Lok Sabha Passes Waqf Bill 288-232 After Marathon 12-Hour Debate Thanks To BJP's 'Secular' Allies

New Age Islam News Bureau

3 April 2025

Lok Sabha voting on Waqf Amendment Bill late into the night on Wednesday. (ETV Bharat/SansadTV)

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·         Lok Sabha Passes Waqf Bill 288-232 After Marathon 12-Hour Debate Thanks To BJP's 'Secular' Allies

·         Who Are You Threatening? Waqf Act Will Be Law, All Will Have To Obey: Home Minister Amit Shah

·         ‘Militant Attacks In March Surged To Highest Level Since 2014’ in Pakistan

·         US Strategy On Afghanistan May Shift Amid Growing Terrorist Threats: Report

·         Gaza Mass Grave Underscores ‘War Without Limits’, UN Official Says

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India

·         UCC Brutal Attempt To Impose Majority Customs; Will Hold Protests: Gujarat Muslim Hit Rakshak Samiti

·         DMK Will Protect The Muslims Of Tamil Nadu: CM Stalin

·         Waqf Board Sees Illegal Encroachment Of 14,000 Acres In Punjab; Litigations Still Ongoing In Various Courts

·         Sonia Gandhi Calls Waqf Bill 'Brazen Assault' On Constitution, Accuses BJP Of Polarisation Tactics

·         Cutting across party lines, J&K leaders lambast Waqf bill

·         Check If Mosque Built On School’s Land: Delhi High Court

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Pakistan

·         PTI Embroiled In Controversy Over Who Gets To Meet Imran

·         Development of Balochistan among our top priorities: PM

·         Deportations begin today amid ‘deadline extension’ confusion

·         Balochistan govt justifies crackdown on BYC protest

·         Mystery shrouds Karachi Korangi Creek inferno as officials still await soil test reports

·         Imran’s counsel to file contempt plea against jail officials

·         Katcha crime mystery deepens: Fellow outlaw killed vlogger dacoit after ‘Rs16m police deal’ in Rahim Yar Khan

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South Asia

·         Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi Praises Parwan’s Contributions to the Islamic System

·         17 sent to jail over attack on police in attempt to snatch arrestee in Bagerhat

·         Trump imposes 10% tariff on Afghanistan

·         UNICEF warns of worsening healthcare crisis for children in Afghanistan

·         Tourist kills two in Eastern Afghanistan’s Kunar after dispute

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Mideast

·         Israel seizing more of Gaza to force Hamas to free hostages

·         UK Says ‘Does Not Support’ Israel’s Expansion Of Gaza Offensive

·         Shiny And Deadly, Unexploded Munitions A Threat To Gaza Children

·         Will US pressure on Iraq succeed in bringing Iran-backed militias to heel?

·         Israel’s military faces backlash over AI ‘Ghibli-style’ social media posts

·         Suspected US airstrikes in Yemen kill at least 6 people, Houthi rebels say

·         US sanctions Russia-based network for helping Yemen’s Houthis

·         Qatar strongly condemns the Israeli National Security

·         Iran seeks stronger ties with regional countries

·         Kuwait not to let its soil be used for attacking other states

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Arab World

·         Arabic Language Month Begins In Spain

·         Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli violations at Al-Aqsa Mosque and UN clinic in Gaza

·         Saudi consulate in Los Angeles celebrates Eid Al-Fitr

·         Saudi equestrienne sets sights on racing to glory

·         Teenager uses metaverse technology to create link between Chinese and Saudi students

·         Riyadh’s beauty spots come to life with Eid festivities

·         Saudi charity drive raises SR1.8 billion in Ramadan

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Europe

·         Teenagerfrom Swanley, Kent, Pleads Guilty To Terror Offences After Sharing Islamic State Propaganda

·         Marine Le Pen's BanFrom Standing In The 2027 Presidential Election Outraged France's Far Right - And They May Well Take Revenge

·         Far-right group visit to mosque site condemned

·         Eid celebrated as Blackburn mosque project gathers momentum

·         Wightman Road Mosque supports local good causes during Eid and the holy month of Ramadan

·         World leaders criticise Trump tariffs as 'major blow'

·         UK to keep pushing for deal after Trump imposes 10% tariff

·         Assisted dying: California man invites BBC to witness his death as MPs debate new law

·         Russian news agency denied EU accreditation

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Africa

·         Libya Suspends Work Of ‘Hostile’ International NGOs: Security Agency

·         Guinea's Junta sets referendum for September sparking fresh hopes for democracy

·         Rainstorm Destroys Mosques, Schools, Properties In Kwara Community

·         Muslim community in Rivers seeks out suspended GovFubara for salah homage

·         ECOWAS To Hold Emergency Meeting Over Niger, B’Faso, Mali Imposed Import Levy

·         African Union mediators arrive in South Sudan to salvage peace deal

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Southeast Asia

·         Malaysia Explores Measures To Mitigate Impact On Exports, Not Considering Retaliatory Tariffs - MITI

·         Residents affected by gas pipeline fire allowed to return home in stages

·         Singapore mother jailed 19 years for abusing daughter to death, helping burn body

·         JPJ to set up counters for document reprints at Putra Heights mosque - Loke

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North America

·         Trump Rolls Out Sweeping New Tariffs

·         No additional US tariffs for Canada, but no relief either

·         Assisted dying: California man invites BBC to witness his death as MPs debate new law

·         CAIR-WA Praises Passage of Eid Bill by Washington State Legislature

·         CAIR-NJ Welcomes Sentencing of Man Who Destroyed Property at Rutgers Muslim Chaplaincy House

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/lok-sabha-waqf-bill-marathon-secular/d/135050

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Lok Sabha Passes Waqf Bill 288-232 After Marathon 12-Hour DebateThanks  To BJP's 'Secular' Allies

Apr 3, 2025

Lok Sabha voting on Waqf Amendment Bill late into the night on Wednesday. (ETV Bharat/SansadTV)

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NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill after fierce discussion for over 12 hours with the govt countering the opposition's charges of encroachment on constitutional and Muslim rights and attacks on federalism with a strong defence of the changes in the Act governing Islamic endowments.

The bill was adopted by 288 votes in favour and 232 against, thanks to support from BJP's 'secular' allies, which helped more than bridge the gap between the party's own numbers and the majority mark. BJP, in any case, was always confident of prevailing in the contest and its confidence came through clearly in home minister Amit Shah's feisty "you carried out the changes only to keep your vote bank intact, and we have decided to cancel it" declaration.

The bill is expected to comfortably clear the numbers test in Rajya Sabha on Thursday. Although the debate in LS followed the by-now familiar 'secular versus communal' trajectory, the smooth passage of the bill marked an important juncture. Coming after the enactment of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, which was opposed on the ground of being allegedly anti-Muslim, criminalisation of triple talaq and enactment of the Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand, passage of the Waqf Bill marked the fourth instance where the BJP govt has had its way despite the combined resistance of Muslim outfits and secular parties.

In fact, the latest success counts even more because it was pulled off despite BJP lacking a majority and with the support of 'secular' allies who, it seems, are confident of not ending up being losers in the bargain - something which perhaps reflects the assessment that any loss of Muslim support for them would be more than compensated by gains from the partnership with BJP.

Shah's intervention came during the daylong debate that witnessed a fierce exchange between the two sides, with Congress deputy leader in LS Gaurav Gogoi alleging that the bill was an attempt to attack the basic structure of the Constitution, defame minorities, disenfranchise them and divide society. In his opening remarks, minority affairs minister KirenRijiju rejected the allegation that the proposed law was an interference in the constitutionally guaranteed freedom in religious affairs.

KirenRijiju: Bill has nothing to do with religion, just properties

Rijiju said the bill had nothing to do with religion, but dealt only with properties. "The govt is not going to interfere in any religious institution. The changes made in the waqf law by the UPA govt gave it an overriding effect over other laws, hence the new amendments were required," he said amid noisy opposition protests.

BJP was bolstered by a show of support from its key allies TDP, JDU, Shiv Sena and LJP, while the INDIA bloc put up a united show in opposing the bill.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav claimed that the bill was BJP's ploy for polarisation following its reverses in the Lok Sabha polls, and said it would send a wrong message to the world, denting the country's secular image. The bill would prove to be BJP's "Waterloo" as some of its allies might be supporting the bill but they were not happy about the development inside, he added.

After most of the leading opposition leaders had spoken, Shah launched a stout defence of the bill and rejected the criticism that appointment of non-Muslims in waqf councils and boards violated the community's right to manage its own affairs.

Former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said over the years, Congress only paid lip service to the cause of minorities but did nothing to empower them. He also referenced the Shah Bano case, accusing Congress of undermining legal reforms for political gains. "When Supreme Court ruled in favour of Shah Bano, the Rajiv Gandhi govt overturned the decision for vote-bank politics. Congress had 400 seats then but never got a majority after that. Today, they continue to oppose necessary reforms for political reasons," he said.

Along with the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Rijiju also moved the Mussalman Waqf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, which was passed in the Lok Sabha.

Source: indiatimes.com

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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ls-passes-waqf-bill-288-232-after-marathon-12-hr-debate/articleshow/119918879.cms

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Who Are You Threatening? Waqf Act Will Be Law, All Will Have To Obey: Home Minister Amit Shah

Apr 3, 2025

NEW DELHI: Home minister Amit Shah on Wednesday asserted that the changes being carried out in the Waqf Act would be firmly enforced, adding that every citizen would be required to adhere to them.

Responding to statements from opposition benches that Muslims would not accept the amendments in the Waqf Act, Shah said, "Who are you threatening? This bill is going to be passed by Parliament and will apply to all. The coming law will be an enactment of govt of India and every citizen will be obliged to comply with it."

In a forceful intervention which saw him alternating between dismissal of opposition's criticism as scaremongering and a staunch defence of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill as a necessity for checking corruption and arbitrariness of the waqf bureaucracy, Shah said, "They are making misleading claims to scare Muslims so that their vote bank remains intact."

He cited provisions of the bill to argue that it was not an encroachment on the religious rights of Muslims, and pointed out that despite the opposition's claims to the contrary over amendments to the Citizenship Act, "not a single Muslim has lost his citizenship because of CAA". He said the bill covered waqf boards, waqf councils and waqf tribunals which were administrative bodies, and did not extend to management of mosques which would remain under Muslims.

Shah criticised changes in the Waqf Act carried out by the Congress-led UPA govt in 2013 as part of the "politics of appeasement". He said the latest version of the Act more than doubled the area under waqf properties - from 18 lakh acres to 39 lakh acres. The home minister also pointed out that the orders of waqf tribunals were rendered immune from judicial scrutiny, with revenue courts and civil courts being divested of the power to hear appeals.

"These days, it is fashionable to move around brandishing the Constitution. Can anything be more unconstitutional than putting a body above judicial scrutiny? You changed the law for politics of vote bank and we have now cancelled the changes," Shah said, pointedly refuting the contention of Congress's deputy leader in LS Gaurav Gogoi who had said that appeals against orders of tribunals were not barred. "You have tried to mislead. Civil suits, where the interests of original occupants are given precedence, were indeed barred. Only writs were allowed. You know the difference but you are obfuscating it only for the sake of vote bank politics," he added.

Shah argued that the changes would benefit Muslim masses by bringing transparency and eliminating corruption. "In 2013, 20,000 properties were shown as leased. Now, the latest records show there are none. What happened? Were the properties sold off?" he asked.

The minister used other tracks as well - playing up support for the bill from a host of Christian bodies, claims made by waqf bodies on lands associated with temples and churches, and provisions of the bill which stipulate that land owned by SCs/STs would not come under waqf. He also struck an assertive note with regard to other provisions, such as that a Muslim can donate only his personal wealth and assets to waqf, that is, an Islamic endowment. "How can one donate a govt or public property to waqf?" he asked.

Shah concluded by expressing confidence that Muslims would realise the benefit of the amendments. "In four years, even Muslim brothers will realise that this bill is actually in their benefit," he said.

Source: indiatimes.com

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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/who-are-you-threatening-waqf-act-will-be-law-all-will-have-to-obey-amit-shah/articleshow/119921396.cms

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‘Militant Attacks In March Surged To Highest Level Since 2014’ in Pakistan

Ikram Junaidi

April 3, 2025

ISLAMABAD: Militant violence and security operations intensified in the country in March 2025, with the number of militant attacks surpassing 100 for the first time since November 2014, according to a data released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies

The think tank reported 105 militant attacks during the month, resulting in 228 fatalities, including 73 security personnel, 67 civilians, and 88 militants. Additionally, 258 people were injured, comprising 129 security personnel and an equal number of civilians.

Security forces also conducted intensified counter-militancy operations, resulting in the deaths of 107 individuals, including 83 militants, 13 security personnel, and 11 civilians, while 31 others were injured, among them nine security personnel and four militants.

In total, militant attacks and security operations accounted for 335 deaths, with 86 security personnel, 78 civilians, and 171 militants among the deceased.

According to the Militancy Database (MD), March 2025 recorded the highest overall fatalities since August 2015. The month also saw the highest number of security forces casualties since January 2023, when 114 personnel lost their lives. It was the second deadliest month for security forces of the country in the past decade, following January 2023.

Surge in suicide attacks

It recorded six suicide bombings in March, the highest in a single month in recent years. These attacks resulted in 59 fatalities, including 15 civilians, 11 security personnel, and 33 militants, while 94 others were injured including 56 security personnel and 38 civilians. Three of these attacks occurred in Balochistan, two in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and one in the erstwhile Fata, now part of KP’s tribal districts.

Most-affected provinces

Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained the most affected provinces. One of the most notable incidents was the hijacking of the Jaffar Express by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) Bashir Zeb group on March 11, resulting in the deaths of at least 26 hostages and 33 militants. The province also witnessed three suicide attacks, one vehicle-borne bombing. A female suicide bomber, reportedly from the BLA Herbyar Marri faction (BLA-Azad), carried out one attack, while another was claimed by the BLA Bashir Zeb faction. A suspected suicide bombing targeting a BNP-Mengal rally remained unclaimed.

Overall, Balochistan saw at least 122 fatalities in insurgent attacks and security operations, including 40 civilians, 37 security personnel and 45 militants. Additionally, 148 people suffered injuries, 79 civilians and 69 security personnel. Security forces arrested at least eight suspected militants, while militants reportedly kidnapped 11 people.

In KP, at least 206 people were killed, including 49 security personnel, 34 civilians, and 123 militants, while 115 were injured, among them 63 security personnel and 49 civilians. Within the province, mainland KP recorded 124 fatalities 32 civilians, 30 security personnel, and 62 militants while 65 people were injured. The tribal districts, formerly Fata, saw 82 deaths, including 19 security personnel, two civilians, and 61 militants. A noticeable intensification of security operations was recorded, with 123 militants killed in KP during the month.

Arrests in Punjab

A significant increase in militant activity was observed in Punjab, where at least seven attacks, mostly attributed to Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), were recorded. According to the data, this marks the highest number of militant incidents in a single month in Punjab over the past decade. Six of these attacks occurred in Dera Ghazi Khan, where the TTP has been attempting to expand its presence along the KP border. The province reported six fatalities, three civilians and three militants.

In response to the growing threat of militancy, security forces intensified their operations in Punjab. The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) arrested at least 22 individuals linked to various militant groups, including TTP. All of these arrests took place in Lahore.

Sindh experienced three low-intensity attacks in March, resulting in one civilian fatality and injuries to seven individuals, including six security personnel. One attack, claimed by the militant Islamic State (Daesh), targeted a Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader, while the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) claimed responsibility for an assault on a police station.

No militant attacks were reported in Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, or Azad Jammu and Kashmir. However, security forces arrested a TTP militant in Azad Kashmir, recovering weapons and ammunition.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1901722

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US Strategy on Afghanistan may shift amid growing terrorist threats: Report

By Fidel Rahmati

April 3, 2025

The Hudson Institute reports emerging signs of a shift in the U.S. approach to Afghanistan, with a new strategy expected.

The Hudson Institute in the U.S. has recently published an article suggesting subtle signs of a shift in the Trump administration’s approach to Afghanistan. The report indicated that a new strategy regarding Central Asia is expected to be released in the coming months. While further details were not provided, the article highlighted an opportunity for a coordinated policy to address the challenges posed by the Taliban’s rule in Afghanistan.

Luke Coffey, the author of the article, emphasized that the ongoing threats from various terrorist groups in Afghanistan require a unified international approach. Following the arrest of Muhammad Sharif, a key figure in the 2021 Kabul airport bombing, there have been indications of renewed cooperation between Islamabad and Washington in counterterrorism efforts.

Over 20 terrorist groups are currently active in Afghanistan, creating instability not only within the country but also in the surrounding region. The U.S. intelligence community’s annual threat assessment identifies ISIS as the most significant terrorist threat to both the U.S. and its allies. According to the report, ISIS-Khorasan, a branch of ISIS operating in Afghanistan, has the capability to launch attacks beyond Afghanistan, affecting Central Asia and potentially the wider world.

Coffey referenced the U.N. Security Council’s recent report, which highlighted ISIS-Khorasan’s recruitment and training activities in Afghanistan, including in Badakhshan province. He also expressed concern over the global community’s lack of a serious and cohesive response to these growing threats.

Moreover, the report claims that Al-Qaeda, since the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, has reinforced its presence in Afghanistan, with the Taliban providing safe havens and training camps for the group. Lower-ranking Al-Qaeda members have been given shelter in Kabul, while senior leaders have found refuge in the provinces. Coffey warned that the lack of a coordinated global strategy in dealing with these threats could lead to further regional and global instability.

In addition to his concerns about terrorism, Coffey noted that the President Trump has occasionally spoken about the strategic importance of Bagram Airfield, criticizing the chaotic withdrawal from Kabul and referring to it as a major mistake. He also highlighted that the potential military use of Bagram by China, a U.S. competitor, might motivate efforts to regain control of the base.

Coffey pointed out that the signs of a potential shift in U.S. policy toward Afghanistan could provide an opportunity for a more unified international response to the threats emanating from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. The upcoming strategy for Central Asia could play a critical role in addressing these challenges and formulating a more effective global counterterrorism approach.

It remains to be seen how the new strategy will address the growing influence of terrorist groups like ISIS-Khorasan and Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and what steps the international community will take to prevent further regional destabilization. The need for a cohesive and decisive approach to these threats has never been more urgent.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/us-strategy-on-afghanistan-may-shift-amid-growing-terrorist-threats-report/

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Gaza mass grave underscores ‘war without limits’, UN official says

April 02, 2025

Members of the Palestine Red Crescent and other emergency services pray by the bodies of fellow rescuers killed a week earlier by Israeli forces, during a funeral procession at Nasser hospital in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on Mar. 31, 2025. (AFP)

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UNITED NATIONS: The mass grave in Rafah where the bodies of 15 medics were found after the Israeli army fired on ambulances illustrates the “war without limits” that Israel is leading in Gaza, a UN aid official said Wednesday.

“It was shocking” to see medical workers “still in their uniforms, still wearing gloves, killed while trying to save lives,” said Jonathan Whittall, head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the Palestinian territories.

“The ambulances were hit one by one,” he said in a video conference after a mission to Gaza uncovered the mass grave. Of the 15 bodies, eight were members of the Palestinian Red Crescent and one was from the United Nations.

UN chief Antonio Guterres also expressed revulsion Wednesday at the killings.

“The secretary-general is shocked by the attacks of the Israeli army on a medical and emergency convoy on March 23 resulting in the killings of 15 medical personnel and humanitarian workers in Gaza,” spokesman Stephane Dujarric told a briefing.

OCHA said Tuesday that the first team of first aid workers was killed by Israeli forces on March 23, and that other emergency and aid teams were hit one after another over several hours while searching for their missing colleagues.

After several weeks of ceasefire in Gaza, Israel resumed its bombardments on March 18 and announced Wednesday the extension of its military operations to seize “large areas” of the territory.

Whittall said 64 percent of Gaza is under displacement orders, and that 200,000 people have been uprooted since the end of the ceasefire.

He said the 25 bakeries run by the UN’s World Food Programme have been closed since Tuesday.

“It’s an endless loop of blood, pain, death and Gaza has become a death trap,” he said. “What is happening here defies decency, it defies humanity, it defies the law.”

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2595719/middle-east

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India

 

UCC brutal attempt to impose majority customs; will hold protests: Gujarat Muslim Hit Rakshak Samiti

April 3, 2025

OBJECTING to the constitution of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) committee, Gujarat Muslim Hit Rakshak Samiti – an umbrella body of different organisations of the community in state — said that the government was trying to “forcefully impose the customs of the majority society on Muslims”.

It further said that the samiti would “try to get justice” by announcing protest programmes on a large scale in coming days.

Addressing media in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, Wasif Hussain Sheikh, convener of the Gujarat Muslim Hit Rakshak Samiti, said, “The UCC committee formed by the Gujarat government has invited objections and suggestions from citizens on the proposed UCC. However, the very idea of a UCC poses a serious threat to the protection of fundamental rights, especially religion, culture and personal laws, as enshrined in the Indian Constitution. The UCC, in its purported imposition of equality, ignores religious and cultural diversity and violates the constitutional guarantee of religious and cultural autonomy.”

He further said, “It still gives concessions to the Scheduled Tribes and Adivasis, then how can it be called a uniform code? We believe that the state government is trying to forcefully impose the customs of the majority society on Muslims instead of (letting them follow) their own marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption laws.”

