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Islamic World News ( 14 Feb 2025, NewAgeIslam.Com)

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Muslim Personal Law Board calls Waqf Bill and UCC “unconstitutional,” warns of nationwide movement

New Age Islam News Bureau

14 February 2025

Leaders of All India Muslim Personal Law Board addressing a press conference in Delhi.

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· Muslim Personal Law Board calls Waqf Bill and UCC “unconstitutional,” warns of nationwide movement

· Invaders should learn from ‘successes of Jihad,’ says IEA on Soviet exit anniversary

· A couple’s guide to celebrating Valentine’s Day in Saudi Arabia

· Home Office set to block extremist preacher from entering UK for mosque talk

· Trump confirms Ukraine won’t join NATO

· Shariah Court only for Muslims, Ahmadiyah clarifies

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India

· Delhi court grants protection of AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan from arrest

· Defame, abuse Muslims: MLA Abu Azmi slams Rane’s remarks on madrasas

· Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid shut on Shab-e-Baraat, Omar says ‘decision betrays lack of confidence’

· Dr. KA Paul urges US leaders to hold PM Modi accountable for violence against minorities in India

· Supreme Court grants bail to Azam Khan, son in machine theft case

· Shia Personal Law Board May Approach Supreme Court Over Waqf Amendment Bill

· AIMPLB: Waqf panel ignored Muslims’ opinion, pushed undemocratic process

· Bandi slams Muslim inclusion in BC list

· Ramadan 2025: When will the holy month of Muslims begin in India? Know all details

· Muslim Bandhavya Vedike presents Souharda Siri Award to Mohan Alva

· Centre will never approve Muslims in BCs, says Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar

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South Asia

· Naogaon University to develop human resources suitable for 5th industrial revolution: Prof Aminul Islam

· Amir al-Mumineen Calls for Stronger Education at Kandahar University

· Five killed in traffic accident on Herat-Islam Qala Highway

· Imam orders to prevent smuggling of food grains in Myanmar

· CA greets Muslims on holy Shab-e-Barat

· AFJC reports unprecedented rise in Radio restrictions in Afghanistan

· 63 Afghan migrants released from Pakistani prisons

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Arab World

· Saudi Arabia condemns two suicide attacks in Afghanistan

· Hajj 2025: Deadline for registering Hajj buildings in Mecca extended

· Saudi king, crown prince congratulate Greece’s new president

· How AI is transforming music and preserving legends — but raising ethical concerns

· ‘Lessons to be learned from Saudi Arabia’s G20’ says South African envoy

· Filipino judges complete training at Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh

· Saudi culture minister holds talks with Nigerian counterpart

· Saudi Interior Ministry establishes General Department for Community Security and Combating Human Trafficking Crimes

· Saudi counter-narcotics authorities thwart drug smuggling attempts in several regions

· Prince Mohammed bin Salman Award established to strengthen Saudi-China cultural ties

· Riyadh leads national tally with 21 mm of rainfall

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Europe

· The Brewery to host drop-in on plans for South Street, Romford mosque

· Glasgow Central Mosque given category-A listing

· Bradford fundraiser Nazim Ali brings joy to poorly kids

· Hungarian Politicians React to Another Islamist Terror Attack in Germany

· Azerbaijan to host 16th Islamic summit in 2026

· Trump announces three-way talks on Ukraine war

· Trump wants peace. Ukrainians fear what that might look like

· Leaders set for key security meeting as 'old' world order at risk of crumbling

· What we know about suspected car attack in Munich

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North America

· What America’s Muslims can teach you about resisting political oppression

· Muslim nurses put on leave after bragging in viral video about killing, not treating Israeli patients in Australia

· Trump launches plan to target countries with new tariffs

· Jeff Bezos space firm Blue Origin to cut a tenth of jobs

· RFK Jr sworn in as US Health and Human Services chief

· Top prosecutor resigns after being told to drop case against NYC mayor Eric Adams

· TikTok returns to Apple and Google app stores in the US

· Trump wants a deal with Russia – but can he deliver?

· US aircraft carrier collides with cargo ship

· US govt paid Reuters millions for ‘social deception’ – Musk

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Africa

· Sudan army chief attacks Islamists, civilian opposition

· Military Eliminates 133 Terrorists, Recovers Aircraft Engines In Borno, North-West Operations

· Gospel act Timons releases new single ‘Jesus’

· Implementing Sharia law in Nigeria’s South-West recipe for trouble; Southerners distinct from Northerners: Catholic Church

· Lagos pilgrims become JP, raise Nigeria’s flag in Israel

· Protesters block major road in Zamfara as bandits kidnap imam, 31 others

· NCPC boss Adegbite advocates for Christian impact in politics

· Nigeria Doesn’t Need More States – Plateau House Speaker, Dewan

· Nigeria Will Overtake US To Become Third Most Populous Nation On Earth – Shettima

· Insecurity: We Must Allow Communities Carry Some Weapons – DSS DG Declaresv

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Mideast

· Vatican says Palestinians must ‘stay on their land’

· Discussing mechanisms to activate tourism work and implement Ramadan activities in Ibb

· Baghdad chosen as the capital of culture in the Islamic world for the year 2026

