an-alliance
----
International
community urged to redouble efforts to assist Rohingya refugees
Peter
Kenny
13.03.2024
The UN
refugee agency, UNHCR, and other humanitarian partners on Wednesday urged the
international community to redouble efforts to protect and assist Rohingya
refugees and their host communities.
Bangladesh
is generously hosting nearly a million Rohingya refugees, most of whom fled
Myanmar seven years ago, according to UNHCR.
The 2024
Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis has been launched
under the leadership of the Bangladeshi authorities.
The
funding appeal seeks $852.4 million to reach some 1.35 million people,
including Rohingya refugees and host communities.
Six
years after being uprooted from Myanmar through a campaign of targeted violence
by the military junta, more than 700,000 Rohingya Muslims fled to neighboring
Bangladesh, joining thousands of others who had fled earlier episodes of
violence.
More
than a million of them live in Bangladesh’s Cox Bazar alone, making it the
largest refugee settlement in the world.
Masud
Bin Momen, Bangladesh's foreign secretary; Mohammad Tofazzel Hossain Miah, the
principal secretary of the Bangladesh prime minister; Filippo Grandi, the chief
of the UN refugee agency; and Amy Pope, the head of the International
Organization for Migration, presented the plan to donors in Geneva.
International
solidarity with Bangladesh and refugee protection is needed more than ever as
the conflict in Myanmar escalates, according to UNHCR.
The
Joint Response Plan brings together 117 partners and Bangladeshi organizations.
It aims
to provide food, shelter, healthcare, access to drinkable water, protection
services, education, livelihood opportunities, and skills development to some 1
million Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar and on the island of Bhasan Char and
346,000 from host communities.
Some 95%
of Rohingya households in Bangladesh are vulnerable and remain dependent on
humanitarian assistance.
Sustained
assistance is critically and urgently needed, particularly by women and
children, who make up more than 75% of the targeted refugee population and face
heightened risks of abuse, exploitation, and gender-based violence.
More
than half of the refugees in the camps are under 18, languishing amid limited opportunities
for education, skills-building, and livelihoods.
The
Bangladesh government, local communities, and aid agencies need sustained
international support to respond to increasing needs as this humanitarian
crisis remains primarily out of the global spotlight.
Source: aa.com.tr
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/international-community-urged-to-redouble-efforts-to-assist-rohingya-refugees/3163588
----
Israel
says it plans to direct Palestinians out of Rafah ahead of anticipated
offensive
March
13, 2024
TEL
AVIV: The Israeli military said Wednesday it plans to direct a significant
portion of the 1.4 million displaced Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip’s
southernmost town of Rafah toward “humanitarian islands” in the center of the
territory ahead of its planned offensive in the area.
The fate
of the people in Rafah has been a major area of concern of Israel’s allies —
including the United States — and humanitarian groups, worried an offensive in
the region densely crowded with so many displaced people would be a
catastrophe. Rafah is also Gaza’s main entry point for desperately needed aid.
Israeli
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said a Rafah offensive is crucial to
achieve Israel’s stated aim of destroying Hamas following the militants’ Oct. 7
attack in which about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed and around
250 taken hostage and brought into Gaza. Israel’s invasion of Gaza has killed
more than 31,000, according to Gaza health officials, left much of the enclave
in ruins and displaced some 80 percent of Gaza’s 2.3 million people.
Israel’s
chief military spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said moving those in Rafah
to the designated areas, which he said would be done in coordination with
international actors, was a key part of the military’s preparations for its
anticipated invasion of Rafah, where Israel says Hamas maintains four
battalions it wants to destroy.
Rafah
has swelled in size in the last months as Palestinians in Gaza have fled
fighting in nearly every other corner of the territory. The town is covered in
tents.
“We need
to make sure that 1.4 million people or at least a significant amount of the
1.4 million will move. Where? To humanitarian islands that we will create with
the international community,” Hagari told reporters at a briefing.
Hagari
said those islands would provide temporary housing, food, water and other
necessities to evacuated Palestinians. He did not say when Rafah’s evacuation
would occur, nor when the Rafah offensive would begin, saying that Israel
wanted the timing to be right operationally and to be coordinated with
neighboring Egypt, which has said it does not want an influx of displaced
Palestinians crossing its border.
At the
start of the war, Israel directed evacuees to a slice of undeveloped land along
Gaza’s Mediterranean coast that it designated as a safe zone. But aid groups
said there were no real plans in place to receive large numbers of displaced
there. Israeli strikes also targeted the area.
More
than 31,270 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza and most of its 2.3 million
people forced from their homes, Gaza’s Health Ministry says. The ministry
doesn’t differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count, but says women
and children make up two-thirds of the dead.
Israel
blames the civilian death toll on Hamas because the militants fight in dense,
residential areas. The military has said it has killed 13,000 Hamas fighters,
without providing evidence.
Meanwhile,
fighting continued across Gaza. An Israeli strike Wednesday hit a food
distribution site in southern Gaza run by UNRWA, the UN agency that works with
Palestinian refugees, killing one staff member from the agency and wounding 22
others.
The
death brings to 165 the number of workers for the agency killed during the past
five months of fighting, according to UNRWA.
Gaza’s
health authorities said a total of five people were killed in the strike on the
yard of an UNRWA warehouse.
Hagari
said the army was looking into the report.
The
conflict has sparked a humanitarian disaster that has led to growing hunger.
Aid delivery has been hobbled by Israeli restrictions, the ongoing hostilities
and the breakdown of order inside Gaza, according to the United Nations. Israel
denies it is restricting the entry of aid.
The
crisis has been particularly acute in northern Gaza, Israel’s initial target in
the early weeks of the war.
Hagari
said Wednesday Israel plans to “flood the area” with aid, with plans to scale
up the entry of goods from multiple points in northern Gaza, after half a dozen
trucks delivered aid entered from the north on Tuesday as part of a pilot
program. He did not say how many more trucks were expected to enter and at what
frequency.