Representatives of the samiti, including Gujarat High Court advocate Taher Hakim, Jamiat Ulema General Secretary Professor Nisar Ansari, Bar Council member Gulab Khan Pathan, Jamaat-e-Islami city president Iqbal Ahmed Mirza, and Advocate Iqbal Sheikh, while addressing the media, said they have an objection to the committee “because only people with links to the RSS have been selected in it”.

The samiti representatives stated, “The fact that the members of the committee have links with the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) is no longer hidden from anyone. Then, how can we believe that Muslims will get justice? Among the Muslims who were heard by the UCC committee in Gujarat was one person against whom four police cases have been registered. We believe that he was called because he is pro-government.”

The samiti members applauded “the way Muslims across the state expressed their protest by wearing black bands on the day of Eid.”

Source: indianexpress.com

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https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/ucc-brutal-attempt-to-impose-majority-customs-will-hold-protests-gujarat-muslim-hit-rakshak-samiti-9921057/

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DMK will protect the Muslims of Tamil Nadu: CM Stalin

April 3, 2025

By Syed Ali Mujtaba

Chennai: Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has said that the DMK will always support Muslims’ political rights and protect the Tamil Nadu community. He was speaking at an Iftar function organized by his party last week.

“Whenever there has been a political threat to the Muslim community, the DMK has acted to safeguard the interest of the Muslims,” he said, and added that “the DMK will never allow the BJP government’s disruptive plans to be implemented in Tamil Nadu.”

“Among the 28 states of India, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister is the only CM who has the gum and gustation to publicly proclaim with conviction that he will protect the Muslims,” MLA Jawaharullah and the head of the ManithaneyaMakkalKatchi party, said, who is an ally of the DMK.

“According to 2011 census the percentage of Muslims in seven state of India is much higher than Tamil Nadu: Bihar 17 % -UP -19%- West Bengal 27% -Kerala 27%-Assam 34% -J&K 68%, but no Chief Minister of these states has given any public assurances to protect the Muslims,” the MLA who was also present at the function said.

“Muslims in Tamil Nadu are only 6% of the population and do not electorally matter in the arithmetic of the electoral politics of the state, but still the DMK leader has shown conviction to protect the Muslims is something laudable,” the MLA said.

The DMK largesse for Muslims in Tamil Nadu includes the 3.5% reservation for backward caste Muslims introduced by former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi. In a recent event, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced the construction of a guest house in Chennai for Hajj pilgrims. The DMK government has taken some other Muslim specific welfare policies in the state.

“On Tamil Nadu State assembly elections due for next year, whether this is not a political campaign by the Chief Minister,” the MLA from Papanasam Constituency said, “there are no takers of the BJP’s allegation of Muslim appeasement policy in the Dravidian majority Hindu state.

“The majority of voters support the DMK and have rejected the Hindu appeasement of the politics of the BJP. This can be certified by the election results of the state and also through the DMK’s vote percentage. The MLA concluded that DMK’s vote share is 37% in the state assembly and 47% in the Lok Sabha.”

Source: muslimmirror.com

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https://muslimmirror.com/dmk-will-protect-the-muslims-of-tamil-nadu-cm-stalin/

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Waqf Board sees illegal encroachment of 14,000 acres in Punjab; litigations still ongoing in various courts

Harpreet Bajwa

03 Apr 2025

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Waqf Board owns a total of 36,625.83 acres of land across the state, but over 14,000 acres of this land are currently under illegal encroachment. Ongoing litigation regarding these encroachments is being heard in various courts, including the Supreme Court.

According to sources, data from the Board reveals that the Punjab Waqf Board has a total of 75,965 registered properties and 25,403 registered waqf estates. The Board owns 36,625.83 acres of land across the state, with approximately 14,085.004 acres, or 38.46%, currently under illegal encroachment. The remaining 61.45% of the land is being used for its intended purposes.

While 18 cases are pending in the Supreme Court, 462 cases going in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, 1,157 civil suits in different courts for declaration, possession or eviction pending before the five waqf tribunals in the stare and civil courts, said sources.

Talking with the TNIE, Latif Ahmed Thind, Executive Officer of Punjab Waqf Board, said, " The total number of waqf board properties in Punjab is 75,965. The major problem is illegal encroachments across the state as the maximum encroachments are in Bathinda, followed by Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar and Patiala. In many cases, the illegal encroachers are sitting on these properties since 1947 and in many others the lease with the board finished but they did not vacate the property or gave it’s procession to someone else".

"Both influential people and common persons have encroached upon the waqf board properties. While in Samana near Patiala many shanties are there and those people refuse to vacate. It is just of people from other religions have encroached upon also people from the same community have also done illegal encroachment of the board properties in some cases,’’ he says.

" We follow the due procedure of the law and cases are going in different courts including supreme court. With the amendment coming in the process will become for cumbersome.’’he added.

Source: newindianexpress.com

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https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Apr/03/waqf-board-sees-illegal-encroachment-of-14000-acres-in-punjab-litigations-still-ongoing-in-various-courts

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Sonia Gandhi calls Waqf Bill 'brazen assault' on Constitution, accuses BJP of polarisation tactics

03.04.25

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Thursday termed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill as a "brazen assault" on the Constitution, saying it was part of the BJP's strategy to keep society in a state of "permanent polarisation".

Hours after the Lok Sabha passed the Waqf amendment bill, Gandhi said the bill was "bulldozed" through in the lower house.

Addressing party MPs at a meeting of the Congress Parliamentary Party in Samvidhan Sadan here, she also said that the One Nation, One Election Bill is another subversion of the Constitution and the party would strongly oppose it.

"Yesterday, the Wakf Amendment Bill, 2024 was passed in the Lok Sabha and today it is scheduled to come up in the Rajya Sabha. The bill was in effect bulldozed through. Our party's position is clear. The Bill is a brazen assault on the Constitution itself. It is very much part of the BJP's deliberate strategy to keep our society in a state of permanent polarization," Gandhi said.

The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill well past midnight after a 12-hour debate.The Bill was passed after all amendments moved by the opposition members were rejected by voice votes. It was passed after division of votes -- 288 in favour and 232 against. The Bill will now come up in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.

The former Congress president also said their plea for the immediate implementation of the women's reservation bill passed by both Houses two years back continues to be wilfully ignored along with the other demand for one-third reservation for women belonging to scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and OBC communities.

"Whether it is education, civil rights and liberties, our federal structure or conduct of elections, the Modi government is dragging the country into an abyss where our Constitution will remain on paper and we know their intention is to demolish even that," she charged.

"It is vital for all of us to continue to fight for what is right and just, to expose Modi government's failing and intention to turn India into a surveillance state," Gandhi told MPs at the meeting.

All party MPs, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, were present at the meeting.

Gandhi also said they have repeatedly been raising the issue of free and fair elections and the need for Parliament to debate the functioning of the Election Commission and its "opaque" rules and procedures, some of which are presently under challenge in the Supreme Court.

Targeting the prime minister, she accused him of rebranding, repackaging and marketing numerous initiatives taken during 2004-2014 as his own personal accomplishments.

That too needs to be exposed through our own public outreach activities, she asserted.

Speaking on the functioning of both houses of Parliament, she charged that the Leaders of Opposition are not allowed to speak and the treasury benches are often found to be creating disturbance in a bid to not allow the Congress to raise their issues.

"It is a matter of grave concern to our democracy that the LoP in the Lok Sabha is not permitted to speak. Similarly, time and again, the LoP in the Rajya Sabha, Khargeji is also not allowed to say what he wants to say and indeed must say.

"Like you, I have been witness to how the House gets adjourned not because of us but because of the protests by the treasury benches themselves. This is quite extraordinary and shocking designed to prevent the Opposition from raising their concerns that would put the government on the spot," she noted.

Noting that the BJP members aggressively target Congress-ruled state governments, with "total falsehoods", she urged party MPs to be equally aggressive and raise the failures and mis-governance in BJP-ruled states. This will mean much more pointed homework and research on our part, she noted.

The CPP chairperson said Congress MPs have effectively highlighted the real state of the economy and have exposed the vast gap between what the government claims and what the overwhelming reality is in relation to price rise, unemployment and growing inequalities.

She also lauded the role played by Congress leaders who are chairpersons of Parliamentary committees for providing forceful leadership.

"You have used these reports to build a larger consensus to hold the government to account. This is especially so in agriculture, rural development and education," she said.

Gandhi, however, said their demands for a debate on a number of issues of public importance have been denied by the ruling party.

"Gone are the days when the ruling party was accommodative of the Opposition, when debates and discussion used to take place in both Houses, and as MPs we looked forward to them," she noted.

She said they wanted a detailed discussion in the Lok Sabha on the working of the ministries of defence and of external affairs as both these subjects are of critical importance given the increasingly turbulent political atmosphere in our neighbourhood, but this was disallowed.

The former Congress president said the party has been seeking a discussion in both Houses on grave challenges posed by China on our borders and the "shocking clean chit" given to it by the prime minister on June 19, 2020.

The Congress leader urged MPs reinforce outside Parliament the issues of dilution of RTI, MGNREGA, Forest Rights Act and the Land Acquisition Act.

Source: telegraphindia.com

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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/sonia-gandhi-calls-waqf-bill-brazen-assault-on-constitution-accuses-bjp-of-polarisation-tactics/cid/2092207

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Cutting across party lines, J&K leaders lambast Waqf bill

ByMir Ehsan, Srinagar

Apr 03, 2025

Political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir have blamed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for trying to disempower Muslims of India by introduction of Waqf bill in Parliament. However, J&K Waqf Board president and senior BJP leader, Darakshan Andrabi backed the bill which was introduced in the house on Wednesday.

J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah was among the first J&K political leaders to oppose the bill on Tuesday and the party’s two MP’s will vote against this bill.

“For us to accept this bill is very difficult as only one religion is being targeted through this bill,” Omar told media persons after inauguration of free women bus service in Srinagar on Tuesday.

Legislator from HandwaraSajad Lone voiced strong opposition to the proposed amendment to Waqf laws, terming it an attack on the religious rights of Muslims.

“Waqf by definition is the custodian of properties which are collectively owned by Muslims. It is an Islamic concept,” he wrote on X.

Lone said the move amounts to a direct assault on the religious autonomy of Muslims. “The proposed amendment by Parliament is a blatant interference in our faith aimed at divesting rightful custodians of their authority,” he asserted, calling it “yet another right-wing trespass.”

An effort disempower Muslims: Mehbooba

Former J&K CM and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said this bill is an effort to disempower Muslims in the country. “We don’t have any hope on the BJP government as they have been trying to disempower Muslims from past 10 to 12 years, mosques are being destroyed, Muslim graveyards are being encroached, Our Hindu brothers should come forward, this nation belongs to Gandhi and should be run according to constitution not by the agenda of BJP,” she said and added that BJPs policy are aimed at breaking the country, so Hindus should raise their voices. “We should prevent our country from becoming Myanmar where Muslims were targeted.”

Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari termed this bill as a direct threat to Muslims.

“This legislation poses a direct threat to the Muslim community’s control over Waqf assets and administration.If passed, Waqf boards have to register properties with district collectors for valuation, and all board members will be government-appointed—an undue interference in religious affairs.While transparency and effective management are essential, they can be ensured without amending the existing Waqf Act,” Altaf Bukhari said in a statement.

Justice and Development Front (JDF), a party launched by former Jamaat-e-Islami members, also unequivocally condemned the proposed Waqf Bill. “This bill is an affront to the longstanding traditions and autonomy of waqf institutions, undermining the very fabric of our heritage and social welfare system.

By granting unchecked authority to the state over waqf properties, this legislation not only threatens historical endowments but also paves the way for arbitrary dispossession and misuse,” it said.

Waqf Board chairperson backs bill

Waqf Board chairperson and senior BJP leader Darakshan Andrabi backed the bill.

“Once this bill gets passed in parliament it will bring more transparency and accountability,” she said, adding that this bill will aim at strengthening the governance of Waqf properties in the country.

Source: hindustantimes.com

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https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/cutting-across-party-lines-j-k-leaders-lambast-waqf-bill-101743621523225.html

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Check if mosque built on school’s land: Delhi high court

By ShrutiKakkar

Apr 03, 2025

The Delhi high court on Wednesday directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to check whether a mosque and shops have encroached upon a school’s land in Wazirpur area, northwest Delhi, and ensure safety of students.

Dealing with a petition filed by a non-governmental organisation Save India Foundation, a bench of chief justice DK Upadhyay and justice Tushar Rao Gedela directed MCD to treat the petition as a representation, and take steps for addressing the grievances raised by conducting a survey to assess the existence of illegal construction pertaining to the religious structure and illegal shops.

In the petition, the NGO had asserted that the authorities, despite common knowledge, had failed to act with regards to the alleged encroachment by the mosque and several shops on the school’s land and protect the same.

This was after MCD’s counsel submitted that the religious structure existed before the school’s inception. It also said that the NGO should have approached the religious committee constituted under the orders of the Supreme Court in September 2009.

“Accordingly, we direct the averments made in the writ shall be taken as representation by the petitioner and shall be considered by the MCD at the appropriate level. The said allegations shall be verified, and a report shall be prepared on the basis of a survey to be conducted by the officials of the MCD,” the bench said in the order.

Source: hindustantimes.com

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https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/check-if-mosque-built-on-school-s-land-delhi-high-court-101743617800829.html

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Pakistan

 

PTI embroiled in controversy over who gets to meet Imran

Ikram Junaidi

April 3, 202

• Ex-PM reportedly refuses to meet Salman Akram Raja; Hammad Azhar quits party office

• Jailed leader asks KP CM Gandapur to ‘re-engage’ with establishment

• Party fails to make good on promise to hold protest outside Adiala over Eid

ISLAMABAD: Amid a deepening rift within the PTI’s upper echelons, KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur held a meeting with jailed party founder Imran Khan, along with an aide, on Wednesday.

In a separate development that hints at the PTI’s internal differences, the president of its Punjab chapter Hammad Azhar also resigned from his party position the same day.

During the Adiala meeting, Imran Khan reportedly asked CM Gandapur to re-engage with the establishment within the parameters of the Constitution and law, Adviser to CM Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, who accompanied Mr Gandapur, claimed while talking to Dawn after the huddle.

The meeting continued for two-and-a-half hours in the conference room of Adiala Jail. However, as per orders of the Islamabad High Court, they left without holding a media talk outside the jail.

Party sources said the meeting was a continuation of Tuesday’s huddle between ex-minister Azam Swati and Mr Khan.

On Tuesday, PTI leaders Advocate Salman Akram Raja and others reached Adiala Jail and Mr Raja provided to the authorities a list of persons who had to meet Imran Khan. However, Mr Raja was stopped from going inside while Mr Swati was allowed to meet Imran Khan. Jail sources claimed that Imran Khan was not willing to meet Mr Raja.

Later, Mr Swati also claimed that the party founder was not willing to meet Mr Raja. Mr Swati said he assured Mr Khan that Mr Raja was sincere with the party and was standing on principles.

He also informed that based on his discussion with Mr Khan, some changes will be made in the KP government.

Party sources said that during the meeting between CM Gandapur and Imran Khan, various issues related to KP including political and security came under discussion.

Call for re-engagement

Talking to Dawn, Barrister Saif claimed that Imran Khan had asked CM Gandapur to re-engage with the establishment within the parameters of the Constitution and law.

“Khan sahib believes that the country and people of Pakistan are suffering because of the problems between his party and the establishment and that his party being the only federal party with roots in all the provinces can bridge the gap and address political, economic and security issues confronting the country,” said the adviser to CM.

He said the CM discussed a broad range of issues with the ex-premier including the situation in KP, terrorism and the party’s internal matters. “As such there was nothing new,” Mr Saif said.

However, he added, the party chairman allowed them to re-engage with the establishment “for the good of the country”. He acknowledged that there was a mutual lack of trust between the two sides, and underlined the need for bringing down the temperature “to a reasonable level” for meaningful negotiations.

Mr Saif distanced the party from certain YouTubers abroad, who, he added, were responsible for creating a gulf between the party and the establishment. “We have no control over them,” he argued. “We have disowned them.”

Asked if the party chief had set any conditions for re-engagement with the establishment, Mr Saif clarified that any dialogue would have to be done within the parameters of the Constitution and democratic values.

He said Mr Khan also emphasised the need for engaging with Afghanistan to end terrorism and that the chief minister apprised him of the efforts they were making to reach out to the Afghan Taliban in this regard.

He said the KP government had approached the federal government for permission to engage with the Afghan Taliban. “But the federal government is sitting on the request.”

Mr Saif said that the chief minister also discussed party matters with the chairman, particularly the rift between Azam Swati and Speaker KP Assembly Babar Salim Swati. He said the chairman asked the chief minister to play a lead role and resolve the differences between the two party figures.

Hammad’s resignation

Hammad Azhar, who had been away from public eye since May 9, 2023, resigned as president of PTI’s Punjab chapter, apparently following complaints by a senior party leader in a meeting with Imran Khan.

Mr Azhar announced his resignation in a message on X. He alleged that Azam Swati had complained to Mr Khan that he was causing obstructions in the working of party’s Punjab chief organiser Aliya Hamza.

“I spoke to Aliya Hamza and asked whether he was obstructing in her party working and she expressed with astonishment that she never felt obstructed,” he claimed.

Mr Azhar stated that he would continue working as a party worker.

No camp outside jail

Strict security arrangements were made outside the Adiala Jail and heavy contingent of the security personnel was deployed in wake of PTI’s plans to hold a protest there.

However, despite claims by the party leaders, PTI could not hold the protest camp outside the jail during Eid days. It may be recalled that party’s KP head Junaid Akbar during the holy month of Ramazan had hinted that PTI workers will set up a protest camp outside the jail to express solidarity with the incarcerated founding chairman. However, the central leadership disassociated itself with the statement.

On the second and third days of Eid, PTI leaders including Salman Akram Raja, Azam Swati, CM Gandapur, Barrister Saif and others reached the jail but the aim was to meet Imran Khan rather than holding a protest.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1901759/pti-embroiled-in-controversy-over-who-gets-to-meet-imran

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Development of Balochistan among our top priorities: PM

Saleem Shahid | Syed Irfan Raza

April 3, 2025

• CM Bugti meets premier, discusses province’s situation amid ongoing protests

• Says govt taking all possible measures to resolve crises afflicting the province

• PM Shehbaz expected to announce major cut in power tariffs today

QUETTA / ISLAMABAD: Balo­chistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday to discuss the law and order situation, ongoing protests and development projects in the province, with the premier stressing that the province’s growth remains one of the government’s top priorities.

The meeting took place in Lahore, where CM Bugti also extended Eidul Fitr greetings to the prime minister. Officials said that the two leaders held a detailed discussion on the political, economic and security situation of Balochistan, as well as the progress of federal development initiatives in the province.

The discussions emphasised the federal government’s unwavering support for Balochistan, with PM Shehbaz stressing that all necessary steps would be taken to accelerate development initiatives and improve the quality of life for its people.

Following the meeting, CM Bugti shared details on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), expressing satisfaction with the prime minister’s assurance of full cooperation and calling it a promising sign for the people of Balochistan.

Mr Bugti reiterated that ongoing projects, supported by the federal government, would play a crucial role in strengthening the province’s economy and enhancing public welfare.

He emphasised that the government is taking all possible measures to resolve Balochistan’s challenges while ensuring that all stakeholders are actively involved in the journey towards progress.

Meetings with political leaders

Amid efforts to build political consensus, the chief minister also met other key political figures during Eid days, including National Party President Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, and Senator Maulana Abdul Wasey, provincial head of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F).

Accompanied by his colleagues, Chief Minister Bugti visited Dr Baloch’s residence, where they exchanged Eid greetings and engaged in discussions about the province’s overall situation and development prospects.

Among those present were prominent figures such as Senator Mir Kabir Ahmad Muhammad Shahi, provincial minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar, and Parliamentary Secretary Mir Obaidullah Gorgage.

The meeting underscored the importance of political collaboration in addressing Balochistan’s issues. Mr Bugti reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive governance, welcoming constructive proposals from all political parties to promote peace and development in the province.

Later, the chief minister met Maulana Abdul Wasey and discussed political affairs and development initiatives. Emphasising the need for harmony and cooperation, Mr Bugti insisted that all positive recommendations aimed at ensuring stability and prosperity in Balochistan would be valued.

Relief in power tariff

Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz is expected to make a major announcement today (Thursday) regarding a drastic reduction in electricity tariffs for both domestic and industrial consumers.

A senior official from the Prime Minister’s Office said the premier will address the media during a briefing where the new relief package is likely to be revealed. “It is expected that the prime minister will announce a drastic cut in electricity tariffs for domestic and industrial consumers,” the official said.

Recently, the prime minister has shelved a decision of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet regarding changes to the net metering policy for rooftop solar systems.

He reaffirmed that the government will continue its current solar policy, which allows electricity buyback from private producers at a rate of Rs27 per unit.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1901762/development-of-balochistan-among-our-top-priorities-pm

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Deportations begin today amid ‘deadline extension’ confusion

Umer Farooq

April 3, 2025

• Official says Afghan repatriation process delayed due to Eid holidays

• UNHCR spokesperson says some ACC holders may require ‘protection’, urges Islamabad to view their cases sympathetically

PESHAWAR: The second phase of sending back Afghan refugees is set to begin in earnest from today (Thursday) following the expiration of a government deadline for Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders to leave the country voluntarily.