· Ceremony concluded at Shahid Al-Qur'an School semester in Raymah

· Nationwide festivities in Iran for birth anniversary of Imam Mahdi

· President al-Mashat to Revolution leader: "At Your Service, O Son of Messenger of Allah"

· Bahrain All Share Index, Islamic Index close with no change

· Israel asserts presence in five strategically significant high points in southern Lebanon

· Kuwait’s PM affirms country’s diplomatic neutrality, leads delegation to Munich Security Conference

· Houthis threaten new attacks if Gazans displaced

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Southeast Asia

· Cabinet dismisses call for non-Muslim affairs minister

· Pahang civil servants to end work at 12.30pm on Fridays during Ramadan, Sultan announces

· Friday sermon highlights cleanliness in Islam

· Tajik court issues long jail terms for attempted murder of top Muslim cleric

· MAIWP Urged To Enhance Digital Technology In Islamic Governance

· PM Anwar orders review, improvement of Sosma, says Fahmi

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Pakistan

· Kuwait hosts high-level forum to discuss International Islamic Court of Justice

· Journalists, rights activists in Karachi reject Peca as ‘black law’

· Pakistan observes Shab-e-Barat with fervor, Mosques illuminated, people seek forgiveness

· Security forces gun down 13 terrorists in separate KP operations

· Sanaullah never talked about filing reference against SC judges: law minister

· ‘Democracy losing’: Fazl slams attempt to create 'bad blood' between JUI-F, PTI

· Imran’s attempts to engage military draw cold shoulder

· Couple remanded in Rawalpindi minor maid’s murder case

· CDA turns to World Bank to address capital’s water woes

· ANP asked to congregate in Sangjani instead of Liaquat Bagh

· Chamber president, Customs men kidnapped in South Waziristan

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/muslim-personal-law-board-waqf-bill-ucc/d/134623

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Muslim Personal Law Board calls Waqf Bill and UCC “unconstitutional,” warns of nationwide movement

February 13, 2025

Leaders of All India Muslim Personal Law Board addressing a press conference in Delhi.

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Muslim Personal Law w Delhi: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has strongly opposed the proposed amendments to waqf laws, calling them biased and unconstitutional, and warned of a nationwide movement if the government does not withdraw the bill. The board also reiterated its opposition to the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), stating that it is impractical and discriminatory.

Addressing a press conference, AIMPLB President Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani said that protecting the Constitution is a major challenge in the current climate. He alleged that the government is spreading misinformation about waqf properties with the intention of confiscating them from Muslims. “This bill is designed to target one community. Waqf is our constitutional right, and we will not accept any move to weaken it,” he asserted. On the UCC, he pointed out that the Uttarakhand government has exempted tribal communities, proving that the law is not universally applicable. “We will challenge this law through every possible constitutional and legal means,” he added.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind President and AIMPLB Vice President Maulana Arshad Madani confirmed that they have legally challenged the UCC in Uttarakhand, arguing that the Indian Constitution guarantees complete religious freedom. He vowed that the board would continue to resist any attempts to impose the UCC.

Echoing these concerns, Board Vice President Maulana Obaidullah Khan Azmi accused the government of acting dishonestly toward Muslims. While he clarified that the community does not oppose reforms in waqf laws, he questioned the government’s intentions behind the proposed amendments. “This is not about reform, but about seizing Muslim waqf properties. If needed, we will take to the streets in protest,” he warned.

Board General Secretary Maulana Mujaddidi alleged that the government intends to harass Muslims under the guise of development, accusing it of merely using empty slogans.

Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Vice President Malik Mohtasim Khan dismissed the JPC (Joint Parliamentary Committee) report on the waqf bill, calling it a sham. “Neither the bill nor the report is credible. The government must withdraw it,” he demanded. He expressed gratitude to opposition parties for raising their voices against the bill in Parliament and appealed to fellow citizens for support. He reaffirmed that Jamaat-e-Islami stands with the board in this fight. While acknowledging the need for waqf reforms, he accused the government of malicious intent. “If the government tries to enforce this law through force, it will lead to unrest, and the government will be responsible for the consequences,” he warned.

The Board’s spokesperson announced that if the bill is not withdrawn, the AIMPLB will launch a nationwide movement while remaining within the constitutional and legal framework. “We urge the government to understand our concerns. We will also legally challenge the UCC,” he concluded.

The statements come amid growing tensions over the government’s proposed amendments to waqf laws and its push for a Uniform Civil Code, both of which have faced significant opposition from Muslim organizations andl egal experts.

Source:muslimmirror.com

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

https://muslimmirror.com/muslim-personal-law-board-calls-waqf-bill-and-ucc-unconstitutional-warns-of-nationwide-movement/

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Invaders should learn from ‘successes of Jihad,’ says IEA on Soviet exit anniversary

February 14, 2025

The Islamic Emirate said in a statement Friday on the occasion of the 36th anniversary of the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan that “the invaders should learn from the successes of jihad in the past 100 years and no longer take steps against the freedom of Afghanistan.”

The Islamic Emirate described Soviet withdrawal day as a “proud day in the history of Afghanistan,” noting that Afghans managed to drive out a great power like the Soviet Union.