Hagari
also said representatives from the US military were expected in Israel this
week to further coordinate a planned US floating pier that will be built off
the coast of Gaza, which he said would be “significant” for northern Gaza.
The US
and other countries have also been airdropping food into northern Gaza in
recent weeks to help alleviate the crisis. Aid groups said air drops and
bringing sea shipments are far less efficient and effective than bringing in
food by truck.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2476296/middle-east
----
Israel
'weaponized' humanitarian measures in Gaza as tool of mass displacement: Report
14 March
2024
A new
report has revealed that the Israeli regime’s evacuation orders in the Gaza
Strip amid the ongoing war in the besieged territory have led to the widespread
displacement of Palestinians as well as “genocidal acts” against them.
According
to a report by Forensic Architecture, a research group based at Goldsmiths,
University of London, published on Wednesday, the Israeli military has
"weaponized" humanitarian measures such as evacuation orders and safe
zones as a tool to push civilians into areas of active Israeli military
operations.
The
report went on to say that instead of protecting lives, the employment of such
measures has facilitated the forced transfer and mass displacement of
Palestinians and contributed to the killings of civilians throughout Gaza.
“Rather
than ‘humanitarian acts’ used as preventative measures for the safeguarding of
civilian life, Israel has exercised a form of ‘humanitarian violence’, in
concert with and in support of its broader genocidal actions," it said.
The
80-page report further noted that such measures frequently contained
inconsistencies and led to confusion, resulting in Israel's bombardment of
designated safe zones in Gaza.
The
outcome of these measures has been the deaths of more than 30,000 Palestinians,
over 70 percent of them women and children, with thousands more missing, and tens
of thousands more civilians wounded, it said.
The
significant civilian fatality "has been exacerbated by unparalleled and
catastrophic levels of infrastructural destruction and agricultural damage, and
the systematic targeting of vital civilian structures, including hospitals,
schools, religious and cultural heritage sites, bakeries, and homes," the
report added.
It also
stated that despite the interim ruling by the International Court of Justice
(ICJ) against the Israeli regime over the Gaza genocide in January, the
occupying regime has persisted in forcibly removing Palestinians from their
homes and denying them essential supplies, thus violating the court's
directive.
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 response to the Israeli regime's decades-long campaign of bloodletting and
devastation against Palestinians.
Since
the start of the offensive, the Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 31,000
Palestinians and injured more than 72,000 others.
The Tel
Aviv regime has imposed a “complete siege” on the territory, cutting off fuel,
electricity, food and water to the more than two million Palestinians living
there.
Source: presstv.ir
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/03/14/721853/Palestine-Israel-Gaza-war-report-reveal-evacuation-orders-safe-zones-mass-displacement-genocidal-acts
----
Southeast
Asia
West
must stop 'hypocrisy,' end Israel atrocities in Gaza: Malaysia PM
13 March
2024
Malaysian
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says he told German Chancellor Olaf Scholz that
the West needs to end “hypocrisy” and take steps against Israel’s atrocities in
the Gaza Strip.
Speaking
to Turkish news agency, Anadolu, Ibrahim said he "made it very clear"
to the German leader that the Western leaders must "stop the
hypocrisy," and take steps to stop Israel’s “ethnic cleansing” of
Palestinians in Gaza.
"Because
the problems are not the 7th of October,” the Malaysian leader said, referring
to the day Hamas launched its Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the Israel
regime.
After
the operation, Tel Aviv ordered Israeli military forces to attack the besieged
Gaza Strip with a force “like never before.”
“The
problem is the whole treatment, and colonialism, and apartheid, and ethnic
cleansing in Gaza, that must stop now,” the Malaysian leader told the German
chancellor.
“And the
international community has to take up measures now to solve the problem. They
cannot fail in their moral duty."
The
Malaysian leader has been one of the most outspoken leaders to criticize the
West for their military support for the Israeli regime.
Germany
and the United States have increased arms shipments to Israel, since the regime
started its war on the Gaza Strip more than five months ago.
Other
military exporters include France, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.
The
Malaysian prime minister also condemned the Western governments’ silence about
Israel’s crimes against the people of Gaza, saying that they were “selective”
and “inconsistent” with regard to the application of international law.
The
United Nations has said there is evidence that international humanitarian law
may have been breached by Israeli regime in Gaza.
The
International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently heard a case brought by South
Africa against the Israeli regime for committing genocide against the
Palestinians in Gaza.
The
World Court, seated in The Hague, Netherlands, ruled in late January that
“there is a plausible risk of genocide in Gaza and the continuing serious harm
to civilians since then.”
Israeli
forces have killed more than 31,250 Palestinians, most of them women and
children, since October, the Gaza health ministry says.
Source: presstv.ir
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/03/13/721835/Malaysia-Israel-ethnic-cleansing-hypocrisy-Gaza
---
KPDN to
continue monitoring sale of Israeli dates in the market - Armizan
14-03-
2024
KUALA
LUMPUR: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) will continue
to monitor the sale of dates suspected to originate from Israel (Israeli
dates), which are allegedly available in the market, including those sold
online.
Its
Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said that KPDN will continue monitoring through
various laws, especially the Trade Description Act 2011, to prevent the dates
from being offered to consumers.
“We have
immediately included in the standard operating procedure (SOP) and terms of
reference of the ‘Op Pantau’ which we have launched especially for Ramadan and
Aidilfitri, to look in detail related to the alleged sale of (Israeli) dates.
“We hope
for cooperation from the whole community, and public complaints in the official
platforms which exist at KPDN,” he said during the Ministers’ Question Time in
the Dewan Rakyat today.
He said
this in his reply to a supplementary question from Datuk Rosol Wahid (PN-Hulu
Terengganu), who wanted to know the government’s actions regarding the sale of
Israeli dates online, and whether the government needs to amend the existing
laws to ensure that Israeli products cannot easily enter the country.