The government had set March 31 as the last date for ACC holders to return to their country and refused to budge despite calls from the international community to extend the deadline.

“Although the deadline was March 31, the provincial government exte­nded it till April 2 keeping in view Eidul Fitr. Now, phase 2 will begin from [Thursday] and we have established camps, one each at LandiKotal and Nasir Bagh Road,” a senior official from Afghan Commi­ssionerate in Peshawar told Dawn.

The two-day relaxation for Eid led to some confusion among official circles, with some sources suggesting that the deadline for repatriation had been extended.

The AFP news agency reported the deadline has been extended until the beginning of next week due to Eid holidays, while the Associated Press claimed that arrests and deportations had been paused until April 10.

Law enforcement sources in the twin cities also claimed that the deadline for Afghans’ repatriation had been quietly extended to April 10, and nothing was conveyed officially.

But an interior ministry official denied this claim, maintaining that there had been no extension.

UNHCR concerns

According to official statistics, a total of 69,494 families — including 473,397 individuals, of which 157,513 were men, 111,381 were women and 197,821 children — have been sent back to Afghanistan since September 2023.

UNHCR spokesperson Qaiser Khan Afridi told Dawn the UN agency was concerned regarding the government’s directive, as among the Afghan Citizen Cardholders, there might be individuals requiring international protection.

“In that light, we are urging the government [view] their situation through a humanitarian lens. We also call for engagement between Pakistan and Afghanistan so that the returns can be dignified and voluntary,” Mr Afridi told Dawn.

Meanwhile, Afghan Mini­ster for Refugees and Reparation Mawlavi Abdul Kabir called for the humane treatment for refugees, especially in light of reports of mistreatment of Afghans by border nations, including instances where individuals holding legal visas were also deported.

In a statement, the interim Afghan government also reiterated its call for the voluntary return of Afghan migrants and urged Pakistan and Iran to stop forced deportations.

Mohammad Asghar in Rawalpindi and Iftikhar A. Khan in Islamabad also contributed to this report

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1901761

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Balochistan govt justifies crackdown on BYC protest

Saleem Shahid

April 3, 2025

• Spokesperson says negotiations still underway to resolve crisis

• DIG Quetta says 61 individuals arrested under MPO

• 35 detained minors released after parents provided assurances

QUETTA: The Balochistan government on Wednesday defended its actions in response to the protests led by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), calling the demonstrations illegal, though officials stressed that negotiations remain in progress to resolve the crisis.

Speaking at a joint press conference, Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind and DIG Quetta Aitzaz Ahsan Goraya said that while the right to peaceful protest is constitutionally guaranteed, maintaining law and order and public safety is paramount.

Mr Rind said that following the attack on the Jafar Express on 11 March, a clearance operation was launched and continued for nearly 24 hours. The next day, BYC activists attempted to exhume bodies from a graveyard after burial, which triggered protests and led to the blockade of Sariab Road and other areas for over 12 hours, he added.

The spokesperson reiterated that while the government respects the right to protest, the location and manner of demonstrations must be determined by district authorities — something the BYC has consistently refused to acknowledge.

DIG Goraya detailed the events following the Jaffar Express attack, claiming that five bodies were brought to the Civil Hospital on March 14. When Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Quetta on March 19, BYC members arrived at the hospital to claim the bodies, but were asked to call the legal heirs.

Mr Goraya questioned who could legally claim the bodies of members of the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). He claimed that the protesters attempted to forcibly remove the bodies, damaging hospital property in the process.

He said that the BYC’s so-called peaceful protest resulted in significant damage to public property, including the destruction of 36 CCTV cameras, 18 utility poles, the main gate of Balochistan University and the burning of a post office. Additionally, an attempt was made to loot a bank.

In response, police were compelled to use tear gas. During the turmoil, the BYC placed three bodies on Sariab Road and alleged that police firing had killed them. Mr Goraya dismissed the claim, questioning why random bystanders would be hit if the police had actually opened fire.

Families of the deceased reportedly sought the return of their loved ones’ bodies and distanced themselves from the BYC, but protesters allegedly pressured them into continuing the demonstration. Some even surrounded the victims’ homes in an attempt to force their participation.

Mr Goraya further stated that a total of 61 individuals were arrested under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Act, with 13 placed under judicial remand. However, 35 minors detained during the protests were released after their parents provided assurances. He also highlighted that past BYC demonstrations have led to the burning of 13 police vehicles and injuries to officers.

On the political front, Mr Rind confirmed that the BNP’s long march from Wadh to Quetta had been restricted due to security concerns, and the party was invited to an in-camera session to discuss the law and order situation.

He added that internet services were suspended due to security threats and that the authorities are investigating the Mastung attack, which, if successful, could have had severe consequences for Pakistan.

Addressing concerns about banning the BYC, Mr Rind stated that he was unaware of any such decision, emphasising that the courts are available to provide legal relief where necessary. The government, he assured, remains open to dialogue but will not allow the destruction of public property in the name of protests.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1901725/balochistan-govt-justifies-crackdown-on-byc-protest

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Mystery shrouds Karachi Korangi Creek inferno as officials still await soil test reports

Tahir Siddiqui

April 3, 2025

• Flames rage on with almost same intensity for fifth consecutive day

• Mayor says reports to identify what’s burning inside expected today

• Commissioner claims expertise and equipment required to extinguish blaze ‘not available in country’

KARACHI: Federal and provincial authorities are still in the dark about the reasons behind the mysterious fire that broke out during digging of a housing project in Korangi Creek on March 28 as the flames continued to rage for the fifth day on Wednesday.

Though the city administration took certain precautionary measures to keep people away from the site, the raging flames drew crowds during the Eid holidays, with many bringing their children as well to witness the unusual and persistent sea of blazing flames in an area of 300 to 400 feet. People were also seen taking selfies near the blaze as the policemen deployed their remained indifferent.

Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab told Dawn that the report of experts of the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) and the Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), who had conducted soil testing of the area and taken away samples, was expected to be submitted with the provincial and city authorities on Saturday.

While the fire is so far contained and restricted, the intensity of the blazing flames remains the same and the authorities are still waiting for flames to subside to initiate any extinguishing operation.

Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi told Dawn that the administration was following the “wait and see” strategy as per the advice given by experts, who would find some other way to put out the fire.

Quoting experts, he said that the expertise and equipment required to extinguish it were not available in the country. “We are waiting for the gas to be consumed as the experts say that such fires normally come to an end after the consumption of underground reserve of gas,” he added.

The commissioner said that the experts had also apprehended emission of poisonous fumes if an attempt was made to extinguish fire at this stage.

He said that the administration had taken effective steps to ensure safety of people and a ring of mud had been erected with reinforcement in the surroundings.

The commissioner said that the intensity of flames had decreased to some extent and a fire extinguishing operation would be launched only after the advice of the experts.

He said that results of the soil samples taken by the SSGC and PPL to determine the actual cause behind the fire were expected on Thursday (today).

A fire-fighting operation had been launched initially, but it was halted on the advice of experts because use of water and foam had not yielded any positive results.

Meanwhile, Rescue-1122 spokesperson Hassaan Khan told Dawn that flames emanating from the fire had reduced to some extent; however, the intensity would be further reduced in the next five-six days.

Quoting experts, Mr Khan said fire in such underground gases exhausts itself as use of water and foam may trigger hazards for environment and human population.

On March 28, the fire had erupted during drilling for a borehole at a TPL Properties housing project near an oil refinery at Korangi Creek.

Pakistan Refinery Limited managing director Zahid Mir had told the media that the fire seemed to be caused by “shallow gas”, which would dissipate within one to three weeks.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1901679/mystery-shrouds-karachi-korangi-creek-inferno-as-officials-still-await-soil-test-reports

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Imran’s counsel to file contempt plea against jail officials

Malik Asad

April 3, 2025

ISLAMABAD: The legal team of former prime minister Imran Khan intends to file contempt of court petition against the Superintendent of Adiala Jail for not complying with the direction of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on jail’s visitation including during the Eid holidays.

On March 24th, a larger bench of the IHC comprising acting chief justice Sardar Mohammad Sarfraz Dogar, Justice Arbab Mohammad Tahir, and Justice Mohammad Azam Khan reinstated Imran Khan’s visitation rights, allowing him to receive visitors twice a week.

The larger bench also disposed of all 26 petitions related to visitation rights and prison conditions. These petitions, including contempt of court applications against Adiala Jail Superintendent Abdul Ghafoor Anjum, were transferred to the larger bench at the request of the jail authorities, citing logistical challenges in appearing before multiple benches.

During the Eid holidays, the prison administration allowed Azam Khan Swati, Nadia Khattak, Ansar Kayani, and Tabish Farooq to meet Imran Khan. However, PTI General Secretary Salman Akram Raja, who was designated as the coordinator to share visitor names with the prison authorities, was denied visitation. He submitted the names of Niazullah Niazi, Shoaib Shaheen, Ali Bukhari, Faisal Malik, Naeem Panjutha, and himself for the meeting on the second day of Eidul Fitr. Since Mr Panjutha failed to arrive at the prison, his name was replaced with Azam Khan Swati.

The prison authorities permitted Mr Swati, Ms Khattak, Mr Kayani, and Mr Farooq to visit Mr Khan.

Niazullah Niazi, spokesman for Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, deemed this a violation of the larger bench’s decision.

Talking to Dawn, Mr Niazi said that the legal team would file a contempt of court petition on three counts. According to him, the jail authorities allowed four visitors on March 25, contrary to the agreed-upon six. On March 27, the administration denied visits from Allama Nasir Abbas, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Shibli Faraz, Omar Ayub, Junaid Akbar Khan, and Azam Khan Swati. On April 1, they were denied again.

It may be mentioned that Salman Akram Raja has also forwarded the names of Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Zartajgul Wazir and Aliya Hamza for a meeting on April 3 (today).

Mr Niazi said that the jail authorities did not allow Mr Khan’s meeting with his sisters on the first day of Eid.

According to the jail sources, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur visited Mr Khan on April 2 and remained with him for a couple of hours. However, none of Mr Khan’s family members visited the prison on the first day of Eid, the jail authorities claimed.

They said that on the second day, permission was granted on a first come, first served basis and those who did not come on time were not allowed the meeting.

During the hearing before the larger bench, Advocate Naveed Malik representing the jail superintendent argued that the meetings were being held twice a week until December, prior to Imran Khan’s and Bushra Bibi’s conviction in January.

“According to the jail rules, the superintendent of Adiala Jail has the authority [to schedule the meetings accordingly],” he added.

Lawyer Naveed Malik alleged that the PTI leaders misused the privilege of the meetings and started making political speeches outside Adiala jail. “After meetings, they come outside the jail and make political statements — this is a violation,” he said.

The larger bench, however, allowed the meetings with Mr Khan twice a week, with a condition that the visitors would not give political statements outside the jail premises.

Source: dawn.com

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

https://www.dawn.com/news/1901727/imrans-counsel-to-file-contempt-plea-against-jail-officials

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Katcha crime mystery deepens: Fellow outlaw killed vlogger dacoit after ‘Rs16m police deal’ in Rahim Yar Khan

Asif Chaudhry

April 3, 2025

LAHORE: Initial police inquiries suggest that a suspected criminal, Umar Lund, who was shot dead by armed men in Rahim Yar Khan last Saturday, had murdered the Katcha area hardened criminal and vlogger – Shahid Lund – for Rs16 million, following an alleged deal with the Punjab police.

The Punjab government had announced Rs10 million head money for killing Shahid Lund or helping the police in his arrest.

It was reported that the Punjab Elite police (of Rajanpur district) were providing security to Umar Lund after he allegedly shot Shahid Lund dead in November 2024. Shahid was the ringleader of Lund gang operating in Katcha area of the river Indus and was also a YouTuber.

According to an official privy to the information, Umar was ambushed in Jmaldin Wali area of Rahim Yar Khan soon after the Elite police, deputed for his security by Rajanpur police, left him under mysterious circumstances, triggering a debate on the police’s role in the episode.

The official, seeking anonymity, said that one of the attackers was the brother of Shahid Lund and two others were his cousins, who managed to return back to the Katcha area after completing their task successfully. He said the fatal attack on Umar was planned to avenge Shahid’s murder. However, he said, that the mystery surrounding the killing of Shahid Lund deepened when the police high-ups launched an investigation to trace the police officials who might have leaked any information to the attackers who targeted Umar.

The official source further says that Umar Lund was hired by the Punjab police to eliminate Shahid Lund after the latter began to appear on social media frequently, threatening the law enforcement agencies with dire consequences and challenging them to get him.

He says that a “think tank” of the Punjab police devised a plan to exploit the differences existing between Umar Lund and his tribesmen, and Shahid Lund. Finally, the Punjab police succeeded in striking a deal with Umar Lund, under which he was to be paid Rs16 million as “reward money” for killing Shahid, he adds.

The source claims that an advance amount of Rs2 million was paid to Umar Lund from the accounts of the Punjab police department, while police of Rajanpur and Rahim Yar Khan districts paid Rs1.5m each to the suspect.

He says that the police high-ups assured Umar that he would also get the Rs10m head money for killing Shahid.

The official says that for the payment of the remaining amount to Umar, the Rajanpur district police officer (DPO) sent a request to the Central Police Office (CPO) for the release of the head money amount.

He says that Umar was being provided full security by Rajanpur police during the 12 days

before his killing. However, when he entered RYK from Rajanpur district, he was left unprotected and was targeted by armed men, who had apparently been chasing him constantly, and managed to escape back to Katcha area without facing any resistance from the police.

The murder of Umar Lund and his accomplices despite the security cover being allegedly provided to them by Rajanpur police puts a big question mark on role of the police. It is not clear why Umar was left unprotected despite such a serious threat to his life, and who leaked the information about his movement to his enemies?

It is also not known that who will get the “head money” announced by the government for killing Shahid Lund after the murder of Umar?

However, Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar, when asked the same question by Dawn, said no one was paid the head money placed on Shahid Lund as the amount was yet to be released from the official account.

OPERATION: Rahim Yar Khan police claimed to have demolished hideouts of criminals, arresting their two facilitators in a an intelligence-based search operation launched in the areas adjacent to Katcha region, including PakaChandia and Dawa Wala.

According to a Punjab police spokesperson, the search operation is targeted against those suspected of aiding the dacoits of Katcha area.

The operation is being supervised by Sadiqabad ASP, with SHOs from KotSabzal, Bhong, and Ahmedpur Lama, along with Elite commandos and a police force.

The police are utilising armoured and bulletproof vehicles in the operation.

The IGP has directed the officials that all facilitators of Katcha criminals must be brought to justice to ensure long-term peace in the region.\

Source: dawn.com

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South Asia

 

Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi Praises Parwan’s Contributions to the Islamic System

2025-04-02

PARWAN(BNA): In a recent meeting with the governor and leadership of Parwan province, Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi, Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, emphasized the significant sacrifices made by the people of Parwan in support of the Islamic system.

The meeting, attended by Mawlawi Najibullah Haqqani, Acting Minister of Communications and Information Technology, included a report from Governor Mufti Mohammad Idris Anuri. The report covered various aspects of the province, including administrative, economic, developmental, social, and security issues, as well as the needs and suggestions of the local population.

Deputy pM Hanafi praised the people of Parwan for their hospitality and resilience. He assured the attendees that the government is committed to addressing the needs of the province and providing comprehensive services.

Expressing satisfaction with the performance of the local administration, Mawlavi Hanafi promised that the concerns raised by provincial leadership would be taken into account.

Following the meeting, the officials visited several historical sites, including the Jabal-Sarraj Palace, Golghandi Hill in Charikar City, and the Topdare Stupa, highlighting Parwan’s rich cultural heritage.

Source: bakhtarnews.af

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17 sent to jail over attack on police in attempt to snatch arrestee in Bagerhat

Apr 3, 2025

Seventeen people were sent to jail last night in connection with an attack on police aimed at freeing an arrestee in Kachuaupazila of Bagerhat.

A case was filed yesterday after a group attempted to snatch a suspect from police custody, leading to a violent confrontation.

Assistant Sub-inspector (ASI) of Kachua Police Station Rakib filed the case against 27 named accused and 100 to 150 unidentified individuals.

On Tuesday night, four policemen were injured in the attack, allegedly carried out by a group led by local BNP leaders.

According to police and locals, a team led by Kachua Police Station's Sub-inspector Ahmed Kabir arrested Ekhlas Sheikh, an accused in an assault and extortion case, during a raid at Gajalia Bridge.

Ekhlas is the convener of the Gajalia union of the Gajalia union unit of Swechchhasebak Dal, an affiliated body of the BNP.

As police were taking him into custody, a group of 100-150 people, allegedly led by Gajalia union BNP President Shikdar Zakir Hossain Tutul and General Secretary Sheikh Delwar Hossain, launched an attack on them to free Ekhlas.

The assault left four policemen -- Sub-inspector Ahmed Kabir, ASI RakibMolla, and constables MdZahidur Rahman and Ranjan Biswas -- injured.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle) MdShameem Ahsan confirmed the incident.

In response, police and the army conducted a joint overnight operation, detaining 16 individuals involved in the attack.

Those detained in the subsequent joint forces operation are Md Riyaz Sheikh, 25, MdAminul Haque, 28, MdHemayetMolla, 52, MdSabbir Sheikh, 19, MdSohag Sheikh, 23, MdRobiul Islam, 27, Amir Hossain Lijon, 20, MdSakib Sheikh, 18, MdIbadulSikdar, 26, Md Abul Khair Sweet, 41, Md Omar Faruq, 39, MdShawon Akon, 21, MdJony Sheikh, 18, Md Rafi Sikdar, 21, Md, Year Hossain, 32, and MdRiyazul Islam, 29.

Later, Ekhlas and 16 detainees were produced before a Bagerhat court, which ordered to sent them to jail.

Source: thedailystar.net

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Trump imposes 10% tariff on Afghanistan

By Fidel Rahmati

April 3, 2025

President Donald Trump announced that Afghanistan is among the countries subject to a baseline 10% tariff on all imports to the United States.

Trump announced the policy at the White House, calling it part of his economic strategy. China faces a 34% tariff, while the EU, Japan, and India face 20%, 24%, and 26%, respectively.

According to U.S. government data, exports from the U.S. to Afghanistan will now face a 49% customs duty, significantly increasing trade costs.

In 2024, total trade between the U.S. and Afghanistan was estimated at $34 million. U.S. exports to Afghanistan dropped sharply by 76.9% to $11.4 million.

Meanwhile, U.S. imports from Afghanistan increased by 13.2% to $22.6 million, leading to a shift from a trade surplus to an $11.1 million deficit.

The White House justified the tariffs as part of efforts to protect American industries and generate revenue, despite potential economic strain on Afghan exports.

The tariffs may impact Afghanistan’s economy, as the country relies on trade with the U.S. for key exports, including textiles, minerals, and agricultural products.

While the U.S. government emphasizes economic independence, these measures could create challenges for Afghan businesses that depend on American trade partnerships.

Source: khaama.com

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UNICEF warns of worsening healthcare crisis for children in Afghanistan

By Fidel Rahmati

April 3, 2025

UNICEF warns that Afghanistan’s worsening healthcare crisis is endangering children, with limited access to medical services increasing disease and malnutrition risks.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned that a lack of basic healthcare facilities in Afghanistan, particularly in rural areas, is causing the spread of preventable diseases and endangering children’s health. According to the organization, more than half of Afghan families lack access to essential medical services.

In a report published on Wednesday, April 2, UNICEF stated that 55% of Afghan households are deprived of basic healthcare. This shortage, especially in rural regions, has led to an increase in diseases that could be mitigated through preventive measures.

To address this issue, UNICEF has launched awareness programs highlighting the risks of open defecation. The organization reported that after participating in these initiatives, many rural residents built toilets in their homes, marking a significant step toward improving sanitary conditions.

With Afghanistan’s deepening economic crisis and the decline in international aid, the country’s healthcare system is facing severe challenges. International organizations have repeatedly raised concerns about the health of Afghan children, citing the lack of medical facilities as a major contributor to the rise in infectious diseases and malnutrition.

UNICEF and other humanitarian organizations are working to provide healthcare services and raise public awareness to mitigate the effects of this crisis. However, they stress that without sustained international support, efforts to improve Afghanistan’s healthcare system will remain insufficient.

The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan underscores the urgent need for long-term strategies and increased funding.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/unicef-warns-of-worsening-healthcare-crisis-for-children-in-afghanistan/

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Tourist kills two in Eastern Afghanistan’s Kunar after dispute

By Fidel Rahmati

April 3, 2025

The police in Kunar province have reported that a foreign tourist shot and killed two individuals in the Shigal district following a verbal altercation between two young men.

According to Kunar police, the incident occurred when a verbal argument broke out between two locals. The foreign tourist, who was a witness to the dispute, intervened in an attempt to mediate but instead resorted to gunfire, resulting in the deaths of the two men.

Local security officials have confirmed that the shooting led to the deaths of two residents of the area. However, no further details have been released regarding the identity of the tourist or his motive for the violent act.

Recently, the Kunar Department of Information and Culture reported that nearly 100,000 tourists visited the province during the days and nights of Eid al-Fitr, exploring various parts of the province.

Kunar, located in the eastern part of Afghanistan, is known for its mountainous and forested terrain. Over the past few years, it has attracted adventurous tourists keen on exploring its natural beauty.

However, incidents like this raise concerns about the safety of travelers and the relationship between tourists and local residents. Kunar authorities have stated that they are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident and will release further information soon.

