Specially Abled Muslim Tied To Pole With Saffron Cloth And Killed In Delhi On The Alleged Suspicion Of Stealing ‘Prasad’

New Age Islam News Bureau

28 September 2023

  

Representational image.

File Photo

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India

·         Receiving Death Threats, Hate Messages Since Parliament Episode', Says BSP MP Danish Ali

·         UP: Father-Son Duo Booked For Treason After Hoisting Pakistan Flag At Moradabad Residence

·         Jamia Millia Islamia ranked 2nd among Indian institutions in Times Higher Education's World University Rankings 2024

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Pakistan

·         Ignoring Quran Board advice: LHC summons caretaker PM, CM in person on Oct 16

·         Car-bomb plot foiled in Quetta

·         PM visits Masjid-e-Nabvi SAWW in Madinah

·         National Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH) Conference to be held in Islamabad today

·         Dr Nadeem directs to take action against unregistered drugs

·         Five children among nine dead after rocket explosion

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Southeast Asia

·         Minister Na'im Warns Muslims Online Against Presenting Islam As Extreme On Social Media

·         Religious minister says he will meet Ipoh Timor MP to explain how Quranic verses are cited

·         Sanusi pooh-poohs claims of ban on shorts, alcohol in Langkawi

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South Asia

·         Afghan Currency World’s Best-Performing Unit In Sept Quarter: Report

·         Muttaqi Says Kabul’s Relations With World Countries Growing

·         'Baseless' Criticism By Neighbours Will Affect Bilateral Ties: Stanikzai

·         Pakistan Govt approves deportation of over 1 million Afghan refugees

·         Ministry of Public Health reports 6th Polio case in Nangarhar

·         Afghans Mark Birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Kabul

·         Calls Mount For Continuation of Humanitarian Aid to Afghanistan

·         Six 'Ansar al-Islam' militants placed in two-day remand

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Mideast

·         Israeli Forces Raids Wreak Havoc in Hebron

·         Palestinian family of five shot dead in Israel as murder wave persists

·         Negligence blamed for catastrophic fire in Iraq's Nineveh with 120 dead

·         Iran vehemently condemns desecration of Holy Qur'an in Netherlands

·         Israel reopens Gaza crossing to Palestinian workers

·         Arab family of five shot dead as crime rates in Israel soar

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Arab World

·         Saudi Envoy Holds Talks In Ramallah With Palestinian PM And EU Representative

·         Saudi Arabia Holds Talks To Boost Economic Ties With Bahrain, Slovenia

·         Saudi FM meets France’s special envoy for Lebanon, Nauru’s president

·         HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister exchanges greetings with Arab and Islamic leaders

·         Saudi Arabia announces inaugural Riyadh School for Tourism and Hospitality

·         Lovers of reading expected to descend on iconic Riyadh Book Fair

·         Saudi king and crown prince offer condolences to Iraq over victims of Nineveh fire

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Africa

·         Gabon's New Prime Minister Outlines Plans For National Dialogue

·         Eid-el-Maulud: Imbibe Teachings Of Prophet Muhammed, Ajadi Charges Muslims, Nigerians

·         Mali: Several Parties Condemn Junta's “Unilateral” Move To Postpone Presidential Vote

·         Floods reveal new ancient structure at ancient Greek city near Derna

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North America

·         CAIR Successfully Concludes 8th Annual Muslim Youth Leadership Symposium (MYLS)

·         CAIR Joins Civil Society Organizations United in Opposition to Israel’s Admission into U.S. Visa Waiver Program

·         CAIR Welcomes Federal Charges for Alaska Man Who Allegedly Threatened Fla. Sheriff Who Spoke Out Against Antisemitism

·         31 US senators ask E3 to prevent expiry of UN’s anti-Iran missile bans

·         FBI Alerted Sikh US Nationals Against Life Threat After HardeepNijjar'sMurder

·         US gives away $0.35m security gear to KP police

·         Trump gets a nickname: Donald Duck

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Europe

·         French Ambassador To Niger Returns To Paris After Weeks Of Tension

·         Schoolgirl is latest victim of UK's knife crime 'scourge'

·         Daunting UK election looms large as Sunak nears year in charge

·         German ambassador attended Canadian honouring of WWII Nazi – Berlin

·         Germany beefs up border controls with EU neighbours

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL:   https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/muslim-lynching-saffron-delhi/d/130779

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Specially Abled Muslim Tied To Pole With Saffron Cloth And Killed In DelhiOn The Suspicion Of Stealing ‘Prasad’

 

Representational image.

File Photo

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28.09.23

A fruit vendor’s 26-year-old specially abled son, identified as Mohammed Isaar, was tied to an electric pole with saffron cloth and beaten to death in the national capital on the suspicion of stealing prasad from a stall near a temple on Tuesday, police sources said.

The incident took place in northeast Delhi’s Sundar Nagri. Northeast Delhi had witnessed riots in February 2020 in which 53 people, mostly Muslims, were killed.

A police officer said several people were detained on Wednesday in connection with the alleged lynching. “A probe is underway and we are examining CCTV footage and videos shot on mobile phones to identify the accused,” he said.

“Mohammed Isaar’s family has alleged that he was beaten to death on the suspicion of stealing prasad from a stall that had been set up by some people near a temple in the area,” the officer said.

Isaar’s family members and neighbours have alleged that several Hindu residents who had flocked to the area remained mute spectators as the youth was mercilessly assaulted.

“A preliminary probe revealed that the victim was mentally ill and could not provide satisfactory answers when confronted by the attackers. They tied him to a pole and brutally beat him with sticks,” another police officer said.

A video of the incident widely circulated on social media purports to show Isaar tied to an electricity pole with several rounds of saffron cloth as people take turns to hit him with sticks. At one point two men are seen hitting him as Isaar cries in pain. A part of the video was shot in daylight while some other portions were captured in the dark, suggesting the assault continued for a long time.

Initially, a man can be heard saying “don’t beat him”. But the others keep thrashing Isaar even as he cries in pain and pleads for mercy. The attackers are also heard hurling abuses at Isaar.

The victim was specially abled, deputy commissioner of police (northeast) Joy

Tirkey said. Isaar had four sisters.

The police have registered a case of murder on a complaint from Isaar’s father Abdul Wajid, 60, a fruit vendor and resident of Sundar Nagri. He alleged that his son died after he was brutally assaulted by some people on suspicion of theft.

“Wajid said his son was found lying with severe injury marks all over his body on Tuesday afternoon,” a police officer said.

The incident, the officer said, took place on Tuesday morning. One of Wajid’sneighbours spotted Isaar lying on the street around 5pm and took him home in an e-rickshaw. Isaar later succumbed to his injuries.

The National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD) strongly condemned the killing of Isaar.

“According to reports, Isaar was tied to a pillar and beaten to death for allegedly consuming prasad at a temple in the area,” Muralidharan, general secretary of the NPRD, said in a statement.

“Incidents of abuse, physical attacks and killings of disabled people are being reported at regular intervals. However, this has acquired a much more dangerous dimension with disabled people being targeted for their religious identity,” he added.

According to him, this is the third such killing of disabled persons this year. “On February 25, a Muslim youth, Mohammad Faiyaz, a person with ‘mental health issues’, was beaten to death by a mob in Bihar’s Samastipur. Again in Bihar’s Saran district on June 27, 55-year-old Zahiruddin, a disabled truck driver, was lynched by a mob of cow vigilantes,” Muralidharan said.

Last year, in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh, Banwarlal Jain, an elderly person with disabilities, succumbed after being brutally beaten over suspicion of being a Muslim. “All these are the outcome of a sustained poisonous hate-filled communal campaign,” Muralidharan said.

“While some arrests have been made, the case should be taken to its logical conclusion and justice delivered. Adequate compensation should be paid to the victim’s family,” he added.

Source: telegraphindia.com

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

https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/man-lynched-over-prasad-tied-to-pole-with-saffron-cloth-and-killed-in-delhi/cid/1969431

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‘90 pc Beggars Arrested In Foreign Countries Are Pakistanis’

 

Photo: ARY News

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September 28, 2023

Asim Yasin

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development told the Senate Committee on Overseas Pakistanis that a significant number of beggars travel abroad through human trafficking channels.

The meeting of the Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development was presided over by Chairman Manzoor Ahmed Kakar here at the Parliament House on Wednesday.

Sharing details with the Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis, the secretary of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis told the Senate panel 90 percent of beggars arrested in foreign countries are Pakistanis. “The Iraqi and Saudi ambassadors have reported that their jails were overcrowded due to these arrests,” he told the Senate committee. Most of the pickpockets caught inside the Haram in Saudi Arabia were of Pakistani origin, and they exploited the Umrah visas for begging purposes.

The Senate Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development asked that proper mechanisms should be developed to focus on specifically sending skilled professionals abroad.

Senator Rana Mahmood Ul Hassan lamented that 50,000 engineers and IT professionals in the country are unemployed and urged the ministry to develop a mechanism in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other related ministries to aid in sending Pakistani engineers as skilled workers to Japan, China and other countries. Hassan said that the highly skilled qualified professionals were desperate for jobs and were even willing to work for Rs15,000 to Rs20,000 salary per month.

The secretary Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis apprised the committee that through a new arrangement they were focusing on sending IT professionals, engineers and paramedical staff abroad. “It would sharply increase foreign remittances,” the secretary said.

Senator Rana Mahmoud Ul Hassan raised serious questions on the country’s inability to send engineers to Japan irrespective of the fact that Japan needed three lac workers. Senator Shahadat Awan said we were not even able to send 100 workers and further inquired about the reasons behind such negligence. The committee sought a list of the number of skilled workers sent to Japan and also details of their educational qualifications. Senator Awan said we have to see where we are lacking in the MoU between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The officials apprised that in 2019, a bilateral agreement was signed according to which a skill verification programme was established by the Saudi government in Pakistan, known as Takamol, having 18 centres with its headquarters in Islamabad. The official informed the committee that 2.8 million workers were presently employed in Saudi Arabia. On inquiring about the criteria and system through which Korean skilled immigrations are conducted, they were apprised that Pakistan was among the 19 countries that were members of the Korean Employment Permit System through which skilled workers are sent on the basis of merit and country-wise quota allocation. The officials said that this year, Korea allocated 1,100 skilled workers from Pakistan. Overseas foundations also furnish training on culture and specified skills to selected immigrant, they said. The secretary further said that language was one of the issues while clearing immigration to countries like China, Japan and Korea. The committee sought the appearance of NAVTTC to brief on the matter in the next meeting. Senator Bahramand Khan Tangi inquired about the funds or grants provided by EOBI to mine workers after completing 30 years of service. He said that as per the rules of EOBI, the grant was not given until the requirements were fulfilled. He said mine workers were not legally registered and were also not given proper training.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1114073-90-pc-beggars-arrested-in-foreign-countries-are-pakistanis

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Malaysians Should Emulate Prophet Muhammad's Moral Virtues, Says King

 

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.

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28 Sep 2023

IMRAN HILMY

KUALA LUMPUR: The commendable moral virtues of Prophet Muhammad SAW should be emulated by Malaysians, says Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.

His Majesty said all of his subjects should follow in the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad in their daily communication by practising honesty and avoiding slander and lies.

"Unnecessary bad words when you speak or when writing on social media; abusive words, lies, slander and defamation will only destroy the stability and the harmony of our country," said the King.

"Let us learn from history on the civilisations and world powers that fell due to a dominant culture of fitnah (slander)," he said in his speech at the national-level 2023 (1445H) Maulidur Rasul celebration held at Putrajaya International Convention Centre on Thursday (Sept 28).

His Majesty said after the death of the Prophet Muhammad, slander led to a tragic event in Islamic history through the assassination of the third caliph Saidina Uthman Affan.

"That’s how 'fitnah' (slander) and deception can be; not only did it shed the blood of a great Islamic leader but it also destroyed the harmony and stability of the country.

Al-Sultan Abdullah said Muslims have always been reminded to avoid and stay away from people who do not speak the truth.

The teachings of Islam brought by the Prophet Muhammad encompassed various aspects of human life including navigating and governing a country with various races and religions as well as a spectrum of different socio-economic positions.

His Majesty also said that the Sirah (history) of Prophet Muhammad also reflects his expertise in governing a country

"Through his wisdom, Prophet Muhammad has succeeded in freeing mankind from ignorance and building a civilised generation.

The King said the Messenger of Allah had brought the message of Islam to continue to rise and develop in the Middle East and that it became the trigger for the progress and success of communities in other continents which were in darkness at that time.

His Majesty also said that the Prophet’s noble character was seen as a benchmark of human values in the world’s community.

In conjunction with the celebration of the Maulidur Rasul, Al-Sultan Abdullah also called on the people to continue upholding the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.

"By doing so, we will be able to develop a civilised, successful, harmonious and prosperous country with its people embodying the virtues of humanity,” he said.

Al-Sultan Abdullah is also optimistic that Malaysia will reach the peak of real success when Islamic law and the Prophet’s noble character serve as the basis of the country's governance.

He said that Maqasid Syariah (paramount objectives in Islamic Law) should be used as a basic framework in the delivery of services so that the welfare of the people, which is the government's responsibility, continues to be safeguarded.

The King also said that in conjunction with the national-level Prophet Muhammad's birthday celebration this year, the people should be determined and committed to continue to practice the teachings brought by the Prophet.

Raja Permaisuri Agong TunkuHajah Azizah AminahMaimunahIskandariah also attended the celebration, themed, ‘PerpaduanTeras Malaysia MADANI’ (Unity the Pillar of Malaysia MADANI).

Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

Source: thestar.com.my

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

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/09/28/emulate-prophet-muhammad039s-moral-virtues-says-king

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Bangladesh Will Return To Darkness If Awami League Doesn’t Remain In Power: PM Sheikh Hasina

 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addresses a reception accorded to her by the US chapter of the Awami League in the Holiday Express Inn Hotel in Washington DC in United States on Wednesday, September 28, 2023. Photo: BSS

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Sep 28, 2023

Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina has said Bangladesh will plunge into an era of darkness if her party does not remain in power.

"But, I know the people of Bangladesh will not want to go back to that," she said while addressing a reception accorded to her by the US chapter of the AL in the Holiday Express Inn Hotel in Washington yesterday.

Describing the 29 years of the BNP-Jamaat governments as the "era of darkness", the PM said they did nothing for the people during the period rather to make their own fortune.

"The BNP-Jamaat clique has erased 29 years from the life of Bangladeshi people. Somehow, the Awami League has bridged the gap of the years by conducting massive development across the country from 2009 to till the date," she said.

Bangladesh has attained recognition as a developing country during the period due to running the country with specific plans alongside having continued democratic process and stability in the country since 2009 in line with her government's Vision 2041 mentioned in 2008 election manifesto, she said.

The prime minister said her government has been preparing to start its journey as a developing nation from 2026 and for which they have formed a committee led by her principal secretary to find ways for smooth journey towards development and prosperity.

 "I know, if the Awami League remains in power, Bangladesh's journey as a developing country will face no difficulty," she said.

Source: thedailystar.net

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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/bangladesh-will-return-darkness-if-al-doesnt-remain-power-pm-3429966

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Iran's UN Ambassador: Israeli Attacks On Syria Smokescreen For Tel Aviv's Crimes Against Palestinians

 

Iran's Ambassador to the United Nations Amir Saeed Iravani

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 28 September 2023

Iran's UN ambassador has said the Israeli regime's recurrent violence against Syria serves as a smokescreen for Tel Aviv's daily aggression targeting the Palestinians.

"We strongly condemn the ongoing attacks by the Israeli regime on Syrian territory," Amir SaeidIravani, the Islamic Republic’s permanent ambassador to the United Nations, said before a UN Security Council session on Syria on Thursday.

"The Israeli regime commits such aggressions to divert the attention of the international community from the daily atrocious crimes [it] is committing against the Palestinian people," he added.

Israel has frequently attacked the positions of Syria's military and its allies since 2011, when the Arab country found itself in the grip of rampant foreign-backed violence and terrorism.

Israel has launched a new airstrike against Syria’s coastal city of Tartous, killing two Syrian soldiers and injuring six others.

The regime's attacks mostly target the positions of Syria's allies that have been aiding the country in its battle against foreign-sponsored terror groups.

Damascus has repeatedly complained to the UN over the Israeli assaults, urging the world body's Security Council to take action against Tel Aviv’s crimes. Its demands, however, have fallen on deaf ears.

On foreign military presence in Syria

Iravani, meanwhile, asserted that "the fight against terrorism should not be utilized as a pretext to violate Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity."

The United States and scores of its allies launched a military campaign against the Arab country in 2014 under the pretext of fighting the Takfiri terrorist group of Daesh.

The group had emerged in Syria and neighboring Iraq earlier that year as Washington was running out of excuses to extend its meddling in the West Asia region or enlarge it in scale.

Washington sustains the military presence in Syria, although, Damascus and its allies dealt a decisive defeat to the terror outfit in 2017.

Iran advises the United States to take its military forces out of Syria.

"We firmly believe that the primary solution to the Syrian crisis lies in political means, as military actions will only further complicate the situation," Iravani said.

The Iranian official further denounced the "illicit exploitation" of Syria's resources, referring to the US's underway smuggling of Syria's oil and grain amid the Arab country's dire economic situation.

Source: presstv.ir

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

https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2023/09/28/711658/Iran-Israel-Syria-Palestine

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India

Receiving death threats, hate messages since Parliament episode', says BSP MP Danish Ali

27th September 2023

By PTI

NEW DELHI: Amid the row over BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri's using derogatory remarks in the Lok Sabha against him, BSP lawmaker Danish Ali on Wednesday claimed some people were sending him hateful and threatening messages and urged the Delhi Police to take action.

Ali also shared on X the screenshot of a purported hate message in Hindi referring to the derogatory remarks made by Bidhuri.

"Since the parliament episode came to light last Friday, some individuals are sending hateful messages and issued threats to my life. Hope Delhi Police will notice and take appropriate action," the Lok Sabha MP from Amroha said on X and tagged Home Minister Amit Shah.

Bidhuri's remarks targeting Ali during a discussion on the success of the Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission last Thursday sparked a furore, with opposition leaders calling for stringent action against the BJP MP.

In a post on X on Tuesday, Ali shared an over 30-second video clip in which he is seen protesting Bidhuri's remarks to the chair and demanding the BJP MP apologise.

The BSP MP had on Monday questioned the "delay" in action against the leader of the ruling party and alleged the comments seem to have been sanctioned by the BJP's top leadership to build a narrative around him and his community.

Ali also claimed that evidence was being "dug up" against him from the day the incident took place.

Several BJP MPs have urged Speaker Om Birla to also probe BSP MP Danish Ali's conduct in Lok Sabha.

On Friday, Ali had written to Lok Sabha Speaker Birla, demanding the issue of Bidhuri using abusive language on the floor of the House be referred to the privileges committee. Ali had sought an immediate inquiry into the matter.

Opposition parties have rallied around Ali and targeted the BJP on its MP's remarks. Several members of Congress, TMC and NCP among others have written to Birla seeking the strictest action against Bidhuri.

Source: newindianexpress.com

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https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/sep/27/receiving-death-threats-hate-messages-since-parliament-episode-says-bsp-mp-danish-ali-2618753.html

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UP: Father-Son Duo Booked For Treason After Hoisting Pakistan Flag At Moradabad Residence

FPJ Web Desk: September 28, 2023

UP: A recent incident that took place in UP's Moradabad involving the hoisting of a Pakistan flag at a residence, has sparked a major controversy. The incident reportedly took place on Wednesday. Visuals of the Pakistani flag hoisted on the house have surfaced on the internet.

The incident unfolded in the village of BudhanpurAliganj, located within the jurisdiction of the Bhagatpur police station. The local police were alerted to the situation when information surfaced regarding a Pakistani flag being displayed at the home of Rashid, the son of a cloth merchant.

Police Reaches Residence To Find Pakistani Flag Hoisted

Upon receiving this information, the police swiftly took action. The Northeast Frontier Area (NEFA) outpost in-charge, Kuldeep Kumar, was dispatched to the scene to assess the situation. It was confirmed that a Pakistani flag was indeed flying atop the residence belonging to Raees, a textile businessman, and his son Salman.

Without hesitation, the police removed the Pakistani flag from Raees' house. Subsequently, both Raees and his son Salman were taken into custody at the scene. This incident triggered the registration of a case of treason against the accused, as confirmed by the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Hemraj Meena.

Case Of Treason Registered

The local police have swiftly taken further action in the matter and a case of treason was registered against Raees and Salman. According to reports, the local police also stated that they have taken a stern stance on such acts that can potentially undermine national unity and security. The investigation into the matter is ongoing and it is being conducted with the utmost seriousness.

Source: freepressjournal.in

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/up-father-son-duo-booked-for-treason-after-hoisting-pakistan-flag-at-moradabad-residence-video-surfaces

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Jamia Millia Islamia ranked 2nd among Indian institutions in Times Higher Education's World University Rankings 2024

PTI

New Delhi, 28.09.23,

The Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) University has bagged the second rank among Indian institutions in the London-based Times Higher Education's World University Rankings (2024), Vice Chancellor Najma Akhtar said on Wednesday.

The university was ranked sixth in the list last year, she added.

"This performance reflects the JMI's growing international presence and outreach, besides its impetus on high-quality research, publications and teaching. The university would improve its performance and that would increase its ranking further in the coming years," Akhtar said.

According to a statement issued by the JMI, the university has been placed in the 501-600 band by the international ranking agency for the second consecutive year, despite a substantial increase in the number of the participating institutions.

"The press statement issued by Times Higher Education (THE) said that JMI secured maximum scores in research quality, teaching quality, international outlook and industry in the ranking. THE's World University Rankings 2024 are the most comprehensive, rigorous and balanced global ranking," the JMI statement read.

Source: telegraphindia.com

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

https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/jamia-millia-islamia-ranked-2nd-among-indian-institutions-in-london-based-times-higher-educations-world-university-rankings-2024/cid/1969504#:~:text=The%20Jamia%20Millia%20Islamia%20(JMI,list%20last%20year%2C%20she%20added.

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Pakistan

 

Ignoring Quran Board advice: LHC summons caretaker PM, CM in person on Oct 16

September 28, 2023

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday summoned in person the caretaker Prime Minister and Punjab Chief Minister on a plea challenging the publication of Holy Quran without the permission of Quran Board.

The petitioner also sought the implementation of certain directions of the court in an earlier judgment passed over a petition restraining the Ahmaddiya community from publishing the Holy Quran against its original text and translation and using the names of Muslim authors.

LHC Justice Shujaat Ali Khan remarked during the proceedings that this is not a case for this court or any one person but all of us. Besides, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul- Haq Kakar and Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Awan has also been summoned by the court on October 16. Petitioner Hassan Moavia has sought action against those responsible, contending that he went from pillar to post but the concerned quarters have done nothing except act as silent spectators.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1114058-ignoring-quran-board-advice-lhc-summons-caretaker-pm-cm-in-person-on-oct-16

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Car-bomb plot foiled in Quetta

Saleem Shahid

September 28, 2023

QUETTA: The law-enforcement agencies on Wednesday foiled an attempt to carry out a car-bomb attack in the city and seized an explosives-laden car from a parking lot near a police station in the Eastern Bypass area.

According to police, law-enforcement agencies had received information about the presence of a suspected car in the parking lot close to a police station in the Eastern Bypass area. Members of law-enforcement immediately acted on the information and seized the explosives-laden car.

Officials of the bomb disposal squad called by police informed them after checking the car that huge explosives were planted in the car.

“Over 35 kilograms of high explosives were placed in the car for carrying out car suicide bombing in the provincial capital,” a senior police official said, adding that after defusing the explosives, the car was seized.

Meanwhile, police also recovered arms and ammunition from a car which was found parked in the parking plaza in Circular Road area. “AK-47 rifles and hundreds of rounds were recovered from the car,” police said, adding that four suspects had been taken into custody for interrogation.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1778267/car-bomb-plot-foiled-in-quetta

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PM visits Masjid-e-Nabvi SAWW in Madinah

September 28, 2023

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar visited Masjid-e-Nabvi SAWW in Madinah, offered Nawafil and paid respects and prayers at Roza-e-Rasool (SAWW).

He also visited the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet (SAWW)'s Biography and Islamic Civilization, adjacent to the Masjid-e-Nabvi.

The Prime Minister was given a comprehensive briefing about the historical museum, which showcases the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAWW) and different aspects of Islamic civilization.

The Prime Minister expressed his deep appreciation for the museum and lauded the efforts made to preserve and present the Islamic heritage.

On the occasion, Secretary Board of Directors of the museum Dr. Nasir Misfir Al-Zahrani presented the Prime Minister with a shield and books, symbolizing the cherished connection between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in promoting Islamic heritage and fostering mutual understanding.

The International Fair and Museum in Madinah offers an immersive experience with interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations.

It chronicles the Prophet (SAWW)'s journey, highlights significant events of his life, his teachings and Islamic civilization's achievements in various fields.

The museum promotes interfaith dialogue and understanding, fostering respect for diverse beliefs and cultures.

Source: radio.gov.pk

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https://www.radio.gov.pk/28-09-2023/pm-visits-masjid-e-nabvi-saww-in-madinah

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National Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH) Conference to be held in Islamabad today

September 28, 2023

The two-day National Seerat-un-Nabi [Peace Be Upon Him] Conference begins in Islamabad today.

Radio Pakistan will broadcast live proceedings of the conference.

Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation will originate national hookup at 06:50 p.m. today which will continue till the end of Mehfil-e-Naat and prize distribution ceremony to be held at Pakistan National Council of Arts.

On the second day, Radio Pakistan will broadcast in its special national hookup live proceedings of inaugural session at 09:05 a.m. till the end and concluding sessions of the conference, being held at Pak-China Friendship Centre.

The PBC Islamabad will originate these national hookups and all other stations of Radio Pakistan, including FM-94 and FM-101 networks will carry it.

Source: radio.gov.pk

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

https://www.radio.gov.pk/28-09-2023/national-seerat-un-nabi-pbuh-conference-to-be-held-in-islamabad-today

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Dr Nadeem directs to take action against unregistered drugs

September 28, 2023

Caretaker Minister for Health Dr Nadeem Jan has ordered to start a crackdown against counterfeit, unregistered and smuggled drugs in the country.

According to a spokesperson of the Ministry of Health, the minister has directed that the sale, storage and distribution points of all such medicines should be closed immediately.

The Health Minister has asked concerned officials to take strict legal action against the elements involved in these unregistered fake medicines.

He asked them to increase the scope of surveillance in the market with checks on distributors, medical stores and wholesalers.

Source: radio.gov.pk

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https://www.radio.gov.pk/28-09-2023/dr-nadeem-directs-to-take-action-against-unregistered-drugs

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Five children among nine dead after rocket explosion

September 27, 2023

Sameer Mandhro

KARACHI:At least nine people, including five children, died and one person sustained injuries in the Kandhkot Taluka of Kashmore district after a rocket launcher’s ordnance exploded inside a house on Wednesday, police and witnesses said.