Armizan
said KPDN views the issue seriously and will take stern action against any
irresponsible parties who try to mislead consumers.
“Under
Section 5 of the Trade Description Act 2011, any party found guilty can be
subject to penalties such as individuals can be fined up to RM100,000 or
imprisonment not exceeding three years or both, while companies can be fined up
to RM250,000,” he said.
Yesterday,
the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM), at a press conference, announced
that it seized 73 packets of dates suspected to originate from Israel in a raid
at a food storage warehouse in Klang, Selangor on March 12.
Meanwhile,
regarding the ‘Op Pantau 2024’ in conjunction with this year’s Ramadan and
Aidilfitri, Armizan said that within two days (March 12-13), KPDN had inspected
3,099 premises with 11 cases recorded including six cases of profiteering.
“KPDN
has issued a notice for the traders to respond and give feedback on the price
offered.
“The
ministry also expects that the complaints are more specific so that we can
inspect the location specified in the complaint, instead of just the price that
went viral.
“Firstly,
if there are matters of concern, inform us on the official portal (KPDN) so
that we can conduct a specific investigation. Secondly, we hope consumers
exercise their right to choose products at reasonable prices,” he said.
Armizan
was replying to a supplementary question from Aminolhuda Hassan (PH-Sri Gading)
who raised the issue of food prices at the Ramadan bazaars which went viral on
social media, besides wanting to know the developments related to ‘Op Pantau
2024’.- Bernama
Source: thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://thesun.my/local_news/kpdn-to-continue-monitoring-sale-of-israeli-dates-in-the-market-armizan-IA12215159
----
Penang
maintains working hours for civil servants during Ramadan
13-03-
2024
GEORGE
TOWN: The Penang state executive council (MMK) meeting today decided that civil
servants in the state will continue to work as usual throughout the month of
Ramadan, with regular working hours until 4 pm daily.
Chief
Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that this decision was made because during Ramadan,
civil servants in the state work according to flexible hours.
“Regarding
the issue of whether Penang will follow Pahang, the MMK meeting has decided to
maintain the current arrangement,“ he told reporters here tonight.
It was
reported that the Pahang government had agreed to reduce the working hours on
Fridays till 12.30 pm for its civil servants. -Bernama
Source: thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://thesun.my/local_news/penang-maintains-working-hours-for-civil-servants-during-ramadan-PA12213851
---
Fadhlina:
School canteens remain open to cater to non-Muslims during Ramadan
13-03-
2024
KUALA
LUMPUR: School canteens are permitted to remain open during Ramadan, to allow
non-Muslim students to enjoy their meals comfortably, said Education Minister
Fadhlina Sidek (pix).
“I don’t
want non-Muslim children to eat in store rooms and inappropriate places when
all schools have canteens.
We (the
ministry) recommend that canteens stay open throughout Ramadan, particularly
for schools with non-Muslim students,“ she said when winding up the debate on
the motion of thanks for the Royal Address for the Education Ministry (MOE) in
the Dewan Rakyat today.
In her
speech, Fadhlina also refuted claims that vernacular schools deviate from the
syllabus set by the Education Ministry.
She said
though vernacular schools are set up to preserve the mother tongue of the
Chinese and Indian communities, they are not permitted to employ different
teaching syllabi.
“None of
these schools are deviating from the official curriculum provided by the MOE,“
she said.
Fadhlina
also said that the MOE is actively working on developing a new Malaysian
Education Development Plan (PPPM) that will shape the education system in
Malaysia for the next ten years.
“There
are four phases in preparing the new education plan, which are a detailed
analysis of the achievement of the current plan, hold engagement sessions
involving industry players, outstanding teachers and faculty deans to gather
input, focused group planning and public dialogues and gather feedback until
the education plan gets approved by the ministerial council,“ she said.
Meanwhile,
she said the analysis of the country’s performance in the 2022 Programme for
International Student Assessment (PISA) found that one of the main issues that
must be addressed is the performance gap between urban and rural students.
The
analysis also revealed that the level of assistance and support offered by
teachers to students in Malaysia during online teaching and learning sessions,
prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, was significantly higher compared to that
provided in Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member
countries. -Bernama
Source: thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://thesun.my/local_news/fadhlina-school-canteens-remain-open-to-cater-to-non-muslims-during-ramadan-NA12213068
----
Fahmi
tells Islamist activist to check with DPM Zahid if Bumiputera businesses
neglected
14 Mar
2024
CYBERJAYA,
March 14 — Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil urged the Islamist activist
Aminuddin Yahaya to check his facts before hurling accusations at the
government.
He asked
Aminuddin to meet Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi regarding
any qualms that he might have about the recent Bumiputera Economic Congress and
efforts to help Bumiputera entrepreneurs since he had accused the government of
neglecting them.
“He must
have an open heart and good intentions first and foremost. The efforts taken by
the government to look after Bumiputera companies aren’t just based on prior
policies, but also new methods.
“We have
to take into account the realities of our current economic situation in that we
are susceptible to external factors. What the prime minister announced on March
2 was to help all Bumiputera businesses and companies.
“I urge
him to have a meeting with either Zahid Hamidi or one of the main organisers if
he has any additional queries,” he told reporters when met in Cyberjaya.
Aminuddin
has previously led several hardline Islamist and pro-Malay groups and
coalitions such as Ikatan Muslimin Malaysia (Isma), Ummah and Pembela. He was
last fielded by Gerakan Tanah Air as a 15th general election candidate.
Aminuddin
in a Facebook post today claimed Bumiputera entrepreneurs had failed because
the government had not helped them.
He said
if the government did not intervene soon, Bumiputera businesses would struggle to
stay afloat.
The
Bumiputera Economic Congress was held from February 29 and March 2.
The
convention was first inaugurated in 1965 as a platform to formulate policies
that could help raise the Bumiputera socio-economic status.