Source: khaama.com

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Mideast

 

Israel seizing more of Gaza to force Hamas to free hostages

April 02, 2025

JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that the military was “dissecting” the Gaza Strip and seizing territory to pressure Hamas into freeing hostages still held in the territory.

It came as rescuers said 34 people were killed in continued Israeli strikes on the territory, including on a UN building.

The military is “dissecting the (Gaza) Strip and increasing the pressure step by step so that (Hamas) will return our hostages,” Netanyahu said in a statement, adding that Israel “is seizing territory, striking terrorists, and destroying infrastructure.”

He added that the army is “taking control of the ‘Morag Axis’,” a strip of land that is expected to run between the southern governorates of Khan Yunis and Rafah.

The name of the axis refers to a former Israeli settlement that was evacuated when Israel unilaterally pulled out of Gaza in 2005.

Defense Minister Israel Katz earlier said Israel would bolster its military presence in the Palestinian territory to “destroy and clear the area of terrorists and terrorist infrastructure.”

The operation would “seize large areas that will be incorporated into Israeli security zones,” he said in a statement, without specifying how much territory.

Gaza’s civil defense agency said an Israeli strike that targeted a UN building “housing a medical clinic in Jabalia refugee camp” killed at least 19 people, including nine children.

The Israeli army said it struck Hamas militants “inside a command and control center” in north Gaza’s Jabalia. It separately confirmed to AFP the building housed a UN clinic.

The Palestinian foreign ministry, based in the occupied West Bank, condemned the “massacre” at the clinic run by UNRWA, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, and called for “serious international pressure” to halt Israel’s widening offensive.

Israel has on several occasions conducted strikes on UNRWA buildings housing displaced people in Gaza, where fighting has raged for most of the past 18 months.

The Israeli military accuses Hamas of hiding in school buildings where thousands of Gazans have sought shelter — a charge denied by the Palestinian militant group.

Israel also carried out deadly air strikes in southern and central Gaza on Wednesday. The civil defense said dawn strikes killed at least 13 people in Khan Yunis and two in Nuseirat refugee camp.

In February, Katz announced plans for an agency to oversee the “voluntary departure” of Palestinians from the territory.

That followed Israel’s backing of a proposal from US President Donald Trump for the United States to take over the territory after relocating its 2.4 million Palestinian inhabitants. The proposal outraged Gazans and drew widespread international condemnation.

Israel resumed intense bombing of Gaza on March 18 before launching a new ground offensive, ending a nearly two-month ceasefire.

An Israeli group representing the families of hostages still held in Gaza said they were “horrified” by Katz’s announcement of expanded military operations.

“Has it been decided to sacrifice the hostages for the sake of ‘territorial gains?’” the Hostages and Missing Families Forum asked in a statement.

At least 1,066 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel resumed military operations, the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory said.

That took the overall toll to at least 50,423 since the war began with Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people, according to Israeli figures.

Hunger loomed in Gaza City as bakeries closed due to worsening shortages of flour and sugar since Israel blocked the entry of supplies from March 2.

“I’ve been going from bakery to bakery all morning, but none of them are operating, they’re all closed,” Amina Al-Sayed told AFP.

On Sunday, Netanyahu offered to let Hamas leaders leave Gaza but demanded the group abandon its arms.

Hamas has signalled willingness to cede power in Gaza but calls disarmament a “red line.”

Egypt, Qatar and the United States are attempting to broker a new ceasefire and secure the release of the remaining Israeli hostages.

A senior Hamas official said Saturday the group had approved a new ceasefire proposal, while Netanyahu’s office said Israel had submitted a counteroffer. The details remain undisclosed.

Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir visited Jerusalem’s flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Wednesday.

The visit drew condemnation not only from Hamas but also from neighboring Jordan, which acts as custodian of the holy site, as well as Qatar and other governments.

Ben Gvir has repeatedly challenged the longstanding convention that Jews may visit but not pray at the compound, stoking Palestinian fears about Israeli intentions.

Source: arabnews.com

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UK says ‘does not support’ Israel’s expansion of Gaza offensive

April 02, 2025

LONDON: Britain does not support Israel’s expansion of military operations in Hamas-run Gaza, a UK minister said on Wednesday.

“We are deeply concerned about the resumption of hostilities in Gaza. The UK does not support an expansion of Israel’s military operations,” junior foreign office minister Hamish Falconer, told parliament.

There is a “serious risk Israel is not simply acting in its own legitimate self defense,” he added.

When asked about Israel’s aid blockade, Falconer said that “we have determined that there is a serious risk of breaches of international humanitarian law by the Israeli government. We will continue to press them on these points.”

Source: arabnews.com

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Shiny and deadly, unexploded munitions a threat to Gaza children

April 03, 2025

JERUSALEM: War has left Gaza littered with unexploded bombs that will take years to clear, with children drawn to metal casings maimed or even killed when they try to pick them up, a demining expert said.

Nicholas Orr, a former UK military deminer, told AFP after a mission to the war-battered Palestinian territory that “we’re losing two people a day to UXO (unexploded ordnance) at the moment.”

According to Orr, most of the casualties are children out of school desperate for something to do, searching through the rubble of bombed-out buildings sometimes for lack of better playthings.

“They’re bored, they’re running around, they find something curious, they play with it, and that’s the end,” he said.

Among the victims was 15-year-old Ahmed Azzam, who lost his leg to an explosive left in the rubble as he returned to his home in the southern city of Rafah after months of displacement.

“We were inspecting the remains of our home and there was a suspicious object in the rubble,” Azzam told AFP.

“I didn’t know it was explosive, but suddenly it detonated,” he said, causing “severe wounds to both my legs, which led to the amputation of one of them.”

He was one of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians returning home during a truce that brought short-lived calm to Gaza after more than 15 months of war, before Israel resumed its bombardment and military operations last month.

For Azzam and other children, the return was marred by the dangers of leftover explosives.

Children are most vulnerable

Demining expert Orr, who was in Gaza for charity Handicap International, said that while no one is safe from the threat posed by unexploded munitions, children are especially vulnerable.

Some ordnance is like “gold to look at, so they’re quite attractive to kids,” he said.

“You pick that up and that detonates. That’s you and your family gone, and the rest of your building.”

Another common scenario involved people back from displacement, said Orr, giving an example of “a father of a family who’s moved back to his home to reclaim his life, and finds that there’s UXO in his garden.”

“So he tries to help himself and help his family by moving the UXO, and there’s an accident.”

With fighting ongoing and humanitarian access limited, little data is available, but in January the UN Mine Action Service said that “between five and 10 percent” of weapons fired into Gaza failed to detonate.

It could take 14 years to make the coastal territory safe from unexploded bombs, the UN agency said.

Alexandra Saieh, head of advocacy for Save The Children, said unexploded ordnance is a common sight in the Gaza Strip, where her charity operates.

“When our teams go on field they see UXOs all the time. Gaza is littered with them,” she said.

Catastrophic situation

For children who lose limbs from blasts, “the situation is catastrophic,” said Saieh, because “child amputees require specialized long-term care... that’s just not available in Gaza.”

In early March, just before the ceasefire collapsed, Israel blocked all aid from entering Gaza. That included prosthetics that could have helped avoid long-term mobility loss, Saieh said.

Unexploded ordnance comes in various forms, Orr said. In Gaza’s north, where ground battles raged for months, there are things like “mortars, grenades, and a lot of bullets.”

In Rafah, where air strikes were more intense than ground combat, “it’s artillery projectiles, it’s airdrop projectiles,” which can often weigh dozens of kilograms, he added.

Orr said he was unable to obtain permission to conduct bomb disposal in Gaza, as Israeli aerial surveillance could have mistaken him for a militant attempting to repurpose unexploded ordnance into weapons.

He also said that while awareness-raising could help Gazans manage the threat, the message doesn’t always travel fast enough.

“People see each other moving it and think, ‘Oh, they’ve done it, I can get away with it,’” Orr said, warning that it was difficult for a layperson to know which bombs might still explode, insisting it was not worth the risk.

“You’re just playing against the odds, it’s a numbers game.”

Source: arabnews.com

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Will US pressure on Iraq succeed in bringing Iran-backed militias to heel?

JONATHAN LESSWARE

April 02, 2025

LONDON: It was a message that was both unequivocal and uncompromising. Iraq must rein in the sprawling network of militia groups that take their orders from Iran, and if they threaten American interests in the country, the US will respond.

The comments were delivered last week by Tammy Bruce, the US State Department spokesperson, in response to a question on a new law being wrangled over in Iraq about the future of the Popular Mobilization Forces.

The PMF, an umbrella group for dozens of militias in Iraq, includes many that take their money and orders from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, despite belonging to Iraq’s formal state security apparatus.

Along with Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and Hamas in Gaza, they are considered part of Iran’s so-called “Axis of Resistance” — a network of proxy militias throughout the Middle East loyal to the IRGC.

America’s renewed military campaign against the Houthis, along with the degradation of Hamas and Hezbollah by Israel and the fall of Iranian ally Bashar Assad in Syria, has placed increased focus on Iraq’s Iran-backed militias.

They remain the only major Iranian proxy in the region to avoid significant Israeli or US military action since the Gaza conflict began in October 2023.

Doubts have been cast over whether the long-proposed Iraqi law to assert greater central government control over the militias would have much of an effect — or sufficiently appease US concerns.

But domestic events in Iraq, along with US President Donald Trump’s renewal of the “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran to suspend its nuclear program, place the PMF increasingly in the firing line.

There is a lot of pressure from the Trump administration on the government of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani to rein in the Iran-backed militias, Renad Mansour, a senior Iraq research fellow at Chatham House, told Arab News. “Especially to stop any kind of attacks on American citizens or interests in Iraq.”

Mansour said the policy stemmed from renewed US efforts to combat Iranian influence in the region. “It’s very clear that the Trump administration is looking at Iraq as an important vehicle where Iran maintains economic and other types of authority,” he said.

The PMF, known in Arabic as Al-Hashd Al-Shaabi, was created in 2014 in response to a fatwa issued by the country’s top Shiite religious authority, Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani, after the extremist group Daesh seized swathes of territory.

The sprawling network of armed groups included many armed and funded by Iran. Many came from existing militias mobilized by the IRGC’s extraterritorial Quds Force.

The PMF comprised approximately 70 predominantly Shiite armed groups made up of around 250,000 fighters. They played a major role in the defeat of Daesh in Iraq alongside the Iraqi Security Forces, Kurdish Peshmerga, and the US-led coalition.

After the extremist group was territorially defeated in Iraq in 2017 and attention turned to its holdouts in Syria, questions began to be raised over the purpose of the PMF.

A flimsy Iraqi law in 2016 attempted to exert more state control over the militias and included some basic details about their structure and employment terms.

Meanwhile, the PMF developed political wings that contested elections. These party blocs were accused by political rivals and Western governments of causing instability and acting in Iran’s interest.

The militias suffered a major blow in January 2020 when the first Trump administration killed PMF chief Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis alongside Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike near Baghdad airport.

Later that year, Al-Sistani, who had given the PMF its religious legitimacy when it was originally formed, withdrew his own factions as concerns over Iranian influence grew.

Yet the PMF managed to rebound from these setbacks, increasing both its funding and armory, including Iranian drones and missiles.

It has also been at the center of domestic turmoil, with its factions accused of an assassination attempt on then-Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi in November 2021 and militias clashing with supporters of cleric Muqtada Al-Sadr in 2022.

After the Gaza war began in October 2023, the militias launched drones and missiles at Israel and carried out dozens of attacks on US bases in Iraq, where some 2,500 troops remain as part of the coalition mission against Daesh.

In February last year, the Biden administration bombed 85 militia targets in Iraq and Syria after three US soldiers were killed in a drone attack on a Jordanian outpost known as Tower 22.

The US said senior commanders from the Kataib Hezbollah militia were among those killed. Since then, Iran has urged its militias in Iraq to refrain from attacking US interests.

“The Iraqi militias’ harassment of US targets in Iraq ended when the Biden administration took out three top commanders from the Kataib Hezbollah,” Hussain Abdul-Hussain, a research fellow at the Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told Arab News.

“This signaled to militia leaders that their safety became at risk and their attacks stopped.”

The second Trump administration made clear in February when it issued the National Security Presidential Memorandum that Iraq’s militias would be central to renewed pressure on Iraq to reduce economic ties to Iran.

The other front is for Iraq to reduce dollar transactions with Tehran, particularly through cutting purchases of energy.

But there is also the wider geopolitical pressure on the militias as a result of US and Israeli attacks on Iran’s other proxies in the region, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.

“The Iraq militias became the last resort for all other Iranian militias across the region,” said Abdul-Hussain. “Since Israel crushed Hezbollah in Lebanon and Syria, the pro-Iran militia weight has shifted to Iraq.”

On the economic pressure now being exerted on Iran, he said the US is aware that the IRGC is siphoning US dollars from Iraq’s oil revenues, mainly using the $3.3 billion budget allocated to the PMF.

In response to this renewed pressure, the PMF Service and Retirement Law was introduced to the Iraqi parliament last week after months of wrangling over its contents.

The bill aims to fully integrate the PMF into Iraq’s state security forces. However, critics say it has been hijacked by rival Shiite blocs jostling for advantage within the organization.

In its current form, the bill is unlikely to fill the US with confidence that the PMF will fully submit to central government control and renounce fealty to Iran. Abdul-Hussain described the bill as a “total smoke screen.”

He said: “Parliament is trying to enshrine PMF perks by law for fear that the next executive chief might not be Iran-friendly and could thus cut the $3.3 billion with a decree. Laws trump decrees, and that’s why the Iraqi parliament is racing to enshrine PMF funding in a law.

“The irony is that the same law does not demand that the organization follow a military order or be included under the military’s rank or supervision. They want to take the money but keep the hierarchy in the hands of the IRGC.”

Source: arabnews.com

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Israel’s military faces backlash over AI ‘Ghibli-style’ social media posts

April 02, 2025

LONDON: An attempt by the Israeli military to jump on the bandwagon of a social media trend that uses AI-generated images in the style of a legendary Japanese animation studio has spectacularly backfired.

The internet has been flooded by images in the style of Studio Ghibli after ChatGPT maker OpenAI launched a new image generator last week.

The craze has intensified debate over the extent to which artificial intelligence models breach copyright of artists. It also contrasts the painstaking work that goes into meticulously crafting the beautiful hand-drawn films produced by Studio Ghibli with the instant gratification culture fed by social media and the emergence of AI models.

Not wanting to be left out, the Israel Defense Forces on Sunday posted four images depicting different branches of its military in the Ghibli style on its social media accounts.

“We thought we’d also hop on the trend,” the post said.

What followed was a barrage of responses, many angry, many humorous, denouncing and mocking the post.

The images were shared as Israel intensified the bombing of Gaza where it has already killed more than 50,000 Palestinians and forced the population to flee their homes in an action it began in October 2023.

Many responded with AI-generated images in the Ghibli style on X that depicted Israeli brutality in the Palestinian territory.

The counter-images depicted Israeli soldiers mocking a blindfolded and handcuffed Palestinian child, and IDF troops pointing rifles at women and children against a backdrop of devastation.

“Colonizing art too,” read one reply in reference to Israel’s building of illegal settlements and its occupation of Palestinian land.

Other users pointed out that Hayao Miyazaki, the co-founder of Studio Ghibli, is a staunch pacifist and that many of his films contain strong anti-war messages.

He famously refused to travel to the US in 2003 to attend the Academy Awards where his work “Spirited Away” won an Oscar.

A video from 2016 appears to show Miyazaki’s disdain for AI-generated imagery. A clip from a documentary shows Miyazaki saying he was “utterly disgusted” after seeing an AI demo.

Source: arabnews.com

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Suspected US airstrikes in Yemen kill at least 6 people, Houthi rebels say

April 02, 2025

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: Suspected US airstrikes battered rebel-controlled areas of Yemen into Wednesday, with the Houthis saying the attacks killed at least six people across the country.

Meanwhile, satellite images taken Wednesday and analyzed by The Associated Press show at least six stealth B-2 Spirit bombers now stationed at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean — a highly unusual deployment amid the Yemen campaign and tensions with Iran.

The intense campaign of airstrikes in Yemen under US President Donald Trump, targeting the rebels over their attacks on shipping in Mideast waters stemming from the Israel-Hamas war, has killed at least 67 people, according to casualty figures released by the Houthis.

The campaign showed no signs of stopping as the Trump administration again linked its airstrikes on the Iranian-backed Houthis to an effort to pressure Iran over its rapidly advancing nuclear program. While so far giving no specifics about the campaign and its targets, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt put the overall number of strikes on Tuesday at more than 200.

“Iran is incredibly weakened as a result of these attacks, and we have seen they have taken out Houthi leaders,” Leavitt said. “They’ve taken out critical members who were launching strikes on naval ships and on commercial vessels and this operation will not stop until the freedom of navigation in this region is restored.”

The Houthis haven’t acknowledged the loss of any of its leadership so far — and the US hasn’t identified any official by name. However, messages released by the leak of a Signal conversation between Trump administration officials and their public comments suggest a leader in the rebels’ missile forces had been targeted.

Fatal strike reportedly targets Hodeida

A likely US airstrike targeted what the Houthis described as a “water project” in Hodeida governorate’s Mansuriyah District, killing four people and wounding others. Other strikes into Wednesday targeted Hajjah, Saada and Sanaa governorates, the rebels said. Into Wednesday night, the Houthis said some 17 strikes hit Saada, with a person being killed in a strike at Ras Isa port in Hodeida and another at a telecommunication site on Jebel Namah mountain in Ibb governorate.

The rebels say they’ve continued to launch attacks against US warships in the Red Sea, namely the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, which is carrying out the majority of the strikes on the Houthis. No warship has been struck yet, but the US Navy has described the Houthi fire as the most intense combat its sailors have faced since World War II.

The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, now in Asia, is on its way to the Middle East to back up the Truman. Early Wednesday, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said that “additional squadrons and other air assets” would be deployed to the region, without elaborating.

More than 300 airmen and several A-10 Thunderbolt IIs have deployed into the Middle East as well to support the mission from the Idaho Air National Guard. The troops, from Idaho’s 124th Fighter Wing out of Boise, fly the aircraft known as the Warthog. The US military’s Central Command, which oversees Mideast operations, posted an image Wednesday of two A-10s flying in the region.

More B-2s seen at Diego Garcia

Satellite photos taken Wednesday by Planet Labs PBC and analyzed by the AP showed at least six nuclear-capable B-2 bombers deployed to Camp Thunder Bay on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.

The deployment represents nearly a third of all the B-2 bombers in Washington’s arsenal. It’s highly unusual to see that many at one base abroad. Typically, so-called show of force missions involving the B-2 have seen two or three of the aircraft conduct operations in foreign territory.

The B-2, which first saw action in 1999 in the Kosovo War, is rarely used by the US military in combat, because each aircraft is worth around $1 billion. It has dropped bombs in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya as well. The bombers are based at Whiteman Air Base in Missouri and typically conduct long-range strikes from there.

The US has used the B-2 in Yemen last year to attack underground Houthi bases. The B-2 likely would need to be used if Washington ever tried to target Iran’s underground nuclear sites as well.

The Houthis on Tuesday said that they shot down another American MQ-9 drone over the country.

Intense US bombings began on March 15

An AP review has found the new American operation against the Houthis under Trump appears more extensive than those under former US President Joe Biden, as Washington moves from solely targeting launch sites to firing at ranking personnel and dropping bombs on cities.

The new campaign of airstrikes started after the rebels threatened to begin targeting “Israeli” ships again over Israel blocking aid entering the Gaza Strip. The rebels have loosely defined what constitutes an Israeli ship, meaning many vessels could be targeted.

The Houthis targeted more than 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two of them and killing four sailors from November 2023 until January of this year. They also launched attacks targeting American warships without success.

The attacks greatly raised the profile of the Houthis, who faced economic problems and launched a crackdown targeting dissent and aid workers in Yemen amid a decadelong stalemated war that has torn apart the Arab world’s poorest nation.

Source: arabnews.com

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US sanctions Russia-based network for helping Yemen’s Houthis

April 02, 2025

WASHINGTON: The United States imposed sanctions on Wednesday on Russia-based people and entities working to help procure weapons and commodities — including stolen Ukrainian grain — for Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis, the Treasury Department said.

The operatives, who included Russia-based Afghan businessman HushangGhairat and his brother, Russia-based Afghan businessman SohrabGhairat, helped senior Houthi official Sa’id Al-Jamal, procure millions of dollars’ worth of commodities from Russia for shipment to Houthi-controlled Yemen, Treasury said.

The goods included weapons and sensitive goods, as well as stolen Ukrainian grain, the department said in a statement.

“The Houthis remain reliant on Sa’id Al-Jamal and his network to procure critical goods to supply the group’s terrorist war machine,” said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. “Today’s action underscores our commitment to degrading the Houthis’ ability to threaten the region through their destabilizing activities.”

Source: arabnews.com

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Qatar strongly condemns the Israeli National Security

 02 Apr 2025

Doha, Qatar: The State of Qatar condemned in the strongest terms the storming of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque by the Israeli National Security Minister under the protection of the occupation police, the expulsion of worshippers from it, and the shelling of a clinic belonging to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip by the occupation forces.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the repeated attempts to undermine the religious and historical status of Al-Aqsa Mosque are not only an assault on the Palestinians but also on millions of Muslims worldwide.