“The fact that Afghanistan has been liberated from occupation for the third time in the last 100 years by the help of Allah Almighty shows that the sense of independence among Afghans is strong and our Muslims have a strong determination and commitment to protect their religion,” the statement said.

The Islamic Emirate called on the people of the country to be vigilant against “all kinds of conspiracies and plots and to follow the path of their ancestors and protect their religion, belief and independence by maintaining Islamic determination and unity.”

Meanwhile, Abdullah Abdullah, the head of the High Council for National Reconciliation in the former government, called the victory over the Soviet Union “the end of a dark era in Afghanistan’s history” and a “miracle.”

“Jihad and righteous standing up of our people was unprecedented in the history of nations’ freedom struggles,” he said. “As a result of the sacrifices of the Afghan people, international relations changed and it paved way for the liberation of other deprived nations.”

“Unfortunately, Afghanistan suffered heavy human and financial loss in the 10-year occupation,” he said. “More than a million people were martyred, tens of thousands were disabled and millions more were forced to migrate abroad.”

The last Soviet troops left Afghanistan in 1989 after a decade of war.

Source:ariananews.af

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https://www.ariananews.af/invaders-should-learn-from-successes-of-jihad-says-iea-on-soviet-exit-anniversary/

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A couple’s guide to celebrating Valentine’s Day in Saudi Arabia

RAHAF JAMBI

February 13, 2025

Couples can explore the breathtaking Harrat Viewpoint in AlUla, which offers stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape. (Experiencealula.com)

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RIYADH: Valentine’s Day is here! Couples in Saudi Arabia can celebrate the day at some of these unique fine dining restaurants, or plan a romantic getaway.

Chotto Matte offers a captivating blend of Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine in a stunning setting at KAFD (King Abdullah Financial District). With breathtaking views and an atmosphere enhanced by live shows, it is a perfect spot for a romantic dinner. The special Valentine’s menu allows couples to savor innovative dishes while enjoying the city’s impressive skyline, making for an unforgettable evening.

“For our first Valentine’s Day in Riyadh, we are bringing together the bold flavors of Nikkei cuisine and the indulgence of selfcare.

"Guests can enjoy exclusive specials including White Chocolate & Matcha Heart dessert and Mariposa Rosa mocktail, alongside a special collaboration with RITUALS, who are gifting an exclusive wellbeing set.

"It’s all about celebrating love through taste, ambiance, and a touch of luxury,” said Kurt Zdesar, founder of Chotto Matte.

Brute sets the stage for a lively Latin-inspired celebration, featuring a curated menu that highlights the vibrant flavors of Latin America. Priced at SR850 ($226) per couple, this restaurant offers a festive atmosphere with live entertainment and a DJ, ensuring that every moment is filled with joy. Couples can indulge in delicious starters like shrimp chicharron and a classic surf and turf main course, all while enjoying the lively ambiance.

Guests at Clap can immerse themselves in a contemporary Japanese dining experience that exudes elegance and energy. For SR950 per couple, the meticulously crafted menu features sushi and sashimi paired with live entertainment. The electric atmosphere, combined with exquisite dishes, makes Clap an ideal destination for couples looking to celebrate their love in style.

Scott’s, a renowned seafood icon, invites couples to indulge in a romantic four-course menu. The intimate setting, adorned with candlelight and live jazz, creates a perfect backdrop for a memorable evening. Guests can look forward to a heart-shaped dessert that adds a sweet finish to their dining experience, ensuring smiles all around.

Bringing a touch of New York to Riyadh, Raoul’s offers a charming atmosphere with live music and a carefully crafted menu. Couples can enjoy a delightful dining experience enhanced by the sounds of a live band. The menu features delectable dishes, including creamy risotto with shrimp, and an indulgent chocolate dessert, perfect for a romantic night out.

Bador Al-Huthail, who was born and raised in New York, is delighted to be taking his wife to Raoul’s on Valentine’s Day, and said: “My wife and I always visited Raoul’s when we lived in New York, and now we’re continuing that tradition here in Riyadh.”

At Nozomi, contemporary Japanese dining meets refined romance. This elegant venue offers an enchanting setting complemented by live music, making it an ideal choice for couples. The menu boasts must-try items like marinated yellowtail and jumbo tiger prawns, ensuring a memorable dining experience filled with flavor and ambiance.

Madeo invites guests to savor a Tuscan love story with a curated Valentine’s menu that captures the essence of Italian tradition. Couples can enjoy a rich Tuscan-inspired menu in a cozy atmosphere, complete with live music, making it a perfect spot for intimate conversations and indulgent culinary delights.

For a unique Swiss dining experience, The Swiss Bistro offers a SR390 set menu for two. Couples can enjoy delicacies like salmon salad, Swiss cheese fondue, and roast beef tenderloin in a charming and rustic setting, perfect for a cozy and romantic evening.

Sushi Samba Riyadh invites guests to embark on a culinary adventure on Friday. Priced at SR400 per person, the restaurant offers an optional Valentine’s set menu featuring an indulgent lineup of dishes crafted by its executive chef. With live entertainment, including a violinist, and delightful dessert giveaways, Sushi Samba creates a romantic atmosphere that ensures an unforgettable experience.