Source: malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/03/14/fahmi-tells-islamist-activist-to-check-with-dpm-zahid-if-bumiputera-businesses-neglected/123415
----
North
America
US:
Detention of Americans 'Significant Obstacle' to Relations With Kabul
Nazir
Shinwari
March
13, 2024
The US
Department of State has repeatedly stated that the detention of American
citizens in Afghanistan is an obstacle to Washington's engagement with Kabul.
Matthew
Miller, the State Department spokesperson, said in a press briefing to
reporters that US officials have consistently called for the unconditional
release of American citizens in meetings with “Taliban” representatives.
“We
continue to press, including in meetings with Taliban representatives, for the
immediate and unconditional release of Americans detained in Afghanistan. Those
detentions have been and continue to be a significant obstacle to positive
engagement with the country."
The head
of the general department of prisons in the country, Mohammad Yousuf Mestari,
said that a number of foreign nationals are currently in prisons of the Islamic
Emirate.
"These
prisoners are with us for legal crimes from some neighboring countries but we
do not have political prisoners. Of course, there are [political prisoners] at
the level of Afghanistan with the Islamic Emirate and in other places,” Mestari
added.
Political
experts said that Kabul and Washington should resolve the existing challenges
through diplomatic means.
"If
the American side wants to engage with the Islamic Emirate, they should do so
diplomatically and within the framework of mutual respect with the Islamic
Emirate of Afghanistan, and accept that Afghanistan is an independent country
and the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan interacts with them in the light of its
values and laws,” said Abdul Haq Hamad, a political expert.
"These
problems can be resolved through a comprehensive discourse that should take
place between Afghanistan and America,” Fazlur Rahman Orya, a political expert,
said.
Earlier,
the deputy head of the Office of the Prison Administration, Habibullah Badr, in
an interview with TOLOnews said that nearly 25 foreign nationals with cases are
in the prisons of the Islamic Emirate. Badr did not provide details on whether
there were American citizens among them or not.
Source: tolonews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-187819
---
Biden
admin' on the defense on holding enough meetings with Arab, Muslim American
community leaders
HANNAH
SARISOHN
MARCH
14, 2024
Biden
administration officials are having ongoing conversations with Arab American
and Muslim Americans in Michigan, White House Press Secretary Karine
Jean-Pierre said Wednesday aboard Air Force One en route to Milwaukee where
President Joe Biden will be holding a campaign event.
Biden
and community leaders "had a very good back and forth engagement not too
long ago," Jean-Pierre said, referring to a meeting Biden senior held at
the White House Arab and Muslim community leaders in November.
Jean-Pierre
also noted that senior administration officials traveled to Michigan last month
where they met with Arab and Muslim American leaders.
"I
think it's incredibly important that White House leadership, senior aides have
been sent out there to meet with leaders of those communities to listen to
their pain," Jean-Pierre said. "We understand this is an incredibly
painful time for people. We think it's important for people to peacefully
protest and make sure their voices are heard."
Jean-Pierre
reiterated that Biden himself has met with Muslim-American leaders and to say
otherwise would be untrue.
Under
increasing scrutiny
Biden's
relationship with Arab and Muslim American voters is increasingly under
scrutiny as the war continues and the humanitarian situation in Gaza grows more
dire. Protest votes are garnering attention and delegates in the primary
election.
Progressives,
including Jewish groups, are lobbying Wisconsin voters to vote
"uninstructed" in the state's April 2 primary, according to an email
from End The Occupation PAC, the political arm of IfNotNow.
"For
the next week, a multiracial, multi-faith coalition of experienced Wisconsin
organizers is working around the clock to organize the votes. And we need Jews
all over the country to show up on the phones to send a clear message: we won’t
be divided from each other, all of our safety is tied together, and sending
more weapons to Netanyahu’s government keeps no one safe," the email said.
Source: jpost.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-791833
---
US
expected to impose sanctions on two West Bank outposts linked to attacks on
Palestinians
BARAK
RAVID
MARCH
14, 2024
The
Biden administration is expected to impose new sanctions, possibly as early as
Thursday, on two illegal outposts in the West Bank that were used as bases for
violent attacks by settlers against Palestinian citizens, according to three
senior American officials.
The move
comes at a time when the Biden administration is increasing pressure on
Netanyahu's government over a range of issues, including settler violence
against Palestinians in the West Bank and the war in the Gaza Strip.
This
will be the first time that the US imposes sanctions against illegal outposts
and not just against settlers.
According
to UN data, there were about 500 attacks by settlers against Palestinians in
the West Bank between October 7 and the end of January.
This is
the second round of sanctions imposed by the Biden administration against
Israeli officials involved in violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Along with the sanctions on the two outposts, sanctions will also be imposed on
three settlers - according to senior American officials.
A senior
American official said that the sanctions against the outposts are intended to
convey a message that the United States is not only acting against people who
are involved in violence against Palestinians in the West Bank but also against
entities that are involved in providing logistical and financial assistance to
attacks of this type.
The
sanctions will freeze assets that the three settlers and the two outposts have
in the US, prevent them from entering the US and block their access to the
American banking system. As a result, Israeli banks may freeze bank accounts
related to settlers and outposts against which American sanctions will be
imposed.
There
was no comment from the US State Department.
On
February 1, President Biden signed a presidential order that allows sanctions
to be imposed on Israeli settlers - as well as politicians and government
officials - who are involved in violent attacks against Palestinians in the
West Bank.
The
unprecedented presidential order was the most significant move ever made by an
American administration against the settlements in the West Bank.
The
first round of sanctions a month and a half ago included four settlers who were
involved in attacks on Palestinians and who the US government claimed
systematically carried out actions that led to the displacement of Palestinians
from their land.
Since
the first round of American sanctions, Great Britain, France, and Canada have
also announced similar sanctions against settlers.
Between
the lines
The
initial reaction of the Israeli government and the Yesha Council to the
American sanctions at the beginning of February was extremely mild in view of
the fact that many in Israel saw it as a purely symbolic move.
