A “Mahapanchayat” By Hindu Outfits Announces To Restart Braj Mandal Yatra From Strife-Hit Nuh, Haryana, On August 28

New Age Islam News Bureau

14 August 2023

 

The ‘Mahapanchayat’ at Pondri village in Haryana’s Palwal district on Sunday.

PTI picture

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India

·         Gurgaon Police Arrest Resident Editor Of Sudarshan News TV Mukesh Kumar For Sharing ‘Misleading Post’ On Nuh Violence

·         1980 Moradabad Riots Probe Shows There’s No Neat Conclusion. Both Hindus, Muslims To Blame

·         Uniform Civil Code implementation opposed by Catholic Association of Nagaland

·         This Independence Day, Focus On ‘Minimalist’ Grandeur At Red Fort; No Heavy Decorations On Ramparts

·         Internet services resume in Haryana's Nuh

·         Pakistani intruder shot dead along IB in Punjab's Pathankot

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South Asia

·         Balochistan Liberation Army claims Responsibility for Suicide Attack at Gwadar Port, Balochistan

·         6 Afghans dead, 2 missing as UK-bound migrant boats sink

·         Afghanistan secures gold at Taekwondo Championships

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Mideast

·         Hundreds Of Civilians Flee Paramilitary Onslaught In Darfur

·         Crystal meth-laden drone from Syria shot down by Jordanian forces

·         Israel says no Jerusalem base for Saudi envoy to Palestinian Authority

·         Iran’s Shiraz shrine comes under second deadly attack in months

·         Cairo customs thwart bid to smuggle pens, watches fitted with cameras, microphones

·         Unpaid teachers strike in Houthi-controlled areas

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Arab World

·         AlUla Archaeological Discoveries Reveal Influence Of Starry Canopy On Ancient Civilizations

·         Sunni Endowments Council Chairman, Al Hajeri, Praises Saudi Role In Promoting Moderation

·         How Arab Countries Can Harness The Advantages Of Region’s ‘Youth Bulge’

·         Gulf Funds’ Increased Buying Lifts QSE Sentiments; Islamic Equities Outperform

·         Saudis participate in the 25th World Scout Jamboree in South Korea

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Europe

·         Terrorism ‘Very Likely’ In Sweden In Wake Of Quran-Burning Protests

·         Harlow residents 'shocked' over 'stupid arson attack' on Northbrook mosque

·         UK warns of terror risk in EU state

·         Germany’s Scholz welcomes Saudi-led Ukraine summit, calls for more diplomatic efforts

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North America

·         Seattle ImamFarid Sulayman Suing Over Mysterious FBI Watchlist

·         Saleh Muslim: “Damascus Government Does not Have Strength to Take Decision to Remove Turkey from Syrian Territory”

·         Mosque collapses in Nigeria during prayers, killing 7 worshippers

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Pakistan

·         Senators Move To ‘Reclaim Space’ In Renewed Tussle With Judiciary

·         Diplomats Community In Islamabad Felicitate Pakistanis On Independence Day

·         Pakistan Celebrates 76 Years Of Independence As Leaders Call For Unity

·         Pakistan knows how to defend its freedom: COAS

·         Uncertainty still surrounds Nawaz’s return

·         PM-designate assures nation of ‘fair polls’

·         Consensus eludes Murad, opposition leader’s second meeting on caretaker CM

·         ‘15th NA displayed resilience to withstand existential pressures’

·         Senators of majority parties say: Power to legislate exclusive right of parliament

·         Nawaz to be next prime minister: Shehbaz

·         PM’s ‘apple of eye’ comment was sarcastic: Marriyum

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Southeast Asia

·         Ex-Federal Court Judge To Head Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Fund Board

·         ‘Unity wall stands against green wave’: Fahmi touts Pakatan-BN’s popular vote victory, says no deposit lost unlike Perikatan

·         DAP's 98pc win rate in state elections shows why it's the best-performing party in Pakatan

·         Selangor poll’s result a final warning on Umno’s political survival, Tengku Zafrul says

·         State polls: Pakatan-Barisan losses due to electorate anger, says Noh Omar

·         State polls: Urging Zahid to resign not the solution, says Puad

·         Bursa Malaysia closes lower at midday tracking regional markets

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Africa

·         Sudan: Displaced Persons Take To Creative Means To Support Themselves, Family

·         Niger Coup Leaders Agree To Pursue Dialogue As Nigerian Islamic Clerics Meet General Tchiani

·         Niger: Army delegation thanks Guinean government for 'support' after coup

·         Kebbi gov condoles with gov Sani, Zazzau Emir over Mosque collapse

·         President Tinubu/Shettima’s Performance Will Determine Muslims Fate In Politics – Omipidan

·         Zaria Mosque Collapse: Gov Bago condoles with government, people of Kaduna

 Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL:    https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/mahapanchayat-hindu-outfits-yatra-nuh/d/130445

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A “Mahapanchayat” By Hindu Outfits Announces To Restart Braj Mandal Yatra From Strife-Hit Nuh, Haryana, On August 28

 

The ‘Mahapanchayat’ at Pondri village in Haryana’s Palwal district on Sunday.

PTI picture

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14.08.23

A “Mahapanchayat” by Hindu outfits at Pondri village in Haryana’s Palwal on Sunday announced that they would “resume” on August 28 the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s Braj Mandal Yatra in Nuh that was disrupted by communal violence in July.

Six people, including a young cleric and two home guards, were killed in the violence which broke out after members of the Bajrang Dal and the VHP took out a procession from Nalhar temple in Nuh town in late-July, shouting abusive slogans against Muslims, police sources had said. The procession was stopped by a group of young men and soon after, stone-pelting started from both sides.

At the Sarva Jatiye Mahapanchayat on Sunday where participants from Palwal, Gurgaon and other nearby places took part, it was decided that the yatra would resume from Nalhar in Nuh and pass through Firozpur Jhirka’s Jhir and Singar temples in the district.

In Nuh, four battalions of central forces should be deployed permanently, VHP leader from Gurgaon Devender Singh said, giving details of the decisions taken at the mahapanchayat.

The Mahapanchayat was originally planned to be held in Nuh district’s Kira village but permission was denied in view of the prevailing law-and-order situation.

Permission for the event was given in Palwal, local deputy superintendent of police (headquarters) Sandeep Mor said on Sunday. Palwal and Nuh are adjoining districts.

The Mahapanchayat was held under the banner of the Sarv Hindu Samaj, and Hindu outfits including the VHP took part.

The police said permission for a limited gathering had been allowed and strict action would be taken if anyone made any kind of hate speech.

VHP leader Singh had earlier claimed that the yatra would resume on August 28 in Nuh.

Source: telegraphindia.com

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Afghanistan’s Lithium Sector Open For Investment, Says Acting Minister Of Commerce And Industry

 

Photo: Pakistan Observer

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By Fidel Rahmati

August 13, 2023

In an interview with Reuters, Nooruddin Azizi, the current Acting Minister of Commerce and Industry, emphasized that the vast potential of Afghanistan’s lithium sector presents a unique and open opportunity for countries worldwide to engage in strategic investments.

Azizi highlighted that the country’s lithium resources are available for exploration and development, inviting all nations to participate in harnessing this valuable resource.

Last week, a business delegation led by Nooruddin Azizi, the acting Minister of Commerce and Industry, visited Kazakhstan.

Azizi also elaborated on his recent visit to Kazakhstan, highlighting the focus on enhancing international financial transactions with private banks during the delegation’s visit.

The goal was to address the challenges faced by the Afghan banking sector and mitigate its isolation from the global financial network.

“Every country can invest in Afghanistan’s lithium sector because the hope of the people of Afghanistan is lithium, and I do not want lithium to be wasted by a company, a country, a person or a hundred people,” Azizi told Reuters.

Furthermore, he explored the potential for preferential trade tariffs, telecommunications initiatives, and transit routes alongside banking matters. These discussions also encompassed the potential transportation of Russian oil to South Asia, as reported by Reuters.

“We had teams from Afghanistan’s Central Bank, also known as Da Afghanistan and private banks in Kazakhstan; they discussed and are trying to find good ways to decrease the price of financial transactions … we do not have any banking limitations with Kazakhstan,” he said.

However, Reuters also said that Kazakhstan’s trade ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Economists have emphasized that Afghanistan’s lithium mines’ significance and strategic value cannot be underestimated.

According to the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, there is a notable surge in international attention towards Afghanistan’s lithium mines, with several countries, including China, displaying a keen interest in making substantial investments amounting to $10 billion.

This significant financial commitment underscores the growing recognition of Afghanistan’s potential as a critical player in the global lithium market.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/afghanistans-lithium-sector-open-for-investment-says-azizi/

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Sidelined Arab Israelis, Members Of Israel’s Arab Minority, Fear Outcome Of Judicial Overhaul

 

An aerial view shows protesters during Saturday’s rally in Tel Aviv against the Israeli government’s judicial overhaul plan. (AFP)

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AFP/ August 13, 2023

HAIFA: Members of Israel’s Arab minority fear they will bear the brunt of the hard-right government’s judicial overhaul, but have remained largely on the margins of a raging debate over the sweeping changes.

Israelis have rallied weekly since the controversial reform package was announced in January by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling coalition, dubbed “the worst ever” by Samira Kanaan Khalaylah, 57, who lives in the northern Arab town of Majd Al-Krum.

Arab or Palestinian citizens of Israel, who make up around 20 percent of the population, are already “on the sidelines” of Israeli society and politics, said Khalaylah, a school secretary.

Moves by the coalition — which includes extreme-right leaders with a history of anti-Arab rhetoric — to restrict judicial oversight of government decisions and to weaken watchdogs “will be very bad for us,” she said.

Israeli protesters have staged mass demonstrations against the government’s legislative agenda they view as a threat to democracy.

But Arabs have been largely absent from these rallies, often heavy with Israeli flags which some find alienating.

They have organized their own rallies calling for equality.

The broader protest movement has been spearheaded by activists and army reservists largely unwilling to highlight messages relating to the plight of the Arab minority or of Palestinians, fearing it would harm their cause in the eyes of Israel’s Jewish majority.

In the northern city of Haifa, Arab demonstrators have rallied in relatively small numbers, carrying banners against the legal overhaul and demanding rights.

Yousef Jabareen, a lawyer and former lawmaker, said the proposals might hand the government “authoritarian powers” which threaten Arab citizens and their elected representatives.

With limited oversight, “the right wing will have ... broader powers,” said Jabareen.

The first key clause of the reform package passed through parliament on July 24, amending the “reasonableness” clause which was used by the Supreme Court to overturn government decisions deemed unconstitutional.

The court is set to hear petitions against the legal change in September.

Other proposals include handing the government a greater say in the appointment of judges and downgrading the status of legal advisers attached to ministries.

Netanyahu’s government which took office late last year has been set on expanding settlements in annexed east Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank, both seized in the Six-Day War of 1967.

“The extreme right wants to get rid of” the few objections “presented by the Supreme Court against settlement projects,” Jabareen said.

Leah Tsemel, a lawyer who has represented many Palestinians in Israeli courts, said multiple rulings have failed to protect minority rights even before the “reasonableness” amendment.

The Supreme Court has upheld the 2018 Nation State Law which enshrined Israel’s primary status as a state for Jews and downgraded Arabic as an official language.

The court has also signed off on handing east Jerusalem properties to settler organizations who hold deeds proving past Jewish ownership, prompting the eviction of Palestinian residents.

Tsemel noted the court had failed to recognize Palestinians’ ownership claims over properties in west Jerusalem.

The court has ruled “in favor of the state or settlement associations, and ignored the ‘reasonableness’ argument,” she said.

Studies by leading rights groups have concluded that Israel’s legal system and policies amount to apartheid, which Israel denies.

The Haifa-based Mossawa Center advocacy group has warned the judicial overhaul will only worsen “the rights violations of the Arab minority” and further the occupation of Palestinian territories.

Despite widespread reservations concerning Israel’s legal system, there had been “hope in Palestinian society that the court will intervene in unreasonable government decisions,” said Mossawa’s director, Jafar Farah.

He said the erosion of the court’s powers will “deepen institutional corruption,” affecting both Arab and Jewish Israelis.

But the minority wields far less political power, with an independent Arab party only once being part of a coalition government, in 2021-22.

With parliament now in recess until Oct. 15, Netanyahu has said the door remains open for talks with his detractors.

But after his allies pressed ahead with the July vote — which opposition lawmakers boycotted — protesters have vowed to stay on the streets as hopes for a compromise fade.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2354651/middle-east

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Islamic Affairs Minister Al-Sheikh Calls For Intensified Efforts To Address Misuse Of Religion For Politics

 

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Sheikh

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August 13, 2023

MAKKAH — Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance Sheikh Abdullatif Al-Sheikh called for intensified efforts to address the misuse of religion for political designs. He underscored that this is significant in light of the spread of heresies, growing cases of hate speech and attempts to distort Islam, especially when some Islamic groups resort to the political exploitation of religion as a means to achieve their goals even at the expense of religion.

The minister said this while inaugurating the International Islamic Conference on “Communication and Integration with the Departments of Religious Affairs, Ifta and Sheikhdoms in the World,” which kicked off here on Sunday. The ministry is organizing the two-day conference under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman.

Around 150 eminent Islamic scholars, muftis, religious leaders, thinkers, heads of Islamic centers and association and academics from universities from 85 countries around the world are participating in the conference.

Delivering the Kingdom’s speech, Al-Sheikh noted that the conference embodies the significant meaning of consultation and is held in Saudi Arabia, which has embraced this great principle since its inception by King Abdul Aziz, saying that Saudi Arabia adopts the true message of Islam and spreads the principles of justice, mercy and moderation in an authentic approach that has become a model to follow.

The minister referred to the importance of the conference that focus on consultation and cooperation so as to serve the moderate centrist Islam approach in light of the increasing intensity of hate speech and extremism and adopting some corrupt approaches that affected Islam and its principles of justice.

Addressing the conference, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha highlighted that the conference tackles an issue that lies at the core of the pan Islamic body’s primary mission, which is to strengthen Islamic unity, advocate Islamic values, and achieve integration in all areas to serve the interests of the people.

“The communication and integration conference comes in light of the many challenges facing the Islamic Ummah, including political developments, intellectual challenges, and aggressive tendencies to distort the image of Islam,” he said while underscoring the need to stand up to combat these hostile tendencies and ideologies. He also stressed the need to foster the concept of Islamic unity, which adopts a civilized, cultural and human unity based on cooperation, cohesion, interaction and the enrichment of human civilization in all fields of education, culture, thought, and economy.

Taha emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of this important conference confirms its position as a real actor in supporting the positive directions of the Islamic Ummah and working for its renaissance. He appreciated King Salman and the Crown Prince for the tremendous support they provide to OIC in various fields, saying that this contributed to the success of its mission to serve Islam and Muslims.

In his speech, Supreme Mufti of Kazakhstan Nauryzbai Kazhy Taganuly called up on the Muslim nations to adopt a joint statement to condemn the despicable events in terms of the recent incidents of burning and desecration of the Holy Qur’an in several European countries.

Addressing the delegates, Dr. Mohammed Matar Al-Kaabi, chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments in the UAE, said that participation in this conference came for communication and integration between scholars, muftis, religious leaders and officials involved in religious discourse in the world. “This gathering comes amid serious challenges that afflict the human values called for by the divine messages, and endorsed by sound educational curricula, namely the faith values,” he said.

On his part, the Grand Mufti of Mauritania and Imam of the Great Mosque Sheikh Ahmed Al-Murabit Al-Shanqeeti praised the Kingdom's efforts under the leadership of King Salman and the Crown Prince in supporting major issues pertaining to Muslims across the world. “This conference touches on an urgent need for the entire Islamic nation to face emerging developments and changes in complex modern issues of which the solution requires insight into the origins of Islamic law, its rules and purposes, and knowledge of its aspects and significance,” he added.

After the inaugural session, Minister Al-Sheikh attended the first working session, chaired by Dr. Saleh bin Saad Al-Suhaimi, faculty member at the Islamic University. There are eight sessions that discuss seven major topics of the conference, which will conclude on Monday.

The conference is discussing topics such as moderation, extremism, decadence, extremism, terrorism, tolerance and coexistence among peoples in its sessions. The conference aims to strengthen the links of communication and integration between the departments of religious affairs, ifta and sheikhdoms in the world to achieve the principles of moderation and to foster the values of tolerance and coexistence among peoples.

It is also to highlight the role of these principles in emphasizing the need to adhere to the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet, in addition to serving Islam and Muslims, promoting Islamic unity among Muslims, fighting ideas of extremism, and protecting societies from atheism and disintegration.

The organization of the conference comes as part of the ministry’s efforts to perpetuate the approach of moderation through constructive cooperation with international religious leaders, in order to contribute to reducing acts of violence and feelings of hatred among the peoples of the world.

Source: saudigazette.com.sa

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St John's Church In City Centre To Become Mosque And Islamic Education Centre

 

Vice president of the Darul Falah centre, Sayyad Hashemi, centre, inside St John's Church in Town Road, Hanley. The group intend to transform it into a mosque and an education and community centre.

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 14 AUG 2023

By Jonathan Bamber

A former city centre church is to be transformed into a mosque and an Islamic education centre. St John's Church in Town Road, Hanley, was bought for £140,000 by the Darul Falah centre before it was due to go under the hammer at auction.

Bulldozers have already begun work clearing the site but the group has a meeting with Stoke-on-Trent City Council later this month when they will discuss what work they can do on the building. The centre is expected to open next year.