It warned of the consequences of the continued perpetration of such violations against the Palestinian people and their Islamic and Christian sanctities and the potential escalation of violence in the region as a result.

The Ministry emphasized the necessity for the international community to shoulder its responsibilities and to decisively confront the repeated Israeli assaults on civilian objects, including hospitals.

It called for the full protection of unarmed civilians and those working in international organizations and the humanitarian field.

The Ministry reiterated Qatar's unwavering position on the justice of the Palestinian cause and the legitimate rights of the brotherly Palestinian people, including the full right to practice their religious rituals without restrictions and to establish their independent state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com

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https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/02/04/2025/qatar-strongly-condemns-the-israeli-national-security

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Iran seeks stronger ties with regional countries

Apr 2, 2025

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a phone conversation with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Wednesday afternoon, extended his congratulations on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr to the UAE leader and the people of his country. He expressed hope that the blessings of the holy month of Ramadan and Eid would further strengthen unity and solidarity among Islamic nations.

"We are committed to further strengthening our relations with neighboring and Islamic countries," President Pezeshkian stated, emphasizing Iran's desire for deeper regional cooperation.

"We eagerly look forward to Your Excellency’s visit to Iran for in-person consultations and discussions on expanding bilateral cooperation."

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his part, expressed his gratitude for the conversation, calling it a reflection of the strong ties between neighboring nations.

"I am very keen to visit Iran as soon as possible," he stated. "As I mentioned in a previous meeting, I believe that together, we can build and strengthen bridges of communication between our two countries to serve our mutual interests and secure a brighter future for our nations."

Source: mehrnews.com

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https://en.mehrnews.com/news/230105/Iran-seeks-stronger-ties-with-regional-countries

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Kuwait not to let its soil be used for attacking other states

Apr 2, 2025

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, on Wednesday afternoon, held a phone conversation with Kuwaiti Emir Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. During the call, he extended his congratulations on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr to the Emir and the people of Kuwait. He expressed hope that the holy month of Ramadan and Eid would strengthen unity and solidarity among Islamic countries.

"We consider all Islamic nations as our brothers based on Quranic teachings, and we attach great importance on fostering good relations with our neighbors, as emphasized in Islamic teachings and narrations," Pezeshkian stated.

The Iranian president further stressed that Iran is fully prepared for any form of cooperation to expand relations with Kuwait and other neighboring countries in various fields to deepen and solidify the bonds of brotherhood and good neighborliness. "Regarding the issue of reducing tensions, the Islamic Republic of Iran will act solely based on justice and fairness. We will neither exceed the path of justice nor accept anything beyond fairness and equity," he added.

Emir Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, for his part, extended Eid greetings on behalf of himself, the Crown Prince, and the people of Kuwait. He expressed satisfaction with the warm and friendly relations between the two countries and stated, "Kuwait seeks to further strengthen its ties with Iran and welcomes the constructive and positive messages and efforts of Your Excellency in fostering deeper relations with neighboring and friendly countries."

The Kuwaiti Emir affirmed that Kuwait values its friendly relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran and highly appreciates the growing ties between Iran and the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC) countries, which are based on mutual respect and shared interests.

Highlighting Kuwait's firm stance on peaceful resolutions to regional and international disputes, the Emir emphasized that Kuwait does not and will never allow any act of aggression to be launched from its territory against another country since this position is deeply embedded in our constitution and will remain unchanged under any circumstances.

Source: mehrnews.com

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Arab World

 

Arabic Language Month begins in Spain

April 02, 2025

RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language is hosting the Arabic Language Month program in Spain throughout April, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event is a comprehensive initiative aimed at developing Arabic language curricula, promoting the language, and highlighting Saudi Arabia’s efforts in this field.

The progeam is designed to strengthen academic and educational ties between Saudi Arabia and international institutions, the SPA reported.

It features an exhibition, seminars, training courses, linguistic proficiency tests, and student competitions in partnership with Spanish universities and academic institutions.

As part of the academy’s global Arabic teaching program, the initiative has been implemented in countries such as Uzbekistan, Indonesia, China, India, France, Brazil, Thailand and Malaysia, expanding its international reach and fostering global partnerships.

Source: arabnews.com

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Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli violations at Al-Aqsa Mosque and UN clinic in Gaza

April 02, 2025

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned the recent Israeli actions in Jerusalem and Gaza, denouncing what it described as blatant violations of international law and humanitarian norms.

In an official statement released on Tuesday, the Kingdom condemned the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israel’s Minister of National Security, carried out under the protection of Israeli police forces, and the subsequent expulsion of worshippers from the site.

The Foreign Ministry reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s firm denunciation of what it called continued and flagrant transgressions against the sanctity of one of Islam’s holiest sites.

The Kingdom also strongly condemned Israeli occupation forces for targeting a clinic affiliated with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza.

The statement expressed alarm over the ongoing targeting of UN agencies, humanitarian organizations, and aid workers operating in the Palestinian territories.

“The Kingdom categorically rejects any measures that undermine the historical and legal status of Jerusalem and its holy sites,” the statement said.

It called for urgent international action to protect UN institutions and their personnel, and to put an end to what it described as the Israeli “war machine,” which continues to operate with disregard for humanitarian values and established international norms.

The Foreign Ministry stressed the need for the international community to hold Israeli authorities accountable for their actions, warning that continued violations would erode the credibility of international law and hinder prospects for peace in the region.

“The failure of the international community to deter these violations threatens regional and international security and stability,” the statement added.

Source: saudigazette.com.sa

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https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/650611/SAUDI-ARABIA/Saudi-Arabia-condemns-Israeli-violations-at-Al-Aqsa-Mosque-and-UN-clinic-in-Gaza

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Saudi consulate in Los Angeles celebrates Eid Al-Fitr

April 02, 2025

LOS ANGELES: Saudi Arabia’s Consulate General in Los Angeles marked Eid Al-Fitr with a festive celebration attended by Consul General Bandar Al-Zaid, officials from the US State Department, the Vice Mayor of Irvine James Mai, the former mayor of Irvine, and accredited consul generals.

The celebration underscored the consulate’s commitment to strengthening ties with the local community and fostering cultural exchange, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Through such initiatives, the consulate aims to highlight the Kingdom’s rich heritage.

Source: arabnews.com

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Saudi equestrienne sets sights on racing to glory

TAREQ AL-THAQAFI

April 02, 2025

MAKKAH: In the world of equestrianism, where courage and endurance reign supreme, Saudi rider Nawal Al-Anazi has established herself as a rising star.

With unwavering determination and limitless ambition, she has transformed her childhood passion into a professional pursuit, becoming a certified equestrienne with the Saudi Federation and a proud horse owner who dreams of representing her nation on the international stage.

“I have been riding since childhood, but I decided to pursue it seriously about five years ago,” Al-Anazi explained. “What began as a hobby evolved into a lifestyle after I committed to intensive training under professional guidance.”

The road to professionalism was not without challenges, but Al-Anazi’s passion drove her forward. Through rigorous training and acquiring her own horses, she achieved a significant milestone by competing in the prestigious Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup in AlUla.

“Participating in that championship fulfilled one dream, but I am setting my sights higher,” she said. “My ultimate goal is to compete in the 2025 World Cup in AlUla and represent Saudi Arabia globally.”

For Al-Anazi, equestrianism transcends sport; it is about forming profound connections with these animals. “Each horse has its unique personality,” she said.

“They are not just racing vehicles but true partners who understand their riders and respond accordingly. The relationship must be built on mutual trust and respect.”

The equestrienne emphasized that Saudi society has become increasingly supportive of women in this traditionally male-dominated sport. “I have received tremendous encouragement from my family, friends, and the Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate,” she said. “This is a sport for everyone with the passion to pursue it.”

To aspiring equestriennes, she offers straightforward advice. “Follow your passion, train diligently, and embrace challenges. Equestrianism builds confidence and strength of character.”

For Al-Anazi, equestrianism is a lifestyle that demands commitment and enduring passion. She said that successful horsemanship requires patience and an intuitive understanding of each animal’s distinct character.

“The essence of true horsemanship is not about domination,” she explained. “It is about cultivating a partnership founded on mutual trust and respect.”

She believes equestrianism builds character, teaching patience, courage, quick thinking, and responsibility — qualities that extend beyond the riding arena into daily life. Her ambitions are not solely personal; she hopes to inspire other Saudi women to enter the field.

The rider said that contemporary Saudi women are empowered to fulfill their aspirations across all domains, with equestrianism now receiving substantial backing throughout the Kingdom.

“The journey toward any ambition begins with a single step forward. When you truly believe in your vision and pursue it with unwavering resolve, no obstacle can ultimately prevent your success,” she said.

As Al-Anazi continues her journey toward international competition, she remains grounded in her philosophy: “The horse is a magnificent creature that deserves our utmost respect. If you have a dream, pursue it relentlessly. With determination, you can overcome any obstacle and reach the top.”

Source: arabnews.com

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Teenager uses metaverse technology to create link between Chinese and Saudi students

SULAFA ALKHUNAIZI

April 02, 2025

RIYADH: At just 13 years old, Chinese student Alia Kong is spearheading an initiative that utilizes the power of technology to introduce Saudi culture to her peers in Hong Kong.

With a vision of creating an open space for international students to connect with each other, the Superbund Alpha Project allows users to create virtual avatars in the metaverse.

Students in both countries will be able to create a personalized space and promote their culture through a virtual workshop and the young visionary hopes it will help forge strong links between them.

“I (would) like to create that connection between Riyadh and Hong Kong,” Kong told Arab News. “Imagine if can create your own cultural heritage and enhance it with spatial computing, with just prompting and images.”

Additionally, as a part of the project, she has set up an immersive experience to present Saudi culture to her classmates.

Kong’s story began five years ago when, aged eight, she and 25 friends decided to start a non-profit organization called Kids Power Society. The group’s aims were to educate students about different cultures, enhance mental wellness and promote positivity.

The teenager now plans to host Superbund Event Day, to be held simultaneously in both Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia virtually and in reality.

Kong highlighted the importance of embracing emerging technologies, saying Generation Alpha could envision a desired lifestyle through the metaverse.

Her admiration for Saudi Arabia stems from stories she has heard from her godfather, AlaudeenAlaskary, former consul-general of Saudi Arabia in Hong Kong. He is now honorary advisor to the Superbund Virtual Exchange Program.

Kong, who has visited the Kingdom previously, said she planned to host a student trip dedicated to teaching her peers about Saudi’s cultural history.

“He (Alaskary) showed me the culture and lifestyle of Saudi Arabians. I love attending his Saturday gatherings and parties. (They are) very warm, loving and we all enjoy each other’s company,” she said.

In July 2024, the group will host a virtual event, Superbund Virtual Society, with more than 100 attendees expected from Hong Kong, mainland China, Canada and Saudi Arabia.

“This new ecosystem with blockchain technology will let us register our digital assets with our avatar identities ... things can be created in virtual and make impact on reality,” said Kong.

“I have a concept where the older generation creates the hardware of technology, or the hardware we need in order to access the software that could be created by younger generations, and with the content and software and hardware finalized, we can come together and bridge that generation gap.”

Over the past five years, Kids Power Society has published four science fiction books, with contributions from 125 children around the world. The proceeds were donated to British Columbia Children’s Hospital in Vancouver and Hong Kong’s Sowers Action.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2595698/saudi-arabia

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Riyadh’s beauty spots come to life with Eid festivities

RASHID HASSAN

April 02, 2025

RIYADH: Riyadh takes on a magical charm during Eid Al-Fitr, becoming a hub of festive picnic spots.

One popular destination is Wadi Hanifa, a serene valley in the heart of the capital. With lush greenery, man-made lakes, water channels and diverse wildlife, it offers a perfect escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Mohammed Abdul Jaleel, a Lebanese visitor, said: “We are here with friends and family, enjoying a barbecue and celebrating this special occasion with joy. The weather is perfect, kids are playing, and families are making the most of this time before summer sets in.”

He added: “Whether hiking, cycling, or picnicking by the water, Wadi Hanifa offers a refreshing retreat in nature.”

Riyadh resident Baddiuzz Zaman Sheikh, celebrating Eid with friends, said: “It is a great picnic spot. I come here often for barbecues. Surrounded by mountains and lakes, it is a popular getaway.”

Anyone familiar with the area likely knows Wadi Hanifa — once a dumping ground but now a lush desert oasis, transformed by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City with gardens, wetlands and thousands of trees.

As well as evening strolls and picnics, Wadi Hanifa offers an array of exciting activities — and many people are unaware it is a global destination for runners.

The Great Runs website highlights the “groomed trails” near the Diplomatic Quarter, which feature an 8 km loop through desert scenery. South of the valley, Stone Dam Park challenges athletes with a 210-step staircase.

Jamal Hassan, a Yemeni expat who was enjoying a card game with friends, said: “This beautiful valley on Riyadh’s outskirts offers water channels, green corridors, walkways and picnic spots amid orchards and farms, making it a top attraction for residents and visitors.

“Riyadh needed a place like this — an escape into nature away from the city's hustle. It is a perfect spot to relax.”

Another popular Eid picnic spot is WadiNamar, south of the capital. Its dam, lake and scenic waterfall draws people all year round.

Tabinda Qamar, there with her family, said: “On Eid’s first day, it was so crowded that security asked us to return early the next day. We did — and had a wonderful time. The park is spacious, with play areas for kids, making it ideal for families and friends. It is a perfect holiday spot, and we truly enjoyed it.”

Many people also visit Salam Park, which features a large, illuminated lake with fountains, playgrounds, green spaces and recreational areas. Once a private farm with date palms, a residential estate and a 70-year-old mosque, it was later transformed due to its strategic location and the city’s need for open spaces.

Rumana Ambar, who visited with her family, said: “It is a natural retreat in the busy city — perfect for holidays with family and friends. With well-maintained facilities, it stands out as one of Riyadh’s top attractions.”

Source: arabnews.com

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Saudi charity drive raises SR1.8 billion in Ramadan

April 03, 2025

By Ramadan Al Sherbini

Cairo: A Saudi state-sponsored charity campaign has raised more than SR1.8 billion in donations during this past Ramadan, according to official figures.

The tally was collected through more than 19 million donation operations conducted during the lunar month that ended in the kingdom on March 30, the National Platform for Charitable Work Ehsan said.

Last month, Saudi King Salman Bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed launched the fifth edition of the Ehsan campaign with a combined donation of SR70 million.

During the month of Ramadan, the Ehsan operations centre witnessed the signing of a slew of agreements aimed at supporting the campaign by enhancing integration between the private sector and the Ehsan platform.

The agreements have had an impact in promoting the culture of donation and social solidarity to support the platform's work in various charitable fields.

Inaugurated in mid-April 2021, Ehsan receives donations that benefit a wide range of charitable works including health, social, food, housing, and education according to high and transparent governance that ascertains swift processing of the donations and delivering them to those who deserve them as quickly as possible.

The platform is an integrated portal aimed to manage donations in the kingdom. It is designed to invest data and artificial intelligence to maximise impact of development projects and services by providing advanced technological solutions and building an effective system through partnerships with governmental and non-profit private sectors.

Donors have easy access methods to the portal including via the smartphone.

The benefactors have the option to specify the sector into which they want their money to be channeled.

Source: gulfnews.com

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https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/saudi/saudi-charity-drive-raises-sr18-billion-in-ramadan-1.500080963

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Europe

 

Teenagerfrom Swanley, Kent, Pleads Guilty To Terror Offences After Sharing Islamic State Propaganda

April 2, 2025

A teenager has pleaded guilty to sharing Islamic State (IS) videos and other extremist content on social media.

Leo Walby, 19, from Swanley, Kent, appeared at the Old Bailey today and admitted six charges of dissemination of a terrorist publication between July 10 and August 20, 2024.

He was arrested after police found evidence he was sharing the material on platforms like Telegram and TikTok.

This led to his arrest on October 4 last year, where officers seized several digital devices.

Walby was ordered to hand over the password to a cloud-based storage account he held but refused to do so.

He has been remanded in custody and will appear for sentencing at the Old Bailey on May 9.

Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s counter terrorism command, said: ‘Our investigation found that Walby was sharing various pieces of terrorist material across a number of social media accounts he was controlling.

‘This kind of content can be extremely harmful, so where we identify people like Walby who are responsible for this, then we will take action and he is now facing the very serious consequences of doing this.

‘I’d encourage anyone who comes across extremist or terrorist material online to report it to our specialist team who will review to determine whether further police action is necessary and appropriate.’

Source: metro.co.uk

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https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/02/teenager-pleads-guilty-terror-offences-sharing-islamic-state-propaganda-22839388/

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Marine Le Pen's BanFrom Standing In The 2027 Presidential Election Outraged France's Far Right - And They May Well Take Revenge

3 April 2025

Outrage is a precious political currency and France's far right has spent this week attempting, furiously and predictably, to capitalise on the perceived injustice of a court's decision to block its totemic leader, Marine Le Pen, from standing in the 2027 presidential election.

The airwaves have been throbbing with indignation.

"Be outraged," said one of Le Pen's key deputies, on French television, in case anyone was in doubt as to what their reaction should be.

But it remains unclear whether Le Pen's tough sentence will broaden support for her party, the National Rally (RN), or lead to greater fragmentation of the French far right. Either way, it has created a feverish mood among the nation's politicians.

Le Pen and her allies have boldly declared that France's institutions, and democracy itself, have been "executed", are "dead", or "violated". The country's justice system has been turned into a "political" hit squad, shamelessly intervening in a nation's right to choose its own leaders. And Marine Le Pen has been widely portrayed, with something close to certainty, as France's president-in-waiting, as the nation's most popular politician, cruelly robbed of her near-inevitable procession towards the Élysée Palace.

"The system has released a nuclear bomb, and if it is using such a powerful weapon against us, it is obviously because we are about to win the elections," Le Pen fumed at a news conference, comparing herself to the poisoned, imprisoned, and now dead Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny.

As France assesses its latest political tremors, an uneven pushback has begun.

No clear frontrunner for president

Nervous about the impact the judgement may have for the country's frail coalition government, the Prime Minister François Bayrou has admitted to feeling "troubled" by Le Pen's sentence and worried about a "shock" to public opinion.

But other centrist politicians have taken a firmer line, stressing the need for a clear gap between the justice system and politics.

An early opinion poll appears to show the French public taking a calm line, bursting – or at least deflating – the RN's bubble of outrage. The poll, produced within hours of the court's ruling, showed less than a third of the country – 31% - felt the decision to block Le Pen, immediately, from running for public office, was unjust.

Tellingly, that figure was less than the 37% of French people who recently expressed an interest in voting for her as president.

In other words, plenty of people who like her as a politician also think it reasonable that her crimes should disqualify her from running for office.

And remember, French presidential elections are still two years away – an eternity in the current political climate.

Emmanuel Macron is not entitled to stand for another term and no clear alternative to Le Pen, from the left or centre of French politics, has yet emerged. Le Pen's share of the vote has consistently risen during her previous three failed bids for the top job but it is premature, at best, to consider her a shoo-in for 2027.

Le Pen's crime and punishment

Anyone who followed the court case against her and her party colleagues in an impartial fashion would struggle to conclude that the verdicts in Le Pen's case were unreasonable.

The evidence of a massive and coordinated project to defraud the European Parliament and its associated taxpayers included jaw-droppingly incriminating emails suggesting officials knew exactly what they were doing, and the illegality of their actions.

That the corruption was for the party, not for personal gain, surely changes nothing. Corruption is corruption. Besides, other parties have also been found guilty of similar offences.

Regarding the punishments handed out by the court, here it seems fair to argue that Le Pen and her party made a strategic blunder in their approach to the case.

Had they acknowledged the facts, and their errors, and cooperated in facilitating a swift trial rather than helping to drag the process out for almost a decade, the judges – as they've now made clear – might have taken their attitude towards the case into consideration when considering punishments.

"Neither during the investigation nor at the trial did [Le Pen] show any awareness of the need for probity as an elected official, nor of the ensuing responsibilities," wrote the judges in a document explaining, often indignantly, why they'd delivered such a tough sentence.

They berated Le Pen for seeking to delay or avoid justice with "a defence system that disregards the uncovering of the truth".

Hypocrisy among the elite

It is worth noting, here, the wider hypocrisy demonstrated by elites across France's political spectrum who have recently been muttering their sympathy for Le Pen. It is nine years since MPs voted to toughen up the laws on corruption, introducing the very sanctions - on immediately banning criminals from public office - that were used by the judges in this case.

That toughening was welcomed by the public as an antidote to a judicial system stymied by an indulgent culture of successive appeals that enabled – and sometimes still enables - politicians to dodge accountability for decades.

Le Pen is now being gleefully taunted by her critics online with the many past instances in which she has called for stricter laws on corruption.

"When are we going to learn the lessons and effectively introduce lifelong ineligibility for those who have been convicted of acts committed while in office or during their term of office?" she asked in 2013.

Reasonable people can reasonably disagree about the court's sentencing decisions in Le Pen's case. But the notion – enthusiastically endorsed by populist and hard-right politicians across Europe and the US – that she is a victim of a conspiratorial political plot has clearly not convinced most French people.

At least not yet.

Future of France's far right

So where does this verdict – clearly a seismic moment in French politics – leave the National Rally and the wider far-right movement?

The short answer is that no one knows. There are so many variables involved – from the fate of Le Pen's fast-tracked appeal, to the RN's succession strategy, to the state of France's precarious finances, to the broader political climate and the see-sawing appetite for populism both within France and globally – that predictions are an even more dubious game than usual.