However,
within a few days, Israeli banks also announced that they were freezing the
bank accounts of the settlers against whom American sanctions had been imposed.
Finance
Minister Bezalel Smotrich called on Israeli banks not to implement the American
sanctions and even ordered the Ministry of Finance to examine how these
sanctions can be circumvented.
Under
pressure from the settlement lobby, Prime Minister Netanyahu protested to
President Biden about the new American sanctions during a phone call between
them a few weeks ago.
Biden
told Netanyahu in the same conversation that the US intends to continue to act
against settlers who are involved in attacks against Palestinians in the West
Bank.
Source: jpost.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-791846
----
US pause
on funding UNRWA may become 'permanent': Report
14 March
2024
The
United States' controversial decision to pause its funding for the UN agency
for Palestinian refugees earlier this year is reportedly likely to become
"permanent."
Reuters
news agency carried the report on Wednesday, attributing the likelihood to
opposition at Congress to the country's financial contribution to the United
Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
UNRWA
provides healthcare, education, and other vital services to the Palestinian people.
The
agency was accused by Israel in January of having links to an October 7
operation launched by the Gaza Strip's Palestinian resistance movements against
the occupying entity in response to the intensification of Tel Aviv’s
decades-long crimes against Palestinians.
The
allegations prompted more than 10 donor countries, including the United States,
Germany, the European Union, Canada, and Japan, to suspend financial support.
The funding from these countries used to make up the bulk of all funding received
by the agency.
The
collective move against UNRWA came amid mass displacement and approaching
all-out famine across Gaza prompted by a ongoing genocidal war that the regime
has been waging against the coastal sliver in response to the October operation.
"Bipartisan
opposition in Congress to funding UNRWA makes it unlikely the US will resume
regular donations anytime soon, even as countries such as Sweden and Canada
have said they will restart their contributions," Reuters' report said.
"A
supplemental funding bill in the US Congress that includes military aid to
Israel and Ukraine contains a provision that would block UNRWA from receiving
funds if it becomes law," it said, adding, "[US] President Joe
Biden's administration supports the bill."
"We
have to plan for the fact that Congress may make that pause permanent,"
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters on Tuesday.
"...any
new funding would need the support of at least some Republicans, who hold a
majority in the House. Many have expressed their opposition to UNRWA,"
Reuters' report added.
It cited
a statement by Representative Brian Mast, the Republican chair of the House
Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Accountability -- one of the
opponents -- as alleging that "UNRWA is a front..." "It
masquerades as a relief organization while building the infrastructure to
support Hamas...," he claimed.
Back in
February, the UN agency said some of its employees had been tortured by the
occupying regime to falsely admit that the agency had ties with Hamas and its
retaliatory operation in October.
The UN
agency for Palestinian refugees says some of its employees were tortured by the
occupying regime to falsely admit that the agency had ties with Hamas and its
retaliatory operation in October last year.
The
assertion made in a February report by UNRWA, detailed various cases of
mistreatment in Israeli detention centers against Palestinians, including
several working for the agency.
The
document said several UNRWA Palestinian staffers had been detained by the
Israeli occupation army in Gaza, and that the ill-treatment and abuse they said
they had experienced included severe physical beatings, waterboarding, and
threats of harm to family members.
"Agency
staff members have been subject to threats and coercion by the Israeli
authorities while in detention, and pressured to make false statements against
the Agency, including that the Agency has affiliations with Hamas and that
UNRWA staff members took part in the 7 October 2023" operation, the report
said.
Source: presstv.ir
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/03/14/721848/United-States-UNRWA-Palestine-Israel-pause-funding-permanent
---
CAIR
Condemns Israeli Attack on UN Aid Distribution Center in Gaza, Torture of
Palestinian Detainees
Ismail
Allison
March
13, 2024
The
Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil
rights and advocacy organization, today condemned a deadly attack on a United Nations
aid distribution center in Gaza that killed at least one staff member of the
United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
UNRWA
Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said: “Today’s attack on one of the
very few remaining UNRWA distribution centres in the Gaza Strip comes as food
supplies are running out, hunger is widespread and, in some areas, turning into
famine.”
An
unpublished UNRWA report outlines “extensive use of torture against
Palestinians taken prisoner by the Israeli military in Gaza, including 21 UNRWA
staff members.”
In an
article titled, “Palestinians Describe Beatings, Stress Positions, Other
Alleged Abuses in Israeli Detention,” the Wall Street Journal reports: “Former
Gaza detainees said they were physically assaulted and forced to kneel for up
to 20 hours a day, sometimes with their hands tied above their heads.”
Middle
East Eye reports: “Palestinian men detained by Israeli forces since the start
of the war in Gaza have told Middle East Eye how they were physically tortured
with dogs and electricity, subjected to mock executions, and held in
humiliating and degrading conditions.”
Israel
has killed more than 31,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children. More
children have been killed in Israel’s war against the Palestinians in Gaza than
in four years of conflict around the world.
In a
statement, CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper said:
“Day
after day for months, the world has witnessed the war crimes, genocide, ethnic
cleansing, and forced starvation being used as tactics of war by the far-right
Israeli government, yet the daily outrages continue unabated.
“While
the Biden administration changes its ‘tone’ and offers aid efforts of limited
value in response to this campaign of genocide, we have seen no real change of
policy in the administration’s support for the hideous slaughter and forced
starvation of civilians.
“This
must change if our nation ever hopes to have a shred of credibility when
speaking about international human rights and freedom.”
Source: cair.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-condemns-israeli-attack-on-un-aid-distribution-center-in-gaza-torture-of-palestinian-detainees/
----
Pakistan
Pakistan,
China friendship must achieve ‘higher heights’ now: PM Shehbaz
March
13, 2024
In his
first interview to a foreign media outlet after assuming the premier's office,
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has promised to work for further cementing
Pakistan-China bilateral ties by collaborations through “thick and thin”, and
advancing towards “second phase” of the multi-billion dollar project —
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Premier
Shehbaz thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for extending congratulatory
message on his reelection on March 3 and said: "I deeply value his
sentiments not only for the people of Pakistan, for our friendship, but our
mutual cooperation."