Mohammed Taher, who is taking his wife to Sushi Samba, said: “My wife loves sushi, and with the stunning view from Sushi Samba in the KAFD area, it’s the ideal spot to celebrate Valentine’s Day … just the way she enjoys it.”

ROKA KSA elevates Valentine’s Day celebrations with an exclusive set menu priced at SR295 per person. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional Japanese cuisine, ROKA offers live DJ performances and romantic decor, creating an ambiance perfect for couples looking to celebrate love.

Mansard Riyadh features several signature restaurants — Carbone, Sadelle’s, and L’Ami Dave — each offering exquisite dining experiences enhanced by romantic settings. From live music to caricature artists, the venue transforms into a haven of love, ensuring that every detail is crafted for an unforgettable evening.

For couples seeking a romantic getaway, Jeddah’s resorts provide the perfect backdrop for love. Nothing is more enchanting than a trip featuring spa treatments and stunning beach views. The Narcissus Hotel and Spa stands out with its breathtaking view of Jeddah’s north coast, offering 60 villas of various sizes, from junior to royal, ensuring a luxurious stay.

Another favored location for a quick escape is Durrat Al-Arus, known for its secluded villas that come with private beaches and pools. This bustling resort, popular among locals, offers a variety of activities, making it ideal for families as well.

Couples can also explore the breathtaking Harrat Viewpoint in AlUla, which offers stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape.

Climbing the impressive terrain of Harrat Uwayrid rewards visitors with breathtaking views of Dadan, AlUla Old Town, AlUla Fort, and AlUla Oasis. The natural beauty provides a romantic backdrop for couples looking to connect with nature and each other.

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2590129/saudi-arabia

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Home Office set to block extremist preacher from entering UK for mosque talk

By LEE HARPIN

February 13, 2025,

Mohamed Hoblos

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The Home Office is set to block an extremist preacher who has previously expressed support for Hamas from entering the UK to speak at a mosque in Middlesbrough, Jewish News understands.

Lebanese born preacher Mohamed Hoblos was due to appear on February 23 in Middlesbrough to give a talk at a new mosque.

Labour MP Luke Myer urged Security Minister Dan Jarvis to look into the preacher’s previous record of inflammatory statements in the Commons on Wednesday.

Sources told Jewish News on Thursday that the Home Office were “ready to block” Hoblos from entering the UK on the grounds that his presence was “not conducive to the public good.”

Hoblos has already been banned from Germany and the Netherlands after his record of making hugely inflammatory comments was raised, including claims that last November in a speech at a rally in Sydney, Australia he ridiculed those who call on Muslims to condemn Hamas terror and the massacre of Israelis, stating, “Don’t forget that Israel is the oppressor.”

In a further rant in praise of the people of Gaza, he suggested Palestinian deaths were honorable while Israel victims were sent to “hellfire”.

The preacher, who lives in Australia has also faced claims he has suggested non-practicing Muslims should be punished.

A YouTube video from 2017 shows him stressing the importance of prayer – known as Salah – in a two-minute speech. He asks his followers if someone who sells drugs, murders someone and rapes a child is “good or bad”.

“This person, one person who commits all these sins on a daily basis – but he prays – is better in the eyes of Allah than the one who doesn’t commit any of these sins, but doesn’t pray,” he says.

Jarvis responded to Myer saying:”The UK has a range of disruptive immigration measures at our disposal to refuse entry and cancel permission if it is assessed that a foreign national’s presence in the UK is not conducive to the public good.”

He added that while he was “limited” in what he could disclose in this case, he could confirm the Home Office “will look carefully” at the concerns raised by Myer.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp also joined calls for the government to act.

Jewish News has contacted the Home Office for comment.

Source:jewishnews.co.uk

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https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/home-office-set-to-block-extremist-preacher-from-entering-uk-for-mosque-talk/

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Trump confirms Ukraine won’t join NATO

14 Feb, 2025

FILE PHOTO © AP / Alex Brandon

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US President Donald Trump has backed his Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s comments that Kiev must accept the reality that returning to pre-2014 borders is not feasible, while NATO membership for Ukraine is off the table.

Speaking ahead of a meeting of the US-led Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Brussels on Wednesday, Hegseth described Kiev’s goal of reclaiming all lost territories as “unrealistic,” and stressed the need for Ukraine to prepare for a negotiated peace, potentially supported by international troops, but without NATO membership as part of any agreement.

On Thursday, Hegseth rejected media accusations that the US was “betraying” Ukraine. “It’s just a cheap political point to say, oh, we’ve left all the negotiating cards off the table by recognizing some realities that exist on the ground,” he said.

When pressed on whether he had asked Hegseth to soften his remarks to preserve “bargaining chips,” Trump told journalists at the White House that he had not.

“Somebody told me to, but I thought his comments were good yesterday. They’re probably good today. They’re a little bit softer, perhaps. But I thought his comments from yesterday were pretty accurate,” Trump stated.

“I don’t see any way that a country in Russia’s position could allow them, just in their position, could allow them to join NATO. I don’t see that happening,” Trump added, blaming the conflict on his predecessor Joe Biden’s support for Ukraine’s NATO ambitions.

Moscow has consistently opposed Ukraine’s NATO aspirations, citing the bloc’s eastward expansion as a threat to national security and describing it as a key factor behind the ongoing conflict with Kiev. The Kremlin has insisted that Ukraine must adopt a neutral status as part of any future peace agreement.