The explosion took place in BadalSabzoi village, in Malheer Union Council, and an investigation was under way, Kashmore District Police Officer (DPO) RohailKhoso confirmed to The Express Tribune.

The district administration said that the explosion occurred at around 9:00 am in the jurisdiction of the Goghat police station. It added that law-enforcement personnel had cordoned off the spot, as investigators look to clues from where the rocket was brought in the area.

Health department officials confirmed that 10 people were brought to a local hospital. They said that nine victims, including five children died, while a woman, identified as 40-year-old Shaista, was discharged after treatment.

BadalSabzoi village is located at a distance of 15 kilometres from the Kahsmore district headquarters and close to the riverine area of Indus, which is teeming with outlaws, who have created a big headache for the law-enforcement authorities of Sindh.

The area is also infamous for tribal clashes too. Police believed that those criminals had modern weapons. Recently, in several social media posts, these bandits could be seen brandishing heavy weapons, including rocket launchers.

Some locals claimed that the blast occurred during the shifting of weapons by the criminals from one location to another in fear of an on-going operation initiated by the law-enforcement personnel. However, there was no official confirmation of their claim.

Recently, pictures of anti-aircraft weaponry also created a serious situation for the aviation sector officials, as the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) warned airlines in July of “high risk” while flying at low altitudes in Karachi and Lahore.

The warning prompted Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to allay these concerns, stressing that the Pakistani airspace was safe. The CAA director general had clarified that some of the photos were many years old but admitted that the publicity of these in news stories had exacerbated the issue.

The issue of the criminal stronghold in the riverine area had been discussed in a provincial Apex Committee meeting. The meeting had approved a massive operation by police and Rangers against the outlaws. The internet facility in the area has also been shut down.

Before the on-going operation in the area known as ‘kacha’, the local police had asked the government for an operation with the support of paramilitary forces as it was not possible for them to trace the criminals.

Earlier, a senior police official posted in the district had said that the bandits had strong network. He also disclosed that it was not even possible to bring back the abductees without the help of local ‘influential’ persons.

Call for probe

Taking notice of the explosion in the remote village of Sindh, the Caretaker Chief Minister Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqir asked provincial police to investigate the matter. He further inquired as to why was the rocket present in the village.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had also demanded of the government to investigate the explosion. He lamented that the katcha areas of Sindh and Punjab were home to many criminal gangs and urged the government to clear the region from such elements.

Source: tribune.com.pk

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Southeast Asia

 

Minister Na'im warns Muslims online against presenting Islam as extreme on social media

By Muhammad Yusry

 28 Sep 2023

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 28 — Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk MohdNa’im Mokhtar today warned Muslims online that Islam should not be presented as “extreme” on social media.

The religious affairs minister said this way of proselytisation goes against the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

“In today's social media, don't talk about Islam as this holy thing that appears extreme,” he told the national-level Maulidur Rasul 1445 Hijrah/2023 celebration at Putrajaya International Convention Centre here.

“It is very contrary to the word as well as the upbringing of the Messenger of God. What he taught is mutual respect, open-mindedness and maintaining morals when differing opinions.

He said the same goes for content on social media which involves current affairs, religious and legal issues.

“In this regard, the mufti and state religious departments act as the authorities in religious matters and fatwas play a very great role in providing guidance and answers against every religious confusion and confusion including laws that arise in society,” he said.

Na'im said he hopes that such guidance can curb the issues of slander, quarrels and things that can lead to a divide in the community.

“Thus, the celebration of the Prophet's birthday that we celebrate today, brings a great meaning to Muslims to appreciate and practise all the essence of the teachings which was left by the Prophet,” he added.

Earlier, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah reminded Muslims to always speak the truth and avoid spreading lies as the culture of slander had led to the collapse of civilisations and the fall of great powers, as well as tragic events throughout Islamic history.

Also in attendance today were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah AminahMaimunahIskandariah.

Source: malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/09/28/minister-naim-warns-muslims-online-against-presenting-islam-as-extreme-on-social-media/93324

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Religious minister says he will meet Ipoh Timor MP to explain how Quranic verses are cited

By Muhammad Yusry

28 Sep 2023

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 28 — Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk MohdNa’im Mokhtar today said he will meet Ipoh Timur MP Howard Lee Chuan How in the near future.

He said the meeting with Lee is to shed a light on how Quranic verses are cited.

“The video was shown to me, and from what I can see, he (Howard) did not interpret the verses, but instead, he cited their meaning.

“Insyallah, we will meet Howard soon, to explain it. A certain discipline is required when citing Quranic verses,” he said during a press conference after the national-level Maulidur Rasul 1445 Hijrah/2023 celebrations at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre here.

Mohd Naim stressed that muftis and state religious departments play a pivotal role in explaining the meaning of Quranic verses to the community.

“I strongly recommend that the muftis and state religious departments, and not just in the context of Howard, but for all communities, play their role in explaining Quranic verses.

“The muftis are the experts who are appointed by the Malay Rulers. They have that platform,” he said.

On Tuesday, Lee publicly apologised for quoting a verse from the Quran in a video posted on social media recently.

Lee said he had absolutely no intention of touching on the sensitivities of the Muslim community, and welcomed the recommendation made by Umno secretary-general Datuk AsyrafWajdiDusuki regarding the matter.

Last Friday, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (JSJ) director Datuk Seri MohdShuhailyMohd Zain said the department would record Lee’s statement on the incident.

Perak Police chief Datuk Seri MohdYusri Hassan Basri previously said the first report on the case was lodged at the JalanTunRazak Police Station in Kuala Lumpur, while the non-governmental organisationJalinan Bersatu Sahabat (Jabat) Perak also filed a report last Thursday.

Meanwhile, Lee confirmed on Wednesday that police had taken his statement but did not disclose where it was recorded.

Source: malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/09/28/religious-minister-says-he-will-meet-ipoh-timor-mp-to-explain-how-quranic-verses-are-cited/93341

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Sanusi pooh-poohs claims of ban on shorts, alcohol in Langkawi

 28 Sep 2023

ALOR STAR – Kedah MenteriBesar Datuk Seri Muhammad SanusiMd Nor has clarified that there were no laws in place to prohibit the wearing of shorts or the consumption of alcohol in Langkawi.

His statement comes in response to recent claims made by Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing that such matters affected tourism.

Sanusi called upon Tiong to cease pursuing the issue, emphasising that such actions were detrimental to Langkawi's reputation as a premier tourist destination.

He also questioned Tiong’s source of information.

“I’m not sure who is giving such information to this minister. There are no prohibitions on wearing shorts and for tourists that enjoy alcohol, there are designated spots licensed for that.”

During a press conference after chairing the state executive council, Sanusi urged the tourism minister to visit Langkawi personally before making further statements.

He stressed that raising such issues does not serve the purpose of enhancing tourism and can have adverse effects on the industry.

Yesterday, an online news portal reported that Tiong cautioned Sanusi for repeatedly making statements that could negatively impact the tourism industry in Kedah.

During the press conference today, Sanusi underlined that tourists visiting Langkawi were free to enjoy their time on the island as long as they maintained modesty.

“Many people wear shorts in Langkawi. If their religion allows it, they can wear them. But going topless is not right. Being nude on the beach is also not acceptable in our culture.”

Sanusi had previously also invited Tiong to visit Langkawi after the matter came up during debate on the 12th Malaysia Plan mid-term review in Parliament recently. – The Vibes, September 28, 2023

Source: thevibes.com

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https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/99023/sanusi-refutes-claims-of-ban-on-shorts-alcohol-in-langkawi

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South Asia

 

Afghan currency world’s best-performing unit in Sept quarter: report

September 28, 2023

KARACHI: Despite facing global sanctions, Afghanistan’s currency – the afghani – has emerged as the best-performing one this quarter as billions of dollars in humanitarian aid and rising trade with Asian neighbours propelled it to climb around 9% in the said period, reported Bloomberg on Tuesday.

“The ruling Taliban, which seized power two years ago, has also unleashed a series of measures to keep the afghani in a stronghold, including banning the use of dollars and Pakistani rupees in local transactions and tightening restrictions on bringing greenbacks outside the country,” Bloomberg stated in its report.

The Afghan authorities have also barred online trading and threatened to use punitive measures such as imprisonment for those who violate the rules, it added.

As per data compiled by Bloomberg, the afghani has risen around 9% this quarter, outpacing the likes of the Colombian peso’s 3% appreciation. “The afghani is up about 14% for the year, putting it third on the global list, behind the currencies of Colombia and Sri Lanka,” the report added.

The afghani’s climb comes in stark contrast to its neighbour Pakistan, where the rupee has lost nearly 22% of its value in the ongoing calendar year alone – despite the recent 6% gain this month. “The hard currency controls are working, but the economic, social and political instability will render this rise in the currency as a short-term phenomenon,” Kamran Bokhari, an expert in Middle Eastern, Central and South Asian affairs at the Washington-based New Lines Institute for Strategy & Policy, was quoted as saying by Bloomberg. As per the report, foreign exchange in the landlocked country is being traded largely via money changers.“The bustling, open-air market Sarai Shahzada in Kabul is the de-facto financial hub of the country, where the equivalent of tens of millions of dollars cross hands every day,” said the report.Meanwhile, remittances to Afghanistan are being brought into the country via the Hawala system, it added.

“Tightened restrictions on foreign exchange transactions and a very gradual improvement in trade are pushing up demand for the afghani,” said AnwitaBasu, head of Europe country risk at BMI in London.Theafghani is likely to stabilise at current levels until the end of the year, Basu was further quoted as saying by Bloomberg.The report noted that as pressure on Afghani eased, Afghanistan’s central bank has raised the limit for dollar withdrawals to $40,000 per month for businesses from $25,000 and $600 a week for individuals from $200 two years ago.The development comes as a surprise for many as the landlocked country is witnessing rampant unemployment and two-thirds of houses are struggling to afford basic items and inflation has turned into deflation, according to a World Bank report.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1114071-afghan-currency-world-s-best-performing-unit-in-sept-quarter-report

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Muttaqi Says Kabul’s Relations With World Countries Growing

September 27, 2023

The acting foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, said that the current Afghan government has diplomatic ties with a number of countries, and that those relations are growing daily.

Muttaqi, who traveled to Russia to take part in the Moscow Format meeting, said that security in the nation is presently ensured and that world concerns have also been addressed.

"Diplomatic ties with numerous nations are very good and expanding day by day. The fact that Allah Almighty gave security to Afghanistan after 45 years, both Afghanistan itself and its neighbors now reached security,” Muttaqi noted.

Muttaqi in a meeting with President Vladimir Putin’s adviser, RuslanEdelgeriyev, emphasized strengthening political and economic relations between the two countries and taking practical steps in the trade sector.

The Foreign Ministry wrote in a statement that in the meeting Saeeduich said that Moscow is ready to cooperate with Afghanistan.

"It is the duty of our embassy in Russia to facilitate businessmen so that we can achieve more in this field and bring Afghan products to Russia,” the acting foreign minister noted.

"The expansion of political, economic, commercial, and educational cooperation was highlighted in the conversation with the adviser to the Russian president, and it was believed that Afghanistan and Russia have common interests in the region, so it is necessary to develop cooperation in various fields," said Abdul Latif Nazari, deputy of the Ministry of Economy.

During his trip to Moscow, acting foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi also visited the Embassy of the Islamic Emirate in Russia.

Earlier, the Russian special envoy for Afghanistan, ZamirKabulov, said that the new Moscow Format meeting on Afghanistan will take place on September 29 in Kazan.

Source: tolonews.com

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https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-185287

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'Baseless' Criticism By Neighbors Will Affect Bilateral Ties: Stanikzai

September 27, 2023

Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the deputy minister of Foreign Affairs said that baseless criticism by neighboring countries will negatively affect bilateral relations between Afghanistan and its neighbors.

Speaking at the celebration ceremony of World Tourism Day in Kabul, the deputy Foreign Minister said neighboring countries are blaming Afghanistan for the spread of terrorism from its soil to gain the satisfaction of world powers, which is not a rational solution.

“Criticizing Afghanistan and baseless claims in every single conference and gathering will negatively affect relations between countries which is in favor of no country.” said Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

“We want people’s problems to be resolved. We are against creating any kind of problems not only in Afghanistan but also in other countries. No matter if they are Afghans or nationals of other countries, we want to bring facilities", said KhairullahKhairkhwa, acting Minister of Information and Culture.

In the meantime, the deputy minister of information and culture for publications, Hayatullah Muhajir Farahi, said that more than four thousand foreign tourists have visited different parts of Afghanistan since the Islamic Emirate came to power.

Muhajir Farahi has called on world countries to help the Islamic Emirate rebuild Afghanistan’s historical monuments.

“4,200 tourists from different countries have visited different parts of Afghanistan since the Islamic Emirate has come to power," said Hayatullah Muhajir Farahi, the deputy minister of information and culture for publications

The representatives of tourism in Afghanistan urged the Islamic Emirate to resolve the tourism-related issues in the country.

“Those who break the [tourism] rules in the country should be recognized and held accountable so that tourism firms are not blacklisted or their authorities are not arrested," said Ali Asghar, head of a tourism company.

The Ministry of Information and Culture said that to provide further facilities for tourists in the country, they are working on making modern hotels in the country’s historical and recreational areas like AryobZazai of Paktia province, Sayad of Kapisa province, and Nuristan and Ghor provinces.