The most immediate question – given the slow pace of the legal appeal that Le Pen has vowed to initiate – is whether the RN will seek prompt revenge in parliament by attempting to bring down the fragile coalition government of François Bayrou.

That could lead to new parliamentary elections this summer and the possibility that the RN could capitalise on its victim status to increase its lead in parliament and perhaps, even, to push the country towards a deadlock in which President Macron might – yet another "might" – feel obliged to step down.

One person who will now be facing extra scrutiny is Le Pen's almost but not quite anointed successor, 29-year-old Jordan Bardella, who could be drafted in as a replacement presidential candidate if Le Pen's own "narrow path" towards the Élysée remains blocked on appeal.

If social-media-savvy Bardella's popularity among French youth is any indication of his prospects, he could well sweep to victory in 2027. He has found a way to tap into the frustrations of people angry about falling living standards and concerns about immigration.

But turning youthful support into actual votes is not always straightforward, and other, more experienced and mainstream figures on the right may well be sensing an opportunity too.

The Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, is widely seen to be emerging as a potential contender. Some even wonder if the provocative television personality, Cyril Hanouna, might become a serious political force on the right of French politics.

Meanwhile, Bardella, like the RN in general, has been on a highly disciplined mission to detoxify the party's once overtly racist and antisemitic brand. In February, for instance, he abandoned plans to speak at America's far-right CPAC event after Donald Trump's former advisor Steve Bannon made a Nazi salute.

But this week's events have revealed that the RN is enthusiastically committed to the distinctly Trump-ian and populist strategy of blaming its misfortunes on a "swamp" of unelected officials. Bardella, meanwhile, complained about the recent closure of two right-wing media channels alongside his party's own legal struggles.

"There is an extremely serious drift today that does not reflect the idea we have of French democracy," he said.

It's the sort of language that goes down well with the RN's core constituency, but its broader appeal may be limited in a country that remains, in many ways, deeply attached to its institutions.

To frame it another way, will French voters be more motivated by the belief that Le Pen was unfairly punished, or by concern that the judges involved have since been the victims of death threats and other insults?

As for Marine Le Pen, she has vowed that she will not be sidelined. But her destiny is not entirely in her own hands now. At the age of 56 she has become a familiar figure, fiery at times, but personally approachable, warm and, in political terms, profoundly influential and disciplined. So what next for her?

France has had one Le Pen or other (Marine's father, Jean-Marie ran four times) on their presidential ballot paper since 1988. Always unsuccessfully.

History may well look back on this week as the moment Marine Le Pen's fate was sealed, in one of three ways: as France's first female and first far-right president, swept to power on a tide of outrage. As the four-time loser of a French presidential election, finally denied power by the taint of corruption. Or as someone whose soaring political career was brought to an early and shuddering halt by her own miscalculations over a serious embezzlement scandal.

Source: bbc.com

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Far-right group visit to mosque site condemned

April 03, 2025

The visit of a far-right group to the construction site of a mosque has been condemned, including by the MP who said such groups were "not welcome" in the area.

A group of Muslim doctors at Barrow's Furness General Hospital spearheaded plans for the South Lakes Islamic Centre in Dalton-in-Furness because the nearest mosque was 50 miles away.

Britain First held a demonstration outside the Ulverston Road site, where the co-leaders held a banner reading "no mosque here".

The group's petition to revoke planning permission received more than 70,000 signatures but Anti Racist Cumbria urged the local community to "stand against" misinformation about the development and Muslims as a group.

Labour MP for Barrow and Furness, Michelle Scrogham said: "Britain First, which emerged from the old British National Party, are not welcome in Barrow and Furness where, for generations, we are proud to have a community which supports one another."

Westmorland and Furness Council Conservative deputy leader Matt Brereton said there was a "sizeable Islamic faith community" in the wider Furness area.

"I don't really see there should be an issue in terms of them having somewhere they can celebrate their faith," he said.

The South Lakes Islamic Centre charity believes the prayer rooms and community centre in Dalton would prove beneficial for local Muslim families and visiting tourists.

Planning approval was originally granted in December 2022 with the group previously stating the space would cater for the 40 to 50 practising Muslim doctors at Furness General Hospital and their families.

'No grounds to rescind'

Managing director of Footprint Design Architects Yaqoob Malik said the controversy had led to some local suppliers pulling out of the project.

Mr Mailk said: "Supply chains were hesitant being involved in such a project.

"I don't believe there was any discrimination from their own part, I think more so they were concerned about the repercussions that it may have to their business."

The site has also been subject to misinformation, including that it is a "mega mosque in the Lake District" - when it is a 33ft (10m) tall and 98ft (30m) long building, an hour's drive from Windermere.

Misinformation prompted Westmorland and Furness Council to release fact-checking guidance.

It was never the case that an application for a children's home had been turned down at the site, the local authority said.

The council said the then Barrow Council received 47 responses to the proposals at the time.

Of those 21 were objections, 18 were in support and eight were neutral comments.

A council spokesperson added: "Our role as the statutory planning authority has been to determine whether the application aligned with planning policy and to make a decision in accordance with planning rules.

"This procedure was followed correctly, democratically and legally, and there are no grounds to rescind this planning application.''

Source: bbc.com

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Eid celebrated as Blackburn mosque project gathers momentum

2ND APRIL

By Shuiab Khan

Families and friends gathered at mosques across the region to celebrate the festival of Eid.

Eid-Al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and took place on Sunday and Monday.

The morning prayers are a tradition across the world with families invited to pray at their local mosque or in a large public area. Some newly built mosques have dedicated spaces for women to pray.

Many mosques stagger their morning prayer times and have more than one service to avoid overcrowding and also to ensure visits to the cemetery are managed.

People head to the cemetery following prayers to say shorts prayers for those who are not able to be with them at this special time.

At the Masjid-e-Rizwan on Newton Street, Blackburn hundreds gathered to take part in the morning prayers.

The mosque, which is managed by the Kokni Muslim Association is undergoing major renovations with plans to extend the structure.

Like most major mosque projects, volunteers have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds to fund the project. In October, the mosque hosted a fun day which invited neighbours and people who live in the area to meet mosque members.

Mushtaq Younus from the mosque said: “It is wonderful to have a team of volunteers who are dedicated to support the project.

“We are making good progress.

“Windows will be installed in April, and this will be followed by work on the electrics and plumbing. To complete the project in time for next Ramadan, we need to raise £350,000. Your continued support and generosity will help us achieve this goal.

“If we raise the funds, hopefully, we will be praying our Eid prayers at the new masjid next year.”

Source: asianimage.co.uk

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Wightman Road Mosque supports local good causes during Eid and the holy month of Ramadan

2 April 2025

Families at Wightman Road Mosque (also known as the London Islamic Cultural Society or ‘LICS’) recently donated, packed and delivered Iftar boxes to North Middlesex Hospital to allow the patients and staff to break their fast.

Hampers were also provided to the Bounds Green Foodbank at St Michael’s Church in N22, with volunteers at LICS once again donating, packing and delivering the food baskets as an Eid gift to families who use the foodbank.

LICS also sent hampers on Eid Day (Sunday 30 March 2025) to local organisations (EG: the London Ambulance Service, the London Fire Brigade & the Metropolitan Police Service, among others) and people as a thank you gesture for providing essential services to our communities, with President Bibi Khan MBE adding:

Among those volunteering their support and time amid the LICS contingent was Cllr Ahmed Mahbub, the Deputy Mayor of Haringey.

His predecessor in that civic role and the council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr AjdaOvat, said:

Source: haringey.gov.uk

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World leaders criticise Trump tariffs as 'major blow'

3 April 2025

Donald Trump's decision to impose new tariffs on all goods entering the US is a "major blow to the world economy", European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen has said.

Her comments echo those of a number of other countries, including China, which has expressed its opposition to the move and has warned it will take "resolute countermeasures" against the US.

Their words of warning come after the US president announced a universal 10% tariff on all imports into the US from 5 April. Around 60 countries will also be hit with steeper tariffs from 9 April.

Trump said the measures were payback for unfair trade policies, adding that he had been "very kind" in his decisions.

Trump has said the tariffs will be used to boost US manufacturing, saying on Wednesday that the move would "make America wealthy again".

Giving a statement on Thursday morning, von der Leyen said the new tax imports will see "uncertainty spiral", causing "dire" consequences "for millions of people around the globe".

She emphasised the impact on the most vulnerable countries, pointing out that some of those nations are now subject to some of the highest US tariffs.

The EC chief vowed Europe would take a unified approach and warned that the European Union - which will be subject to a 20% tariff - is preparing countermeasures in case negotiations fail.

"If you take on one of us, you take on all of us", she said.

Italy's GiorgiaMeloni, a Trump ally, said the decision was "wrong" but that she would work towards a deal with the US to "prevent a trade war".

Her Spanish counterpart Pedro Sánchez said Spain would "continue to be committed to an open world", while in Ireland, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said Trump's decision was "deeply regrettable" and benefitted "no-one".

In France, President Emmanuel Macron will meet representatives from business sectors hit by the new taxes at the Élysée Palace on Thursday, the French presidency said.

Outside the EU, China - one of the countries deemed the "worst offenders" by the US president - was hit with a 34% tariff on goods, on top of an existing 20% levy, bringing total duties to at least 54%.

The ministry of commerce urged the US to "immediately cancel" the tariffs, adding that China would "resolutely take countermeasures to safeguard its own rights and interests."

Taiwan, which is set to face a 32% tariff for exports to the US, called the move "highly unreasonable".

Premier Cho Jung-tai also said it would make "serious representations" to the US.

South Korean acting President Han Duck-soo said the global trade war "has become a reality" and his government would be looking at ways to "overcome the trade crisis" after the East Asian country was hit with a 25% rate.

Japan said its 24% levy was "extremely regrettable" and could violate World Trade Organization and US-Japan agreements, while Thailand said it would negotiate its 36% tariff.

Economic officials in Israel, which had scrapped all tariffs on American imports ahead of the announcement, were said to be in "complete shock" over its 17% tariff, local media reported.

"We were sure that the decision to completely cancel tariffs on imports from the US would prevent this move", an official told local media.

White House officials said its levies were reciprocal to countries, such as China, which it said charge higher tariffs on US goods, impose "non-tariff" barriers to US trade or have otherwise acted in ways the government feels undermine American economic goals.

Leaders from countries subject to the 10% baseline rate have also reacted to Trump's measures, with Australia's Anthony Albanese saying Americans would end up paying the biggest price for what he called "unjustified tariffs".

His government will not impose reciprocal measures, he said, adding: "We will not join a race to the bottom that leads to higher prices and slower growth".

A Downing Street source told the BBC that the UK's lower tariff "vindicates" the government's recent efforts towards a trade deal with the US.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the government remained "fully focused on negotiating an economic deal with the US that strengthens our existing fair and balanced trading relationship".

In Latin America, its biggest economy, Brazil, approved a law in congress on Wednesday - the Economic Reciprocity Law - to counter the 10% tariff imposed by Trump.

The foreign ministry said it would evaluate "all possible actions to ensure reciprocity in bilateral trade, including resorting to the World Trade Organization".

Shortly after Trump's announcement, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned countries not to "retaliate" and "sit back, take it in".

"Because if you retaliate, there will be escalation", he told Fox News.

Noticeably, the US's two biggest trade partners, Canada and Mexico, were not mentioned in Wednesday's announcements.

The White House said it would deal with both countries according to previous executive orders, which imposed 25% tariffs on the two nations as part of efforts to address fentanyl and border issues.

Regardless, Canada will still be impacted by the tariffs, Prime Minister Mark Carney said. Measures such as the 25% tariff on automobiles starting at midnight on Thursday would "directly affect millions of Canadians", he added.

He vowed to "fight these tariffs with counter measures", adding that the US levies would "fundamentally change the global trading system."

Source: bbc.com

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UK to keep pushing for deal after Trump imposes 10% tariff

3 April 2025

The government will keep pushing for a deal to avoid a "trade war" after US President Donald Trump imposed new tariffs globally, the Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has said.

Trump announced fresh levies on goods coming into his country including 10% on all UK imports and 20% on those from the European Union.

The UK has spent weeks working on a trade deal with the US to avoid the full impact of the level of tariffs introduced on countries such as Canada and China.

A Downing Street source said the UK's lower tariff "vindicates" the government's plans, because "the difference between 10% and 20% is thousands of jobs".

Responding to the new tariffs, Reynolds said the government remained "fully focused" on negotiating a deal with the US that would strengthen their "balanced trading relationship".

"We have a range of tools at our disposal and we will not hesitate to act," he said.

The US plan sets a baseline tariff on all imports of at least 10%, with items from countries that the White House described as the "worst offenders" facing far higher rates for what Trump said was payback for unfair trade policies.

His move breaks with decades of US policy embracing free trade. Analysts said it was likely to lead to higher prices in the US and slower growth around the world.

The government's official forecaster estimates a worst-case scenario trade war could reduce UK economic growth by 1% and wipe out the £9.9bn of economic headroom Chancellor Rachel Reeves gave herself at last week's Spring Statement.

A Downing Street source told the BBC: "We don't want any tariffs at all, but a lower levy than others vindicates our approach. It matters because the difference between 10% and 20% is thousands of jobs.

"We will keep negotiating, keep cool and keep calm," the source said, adding: "Tomorrow we will continue with that work."

Sebastian Gorka, an adviser to Trump, suggested the UK's approach had seen it receive a "special rate" on tariffs.

"After Brexit, you have reaffirmed your independence and I think that is been proven today by the special rate that has been afforded to the UK," he told the BBC's Newsnight, adding that the "exempted rate" could be "improved" in the future.

The UK exported almost £60bn worth of goods to the US last year, mainly machinery, cars and pharmaceuticals.

The government will hold a series of talks with affected businesses on Thursday to provide support and discuss a response.

Diplomatic efforts are still ongoing. As part of the efforts to get a deal, Lord Mandelson, the UK ambassador, has had meetings in the White House with Vice-President JD Vance and Susie Wiles, the president's chief of staff.

For the moment, the UK will not be "jumping into a trade war" with retaliatory tariffs, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said - a repeat of the response to Trump's earlier tariffs on steel and aluminium.

Sir Keir told his cabinet this week he was "keeping all options on the table" to respond to the tariffs, which economists have warned could damage the UK economy and increase the cost of living.

Inside government, officials hope that Wednesday's announcement sets a "ceiling" on tariffs, not the final price, that can be talked down in negotiations.

'Great deal of concern'

The government's approach has been backed in some of the early responses from the UK business sector.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has said the government "has rightfully tried to negotiate a carve-out" and that businesses need a "measured and proportionate approach".

Stephen Phipson, chief executive of Make UK, which represents the manufacturing industry, said there would be "a great deal of concern and disappointment" about the tariff - but credited the "tireless efforts" of Sir Keir and Reynolds for it not being higher.

However, he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "It's going to be quite complicated with Northern Ireland, for example, where we've got a 20% tariff on one side of the border, 10% on the other.

"We've also got a large second-order effect with the EU, which is as a bloc our largest trading partner - and of course a lot of that is automotive."

He added that, given US tariffs could escalate, the quicker the government could secure a trade deal "the better" for UK businesses.

'Brexit dividend'

But Conservative shadow trade secretary Andrew Griffith accused Labour of "failing to negotiate with President Trump's team" in time.

"Sadly, it is British businesses and workers who will pay the price for Labour's failure," he said.

"The silver lining is that Brexit - which Labour ministers voted against no less than 48 times - means that we face far lower tariffs than the EU: a Brexit dividend that will have protected thousands of British jobs and businesses."

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said: "Dozens and dozens of countries have the 10% tariff, which is not based on any sort of negotiating genius by the government, it's based on the USA's assessment of our tariffs and other obstacles."

Noting that UK car exports will still be "whacked" with a 25% tariff, he told Today that getting a free trade deal with the US "should be a priority" for the government, adding that it should also "make sure our domestic economy is better prepared to weather the storm that is clearly coming".

In contrast, the Lib Dems urged the government to consider using "retaliatory tariffs where necessary" and form a "coalition of the willing against Trump's tariffs" with other countries.

Government sources believe talks between the US and the UK have made good progress, but have been derailed by Trump's public comments.

At different times, statements by Trump about his tariffs are said to have differed from what his negotiating team had previously understood his position to be.

The deal would be broader than just reducing tariffs, focusing on technology, but also covering elements of trade in goods and services as well as agriculture - a controversial area in previous unsuccessful US-UK trade talks.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has suggested the UK could change its taxes on big tech firms as part of a deal to overturn US tariffs.

The digital services tax, introduced in 2020, imposes a 2% levy on tech firms, including big US firms such as Amazon, bringing in about £800m in tax per year.

The UK motoring industry, also hit with an additional 25% tax on all car imports to the US announced this week, called the tariffs "deeply disappointing".

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said the US announcement was "yet another challenge to a sector already facing multiple headwinds".

Source: bbc.com

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Assisted dying: California man invites BBC to witness his death as MPs debate new law

3 April 2025

It's 10am, and in a little over two hours, Wayne Hawkins will be dead.

The sun is shining on the bungalow where the 80-year-old lives in San Diego, California with his wife of more than five decades, Stella.

I knock on the door and meet his children - Emily, 48, and Ashley, 44 - who have spent the last two weeks at their father's side.

Wayne sits in a reclining chair where he spends most of his days. Terminally ill, he is too weak to leave the house.

He has invited BBC News to witness his death under California's assisted dying laws - because if MPs in London vote to legalise the practice in England and Wales, it will allow some terminally ill people here to die in a similar way.

Half an hour after arriving at Wayne's house, I watch him swallow three anti-nausea tablets, designed to minimise the risk of him vomiting the lethal medication he plans to take shortly.

Are you sure this day is your last, I ask him? "I'm all in," he replies. "I was determined and decided weeks ago - I've had no trepidation since then."

His family ask for one last photo, which I take. As usual, Stella and Wayne are holding hands.

Shortly after, Dr Donnie Moore arrives. He has got to know the family over the past few weeks, visiting them on several occasions alongside running his own end-of-life clinic. Under California law, he is what is known as the attending physician who must confirm, in addition to a second doctor, that Wayne is eligible for aid in dying.

Dr Moore's role is part physician, part counsellor in this situation, one he has been in for 150 assisted deaths before.

On a top shelf in Wayne's bedroom sits a brown glass bottle containing a fine white powder - a mixture of five drugs, sedatives and painkillers, delivered to the house the previous day. The dosage of drugs inside is hundreds of times higher than those used in regular healthcare and is "guaranteed" to be fatal, Dr Moore explains. Unlike California, the proposed law at Westminster would require a doctor to bring any such medication with them.

When Wayne signals he is ready, the doctor mixes the meds with cherry and pineapple juice to soften the bitter taste - and he hands this pink liquid to Wayne.

No one, not even the doctor, knows how long it will take him to die after taking the lethal drugs. Dr Moore explains to me that, in his experience, death usually occurs between 30 minutes and two hours of ingestion, but on one occasion it took 17 hours.

This is the story of how and why Wayne chose to die. And why others have decided not to follow the same course.

We first met the couple a few weeks earlier, when Wayne explained why he was going ahead with the decision to have an assisted death - a controversial measure in other parts of the world.

"Some days the pain is almost more than I can handle," he said. "I just don't see any merit to dying slow and painfully, hooked up with stuff - intubation, feeding tubes," he told me. "I want none of it."

Wayne said he had watched two relatives die "miserable", "heinous" deaths from heart failure.

"I hate hospitals, they are miserable. I will die in the street first."

Wayne met Stella in 1969; the couple married four years later. He told us it was something of an arranged marriage, as his mother kept inviting Stella for dinner until eventually the penny dropped that he should take her out.

They lived for many years in Arcata, northern California, surrounded by sweeping forests of redwood trees, where Wayne worked as a landscape architect, while Stella was a primary school teacher. They spent their holidays hiking and camping with their children.

Now Wayne is terminally ill with heart failure, which has already brought him close to death. He has myriad other health issues including prostate cancer, liver failure and sepsis which brings him serious spinal pain.

He has less than six months to live, qualifying him for an assisted death in California. His request to die has been approved by two doctors and the lethal medication is self-administered.

It was during our first meeting that he asked the BBC to return to observe his final day, saying he wanted terminally ill adults in the UK to have the same right to an assisted death as him.

"Britain is pretty good with freedoms and this is just another one," he said. "People should be able to choose the time of their death as long as they meet the rules like six months to live or less."

Stella, 78, supports his decision. "I've known him for over 50 years. He's a very independent man. He's always known what he wants to do and he's always fixed things. That's how he's operating now. If this is his choice, I definitely agree, and I've seen him really suffer with the illness he's got. I don't want that for him."

Wayne would also qualify under the proposed new assisted dying law in England and Wales. The measures return to the House of Commons later this month, when all MPs will have a chance to debate and vote on changes to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.

The proposed legislation, tabled by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, says that anyone who wants to end their life must have the mental capacity to make the choice, that they must be expected to die within six months, and must make two separate declarations - witnessed and signed - about their wish to die. They must satisfy two independent doctors that they are eligible.

MPs in Westminster voted in favour of assisted dying in principle last November but remain bitterly divided on the issue. If they ultimately decide to approve the bill, it could become law within the next year and come into practice within the next four years.

There are also divisions here in California, where assisted dying was introduced in 2016. Michelle and Mike Carter, both 72 and married for 43 years, are each being treated for cancer - Mike has prostate cancer that has spread to his lymph nodes, and Michelle's advanced terminal ovarian cancer has spread throughout much of her body.