This is not the first time Trump has expressed an understanding of Russia’s position. Speaking to reporters in Florida last month, he said Moscow’s stance on NATO had long been “written in stone.”

He reiterated this view following a lengthy phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday – their first confirmed contact since Trump returned to the White House last month.

Trump also spoke with Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky the same day, after the call with Putin. However, his decision to discuss a potential peace plan directly with the Russian president has reportedly left officials in Kiev and across the EU feeling sidelined.

The US president announced that he and Putin had agreed to start talks aimed at ending the Ukraine conflict, and indicated that a meeting between the two leaders could take place soon. Following the call, the Kremlin confirmed its readiness for peace talks but stressed that addressing the conflict’s root causes would be essential to any lasting settlement.

Source:rt.com

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https://www.rt.com/news/612683-trump-ukraine-nato-russia/

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Shariah Court only for Muslims, Ahmadiyah clarifies

February 14, 2025

by Femi Abbas

The Ahmadiyah Muslim Jam’at of Nigeria has said the imbroglio in the establishment of Shariah panels in Southwest is unnecessary as the Shariah court has been in practice in the region for decades now.

Amir of the Ahmadiyah Muslim Jam’at of Nigeria, Alhaji Alatoye AbdulAzeez, stated this at the World Press conference on Wednesday at its national headquarters in Lagos.

Alatoye said the Shariah court, which is constitutionally allowed in Nigeria, is only meant to attend to issues and matters as they affect Muslims and not non-Muslims.

The Amir said the imbroglio was unnecessary as being propagated by haters of the religion. He said those promoting the issues are politically motivated, saying if not, there is no big issue in the Shariah court in the southwest as it has been in existence for decades.

He said: “Shariah court has been in existence in the southwest for decades, and nobody forces anyone to go there. Nigeria is a secular state; the Shariah court is for Muslims, and non-Muslims are not expected to go there for their cases as it only caters to Muslim matters in relation to marriages, divorce, and other sundry domestic matters. No one can force non-Muslims to subject themselves to the Shariah court as it is only meant to listen to issues affecting Muslims. The Shariah court is in Ogun, Lagos, and some other states in the southwest.”

“The Muslims in Southwest have been peaceful, and they adhere to the tenets of Islam; the shariah court does not deal in criminal issues as this will be tantamount to crime as there is a constitution of the country that attends to such criminal cases,” he added.

Source:thenationonlineng.net

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https://thenationonlineng.net/shariah-court-only-for-muslims-ahmadiyah-clarifies/#google_vignette

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India

Delhi court grants protection of AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan from arrest

February 13, 2025

A Delhi court on Thursday granted protection from arrest till February 24 to AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan for allegedly attacking a police team in Jamia Nagar in the national capital on February 10.

Special judge Jitendra Singh ordered Khan to join probe in the case whenever directed by the investigating officer.

The judge passed the direction while hearing arguments in the anticipatory bail application filed by Khan in the case.

The court also directed police to bring all the documents aside from any CCTV footage related to the incident before the court on February 24.

Delhi Police filed an FIR against Khan for allegedly leading an attack on officers in Jamia Nagar on Monday. According to police, Khan and a mob aided a proclaimed offender, wanted in an attempt-to-murder case, in escaping custody.

The incident occurred when the Crime Branch attempted to arrest Shabaz Khan in another case. The attack obstructed the police operation, leading to legal action against Khan and others involved.

Source:muslimmirror.com

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

https://muslimmirror.com/delhi-court-grants-protection-of-aap-mla-amanatullah-khan-from-arrest/

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Defame, abuse Muslims: MLA Abu Azmi slams Rane’s remarks on madrasas

February 13, 2025

Maharashtra Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA, Abu Azmi on Thursday slammed Minister Nitesh Rane over his demand for an investigation into madrasas across the state, accusing him of consistently trying to “defame Muslims.”

Rane had claimed about an illegal madrasa in Nandurbar’s Akkalkuwa taluka.

He urged the Maharashtra government to probe all madrasas in the state to ensure they were not promoting terrorism, specifically warning against links to extremist groups like the Taliban.

Reacting to Rane’s statements, Azmi told IANS, “I think Nitesh Rane should be given a position where his job is to shock and trouble Muslims, defame them, and abuse them. Every morning, he wakes up thinking of new ways to stay in the news.”

“I don’t think we need to respond to every statement made by Nitesh Rane. But I want to tell people that madrasas teach good values — they teach brotherhood, they teach love for the country. An individual can be wrong, but a madrasa cannot be wrong,” he said.

Azmi argued that the presence of illegal immigrants in a madrasa should not justify filing cases against all madrasas. “For example, many Indians live illegally in America, the UK, or Saudi Arabia after their visas expire. They work for others, but cases are not filed against those who employ them. This is just his cheap politics,” he remarked.

Dismissing Rane’s allegations, Azmi suggested installing CCTV cameras in madrasas to prove that they focus on education rather than illegal activities. “People will then see that madrasas teach good things,” he added.