Source: tolonews.com

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Pakistan Govt approves deportation of over 1 million Afghan refugees

Fidel Rahmati

September 27, 2023

 Pakistan’s caretaker government is set to deport more than 1.1 million Afghan nationals residing illegally within the country, as reported by sources. This decision was officially approved during a meeting of the caretaker cabinet in Islamabad on Tuesday, September 26.

The Pakistan government has noted a significant influx of nearly one million Afghan refugees over the past two years, adding to the millions who have already sought refuge in the neighbouring country for an extended period.

Media reports indicate that the decision to expel illegal Afghan refugees has been made in the context of a broader crackdown on various illegal activities. This includes combating terrorism, currency smuggling, and sugar and fertiliser illegal trade.

According to sources, the federal cabinet, acting through the Interior Ministry, has approved a plan for the deportation of over 1.1 million Afghan refugees.

The caretaker cabinet’s recent decision is a response to the arrival of approximately 600,000 Afghan refugees in Pakistan following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Among them, roughly 400,000 are residing in the country without legal status.

The Ministry of Interior in Pakistan has reportedly collaborated with various stakeholders, including the Taliban administration, to formulate their plan. In recent months, Pakistan’s police have intensified efforts to crack down on Afghan migrants, resulting in hundreds of arrests and the repatriation of many of them to Afghanistan.

In recent incidents, Karachi police arrested 293 Afghan nationals for residing in the city without proper travel documents. These arrests occurred during raids from September 9 to 12, with 253 illegal Afghan immigrants detained.

Police stations in Quaidabad, Shah Latif, Malir City, and Sukhan arrested 37 Afghan nationals. In addition, 68 immigrants were detained in the Korangi district and 49 in the Kemari district. Furthermore, 91 Afghan citizens were apprehended in various areas, including Gulshan Iqbal, Shahrah Faisal, and Sohrab Goth.

The Taliban has not provided any official statements or comments in response to the report concerning Afghan refugees reportedly experiencing extortion at the hands of the Pakistani government.

Source: khaama.com

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Ministry of Public Health reports 6th Polio case in Nangarhar

Fidel Rahmati

September 27, 2023

 In an official statement, the Ministry of Public Health in Afghanistan has confirmed a new case of WPV1 (Wild Poliovirus Type 1) in the Khogyani district of Nangarhar province, reported on Wednesday. This case raises the country’s polio cases to six in 2023.

According to the official statement, the confirmed case involves a 12-year-old male child who experienced the onset of paralysis on September 4, 2023.

Dr. Nek Wali Momin, the Director of the National EOC, has voiced his concern regarding the recent polio case. He emphasized that Afghanistan conducted an exceptional 12 polio vaccination campaigns in 2022, surpassing the global average.

In 2023, the country has already carried out three national, two sub-national, and four case response campaigns, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to eradicating polio.

“Vaccination alone is not enough; efforts should be made to strengthen routine immunization. It is crucial to provide facilities for hygiene as many families have limited access to clean water; malnutrition is worsening day by day; measures must be taken to prevent malnutrition, as it is caused by various factors, including poverty and insufficient access to basic health services in remote areas,” He added.

In Khogyani district, where the new polio case emerged, inadequate public health and hygiene measures have been observed.

Insufficient sanitation creates an environment where the poliovirus can persist. Children who play in unsanitary conditions risk contracting the virus, resulting in permanent paralysis or even death.

All five previously reported polio cases also originated from Nangarhar province, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance in the country’s eastern region.

The Polio Eradication Program is actively strengthening surveillance efforts in this region and is committed to achieving comprehensive polio vaccine coverage for every child. The statement said the ultimate goal is eradicating polio from Afghanistan.

Given the current circumstances, there is consideration for implementing targeted campaigns in the affected areas. The ministry said that national and sub-national campaigns are planned to contain the virus’s spread and prevent further transmission swiftly.

Source: khaama.com

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Afghans Mark Birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Kabul

September 27, 2023

Gatherings were held in Kabul and some other province of the country to celebrate the Milad-e-Nabi (Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad).

Some religious clerics and Kabul residents emphasized the need to follow in the way of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

“The Prophet PBUH is a role model for people in the political, economic and cultural fields,” said Haqparast, a religious cleric.

“Sirat-Un-Nabi (Life of the Prophet) should be taught to boys and girls, and they should study it,” said Ahmadullah, another religious cleric.

Some residents of Kabul said that every year they celebrate this day with charity.

“People arrange religious programs on this day because the Prophet was born and also passed away on this day,” said Abdullah, a resident of Kabul.

“On this day, brotherhood should be established between Muslims and between Islamic religions, and it is the duty of the clerics to unite people and to remove the differences between Muslims,” said Abdul Rahman, another resident of Kabul.

Prophet Muhammad was born in 570 CE in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and became a prophet at the age of 40. Muhammad led the people for 23 years and died at the age of 63.

Source: tolonews.com

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Calls Mount For Continuation of Humanitarian Aid to Afghanistan

Bibi Amina Hakimi

September 28, 2023

The UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan as well as representatives of the UK, China, Pakistan, and Iran called for the continuation of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.

Speaking at the UN Security Council Meeting, the head of UNAMA, Roza Otunbayeva, said that the Afghanistan Humanitarian Response Plan had received US $872 million, approximately only 28 per cent of the $3.2 billion requested.

“Many programmes have already closed due to insufficient funding just as winter is fast approaching and lives are most at risk. This means that 15.2 million Afghans now facing acute food insecurity could be pushed towards famine in the coming months,” Otunbayeva said.

Speaking at the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in Afghanistan, the US deputy ambassador to the UN, Robert A. Wood, said that the current Afghan government has created an increasingly difficult operating environment for partners who are aiding the Afghan people.

“The Taliban have created an increasingly difficult operating environment for partners who are staying and delivering life-saving aid to the Afghan people. 

Any interference in or diversion of humanitarian aid is totally unacceptable. We continue to expect the Taliban to allow unhindered humanitarian access and the flow of aid, consistent with humanitarian principles,” said Robert A. Wood.

“The UK has contributed over half a billion dollars to address the humanitarian crisis since April 2021 and we call on fellow Member States to step up support where they can,” Barbara Woodward, the Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the UN said at the UN meeting.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate said that it does not interfere in the distribution of aid and it asked the international community to continue its aid to the people of Afghanistan.

“The Islamic Emirate does not interfere in the distribution of aid. We ask the humanitarian organizations and international community to provide aid to the people of Afghanistan. And we try to monitor the aid so it is distributed to the people of Afghanistan,” said Abdul Latif Nazari, deputy of the Ministry of Economy.

China's ambassador to the United Nation once again asked the US to release Afghanistan assets.

Source: tolonews.com

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Six 'Ansar al-Islam' militants placed in two-day remand

 27 Sep 2023

DHAKA, Sept 27, 2023 (BSS) - A Dhaka court today remanded six members of the

outlawed militant gang 'Ansar al-Islam' for two days each followed by a

hearing.

The arrested-- Mejbah Uddin Chowdhury alias Abu Masrur, 50, Sheikh Ashiqur

Rahman alias Abu Afifa, 49, Shadi Mohammad Julkar Nain, 35, , M Kamrul Hasan

Sabbir, 40, M Masum Rana alias MasumBillah, 26 and Sayeed M Rizvi, 35,--

were produced before the court by police.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Mohammad Nurul Huda Chowdhury passed the order

accepting a remand plea from Banani Thana Sub-Inspector (SI) Iyadul Haque.

"Members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)-1 and Directorate General of Forces

Intelligence (DGFI), in a joint operation, arrested the six militants

including Mejbah Uddin Chowdhury, one of the key leaders of 'Ansar al-Islam',

from city's Uttara, Banani, Banasree and Jatrabari areas on Monday night,"

said Senior Police Super and Senior Assistant Director of RAB-1 M Parvez Rana

yesterday.

Two laptops, six mobile phone sets, books, leaflets, diary and notebooks were

also recovered from their possession during the drive, he added.

A case was filed against them with Banani Police Station under the Anti-

Terrorism Act shortly after their arrest.

Source: bssnews.net

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https://www.bssnews.net/news/149567

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Mideast

 

Israeli Forces Raids Wreak Havoc in Hebron

September 28, 2023

Israeli occupation forces raided many Palestinian houses today evening, Wednesday, September 27, in a military incursion onto the occupied West Bank city of Hebron.

According to Palestinian media, Israeli armed units stormed many Palestinian houses in At-Tuwani village, south of Hebron, and vandalised their contents.

Separately, Israeli forces stationed at the Israeli military checkpoint at the eastern entrance to the city detained two Palestinian citizens.

They reportedly stopped a Palestinian vehicle while passing the checkpoint, brutally searched the passengers, and detained two Palestinians.

On a daily basis, Israeli forces initiate military incursions and assaults in Palestinian cities and towns throughout occupied Palestine, attacking Palestinian houses and citizens, killing some, wounding many, and detaining others.

According to the latest Palestinian statistics, Israeli occupation forces have detained over 200 Palestinian citizens in the past week, most of them in Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah, and Jenin.

Last August only, they detained 510 Palestinian citizens, including 44 kids and 7 females, during many military raids across occupied Palestine.

It’s noteworthy that Israeli occupation holds over 5,000 Palestinian detainees in its prisons, including 34 women, 170 children, and 750 patients. There are also over 1,200 administrative detainees inside the Israeli prisons.

Source: daysofpalestine.ps

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Palestinian family of five shot dead in Israel as murder wave persists

27 September, 2023

Five members of a Palestinian family were shot dead in their home in Israel, police said on Wednesday, in the latest in a wave of crime-related killings in the country's Palestinian communities that has reached a new peak this year.

The shooting of the five, including a woman and two teenagers, in the Bedouin town of BasmatTab'un followed a separate incident in which a 50-year-old man was killed earlier on Wednesday.

More than 180 Palestinian citizens in Israel have been killed in crime-related violence since January - a seven-year high - in a spate of killings that have continued unchecked, drawing accusations that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's religious-nationalist government was ignoring the bloodshed.

"Israel has the abilities, the Israeli government understands what needs to be done, everybody understands what needs to be done, there simply is no will and no leadership," said Mansour Abbas, leader of one of the parties that represent Israel's Palestinian minority.

Palestinian mayors have accused the government and police of deliberately neglecting their communities and of enabling criminals to act with impunity. They have refused to work with the far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has past convictions of support for terrorism and anti-Arab incitement, and have demanded that Netanyahu intervene instead.

With Israel facing its worst political crisis in decades, over Netanyahu's drive to push through a divisive overhaul of the judiciary, Palestinian citizens say the collapse of personal safety in their communities must receive more government attention.

Ben-Gvir, who did not immediately comment on Wednesday's incident, has rejected accusations of inaction. He has said fighting crime is high on his agenda and that police have stepped up crime-busting activity, including the seizure of weapons and funds from criminal groups.

"As police, we will do everything to get to the killers," police spokesman Eli Levi told reporters at the scene of Wednesday's crime.

Most of Israel's Arab citizens are descendants of Palestinians who survived ethnic cleansing and mass displacement by Zionist militias which accompanied the establishment of the Israeli state in 1948. They make up about a fifth of Israel's population.

They have for decades faced high poverty rates, poorly funded schools, and overcrowded towns lacking services, and say they are treated as second-class citizens compared with other Israeli citizens.

Source: newarab.com

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https://www.newarab.com/news/palestinian-family-five-shot-dead-home-israel

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Negligence blamed for catastrophic fire in Iraq's Nineveh with 120 dead

27 September, 2023

At least 120 people lost their lives, and 100 others were injured late on Tuesday night when a fire broke out at a wedding in Hamdaniyah, also known as Qaraqosh, the largest Christian town in Nineveh province.

Approximately a thousand people gathered at Haitham Hall in Hamdaniyah to celebrate the wedding of a Christian couple when the fire erupted.

Major General Khaled Al-Mahna, spokesperson for Iraq's interior ministry, provided an update on the situation, stating to The New Arab in a phone interview.

"The latest figures from the Hamdaniyah wedding fire show 93 martyrs, with 100 wounded," he said.

"Some of the wounded have been discharged from hospitals after receiving treatment, while those in critical condition have been transferred to specialized burn treatment centers."

Iraq's health ministry is conducting autopsies on the deceased, while the whereabouts of the wedding goers, including the bride and groom, remain unknown.

Iraq's Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shamari has ordered the formation of an investigation committee to look into the incident.

The ministry has also announced the detention of nine employees working in the hall and arrest warrants for the four individuals who own the hall.

Al-Mahna clarified: "Arrest warrants have been issued against the owners of the hall on charges of negligence in complying with safety standards imposed by civil defense authorities."

The primary owner of the hall is reportedly based in Erbil, the capital city of the northern Kurdistan region. When asked whether arrest warrants have been sent to authorities in Erbil, Al-Mahna responded: "It is too early for that. Currently, the arrest warrants have been issued, and the executive authorities are working to enforce them."

In a statement released late on Wednesday, the Kurdistan Region's Security Council (KRSC) confirmed the apprehension of the owner of Haitham Hall.

"In response to an arrest warrant issued by Iraq's interior ministry, our KRSC institutions in Erbil have taken into custody the hall's owner, identified as Samir Suleiman KhurmiRafuAsu, and subsequently handed him over to Iraq's interior ministry authorities," the statement read.

Iraq's State News Agency (INA) quoted Iraq's civil defence directorate, saying that the fire resulted in the collapse of parts of the hall due to the use of highly flammable, low-cost building materials.

While the exact cause of the fire remains uncertain, some eyewitnesses speaking to local media suggested that fireworks may have started the flames.