"I held my mother's hand when she passed; I held my father's hand when he passed," Michelle told me. "I believe there's freedom of choice however for me, I choose palliative care… I have God and I have good medicine."

Michelle's physician, palliative care specialist Dr Vincent Nguyen, argued that assisted dying laws in the US state lead to "silent coercion" whereby vulnerable people think their only option is to die. "Instead of ending people's lives, let's put programmes together to care for people," he said. "Let them know that they're loved, they're wanted and they're worthy."

He said the law meant that doctors have gone from being seen as healers to killers, while the message from the healthcare system was that "you are better off dead, because you're expensive and your death is cheaper for us".

Some disability campaigners say assisted dying makes them feel unsafe. Ingrid Tischer, who has muscular dystrophy and chronic respiratory failure, told me: "The message that it sends to people with disabilities in California is that you deserve suicide assistance rather than suicide prevention when you voice a desire to end your life.

"What does that say about who we are as a culture?"

Critics often say that once assisted dying is legalised, over time the safeguards around such laws get eroded as part of a "slippery slope" towards more relaxed criteria. In California, there was initially a mandatory 15-day cooling off period between patients making a first and second request for aid in dying. That has been reduced to 48 hours because many patients were dying during the waiting period. It's thought the approval process envisaged in Westminster would take around a month.

'Goodbye,' Wayne tells his family

Outside Wayne's house on the morning of his death, a solitary bird begins its loud and elaborate song. "There's that mockingbird out there," Wayne tells Stella, as smiles flicker across their faces.

Wayne hates the bird because it keeps him awake at night, Stella jokes, hand in hand with him to one side of his chair. Emily and Ashley are next to Stella.

Dr Moore, seated on Wayne's other side, hands him the pink liquid which he swallows without hesitation. "Goodnight," he says to his family - a typical touch of humour from a man who told us he was determined to die on his terms. It's 11.47am.

After two minutes, Wayne says he is getting sleepy. Dr Moore asks him to imagine he is walking in a vast sea of flowers with a soft breeze on his skin, which seems appropriate for a patient who has spent much of his life among nature.

After three minutes Wayne enters a deep sleep from which he will never wake. On a few occasions he lifts his head to take a deep breath without opening his eyes, at one point beginning to snore softly.

Dr Moore tells the family this is "the deepest sleep imaginable" and reassures Emily there is no chance her dad will wake up and ask, "did it work?"

"Oh that would be just like him," Stella says with a laugh.

The family start to reminisce about hiking holidays and driving around in a large van they converted to become a camper. "Me and dad insulated it and put a bed in the back," says Ashley.

On the walls are photos of Emily and Ashley as small children next to huge carved Halloween pumpkins.

Dr Moore is still stroking Wayne's hand and occasionally checking his pulse. For a man who Emily says was "always walking, always outdoors, always active", these are the final moments of life's journey, spent surrounded by those who mean most to him.

At 12.22pm Dr Moore says, "I think he's passed… He's at peace now."

Outside, the mockingbird has fallen silent. "No more pain," says Stella, embracing her children in her arms.

I step outside to give the family some space, and reflect on what we have just seen and filmed.

I have been covering medical ethics for the BBC for more than 20 years. In 2006, I was present just outside an apartment in Zurich where Dr Anne Turner, a retired doctor, died with the help of the group Dignitas - but California was the first time I had been an eyewitness to an assisted death.

This isn't just a story about one man's death in California - it's about what could become a reality here in England and Wales for those who qualify for an assisted death and choose to die this way.

Whether you're for or against the proposed new Westminster law, the death of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional time for a family. Each death leaves an imprint, as will Wayne's.

Source: bbc.com

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Russian news agency denied EU accreditation

2 Apr, 2025

The European Union has denied accreditation for this year to Russian news agency RIA Novosti, citing compliance with the bloc’s sanctions against the organization, the outlet reported on Wednesday.

The news agency cited a letter from the bloc’s accreditation committee informing it that while asset freezes and bans on economic resources do not directly prohibit journalistic activities, they do bar the indirect provision of economic support to sanctioned entities. This includes access to EU buildings and digital tools provided by European institutions, the letter reportedly added.

However, according to RIA Novosti, in practice, the lack of accreditation in the EU not only prevents access to media events, including those held via videoconference, but also hinders the timely receipt of materials intended for publication that are distributed to accredited journalists.

The news agency reported that it has filed an appeal with the accreditation committee, arguing that previous EU statements emphasized that restrictions would not impede journalistic work on EU territory. The agency referenced the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights as the basis for its appeal.

The EU imposed sweeping sanctions on Russian media since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. Outlets such as RT, Sputnik, and RIA Novosti have all been banned across the bloc, while their personnel have been targeted with sanctions.

On February 24, the European Council adopted its 16th sanctions package against Russia, which included a broadcasting ban on eight additional Russian media outlets, including Lenta.ru and the TV channel Zvezda.

In a statement accompanying the sanctions, the EU accused the listed outlets of being under “direct control of the Russian government and systematically disseminating disinformation and propaganda.” The EU has argued that such activities pose a threat to public order and security within the bloc.

Moscow has slammed the sanctions against Russian media, arguing that EU officials are afraid that people would see a viewpoint that differs from the Western mainstream narrative and would start drawing their own conclusions about current events.

Source: rt.com

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https://www.rt.com/news/615161-ria-novosti-eu-accreditation/

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Africa

 

Libya suspends work of ‘hostile’ international NGOs: security agency

April 02, 2025

TRIPOLI: Libyan authorities announced on Wednesday a decision to suspend the work of 10 international humanitarian groups, accusing the NGOs of a plan to “settle migrants” from other parts of Africa in the country.

“The plan to settle migrants of African origin in Libya is seen as a hostile act, which is aimed at altering the demographic composition of the country and threatens Libyan society,” said Salem Gheith, spokesman for the North African country’s Internal Security Agency.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2595712/middle-east

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Guinea's Junta sets referendum for September sparking fresh hopes for democracy

April 3, 2025

Guinea’s military Junta has announced it will hold a constitutional referendum on the 21st September 2025.  

It’s hoped the vote will put the country back on the path to civilian rule following several broken promises by the military pledging to organise the referendum.

General MamadiDoumbouya, head of the junta, had promised in his New Year's address that 2025 would be a “crucial electoral year to complete the return to constitutional order”, without indicating a timetable.

The new date set for the referendum comes after the military missed a December 31st deadline..to launch the democratic transition.

The delay triggered anger from opposition figures, many took to the streets bring the capital, Conakry to a standstill.

The proposed constitutional changes on the ballot include setting presidential term limits, voters will also decide on whether current junta members are allowed to contest in elections 

The referendum's results could mark a departure from the “transition charter” drawn up by the military shortly after the coup that blocks members of the junta from running.  

Guinea's military leaders have long been accused of trying to stifle the opposition by arresting critics, including journalists, on false charges.

Source: africanews.com/

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

https://www.africanews.com/2025/04/02/guineas-junta-sets-referendum-for-september-sparking-fresh-hopes-for-democracy/

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Rainstorm Destroys Mosques, Schools, Properties In Kwara Community

OluchiEzumezu

Apr 2, 2025

A powerful rainstorm has caused significant damage to both public and private properties in Ogele, a community in Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The storm, which struck on the night of the Eid-el-Fitr celebration, destroyed several buildings, including schools, mosques, and a health center. Among the affected structures were Ansarul Islam Primary School, Community Secondary School, and multiple mosques.

In addition to the destruction of buildings, the storm also damaged power infrastructure, including concrete utility poles and high-tension wires that provide electricity to Ogele, Afon, and surrounding communities.

Local residents are still assessing the extent of their losses, with many left without shelter. The community has appealed to both government authorities and charitable organizations for assistance.

AlhajiAbubakarAkanbi, the Aare of Ogele, whose own residence was also damaged, called on the government to provide aid to the affected individuals, including the Mufti of the community. Alhaji Issa Akanbi-Oniyo, Chairman of the Ogele Descendants Progressive Union (ODPU), emphasized that the storm had left numerous families homeless.

Source: independent.ng

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https://independent.ng/rainstorm-destroys-mosques-schools-properties-in-kwara-community/

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Muslim community in Rivers seeks out suspended GovFubara for salah homage

Ignatius Chukwu

April 2, 2025

The Muslim community (Muslim Umma and northern community) in Rivers State managed to seek out the suspended governor of the state, Sim Fubara, for solidarity on Salah day.

The delegation came from 20 Islamic-based groups, including the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs. They traced his private residence in Port Harcourt to pay an Eid-el-Fitri Salah visit.

Nasir AwhelebeUhor, who spoke on behalf of the Muslim Ummah, gave reasons for seeking Fubara out. He declared their solidarity with the suspended governor assuring him of their prayers and support as he navigates the state’s current political challenges.

 

The alhaji stated that the majority of Muslims in Rivers State stands with GovFubara due to his inclusive approach to governance and his recognition of the Islamic faith.

He noted that, unlike the previous administration that declared Rivers a 100% Christian state, GovFubara, upon assuming office, acknowledged the state as Christian-majority while allowing room for inclusiveness.

Encouraging the governor to remain steadfast, Uhor reminded him of the Islamic belief that Allah rewards patience.

He said the present challenges align with the teachings of Islam, where the Creator tests His people through wealth, power, and authority.

He further called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review the emergency rule in Rivers State and restore GovFubara’s full authority, emphasizing that the Governor has been performing effectively despite the crisis.

Responding, GovFubara assured residents that the ongoing political crisis in the state will ultimately strengthen the people rather than weaken them.

GovFubara urged the guests and all those that support him to trust in God’s process, saying: “This season is one of love, sharing, and sacrifice. You have come to share in our pain and have made a great sacrifice through your prayers. As Christians, we believe that everything happens for a purpose, and I strongly believe that this situation is leading us toward a greater purpose.”

He acknowledged that the current political tension might leave many feeling depressed, but emphasized that supernatural forces may be at play beyond human understanding.

“No matter what we see, we must remain steadfast. In all things, we give glory to Almighty God. I believe that, in the end, we will emerge stronger,” he added.

GovFubara reaffirmed his commitment to justice and equality, stressing that his administration envisions a society where no one is oppressed.

“We believe in egalitarianism, and if our beliefs bring us some pain, so be it. The most important thing is that we stand on the side of truth and righteousness,” he stated.

He regretted that he was unable to formally reach out to the Muslim Ummah during their celebrations but promised that the relationship between religious groups and the government would be strengthened once the current uncertainties are resolved.

He also assured the leaders that their pending requests would be addressed after the crisis subsides.

Urging patience and perseverance, GovFubara drew an analogy from religious history, saying, “If God could be patient with Noah to allow even the snail to enter the Ark, then patience remains an essential virtue in our struggle.”

He also cautioned against falling prey to those who want to engineer violence by fanning provocative acts, warning his supporters and Rivers people to avoid certain elements who sought to destabilize the state.

“Their goal is to create problems and deny people their means of livelihood. We will not allow that. We will continue to operate peacefully and respect constituted authority to ensure that our state remains a model for others in Nigeria,” he concluded.

During the visit, prayers were offered for Governor Fubara, his family, Rivers State, and Nigeria as a whole.

Source: businessday.ng

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

https://businessday.ng/news/article/muslim-community-in-rivers-seeks-out-suspended-gov-fubara-for-salah-homage/

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ECOWAS To Hold Emergency Meeting Over Niger, B’Faso, Mali Imposed Import Levy

April 3, 2025

By EnioluwaAdeniyi

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is set to convene an extraordinary meeting later this month to address the controversial 0.5 percent import levy recently imposed by the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) on goods coming from ECOWAS member nations.

The Head of Communication for the ECOWAS Commission, Joel Ahofodji, confirmed the development to Punch on Wednesday, revealing that the Extraordinary Council meeting will take place on April 22, 2025. The summit will focus on the newly imposed tariff and other related regional issues.

When asked whether ECOWAS would retaliate against the AES for the import levy, Ahofodji stated, “ECOWAS will have an Extraordinary Council on the 22nd of April. All these issues will be discussed.”

Naija News had earlier reported that the AES, a bloc comprising the military junta-led states of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, introduced the 0.5 percent import duty on goods coming from ECOWAS nations.

This move is intended to generate revenue for the new alliance, which has been under increased scrutiny following its decision to exit ECOWAS earlier in January 2025.

The new levy, which took effect on March 28, applies to all goods entering Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, excluding humanitarian aid.

This development directly contradicts ECOWAS’s long-standing objective of promoting the free movement of goods among member states, including the AES countries, despite their official departure from the regional bloc.

The imposition of the import levy undermines the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS), which supports duty-free and quota-free movement of goods and services within the region.

The AES’s action effectively creates a new trade barrier, raising concerns that it will disrupt supply chains, inflate prices, and increase trade costs within the affected countries.

This new barrier is expected to weaken the regional bloc’s free trade framework, which has historically aimed to eliminate such obstacles to trade. ECOWAS is now tasked with addressing the impact of the AES’s actions and finding a resolution that balances the interests of all its members.

Relations between ECOWAS and the three AES countries have been strained since their decision to leave the bloc in early 2024.

he withdrawal came after months of disagreements, with the junta governments of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso accusing ECOWAS of failing to support their fight against terrorism and of imposing sanctions that harmed their populations.

Although the sanctions were eventually lifted, the three countries have maintained their decision to exit the bloc. ECOWAS, in response, issued guidelines to mitigate disruptions for businesses and citizens, including provisions for duty-free trade, visa-free movement, and residence.

The regional body has also expressed willingness to reopen discussions should the AES countries choose to rejoin the bloc in the future.

In another significant development, Niger officially withdrew from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), a regional military force combating Islamist insurgency in the Lake Chad region. The MNJTF, which includes forces from Nigeria, Chad, and Cameroon, has been operational since 2015.

Source: naijanews.com

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

https://www.naijanews.com/2025/04/03/ecowas-to-hold-emergency-meeting-over-niger-bfaso-mali-imposed-import-levy/

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African Union mediators arrive in South Sudan to salvage peace deal

April 3, 2025

African Union mediators landed in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, on Wednesday for urgent talks aimed at preventing a return to civil war. The intervention follows the house arrest of First Vice President RiekMachar last week, a move that has heightened tensions in the country.

President SalvaKiir’s government has accused Machar—his longtime rival and former rebel leader during the 2013-2018 conflict that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives—of inciting a fresh rebellion. Machar was detained last Wednesday amid ongoing clashes in Upper Nile state between government forces and the White Army militia. Although Machar’s forces were previously allied with the White Army during the civil war, they deny any current ties.

The AU delegation, which arrived in Juba on Wednesday afternoon, includes members of the "Council of the Wise," such as former Burundian President DomitienNdayizeye and former Kenyan judge Effie Owuor.

Machar’s SPLM-IO party issued a statement welcoming the delegation, describing its visit as part of ongoing efforts to ease tensions and support the peace process. Meanwhile, the AU’s Peace and Security Council called on Tuesday for Machar’s “immediate and unconditional release,” warning that his detention threatens the 2018 peace deal that ended the war.

Kenya’s former Prime Minister RailaOdinga also arrived in Juba on Monday on behalf of an East African regional bloc to mediate between the rival factions. While he met with Kiir, he was denied access to Machar.

Analysts suggest that Kiir, 73, is consolidating his political position amid growing unrest within his camp. The ongoing conflict in neighboring Sudan has further destabilized the region, contributing to an influx of weapons.

The 2013-2018 war was marked by ethnic divisions, with Kiir’s Dinka-led forces clashing against Machar’s Nuer-aligned troops. The latest developments risk reigniting those deep-seated tensions.

Source: africanews.com

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

https://www.africanews.com/2025/04/02/african-union-mediators-arrive-in-south-sudan-to-salvage-peace-deal/

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Southeast Asia

 

Malaysia explores measures to mitigate impact on exports, not considering retaliatory tariffs - MITI

Bernama

03-04- 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) views the 10 per cent tariffs hikes and reciprocal tariff announced by the United States of America (US) on Malaysian exports to the US seriously and is actively engaging with the US authorities to seek solutions that will uphold the spirit of free and fair trade.Malaysian tourism guides

In a statement, MITI said the US tariffs affect many countries with potentially significant implications for global trade and growth.

The National Geoeconomic Command Centre (NGCC), recently approved by Cabinet, will evaluate the impact of this recent US announcement and will consider a comprehensive and multi-pronged strategy to mitigate the effects of these tariffs on our economy and industries.

The NGCC, to be chaired by the Prime Minister with MITI as the Secretariat, features high-level representatives from key ministries and agencies.

The NGCC’s key focus is to ensure that the Malaysian economy remains competitive amidst these volatile times.

ASEAN Geoeconomic Task Force to commence soon

At the ASEAN level, the first meeting of the ASEAN Geoeconomic Task Force -- established at the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat in February 2025 -- will also commence soon.

MITI said Malaysia will utilise the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) to seek reciprocal trade gains and pursue a Technology Safeguards Agreement with the US to facilitate high-tech (technology) cooperation in semiconductors, aerospace, and digital economy sectors.Malaysian tourism guides

According to the US Bureau of Economic Analysis, Malaysia ranks 15th on the US list with a trade surplus of US$24.8 billion in 2024 (US$1=RM4.45).

“Despite the trade deficit in goods, the US enjoys a trade surplus in services with Malaysia, reflecting strong bilateral economic ties that support jobs and economic growth for both nations.

“It must be highlighted that the trade deficit with the US is also due to many US firms that have been operating in Malaysia for decades, on account of Malaysia’s well-established industrial ecosystem, especially in the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector,” said MITI.

The ministry said that President Trump’s tariff hike poses a significant challenge to global trade dynamics.

“While respecting such sovereign decisions, Malaysia strongly believes in constructive engagement for mutually beneficial economic relations,” it said.

MITI committed to safeguarding Malaysia’s economic interests, to expand export market

MITI said it is committed to safeguarding Malaysia’s economic interests and maintaining strong trade relations with the US.Malaysian tourism guides

“To mitigate tariff impact, Malaysia is expanding our export markets by prioritising high-growth regions and leveraging existing free trade agreements (FTAs), including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

“Malaysia will also foster new partnerships within ASEAN and enhance Malaysia’s supply chain resilience by accelerating the implementation of key industrial policies like the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR),” it said.

MITI said the government is engaging with the affected industries while exploring support programmes to help businesses adapt.

“MITI remains committed to open dialogue and collaboration to resolve trade disputes and promote mutual prosperity. Malaysia is facing this challenge from a position of strength and preparedness.

“The fundamentals of our economy remain robust. In the immediate future, while the external environment may be challenging, our diversified markets and products, along with strong demand for our produce, will provide us with some buffers,” said the ministry.

Furthermore, domestic demand, the country’s main growth driver, remains robust, and MITI believes the Malaysian economy will continue to be resilient amidst these challenges, it said.

Source: thesun.my

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

https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/malaysia-explores-measures-to-mitigate-impact-on-exports-not-considering-retaliatory-tariffs-miti-CC13886411

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Residents affected by gas pipeline fire allowed to return home in stages

Bernama

03-04- 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Owners of 115 houses affected by the gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights last Tuesday have been allowed to return to their homes in stages starting today.

Petaling district officer, HuzunulKhaidil Mohammed, said the first phase involves 41 homeowners from Jalan 1/3A, who are scheduled to re-enter their homes from 9.30 am for electrical wiring inspections.

“If the wiring is deemed safe, electricity supply will be restored. If the inventory inspection confirms that the houses remain in good condition, residents will be allowed to move back in,“ he told reporters today.

He added that once the first phase is completed, the return of residents in the second and third phases will proceed as scheduled.

A check by Bernama found residents began arriving as early as 8 am, following instructions from the authorities.

Subang Jaya police chief Wan Azlan Wan Mamat, said yesterday that the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), together with Tenaga NasionalBerhad (TNB), would conduct a final inspection of the electrical wiring in all 115 affected houses today.

According to him, JBPM’s inventory check indicated that most of the homes were in good condition, with minimal damage and deemed safe for occupancy.

Petroliam NasionalBhd (Petronas) confirmed that the fire, which broke out at 8.10 am on Tuesday, occurred at the main Petronas Gas Bhd (PGB) pipeline.

The incident resulted in a crater approximately 9.8 metres deep and 21 by 24 metres in size. The fire took nearly eight hours to be fully extinguished.

Source: thesun.my

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

https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/residents-affected-by-gas-pipeline-fire-allowed-to-return-home-in-stages-DC13886234

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Singapore mother jailed 19 years for abusing daughter to death, helping burn body

03 Apr 2025

SINGAPORE, April 3 — A woman who abused her four-year-old daughter for over a year until the child died, then helped burn her body, was sentenced to 19 years in jail today.

Foo Li Ping, 29, mistreated Megan Khung with her then-boyfriend, Wong Shi Xiang, 38, who ultimately delivered a fatal punch to the child.

According to Channel News Asia (CNA) Wong was sentenced to 30 years in prison and 17 strokes of the cane for his role in Megan’s death and various drug offences.

Both had pleaded guilty in February, and during today’s sentencing, they remained silent as the verdict was read.

Justice Hoo Sheau Peng described their actions as “heinous, deplorable and violent”, highlighting that Megan, as a young and vulnerable child, was entirely dependent on them.

The judge said Megan repeatedly begged for food, clothing, and to be allowed to leave the planter box where she was forced to sleep, but her pleas were ignored.