Earlier, Rane had told IANS, “I have written to our Chief Minister, requesting a thorough investigation into all madrasas in Maharashtra to determine whether they are genuinely focussed on education or involved in terrorist activities. There are concerns that they may be promoting groups like the Taliban. Are they trying to make students or trying to make (Osama) Bin Laden?”

“If such anti-national activities continue in Maharashtra’s madrasas, then all of them should be shut down,” he had asserted. He also highlighted recent action taken by the Maharashtra government in Akkalkuwa taluka, where an illegal madrasa was being run.

“A Yemeni citizen was involved in planning terrorist activities there. The investigation is being conducted by our Maharashtra police,” he had stated.

Rane had previously courted controversy in January when he called for a ban on burqas during Board examinations, claiming concerns about potential malpractices. In a letter to School Education Minister Dada Bhuse, Rane alleged that allowing girl students to wear burqas inside examination halls could facilitate cheating and pose security risks. — IANS

Source:muslimmirror.com

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

https://muslimmirror.com/defame-abuse-muslims-mla-abu-azmi-slams-ranes-remarks-on-madrasas/

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Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid shut on Shab-e-Baraat, Omar says ‘decision betrays lack of confidence’

by Bashaarat Masood

February 14, 2025

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have disallowed the congregational night prayers at Srinagar’s historic grand mosque on Shab-e-Baraat, one of the holiest nights in the Islamic calendar. The police also put Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house detention.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the restrictions at the grand mosque “unfortunate” and said they indicate a “lack of confidence in law and order machinery.”

“It is very unfortunate that the security establishment has taken the decision to seal the historic Jamia Masjid, Srinagar, on one of the holiest nights in the Islamic calendar – Shab-e-Baraat. This decision betrays a lack in confidence in the people and a lack of confidence in the law and order machinery that calm won’t prevail without extreme measures. The people of Srinagar deserved better,” he posted on X.

The Anjuman Auqaf (management) of Jamia Masjid said that on Thursday afternoon, police asked worshippers to vacate the premises and closed the gates. The management said the police informed them that the night prayers for Shab-e-Baraat would not be allowed.

The police also put Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who traditionally leads the night prayers at the mosque, under house arrest early on Thursday.

This is the sixth consecutive year that police have not allowed Shab-e-Baraat prayers at the Jamia Masjid. The prayers have been stopped since 2019.

Terming the ban a repressive measure, the Anjuman Auqaf said, “It is deeply unfortunate that every time an important religious occasion arrives, people in large numbers who visit the Jama Masjid are left disappointed to find the grand mosque forcibly closed and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq barred from fulfilling his religious responsibilities. Such repeated restrictions not only hurt the sentiments of the people but also infringe upon their fundamental religious rights.”

While the J&K police did not comment on the development, in a post on X, the Kashmir Zone Police wrote, “IGP Kashmir wishes people on the eve of Shab-e-Baraat. May this blessed night bring harmony, happiness, and prosperity to all.”

Source:indianexpress.com

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https://indianexpress.com/article/india/srinagar-jamia-masjid-shut-shab-e-baraat-omar-lack-confidence-9834949/

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Dr. KA Paul urges US leaders to hold PM Modi accountable for violence against minorities in India

February 13, 2025

Dr. K. A. Paul, the world’s most renowned evangelist and Global Peace Ambassador, has called on U.S. leaders—including former President Donald Trump, Speaker Mike Johnson, Senator John Thune, and members of the U.S. Senate and Congress—to hold Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi accountable for the escalating violence against minorities, particularly Christians.

Dr. Paul’s appeal comes amid growing concerns over the ongoing crisis in Manipur, where widespread violence has left thousands dead, displaced, and homeless. He emphasized the recent public outcry demanding the resignation of Manipur’s Chief Minister, who has been criticized for failing to take action.

“Why has Prime Minister Modi failed to intervene in Manipur, where hundreds of churches have been burned, thousands have been left homeless, and innocent lives have been brutally taken?” Dr. Paul questioned. “Why did he remain silent for two years as the situation spiraled out of control? Why has he not visited the region to address the suffering of the people?”

He also condemned the horrific abuse of young girls, who were paraded naked during the unrest.

Dr. Paul further highlighted the 1999 killing of Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two young sons, who were burned alive in Odisha. He alleged that the attack had the support of the state’s current Chief Minister, who was appointed by Modi. “These are not isolated incidents,” he stated. “The ongoing violence against Christians, Muslims, and peace-loving Hindus reflects a deeply troubling pattern under Modi’s leadership.”

In addition to condemning the violence, Dr. Paul criticized the global silence, particularly from U.S. political leaders. He argued that Congress has failed to address the worsening human rights situation in India, instead focusing on issues like the corruption of businessmen Gotham Adani and MEIL Megha Krishna Reddy. “If members of Congress continue to ignore the suffering of millions of minorities in India while prioritizing corporate corruption, they are failing to uphold the values of democracy, secularism, and human rights,” he warned.

Dr. Paul, who has dedicated his life to promoting peace and justice, vowed to continue his efforts despite the personal risks involved. “Despite the danger to my own life, I will not be silent. We must not allow these atrocities to continue unchecked,” he declared.