The presence of flammable panels exacerbated the blaze, leading to parts of the ceiling collapsing. Iraqi officials also pointed out that the hall had been constructed illegally and without proper licenses, highlighting rampant corruption by state officials.

Efforts to reach Saif Al-Badr, spokesperson for Iraq's health ministry, for comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting. The interior ministry also reported that 21 injured individuals were transported to hospitals in Duhok in the Iraqi Kurdistan region, while Erbil hospitals treated 18 others.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has declared a three-day period of mourning across the country, and the Sunni Endowment has suspended all celebrations for the occasion of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday.

Numerous world leaders have sent condolence letters to Iraq's leadership, expressing their sorrow over this human tragedy.

Source: newarab.com

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Iran vehemently condemns desecration of Holy Qur'an in Netherlands

27 September 2023

Iran has vehemently condemned the repeated desecration of the Holy Qur'an in the Netherlands, urging the European country to respect the sensibilities of billions of Muslims around the world.

"The Dutch government is expected to understand its responsibilities towards preventing insult against the values and religious sanctities of the world's more than two-billion-strong Muslim population," Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan'ani said on Wednesday.

He advised the Netherlands to come in the way of "repetition of such reprehensible acts that take place in the name of 'freedom of speech.'"

The remarks came days after Edwin Wagensveld, the ringleader of the Dutch chapter of the anti-Islam group PEGIDA, tore up a copy of the Muslim holy book in front of the Turkish, Pakistani, and Indonesian Embassies in The Hague and insulted Islam and Muslims.

He then thanked the Dutch police for providing him with protection during his perpetration of the heinous gesture.

On Monday, the Organization of the Islamic Council (OIC) similarly condemned the act of desecration, urging the Dutch authorities to stop the provocative, Islamophobic acts.

The Organization of the Islamic Council (OIC) condemned the desecration of the Holy Qur’an by the leader of the far-right and Islamophobic PEGIDA group in the Netherlands.

"The Council condemned all attempts to denigrate the sanctity of al-Mus’haf ash-Sharif (Holy Qur'an) as well as other sacred books, values, and symbols of Islam and other religions under the garb of freedom of expression, which is contrary to the spirit of Articles (19) and (20) of the ICCPR (The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights)," read a statement by the body.

Several cities across the Netherlands, Sweden, and Denmark have witnessed similar instances of desecration of the Muslim holy book since the beginning of the year.

The blasphemous gestures, all of which have taken place with the go-ahead given by the countries' respective governments and amid protection provided by their security forces, have opened the floodgates of protest across the Muslim world.

Source: presstv.ir

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Israel reopens Gaza crossing to Palestinian workers

September 28, 2023

Erez: Israel said it reopened Thursday a key crossing with Gaza to Palestinian workers after shutting it during violent protests that saw the army launch strikes targeting Hamas military posts.

The Israeli authorities had initially closed the Erez crossing, the only gateway for Palestinian pedestrians from the Gaza Strip, for the Jewish new year holiday on September 15.

But they extended the closure citing security reasons following daily demonstrations along the border that left several protesters dead and injured in clashes with Israeli soldiers.

While patients seeking medical treatment and foreigners had been allowed to use the crossing, thousands of Palestinian workers from the coastal enclave had been banned from entering Israel.

On Wednesday evening COGAT, the Israeli defense body responsible for Palestinian civilian affairs, said the crossing would reopen for workers from Thursday morning.

The Palestinian civilian affairs ministry confirmed the crossing had reopened.

An AFP correspondent saw thousands of Palestinians waiting at the terminal to enter Israel.

Israel has issued work permits to some 18,500 Gazans, COGAT said last week.

The Gaza Strip, home to some 2.3 million Palestinians, had been rocked by violent protests in the past two weeks.

Protesters had often resorted to burning tires, throwing stones and petrol bombs at Israeli troops, who have responded with tear gas and live bullets.

The Israeli army had also resorted to drone strikes targeting military sites of the Islamist group Hamas, which controls the enclave.

Since September 13, seven Palestinians have been killed and more than 100 wounded in the violence in Gaza, according to figures from the Hamas-controlled health ministry.

Israel has imposed an air, land and sea blockade on Gaza since Hamas seized the Palestinian territory in 2007.

Armed conflict sporadically erupts between Israel and militants in the Gaza Strip.

In May, an exchange of Israeli air strikes and Gaza rocket fire resulted in the deaths of 34 Palestinians and one Israeli.

Source: arabnews.com

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Arab family of five shot dead as crime rates in Israel soar

September 28, 2023

JERUSALEM: Five members of an Arab family were shot dead in their home in Israel, police said on Wednesday, in the latest in a wave of crime-related killings in Israel’s Arab communities that has reached a new peak this year.

The shooting of the five, including a woman and two teenagers, in the northern town of BasmatTab’un followed a separate incident in which a 50-year-old man was killed earlier on Wednesday.

More than 180 Arab citizens in Israel have been killed in crime-related violence since January — a seven-year high — in a spate of killings that have continued unchecked, drawing accusations that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s religious-nationalist government was ignoring the bloodshed.

“Israel has the abilities, the Israeli government understands what needs to be done, everybody understands what needs to be done, there simply is no will and no leadership,” said Mansour Abbas, leader of one of the parties that represent Israel’s Arab minority.

Arab mayors have accused the government and police of deliberately neglecting their communities and of enabling criminals to act with impunity. They have refused to work with the far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has past convictions of support for terrorism and anti-Arab incitement, and have demanded that Netanyahu intervene instead.

With Israel facing its worst political crisis in decades, over Netanyahu’s drive to push through divisive changes to the judiciary, Arab citizens say the collapse of personal safety in their communities must receive more government attention.

Ben-Gvir, who did not immediately comment on Wednesday’s incident, has rejected accusations of inaction. He has said fighting crime is high on his agenda and that police have stepped up crime-busting activity, including the seizure of weapons and funds from criminal groups.

“As police, we will do everything to get to the killers,” police spokesman Eli Levi told reporters at the scene of Wednesday’s crime.

Arab citizens, most of whom are descendants of Palestinians who remained in Israel during the mass exodus of refugees in the 1948 war surrounding Israel’s creation, make up about a fifth of the country’s population.

They have for decades faced high poverty rates, poorly funded schools and overcrowded towns lacking services and say they are treated as second-class citizens compared with Jewish Israelis.

Source: arabnews.com

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Arab World

 

Saudi envoy holds talks in Ramallah with Palestinian PM and EU representative

September 28, 2023

RIYADH: Nayef Al-Sudairi, the Saudi non-resident ambassador to the State of Palestine, visited Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh at his office in Ramallah on Wednesday.

Shtayyeh warmly welcomed Al-Sudairi to Palestine and underlined his commitment to providing all necessary support for the envoy’s mission, which Shtayyeh said he expects to contribute significantly to the development of relations between the two sates, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The ambassador, who was on a two-day official visit to the West Bank that began on Tuesday, reaffirmed the unwavering support of the Kingdom for Palestine in international forums, and emphasized the strength of the relationship between the states and the potential for enhanced cooperation in a number of fields.

In a separate meeting, Al-Sudairi, who is also the Kingdom’s ambassador to Jordan, held talks with the EU’s representative in Palestine, Alexandre Stutzmann, to discuss the latest political developments relating to the Palestinian cause, along with other issues of common interest.

In addition, he held talks with Munib Al-Masri, the chairman of the board of directors of independent development organization Al-Quds Fund and Endowment, about ways to strengthen and develop relations.

The envoy, who was visiting the territory for the first time since he was appointed ambassador to Palestine in August, earlier presented his credentials to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Source: arabnews.com

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Saudi Arabia holds talks to boost economic ties with Bahrain, Slovenia

September 28, 2023

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef held a meeting on Wednesday with his Bahraini counterpart Abdullah Fakhro at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh, which focused on ways to improve economic ties.

The discussions focused on the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, with an emphasis on strengthening industrial cooperation, fostering private-sector exchange of expertise and technology, and boosting trade, particularly non-oil exports, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Last year, Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports to Bahrain amounted to SR7 billion ($1.8 billion), while imports were SR9.8 billion.

The Saudi Industrial Development Fund contributed to financing 13 projects worth SR1.5 billion.

Meanwhile, Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim began an official visit to Slovenia, where he held meetings with senior government officials, including Minister of Economy, Tourism and Sport Matjaz Han, Minister of Finance KlemenBostjancic, and Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Tibor Simonka.

On the sidelines of his visit, Alibrahim participated in the Slovenia-Saudi Business Roundtable Meeting that featured several presentations on investment opportunities in the Kingdom.

Speaking at the event, he said: “There is substantial untapped potential for collaboration between Saudi and Slovenian private sectors. This synergy can lead to innovative ventures, and investment opportunities that create mutually beneficial outcomes for businesses in both countries.”

Slovenia’s officials highlighted key investment opportunities in the central European country as well as its current successful business ventures in the Kingdom.

The roundtable meeting included the signing of a memorandum of understanding to establish the Saudi-Slovenian Business Council.

Alibrahim’s visit is part of the Kingdom’s efforts to build bridges and boost cooperation with the rest of the world, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

It is expected that stronger multilateral cooperation and cross-border investments will result in a thriving private sector that supports the Kingdom’s socio-economic development.

Source: arabnews.com

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Saudi FM meets France’s special envoy for Lebanon, Nauru’s president

September 28, 2023

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Wednesday received Jean-Yves Le Drian, French President Emmanuel Macron’s special envoy for Lebanon, in Riyadh, the Kingdom’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The parties reviewed bilateral relations and looked at ways to extend joint coordination in many fields.

They also discussed the latest developments in Lebanon, as well as in regional and international arenas, the Kingdom added in a statement.

Prince Faisal also met Nauru’s President Russ Kun in Riyadh to discuss ways of strengthening ties.

The minister conveyed greetings from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the president, and their wishes for continued progress for the government and people of Nauru.

Bilateral relations and ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields were discussed, in addition to focusing on the most prominent developments on both the regional and international stage.

Prince Faisal held bilateral talks on Monday with Vince Henderson, the minister for foreign affairs, international business, trade and energy of the Commonwealth of Dominica.

Source: arabnews.com

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HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister exchanges greetings with Arab and Islamic leaders

 27 Sep 2023

Manama, Sept. 27 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today exchanged cables of congratulations with Arab and Islamic leaders, Crown Princes, and Prime Ministers, on the occasion of the anniversary of Prophet Mohammed’s date of birth.

HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister wished the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Arab and Islamic nations further progress and prosperity.

Source: bna.bh

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Saudi Arabia announces inaugural Riyadh School for Tourism and Hospitality

September 27, 2023

NADA ALTURKI

RIYADH: The Saudi Arabian Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, announced the inauguration of the Riyadh School for Tourism and Hospitality At the 2023 United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) World Tourism Day celebrations in Riyadh.

“Yesterday I was so touched with the Secretary General (of UNWTO ZurabPololikashvili) to visit the schools and meet with the students… This school is a gift from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the world because it will be open to everyone to enjoy the best training in tourism and hospitality,” Al-Khateeb said during the announcement.

The facilities will then move to a larger campus in Qiddiyah scaled at 5 million square meters (50 million square feet) in 2027. The project will cost over USD1 billion to build.

The school initiative hopes to shape the future of industry education by attracting the brightest minds and employing cutting-edge technologies in an innovative facility.

It will offer a lead vocational and academic study program that places students at the heart of its curriculum, and provide a rich, diverse, and global learning experience through real-world practice.

Last year, the Ministry revealed alongside Pololikashvili, that they will be sending 100,000 Saudi talent every year for training across the globe throughout a five-year period, equipping them with the skills to work in the tourism and sustainability sector. “We will extend it to the next 10 years,” Al-Khateeb said.

“We are committing USD100 million every year to train them…Those who come back will work in the private sector and I’m encouraging them and other groups of investors to also join the government in investing in talent,” Al-Khateeb said.

While the industry lost over 60 million jobs worldwide due to the pandemic, the Kingdom is investing over USD800 billion in the sector and working to create 1 million jobs across the next 10 years, and is expecting international arrivals to double by 2032.

Al-Kateeb said: “It’s easy to put policies and procedures and systems (into place), but the most difficult thing that you need to have is the people…We need to have enough young people to join our industry today and I believe we need to double them in the future.

“We’re trying to make our sector, work in travel and tourism, as attractive and we need to make it a career for life for people to come and stay, and progress, and prosper throughout their life.”

The Kingdom continues its ambitious journey to become a global tourism hub by 2030 by investing in human capital, and the school is one of its latest initiatives to achieve the goal.

The 2023 WTD, held from Sept. 27-28, will explore potential avenues of collaboration between world tourism leaders by placing people, sustainability, and prosperity at the forefront of its discussions under the theme “Tourism and Green Investments.

Source: arabnews.com

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Lovers of reading expected to descend on iconic Riyadh Book Fair

September 28, 2023

RIYADH: Lovers of reading are expected to flock to the Riyadh Book Fair opening today which features some of the latest publications on literature and the arts, as well as an array of paintings and rare collectables.

Under the theme “An Inspiring Destination,” the event — the largest of its kind in the Arab world — promises visitors a diverse cultural journey until Oct. 7.

It has 800 pavilions over an area exceeding 55,000 square meters, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

More than 1,800 publishers are participating in the fair, with an additional 70 French firms represented through the “Lire enFrancais a Riyadh” initiative.

Organizers expect the event to record over 1 million visits.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to look at over 25 rare manuscripts and collectables on display.

Oman is the guest of honor this year, which organizers said reflects the historical ties and fraternal relations between the two nations’ peoples.