The
premier delivered the remarks while being interviewed with the Chinese state
news agency — Xinhua — at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in Islamabad.
On
completion of 73 years of diplomatic relations between both countries, Premier
Shehbaz said that the leaders of Pakistan and China have continuously
cultivated and promoted bilateral friendship. The two countries have developed
into all-weather strategic cooperative partners with a unique friendship like
"iron brothers" that has stood the test of time.
He
stressed that the friendship now must achieve "higher heights."
Shehbaz,
who also served as Punjab chief minister for three terms, said Pakistan should
emulate the model citing modernisation steps adopted by China which lifted
hundreds of millions of people out of poverty and providing vast rural
populations with access to education, healthcare and employment.
"It
is a great success model and success story. Despite challenges in recent years,
China's growth has still gone steadily compared to other countries, which is a
remarkable achievement," he added.
He was
of the view that Pakistan could learn from the model to alleviate poverty,
boost youth employment, and encourage small and medium entrepreneurship in
agricultural, industrial, and information technology sectors across urban and
rural areas.
The
premier said that Pakistan is now ready to move towards the second phase of
CPEC, aiming to promote technological development and agriculture through the
corridor.
Pakistan
has established the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which will
cut red tape and remove delays and inefficiencies for CPEC projects, he added.
PM
Shehbaz said he looks forward to revisiting China, calling it a tradition for
Pakistan's new leadership after inauguration. "China is our second
home," he said.
"We
made solemn commitments that we would work together, and we would be together
through thick and thin," he vowed.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1167774-pakistan-china-friendship-must-achieve-higher-heights-now-pm-shehbaz-says
---
Cipher,
Toshakhana cases: Appeals against convictions: IHC turns down objections over
maintainability
2024-03-14
ISLAMABAD:
The Islamabad High Court (IHC), Wednesday, turned down the prosecution’s
objections over the maintainability of appeals of former Prime Minister Imran
Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and ex-foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi
against their convictions in the cipher and Toshakhana cases.
A
special bench of the IHC comprising Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul
Hassan Aurangzeb heard the appeals of former Prime Minister Khan, his wife
Bushra Bibi, and former foreign minister Qureshi against their convictions in
the cipher and Toshakhana cases.
After
rejecting the objections, the bench decided to hear the arguments on the merits
from Monday (March 18).
Federal
Investigation Agency (FIA) prosecutor Hamid Ali Shah contended that since the
original law, promulgated in 1923, did not provide the right of appeal, the
Pakistan Criminal Law (Amendment) Act and the Code of Criminal Procedure were
invoked to conduct the trial. A provision of the Secrets Act (section 10)
allowed an appeal to the extent of trial proceedings, but not against
conviction, he added.
In reply
to a query by Justice Farooq whether there was no provision of filing an appeal
under the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), the prosecutor replied that the law
was silent on the matter. Hamid said that two-member division bench cannot hear
an appeal against conviction under the Special Secrets Act.
During
the hearing, Imran Khan’s counsel Barrister Salman Safdar rebuffed the
arguments of FIA prosecutor Shah over the maintainability of the appeals. He
argued that CrPC was applicable in this case. He further claimed that the CrPC
would indeed apply to the Official Secrets Act, allowing for an appeal.
After
hearing the arguments of both sides, the bench dismissed the prosecution’s
objection and deferred the hearing of the case till March 18 for arguments on
the merits of the appeals.
Khan,
Bushra, and Qureshi had filed petitions through counsels, Barrister Ali Zafar,
Salman Safdar advocate, and others, and cited the State and chairman National
Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the interior secretary as respondents.
Khan and
Qureshi have challenged the conviction and their 10-year sentence each in the
cipher case. Khan and Bushra filed appeals against their conviction in the
Toshakhana reference in which they were sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment
each and a Rs1.54 billion fine.
Khan’s
counsel stated in the petition that the appellant along with the co-accused,
Qureshi, faced trial in Case FIR No06/23 dated 15.08.2023 (“Cipher Case”) under
Sections 5 and 9 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923 read with Section 34 of the
Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), 1860. The Appellant was arrested on 15.08.2023 and
is aggrieved with the conviction and sentence awarded in the instant case
through judgment dated 30.01.2024 passed by Abu-al Hasnat Muhammad Zulgarnain,
Special Judge (Official Secrets Act, 1923), Islamabad.
Therefore,
he prayed that the judgements passed by the NAB authorities and Special Judge
in jail trials of Toshakhana and cipher cases be set aside, they be acquitted
from charges and their sentence and conviction may be suspended.
Source: brecorder.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40293493/cipher-toshakhana-cases-appeals-against-convictions-ihc-turns-down-objections-over-maintainability
---
PTI
founder, Qureshi’s appeals are maintainable, IHC holds
March
14, 2024
ISLAMABAD:
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday held the appeals of former prime
minister Imran Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi against
conviction in the cipher case maintainable and invited the prosecution and
defence counsel to advance arguments from Monday.
An IHC
division bench comprising Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan
Aurangzeb resumed the hearing on the appeals against Mr Khan and Mr Qureshi’s
convictions and 10-year sentences each in the cipher case.
During
the previous hearing, special prosecutor Hamid Ali Shah raised objections to
the maintainability of Mr Khan and Mr Qureshi’s appeals.
Mr Shah
pointed out that the Official Secrets Act was promulgated in 1923 and did not
provide the right of appeal except during the trial proceeding.
He
argued that the conviction should be deemed final because the trial court had
convicted the two leaders, and there was no provision for the right of appeal.