Vice president of the Darul Falah centre, Sayyad Hashemi, aged 46, of Hartshill, told Stokeon Trent Live: "We are trying to open a community centre for the use of the community. They can also pray there if they want to.

READ: Sad sign of the times as Hanley charity shop in last-ditch bid for survival

"It is a mosque, a community centre and an education centre.

"We are waiting for a response from the council to do a little bit of work and tidy it up. It needs plastering and flooring.

"There is a bulldozer on site to create a car park. There are some gravestones but they will remain.

"The centre will be for everybody. We are trying to provide a site which everybody can come and use. Anyone from any background will be welcome.

"The centre is about trying to help our children with mainstream school subjects. We have spoken to a maths teacher who will be helping children with their GCSEs. We will also be trying to teach children their native language, their native mother tongue.

"Hopefully children will progress in the mainstream so they can contribute fully to society."

Sayyad said there is a lot of work to do on the building before it can open. He added: "It requires a lot of work inside. The council are to visit the centre. They will tell us what we are allowed to do and what we are not. We will be guided by them. They are visiting the site on August 17. We are hoping to get the centre open next year."

The centre aims to help women as well as children.

Dr Waheed Ghani, aged 53, said: "It is not easy being a stranger in a strange land. We want them to come together and meet each other and share their stories. Integration is a big thing. We are thinking this will be a centre for integration."

Mohammad Zamir, aged 53, added: "It was a place of worship and we are using it for the same purpose."

Source: stokesentinel.co.uk

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India

Gurgaon Police Arrest Resident Editor Of Sudarshan News TV Mukesh Kumar For Sharing ‘Misleading Post’ On Nuh Violence

By: Express News Service

Gurgaon | August 13, 2023

A day after Gurgaon Police arrested resident editor of Sudarshan News TV Mukesh Kumar for allegedly “tweeting misleading and false information” in connection with the Nuh violence, they arrested a man, Ritu Raj, who is affiliated with a Hindu outfit, for allegedly sharing Kumar’s post on Facebook.

ACP (Crime) Varun Dahiya said Raj had shared the same post on a different platform. An FIR under IPC sections 153B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national integration), 469 (forgery for purpose of harming reputation), 501 (printing or engraving matter known to be defamatory), 505 (1)(C) (statements with intent to incite) was registered and he has been sent to judicial custody, Dahiya added.

According to police, a tweet was allegedly posted from the Twitter handle @mukeshkrd on August 8 which was “baseless, false and misleading”. Kumar was later released on bail.

Meanwhile, Nuh police Saturday said seven people have been arrested from Tauru in connection with the violence and all of them were held for offences including arson. “These people were not part of the yatra and were locals as the offence was committed at Tauru,” police said.

Nuh police also arrested a man who was allegedly carrying cattle near Mahu village on the Delhi-Mumbai expressway.

According to police, “Around 3 pm on Saturday, Taufeeq, a cattle smuggler, opened fire at the traffic police and in the retaliatory firing, he was shot. The accused is a resident of Utawad in Palwal district and has been admitted to the Nalhar Medical College.”

Source: indianexpress.com

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1980 Moradabad riots probe shows there’s no neat conclusion. Both Hindus, Muslims to blame

PRAVEEN SWAMI

13 August, 2023

Ek Raat Wali Masjid—so called because it had, once upon a time, a long time ago, been built during a single night—stood at the edge of Moradabad’s Eidgah, where a small city had conjured itself out of nothingness. There were brightly-lit stalls offering the tens of thousands of Eid congregants water and even paan, set up by various social organisations, the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party. There were posters for 788-brand Bidis, and bright banners for shops selling sweets and toys.

Then, in this communal Eden, arrived the snake: As the namaaz drew to a close, a rumour spread that a pig had entered the crowd. Elements of the crowd began tearing rocks off the wall of Ek Raat Wali Masjid to throw at police, then surged towards police outposts Gulshahid and the Barafkhana.

Eighty-four people—70 of them Hindu—died that Eid night of 13 August 1980. Additional District Magistrate DP Singh, who tried to restore order at the Eidgah, was beaten to death by a mob. Four police constables—Dhirendra Singh, Haridutt Pant, Magananand and Parsadi Lal—were murdered.

Forty-three years on, the Uttar Pradesh government has released the findings of the Justice MC Saxena committee of inquiry. The judge cleared police of the use of excessive force, saying 55 of the lives lost—and all 34 who died in the initial melée at the Eidgah—were crushed in a stampede, not shot. The riot itself, the judge concluded, was caused by rumours and inflammatory polemic used by leaders of the Muslim League, the Congress and the fringe Khakar organisation.

To some, the report is evidence that Muslims were responsible for the savage riot which ushered in the troubled decades leading up to 2002—but that isn’t the story Justice Saxena’s almost 500-page report actually tells. The report adds considerable detail to serious historical work on the Moradabad riots conducted since 1980, and casts new light on the conditions in which communalism grows.

The tenacious politics of hate

Like many cities across India, Moradabad has a long history of communal violence. In 1840, the district Gazette recorded in 1911, 14 people were killed in a Hindu-Muslim clash, and there was Shia-Sunni violence in 1853.  Ever since the mid-nineteenth century, the Gazette  says, Moradabad had seen the rise of “propagandist work on similar lines vigorously pursued among both Hindus and Musalmans on to those adopted by Christian missionaries.”

Low-grade communal skirmishes broke out at regular intervals after independence. There were riots in 1978, after Muslim League leader Manzar Shafi protested the participation of two girls from the community in a beauty contest. Twenty-five people were killed.

The reasons for these tensions were embedded in pre-independence politics. The city, historian Venkat Dhulipala has noted, saw intense competition between the Congress and Muslim League in the build-up to Partition. In one 1937 by-election, League propagandists circulated cartoons of the Congress candidate, Maulvi Basheer Ahmad, portraying his bier being borne for Hindu cremation. The message was clear: A Muslim who joined the Congress was in fact an infidel.

Even though the Congress had a significant hold among Moradabad’s Muslims until 1937, it was routed in the critical election of 1946. League-linked lawyer Qazi Taslim Husain, working with the neo-fundamentalist Tablighi Jama’at, succeeded in organising migrant workers from Bihar living in the Musafirkhana neighbourhood into a powerful electoral bloc.

For their part, Hindu revivalist organisations, spearheaded by the Arya Samaj and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, organised vigorous conversion campaigns and mobilisations. They found support, scholars Satish Saberwal and Mushirul Hasan write, from a new class of Hindu traders, merchants and professionals, who resented Muslim dominance in the law courts and medicine.

After the Kolkata communal massacres of 1946, the stage was set for slaughter across northern India. From January 1948, communal carnage raged in Moradabad for months. Elite Muslims left for Pakistan—leaving behind the poor to their fate.

Poverty and paranoia

Following Partition, large numbers of landlords who had left for Pakistan sold their properties to a new elite that emerged in Moradabad. Large numbers of Punjabi Hindu entrepreneurs arrived to make their fortune in the city’s brass industry—among them the family of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi’s husband, Robert Vadra. Even though the city remained Muslim majority, the scholar Krishna Gandhi wrote soon after the riots, the names on homes in upper-class neighbourhoods like Civil Lines, Adarsh Nagar and Kothibal Nagar showed the changing milieu.

“After the anti-immigrant agitation in Assam,” Justice Saxena recorded, “the Punjabi migrants began to fear they might be similarly targeted by locals. To protect themselves against such a development, they started to sow the seeds of hatred in the minds of local Hindus against Muslims.”

To make things worse, the judicial report says, the resentments of the growing Muslim workforce were allowed to fester. The brass industry had long relied on day labour from surrounding villages, who would return home at night. Large numbers of Bihari Muslim migrant workers, however, arrived as the industry grew. Little effort was made to house and educate these workers, Justice Saxena says, creating backward communities vulnerable to radicalisation.

In the course of a visit to Moradabad, historians Saberwal and Hassan found Muslims largely chose not to attend secular state-run or private schools, sending their children to the city’s six big seminaries instead. “They are pathetically underrepresented in the degree colleges,” the scholars noted.

From 1975, moreover, large numbers of semi-skilled Muslim workers began to migrate to the Gulf. This, Justice Saxena says, led what he calls an “extremist-Fascist” element among the ethnic-Punjabi elite to spread rumours of a Middle-East funded plot to carve a Muslim-majority state out of Uttar Pradesh, with its capital in Moradabad.

Economic dysfunction, government apathy, poverty and paranoia had laid the ground for an explosion.

The night of killing

The sun began to set on the fragile peace in Moradabad three weeks before the riots, the Justice Saxena investigation records. For decades, the local administration had sounded a siren to mark the sehri, when pious Muslims end their day-long fast during Ramzan. The timing of the siren clashed, on 24 July 1980, with wedding celebrations at the home of a local Dalit, Santosh Saran Balmiki. The two sides exchanged abuse and then began throwing stones.

The Saxena report says that Bharatiya Janata Party leaders Hariom Sharma and Hansraj Chopra stoked Dalit anger over the next several days, leading to another clash outside a mosque in Sarai Kishan Lal. Tensions between Dalits and Muslims flared. In his report, Justice Saxena is sharply critical of the police’s failure to act against those creating the tensions.

Exactly what happened on the night of Eid remains contested. The journalist MJ Akbar, who reported on the violence in Moradabad, said Muslims believed the police had deliberately let a pig loose in the congregation. Akbar recorded several eyewitnesses telling him they had asked the police to shoo away the pig. The police, however, refused, saying it was not their job.

From the account of eyewitnesses he examined, Justice Saxena concluded there was no pig. Local Muslim League leader Shamim Ahmad, he said, spread rumours about the presence of the pig, hoping to stoke Muslim anger.

In Assembly elections held in May, Ahmad had suffered a humiliating defeat against Congress leader Hafez Ahmed Siddiqui and had since been working to sharpen communal sentiments. Local volunteers of the Khasaran-e-haq—an anti-Pakistan group whose members carry a belcha, or spade—joined in the violence.

The slaughter raged on for weeks, fuelled by inflammatory rumours: A Muslim politician was said to be distributing arms; a Hindu girl had been kidnapped; police and Border Security Force personnel killed by traitors. Although the Saxena inquiry only examined the events of Eid day itself, government statistics published by police officer VN Rai show fatalities more than doubled as communal attacks and counter-attacks continued into September, claiming the lives of 142 Muslims and 18 Hindus.

Even though too many years have elapsed to punish the perpetrators of 1980, it’s not too late to learn lessons. Failure to address economic resentments and backwardness, communally-biased administration and toxic chauvinist politics all collaborated to tear down an economically-vibrant city. The truth-telling in the Saxena findings is just as painful today as 43 years ago, but hearing could be the beginning of healing.

The author is National Security Editor, ThePrint. He tweets @praveenswami. Views are personal.

(Edited by Theres Sudeep)

Source: theprint.in

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Uniform Civil Code implementation opposed by Catholic Association of Nagaland

14.08.23

The Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN) has opposed the proposed implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), saying that the strength and unity of India lies in diversity and not forced uniformity.

Addressing reporters after a daylong consultative seminar on various pressing issues on the topic “Reading the signs of the times” in Kohima, Bishop of Kohima Diocese, Most Rev James Thoppil on Saturday said UCC interferes with the personal lives of people besides the tribes and religious aspects of an individual.

“The moral practices of human rights should be respected… Cultural diversity must be enhanced and encouraged so that people do not become robots in uniformity but rather diversity defines the strength and unity of the nation.

“Diversity of languages and religion is the strength of the country and it has to be enhanced and not destroyed by UCC,” he said.

On the stand of the catholic churches in Nagaland on UCC, CAN president Johnny Ruangmei described UCC as “alien” and said: “We cannot be ruled by one law as different people from various tribes and religions live together throughout the country.”

Diversity should be used to enhance our unity, he added.

Maintaining that CAN believes that there is a difference between “united” and “uniform”, he said the diversity of the country should be united but uniformity should not be brought in to disturb that unity in diversity.

Ruangmei said that during the seminar, the catholic churches also deliberated on the policies of the state government, including the Registration of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN), decades-old Naga political issue and Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India.

He said the discussions were done so that both the central and state governments are able to discern the best policies to benefit the people.

He also informed that CAN will soon submit the outcome of the seminar to the government for further consideration.

Adviser and former president of CAN, Elias T. Lotha, said the daylong seminar also expressed concern about the continuing turmoil in Manipur and stressed the need for the central government to restore peace in the state.

Source: telegraphindia.com

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This Independence Day, focus on ‘minimalist’ grandeur at Red Fort; no heavy decorations on ramparts

Written by Jignasa Sinha

New Delhi: August 13, 2023

People arriving at Red Fort for Independence Day celebrations this year won’t be greeted with heavy traditional floral arrangements covering the ramparts of the monument as authorities, with a focus on “minimalist grandeur”, have decided to keep the decoration understated, officials said.

While the premises inside, including the garden, the parade area and Gyanpath, will be decked up, the ramparts visible from outside will only be lightly embellished to give it a “refreshing look,” they added.

A senior police officer said, “No big floral arrangements, scrolls or flag sheets have been stuck on the walls this time. We have been told to ensure the walls are not covered with a lot of decorative material. Only a G-20 logo will be put there along with a few embellishments.”

Independence Day celebrations, Independence Day, Delhi Red Fort, Independence day speech, PM Modi Red Fort speech, minimalist grandeur, heavy traditional floral arrangements , indian express news

Each year, the Red Fort is decorated with thousands of flowers and scrolls in different colours to mark I-Day celebrations.

With Covid safety measures removed after two years for the celebrations, authorities are hoping for the attendance to supersede the pre-pandemic turnout.

Meanwhile, among the many firsts, security agencies, including Delhi Police and ITBP, have been asked to look after over 2,900 special invitees — Central Vista Project and New Parliament building workers and labourers; sarpanchs from 622 Vibrant Villages Project (villages on the Indo-China border); PM Kisan Yojna beneficiaries; nurses, fishermen, Khadi workers; labourers working on border roads, among others.

“The guests will be seated in a section close to civil officers/ service officers. Besides, we will have 80-90 couples from each state dressed in their traditional attire. They will not be a part of the parade or performance but will sit in the bleachers,” said an officer.

Delhi Police officers said while the capacity of the Red Fort is estimated at 26,484, they are expecting the crowds to swell up to 30,000-40,000.

As per police, while VVIPs, including the Prime Minister, the President and other dignitaries, will sit in the rampart area, most of the crowd will be seated on the south side of the rampart, which is called the August 15 Park. The North side of the rampart will be reserved for VIPs.

Police said more than 5,000-7,000 personnel have been deployed at the Red Fort for security arrangements, adding that at least 16 Artificial Intelligence (AI) cameras will be used at the venue.

Police said that this time, only children from Delhi schools and colleges will be provided with free passes as opposed to children from across states attending the event. For the first time, the children will not be sitting on the ground or grass as a new stand has been put up for them with seats.

Delhi Police have so far conducted three to four anti-drone surveys around the area. “We have been actively using anti-drone systems and cameras to catch drones, and even kites,” said an officer. Keeping in mind the tension in Manipur, police are keeping a “strict vigil”. “While everyone is allowed to attend the I-Day event, if someone is found sloganeering or forming a gathering, strict action will be taken,” said a senior officer.

Source: indianexpress.com

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Internet services resume in Haryana's Nuh

Tribune News Service

Gurugram, August 14, 2023

Internet services resumed in Nuh on Monday, a day ahead of the Independence Day celebrations.

The service had been suspended and curfew clamped in Nuh following the recent violence in the district and nearby areas.

Source: tribuneindia.com

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Pakistani intruder shot dead along IB in Punjab's Pathankot

PTI/ August 14, 2023

Chandigarh

A Pakistani intruder has been shot dead along the International Border in Punjab's Pathankot district, a BSF official said on Monday, August 14, 2023.

He said the Border Security Force troops noticed some suspicious movement around 12:30 am near Simbal Sakol village in Pathankot.

The troops challenged the intruder but he did not stop and continued moving ahead. Sensing threat, they opened fire, killing the intruder on the spot, the official said.

On August 11, BSF troops neutralised a Pakistani intruder along the International Border in Tarn Taran district.

Source: thehindu.com

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South Asia

Balochistan Liberation Army claims Responsibility for Suicide Attack at Gwadar Port, Balochistan

By Fidel Rahmati

August 13, 2023

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has asserted responsibility for a suicide attack targeting a convoy of Chinese nationals, resulting in the tragic loss of four Chinese citizens and nine Pakistani soldiers’ lives. In contrast, Pakistani authorities have dismissed these claims, stating that Pakistani forces neutralized two militants without causing harm to any military or civilian individuals.

The attack targeted a convoy of Chinese engineers involved in various projects in the Gwadar port city of Balochistan.

In a statement regarding the attack, BLA spokesman Jeeyand Baloch revealed that the operation ‘Zir Pahazag’ persisted for over two hours. A fierce exchange of gunfire and explosion involved the incident.

The statement added that two fighters, “Naveed Baloch alias Aslam Baloch and Magbool Baloch Alias Qayim targeted a convoy of Chinese engineers.

“According to the information received so far, at least four Chinese nationals and nine Pakistani military personnel were killed, and several were injured,” the statement said.

“This is the preliminary information, and the number of loses could rise,” the statement added.

However, as reported by media outlets, Pakistani security forces killed two militants without harming military or civil persons.