Instead, Foo mocked and taunted her daughter, while the couple recorded the child’s suffering, which the judge said displayed their “absolute depravity”.

“For their own sadistic ends, the accused persons robbed Megan of her basic dignity. Ironically, it is these very chilling recordings which shed light on Megan’s plight during that period,” Hoo was quoted as saying.

She added that even after Megan’s death, Foo and Wong showed “utter callousness and cruelty” in their attempts to revive her.

“Over months, they prioritised their interests of self-preservation, to cold-heartedly plan for and then deviously execute the disposal of Megan’s body. At the end of her life, they denied Megan of the dignity of a proper laying to rest.

“Nothing of Megan, not even her ashes, remained,” said the judge.

A third individual, Nouvelle Chua Ruoshi, 35, who is accused of assisting in disposing of Megan’s body, is still facing court proceedings.

Foo had earlier pleaded guilty to charges of allowing the death of a child, child abuse, and disposing of a corpse, with an additional child abuse charge taken into consideration.

Wong admitted to culpable homicide, disposing of a corpse, drug trafficking, and drug consumption, with 11 other drug-related charges also considered.

During their earlier hearing, CNA reported disturbing videos of the abuse were played in court, with the public warned about their graphic nature.

Source: malaymail.com

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

https://www.malaymail.com/news/singapore/2025/04/03/singapore-mother-jailed-19-years-for-abusing-daughter-to-death-helping-burn-body/171751

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JPJ to set up counters for document reprints at Putra Heights mosque - Loke

Bernama

02-04- 2025

SEPANG: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) will set up mobile counters at the Putra Heights Mosque temporary relief centre from tomorrow till Friday.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said this is to assist vehicle owners affected by yesterday’s fire in reprinting their damaged or missing documents.

“So for two days in a row, we will station our mobile counters at the mosque to help owners reprint their documents, especially their vehicle certificates, driving licences and road tax, if they need to,” he told a press conference at Kuala Lumpur International Airport here today.

As of noon today, 399 vehicles have been reported damaged in the tragic incident, which is believed to have been caused by a gas pipeline leak.

Loke added that the government is in talks with the General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM) to have their representative stationed at relief centres to guide victims on the next steps for insurance claims.Malaysian fashion and beauty products

Source: thesun.my

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

https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/jpj-to-set-up-counters-for-document-reprints-at-putra-heights-mosque-loke-OC13884912

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North America

 

Trump rolls out sweeping new tariffs

2 Apr, 2025

US President Donald Trump announced a sweeping new round of tariffs on Wednesday, as part of what he has branded his ‘Liberation Day’ plan, raising concerns about a potential global trade war.

Washington is introducing customs duties on all countries based on the principle of reciprocity, Trump has announced, calling it a day of economic independence for the United States.

The president confirmed that the 25% global tariffs on cars and trucks will take effect as scheduled on Thursday, while duties on imported automotive parts are set to take effect on May 3.

In his speech at the White House Rose Garden, Trump complained that “none of our companies are allowed to go into other countries.”

“That’s why, effective at midnight, we will impose a 25% tariff on all foreign-made automobiles,” he declared.

Trump claimed the reciprocal tariffs would usher in a “golden age” for the country, adding that “jobs and factories will come roaring back.”

According to a chart presented by Trump during his speech, the new tariffs will range from 10% to 50%, depending on the country. Washington will impose a 20% tariff on the EU, 34% levies on China, and 24% duties on Japan, among others.

Trump said Washington would implement “kind” reciprocal tariffs on all countries amounting to “approximately half” of what those nations charge the US.

“We will supercharge our domestic industrial base” and “break down” trade barriers abroad, he vowed, noting that ultimately this would entail lower prices for consumers.

“Our country and its taxpayers have been ripped off for more than 50 years, but it is NOT going to happen anymore,” Trump concluded, adding “We are finally putting America first.”

Source: rt.com

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

https://www.rt.com/business/615162-trump-us-new-tariffs/

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No additional US tariffs for Canada, but no relief either

3 Apr, 2025

After days of anticipation about what US President Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" would mean for Canada, it seems the answer is not much. But that still hasn't helped bring relief to America's northern neighbour.

Trump said on Wednesday that countries worldwide will be hit with blanket 10% US tariffs. He also released a list of 60 nations facing additional "reciprocal" tariffs, though Canada notably was not on that list.

Instead, much of the American tariff scheme on Canada will stay the same: a blanket 25% on all goods, except those under the existing North American free trade agreement. Energy and potash is tariffed at a lower 10%, while a 25% levy on Canadian steel and aluminium remains in place.

The White House tied the tariffs to the flow of fentanyl and migrants from both Canada and Mexico, which Trump has declared an emergency. Officials signalled that some may be lowered if that declaration is cancelled.

Trump also confirmed a 25% tariff "on all-foreign made automobiles" coming into effect at midnight on Thursday. He did not say whether Canada, whose auto industry is heavily intertwined with that of the US, would be exempt.

Prime Minister Mark Carney, who has paused his campaign for the second time in as many weeks to respond to the tariffs, vowed Wednesday that Canada will soon retaliate "with purpose and with force."

Speaking to reporters in Ottawa, Carney said the current US tariffs on Canada "will directly affect millions".

He added that Canada's reaction will be hammered out once he meets with province and territory premiers on Thursday.

Carney's response to the tariffs so far has been a political win for him and his Liberal party - now ahead in national polls - as the Conservative party and its leader Pierre Poilievre trail slightly behind.

As the incumbent, Carney has the advantage of playing the role of prime minister while simultaneously auditioning for it, and national polls show Canadians trust him more with handling Trump and the Canada-US relationship.

This success - at least so far - has forced Poilievre to pivot his messaging. On Wednesday, the Conservative leader held an event in Toronto hours ahead of Trump's announcement to outline his party's response.

He pushed for immediate, "targeted" retaliation, and said his party would introduce a temporary loan program to support businesses directly hit.

Poilievre urged Canada to renegotiate the existing North American trade agreement with Canada, the US and Mexico as soon as possible. The agreement, known as CUSMA, is up for review in 2026.

"Why wait? Why not get it done now?" Poilievre asked.

The rest of Canada's federal leaders laid out their own responses Wednesday - a sign of how much these tariffs have overshadowed Canada's federal election, scheduled for 28 April.

New Democratic Leader Jagmeet Singh said during an early afternoon campaign stop in Winnipeg that his party would put measures in place to help workers impacted by the tariffs.

He also called Trump an "arsonist", saying that the US president is "setting fire to the economy — his own economy, and ours as well."

Bloc Quebecois leader Yves-Francois Blanchet, whose party only runs candidates in French-speaking Quebec, said counter-tariffs should be "surgically chosen" to preserve the country's "fragile" economy.

Meanwhile in the US Senate, an effort to block Trump from imposing tariffs on Canada passed, 51-48, on Wednesday, with four Republican senators aligning with all Democratic senators. But it is not expected to be taken up by the House of Representatives, which holds a narrow Republican majority.

While Canada has been spared from additional tariffs, this reprieve has not changed the overall tone in the country.

Candace Laing, president of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, said that Wednesday's announcement means "the world is waking up to a reality that Canada has been living with for months."

"Businesses around the world have had their uncertainty expanded, the effects of which will undoubtedly boomerang to Canada as well," she said in a statement.

"This chain reaction of tariffs and counter-tariffs will have a real and distressing economic impact on Americans, Canadians and the global economy."

Carney echoed those comments Wednesday, telling reporters the tariffs will "fundamentally change the international trading system."

The focus for now, he said, is how Canada can protect its workers and build what he vowed will be "the strongest economy in the G7."

Source: bbc.com

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

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdde0r6eqy5o

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Assisted dying: California man invites BBC to witness his death as MPs debate new law

3 Apr, 2025

It's 10am, and in a little over two hours, Wayne Hawkins will be dead.

The sun is shining on the bungalow where the 80-year-old lives in San Diego, California with his wife of more than five decades, Stella.

I knock on the door and meet his children - Emily, 48, and Ashley, 44 - who have spent the last two weeks at their father's side.

Wayne sits in a reclining chair where he spends most of his days. Terminally ill, he is too weak to leave the house.

He has invited BBC News to witness his death under California's assisted dying laws - because if MPs in London vote to legalise the practice in England and Wales, it will allow some terminally ill people here to die in a similar way.

Half an hour after arriving at Wayne's house, I watch him swallow three anti-nausea tablets, designed to minimise the risk of him vomiting the lethal medication he plans to take shortly.

Are you sure this day is your last, I ask him? "I'm all in," he replies. "I was determined and decided weeks ago - I've had no trepidation since then."

His family ask for one last photo, which I take. As usual, Stella and Wayne are holding hands.

Shortly after, Dr Donnie Moore arrives. He has got to know the family over the past few weeks, visiting them on several occasions alongside running his own end-of-life clinic. Under California law, he is what is known as the attending physician who must confirm, in addition to a second doctor, that Wayne is eligible for aid in dying.

Dr Moore's role is part physician, part counsellor in this situation, one he has been in for 150 assisted deaths before.

On a top shelf in Wayne's bedroom sits a brown glass bottle containing a fine white powder - a mixture of five drugs, sedatives and painkillers, delivered to the house the previous day. The dosage of drugs inside is hundreds of times higher than those used in regular healthcare and is "guaranteed" to be fatal, Dr Moore explains. Unlike California, the proposed law at Westminster would require a doctor to bring any such medication with them.

When Wayne signals he is ready, the doctor mixes the meds with cherry and pineapple juice to soften the bitter taste - and he hands this pink liquid to Wayne.

No one, not even the doctor, knows how long it will take him to die after taking the lethal drugs. Dr Moore explains to me that, in his experience, death usually occurs between 30 minutes and two hours of ingestion, but on one occasion it took 17 hours.

This is the story of how and why Wayne chose to die. And why others have decided not to follow the same course.

We first met the couple a few weeks earlier, when Wayne explained why he was going ahead with the decision to have an assisted death - a controversial measure in other parts of the world.

"Some days the pain is almost more than I can handle," he said. "I just don't see any merit to dying slow and painfully, hooked up with stuff - intubation, feeding tubes," he told me. "I want none of it."

Wayne said he had watched two relatives die "miserable", "heinous" deaths from heart failure.

"I hate hospitals, they are miserable. I will die in the street first."

Wayne met Stella in 1969; the couple married four years later. He told us it was something of an arranged marriage, as his mother kept inviting Stella for dinner until eventually the penny dropped that he should take her out.

They lived for many years in Arcata, northern California, surrounded by sweeping forests of redwood trees, where Wayne worked as a landscape architect, while Stella was a primary school teacher. They spent their holidays hiking and camping with their children.

Now Wayne is terminally ill with heart failure, which has already brought him close to death. He has myriad other health issues including prostate cancer, liver failure and sepsis which brings him serious spinal pain.

He has less than six months to live, qualifying him for an assisted death in California. His request to die has been approved by two doctors and the lethal medication is self-administered.

It was during our first meeting that he asked the BBC to return to observe his final day, saying he wanted terminally ill adults in the UK to have the same right to an assisted death as him.

"Britain is pretty good with freedoms and this is just another one," he said. "People should be able to choose the time of their death as long as they meet the rules like six months to live or less."

Stella, 78, supports his decision. "I've known him for over 50 years. He's a very independent man. He's always known what he wants to do and he's always fixed things. That's how he's operating now. If this is his choice, I definitely agree, and I've seen him really suffer with the illness he's got. I don't want that for him."

Wayne would also qualify under the proposed new assisted dying law in England and Wales. The measures return to the House of Commons later this month, when all MPs will have a chance to debate and vote on changes to the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.

The proposed legislation, tabled by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, says that anyone who wants to end their life must have the mental capacity to make the choice, that they must be expected to die within six months, and must make two separate declarations - witnessed and signed - about their wish to die. They must satisfy two independent doctors that they are eligible.

MPs in Westminster voted in favour of assisted dying in principle last November but remain bitterly divided on the issue. If they ultimately decide to approve the bill, it could become law within the next year and come into practice within the next four years.

There are also divisions here in California, where assisted dying was introduced in 2016. Michelle and Mike Carter, both 72 and married for 43 years, are each being treated for cancer - Mike has prostate cancer that has spread to his lymph nodes, and Michelle's advanced terminal ovarian cancer has spread throughout much of her body.

"I held my mother's hand when she passed; I held my father's hand when he passed," Michelle told me. "I believe there's freedom of choice however for me, I choose palliative care… I have God and I have good medicine."

Michelle's physician, palliative care specialist Dr Vincent Nguyen, argued that assisted dying laws in the US state lead to "silent coercion" whereby vulnerable people think their only option is to die. "Instead of ending people's lives, let's put programmes together to care for people," he said. "Let them know that they're loved, they're wanted and they're worthy."

He said the law meant that doctors have gone from being seen as healers to killers, while the message from the healthcare system was that "you are better off dead, because you're expensive and your death is cheaper for us".

Some disability campaigners say assisted dying makes them feel unsafe. Ingrid Tischer, who has muscular dystrophy and chronic respiratory failure, told me: "The message that it sends to people with disabilities in California is that you deserve suicide assistance rather than suicide prevention when you voice a desire to end your life.

"What does that say about who we are as a culture?"

Critics often say that once assisted dying is legalised, over time the safeguards around such laws get eroded as part of a "slippery slope" towards more relaxed criteria. In California, there was initially a mandatory 15-day cooling off period between patients making a first and second request for aid in dying. That has been reduced to 48 hours because many patients were dying during the waiting period. It's thought the approval process envisaged in Westminster would take around a month.

'Goodbye,' Wayne tells his family

Outside Wayne's house on the morning of his death, a solitary bird begins its loud and elaborate song. "There's that mockingbird out there," Wayne tells Stella, as smiles flicker across their faces.

Wayne hates the bird because it keeps him awake at night, Stella jokes, hand in hand with him to one side of his chair. Emily and Ashley are next to Stella.

Dr Moore, seated on Wayne's other side, hands him the pink liquid which he swallows without hesitation. "Goodnight," he says to his family - a typical touch of humour from a man who told us he was determined to die on his terms. It's 11.47am.

After two minutes, Wayne says he is getting sleepy. Dr Moore asks him to imagine he is walking in a vast sea of flowers with a soft breeze on his skin, which seems appropriate for a patient who has spent much of his life among nature.

After three minutes Wayne enters a deep sleep from which he will never wake. On a few occasions he lifts his head to take a deep breath without opening his eyes, at one point beginning to snore softly.

Dr Moore tells the family this is "the deepest sleep imaginable" and reassures Emily there is no chance her dad will wake up and ask, "did it work?"

"Oh that would be just like him," Stella says with a laugh.

The family start to reminisce about hiking holidays and driving around in a large van they converted to become a camper. "Me and dad insulated it and put a bed in the back," says Ashley.

On the walls are photos of Emily and Ashley as small children next to huge carved Halloween pumpkins.

Dr Moore is still stroking Wayne's hand and occasionally checking his pulse. For a man who Emily says was "always walking, always outdoors, always active", these are the final moments of life's journey, spent surrounded by those who mean most to him.

At 12.22pm Dr Moore says, "I think he's passed… He's at peace now."

Outside, the mockingbird has fallen silent. "No more pain," says Stella, embracing her children in her arms.

I step outside to give the family some space, and reflect on what we have just seen and filmed.

I have been covering medical ethics for the BBC for more than 20 years. In 2006, I was present just outside an apartment in Zurich where Dr Anne Turner, a retired doctor, died with the help of the group Dignitas - but California was the first time I had been an eyewitness to an assisted death.

This isn't just a story about one man's death in California - it's about what could become a reality here in England and Wales for those who qualify for an assisted death and choose to die this way.

Whether you're for or against the proposed new Westminster law, the death of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional time for a family. Each death leaves an imprint, as will Wayne's.

Source: bbc.com

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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8rgd4yrz3eo

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CAIR-WA Praises Passage of Eid Bill by Washington State Legislature

April 2, 2025

The Washington state chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-WA), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today celebrates the passage of the “Eid bills” in the Washington state legislature, marking one step closer to making Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha recognized state holidays. 

[About Eid: Eid al-Fitr is the celebration marking the end of Ramadan, a holy month of fasting and prayer. Eid al-Adha is a festival marking the end of the hajj pilgrimage and commemorating the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, Ismail.]

Members of CAIR-WA, along with many advocates and community members, joined Rep. Osman Salahuddin and Sen. Yasmin Trudeau at the bill reading and reception for Senate Bill 5106 at the State Capitol in Olympia on Monday, March 31 celebrating the bill’s passage through both chambers of the legislature. The bill will now go to the desk of Governor Bob Ferguson to be signed into law.

“This is an amazing step for our community, to be seen and heard by our state elected officials,” said Imraan Siddiqi, CAIR-WA Executive Director. “During a time when there is so much depressing news out there, this is a spot of hope for Muslims in Washington state.”

“As the first Muslim in this chamber, I am deeply honored and proud to share Senate Bill 5106 passed the House!” said Representative Osman Salahuddin, the first Muslim Washington state House representative. “Recognition of Eid is not just symbolic but a step toward equity. This is deeply meaningful to happen on Eid Al-Fitr as well.”

CAIR-WA has been actively working with legislators and advocating for the passage of this bill prior to and during the 2025 legislative session, as well as leading community members to discuss the bill during its recent Muslim Day at the Capitol at the end of February.

In previous years, Muslim students have faced conflicts between school district graduation dates and the Islamic calendar’s holiest days. The passage of these bills is an important step in recognizing Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, which may help inform school districts prior to academic calendars being created and facilitate time off requests in schools and workplaces.

CAIR-WA looks forward to the bill-signing ceremony with Governor Bob Ferguson and community organizations, which will make Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha state holidays. The ceremony will likely be held in Tacoma in the coming months.

According to CAIR-WA’s landmark 2024 Washington Muslim Survey, 10% of Muslims experience discriminatory policies and practices at work once a week or more often, and 9% experience discriminatory policies and practices at school once a week or more often. Sixty-nine percent of Muslims experienced any discriminatory policies and practices in the past year. This year alone, CAIR-WA’s legal team has assisted nearly a dozen Muslim community members with requests for religious accommodations in the workplace. 

CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

La misión de CAIR esproteger las libertadesciviles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a losmusulmanesenlosEstadosUnidos.

Source: cair.com

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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-wa-praises-passage-of-eid-bill-by-washington-state-legislature/

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CAIR-NJ Welcomes Sentencing of Man Who Destroyed Property at Rutgers Muslim Chaplaincy House

April 2, 2025

The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today welcomed the sentencing of a man who broke into the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University (CILRU) in New Brunswick and thrashed the place nearly a year ago on Eid ul-Fitr. 

Jacob Beacher of North Plainfield, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime in October 2024 following his April 10, 2024, attack on the Islamic center at Rutgers University known as CILRU, according to a news release from the US Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.

Beacher had vandalized the Islamic center the night before one of the most festive holidays for Muslims, leaving behind a trail of smashed TVs, destroyed phones, broken printers and appliances in addition to floors littered with glass shards. A Palestinian flag was also missing. 

On Tuesday, Beacher was sentenced to six months in prison and a year of supervised release, and ordered to pay more than $19,000 in restitution, after pleading guilty to the charge of damage to religious property. In exchange for his plea, prosecutors agreed not to pursue additional charges for making false statements, which they initially filed against him.

In a statement, CAIR-New Jersey Executive Director SelaedinMaksut said: 

“While the sentence brings a degree of accountability, it is important to remember that the impact of this attack extends far beyond the physical damage to property. The fear and trauma caused by such acts of hate cannot be easily measured, and the damage to the sense of safety within our community is not something that can be repaired overnight. However, we are encouraged by the steps taken toward justice, and hope this case serves as a reminder that our communities must remain vigilant against all forms of hate and violence.

“We commend the efforts of law enforcement and prosecutors for their commitment to holding individuals accountable for their actions. Ultimately, this is not just about seeking justice for a specific crime, but about sending a clear message that our shared values of respect, tolerance and inclusion will always outweigh hate and division.

“The Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University is the heart of Muslim life on the New Brunswick campus.  Its desecration, especially on the Islamic holiday of Eid, was deeply disturbing.”

In a victim Impact statement, CILRU described the impact of the targeted attack: “The shock and fear within our campus community were palpable. Our sense of safety was shattered, and our holiday was irrevocably marred.” 

“Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate have become pervasive in our society, exacerbated by global events like Israel’s war on Gaza. Reports from members of our campus community who attended school with the defendant revealed that his disdain for Muslims and loyalty to Israel were long-standing. In high school, he reportedly harassed students wearing Muslim religious attire while enrobed an Israeli flag. His Islamophobic behavior appears to have persisted into adulthood, culminating in this violent attack against our Chaplaincy,” Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University Chair Atiya Aftab wrote in the impact statement last month. 

Last year, CAIR offices nationwide received a total of 8,658 complaints—the highest number ever recorded since the organization’s first civil rights report in 1996. This marks a 7.4% increase from the 8,061 complaints received in 2023, signaling a worsening climate of anti-Muslim bias.

In New Jersey, education-related complaints were at an all-time high in 2024, highlighting a glaring trend of bias. CAIR-New Jersey documented 53 education-related complaints last year, according to the chapter’s latest Civil Rights Report published this month. That’s up from 35 education bias complaints in 2023.

CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

Source: cair.com

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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-nj-welcomes-sentencing-of-man-who-destroyed-property-at-rutgers-muslim-chaplaincy-house/

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