Calling for urgent global action, Dr. Paul urged world leaders and the media to break their silence and work toward securing justice and peace for India’s most vulnerable communities. — With Agencies Inputs

Source:muslimmirror.com

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Supreme Court grants bail to Azam Khan, son in machine theft case

February 14, 2025

In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of India on Thursday granted bail to senior Samajwadi Party leader and former Uttar Pradesh minister

In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of India on Thursday granted bail to senior Samajwadi Party leader and former Uttar Pradesh minister Azam Khan and his son Abdullah Azam Khan in a case involving the alleged theft of a road cleaning machine. The decision comes after the Allahabad High Court had earlier rejected their bail plea, prompting the duo to approach the apex court.

The case, which dates back to 2022, involves allegations that Azam Khan, his son, and others stole a road cleaning machine purchased by the Nagar Palika Parishad of Rampur district. The machine was later recovered from the premises of Jauhar University in Rampur, an institution founded by Azam Khan.

On September 21, 2023, a single bench of Justice Sumit Gopal of the Allahabad High Court had rejected the bail pleas of both Azam Khan and his son, citing the seriousness of the charges. The rejection was seen as a major setback for the father-son duo, who have been embroiled in multiple legal battles in recent years.

Challenging the High Court’s decision, Azam Khan and his son approached the Supreme Court, arguing that the case was politically motivated and part of a broader campaign against them. The apex court’s decision to grant bail has been welcomed by their supporters, who claim it is a step toward justice.

“This is a victory for truth and justice,” said a close aide of Azam Khan. “The allegations against him are baseless and politically driven. We are confident that he will be proven innocent in the court of law.”

However, critics argue that the law should take its course without interference. “The judiciary must remain impartial, and all individuals, regardless of their political stature, should be held accountable if found guilty,” said a political analyst.

The Supreme Court’s ruling is expected to provide temporary relief to Azam Khan and his son as they continue to fight the legal battle. The decision has also reignited debates about the intersection of politics and the judiciary in India.

With bail granted, the focus now shifts to the upcoming court proceedings, where the father-son duo will seek to clear their names. The case remains a closely watched legal and political saga, with implications for both the individuals involved and the broader political landscape of Uttar Pradesh.

As the legal process unfolds, Azam Khan’s supporters remain hopeful. “We believe in the judiciary and are confident that justice will prevail,” said a local Samajwadi Party worker.

The Supreme Court’s decision marks a crucial turn in the case, but the final outcome remains to be seen as the trial continues.

and his son Abdullah Azam Khan in a case involving the alleged theft of a road cleaning machine.

The decision comes after the Allahabad High Court had earlier rejected their bail plea, prompting the duo to approach the apex court.

As the legal process unfolds, Azam Khan’s supporters remain hopeful. “We believe in the judiciary and are confident that justice will prevail,” said a local Samajwadi Party worker.

The Supreme Court’s decision marks a crucial turn in the case, but the final outcome remains to be seen as the trial continues. — With Agencies Inputs

Source:muslimmirror.com

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Shia Personal Law Board May Approach Supreme Court Over Waqf Amendment Bill

Feb 14, 2025

The Waqf Amendment Bill has sparked intense opposition from the All India Shia Personal Law Board, with General Secretary Maulana Yasoob Abbas vehemently criticising the proposed legislation on Thursday.

Mr Abbas termed the bill as "not right" and announced that the Board would formally oppose it and vowed to take the matter to the Supreme Court if necessary, indicating the Board's determination to challenge the bill.

To mobilize support and chart a course of action, Mr Abbas plans to convene a meeting with the executive board of the All India Shia Personal Law Board.

"The Waqf Amendment Bill is not right. Through the All India Shia Personal Law Board, we are opposing this bill. I will soon hold a meeting of the executive board of the All India Shia Personal Law Board, and if necessary, we will approach the Supreme Court," he said.

The controversy surrounding the Waqf Amendment Bill has been brewing for some time, with various stakeholders expressing concerns over its provisions. The bill aims to amend the Waqf Act, which governs the management of Waqf properties across India.

Meanwhile, the Waqf Amendment Bill was tabled in both houses of Parliament but was later adjourned to March 10.

The JPC report on Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 was also tabled in the two Houses of Parliament.

While BJP member Jagdambika Pal, who was JPC Chairperson, tabled the report in Lok Sabha, party MP Medha Vishram Kulkarni tabled it in the Rajya Sabha.

They also tabled a copy of the record of evidence given before the panel on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill.

With opposition members protesting in the Lok Sabha that all their dissent notes had not been included, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the government would have no opposition if the opposition notes were added to the report.

In response to the opposition claims, Home Minister Amit Shah said that the government would have no opposition if the opposition's dissent notes were added to the JPC report.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 addresses these challenges by introducing reforms such as digitisation, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties.

Source:ndtv.com

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AIMPLB: Waqf panel ignored Muslims’ opinion, pushed undemocratic process

February 14, 2025

With the report of the Joint Committee on Waqf (Amendment) Bill tabled in Parliament Thursday, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) said that the committee has “ignored the opinion of the Indian Muslim community” and has moved ahead with “an arbitrary undemocratic process”.

“The way the ruling party, its allies and the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) have completely ignored the stance and opinions of Indian Muslims, views of opposition members within the JPC and have unilaterally pushed their arbitrary undemocratic process is highly condemnable,” the AIMPLB said in a statement.