“Terrorists used small arms and hand grenades during the activity; however, due to an efficient and swift response, two terrorists were sent to hell without harming any military or civil persons,” ISPR said.

the statement added that the Security Forces of Pakistan remain determined to thwart the efforts of the enemies of peace and prosperity in the country.

Recently, there has been a surge in militant activities within Pakistan. These incidents have seen an uptick in attacks on various targets, including police officers, foreign nationals, and innocent civilians.

Source: khaama.com

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6 Afghans dead, 2 missing as UK-bound migrant boats sink

By Fidel Rahmati

August 13, 2023

Six Afghans have tragically lost their lives, while two others remain missing at sea. The incident occurred as small boats carrying migrants, including children, capsized in the English Channel, according to British media on Sunday.

On Saturday, French prosecutors initiated a criminal investigation in response to the most recent tragedies stemming from illicit journeys organized by human traffickers.

These incidents underscore the pressing need for swift and comprehensive action to address the grave consequences of these illegal activities.

Philippe Sabatier, the Boulogne prosecutor, said the latest two disasters happened “in the early hours, in poor weather and worsening sea conditions.

“Six Afghan males died, and most of those involved were also from Afghanistan. They included minors,” he said.

A fragile vessel carrying approximately 66 individuals was observed in distress at approximately 2:00 AM, situated just off the shores of Sangatte near Calais Beach.

Five Afghan men, aged in their 20s and 30s, were declared deceased at the scene, while a sixth individual was airlifted to the hospital; however, he subsequently passed away.

On Saturday, yet another small migrant boat tragically sank in the Channel. Among the passengers, twenty-two individuals were fortunately rescued, although one remains in critical condition, as reported by Sabatier.

The identities of victims remain unknown, as several were travelling without papers.

Source: khaama.com

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Afghanistan secures gold at Taekwondo Championships

By Fidel Rahmati- August 12, 2023

Ali Akbar Amiri, a distinguished member of Afghanistan’s national taekwondo team, clinched the prestigious gold medal at the 2023 Chuncheon Korea Open International Taekwondo Championships.

Amiri clinched the top spot in the tournament’s men’s +87kg category by overcoming the challenge posed by Nigeria’s Abdoul Issoufou.

His exceptional performance and victory underscored his dominance in the competition, highlighting his skill and determination on full display.

Issouffou’s remarkable achievement at the 2016 Summer Olympics earned him the silver medal, marking a historic milestone as the finest performance ever by a Nigerian athlete in the Olympic Games.

He has secured gold medals at numerous other significant tournaments, notably the World Taekwondo Championships, African Championships, and African Games.

Amiri from Afghanistan emerged victorious, triumphing over competitors from Canada, Kazakhstan, and South Korea in the highly competitive Chuncheon Korea Open International Taekwondo Championships.

This remarkable achievement marked the inaugural instance of an Afghan athlete securing the gold medal in this esteemed tournament.

Source: khaama.com

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Mideast

Hundreds Of Civilians Flee Paramilitary Onslaught In Darfur

13 August 2023

AFP

WAD MADANI, Sudan: Attacks by Sudanese paramilitaries on Sunday sent hundreds of civilians fleeing a major city in Darfur, residents said as battles against the regular army intensify in the restive western region.

Darfur as well as Sudan’s capital Khartoum have borne the brunt of nearly four months of fighting between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces or RSF, led by rival generals vying for power.

One resident said that hundreds of people have been displaced from Nyala, Sudan’s second largest city and capital of South Darfur state, where “rockets are falling on houses.”

The war erupted in Khartoum on April 15 between the forces of army chief Gen. Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and his former deputy, RSF commander Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo.

At least 3,900 people have been killed nationwide, according to a conservative estimate by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project.

More than 4 million people have been uprooted from their homes, according to the UN refugee agency.

Witnesses said on Sunday that RSF paramilitaries had attacked Nyala with “dozens of military vehicles” and that “hundreds of residents are fleeing intense artillery fire.”

The vast region of Darfur has a bloody history.

It is where Sudan’s former President Omar Bashir in 2003 unleashed Arab tribal militia in a scorched-earth campaign to quash a rebellion against perceived inequalities.

It is a stronghold of the RSF which emerged from the Janjaweed militia that had spearheaded Bashir’s deadly onslaught.

Fighting in the latest conflict has concentrated on El-Geneina, the capital of West Darfur state, where the UN suspects that crimes against humanity have been committed.

Several sources allege there have been massacres of civilians and ethnically motivated killings in Darfur, attributed to paramilitary forces and allied militias.

Researchers at Yale University in the US say that at least 27 villages in Darfur have been razed to the ground by the RSF and its allies since April.

“The ferocity and volume of the violence at least equals the genocide in 2003-2004,” said Nathaniel Raymond of the Humanitarian Research Lab at the Yale School of Public Health.

“The RSF and allied militias are moving methodically and quickly without impediment. They chose the time and place and attack to liquidate civilian communities,” he said.

Fighting was also reported on Sunday in Khartoum’s battle-scarred sister city of Omdurman just across the Nile, where one resident reported “artillery fire.”

Source: arabnews.com

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Crystal meth-laden drone from Syria shot down by Jordanian forces

ARAB NEWS

August 13, 2023

AMMAN: A drone carrying crystal meth that was flying into Jordan from Syria on Sunday was shot down by the Jordanian military, Petra news agency reported.

The state agency said in a statement the drone was “taken control of and downed,” citing a source within the Jordanian armed forces.

The source added that the seized items were transferred to the “competent authorities.”

War-torn Syria has become a hub for a multi-billion-dollar drugs trade, with Jordan a main transit route for a Syrian-made amphetamine known as Captagon.

The Jordanian military has previously downed drones from Syria carrying narcotics or weapons but has rarely identified seized drugs as crystal meth.

Military and security officials from Jordan and Syria have met to discuss ways to curb the growing smuggling problem. Despite pledges by Damascus, Jordan says it has not seen any real attempt to clamp down on the illicit trade.

In an interview last week, Syrian President Bashar Assad denied Syria's role in the drug trade, saying that ending narcotics smuggling was a common interest that Syria shares with Arab countries.

Source: arabnews.com

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Israel says no Jerusalem base for Saudi envoy to Palestinian Authority

13 Aug 2023

Israel has rejected the idea of a diplomatic base in Jerusalem for Saudi Arabia’s envoy to the Palestinian Authority (PA), who recently presented his credentials to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s diplomatic adviser Majdi al-Khalidi.

Ambassador Nayef al-Sudairi, the kingdom’s current ambassador to Jordan, was named as non-resident envoy to Palestine and consul general in Jerusalem on Saturday at the Palestinian embassy in Amman.

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen told Tel Aviv radio station 103 FM on Sunday that the new ambassador, Nayef al-Sudairi, could meet representatives of the PA but would have no fixed presence.

“Will there be an official physically sitting in Jerusalem? This we will not allow,” Cohen said.

Normalisation in the background?

The file for the Palestinian territory has traditionally been handled by Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Amman.

The Saudi move appeared to be in line with the longstanding and so-far fruitless Palestinian goal of founding a state in territories occupied by Israel in a 1967 war, with East Jerusalem as the capital.

Israel deems Jerusalem its own capital, a status recognised by the United States under then-President Donald Trump in 2017 but not by other world powers. Israeli authorities bar Palestinian diplomatic activity in the city.

Saudi Arabia, Islam’s birthplace, has championed the Palestinian cause and shunned official ties with Israel, but Washington is seeking to promote what could be a historic Middle East deal that would normalise Israeli-Saudi relations.

Israel’s hard-right government has played down any prospect of it giving significant ground to the Palestinians as part of a normalisation deal with Saudi Arabia.

Like most of the Arab League, Riyadh has previously conditioned recognition of Israel on the Palestinian statehood goal being addressed. Among the challenges to that goal is the schism between the internationally recognised PA and its rival Hamas.

Bassam al-Agha, the Palestinian ambassador to Riyadh, cast al-Sudairi’s appointment as Saudi affirmation of Palestinian statehood and “rejection of what had been announced by former US President Trump”.

“This means a continuation of Saudi Arabia’s positions,” al-Agha told Voice of Palestine radio.

While Cohen said al-Sudairi’s appointment had not been coordinated with Israel, he saw a possible link to the normalisation prospects.

“What is behind this development is that, against the backdrop of progress in the US talks with Saudi Arabia and Israel, the Saudis want to relay a message to the Palestinians that they have not forgotten them,” Cohen said.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

Source: aljazeera.com

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Iran’s Shiraz shrine comes under second deadly attack in months

By Maziar Motamedi

13 Aug 2023

Tehran, Iran – A holy shrine in Iran’s southern city of Shiraz has come under a second deadly attack in less than a year with another gunman breaking into its grounds and opening fire.

Yadollah Bouali, the provincial commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), told state media that one shooter entered the Shah Cheragh shrine through its southern gate on Sunday at 7pm (15:30 GMT) to carry out a “terrorist” operation, revising earlier reports indicating two shooters.

The assailant, who was arrested at the scene, shot four people killing one, he said, adding the shooter carried an assault rifle and eight magazines with 240 bullets, 11 of which he managed to get off before being subdued.

Videos online showed people running in panic outside the shrine and shutting down their shops. Images showed bullet holes in walls and windows and blood on the ground.

The shrine, located in the province of Fars and one of the most important in Shia Islam, was hit by a similar attack on October 26, 2022.

At the time, a lone gunman entered the shrine with an automatic rifle, shooting a group of pilgrims and staff. Authorities said the gunman killed 13 people and injured 40 others before being killed by security forces.

The ISIL (ISIS) armed group released a video through its Amaq website and took responsibility for the attack.

The group was also responsible for coordinated 2017 attacks on the Iranian parliament and the mausoleum of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in Tehran.

In early June, Iran executed two men said to have been in contact with ISIL operatives in neighbouring Afghanistan who provided the gunman with the rifle and took him to the site of the shooting.

Three more men were also tried and given prison sentences ranging from five to 25 years for working with the armed group.

Last year’s assault on the shrine also came as Iran was rocked by nationwide protests that started in September 2022 following the death in custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was arrested for alleged noncompliance with the country’s mandatory dress code for women.

It took place 40 days after Amini’s death, when thousands gathered to mark the occasion in her hometown in northwestern Iran.

Iranian authorities, who blamed “riots” backed by foreign powers for undermining the country’s security, said at the time that the unrest paved the way for the Shah Cheragh attack to take place.

Source: aljazeera.com

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Cairo customs thwart bid to smuggle pens, watches fitted with cameras, microphones

GOBRAN MOHAMMED

August 13, 2023

CAIRO: Cairo International Airport customs authorities recently thwarted an attempt to smuggle watches, pens, and glasses fitted with cameras and microphones.

The items were found in baggage belonging to a passenger arriving in the Egyptian capital on a flight from Muscat.

Officials seized 10 glasses, 10 desk clocks, and eight pens — all equipped with cameras and microphones — two small wireless cameras, and three GPS devices.

The passenger’s case was referred to the public prosecutor.

Separately, airport customs officers discovered 20 strips of Tramadol tablets (200 pills) in the possession of a passenger flying in from Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania.

And in another operation carried out in conjunction with the airport’s anti-narcotics team, a female traveler arriving from Montreal in Canada was arrested for being in possession of four bags containing 34 sweets mixed with drugs, with a total weight of 178 grams.

Both passengers’ cases were also referred for prosecution.

An attempt to sneak marijuana through Cairo airport was also foiled when a traveler of Arab origin arriving from Rome was stopped for carrying electronic cigarettes with narcotic marijuana oil inside.

Source: arabnews.com

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Unpaid teachers strike in Houthi-controlled areas

SAEED AL-BATATI

August 13, 2023

AL-MUKALLA: Yemeni teachers have gone on strike in Houthi-controlled areas as outrage grows over the militia’s failure to pay public employees.

In a rare public protest, teachers in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, and other major cities skipped classes to pressure the Houthis to pay their salaries, which they have not received for seven years.

Teachers Club, an umbrella organization for teachers in Houthi-controlled areas, said in a series of statements that the teachers decided to strike after learning that senior Houthi leaders in the Supreme Political Council, ministers, MPs, and public employees at ministries of electricity and water, among others, are paid.

On Sunday, the club conformed the strike and said that the Houthis had begun abducting teachers and dismissing others in order to push them not to walk out.

The teachers said that the Houthis approved an “emergency timetable” that includes replacing striking teachers with others who can teach courses over a short period of time.

According to the Houthi plan, “instead of 16, a physics teacher will teach only four classes every month.”

Thousands of government employees in Houthi-controlled areas have not been paid since late 2016 when the militia refused to deliver state income to the Central Bank in Aden in protest of its relocation from Sanaa.

Despite collecting billions of Yemeni riyals from state entities and other sources, the Houthis refused to pay public employees and insisted that the Yemeni government in Aden do so.

The Houthis responded to the walkout by kidnapping teachers, including a union head named Mohsen Al-Dar, questioning others at security facilities, and accusing them of working for the internationally recognized government and the Arab coalition.

Abu Zaid Al-Kumaim, head of the Teachers Union, said that he received “painful” accounts of unpaid teachers committing suicide or breaking up with their spouses because they were unable to feed their children or pay rent.

Al-Kumaim shared on his Facebook page a message from an unpaid teacher of three decades, who lives with one kidney and has two ill children, complaining that the Houthis labeled him and other teachers who demanded their salaries as supporters of their opponents.

“Does anyone who demands his salary suddenly become a mercenary and on the side of aggression? Isn’t it my right, as a 33-year teacher, to get my small wage so that I and my children can live?” He said in his letter.

On Sunday, Al-Kumaim told Arab News that 80 to 100 percent of teachers complied with the union’s strike call and that the Houthis had released the abducted teachers.

Yemeni activists and journalists voiced their support for the striking teachers and demanded that the Houthis compensate them so that classes could recommence. Journalist Jameel Mofereh slammed the Houthis for insisting that Yemeni public employees seek payment from Saudi Arabia.

“Because you (Houthis) are an authority, you are accountable not just to us but also to God for people under your charge. Do not tell me that I expect my salaries from Saudi Arabia,” Mofereh said.

Abdul Wahab Qatran, a Sanaa-based legal activist, also demanded that the Houthis compensate striking teachers and cease intimidating them.

“Pay the salary of Yemen’s teachers. Your pathetic attempts to instil terror among the Teachers Club will fail,” he said on Twitter.

According to Yemeni government estimates, the Houthis have amassed 4.62 trillion Yemeni riyals ($18.45 billion) from taxes, customs, zakat, oil, mobile companies, and the sale of Iranian-imported gas since the UN-brokered ceasefire went into effect in early 2022.

The proceeds are more than sufficient to compensate public employees in areas under Houthi control, the government said.

Source: arabnews.com

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Arab World

 

AlUla archaeological discoveries reveal influence of starry canopy on ancient civilizations

13 August 2023

NADA HAMEED

ALULA: The barren expanse of AlUla, known for its historical monuments and enchanting desert landscapes, has long captured the imaginations of those who traverse its ancient grounds.

An exploratory study is unveiling a fascinating link between the historical sites of AlUla and the cosmos, demonstrating an old connection between civilizations and the stars that continues to influence the region today.

HIGHLIGHTS

• A team of archaeoastronomy specialists aim to piece together a comprehensive picture of how AlUla’s sky influenced ancient societies’ worldview.

• In Gharameel, around 6,000 twinkling stars adorn the sky, an awe-inspiring sight only possible when light pollution decreases.

Situated in the northwest of the Kingdom, AlUla’s archaeological sites offer a unique window into the significance of astronomy in the region’s history. Stories shared by guides, as well as evidence from ancient civilizations, reveal how the vast desert’s starry canopy played a pivotal role in guiding travelers and commercial caravans, helping them navigate the vast expanses over the centuries.

Majed Al-Zahoufi, a passionate guide and astronomy enthusiast, has cultivated a deep connection with the desert. His journey into the realm of stars began almost a decade ago through avid reading and personal observations.

Al-Zahoufi told Arab News that his exploration of these subjects is firmly rooted in reality and not at all uncommon. Drawing from his extensive knowledge of Arab history, civilizations, and astronomy, he pointed out a consistent pattern: “The various civilizations that thrived in AlUla, such as the Dadans, Lihyans, Nabataeans, and Minaeans, all strategically controlled significant global trade routes.

“Among these routes were the renowned incense routes utilized by traders from the southern Omani region to traverse towards the northern parts of the Arabian Peninsula. This crossroads of trade facilitated interactions between diverse cultures, including the Greeks, Babylonians, and Assyrians.”

These ancient civilizations, positioned at the crossroads of trade, communicated with diverse cultures, many of which were heavily influenced by astronomy. Some even worshipped the stars.

Throughout history, cultures worldwide have recognized the profound interplay between the Earth and the sky. Celestial bodies, like luminaries, held the key to navigation, determining seasons and guiding various cultural practices. This connection between civilizations and the cosmos remains evident in the rich tapestry of AlUla’s past.

Al-Zahoufi said: “In my personal observations and readings, I see a close relationship between the Nabataeans, their artifacts, and the sky. Numerous scientific studies validate this bond, showing how the Nabataeans believed in the influence of constellations.”

This ancient connection between civilizations and the cosmos has attracted the attention of modern experts. In May, a team of archaeoastronomy specialists embarked on a field study within the AlUla Oasis.

Their objective is to unveil the reasons behind ancient civilizations' selection of specific sites, decode the symbolism of tomb inscriptions, and decipher the cultures’ perception of the sky. By analyzing architectural details, decorative patterns, and calendar indications, researchers aim to piece together a comprehensive picture of how the sky influenced these societies’ worldview.