Oman’s pavilion will occupy a central position within the exhibition, showcasing books, manuscripts, and various items that celebrate the country’s culture. There will also be several leading figures from Oman’s arts and culture scene present.

In conjunction with the fair, the International Publishers Conference will convene on Oct. 4 to address various challenges facing the book industry.

Sponsored by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the conference will feature speeches from prominent local and international industry leaders, as well as publishers, authors, content creators, and other specialists.

The Riyadh International Book Fair 2023 is made possible through the support of ROSHN, a national real estate developer serving as a community partner, and the Al-Riyadh Center for Political and Strategic Studies, acting as a cultural partner.

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture — also known as Ithra — the Diriyah Gate Development Authority, and the car rental company Yelo are also partners of the event.

Source: arabnews.com

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Saudi king and crown prince offer condolences to Iraq over victims of Nineveh fire

September 27, 2023

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman sent a telegram of condolences and sympathy to Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, regarding the victims of a fire that broke out in a wedding hall in Nineveh governorate, in northern Iraq, the state-run SPA news agency reported on Wednesday.

The king said: “We learned of the news of a fire breaking out in one of the wedding halls in Nineveh Governorate, and the resulting deaths and injuries.

“We send to Your Excellency, the families of the deceased, and the brotherly people of the Republic of Iraq our deepest condolences and sincere sympathy,” he added, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also sent the Iraqi president a similar cable of condolences.

At least 100 people were killed when a fire ripped through a crowded wedding hall earlier on Wednesday, with more than 150 people also injured by the flames.

Source: arabnews.com

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Africa

 

Gabon's new prime minister outlines plans for national dialogue

September 28, 2023

Gabon's military-installed prime minister, Raymond NdongSima, on Wednesday outlined plans for a "national dialogue" to be organised next year which he said would pave the way for drawing up a new constitution.

Speaking at a press conference almost a month after a coup d’etat which ousted President Ali Bongo, he said an appeal for contributions towards the dialogue would go out from next week.

"Everyone has something to say. Men, women, old people, young people, people in housing estates, people in towns, in villages, everyone has an opinion and that's normal,” he said.

NdongSima said he aims to put forward a summary of these contributions by the end of January, which will provide the working basis for the national dialogue to take place hopefully between April and June.

"Why do we have a limited time to do this? Because we can't go on forever in a transition situation with a military command,” he said.

“We are a civil society. We belong to institutional bodies and we must respect the clauses of these bodies."

Gabon’s coup leader, and now transitional president, General Brice OliguiNguema, has promised to hand back the country to civilian rule with elections after a transitional period.

No timeframe has been given however.

The coup brought an end to close to 60 years of control of the oil-rich Central African country by the Bongo family.

The family’s dynastic rule created widespread discontent, with critics saying they did little to share Gabon’s wealth with its citizens.

NdongSima, a French-educated economist and outspoken critic of Ali Bongo, had served as his prime minister from 2012 to 2014 before resigning.

He ran against him for president in the 2016 elections and again this year as part of an opposition coalition.

Source: africanews.com

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Eid-el-Maulud: Imbibe Teachings Of Prophet Muhammed, Ajadi Charges Muslims, Nigerians

Raji Adebayo

 Sep 28, 2023

A Chieftain of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Ambassador OlufemiAjadiOguntoyinbo has felicitated with all Muslims across Ogun state and country at large on the Eid El-Malud celebration.

He urged the people to uphold the virtues of Prophet Muhammed (S.A.W) even as he charged Muslims and non Muslims to imbibe holiness which characterised the conduct of the Prophet during his sojourn on earth.

Ajadi had in a goodwill message marking the birth of Prophet Muhammed (S.A.W) remarked that the citizens should be united in love and use this opportunity to pray for Ogun state and the Country as whole as well those saddled with leadership responsibility, for wisdom from the Almighty Allah to take right decisions that would lead to nation’s building.

MEDICAL CONSULTANTS REVEALED HOW MEN CAN NATURALLY AND PERMANENTLY CURE POOR ERECTION, SMALL AND SHAMEFUL MANHOOD, AND INFERTILITY ISSUES WITHOUT SIDE EFFECTS. STOP THE USE OF HARD DRUG FOR SEX! IT KILLS!!!..

He called on Muslim faithfuls to re-dedicate themselves to the struggle for the emancipation of the new Nigeria as they reflect on the ideals and teachings of Allah.

The NNPP gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 elections in Ogun state, noted that Nigeria as a great nation would overcome all her challenges with the help of Allah, stressing that everyone should resolve to build a country where goals and aspirations of the people would be met, while urging them to remember the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), which according to him encouraged strong commitment to the development of the society.

He also used this opportunity to appeal to the youths to shun violence and resist any temptation to be influenced negatively, reminding them that Prophet for which his birth was being commemorated was a lover of peace.

He reminded them that with hard work and the fear of God, their dreams would become a reality.

While wishing all Muslims a happy Eid-el Malud, Ajadi urged the Muslims and Christians to continue to live in peace and harmony with one another, stressing that no meaningful progress had ever been achieved in an atmosphere of chaos.

Source: independent.ng

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Mali: several parties condemn junta's “unilateral” move to postpone presidential vote

September 28, 2023

Malian political groups expressed outrage on Wednesday (Sep. 27) at the junta's decision to postpone the presidential election that was supposed to bring back civilian rule.

The ruling junta on Monday (Sep. 25) announced a delay to a presidential election scheduled for February 2024 in the jihadist-hit West African nation.

New dates for the voting "will be communicated later," a government spokesman said.

The reasons cited for the postponement included issues linked to the adoption this year of a new Constitution and a review of the electoral lists.

The spokesman also cited a dispute with French company Idemia, which the junta says is involved in the census process.

The M5-RFP opposition coalition denounced the "unilateral" decision to delay the two rounds of voting -- initially set for February 4 and 18, 2024 -- saying it is "imperrative requirement" that the junta "respects its commitments".

The Movement of June the 5th - Coalition of patriot forces aka M5-RFP lead in 2020 the protests against then president Ibrahim BoubacarKeïta. Later that year, he was eventually deposed in a coup. The M5-RFP who'd become critics of the ruling junta was then sidelined by the new authorities.

Since Monday (Sep. 25), other parties have spoken out against the postponement of February 2024 elections.

The Democratique League for Change expressed its "disappointment" adding it "disapproved and unequivocally condemned" the junta's "attempt to take the Malian democracy hostage".

The Yelema party said the move the "lack of foresight",  as well as the authorities'  "incompetence" and their "refusal to honor their commitments".

Opposition party Parena said holding elections is a matter of "political will" and that some of the technical reasons cited by the junta could have been "avoided".

Mali's former Justice minister MamadouIsmailaKonaté accused the junta on social media of "trying to make up for its fault and inability to settle public affairs" by blaming the postponement mainly on a French company providing civil identity services.

Challenge to regional bloc ECOWAS

ECOWAS has not reacted officially to the latest announcement but has been putting pressure on the junta since 2020 to return civilians to power.

The 15-member organisation, which proclaims a principle of "zero tolerance" for coups d'etat, has been faced with a succession of coups since the first putsch in Bamako, in Mali's neighbours Burkina Faso and Niger, as well as in Guinea.

The Mali junta's announcement is yet another delay to the schedule for handing back power to elected civilians.

The soldiers, who carried out back-to-back coups in 2020 and 2021, had earlier promised legislative elections for February 2022.

Source: africanews.com

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Floods reveal new ancient structure at ancient Greek city near Derna

September 27, 2023

The devastating floods that swept through Libya have revealed new structures at an ancient Greek city near Derna.

The Libyan authorities who came to inspect the ancient city and salvage what could be saved unexpectedly found archaeological sites that appeared after the floods subsided.

Dr. Ahmed Issa from the Department of Archeology at Omar Al-Mukhtar University said that a national committee consisting of experts should be formed to classify the new archaeological monuments and develop a plan to restore the area.

AnisHamed, from the Shahat Antiquities Control Department, said that the floods caused cracks in the walls of archaeological buildings, and that they contacted local official authorities and UNESCO for help.

The city of Cyrene was founded in 631 BC by the Greeks, and it witnessed the height of its prosperity in the fourth century BC with the development of agricultural and commercial activity.

The city is distinguished by its Greek baths, the Temple of Zeus, which was founded in the fifth century BC, the Temple of Apollo, and other temples.

The floods killed thousands, uprooted residential buildings and washed away roads and bridges, especially in the city of Derna.

More than 11,000 people have been reported killed, and more than 10,000 others remain missing more than a week after the disaster, according to the Libyan Red Crescent and the United Nations.

Source: africanews.com

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North America

 

CAIR Successfully Concludes 8th Annual Muslim Youth Leadership Symposium (MYLS)

Ismail Allison

September 27, 2023

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 9/27/23) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today thanked congressional sponsor Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-Va), MAS DC and all those who helped make its 8th annual Muslim Youth Leadership Symposium (MYLS) a success.

The sold-out event, open to DMV youth ages 13-19, was held on September 25, 2023, at the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill.  

This year’s MYLS program was themed “Sustainable Activism: Cultivating Change for Long-Term Impact,” and aimed to offer insights into building resilience, overcoming setbacks and maximizing resources to create a sustainable approach to activism.

CAIR presented an award honoring Congressman Connolly for his support for Muslim youth civic engagement. Keynote speaker Imam Johari Abdul Malik emphasized spiritual reminders for building resiliency in his remarks to the participants. The program included a tour of the U.S. Capitol, a one-on-one discussion with an American Muslim congressional staffer, and a training by CAIR’s Government Affairs director Robert McCaw on how congress works and how students can mobilize to make government work for them. 

“Activism is a dynamic means to achieve justice and positive change, but it can also lead to disillusionment, burnout and fatigue,” said CAIR representative Zainab Chaudry. “With the right perspective and mindset, we want young leaders to know that they can overcome any challenge in their advocacy despite any inevitable obstacles.” 

The Washington-based civil rights organization has been organizing Muslim youth leadership programs in states across the country for more than a decade. Participants have gone on to become respected community leaders, public servants, activists, community organizers, and youth leaders.

MYLS is designed to encourage civic and political engagement by American Muslim youth, empower them to guide their communities from the margins to the mainstream of society and to provide resources to foster a well-integrated American Muslim identity that flourishes in a pluralistic America.

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

La misión de CAIR esproteger las libertadesciviles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a losmusulmanesenlosEstadosUnidos.

Source: cair.com

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CAIR Joins Civil Society Organizations United in Opposition to Israel’s Admission into U.S. Visa Waiver Program

Ismail Allison

September 27, 2023

(Washington, D.C., 9/27/23) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today joined other civil society organizations representing tens of thousands of Palestinian Americans, Arab Americans, Muslim Americans, and allied communities in expressing deep concern and outrage regarding the United States’ decision to admit Israel into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) despite Israel not fully meeting the requirements outlined by the law.

Click Here: Read the Joint Statement on Israel’s Inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program

Copied below is an excerpt of the full statement:

Israel’s admission to the Visa Waiver Program starkly contradicts the principles of the program itself. Despite being given an answer key to the program’s requirements, Israel has yet to fulfill its obligations. And it has had no incentive to do so. Instead of requiring Israel to comply with the statutory requirement of reciprocity, the agreement signed between the U.S. and Israel completely flouts this principle by allowing Israel to implement different entry procedures that distinguish between U.S. citizens based on ethnicity, the IDs they hold, and various other factors. Compounding this, the U.S. government’s truncated evaluation period provided no real opportunity for assessment. To be clear, adherence to this agreement is not adherence to reciprocity.

We have no faith that Israel will fully abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the Visa Waiver Program, especially after being officially admitted. Many crucial questions about the decision’s ethical implications have been raised, given Israel’s long history of discriminatory actions against U.S. citizens and Palestinians in contravention of the program’s requirements and international law. These ethical concerns underscore the importance of not disregarding a country’s past behavior when considering such privileges.

We call upon the U.S. government to reconsider its decision and prioritize the reciprocity, security, and international cooperation principles underpinning the Visa Waiver Program. The admission of any country into this program must be based on precise adherence to the established criteria and a demonstrated commitment to the program’s core values.

The Biden administration must remember that reciprocity cannot be negotiated or compromised. Concessions that allow Israel to pick and choose which points of entry U.S. citizens can access and implement different entry processes for some Americans not only diminish the integrity of the VWP itself but enshrine discrimination against U.S. citizens into law.

QUOTES FROM ORGANIZATIONS:

Executive Director of Americans for Justice in Palestine Action (AJP Action) & American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), Dr. Osama Abu Irshaid, said: “This announcement encapsulates the imbalance in the American-Israeli relationship. While Israel continues to violate its obligations under international law and undermine U.S. efforts to attain some kind of a peaceful settlement in the Middle East, which ironically favors Israel, successive American administrations continue to reward Israel for its bad behavior. The Biden administration is no exception in this context. Despite the administration’s repeated condemnation of Jewish settlement expansionist policies in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, Israel has never suffered political consequences.

Israel’s admission into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) falls in the same context. It cements the conventional wisdom that Israel enjoys the right to and immunity from ignoring America’s demands and damaging its standing in the world. The prevailing view is that the U.S. always backs down in the face of Israel’s arrogance.

In the face of Israel’s intransigence, the Biden administration yielded to its racism, which implemented a discriminatory two-tiered system of entry, especially for U.S. citizens residing in the West Bank and Gaza, contradicting the U.S. principles of reciprocity. This humiliating American concession makes it appear that Israel is doing the U.S. a favor by accepting to join the VWP, not vice versa.”