However,
Barrister Salman Safdar, Mr Khan’s counsel, argued that if the law didn’t
provide the right of appeal against conviction, the court would take up this as
the case of first impression.
He said
the former prime minister and the former foreign minister were convicted under
the law used to prosecute the suspects of espionage.
Mr
Safdar argued that the superior courts had held in several cases that the
convict could not be remedy-less, adding that the high treason case didn’t
provide the right of appeal but the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 1976, provided
that the forum of appeal was the Supreme Court.
The
bench finally concluded that the appeals were maintainable and decided to hear
the case on merits.
Imran
fears horse-trading
Meanwhile,
Imran Khan voiced concerns over potential horse-trading in the upcoming Senate
elections and vowed to approach the Supreme Court against the alleged rigging
in the general elections.
Talking
to the media persons after a hearing in the £190 million corruption reference —
in which Mr Khan and his spouse, Bushra Bibi, are being tried by the
accountability court of Islamabad — the former premier said the votes of
parliamentarians would be bought in the upcoming election of the upper house.
He
described the elections as bogus and said that they damaged the reputation of
the institutions.
He said
that even though the PTI was not allowed to run its election campaign, the
citizens reacted with the power of votes. However, he said, the people’s
mandate was not acknowledged but was stolen.
Mr Khan
said the PTI would continue peaceful protests against the “rigged elections”
and warned that Pakistan would face the same situation that Sri Lanka witnessed
after default.
Accountability
court proceeding
During
the hearing of the £190m corruption case, Accountability Judge Nasir Javed Rana
recorded the testimony of three witnesses and set the next hearing for March
16.
Mr Khan,
Bushra Bibi, property tycoon Malik Riaz, his son Ahmed Ali Riaz, former
accountability czar Mirza Shahzad Akbar, Farhat Shahzadi (also known as Farah
Khan), and Zulfi Bukhari have been nominated as accused people in this
reference. Except for Mr Khan and Bushra Bibi, the rest have been declared
proclaimed offenders.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1821366/pti-founder-qureshis-appeals-are-maintainable-ihc-holds
-----
New
Sindh govt decides to take on Karachi’s worsening crime rate
March
14, 2024
Tahir
Siddiqui
KARACHI:
In view of the runaway street crimes in the city, the biggest challenge for the
provincial government seems to be the maintenance of law and order as the
newly-appointed cabinet in its maiden meeting on Wednesday was informed that
nearly 16,000 street crimes had so far been recorded in the metropolis since
January.
The
cabinet was also informed that the incidence of kidnapping of ransom cases in
the riverine area, better known as Katcha, had increased during the current
year.
According
to official sources, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, who presided over the
first meeting of his cabinet, said crime rate in the metropolis varied month to
month and had come down during the first two and half months of the current
year, but the impact of reduction was not felt by the people of the city.
The
meeting was attended among others by provincial ministers Sharjeel Memon, Dr
Azra Fazal Pechuho, Nasir Shah, Sardar Shah, Saeed Ghani, Jam Khan Shoro, Zia
Lanjar, Mohammad Bux Mahar, Haji Ali Hassan Zardari and Zulfiqar Shah, and
advisers Babal Khan Bahyo, Ehsan Mazari, Najmi Alam, newly-appointed Chief
Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, advocate general and prosecutor general.
Briefing
the cabinet, Home Minister Zia Lanjar and IGP Riffat Mukhtar noted that 7,822
cases of street crime in the city were recorded in January 2024 and 5,876 in
February and 2,234 in March (till 12 March).
The
chief minister directed the home minister to make the SHOs and SSPs of the area
accountable for the street crimes that included carjacking, bike lifting,
cellular phone snatching and mugging.
Home
Minister Lanjar told the meeting that street crime cases in the city had
decreased by 4.18 per cent compared to the last year.
He said
that 274 murders, 84 cases of kidnapping for ransom and 30 cases of extortion
were reported in the entire province from Jan 01 to March 12.
The home
minister said that the police registered 2,921 cases of crime against persons,
6,486 against property, 4,517 local and special laws, 163 accidents, and 4,643
miscellaneous cases.
Kidnapping
for ransom
The
cabinet was told that out of 78 cases of kidnapping, 49 victims had been
recovered and 29 were yet to be recovered. Out of 29 kidnapping cases, six
belonged to Ghotki, nine to Shikarpur, and 14 to Kashmore.
It was
pointed out that the kidnapping cases had increased due to tribal feuds.
The
chief minister directed the home minister to involve a few ministers, district
administration and the police to resolve tribal feuds at the earliest.
He said
that the kidnapping of innocent people for ransom was unacceptable and strict
action must be taken against the dacoits.
The
chief minister was told that an operation against the drug mafia was in
progress and most of the drug peddlers and addicts were involved in street
crime. He directed the police to take strict action against the drug mafia and
strengthen vigilance.
Price
Control
Karachi
commission Saleem Rajput while briefing the cabinet on the initiative taken to
control prices of edible items, particularly during the holy month of Ramazan,
said that the district administration was conducting raids to control prices.
He said
that the district administration had conducted 1,500 raids, registered 1,150
cases, sealed 14 shops, and recovered Rs7.14 million fine from March 06
onwards.
The
chief minister directed the cabinet members to start conducting surprise visits
to the markets to control the prices. “I want the notified prices to be ensured
in the market,” the CM said and added the raids against the hoarders must
continue.
Red Line
Transport
Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that work on the Red Line project had been
stopped which had not only caused serious problems for the people of the area
but may cause price escalation of the project.
The CM
directed the minister of transport to start speeding up work on the project and
remove the bottlenecks, if any.
IRSA
chairman appointment
The
cabinet expressed its reservations about the appointment of the chairman of the
Indus Rivers System Authority (IRSA), stating that it violated the water
accord.