Juan Antonio Belmonte, an astrophysicist from Spain’s Institute of Astrophysics, found an intimate correlation between the Earth and the sky through preliminary data collected from a hundred Nabataean tombs. In the months ahead, analytical and statistical studies will further elucidate the connection between the ancient Arab kingdoms and the universe.

Among AlUla’s treasures is the Gharameel area, a haven for stargazing — the further away one goes from city lights, the more stars become visible in the night sky, Al-Zahoufi explained. In Gharameel, around 6,000 twinkling stars adorn the sky, an awe-inspiring sight only possible when light pollution decreases.

To safeguard this remarkable stargazing destination, the Royal Commission for AlUla is actively working to minimize light emissions from the city. Visitors can also take midnight excursions to the secluded Gharameel area to immerse themselves in constellations under the untouched AlUla night sky.

The enchantment of AlUla extends to its geological marvels as well. Abdullah Al-Shammari, a Saudi geologist, explained that the unique Gharameel rock formations are composed of sedimentary layers shaped by ancient marine and riverine environments.

“The sedimentation began in this formation at the end of the Cambrian era and the beginning of the Ordovician era (the Paleozoic era) that falls between 470 to 500 million years ago,” Al-Shammari said.

He also highlighted that these geological wonders mirror similar formations across the world, from the Ennedi Plateau in Chad to the Saudi Arabian desert.

The stars, woven into the fabric of Arab culture, serve as poetic inspiration and cultural markers, encapsulating the enduring relationship between man and the cosmos. In the enchanting tapestry of AlUla’s history, archaeology and astronomy dance together, revealing a story that transcends time.

Al-Zahoufi said: “Astronomy isn’t merely a scientific endeavor; it holds a wondrous privilege of unraveling the sky’s mysteries, guiding agricultural practices, and even influencing the arts.

“Arabs also embodied astronomy in Arabic poetry as they praise their kings, flirt with their beloved through the stars because the stars are an authentic culture for the Arabs and a means of entertainment.”

Source: arabnews.com

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Sunni Endowments Council Chairman, Al Hajeri, Praises Saudi Role In Promoting Moderation

14 Aug 2023

Riyadh, Aug.13 (BNA): Sunni Endowments Council Chairman Shaikh Dr. Rashid bin Mohammed Al Hajeri hailed the pivotal role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in supporting the Arab and Islamic nations.

 Dr. Al Hajeri made the statements as he attended the Islamic conference titled "Communication with the Departments of Religious Affairs, Ifta and Sheikhdoms in the World"

Themed "Communication and Integration”, the conference opened today under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Al Hajeri stressed the importance of the Islamic conference addressing issues and benefiting from scholars and their expertise, lauding the Saudi role in promoting intellectual moderation in the Islamic World.

Addressing the conference, he said that Islamic promotes the values of moderation and advocates tolerance between nations, stressing the need to coordinate stances and step up cooperation to foster the correct Islamic concepts.

Source: bna.bh/en

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How Arab countries can harness the advantages of region’s ‘youth bulge’

14 August 2023

DUBAI: The Middle East and North Africa region is experiencing a “youth bulge,” which occurs when young people make up a disproportionately large percentage of the population.

Although the crest of the demographic wave is believed to have passed in most Arab countries, the population of young people in the region as a whole is expected to reach 65 million by the end of 2030. Whether the countries concerned will be able to harness what remains of this phenomenon, however, is an open question.

The phrase “demography is destiny,” often attributed to the 19th-century French philosopher Auguste Comte, underscores the importance of demography to the development of everything from communities and nations to political economies.

A youth bulge can become a “demographic dividend” if the swelling ranks of working-age young men and women can be employed in productive activities, raising the level of average income per capita.

The educational landscape in the MENA region varies a lot from country to country, with some very much ahead in addressing labor market issues and others lagging behind. (Shutterstock)

However, if most of the adults entering working age cannot find jobs and earn a satisfactory income, the frustrations resulting from high youth unemployment could grow into a security challenge.

Be it in the Arab world or any other region, a large youth population is therefore a mixed blessing when it comes to employment and educational opportunities, economic growth, and social and political stability.

According to a 2022 World Bank report, “Jobs undone: Reshaping the role of governments toward markets and workers in the Middle East and North Africa,” one in three (32 percent) of young people aged 15 to 24 in the MENA region are unemployed and not engaged in education or training.

Infographic from World Bank 2022 report titled Jobs Undone: Reshaping the Role of Governments toward Markets and Workers in the Middle East and North Africa.

In fact, the region’s young workers face the highest unemployment rates in the world, averaging 26 percent, reaching 30 percent in Algeria and Tunisia, 40 percent in Jordan, and surpassing 50 percent in Libya.

“The landscape in the MENA region varies a lot from country to country, with some being very much ahead in addressing labor-market issues and many others lagging behind,” Roberto D’Ambrosio, CEO of Axiory Global, told Arab News.

This makes the youth employability issue “a very difficult one to tackle, turning a great advantage and asset, which is represented by a very high percentage of young people, into de-facto a liability.”

D’Ambrosio pointed to “bureaucratic hurdles and rigid labor-market regulations” as factors that often hinder job creation and discourage private investment, making it difficult for young people to find work.

“In the most affected countries the main reason for youth unemployment is to be found in insufficient economic growth and diversification, in excessive bureaucracy and short-sighted protectionist policies, which along with some level of local hurdles, make it difficult for foreign-led investment to consider engaging those jurisdictions.”

Other challenges include a mismatch between education and the job market, and the types of employment on offer.

Infographic from World Bank 2022 report titled Jobs Undone: Reshaping the Role of Governments toward Markets and Workers in the Middle East and North Africa.

For example, informal employment is estimated to be as high as 77 percent of the total figure in Morocco, 69 percent in Egypt, 64 percent in the occupied Palestinian territories of West Bank and Gaza. By contrast, the rate is as low as 16 percent in Bahrain.

Informal employment often refers, among other cohorts, to domestic workers, street vendors, waste pickers and home-based workers such as garment makers, who are neither taxed nor monitored by the government.

“Informal employment lacks the same investment in talent and equal benefits as formal jobs,” Sonia Ben Jaafar, CEO of Abdulla Al-Ghurair Foundation, told Arab News.

Another critical issue in the data concerns women, accounting for just 20 percent of the MENA workforce, making it the lowest in the world. “Gender disparity is one of the many reasons a lot of young female youth are not a part of the existing workforce,” she said.

Not every MENA country is struggling to boost employment opportunities. Successful strategies in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, for instance, are helping these countries to diversify their economies beyond oil, invest in innovation hubs, and prioritize educational reforms that align with job-market needs.

“Emiratization policies have also shown some promising results, with more than 50,000 Emiratis joining the private sector in 2023 alone — exceeding the strategy’s expectations and broadening avenues for the workforce,” Ben Jaafar said.

It is no secret that many MENA economies rely disproportionately on extractive industries such as oil and gas, which experts believe is a major reason for the currently limited supply of employment opportunities beyond these sectors and government-backed entities.

“Economic diversification is crucial to creating a range of employment opportunities for the youth,” D’Ambrosio said. “This is being addressed with the deployment of massive investment in countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE.”

For example, Saudi Vision 2030 includes initiatives to reduce youth unemployment by boosting private-sector growth, promoting an entrepreneurial culture, expanding vocational and technical training, and encouraging investment in a range of new industries.

Infographic from World Bank 2022 report titled Jobs Undone: Reshaping the Role of Governments toward Markets and Workers in the Middle East and North Africa.

Similarly, the UAE’s National Program for Emiratization aims to increase the participation of nationals in the workforce and offers training and development programs to enhance the employability of Emirati youth.

“The UAE has become a very attractive jurisdiction for skilled and experienced professionals from North America, Europe and Asia,” D’Ambrosio said. “As time passes, such skills and experiences will be passed on to the local workforce, allowing greater employability of UAE nationals and residents.”

Additionally, the UAE and Qatar have sought to position themselves as international education hubs by attracting reputable institutions to establish schools and colleges. For the wider region, however, educational inequality remains a problem.

Nidhal Guessoum, professor of physics, astronomy and space science at the American University of Sharjah, believes the MENA region’s education sector is struggling to keep pace with rapid technological developments.

“People then fall victim to those developments. New graduates, dropouts and employees who are laid off because their jobs are no longer needed. And with the coming of age of artificial intelligence and its replacement of human workers, this trend will continue and accelerate,” he told Arab News.

“The education system in our region is notoriously sluggish and resistant to changes, yet we still focus on teaching content and ‘knowledge’ rather than skills, methods and possibilities.”

To help resolve this problem, Guessoum says governments must assemble standing committees of experts to constantly review trends in the world economy and advise on modifications to national curricula and industry.

Failure to adapt will only swell the ranks of unemployed young people as their skills fall short of current and future industrial requirements. According to Axiory Global’s D’Ambrosio, “there seems to be insufficient demand from regional organizations to employ those young people seeking employment.”

This translates into more young people joining the hunt for jobs, making it even more challenging for them to stand out individually to potential employers and secure a decent wage.

A 2019 report published by the IMF found that in most regions of the world, the duration of unemployment is shorter for young people than for adults, reflecting the natural tendency of youth to move between jobs more frequently.

However, in most MENA countries, youth unemployment appears to be the result of waiting for the right job. This means periods of unemployment may be longer on average, especially for educated youth, who may require more time to find a good job to match their skills.

“This is an important point, because it is the duration of unemployment, rather than its occurrence, that is most detrimental to human capital accumulation,” the IMF report said.

Placing the MENA ‘youth bulge’ approaches in perspective, Ben Jaafar said regional leaders are pivoting to more sustainable solutions that promote inclusion and create skill sets that are more fluid and flexible to match a changing economy.

“We are already starting to see policy shifts with respect to diversifying education-to-work pathways, as seen by the UAE Ministry of Education, which has already been open with its welcoming of online modality and consideration of stackable courses,” she said.

However, schools and colleges need to be equipped to implement engaging upskilling programs and initiatives that go beyond mere “employability.” Only then will young people be able to leverage their technical skills within various industries, Ben Jaafar said.

“To do this, we should not reduce educational leaders to job-certification professionals. They are cultivating a generation of critical thinkers to solve serious problems with our climate, our industry, our social connections, and all those pieces of our society that are at risk.”

Across the Arab world, she said, the youth unemployment problem is “complex and multifaceted,” a result of several external factors besides weak education systems.

The saving grace, according to Ben Jaafar, is that the current generation of young adults has the privilege of technological advancements and a variety of resources to guide their decisions.

“They realize the importance of education and want to succeed in life,” she said. “But they require proper guidance and pathways to be successful and be able to give back to the community.”

Source: arabnews.com

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Gulf funds’ increased buying lifts QSE sentiments; Islamic equities outperform

 AUGUST 13, 2023

SANTHOSH V. PERUMAL

The Qatar Stock Exchange Sunday opened the week on a stronger note with its key index gaining more than 42 points to inch towards 10,800 levels on the back of increased

The real estate, industrials and banking counters witnessed higher than average demand as the 20-stock Qatar Index rose 0.39% to 10,777.99 points.

The foreign institutions’ weakened net selling had its influence in the main market, whose year-to-date gains strengthened further to 0.91%.

The local retail investors’ lower net profit booking also had its say in the main bourse, which saw the index regain from an intraday low of 10,745 points.

The Arab individuals continued to be net buyers but with lesser intensity in the main market, whose capitalisation added QR1.8bn or 0.29% to QR632.01bn with small and microcap segments gaining the most.

The domestic institutions were seen bearish in the main bourse, which saw a total of 0.02mn exchange traded funds (sponsored by Masraf Al Rayan and Doha Bank) valued at QR0.09mn changed hands across nine deals.

The Gulf individual investors were increasingly into net profit booking in the main market, which saw no trading of sovereign bonds.

The Islamic index was seen outperforming the main index in the main market, which saw no trading of treasury bills.

The Total Return Index rose 0.39%, Al Rayan Islamic Index (Price) by 0.6% and All Share Index by 0.37% in the main bourse, whose trade turnover fell amidst higher volumes.

The realty sector index jumped 0.94%, industrials (0.67%), banks and financial services (0.5%), and consumer goods and services (0.19%); whereas insurance declined 0.95%, transport (0.47%) and telecom (0.18%).

Major gainers in the main market included Qatar General Insurance and Reinsurance, Qamco, QLM, Qatar German Medical Devices, Zad Holding, QIIB, Industries Qatar, Gulf International Services and Barwa. In the venture market, Mahhar Holding saw its shares appreciate in value.

Nevertheless, Dlala, Qatar Insurance, Beema, Inma Holding, Mazaya Qatar, Mannai Corporation, Nakilat and Gulf Warehousing were in the red in the major bourse.

The Gulf institutions’ net buying increased perceptibly to QR19.68mn compared to QR15.8mn on August 10.

The foreign institutions’ net selling declined noticeably to QR7.74mn against QR11.25mn the previous trading day.

The local retail investors’ net profit booking shrank markedly to QR111.94mn compared to QR13.9mn last Thursday.

The foreign individual investors’ net selling weakened notably to QR0.6mn against QR2.81mn on August 10.

However, the domestic funds were net sellers to the tune of QR2.6mn compared with net buyers of QR7.89mn the previous trading day.

The Gulf retail investors’ net profit booking grew marginally to QR0.35mn against QR0.08mn last Thursday.

The Arab individuals’ net buying decreased notably to QR3.55mn compared to QR4.34mn on August 10.

The Arab institutions had no major net exposure.

Trade volumes in the main market rose 17% to 159.85mn shares, while value declined 9% to QR334.63mn and deals by 27% to 11,121.

The venture market saw a 66% plunge in trade volumes to 0.63mn equities, 69% in value to QR1.24mn and 68% in transactions to 117.

Source: gulf-times.com

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Saudis participate in the 25th World Scout Jamboree in South Korea

August 13, 2023

NADA HAMEED

JEDDAH: The Saudi Arabian Scouts Association participated in the 25th World Scout Jamboree, a 12-day event held in South Korea.

More than 43,000 youths, both male and female, represented 158 nations at the event which was held under the theme “Draw Your Dream.”

Scouts from the Kingdom, between the ages of 14 and 17, took part in the camp’s diverse activities, including adventure programs, educational initiatives, and the exploration of South Korea’s cultural heritage.

Saudi rangers and leaders also made their mark as part of the international service team as they worked at the development village.

Their tasks included extending hospitality in a traditional Saudi tent; showcasing the Kingdom’s offerings through multiple programs; participating in the international peace messengers board; curating the Saudi scout exhibition; and delivering traditional arts and dances.

Mubarak Al-Dosari, a trailblazing scout and the overseer of the SASA’s media committee, told Arab News that a primary objective of participation was to shed light on Saudi Arabia’s involvement in such events down the years, beginning with the camp in Greece in 1963.

He added: “The camp has the additional goal of showcasing the noteworthy initiatives undertaken by Saudi scouts in the realm of community service, as well as their significant contributions toward the attainment of sustainable development.”

Saudis took part in the mishlah scout initiative. This involved adorning the bisht — a masculine cloak worn over an ankle-length tunic, known as a thobe, in the Arab region — with an array of scout badges from local, regional and international events.

The bisht, which is available in colors such as black, brown, gray, beige, and white, holds significant cultural importance as the most traditional Saudi attire. It also carries an air of prestige and is closely associated with royalty, opulence, and formal ceremonies. While it finds particular popularity in Saudi Arabia, it is also worn in other Gulf nations.

The bisht was adorned with 250 commemorative badges representing various scouting events. These feature intricate embroidery with an array of colors, images, and slogans.

Al-Dosari said: “This initiative holds significant importance as it chronicles scouting events and serves as a platform for friendly competition among scouts worldwide who avidly collect these keepsakes.

“This practice contributes to the preservation of scouting history and facilitates a deeper understanding of different cultures by exploring the elements encapsulated in these commemorative insignias — whether in writing, artwork, or photography.”

Visitors to the Saudi pavilion took the opportunity to wear the bisht and take photographs.

Those visiting the pavilion included Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf; Ahmad Alhendawi, the secretary-general and CEO of the World Organization of the Scout Movement; and Amr Hamdy, the regional director of the Arab Scout Region.

The bisht initiative has extended its influence across various countries worldwide. Saudi scout delegations participating in international events take the bisht with them, and this has occurred in countries such as Japan, the Netherlands, Armenia, and Morocco.

The camp also included a photo exhibition that told the story of the association’s participation at scout events over the years.

The Saudi pavilion in the Global Development Village boasted an exhibit that enabled visitors to identify the regions of the Kingdom and learn about present and future projects in each of them.

A closing ceremony was held at Seoul World Cup Stadium on Saturday with South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo in attendance.

The closing event, which was witnessed by more than 40,000 participants, guests, and organizers, featured a video showcase of the camp’s highlights.

Poland is set to host the 26th World Scout Jamboree in 2027.

Source: arabnews.com

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Europe

 

Terrorism ‘very likely’ in Sweden in wake of Koran-burning protests

James Jackson

 14 August 2023

British travellers have been warned that terrorists are “very likely” to carry out an attack on Sweden following a series of protests in which the Koran has been burnt.

Right-wing extremists have been burning the holy book over what they claim is rampant immigration in Sweden and Turkey’s repression of Kurdish minorities.

In a warning to tourists, the Foreign Office said: “Terrorists are very likely to try and carry out attacks in Sweden. You should maintain a high level of vigilance in public spaces.”

“Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners.”