Nihad Awad, Executive Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) National, said: “It is clear that Israel is not currently in compliance with the Visa Waiver Program admission requirements, and the Biden administration must not rush to admit Israel into the program at the expense of the requirement of reciprocity for all U.S. citizens. CAIR and human rights organizations strongly urge Secretary Blinken and the Biden administration to heed the concerns raised by Palestinian and Muslim Americans and to deny Israel’s admission into the Visa Waiver Program until it can fully comply with all of the requirements and not harass and discriminate against American travelers.”

Abed Ayoub, Executive Director of ADC National, said: “By endorsing a tiered system for U.S. citizens, our government has given its tacit approval to Israel’s prejudiced policies and apartheid actions. This decision broadcasts a stark message: not all American passport holders are viewed equally. ADC does not accept that message and will be using every available option to fight it.”

Hanna Hanania, Government Affairs Committee Co-Chair and Past President of the American Federation of Ramallah, Palestine (AFRP), said: “Although we were repeatedly assured that the core principle of the U.S. VWP is ‘blue is blue’, today’s announcement says otherwise. By admitting Israel into the VWP despite its clear disregard for the program requirements of reciprocity and equal treatment, the Biden administration has compromised both the integrity of the VWP and our rights as Americans. This is unacceptable and should raise alarms not just for Palestinian Americans – but for all Americans who believe that our government should prioritize safeguarding our rights as U.S. citizens. We are disappointed, but not defeated. Now is the time for us to hold our government accountable and make it clear that we will not accept anything less than full reciprocity for all Americans, no matter their ethnicity, religion, or politics.”

Stefanie Fox, Executive Director of Jewish Voice for Peace Action, said: “The Biden administration’s decision to allow Israel’s entry into the Visa Waiver Program is an outrageous endorsement of the Israeli government’s systematic discrimination against Palestinian Americans and a reward to the most extremist, racist government in Israel’s history. Once again, the U.S. is singling out Israel for special and exceptionalized treatment at the expense of the rights of Palestinian Americans. Jewish Voice for Peace Action calls for the immediate reversal of this decision.”

Ahmad Abuznaid, Executive Director of the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights, said: ”We learned from the civil rights movement the fallacy of ‘separate but equal.’ Today we are obligated to reject Israel’s inclusion into the Visa Waiver Program because separate is never equal. Palestinian Americans’ tax dollars are just as green, our passports are just as blue, and our rights are just as precious as any other American.”

Salam Al-Marayati, President of MPAC, said: “Israel is not in compliance with the law as it relates to reciprocal treatment for all U.S. citizens, as evidenced by their continued targeting of Americans of Arab descent through travel bans with the absence of due process, seizure of property, harassment, interrogation, and detention at border crossings upon entry and exit. There remains no indication that any policy changes will be implemented to change this status quo. This decision will serve to embolden the Israeli government in its ongoing efforts to target American Muslims, Arab Americans, and Palestinian Americans and exploit the rules in the name of security. It also further damages our credibility as a country that values human rights and equality on the world stage.”

Sandra Tamari, Executive Director of Adalah Justice Project, said: “It is shameful that the U.S. continues to grant Israel not only unfettered impunity for violations of international law and human rights abuses, but also rewards it for its discriminatory policies. The U.S. has admitted Israel into the visa waiver program despite Israel’s continued discrimination against U.S. citizens who are Palestinian. Israel’s discrimination is especially egregious against Palestinian Americans with ties to Gaza, making reunification of families torn apart by Israel’s siege and blockade of Gaza near impossible. Apartheid is not only Israeli policy, it is U.S. policy too.”’

Jehad Abusalim, Executive Director of The Jerusalem Fund for Education and Community Development, said: “Israel’s designation in the VWP is an endorsement of the actions and rhetoric of its right-wing government, especially given the ongoing challenges and brutal repression faced by Palestinians. Instead of rewards, it’s essential for Israel to be held accountable for its actions and crimes.”

Source: cair.com

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CAIR Welcomes Federal Charges for Alaska Man Who Allegedly Threatened Fla. Sheriff Who Spoke Out Against Antisemitism

Ismail Allison

September 27, 2023

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 9/27/2023) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed federal charges brought against an Alaska man who allegedly threatened a Florida sheriff who spoke out about antisemitism in that state.

Joshua Wahl, 31, reportedly emailed a threat to Michael Chitwood, the sheriff of Volusia County, Fla., and posted threats on social media.

“When strong charges are brought against a suspect for allegedly bias-motivated threats of violence, it sends the message that our society will not tolerate hate-fueled intimidation,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper.  

He noted that yesterday, CAIR condemned racist and antisemitic incidents in South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Idaho.

Hooper said CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.     

CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.             

La misión de CAIR esproteger las libertadesciviles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a losmusulmanesenlosEstadosUnidos. 

Source: cair.com

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31 US senators ask E3 to prevent expiry of UN’s anti-Iran missile bans

27 September 2023

A bipartisan group of US senators have asked the United Kingdom, France and Germany to take action to prevent the expiration of UN bans targeting Iran’s missile and drone activities, which are set to end next month.

The letter, signed by 31 lawmakers from both the Democratic and Republican parties, praised the E3 for their recent announcement of plans to unilaterally maintain their sanctions on Iran’s missile program, but said that UN action is necessary to maintain proper safeguards on Iran.

“Without the force of a binding UN Security Council resolution, there is no multilateral framework that mandates international sanctions on Iran’s missile and drone program,” the senators wrote, according to a report by pro-Israel publication Jewish Insider.

The US senators claimed that letting the bans expire poses a threat to “stability and security in the Middle East and beyond”, as it allows further proliferation of advanced weaponry and empowers “malign actors” in the Middle East and Europe.

The letter said the expiration of the bans also sends the wrong signal to Iran, claiming that  it would allow Iran to continue what they called "its destabilizing policies across a number of areas.”

The letter was organized by Bob Menendez, who has been indicted on bribery charges, and Bill Hagerty. It was sent to the three European countries’ ambassadors to the US on Friday.

The Foreign Ministry denounces European trio

As part of the 2015 nuclear deal, the UN sanctions on Iran’s missile and drone programs will expire in mid-October.

Earlier this month, the three European countries said they plan not to terminate their anti-Iran sanctions, arguing that Iran has been in non-compliance with the deal since 2019.

Iran halted some of its JCPOA commitments in 2019, a year after the US unilaterally walked out of the deal and after the EU failed to offer any compensation for the US withdrawal.

Iran said at the time the reduction of its commitments was in accordance with the deal, which allows parties to dishonor commitments should other parties do the same.

The three European countries, which are still among parties to the deal after the US withdrawal in 2018, have been urged by some critics to trigger the deal’s so-called snapback mechanism to prevent the expiration of the sanctions.

That mechanism, which can be activated in case of “significant non-performance” of Iran’s commitments under the accord, involves the re-imposition of the terminated Security Council sanctions from earlier resolutions on Iran.

European diplomats have already said they would do that only if Iran enriched to very high-grade levels.

Source: presstv.ir

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FBI alerted Sikh US nationals against life threat after HardeepNijjar's murder

September 28, 2023

After the assassination of the prominent Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was allegedly murdered by India on Canadian soil, triggering a diplomatic row between Ottawa and New Dehli, the Federal Bureau of Investigation had warned the life of three US Sikh nationals were in danger.

The leader of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), Hardeep Singh Nijjar, was gunned down in June outside a gurdwara in Surrey, Canada which echoed in September 18 PM Justin Trudeau's speech in the House of Commons who underlined Indian involvement in the fatality.

A US citizen and a coordinator for the American Sikh Caucus Committee Pritpal Singh told The Guardian that he and two other associates were called by the FBI just days after the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

The FBI told Singh that the agency believed his life was under threat because of intelligence reports. After a few days, the FBI offered Singh more specific safety instructions, according to the Intercept.

New Delhi and Ottawa asked the other's senior diplomat to leave the country as the Indian decision of expulsion reflected its "growing concern at the interference of Canadian diplomats in the internal matters and their involvement in [anti-state] activities", according to the foreign ministry.

Trudeau said on September 18 that Indian agents played a role in the June murder of Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, near Vancouver.

The fallout prompted a forceful denial from India, which said any suggestion it played a role in Nijjar's killing was "absurd."

India also stopped handling visa applications in Canada, blaming "security threats" which they said were "disrupting" the work of their officials and sought a reduction of Canadian diplomatic staff in India.

Trudeau insisted on September 22 that his government "is not looking to provoke or cause problems" when asked why Canada's allies' reactions to the allegations appeared muted.

The accusations sparked concerns over the safety of Sikh leaders in foreign countries who are struggling for their independent state.

"Such intimidation of Americans is a form of transnational repression by the Indian government," Singh told The Guardian.

"Transnational repression not only threatens individuals but also undermines our democratic institutions, curtails individual rights and freedoms and challenges the national security and sovereignty of the US."

According to The Guardian report, the US agency also gave a heads up to another citizen Amarjit Singh, a 70-year-old, New York-based journalist and a commentator who was said to be alerted first about threats against his life on 22 June.

Singh told The Guardian that he was approached by the FBI after returning from a protest against Modi in Washington, during his state visit to the US.

Amarjit Singh, while revealing publically about the threats said the initial call from the FBI was followed up a few weeks later by a longer in-person meeting, at which point he said it was obvious that authorities were warning against a possible threat on his life by India.

"It was a warning. They said no travel, just keep yourself safe," he said. Amarjit Singh said he only decided to go public with his account after Trudeau revealed Canada’s conclusion about Nijjar’s murder.

As new details surfaced this week, about the brutal assassination of Nijjar, the Washington Post reported citing a video that at least six men and two vehicles were involved in his killing, which was said to be a larger and more organised murder than previously reported. 34 bullets hit Nijjar.

Moninder Singh, a spokesperson for the British Columbia Gurdwaras Council, was one of five people – including Nijjar – who was warned by Canadian authorities in 2022 that their lives were at imminent risk.

"We were never told what the risk was or where it was coming from. But we assumed it was India, because of our activism and outspokenness," he said. "We expect them to attack us in the media, or character assassination, so this was shocking."

While he was told to leave his home to protect his young family, Moninder Singh said none of them were offered special protection. Weeks later, Singh was told that the threat against him had dissipated, but the threat against Nijjar – a close friend and mentor – remained.

"There was no other information shared," Singh said. "While there is an appreciation of Trudeau’s statement, it's a bit late."

Source: thenews.com.pk

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US gives away $0.35m security gear to KP police

September 28, 2023

PESHAWAR: US Deputy Chief of Mission Andrew Schofer visited Peshawar on Monday and Tuesday and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to border security and continued support for Pakistan in the fight against cross-border infiltration and militancy in the province.

He met Inspector General of Police Akhtar Hayat and delivered $350,000 worth of safety and security equipment to enhance the safety and effectiveness of police forces conducting counter-terrorism operations, according to a statement issued by the US consulate.

It added that MsSchofer also visited the Inspector General of Frontier Corps at the historic Fort Balahisar and announced a $250,000 programme to enhance the Frontier Corps’ nighttime operational capabilities.

In a roundtable discussion with youth, women, minorities, and persons with disabilities, DCM Schofer learned how USAID’s $40.7 million Merged Areas Governance Programme for KP improves lives and livelihoods.

In direct response to community needs, he provided sewing machines and solar fans, said the US consulate.

“To bolster trade and economic ties between the United States and Pakistan, DCM Schofer engaged with local business leaders, including entrepreneurs and representatives of the KP Economic Zones Development and Management Company and the KP Information Technology Board. In addition, he made a stop at the National Incubation Centre where he met startup entrepreneurs to discuss their projects and listen to their ideas,” it said.

The US consulate said to reaffirm US support for religious freedom, tolerance, and respect for all of Pakistan’s faith traditions, the DCM concluded his trip at St. John’s Cathedral, an iconic house of worship.

It added that during a meeting, the DCM and Bishop Humphrey Sarfaraz Peters discussed how best to promote inter-faith harmony and inter-religious dialogue among diverse faith communities.

Source: dawn.com

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Trump gets a nickname: Donald Duck

 Sep 28, 2023

As of now, the second Republican presidential debate for all practical purposes is about who gets to hold on to the second position. Former US President Donald Trump is far ahead of his rivals and no wonder he has skipped both debates so far.

But Trump was looming large over the second GOP presidential debate. It was former New Jersey governor Chris Christie who used his first answer of the debate to attack Donald Trump.

Former ally Christie, who distanced himself from Trump due to the latter's denial of the election results, bestowed this nickname upon the Republican front-runner, who was notably absent from the debate.

Addressing the camera directly, Christie remarked, "I'm aware you're watching because you just can't resist." He went on to accuse Trump of avoiding the debate out of fear of defending his record on the stage.

Christie said: “And you’re not here tonight. Not because of polls, and not because of your indictments. You’re not here tonight because you’re afraid of being on the stage and defending your record. You’re ducking these things. And let me tell you what’s going to happen. You keep doing that, no one up here is gonna call you Donald Trump anymore. We’re gonna call you Donald Duck.”

Florida governor Ron DeSantis also took a dig at Trump in the debate.

“And you know who is missing in action? Donald Trump is missing in action,” DeSantis said, blasting the former president for skipping the debate.

The 7 candidates participating in Wednesday's debate include: Indian-American Vivek Ramaswamy, former UN ambassador Nikki Haley, Florida governor Ron DeSantis, former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, North Dakota governor Doug Burgum, Former Vice President Mike Pence and Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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Europe

 

French ambassador to Niger returns to Paris after weeks of tension

27 September, 2023

France's ambassador to Niger landed in Paris on Wednesday, after weeks of tensions with the post-coup regime in the West African country who demanded his expulsion.