The
cabinet observed that the chairman of IRSA should be selected from among the
members of the provinces or the federal government. No one from outside could
be appointed as chairman of IRSA, and doing so would be a clear violation of
the accord.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1821269/new-sindh-govt-decides-to-take-on-karachis-worsening-crime-rate
----
Pakistan,
Bahrain call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza
March
13, 2024
Pakistan
and Bahrain have called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and urgent provision
of humanitarian assistance to the innocent Palestinians, particularly during
the holy month of Ramadan.
The
demand was raised during a meeting between Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif
and Commander of the National Guard of the Kingdom of Bahrain General Sheikh
Mohammad Bin Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa in Islamabad today.
The
Prime Minister said that Pakistan and Bahrain enjoy longstanding brotherly
relations, and the two countries have excellent defence cooperation.
The
Commander conveyed the greetings of King of Bahrain Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al
Khalifa, and Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain Sheikh Salman bin Hamad
Al Khalifa.
The
Prime Minister warmly welcomed His Highness General Sheikh Mohammad to Pakistan
and thanked the Bahrain leadership for their messages of felicitations on his
re-election as Prime Minister.
He said
the longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and Bahrain will further
strengthen in near future.
On trade
note, the Prime Minister said once the Pakistan-GCC Free Trade Agreement would
come into effect, the existing bilateral trade volume of one billion dollars
per annum has the potential to enhance manifold.
The
Prime Minister referred to the King Hamad Nursing Hospital that was under
construction in Islamabad. He said this
flagship project was King of Bahrain's gift to the people of Pakistan.
Recalling
the visit of King of Bahrain's in 2014, the Prime Minister said Pakistan looks
forward to hosting the King of Bahrain once again in the near future.
In
response, General Sheikh Mohammed extended an invitation to the Prime Minister
to visit Bahrain at his earliest convenience.
Source: radio.gov.pk
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.radio.gov.pk/13-03-2024/pakistan-bahrain-call-for-an-immediate-ceasefire-in-gaza
----
Mock
security drill conducted at Adiala Jail
March
13, 2024
Saleh
Mughal
RAWALPINDI:A
day after the Punjab government imposed a two-week ban on prisoner visitations,
as well as media coverage, at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail, the law enforcement
agencies on Wednesday conducted a mock exercise to deal with any untoward
situation at the prison.
Pakistan
Rangers, Rawalpindi police, anti-terrorism wing of the prisons department,
Rescue 1122 and the bomb disposal squad participated in the drill.
Adiala
Jail houses high-profile political figures, including PTI founder and former
premier Imran Khan, party president Parvez Elahi, ex-foreign minister Shah
Mahmood Qureshi and former PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry.
After
reviewing the safety protocols of three penitentiaries in Punjab, including the
Adiala Jail, the Punjab interior ministry had ordered to beef up the security
at these prisons and carry out mock exercises to deal with any emergency
situation.
According
to sources, a mock attack by terrorists on the prison was simulated before the
exercise. Simultaneously, the security officials deputed at the prison,
including a heavy contingent of Rawalpindi police, Rangers, anti-terrorism wing
of the prisons department, and the jail police, sprang into action.
The bomb
disposal squad and Rescue 1122 officials also promptly reached the spot from
Rawalpindi as soon upon receiving the SOS (save our souls) call.
The Rangers,
Rawalpindi Police, and the anti-terrorism wing of the prisons department
cordoned off the jail compound and effectively disarmed the terrorists.
The bomb
disposal squad swept the jail compound and cleared it, after which a detailed
search operation was also carried out in the prison.
The jail
officials hailed the response of the security agencies during the mock exercise
as “timely and exemplary”. They stated these exercises would continue in
future.
The
Rawalpindi police also conducted a five-hour long search operation across the
jail during which the data of the area residents was collected and verified.
Source: tribune.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2459262/mock-security-drill-conducted-at-adiala-jail
---
Over
1.8m ration bags delivered to people under ‘Ramazan package’
2024-03-14
LAHORE:
The Punjab government is striving to provide relief to the people in Ramazan as
the officials delivered over 1.8 million ration bags to deserving families at
their doorsteps under the Nigehban Ramazan package, provincial authorities
briefed the Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akthar Zaman here on Wednesday.
The
Chief Secretary was informed that vegetables and fruits were provided to 77,000
consumers at discounted prices in 51 agriculture fair price shops set up in
Ramzan bazaars.
He was
briefed that the authorities have intensified the ongoing crackdown on
profiteers, arresting 511 persons and lodging 156 FIRs across the province. The
price magistrates also imposed fines of Rs 7.5 lac over violations.
The
meeting decided that the prices of vegetables and fruits in agriculture markets
(Mandis) would be determined under the supervision of the senior officers of
the district administration and all the deputy commissioners would meet the
‘Arhtis’ to persuade them to increase the supply of commodities. Taking notice
of the sale of flour at higher than the notified price, the Chief Secretary
sought a report from the deputy commissioners of Rawalpindi, Kasur, Hafizabad
and Vehari. He mentioned that the persons involved in fleecing the consumers
would be dealt with iron hand. The Chief Secretary appreciated the efforts of
deputy commissioner Sialkot for bringing down the price of tomato by Rs. 30 in a
single day.
The
secretaries of industries and agriculture departments gave a detailed briefing
at the meeting. They said that due to effective administrative measures and
monitoring, a downward trend in prices of commodities is emerging. The
crackdown against hoarders and profiteers is underway on the instructions of
the Chief Minister of Punjab.
They
said that the agriculture department has established 51 fair price shops in
Ramazan bazaars to supply fruits and vegetables at discounted rates by giving
subsidies on 13 items. These items include potatoes, onions, tomatoes, bananas,
gram flour, gram pulse, pumpkin, garlic, lemons, apples, dates, guavas, and
melons.
The
additional chief secretary, Chairman PITB and officials concerned attended the
meeting while all divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners
participated through video link.
Source: brecorder.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40293474/over-18m-ration-bags-delivered-to-people-under-ramazan-package
---
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/krishna-janmabhoomi-shahi-eidgah/d/131919