“The authorities in Sweden have successfully disrupted a number of planned attacks and made a number of arrests,” it added.

High-profile demonstrations

One of the most high-profile desecrations of the book was last month by an Iraqi living in Sweden.

Salwan Momika stomped on and kicked a copy of the Koran outside the Iraqi Embassy in Stockholm.

The act sparked outrage in the Muslim world, with demands that Sweden and Denmark – where Koran burnings have also occurred – ban such acts. On pro-Islamic State media, Muslims in Europe have been urged to attack the “crusaders”.

Both governments have condemned the burnings and said they are considering new laws that could stop them. But doing so would be divisive.

Neither country has a law specifically prohibiting the burning or desecration of the Koran or other religious texts, and like many Western countries, they do not have any blasphemy laws.

In Sweden, politicians on the Right argue that banning the burning of the book would curtail free speech, while those on the left and in the center say it is necessary to avoid further hostilities.

In July, protesters in Iraq set the Swedish embassy in Baghdad ablaze.

Several videos posted to the Telegram group, One Baghdad, showed people gathering around the Swedish embassy after midnight chanting pro-Sadr slogans and storming the embassy complex about an hour later. Smoke was seen rising in the embassy complex.

‘Priority target’

Henrik Landerholm, Sweden’s national security adviser, said: “The security situation has deteriorated and Sweden has gone from being a legitimate to a priority target.

“The government and responsible authorities are following developments.”

Ulf Kristersson, the Swedish prime minister, echoed the concerns and proposed a strengthening of border controls.

“It is extremely important to stop dangerous people from coming to Sweden,” said Mr Kristersson.

Several Muslim countries have summoned Sweden and Denmark’s ambassadors to condemn the book burnings.

Source: uk.news.yahoo.com

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Harlow residents 'shocked' over 'stupid arson attack' on Northbrook mosque

ByDeclan O'Reilly

13 AUG 2023

Members of Harlow’s Muslim community have said that the recent arson attack on Northbrook mosque is not characteristic of the treatment they receive from people in the town. The incident, which police say they are treating as racially aggravated, took place on Tuesday evening (August 8) and resulted in the arrest of two teenage boys, who are now released on bail.

It led to messages of support from people in Harlow including MP Robert Halfon, who said he was “shocked and saddened”. “Harlow is a welcoming town and there is no place for hate, discrimination or prejudice in our community and I condemn this abhorrent attack,” he added.

Jamal Uddin, secretary at Northbrook Mosque, where the attack took place, said: “We did not expect this kind of thing. Most people in Harlow are so kind.”

EssexLive spoke to people outside the Islamic Community Centre as they left afternoon prayer about the incident and their experiences as Muslims in Harlow.

One man, Fouzi Boulahlabi, who works at ASDA in the town centre where he meets a lot of people, said: “I’ve lived here for twenty years and so far so good. They say in Harlow there is a lot of racism but I haven’t experienced anything. The attack was surprising, to be honest."

Emad El Sayed, said: “We used to have problems around here, not very often, and then they disappeared. When we heard about the incident it absolutely hurt us. It's just very stupid.

“I think the majority of people in Harlow respect the Muslim community, but you are always going to have some people that have their own ideas.”

Khalid Javid, who co-founded the centre nearly twenty years ago, said that the response to incidents like this needs to be aimed at creating togetherness. “What helps is sitting down and speaking to people to overcome misconceptions they may have,” he said.

But he said that the attack does not align with his experiences growing up in Harlow: “I was born and bred in this town and have never experienced any kind of discrimination. I walk around the town in my Islamic clothing and nobody says anything. You are going to have small incidents, and they knock you back, but the fire was an isolated incident.”

“There are individuals, of faith as well as of no faith, who are going to do abhorrent things. Fundamentally, we are all in this country together, we are all on this island together, so let's get along.”

Source: essexlive.news

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UK warns of terror risk in EU state

14 Aug, 2023

The heightened threat level in Sweden follows a string of Quran burnings

UK warns of terror risk in EU state

People enjoy sunny weather in a park in Stockholm, Sweden, July 27, 2023 © AP / Pavel Golovkin

The British government has advised citizens traveling to Sweden to stay “vigilant at this time” due to the increased threat of extremist violence.

“Terrorists are very likely to try and carry out attacks in Sweden. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners,” the UK Foreign Office’s travel advice published on Sunday reads.

The statement added that Swedish authorities have already “disrupted a number of planned attacks and made a number of arrests.”

According to the Swedish police website, the risk of terrorism is currently at level 3, meaning there is an “elevated threat.”

In a statement acknowledging the change in the UK’s travel advice, Sweden’s national security advisor Henrik Landerholm acknowledged that the security situation has deteriorated due to recent Quran-burning stunts.

Protesters storm Swedish embassy following Koran burningREAD MORE: Protesters storm Swedish embassy following Koran burning

In late July, two Christian Iraqi refugees stomped on a copy of the Quran and set fire to some pages in front of the Swedish Parliament. The men had staged similar controversial acts on two previous occasions. The incident sparked an outcry from Muslim-majority nations, with Iraq expelling the Swedish ambassador and recalling its own envoy from Stockholm.

Sweden’s freedom of speech laws permit the burning of holy texts, but the international protests have sparked fears of an Islamist backlash.

The Swedish government has been criticized for refusing to extend its law on hate crimes to include Quran desecration, arguing that such changes would violate freedom of expression.

In early August, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson admitted that the Swedish government was in daily contact with the intelligence services “about the threat of a retaliatory terror attack,” adding that the Quran burnings had shifted Sweden from being a “legitimate target” for terror groups to a “priority target.”

Kristersson also said his government was considering legislation that would allow police to stop people burning the Muslim holy book in cases where there is a threat to national security.

Russia’s State Duma has condemned Stockholm for allowing such public acts, claiming that the city authorities were fully aware that their actions would lead to heightened religious and ethnic tensions.

Source: rt.com

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Germany’s Scholz welcomes Saudi-led Ukraine summit, calls for more diplomatic efforts

13 August 2023

FRANKFURT: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Sunday welcomed a recent Saudi-led summit on a peace settlement to end the fighting in Ukraine, and called for further diplomatic efforts.

Representatives from more than 40 countries including China, Germany, India and the US took part in last weekend’s gathering in Jeddah.

“It makes sense for us to continue these talks, because they increase the pressure on Russia to realize that it has taken the wrong path and that it must withdraw its troops and make peace possible,” Scholz said in his annual summer interview with German broadcaster ZDF.

Similar international talks to discuss a path toward peace also took place in Copenhagen in June.

Scholz called the talks in Denmark and Saudi Arabia, held at the level of foreign policy advisers, “very special.”

He continued: “They are very important and they are really only the beginning.”

Ukraine on Monday said it had been “satisfied” with the Saudi summit during which Kyiv sought to drum up support for its 10-point peace plan, including the full withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory.

Moscow meanwhile said a peace settlement was only possible if Kyiv put down its arms.

More than a year after Russia’s invasion, Ukraine launched a highly anticipated counteroffensive in June after stockpiling Western weapons. But it has struggled to make headway in the face of stiff Russian resistance.

Kyiv has repeatedly asked Berlin for long-range Taurus cruise missiles to boost its efforts, but Germany has so far resisted amid concerns the weapons could reach Russian territory and widen the conflict.

Scholz reiterated in the interview that Germany was now the second-biggest supplier of military assistance to Ukraine after the United States.

But on the issue of sending Taurus missiles to Ukraine, the chancellor remained vague.

“As in the past, we will always review every single decision very carefully, what is possible, what makes sense, what can be our contribution,” Scholz said.

Source: arabnews.com

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North America

 

Senators move to ‘reclaim space’ in renewed tussle with judiciary

August 14, 2023

Ikram Junaidi

ISLAMABAD: Leader of the House in Senate Ishaq Dar, along with parliamentary leaders of eight different parties, have termed the apex court ruling against the Supreme Court (Review of Judgments and Orders) Act 2023 — aimed at expanding the scope of its review jurisdiction — ‘unconstitutional’ and an ‘interference in the ambit of the parliament’.

Taking exception to the Friday decision of the top court, which reverses what the opposition calls a piece of legislation to help ex-premier Nawaz Sharif challenge his disqualification, the senators signed a declaration alleging that the decision badly affects the freedom and independence of parliament.

Through the declaration, released on Sunday, the legislators expressed their astonishment why the SC issued the verdict that had been reserved for several weeks, just a day after the dissolution of the National Assembly.

Besides Ishaq Dar and PML-N’s Azam Nazeer Tarar, PPP senator Yousuf Raza Gillani, JUI-F’s Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, Balo­chistan Awami Party’s Manzoor Ahmed Kakar, National Party’s Tahir Bizenjo, Pashtun­khwa Milli Awami Party’s Sha­fique Tareen, Awami Nati­onal Party’s Hidayatullah and Balochistan National Party (Mengal) Senator Mohammad Qasim signed the declaration.

The declaration points out that the Constitution clearly identifies the limits/powers of the state institutions. “Only parliament can do the legislation and Supreme Court’s ruling that the rules of the apex court are superior than act of parliament is unconstitutional and unfortunate. The court should avoid interfering in the ambit of the parliament.”

On the other hand, the Senate may also have a heated debate during this week over the issue, as PML-N senator Irfan Siddiqui submitted an adjournment motion, urging the upper house of parliament to discuss repercussions of the Supreme Court order that he said had ‘violated sanctity of the parliament’.

On August 11, a day after the dissolution of 15th National Assembly of Pakistan, the SC pronounced the landmark decision reserved since June 2023.

According to the motion, the move does not reflect ‘good intention’ on part of the court as it ‘curtailed powers of the parliament’. “The senate should immediately discuss the matter and take legal action against the insult,” the PML-N senator said.

“There can be no bigger insult to the parliament and democracy that three judges not only strike down a law that does not conform to their rules but bar parliament from legislation on the subject,” he added.

“The court order gives the impression that the Supreme Court rules are superior to parliament’s power to legislate,” it stated.

The senator shed light on the fact that the apex court decisions under Article 184(3) had no remedy though there was right to appeal against decision of lower courts. “This is against basic human rights and contrary to the spirit of justice,” he said.

‘Murder of justice’

The seven-point motion elaborates that the key legislation was passed by 442 members of the parliament and the objective was to ensure right to ‘fair trial’ as enshrined under Article 10-A.

Responding to the argument that the framers of the constitution did not give right to appeal under Article 184(3), the PML-N senator said they would not have imagined the time when the scope of the said provision would have no limits. “If the framers of the constitution had any idea that this indiscriminate and unfair use of discretion could one day ban a citizen from politics, they would probably have scrapped this provision or given the right to appeal,” Senator Siddiqui asserted.

He said in the adjournment motion that depriving a person of the right to appeal was akin to ‘murder of justice’.

The detailed verdict pronounced by the bench comprising Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Ijazul Ahsan stated that the Supreme Court (Review of Judgments and Orders) Act 2023 was “repugnant to and ultra vires the Constitution” while being beyond the legislative competence of parliament.

“It is accordingly struck down as null and void and of no legal effect,” stated the order that the CJP-led bench had reserved on June 19.

The bench then observed the decision had been reserved as it could determine the fate of the Election Commission of Pakistan’s review against the April 4 verdict of fixing May 14 as the date for holding Punjab Assembly election.

The bill was moved by the close confidant of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, Senator Siddiqui, through supplementary agenda. The house allowed its immediate consideration with a majority vote and passed it on May 5, as the government claimed it was aimed at strengthening the Supreme Court power to review judgements and orders though the opposition saw it an attempt to reverse Mr Sharif’s disqualification.

The law had expanded the jurisdiction of the court by giving a right to appeal under Article 184(3), which grants the court powers to issue an order if it considers a question of public importance with reference to the enforcement of fundamental rights involved. Under the law, the scope of a review would be similar to Article 185, which confers appellate jurisdiction to the top court.

Source: dawn.com

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Saleh Muslim: “Damascus Government Does not Have Strength to Take Decision to Remove Turkey from Syrian Territory”

 August 14th, 2023

Saleh Muslim, the co-chairman of the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD), a prominent party within Syria’s Autonomous Administration, emphasized that the current Damascus government lacks the strength and capacity to expel Turkey from Syrian territory unilaterally.

Muslim highlighted the ongoing conflict among major powers in Syria, noting their lack of consensus on Turkey’s withdrawal from the region. He elaborated that Tehran maintains certain interests with Ankara, hindering its support for Turkey’s departure, whereas Russia aims to advance its strategic plans in collaboration with Turkey.

Iranian Officials Seek to Enhance Economic and Trade Ties with Damascus

Muslim further pointed out that the international coalition is cautious not to antagonize Turkey, a NATO ally, even though their objectives are not aligned with Turkey’s stance. He previously reported that despite being led by the United States, the international coalition has been unable to prevent Turkey’s incursions into areas controlled by the Autonomous Administration in northeastern Syria.

Saleh Muslim emphasized that the reticence of concerned parties is a recurring issue. He underlined their lack of insight into closed-door discussions and denied any engagement with Damascus or Moscow on this matter.

Megan Bodette, the director of research at the Kurdish Peace Institute, shared her perspective that the United States tends to focus on northern and eastern Syria and the Kurdish question solely during crises. She emphasized the necessity for a proactive approach from Washington to foster peace between Turkey and the regions of northern and eastern Syria.

The Autonomous Administration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) expressed discontent with the silence exhibited by its allies in the international coalition, as well as the guarantor states (Russia and the United States), regarding the persistent Turkish assaults on northeastern Syria. They viewed these attacks as contradictory to efforts aimed at stability promotion and counter-terrorism endeavours.

Source: syrianobserver.com

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Mosque collapses in Nigeria during prayers, killing 7 worshippers

Aug 13, 2023

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — A part of a mosque collapsed while hundreds of people were inside for prayers Friday, and seven worshippers were killed, authorities said in northwestern Nigeria’s Kaduna state.

The Zaria Central Mosque is in Zaria, which is one of northern Nigeria’s largest cities.

“Twenty-three persons were affected and evacuated to the hospital by our fire servicemen,” the state Emergency Management Agency said. State officials said the mosque was constructed in the 1830s.

‘Black August’ reminds us our collective power is insurmountable

Videos apparently recorded at the scene showed a wide opening where a part of the roof fell in.

The victims were buried while prayers were held for them at the mosque.

Kaduna Gov. Uba Sani ordered an immediate investigation into the disaster and promised to assist those affected by the “heartbreaking incident.” His office said an advance team was already in Zaria.

The mosque’s collapse comes after more than a dozen building failures in the West African nation in the last year. Authorities often blame such disasters on a failure by officials to enforce building safety regulations and on poor maintenance.

Source: thegrio.com

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https://thegrio.com/2023/08/13/nigera-mosque-collapse-deadly/

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Pakistan

 

Senators move to ‘reclaim space’ in renewed tussle with judiciary

August 14, 2023

Ikram Junaidi

ISLAMABAD: Leader of the House in Senate Ishaq Dar, along with parliamentary leaders of eight different parties, have termed the apex court ruling against the Supreme Court (Review of Judgments and Orders) Act 2023 — aimed at expanding the scope of its review jurisdiction — ‘unconstitutional’ and an ‘interference in the ambit of the parliament’.

Taking exception to the Friday decision of the top court, which reverses what the opposition calls a piece of legislation to help ex-premier Nawaz Sharif challenge his disqualification, the senators signed a declaration alleging that the decision badly affects the freedom and independence of parliament.

Through the declaration, released on Sunday, the legislators expressed their astonishment why the SC issued the verdict that had been reserved for several weeks, just a day after the dissolution of the National Assembly.

Besides Ishaq Dar and PML-N’s Azam Nazeer Tarar, PPP senator Yousuf Raza Gillani, JUI-F’s Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, Balo­chistan Awami Party’s Manzoor Ahmed Kakar, National Party’s Tahir Bizenjo, Pashtun­khwa Milli Awami Party’s Sha­fique Tareen, Awami Nati­onal Party’s Hidayatullah and Balochistan National Party (Mengal) Senator Mohammad Qasim signed the declaration.

The declaration points out that the Constitution clearly identifies the limits/powers of the state institutions. “Only parliament can do the legislation and Supreme Court’s ruling that the rules of the apex court are superior than act of parliament is unconstitutional and unfortunate. The court should avoid interfering in the ambit of the parliament.”

On the other hand, the Senate may also have a heated debate during this week over the issue, as PML-N senator Irfan Siddiqui submitted an adjournment motion, urging the upper house of parliament to discuss repercussions of the Supreme Court order that he said had ‘violated sanctity of the parliament’.

On August 11, a day after the dissolution of 15th National Assembly of Pakistan, the SC pronounced the landmark decision reserved since June 2023.

According to the motion, the move does not reflect ‘good intention’ on part of the court as it ‘curtailed powers of the parliament’. “The senate should immediately discuss the matter and take legal action against the insult,” the PML-N senator said.

“There can be no bigger insult to the parliament and democracy that three judges not only strike down a law that does not conform to their rules but bar parliament from legislation on the subject,” he added.

“The court order gives the impression that the Supreme Court rules are superior to parliament’s power to legislate,” it stated.

The senator shed light on the fact that the apex court decisions under Article 184(3) had no remedy though there was right to appeal against decision of lower courts. “This is against basic human rights and contrary to the spirit of justice,” he said.

‘Murder of justice’

The seven-point motion elaborates that the key legislation was passed by 442 members of the parliament and the objective was to ensure right to ‘fair trial’ as enshrined under Article 10-A.