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna met Sylvain Itte "to thank him and his teams for his work in the service of our country under difficult conditions," the ministry said in a written statement to AFP.

The return of the ambassador comes two months after a coup in Niger ousted its pro-Paris president and prompted a souring in relations between France and its former colony, with Niger's new rulers demanding his departure.

Itte left Niamey with six colleagues "around 4:00 am" (0300 GMT), a diplomatic source had earlier told AFP.

On Sunday, French President Emmanuel Macron had announced in a TV interview that the ambassador would leave "in the coming hours".

Niger's military leaders – who overthrew the democratically elected president Mohamed Bazoum on 26 July – welcomed the announcement.

Born in the Malian capital Bamako in 1959, Itte had been in the post as ambassador to Niger for a year.

His diplomatic career spans 35 years and he was previously ambassador to Uruguay and Angola.

'Return to constitutional order'

The Junta had told Itte to leave the country after they overthrew Bazoum and took away the envoy's diplomatic immunity and visa.

But a 48-hour ultimatum for him to go, issued in August, passed with him still in place, as the French government refused to comply or to recognise the military regime as legitimate.

Paris had said that only Bazoum's deposed government could order the envoy out.

Macron's office reiterated France's support for the ousted president on Wednesday.

He had told HassoumiMassaoudou, foreign minister in the overthrown government, that France would continue to work "for a return to the constitutional order in Niger", the Elysee Palace said.

Macron also announced in his Sunday TV interview that French troops would withdraw from Niger in "the months and weeks to come" with a full pullout "by the end of the year" – another demand of the Niger regime.

The French president, who had sought to make a special ally of Niger, said military cooperation was "over".

France keeps about 1,500 soldiers in its former West African colony as part of an anti-jihadist deployment in the Sahel.

The coup against Bazoum was the third such putsch in the region in as many years, following similar actions in fellow former French colonies Mali and Burkina Faso in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

The earlier coups also forced the pullouts of French troops.

Macron said on Sunday that Niger's post-coup authorities "no longer wanted to fight against terrorism".

He also reaffirmed France's position that Bazoum was being held "hostage" and remained the "sole legitimate authority" in the country.

The elected president has remained confined in the presidential palace with his wife and son.

The junta had welcomed Macron's announcement on Sunday as "a new step towards sovereignty" but has said the timeframe for the military pullout "must be set out in a negotiated framework and by mutual agreement".

Niger, like Burkina Faso and Mali, has been targeted by jihadist attacks for several years.

In recent weeks, tens of thousands of people have joined demonstrations and gatherings in Niamey calling for the withdrawal of the French troops from the country.

The United States, which has some 1,100 military personnel in Niger, has said it will "evaluate" its future steps on the crisis following France's announcement.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, during a trip to Angola on Wednesday, said Washington will continue to support "civilian-led" militaries in Africa.

"When generals overturn the will of the people and put their own ambitions above the rule of law, security suffers," he said, decrying "autocrats" who "undermine free and fair elections".

The US Defence Secretary did not name any country, but his comments appeared to be a clear reference to Niger.

Source: newarab.com

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Schoolgirl is latest victim of UK's knife crime 'scourge'

September 28, 2023

LONDON: London police said they had arrested a teenager after a 15-year-old girl was stabbed to death on her way to school on Wednesday, stoking fresh concern about the scale of knife crime in the UK.

Emergency services including an air ambulance were called to the scene in Croydon, south London, at around 8.30 am (0730 GMT) following reports of a stabbing.

Paramedics battled to save the girl but she was pronounced dead at the scene 50 minutes later, police said, adding that a 17-year-old boy was later arrested.

London mayor Sadiq Khan said he was "heartbroken" by the fatal incident and pledged to "continue working day and night to end the scourge of knife crime in our city."

According to official figures, 99 people under the age of 25 were killed in England and Wales with a knife or sharp object in the year to March 2023. Of those 13 were under the age of 16.

The deaths were among 50,000 stabbing incidents in the year to March 2023, a five percent increase on the previous year and a 75 percent increase on a decade ago, the figures from the Office for National Statistics showed.

Police said the suspect in custody was being questioned by detectives.

"Our immediate thoughts are with this young girl's family who are facing the most tragic of news. Our officers are with the girl's family to support them," said Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain of the Metropolitan Police.

Victor Azare, a 50-year-old security guard on his way home after a night shift, said he and others chased a boy in a school blazer after seeing him stab the girl in the neck with a knife that was "black, thin and about a foot (30 centimetres) long."

"We tried to catch him and a lot of people tried to save the girl. I was so shocked, I was shaken. It's somebody's daughter," he told British media.

Media reports said the girl had just got off a bus at the time and appeared to have been having an argument with a boy who then attacked her.

The girl, whose identity has not yet been released, was a pupil at Old Palace of John Whitgift School, a private girls' school in Croydon.

"We are deeply shocked by the senseless and tragic death of our much-loved and valued friend and pupil," the school said in a statement.

"It will take some time for the Old Palace community to come to terms with this terrible news.

"Above all, we send our love and deepest sympathies to the girl's family at this unimaginably distressing time," it added.—AFP

Source: nst.com.my

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Daunting UK election looms large as Sunak nears year in charge

28-09- 2023

LONDON: Rishi Sunak, who became Britain’s prime minister almost a year ago, has a narrowing window of time to pull off an increasingly Herculean task: keeping his Conservatives in power at the next election.

Sunak will close the party’s annual conference with a keynote speech next Wednesday intent on rallying his ruling Tories to the daunting challenge posed by the contest, which is expected at some point next year.

The Labour party, in opposition since 2010 but enjoying double-digit poll leads throughout his tenure, will follow suit a week later.

Sunak, 43, who also trails Labour leader Keir Starmer in personal popularity polling, needs little encouragement to get on an election footing, following a recent flurry of policy speeches, announcements and leaks seen as highly populist.

They include announcing a brake on some of the UK’s climate measures, which postponed the end of new petrol or diesel car sales by five years and the compulsory replacement of gas-fired boilers.

Sunak blamed the “unacceptable” costs to families grappling with a severe cost-of-living crisis, while vowing to “change the way our politics works” and make “different decisions”.

Meanwhile on Monday interior minister SuellaBraverman attacked the United Nations Refugee Convention, a cornerstone of international refugee protection since 1951, as unfit for the modern era.

It comes as Britain seeks to stop tens of thousands of migrants arriving each year aboard small boats on its southeastern shores from northern France.

Last month, the government also announced measures to curb the use of gender-neutral toilets, which critics said was a blatant attempt to fire up the Conservatives’ grassroots over a so-called “culture war” issue.

“There is a degree of populism about what he’s doing,“ said Tim Bale, politics professor at Queen Mary University of London and author of a new book on post-Brexit Tory infighting.

“I think he has to do that, he feels and his advisors feel, to give them any chance of winning the next election.”

- ‘Horribly difficult’ -

Sunak -- a multi-millionaire former investment bank and hedge fund worker of Indian heritage -- has enjoyed a swift political rise in a country where reaching the pinnacle typically takes at least a decade as an MP.

He was only first elected as a lawmaker in 2015, became a government minister three years later and rose to the role of finance minister under ex-premier Boris Johnson in 2020 aged just 39. By 42, he was prime minister.

A staunch Brexiteer throughout, he has proclaimed himself a traditional low-tax, low-spending Conservative, but remained somewhat enigmatic to some political commentators.

“I’ve never heard him justify his vote for Brexit”, said Anand Menon, professor of European politics at King’s College London.

“When he’s been a minister, it’s been impossible to figure out what his deep beliefs were because he was a minister in a time of crisis.”

Despite his professed admiration for former Conservative prime minister Margaret Thatcher, who espoused minimising public spending, he handed out billions in financial support during the pandemic.

Meanwhile, after the chaos of Johnson’s scandal-plagued three-year tenure and the financial storm caused by the short-lived Liz Truss administration, Sunak has sought to project prudence and discipline in his first year in Downing Street.

- Miracle -

Plaudits credit him with returning British politics to a degree of normality, but critics -- including within his own party -- see a scheming opportunist.

“He hasn’t really made any terrible mistakes,“ noted Mark Garnett, a UK politics specialist at the University of Lancaster.

“On the world stage you can tell why Mr Sunak has improved Britain’s very bad reputation because people will say this is a serious politician,“ he added.

Branding him “an extremely flexible, pragmatic operator”, Garnett said Sunak’s main aim clearly remained keeping the Tories in power.

“He has... between now and the election to appeal to the people who have now abandoned the Conservative Party, try to bring them back on board, he added.

“So he has got a horribly difficult act to pull off.”

For Bale, with Britain’s economy still rocky and the cherished public health service “collapsing”, it would take a “miracle” for Sunak and his Conservatives to prevail. –AFP

Source: thesundaily.my

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German ambassador attended Canadian honoring of WWII Nazi – Berlin

27 Sep, 2023

Germany’s Foreign Office has shrugged off the participation of its ambassador to Canada in last week’s embarrassing standing ovations for a Ukrainian veteran of the Waffen SS, saying she was unaware that he was a Nazi when she joined with Ottawa lawmakers in applauding him.

Foreign Office spokesman Sebastian Fischer acknowledged the gaffe for the first time on Wednesday, when asked at a press briefing about Ambassador Sabine Sparwasser’s honoring of World War II Nazi collaborator YaroslavHunka.

Members of the Canadian parliament stood and gave long ovations for the 98-year-old Hunka when he was introduced during a visit by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky on Friday. Zelensky and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were among the enthusiastic participants in the cheers.

Sparwasser simply didn’t know about Hunka’s Nazi affiliation when she joined with others in applauding him, Fischer claimed. The spokesman conceded that the incident was unacceptable, but Hunka’s true identity was not known to the German diplomat or other members of the crowd because his attendance at the event was not announced beforehand.

Canada's Trudeau apologizes for honoring Ukrainian Waffen SS NaziREAD MORE: Canada's Trudeau apologizes for honoring Ukrainian Waffen SS Nazi

However, when House Speaker Anthony Rota introduced his guest to the crowd, he noted that Hunka “fought for Ukrainian independence against the Russians,” which by definition suggested that he served on the side of the fascist Axis powers. “He’s a Ukrainian hero, a Canadian hero, and we thank him for all his service,” the speaker said.

Rota resigned from his position on Tuesday and apologized for his mistake in honoring Hunka. The war veteran was a volunteer in the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS, a Ukrainian unit, which committed atrocities against Jews and Poles on the Eastern Front.

Asked about how Sparwasser could fail to understand Hunka’s Nazi affiliation – despite being told that he fought against the Red Army – Fischer said there were other possible explanations for his role in the war. For instance, he theorized, Hunka could have been a fighter for the Polish Home Army, which fought against both German and Russian forces.

Russia may seek extradition of Canadian-Ukrainian Waffen SS veteran – ambassadorREAD MORE: Russia may seek extradition of Canadian-Ukrainian Waffen SS veteran – ambassador

Ukrainian Nazi collaborators slaughtered thousands of Poles during World War II. Hunka was among thousands of Ukrainian fighters who were allowed to emigrate to the UK and Canada after World War II, despite their possible participation in war crimes.

Moscow called the incident a cynical abuse of the memory of the victims of Nazism and an example of blatant Russophobia, and said it may launch a probe into potential war crimes and request the extradition of Hunka. Poland, which has been among the top backers of modern-day Ukraine in its fight against Russia, has also urged a probe into potential war crimes committed by Hunka.

Source: rt.com

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Germany beefs up border controls with EU neighbors

27 Sep, 2023

Germany is stepping up police patrols on its borders with fellow EU members Poland and the Czech Republic, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser revealed on Wednesday. The changes, set to take effect immediately, are said to be aimed at preventing further illegal migration into the country.

“We must stop the cruel business of smugglers who put human lives at risk for maximum profit,” Faeser declared, explaining that about a quarter of the migrants who enter Germany do so with the help of smugglers, paying thousands of dollars to cross via the Mediterranean Sea or over land through Balkan forests.

 “We want to prevent evasive movements by smugglers through flexible and mobile checks at changing locations,” she continued, noting that the increase in manpower would be concentrated on “smuggling routes” along the borders in question. She did not say how many additional officials would be deployed to the area, though the new patrols will augment existing mobile police checks on border-crossers who arrive by car or by foot.

However, Faeser said that no fixed border checks – which Berlin would have to disclose to the European Commission – will be established. Germany has had such checkpoints on its border with Austria since 2015.

Finance Minister Christian Lindner promised to support the newly-fortified borders with an increase of 500 customs officers in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, noting that the changes were meant “to stop smuggling and illegal migration.”

The announcement came just a day after German police raided apartments allegedly connected to a smuggling ring, turning up over 100 Syrian citizens.

Germany has scrambled to accommodate wave after wave of migrants, with 220,000 people applying for asylum just between January and August of this year. While the figure by the end of the year is expected to exceed 2022’s total of 240,000 asylum applicants, Germany has also absorbed over a million Ukrainians fleeing the conflict in their own homeland since last year, more than any other EU country except Poland. 

More than two-thirds of those Ukrainians told German government pollsters in December that they wanted to stay, at least until the fighting was over, with just 2% stating they wanted to leave Germany within the year even as they demanded more government support. 

German cities and towns are reportedly straining to accommodate all the new arrivals, with a major housing shortage underway as construction of promised units collapsed after the European Central Bank hiked interest rates to fight inflation.

Poland threatened to increase checks on the German border earlier this week after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz cited the visas-for-cash scandal unfolding in Warsaw in his initial proposal to tighten border security with Germany's neighbor.

Source: rt.com

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