Responding to the argument that the framers of the constitution did not give right to appeal under Article 184(3), the PML-N senator said they would not have imagined the time when the scope of the said provision would have no limits. “If the framers of the constitution had any idea that this indiscriminate and unfair use of discretion could one day ban a citizen from politics, they would probably have scrapped this provision or given the right to appeal,” Senator Siddiqui asserted.

He said in the adjournment motion that depriving a person of the right to appeal was akin to ‘murder of justice’.

The detailed verdict pronounced by the bench comprising Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Ijazul Ahsan stated that the Supreme Court (Review of Judgments and Orders) Act 2023 was “repugnant to and ultra vires the Constitution” while being beyond the legislative competence of parliament.

“It is accordingly struck down as null and void and of no legal effect,” stated the order that the CJP-led bench had reserved on June 19.

The bench then observed the decision had been reserved as it could determine the fate of the Election Commission of Pakistan’s review against the April 4 verdict of fixing May 14 as the date for holding Punjab Assembly election.

The bill was moved by the close confidant of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, Senator Siddiqui, through supplementary agenda. The house allowed its immediate consideration with a majority vote and passed it on May 5, as the government claimed it was aimed at strengthening the Supreme Court power to review judgements and orders though the opposition saw it an attempt to reverse Mr Sharif’s disqualification.

The law had expanded the jurisdiction of the court by giving a right to appeal under Article 184(3), which grants the court powers to issue an order if it considers a question of public importance with reference to the enforcement of fundamental rights involved. Under the law, the scope of a review would be similar to Article 185, which confers appellate jurisdiction to the top court.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1769949/senators-move-to-reclaim-space-in-renewed-tussle-with-judiciary

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DiplomatsCommunity In IslamabadFelicitate Pakistanis On Independence Day

August 14, 2023

ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: The diplomatic community in Islamabad has wholeheartedly felicitated Pakistan and its people on the 76th Independence Day being celebrated today (Monday) across the country and around the world where Pakistanis are living.

While expressing solidarity with the Pakistani people on the occasion of Pakistan Independence Day, the US Ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Bloom, has expressed his commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations with Pakistan.

Donald Bloom, in his message on behalf of the US embassy and the people of the United States, congratulated the Pakistani nation on their Independence Day. Bloom said: “If we look at the last year alone, it’s proof of the strength of the US-Pakistan relations. The two countries worked together on energy, health, climate change and rehabilitation of last year’s flood victims. The US-Pakistan green alliance is an initiative for the future that will help create jobs, industries and livelihoods of people including addressing key environmental issues. Both countries will work towards establishing a more stable, strong, and prosperous future through mutual initiatives.”

British High Commissioner to Pakistan Ms Jaine Marriott, CMG, OBE, said in her congratulatory message: “Today we celebrate your successes, and I am delighted at the progress made on the relationship between the UK and Pakistan over the last 76 years. I am even more excited at the many wonderful opportunities over the next year, not limited to the return of the England Men’s Cricket Team to Pakistan in 2024, as well as witnessing Pakistan’s elections. I wish all Pakistanis a very happy Independence Day”.

Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for Pakistan Hammad Obaid Alzaabi in his statement issued here Sunday said, “In my 7th year in this beautiful country, it gives me great privilege to be celebrating with my Pakistani brothers and sisters, Pakistan Independence Day.

Through wise forethought, diplomatic efforts, and trade and business exchanges enacted over the last few years, the UAE and Pakistan relationship has become a successful model for bilateral relations and has been elevating to another level, closer than ever.

“Our collaboration today went way beyond economic affairs, it has extended into the domains of education, culture, science, and technology.” The UAE ambassador said, “I sincerely wish further progress and continued success to our friends, the Pakistani people and may you enjoy continued peace and prosperity during this Independence Day celebration and beyond.” Some other important countries missions have also issued statements of goodwill for Pakistan and its people on the auspicious day.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1100028-diplomats-felicitate-pakistanis-on-independence-day

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Pakistan celebrates 76 years of independence as leaders call for unity

August 14, 2023

Pakistan is celebrating the 76 years of independence today (Monday) with patriotic zeal and fervour, with commemorative ceremonies being held in cities across the country.

The day dawned with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and a 21-gun salute in the provincial headquarters.

Change of guard ceremonies were also held at Mazar-i-Quaid in Karachi and Mazar-i-Iqbal in Lahore.

Further, a flag hoisting ceremony was also held in Islamabad where President Dr Arif Alvi was the chief guest.

PM, president call for national unity

In their messages for Independence Day, President Alvi and outgoing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasised the need for national unity to surmount social, political, economic and security challenges.

“Let’s resolve that we will not hesitate to offer any sacrifice for the security, prosperity and development of the country,” the president said.

Alvi extended congratulations to all compatriots and urged a renewed commitment towards building a stronger, more prosperous Pakistan, as “envisioned by the Father of the Nation”.

“I urge my fellow countrymen to work for the welfare and uplift of deprived sections of our society. Let’s pledge to uphold the principles of democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance, forgiveness, socio-economic justice, and moral and ethical values, as enunciated by Islam,” the president said.

On this important day, the president said, the nation should also remember their oppressed brothers and sisters in held Kashmir, who have been facing Indian atrocities for decades.

“We stand with our Kashmiri brethren and assure them of unwavering and continuous political, diplomatic, and moral support for their legitimate right to self-determination,” he reiterated.

Meanwhile, the outgoing prime minister underlined the need to summon the spirit that marked the Independence Movement and employ the lesson of unity and self-belief to chart the way forward.

“There is no denying the importance of many milestones we have achieved in the last seven and a half decades, often against opposing circumstances. We have faced the worst natural disasters, conflicts and wars and always managed to build back better,” he said.

The outgoing premier extended his heartfelt congratulations to the entire nation, including overseas Pakistanis, on the occasion of the Independence Day.

“Today, we pay rich tributes to the men, women and children who got together under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah to struggle for the creation of a land they could call home,” he added.

In this process, the PM said, they set a magnificent example of dedication and devotion to the cause of Pakistan.

Furthermore, PM Shehbaz stated that on this day, the nation stands in unwavering solidarity with the oppressed people of held Kashmir, who are persistently fighting for their right to self-determination.

Source: dawn.com

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Pakistan knows how to defend its freedom: COAS

August 14, 2023

KAKUL: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Asim Munir paid tribute to the nation’s founding fathers, emphasising the significance of Independence Day and the spirit behind the creation of Pakistan “rooted in the ideology of the Two Nation Theory” and stressing that the country knew how to defend its hard-earned freedom.

In his address at the Azadi Parade marking the country’s 76th independence anniversary, the army chief said the nation had “maintained this tradition of celebrating freedom, equality and quest for happiness, which we must continue to cherish”.

The gathering was held at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul late on Sunday.

Gen Munir praised the country’s vast resources and the enthusiasm of its youth, urging them to remain steadfast in faith, unity and discipline.

Acknowledging the myriad of challenges faced by the nation, from geopolitical wrangling to internal threats, the COAS struck a defiant tone. “Let me caution them all, in the words of our great Quaid, ‘There is no power on earth which can undo Pakistan’,” he said, asserting that the army stood ready to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty at all costs.

Gen Munir also took the occasion to express solidarity with the people of held Kashmir, condemning the international community’s lack of action against Indian actions in the region.

“It is for the conscience of the international community to realise that Indian excesses in Kashmir have gone unaddressed and the right to freedom and self-determination is being denied at the altar of geopolitical necessity,” he added.

He also expressed gratitude to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, “who are resiliently fighting against the savages of terrorism and proxies for over two decades”.

Addressing India, the COAS made it clear that Pakistan knew how to defend its freedom and would not be cowed by aggressive designs. “I must say that we gained freedom after a great struggle and we know how to defend it,” he said and also urged Afghanistan to ensure its soil isn’t used against Pakistan.

Highlighting the importance of regional cooperation, Gen Munir mentioned strengthened ties with long-standing allies such as China, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Turkiye, Qatar and Iran.

Towards the end of his address, Gen Munir urged the nation to “stand united and rise above self to serve Pakistan in whatever ways it demands of us”. He added: “Always remember, Pakistan is our identity, and the rationale to exist — Pakistan hai, to hum hain!”

Source: dawn.com

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Uncertainty still surrounds Nawaz’s return

August 14, 2023

Atika Rehman

LONDON: Reports of the impending return of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif are once again making the rounds, but with no official announcement from Nawaz himself, and no date set, both his party and supporters back home are in the dark about when he will actually leave London, where he has been based since 2019.

Over the last year, especially since the ouster of PTI Chairman Imran Khan and the change at the helm in April 2022, at several points some PML-N leaders claimed that the senior Sharif is “coming back to Pakistan next month”.

At the end of June, when the PML-N leader was in Dubai, many in his party hoped that, being less than three hours away by air, he may come back to Pakistan. In fact, a letter was sent out by Rana Sanaullah to PML-N presidents and divisional secretaries in mid-July instructing them to inform their MNAs, MPAs and party workers to prepare for the return of Nawaz Sharif.

“Whenever the leadership sets a date, the preparations for Mian Nawaz Sharif’s return should be complete and caravans should come from the union council level,” it said. But no date emerged, and Nawaz left the UAE, went to Europe for a break, and returned to London this month.

One PML-N insider told Dawn he may not return before the new CJP is sworn in.

“We have to see if he comes in the presence of this CJP or not. We cannot take a risk, he is 74, he is diabetic, two heart surgeries and multiple ailments. Can’t put him in the position that can put his life in danger.”

Speaking to Dawn, Khawaja Asif said: “Mian sb will come in September, that is certain. But when in September, that has to be decided.”

Last week, in response to a question by an anchor, outgoing prime minister and Nawaz’s younger brother Shehbaz Sharif said Nawaz will return in September.

Given past claims, is this fresh announcement of Nawaz’s return simply wishful thinking or is the senior leader’s return imminent? Party sources and insiders link his return to two key factors: the first being the announcement of the general election schedule, and the second, the movement on cases Nawaz is currently embroiled in.

“Shahbaz Sharif may have made an off the cuff remark when the question was posed to him, but no date has been set for Nawaz’s return,” one party leader told Dawn. “His return is linked to the announcement of a date for the election. Until then, there is nothing concrete.”

The leader said that the date September 16 is being floated, but only because it is linked to the retirement of Justice Umar Ata Bandial, whom Nawaz has been a vocal critic of, and whom the party feels will not take a lenient view in the cases against him.

“Nawaz is declared an absconder by the high court, so he has to surrender to the court and let the court decide if he will be sent to jail, or if he will be allowed to serve his sentence under house arrest – which is the lenient view,” the leader added.

Then, the leader said, is the question of his appeals against conviction and the question of whether his disqualification is limited to five years.

In the past, many senior PML-N figures have told Dawn that the elder Sharif’s return is “critical” before the country goes to the polls, as his presence will give the party a boost and revitalise workers.

This time, too, a senior party member shared that his return is a must before elections, as only he can galvanise the party and voter into action through his physical presence.

“No discussion has taken place between the party leadership and senior leaders,” another PML-N leader told Dawn, adding “he should be here (in Pakistan) but we have not been informed or engaged on this issue at all”.

Source: dawn.com

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PM-designate assures nation of ‘fair polls’

August 14, 2023

Saleem Shahid

• Kakar gives up BAP, Senate seat

• Mengal unhappy, says interim PM’s appointment widened gulf between his BNP and PML-N

• Shehbaz terms Kakar ‘most suitable’ person to lead caretaker set-up

QUETTA: A day after his nomination as the caretaker prime minister, Anwarul Haq Kakar on Sunday announced his resignation from the Senate as well as the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), which he founded in 2018.

On the other hand, PML-N’s key ally in Balochistan, Akhtar Mengal who heads the Balochistan National Party, in a letter to former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, expressed dismay over the appointment of Mr Kakar without consultations with allies.

In a statement posted on his ‘X’ handle (formerly known as Twitter), Mr Kakar said: “Owing to the fundamental responsibility conferred upon me as the caretaker prime minister, I have decided to surrender my membership of the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and relinquish my Senate position.”

According to Geo News, Mr Kakar stepped down from his post because he wants to be an impartial interim premier. The media outlet quoted him as saying that since it was his responsibility to hold free and fair elections, for which he has to cooperate with the Election Commission, he had decided to resign.

Earlier, a statement issued by outgoing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed confidence that Mr Kakar would ensure fair elections. The statement issued by the PM’s Office said the “trust reposed by all parties in Kakar’s name proves their proper choice as the upcoming caretaker PM is an educated person and a patriot”.

According to PM Shehbaz, the name of Anwarul Haq Kakar was decided upon under a constitutional process as he was the “most suitable person” to head the interim set-up.

‘Gulf widened’

In his letter to the PML-N supreme leader, Akhtar Mengal expressed serious reservations over the appointment of Mr Kakar as the caretaker PM and said the decision “further widened the distance between” the BNP-M and PML-N.

“Nomination of a man as caretaker prime minister has not only closed the doors of politics for us but such kind of decisions further widened distances between BNP and PML-N,” he said, expressing displeasure over the appointment of a politician from his rival party as the caretaker premier.

Mr Mengal lamented the actions of politicians to approach the establishment for the solution of every problem instead of resolving issues politically. He cited a letter written to Mr Sharif on July 22, hoping the “issues would reduce by now, but instead they increased”.

“Mian Sahib, what has befallen us might be our fate, but what’s surprising is that you people, after facing hardships, haven’t learned any lessons. We remember the atrocities from General Ayub to General Musharraf. But your party forgets the conspiracies and unconstitutional actions of Musharraf and [ex-COAS] Bajwa too quickly.”

He said: “Once again, you’re weakening democratic institutions by legislating in the dark without involving allies, thereby strengthening undemocratic powers.”

Akhtar Mengal, who also served as the Balochistan chief minister, said: “Legislation contrary to human rights will probably be used against you in the future, [we know] because we, the residents of Balochistan, have not been considered as human beings since day one.”

He said taking decisions without the confidence of allies will only perpetuate the mistrust between larger and small provinces. The letter further said, “Laws are made and broken to protect their interests and pave the way for their future government, but on the contrary, it is against the law for the people of Balochistan to cry for their loved ones.”

He said the BNP-M thought this time maybe after those bitter experiences the PML-N “would have realised [its mistakes] now but it has failed us again like before”

He expressed that he wished the “true history of the past 76 years” was available in the textbooks of Pakistan studies so “maybe we would have learned from history but now we and you are answerable to history and will remain to do so”.

Towards the end of the letter, Akhtar Mengal made it clear that Mr Kakar’s nomination as the interim prime minister not only put an end to his politics but Mr Sharif’s decisions also “created more distance between the two”.

Zaki Abbas in Islamabad also contributed to this report

Source: dawn.com

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Consensus eludes Murad, opposition leader’s second meeting on caretaker CM

August 14, 2023

Imran Ayub

• Both sides exchange ‘too many’ names for interim set-up in Sindh

• Matter will be resolved amicably in today’s meeting, hopes Nasir Shah

KARACHI: Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Leader of the Opposition in the dissolved Sindh Assembly Rana Ansar met for a second time on Sunday but failed to reach a consensus on the caretaker chief minister.

The two sides will meet again on Monday (today) to finalise a consensus name to head the interim set-up.

Unlike their first sitting in which no names were discussed from any side, the chief minister and opposition leader exchanged names of their candidates with each other at the Sunday meeting held at the CM House.

Neither the CM nor Ms Ansar shared their names with the media.

Later, Ms Ansar confirmed that it was a “tough job” to reach a consensus in a few sittings.

“We are trying our best to reach a consensus and we are going to meet again one last time tomorrow [Monday] for final consultation,” she told reporters after meeting with CM Shah. “I am going to discuss details of today’s meeting with my leadership and then obviously we will also take our ally GDA into confidence before reaching any decision. So things may take time.”

However, she added if both sides fail to reach a consensus then the matter will be forwarded to a parliamentary committee to decide.

When asked about total number of the names exchanged by both sides, she said they were “too many” and it’s difficult to sort out and scan all the names in a few sittings to reach a consensus.

Senior PPP leader Nasir Hussain Shah also talked to the media after the meeting.

“The names proposed from both sides are well respected,” he said. “But nothing has been finalised yet. The consultation process is on so you can’t call it a failure or deadlock. Tomorrow, another meeting will be held and Insha’Allah the matter will be resolved amicably.”

As per the Constitution, the outgoing chief minister has to give three names for the caretaker CM and seek as many suggestions from the opposition leader within 48 hours of the dissolution of the assembly.

In case of an impasse, the Sindh Assembly speaker will form a committee comprising six members of the outgoing assembly with equal representation from the treasury and opposition. The CM and the opposition leader will forward two nominees each to the committee, which will have three days to evolve consensus on one name. If that fails as well, then the names of the nominees will be referred to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for a final decision within two days.

Political circles don’t rule out the possibility of the matter falling into the hands of the ECP.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1769998/consensus-eludes-murad-opposition-leaders-second-meeting-on-caretaker-cm

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‘15th NA displayed resilience to withstand existential pressures’

August 14, 2023

Jamal Shahid

ISLAMABAD: Seized with complex political, economic, judicial and constitutional challenges, the 15th National Assembly of Pakistan showcased a notable resilience to withstand the pressures on its existence and supremacy before completing its tenure on Aug 9, 2023, wielding legislative productivity that surpassed its three predecessors, said Free and Fair Election Network (Fafen) in a report released on Sunday.

The report said that despite 11 per cent fewer sittings, the legislative output of outgoing Assembly grew by 57 per cent to a total of 322 pieces of legislation as compared to the 14th National Assembly, which had passed 205 bills. The 13th Assembly had passed 134 bills and 12th Assembly only 51 bills during their respective terms.

The higher number of bills passed by the 15th National Assembly aside, the fact remains that most of these laws were bulldozed through the house and on some occasions the members even complained that the drafts were not shared with them.

The generous approval of the private members’ bills also remained a hallmark of the outgoing assembly, exhibiting collaborative spirit that steered the coalition government. More than 30pc of the approved legislation (99 bills) was initiated by private members and the remaining by the government.

It said that the legislative productivity was not the sole distinction of the 15th Assembly that also saw the first-ever successful vote of no confidence against a prime minister, resulting in the change of government.

Previously, two prime ministers faced voting on resolutions of no-confidence against them including Benazir Bhutto in 1989 and Shaukat Aziz in 2006. Both were able to retain their majority in the assembly.

The outgoing assembly was the first since 1977, to be dissolved voluntarily by the Leader of the House (Prime Minister) before the completion of its term. Except for 1993 when the assembly was dissolved under an arrangement with the establishment that saw both the president and prime minister resigning, all other preterm dissolutions were compelled by the presidential use of infamous Article 58 (2)(b).

A government-wise disaggregation of the approved bills showed the bulk of legislation (54pc) was made during the 16-month tenure of PML-N-led coalition government while PTI government oversaw the rest 46pc of the legislation in its three-and-half-year of rule. Nearly one-third of the government legislation approved by the House during PTI government’s tenure originated as presidential ordinances.

According to the report the assembly recorded 1,310 hours and 47 minutes of on-floor proceedings during its 52 sessions comprising 442 sittings in 687 working days. The assembly proceedings, however, remained suspended for 122 hours 11 minutes due to various reasons such as lack of quorum, prayer breaks, etc.

Approximately two-thirds of the assembly sittings (equivalent to 67pc) and working hours (amounting to 63pc) were completed during the PTI government’s tenure, which ended on April 9, 2022. The remaining one-third of the sittings, along with 37pc of the total working hours, were conducted during the tenure of the PML-N-led coalition government.

Asad Qaiser presided over 40pc of the proceedings himself during his term as the NA Speaker. Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri chaired nearly 39pc of the proceedings while members of the Panel of Chairpersons presided over the rest of 21pc proceedings. On the other hand, the Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf chaired 53pc proceedings himself.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1769944

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Senators of majority parties say: Power to legislate exclusive right of parliament

By Mumtaz Alvi

August 14, 2023

ISLAMABAD: Leaders of the majority parties’ alliance in the Senate Sunday said the power to legislate was an exclusive right of parliament, and the Supreme Court should avoid interference in its affairs. A declaration, issued by the Leader of the House in the Senate Muhammad Ishaq Dar, said: “There is a clear division of powers of the state institutions in the Constitution of Pakistan, and the power to legislation exclusively and only rests with the Parliament.”

They said the recent judgment of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, declaring null and void the Review of Judgments and Orders of the Supreme Court Act, 2023, undermined the parliament’s sovereignty and independence.

They pointed out the statement of the apex court in the verdict that the Supreme Court rules hold preference over the act of parliament is unfortunate and unconstitutional and that the top court should avoid interference in parliament’s powers. The leaders of parliamentary parties also contended that it was also surprising to announce a judgment, reserved for the last several weeks, only next day after the dissolution of the National Assembly.

They emphasised that in their opinion such judgments undermined the independence and sovereignty of parliament. They described the apex court judgment as disappointing.

The parliamentary parties’ leaders include ex-premier Yusuf Raza Gilani ofPPP, PMLN’s Azam Nazeer Tarar, Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri of JUIF, Manzoor Kakar of Balochistan Awami Party, Tahir Bizenjo of National Party, Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party’s Muhammad Shafiq Tareen, Haji Hidayatullah of Awami National Party and Balochistan National Party’s Muhammad Qasim.

A day earlier, PMLN Senator Irfan Siddiqui moved the Senate through an adjournment motion, seeking a debate in the House over the Supreme Court order that struck down the Supreme Court (Review of Judgments and Orders) Act 2023. The motion says the development did not reflect ‘good intention’ on the part of the apex court, as it had curtailed powers of parliament.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1100020-senators-of-majority-parties-sa-power-to-legislate-exclusive-right-of-parliament

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Nawaz to be next prime minister: Shehbaz

August 14, 2023

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Sunday said former prime minister and PMLN supreme leader Muhammad Nawaz Sharif would be elected as the next prime minister with the will of Almighty Allah. He expressed these views in an interview with a private TV channel.

Shehbaz said if Allah Almighty gave Nawaz an opportunity, he would change the fate of the country with his hard work, vision and teamwork.

The prime minister maintained that he could not even dream of breaking the record of Nawaz Sharif being the country’s premier three times and said he was coming back to Pakistan next month, reports Sabah.

Shehbaz said the majority of Pakistanis had rejected the anti-country and evil acts perpetrated by Imran Niazi and his gang on 9th May.

“I desire to see Pakistan as a welfare state during my life and start its journey towards putting an end to poverty and unemployment. These would give me satisfaction,” he added. “I am leaving while taking along the memories of 16 months. I did not face such issues, financial, economic, political and other challenges, I faced during these 16 months even during my career spanning over 38 years,” he remarked.

“During my college life, I learned foreign languages, which benefited me during the business life,” he said. Shehbaz noted that he had to see jail before being assigned the position of leader of the opposition. Difficulties come but one should not lose patience, he added. Shehbaz said he never thought he would become the prime minister adding that Nawaz Sharif would be the next prime minister with the will of Almighty Allah. “People love Nawaz Sharif very much. He is very humble. He faced a lot of challenges during his life. He deals with people with love and care. He is full of spirit of affection,” he said.

Meanwhile, in a statement released by the PM’s Office, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed the hope that Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar will ensure the conduct of transparent, free and impartial elections.

The premier’s message for Kakar came in a statement released by the PM’s Office on Sunday in which he also congratulated him for being selected for the coveted post.

The prime minister termed Kakar’s choice for the top position as a “welcoming” development as the senator hails from Balochistan.” PM Shehbaz referred to the caretaker prime minister as an educated and patriotic person. The premier said the administration under his own leadership had worked hard day and night to bring economic stability to the country in the last 16 months, hoping for Kakar’s interim government to continue ensuring the same policies for keeping the economy stable. He urged Kakar to ensure continuity of development, construction and economic improvement, which were essential for the betterment of Pakistan and its people.

The prime minister further thanked Leader of the Opposition Raja Riaz who helped in the consultation process. “A good name was agreed upon while following the constitutional procedure,” a statement released by the PM’s Office mentioned quoting the premier.

Online reports: Meantime, Shehbaz Sharif will take his wife Nusrat Shehbaz to London in the next few days for treatment. According to sources close to the Sharif family, Nusrat Shehbaz had been undergoing treatment at the Model Town Hospital for the last 6 days but her further treatment would be in London.

Shehbaz is scheduled to meet Nawaz Sharif in London. Several League leaders, including senior deputy president Maryam Nawaz and Ishaq Dar, are also likely to go to London in the next few days. During the London meeting, distribution of tickets in Punjab and possible seat adjustments for the upcoming elections will also come up for discussion.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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PM’s ‘apple of eye’ comment was sarcastic: Marriyum

August 14, 2023

ISLAMABAD: Former information minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has explained outgoing PM Shehbaz Sharif’s statement that he is the ‘apple of the establishment’s eye’, by clarifying that he had made the comment sarcastically.

Talking to Saleem Safi in Geo’s programme ‘Jirga’, Marriyum Aurangzeb said Shehbaz Sharif had made the comment in response to a journalist’s question. She said that after making the statement, the prime minister had then explained it as well by asking why he had been jailed during the Musharraf era if he were the apple of the eye of the establishment.

Marriyum Aurangzeb further explained that outgoing PM Shehbaz Sharif had asked that if he was ‘the apple of the eye’, then why was he incarcerated in Attock Jail, and Adiala and Kot Lakhpat jails; Shehbaz Sharif was jailed during Gen Kayani’s time as well as during Musharraf’s regime. The PM had also said that during Gen Bajwa’s tenure, his daughters were also dragged to NAB courts.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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Southeast Asia

 

Ex-Federal Court judge to head Sarawak sovereign wealth fund board

 14 Aug 2023

KUCHING: Former Federal Court judge Tan Sri Sulong Matjeraie has been appointed to lead the Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Future Fund's board of guardians, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

The Sarawak Premier also announced the appointment of eight other board members comprising experts and professionals in the fields of finance, investment, legal and governance.

They include former MP and Sarawak Cabinet minister Tan Sri Leonard Linggi, former PETRONAS chairman Tan Sri Ahmad Nizam Salleh and former Shell Malaysia chairman Datuk Iain John Lo.

Former Sarawak Economic Development Corporation general manager Datuk Soedirman Aini and two investment and fund management experts Grainne Dooley and Mohsen Fahmi are also on the board.

State Attorney General Datuk Seri Talat Mahmood Abdul Rashid and state Financial Secretary Datuk Seri Wan Lizozman Wan Omar were appointed as ex-officio members of the board.

Abang Johari said the board of guardians' term would run for three years.

"I believe the diverse and extensive experience and strong credentials of these distinguished professionals will be invaluable and of great advantage to the fund moving forward in achieving its objectives.

"Upon finalising their appointments, we target the fund to commence in 2024, having put in place all the structural and governance frameworks," he told a press conference here on Monday (Aug 14).

The board's appointment comes after the legislative assembly passed the Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Future Fund Board Ordinance on Nov 22 to establish a body as custodians of the fund.

Abang Johari said Sarawak's sovereign wealth fund would start with an initial appropriation of RM8bil from the state and subsequently receive scheduled annual allotments.

He said the fund was estimated to grow sustainably with no withdrawals except in critical events or when it performs better than expected.

"The fund will be managed strictly in accordance with its investment policy and mandate to deliver long-term risk-balanced real growth in its invested assets.

"The fund's account and its annual report of activities will be laid before the Sarawak state assembly and its annual budget will be approved by the state Cabinet," he said.

Abang Johari also said the fund would subscribe to the international Generally Accepted Principles and Practices for sovereign wealth funds, which advocates transparency, accountability, good governance structure and sound investment.

He added that Sarawak would join the International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds as part of efforts to apply high standards of governance and transparency in managing its wealth fund.

"This will also allow us to network and share knowledge on best practices with other global sovereign wealth funds," he said.

Source: thestar.com.my

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https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/08/14/ex-federal-court-judge-to-head-sarawak-sovereign-wealth-fund-board

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‘Unity wall stands against green wave’: Fahmi touts Pakatan-BN’s popular vote victory, says no deposit lost unlike Perikatan

 14 Aug 2023

Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil has downplayed the performance of the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional (PH-BN) alliance in the state elections, saying it withstood the challenge from Perikatan Nasional (PN).

In an interview, Fahmi said the alliance not only won the popular vote but also none of its candidates had lost their deposit — compared to PN which failed to achieve the one-eighth required votes in 18 seats.

“The green wave came, but the unity wall stood,” he said, referring to the support of religious conservatism named after the colour of the Islamist party PAS which had propelled PN to an unexpectedly strong performance in the 15th general election (GE15).

Fahmi said the alliance had almost 50 per cent of the total votes but only gained 40 per cent of the 245 seats due to malapportionment in the state seats.

In the six state elections, PH-BN won 3,399,472 votes, which was 49.58 per cent of the popular vote. In comparison, PN only trailed by over 17,000 votes at 3,382,455 (49.33 per cent).

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“So Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Penang have shown that, on the ground, the unity approach can work,” the PH communications director said, referring to the three states the alliance won.

Fahmi also said that the federal government coalition — which also includes Gabungan Parti Sarawak and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah — currently holds nine state administrations, and almost two-thirds of all state assembly seats in the country.

He went on to say that a factor in low voter turnout could be voter fatigue due to GE15 having been held less than a year beforehand.

Fahmi added that the unity government will now need to look at its candidates, machinery, manifesto, policies and campaigning methods to determine how it can improve on its performance in the 16th general election.

“In the coming weeks, we will be trying to look at the data in a granular fashion to really try and understand all these factors,” he said.

He also said he observed that voters were less interested in turning up at campaigning during the first half of the period, but more attended as the polls grew closer.

The six state elections saw PN strengthening its hold on Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu while achieving significant victories in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Penang which the PH-BN alliance succeeded in defending.

Source: malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/08/14/unity-wall-stands-against-green-wave-fahmi-touts-pakatan-bns-popular-vote-victory-says-no-deposit-lost-unlike-perikatan/85167

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DAP's 98pc win rate in state elections shows why it's the best-performing party in Pakatan

 14 Aug 2023

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 — With a win rate of about 98 per cent, DAP has emerged as the best-performing party in Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the recent elections held in six states.

Of the 47 candidates the party fielded across 245 constituencies, only the one fielded in Derga, Kedah had lost.

Two-term incumbent and Kedah DAP chief Tan Kok Yew lost to Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) Muhamad Amri by 3,662 votes, according to Election Commission (EC) data.

However, in the neighbouring state Penang, which is traditionally regarded as the DAP’s stronghold due to its high percentage of ethnic Chinese is where the party won most seats.

DAP clinched nearly half of the state’s 40 seats with 19 victories there, where it made a successful defence for all of its seats in the state.

However, its allies PKR and Amanah did not fare as well, with seven and one seat respectively, a worse performance than in the previous state election, in which PKR won 14 seats and Amanah two.

DAP’s partner in the unity government Umno garnered two seats, making the PH-BN total 27 out of 40.

Meanwhile, DAP won the most seats in Selangor with 15 victories, displacing PKR as the most dominant party in the country’s richest state.

Similar to Penang, PKR and Amanah failed in outdoing their previous performances. This time, PKR won 12 seats to the 19 it had in the restructure after the Sheraton Move while Amanah maintained its number of 5 seats.

BN also lost all but two of the 12 seats it contested, winning only Sungai Air Tawar and Dusun Tua.

At the same time, several of DAP’s candidates enjoyed large majorities in their victories.

Kinrara is a developed urban township in Puchong where ethnic Chinese make up the bulk of its residents (50.2 per cent), according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia’s (DoSM) data on its portal Kawasanku.

It is also where Selangor DAP secretary Ng Sze Han won with 71,290 votes, his strong lead assured by a majority of 54,535 votes.

Other DAP candidates in Selangor have also won with large majorities, such as Rajiv Rishyakaran in Bukit Gasing (24,972 majority), Michelle Ng Mei Sze in Subang Jaya (51,191 majority) and Jamaliah Jamaluddin in Bandar Utama (35,446 majority).

Following the trend of previous elections, DAP has seen strong support in urban, mixed-race seats or in places with a high percentage of ethnic Chinese voters.

Source: malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/08/13/daps-98pc-win-rate-in-state-elections-shows-why-its-the-best-performing-party-in-pakatan/85106

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Selangor poll’s result a final warning on Umno’s political survival, Tengku Zafrul says

By John Bunyan

14 Aug 2023

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 — The outcome of the Selangor state election was the final warning for Umno to accept the fact that the party is losing the support of Malay voters, Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said today.

The Umno Supreme Council member said the success of the alliance between Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) forming the Selangor government should not hide the fact of BN’s dismal performance.

“Out of the 12 seats contested by BN, it won only two, including one which was originally a DAP seat. Apart from the unique case of Sungai Air Tawar that better reflects the candidate’s prowess, the Selangor state election showed that the more Malay voters in an area, the harder it is for Umno to win.

“If this is not the final warning for the question of the party’s survival, I don’t know what other warning needs to be given before we realise that we have been rejected,” he wrote in a Facebook post.

He also pointed out that many Umno members had expressed their disappointment and sadness after Umno was rejected despite serving in the state for the past 15 years.

In today’s political scenario, Tengku Zafrul said that a party’s success or failure is determined by its strategy, skills and appeal.

The international trade and investment minister also reminded Umno to not turn radical because it was established to unite the Malays.

“The direction and ideology of Selangor Umno need to be clear and accepted by the grassroots members, not only seen as wanting to chase the reins of power, but at the same time unable to give confidence to the members below and also the people,” he said.

“On this basis, I hope that the party leadership will rise up and correct the situation of the party that does not only focus on pursuing short-term power, but shows a serious effort to regain the trust of the people and also the grassroots of the party.

“This is important for the future and survival of the party, especially in Selangor,” he added.

Tengku Zafrul also said that Selangor Umno needs to re-identify the segment they want to approach, in prioritising its struggle.

“Everyone in Umno, including me, needs to reflect and rebuild the strength of the party so that we can stand strong again without depending on any party,” he added.

The PH-BN alliance was denied two-thirds majority in Selangor after winning just 34 seats out of 56 in Selangor, losing 15 to PN.

Source: malaymail.com

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State polls: Pakatan-Barisan losses due to electorate anger, says Noh Omar

14 Aug 2023

KLANG: Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional's losses in Malay-majority areas are probably due to the anger and disappointment of the electorate, says Tan Sri Noh Omar.

The former Selangor Umno chief and six-term Tanjong Karang MP said Malays are especially disappointed and angry with Umno, which they believe has strayed from its original struggles.

“Now the Malays feel that Umno is a follower, especially after teaming up with Pakatan," he said on Monday (Aug 14).

“As far as the Malays are concerned, it is okay if the party is the Opposition.

"It must lead and not follow," added Noh, who was sacked from Umno by party president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi earlier this year.

Pakatan and Barisan now have only one seat each out of the nine seats under the Kuala Selangor, Tanjong Karang, Sungai Besar and Sabak Bernam parliamentary constituencies.

Before the state polls, Pakatan was incumbent in five seats in the area and Barisan held three constituencies while Pejuang had one seat.

Former Jeram assemblyman Mohd Shaid Rosli said according to feedback from his former constituents, there was a lot of anger against Umno in the area.

“Only the Indians and PKR Malay supporters came out in full force to vote, while most of the Chinese remained home.

"As for the protesting Umno supporters, some stayed home and the remaining ones voted for the Perikatan Nasional candidate," he said.

Jeram falls under the Kuala Selangor parliamentary constituency.

According to Mohd Shaid, who is from Pejuang, he came to know that the Chinese did not want to vote for either Umno or Perikatan.

Jeram saw a straight fight between Umno’s Datuk Jahaya Ibrahim and Bersatu’s Datuk Harrison Hassan.

Harrison managed to beat Jahaya with a 5,398-vote majority in spite of the latter being the Kuala Selangor Umno division chief and a local resident.

“Actually, the loss was not because the voters disliked Pakatan or Jahaya. Their grouse was with Umno president Zahid Hamidi, whom they feel is running the party like it’s his personal conglomerate," said Mohd Shaid.

He said he was told that the suspension and termination of members who dared question the party leadership did not sit well with Umno grassroots members and voters.

When contacted, Jahaya said he was clueless as to why he suffered such a big defeat in the area.

“Everything seemed fine during campaigning and so the outcome was truly unexpected. I need to calm down first before I conduct a post-mortem," he said.

Asked if the outcome could be due to unhappiness with Umno’s top leadership, Yahya said he did not dare make such an assumption.

Selangor Wanita Umno chief Datuk Rosni Sohar said it could be because the Malay masses in the rural areas were still unclear about the unity government.

“It’s been a short while since the unity government was formed, and many do not understand how it functions," said Rosni, the former Hulu Bernam assemblyman.

Rosni, who did not defend the seat in the recent state election, said people also did not understand that Barisan Nasional and Umno were not components of Pakatan but were instead working partners.

“The other side used religion and many other issues to campaign. The people must see what exactly the three states (Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu) the other side won offer their people," she added.

She said none of the three could match Selangor’s programmes that covered residents from cradle to grave.

“We need to go down to the ground and explain to the people about the things that they are unclear about," she said.

Source: thestar.com.my

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https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/08/14/state-polls-pakatan-barisan-losses-due-to-electorate-anger-says-noh-omar

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State polls: Urging Zahid to resign not the solution, says Puad

By FAZLEENA AZIZ

14 Aug 2023

PETALING JAYA: Urging Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to resign is not the solution for Umno-Barisan Nasional's woes, says Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi.

He said the losses faced by the coalition and the party in the recently-concluded state polls is a shared burden.

"Don't point fingers.Urging (Datuk Seri Dr) Ahmad Zahid (Hamidi) to resign is not the solution. Everyone is responsible," said Puad.

"(Tan Sri) Muhyiddin (Yassin) was arrogant when he told Zahid to resign. When Perikatan Nasional (Perikatan)lost badly in Melaka and Johor he did not resign," he added.

He said in a Facebook post on Monday (Aug 14) that Muhyiddin is still the Parti Pribumi Malaysia Bersatu president.

Puad added Umno ministers must make a serious effort to ensure that the Malay and rakyat agenda is a real success, as the power is in their hands.

He added that Umno must win Malay support.

"That is why Umno must remain in the unity government. Pakatan Harapan - Barisan Nasional needs to strengthen its cooperation. Zahid fits this mission. He does not need to resign. Don't lash out," he said.

Source: thestar.com.my

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Bursa Malaysia closes lower at midday tracking regional markets

By S. Joan Santani

August 14, 2023

KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia was mixed at mid-day trading today in line with regional markets, owing to a worsening property slump in China that has impacted investor sentiment.

At lunch break, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) eased 2.56 points to 1,454.60 from 1,457.16 at Friday's close.

The key index opened 0.03 of-a-point higher at 1,457.19, and moved between 1,452.15 and 1,457.23 throughout the session.

However on the broader market, gainers led decliners 455 to 372, while 369 counters were unchanged, 1,133 untraded and 13 others suspended.

Turnover stood at 2.03 billion units worth RM906.36 million.

Tradeview Capital fund manager Neoh Jia Man said while political uncertainties have been removed, the local bourse dampened by weaker performance in the regional markets.

"Aside from trouble at Country Garden, concern over delayed payment of maturing wealth products by one of the largest asset management firms in China added to market jitters.

"Locally, we believe market direction will now be dictated by the ongoing 2Q 2023 earnings season," he told the New Straits Times.

Source: nst.com.my

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Africa

 

Sudan: Displaced persons take to creative means to support themselves, family

August 13, 2023

The bloody war between rival generals has put many Sudanese out of work. Without an income for months now, some have resorted to creative means to support themselves and their families.

Before April 15, when fighting broke out between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Ali Seif was teaching at Khartoum's Faculty of Environmental Engineering.

Today, this engineer and his family have taken refuge in Wad Madani, a town spared from the violence 200 km to the south, where most of the capital's nearly three million displaced persons are crammed.

Like many residents, his house was "stolen" by paramilitaries, and he told AFP that he had "not received a salary" since March, as banks in the fighting-ridden areas are nowhere to be found.

- No choice

So, to survive in his camp for displaced persons, he makes soap in the room he and his family have been given.

"Misfortune makes you creative: I noticed that there was no soap left in the markets, even though everyone needs it. So I decided to make soap bars", he says, proudly, amidst the plastic pots in which he mixes the soap paste before pouring it into small ice cube trays to form his soap bars.

Before the war, Michelle Elia Moussa worked as a primary school teacher. Now, this mother-of-one spends her days behind her small stall at al-Hasaheisa market, halfway between Khartoum and Wad Madani.

"I've given up hope and shelved my ambitions of being a brilliant teacher", she says, glasses on her nose and apron around her waist, as she watches over her bread.

"Without a job, I can't support myself," she tells AFP, in a country that was already one of the poorest in the world before the war, and where the spectres of famine, epidemics and widespread war crimes now loom large.

"It's the first time I've worked in a market, I'm not comfortable, I'm ashamed, but it's the war, I have no choice," she adds as she expertly spreads a light dough on cast-iron plates to make thin patties.

Eshraqa Moussa, for her part, has opened a small stall where she sells tea, a very popular drink in Sudan. Without it, she told AFP, she could "only provide one meal a day" for her children.

- Everything left behind

Draped in her long, multicolored veil, she still remembers the hasty departure from Khartoum, at the start of a war that has claimed nearly 4,000 lives --according to a very underestimated toll due to the chaos-- and forced more than four million people to flee their homes, i.e. nearly one inhabitant in ten.

"We left everything behind (...) So I came here and bought this little stall to sell tea," she explains.

She confesses she never imagined she'd be running this kind of business before the war, in a conservative society where tea sellers, though legion, are often stigmatized and harassed.

But with the war, all these taboos were shattered. Survival and survival took over. "We were forced to come up with ideas," says Mohammed Ali, wearing a white polo shirt.

This former civil servant in the capital says he "teamed up with some colleagues to open a small mobile food stall".

Made of white sheet metal and powered by a generator, it is "in the style of those you find in Khartoum, which don't exist in Wad Madani", he explains to AFP.

He sells mashed beans, falafel and other snacks popular with his compatriots.

Enough to feed his family.

Until the next tornado: all around him, the streets of Wad Madani are buzzing with a single rumor: war could soon be upon us.

Source: africanews.com

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Niger coup leaders agree to pursue dialogue as Nigerian Islamic clerics meet General Tchiani

August 13, 2023

Prominent Nigerian Islamic scholars on Saturday met with the Niger coup leaders in the country’s capital Niamey, and agreed to explore the option of dialogue, rather than military action in resolving the political impasse.

The Islamic clerics, led by the national chairman of Jamatul Izalatul Bid’a Waikamatus Sunnah, JIBWIS, Sheik Bala Lau, reportedly met with the Niger strongman, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, for three hours in Niger’s capital Niamey.

Mr Lau said in a statement that the clerics were in Niger on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, who accepted their request to intervene.

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According to him, they advised the coup leader on the need for dialogue and deliberated on all the issues, including the demand by ECOWAS leaders that former President Bazoum be reinstated.

Mr Lau said the team had earlier told Mr Tinubu who is also the chairman of Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government that their position is that the political impasse in Niger be resolved through dialogue.

He therefore told Mr Tchiani that the visit to Niger was to engage in constructive dialogue to encourage him and other military leaders behind the coup to toe the path of peace instead of war to resolve the crisis.

In his response, Mr Tchiani welcomed their intervention, saying their doors were open to explore diplomacy and peace in resolving the matter.

Mr Tchiani, however, said it was painful to the coup leaders that the ECOWAS leaders did not hear their side of the matter before issuing ultimatum to them to quit office.

He claimed the coup was well intended, stating that they struck to starve off an imminent threat that would have affected not only Niger Republic but also Nigeria.

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he also apologised for not allowing a former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar and Sultan Saad Abubakar II to enter the country, saying they did so to avoid exposing them to the danger of attack by irate citizens, protesting power cut-off by Nigerian government.

While tracing the historical ties between the two nations, he said Niger Republic and Nigeria were not only neighbours but brothers and sisters who should resolve issues amicably.

Speaking with journalists in Niamey after the meeting, another member of the intervention team and Chief Missioner of Ansarudeen Society of Nigeria, Sheik Ahmad Abdulrahman, said contrary to reports in some sections of the media, the team was well received by General Tchiani and both parties had fruitful discussions.

“We will now go back home and report to President Tinubu what we have discussed and press it on him that war is not an option in resolving the matter.

“We believe that war is an ill wind that will not blow any good and that peaceful resolution should prevail.”

The team comprised scholars from various Islamic sects in the country.

Among them were Sheik Kabiru Gombe, secretary, JIBWIS; Sheik Yakubu Musa Hassan Katsina, director Daawah, JIBWIS; Sheik Ibrahim Dahiru Bauchi, representative of Sheik Ibrahim Bauchi and; Dr Khalid Aliya, secretary general, Jama’atul Nasril Islam.

Others included Sheikh Karibullah Nasiru Kabara, leader of Qadiriya group; Sheik Ahmad Abdurahman; Professor Salisu Shehu, deputy secretary-general of Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs; Sheik Nasiru Abdul Muhayuid, director Admin, JIBWIS Jos, Professor Mansur Sokoto and GMD of NNPCL, Mele Kyari.

Source: dailynigerian.com

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Niger: Army delegation thanks Guinean government for 'support' after coup

August 13, 2023

A delegation from Niger's junta was received in Conakry by Guinean military authorities, who asked for "reinforced support to face the challenges ahead", at a time when the military regime in Niamey is under threat of West African intervention, Guinean public television reported.

The Guinean head of state, Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya, whose regime also emerged from a coup d'état in September 2021, held talks in Conakry on Saturday with the delegation led by General Moussa Salaou Barmou, Guinean television reported on Saturday evening.

General Barmou said he had come "to thank the Guinean authorities for their support for the CNSP (Conseil national pour la sauvegarde de la patrie, which took power in Niger) during these difficult times Niger is going through".

"We were very concerned (with) the people of Niger following certain security abuses, abuses (also due to) problems revolving around endemic corruption. It was therefore important that, for the sake of our nation, we should take our responsibilities to safeguard our part", he added, referring to the July 26 overthrow of elected Nigerien president Mohamed Bazoum.

In a statement at the end of July, Conakry had "exp

Conakry also "urged Ecowas to reconsider its position". Mali and Burkina Faso, also military-led, also expressed their solidarity with Niamey.

Saturday's visit by the Niger delegation comes two days after an Ecowas summit in Abuja, where leaders said they favored a diplomatic resolution to the crisis, while ordering the deployment of a "standby force" as a last resort to restore Mohamed Bazoum to office.

A meeting initially scheduled for Saturday in Ghana of Ecowas chiefs of staff, to inform their leaders of "the best options" for following up their decision to deploy their "standby force", has been postponed indefinitely.

Meanwhile, a mediation group of Nigerian religious leaders met with members of the military regime in Niamey on Saturday.

Guinea's junta leader, Colonel Doumbouya, who made himself president after overthrowing Alpha Condé, has pledged to hand over power to elected civilians within two years from January 2023.

Source: africanews.com

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https://www.africanews.com/2023/08/13/niger-army-delegation-thanks-guinean-government-for-support-after-coup/

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Kebbi gov condoles with gov Sani, Zazzau Emir over Mosque collapse

13th August 2023

Animashaun Salman

Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Nasir Idris, has condoled with his Kaduna State counterpart, Governor Uba Sani and Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, over the tragic mosque collapse that claimed many lives.

This is contained in a press release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, and made available to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday evening.

The governor described the event which claimed 12 lives as a tragic and great loss not only to Zaria and Zazzau Emirate but also a loss to Kaduna State and Nigeria at large.

Idris expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the incident.

Idris urged the Emirate and the entire people of Kaduna State to accept the will of God Almighty in good faith and prayed to Allah (SWT) to accept their Shahada and grant them Jannatul Firdaus.

While condoling with the families of those who lost their loved ones, the governor also prayed for the quick recovery of those who sustained injuries.

He equally prayed that the Almighty God would put an end to the recurrence of such ugly trend.

Source: punchng.com

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

https://punchng.com/kebbi-gov-condoles-with-gov-sani-zazzau-emir-over-mosque-collapse/

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President Tinubu/Shettima’s Performance Will Determine Muslims Fate In Politics – Omipidan

13 August 2023

The Chief Press Secretary to the former Osun State Governor, Ismail Omipidan highlighted the need for Muslims in Nigeria to promote harmony and understanding across all divides.

Omipidan stressed the importance of supporting the administration of President Bola Tinubu and his Vice, Kashim Shettima.

He noted that their performance or otherwise in four years will go a long way to determine the fate of Muslims in Nigeria’s politics.

Speaking at the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria’s 27th Islamic Vacation Course, Omipidan emphasized the significance of the Tinubu-Shettima leadership, a rare Muslim/Muslim ticket since Nigeria’s 1999 return to democracy.

The event’s theme focused on the role of Muslim youth in strengthening the unity of the Muslim Ummah in the socio-political landscape of Nigeria.

He said, “One of the ways we can recapture the lost unity in the Ummah is by emphasizing and focusing on common issues, that is, things that we share as Muslims. While we may have differences, matters that bind us as Muslims are far greater than a few things that tend to divide us.

“These days, we Muslims tend to dwell on differences and completely ignore common beliefs and principles we share as Muslims. Belief in Allah, in the Prophet, Solat, fasting, Zakat, Hajj, Qur’an, and many other subjects are common to Muslims. Focusing on these common things instead of the few differences we have can lead to the unity of the Ummah.

“In addition, we must avoid taking an extreme position on minor issues. We should place emphasis on aspects of Islam that are more important than the others. Knowing what our priorities are will help us avoid dwelling on minor issues that cause division in our communities, and ensure that small differences do not kill the unity of the Ummah.

“We should have honour and respect for one another irrespective of our divergence, whether on or offline, we must avoid unnecessary ideological debates and embrace scholarly engagements devoid of the exchange of insults and unpleasant remarks.

“Let us learn to criticize or correct others without hurting them. Harsh criticism or attack on fellow Muslims could create anger and disintegration.p

“Education is a powerful tool for empowerment, and Muslim youths can leverage it to revitalize the socio-political unity of the Ummah. By pursuing higher education and acquiring knowledge in fields such as politics, law, and governance, they can occupy leadership positions that enable them to influence policy decisions and advocate for the interests of the Ummah.

“The success of any nation or association is dependent on the mutual unity and harmony among its members. A strongly united nation becomes an indivisible force and has the capacity to overcome any hindrances that come its way.

“As Muslim youths, we must organize ourselves to be vigilant and thwart the conspiracies and efforts of the enemies to create rift and disunity among Muslims.

“You will all agree with me that extremism and radicalization pose significant challenges to the unity of the Muslim Ummah. Therefore, as Muslim youths, we must do our best to expose and counter extremist ideologies and promote a balanced understanding of Islam.

“This can safeguard the Ummah’s socio-political unity. By fostering critical thinking, promoting religious tolerance, and providing alternative narratives to extremist propaganda and ideologies, Muslim youths can prevent the spread of divisions and contribute to the restoration of a cohesive and inclusive Ummah.”

Source: naijanews.com

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

https://www.naijanews.com/2023/08/13/president-tinubu-shettimas-performance-will-determine-muslims-fate-in-politics-omipidan/

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Zaria Mosque Collapse: Gov Bago condoles with government, people of Kaduna

 August 13, 2023

by Adelowo Oladipo

Niger State Governor,  Mohammed Umaru Bago, has commiserated with the government and people of Kaduna State, especially Zazzau Emirate, over the death of some worshippers following the collapse of a section of the Zaria Central Mosque.

Governor Umaru Bago, in a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, described the incident as heartbreaking and unfortunate.

While expressing sadness, the Governor, however, encouraged the people not to be dampened in the worship of Allah, but to remain steadfast in Him as nothing happens without His knowledge.

He also extended condolences to the grieving families and prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and for the quick recovery of the injured.

Source: tribuneonlineng.com

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

https://tribuneonlineng.com/zaria-mosque-collapse-gov-bago-condoles-with-government-people-of-kaduna/

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