“We believe that the government still has an opportunity to not bring this Bill, which poses a direct threat to Waqf properties and aims to deprive Muslims of their mosques, eidgahs, madrasas, dargahs and graveyards etc,” it said. If the Waqf Bill becomes a law, the AIMPLB said, it will launch a nationwide movement against it “within the framework of the Constitution”.

AIMPLB president Khalid Saifullah Rahmani alleged that “a lot of lies” have been spread on the Waqf issue and that the Waqf bill is based on “religious discrimination”. “It is our constitutional right to live our life according to our religion and run institutions as per our customs and traditions,” he said.

Source:indianexpress.com

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Bandi slams Muslim inclusion in BC list

Feb 14, 2025

Hyderabad: Union minister of state for home affairs, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, opposed the inclusion of Muslims in the Backward Classes (BC) list, declaring that such a move would not be tolerated. He warned of a potential backlash from the Hindu community if Muslims were added to the BC category.

Sanjay on Thursday emphasised that the introduction of Muslims into the BC list would undermine the rightful reservations allocated to existing BCs. His remarks were in response to the Congress govt's decision to introduce a bill in the assembly, which seeks to secure 42% reservations for BCs and send it to the Centre for parliamentary approval.

Reaffirming the BJP's firm stance against reservations based on religion, Sanjay criticised the Congress for pushing this agenda, calling it a misguided attempt.

He predicted that the Congress party would face political consequences in the upcoming MLC elections if it proceeded with this decision.

Source:indiatimes.com

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Ramadan 2025: When will the holy month of Muslims begin in India? Know all details

Feb 13, 2025,

Ramadan 2025: Muslims across the world observe Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, as a period of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection. The month begins with the sighting of the crescent moon and lasts for 29 or 30 days, concluding with the joyous celebration of Eid al-Fitr. In India, Ramadan 2025 is expected to begin on the evening of March 1 and continue until the evening of March 30 or 31, depending on the moon sighting.

Ramadan 2025: Expected Start Date in India

According to astronomical calculations, the crescent moon marking the beginning of Ramadan is expected to be sighted on the evening of March 1, 2025. If the moon is visible, fasting will commence on March 2, 2025. However, the final confirmation will be given by local moon-sighting committees and Islamic scholars across the country.

Ramadan 2025: Significance Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, emphasizing faith, prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage. It is a sacred time during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from food, drink, and other physical needs. The holy month is dedicated to increased worship, Quran recitation, and acts of kindness.

How is Ramadan observed? During Ramadan, Muslims start their fast with a pre-dawn meal called Suhoor and break it at sunset with Iftar. Iftar is often a communal event, where families and friends gather to share meals. Mosques hold special Taraweeh prayers at night, during which long portions of the Quran are recited. Who is Exempt from Fasting? Fasting is obligatory for all adult Muslims, but exemptions apply to those who are ill, pregnant, breastfeeding, traveling, elderly, or facing health concerns. Those who cannot fast are encouraged to compensate by feeding the needy or fasting at a later time if possible. Eid al-Fitr: The End of Ramadan Ramadan concludes with Eid al-Fitr, the festival of breaking the fast, which is determined by the sighting of the new moon. In 2025, Eid al-Fitr is expected to be celebrated on March 31 or April 1 in India, depending on moon sighting. The festival is marked by communal prayers, feasts, and acts of charity.

Source:.dnaindia.com

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Muslim Bandhavya Vedike presents Souharda Siri Award to Mohan Alva

February 13, 2025

Muslim Bandhavya Vedike, Karnataka, felicitated Alva’s Education Foundation Chairman M. Mohan Alva with Souharda Siri Award on Thursday, February 13, at Moodbidri near here.

Speaking on the occasion, eminent Yakshagana Arthadhari (interpreter) Jabbar Samo Sampaje said the Alvas Institutions have been providing education relevant to the time to people through innovative measures. Mr. Alva has been striving hard to continue the cultural heritage and communal amity of Moodbidri.

Responding to the felicitation, Mr. Alva said harmonious living was possible by having a clear conscience and well-defined lifestyle. Following values at every step of life was important. He was happy to receive the Souharda Siri award, the chairman said.

On the occasion, “Tulunadina Komu Souharda Parampare” authored by Alvas’ College of Education student Mohammed Riyaz was released.”

Vedike president Suhail Ahmed Maroor, honorary president Kota Ibrahim Saheb, former president Anis Pasha, secretary Mushtak Hennabail, retired judge Nabirasoor Mammadapoor, Anupama magazine editor Shanaz M. and others were present.

Source:thehindu.com

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Centre will never approve Muslims in BCs, says Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar

February 13, 2025

Former Telangana BJP president, Karimnagar MP and Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar attested that the inclusion of Muslims in the Backward Classes (BC) will never get approval from the Central Government.

“There is no question of accepting the inclusion of Muslims in the BCs. Our party is against religious-based reservations. Knowing this and still trying to push the issue on the Central Government is foolishness. It is clear the Congress Government [in Telangana] does not have sincere intention to implement reservations for BCs,” he said on Thursday (February 13, 2025).

The senior BJP leader further said that including the Muslim community in the BCs category will deprive the latter of their rightful reservations. The Congress Party is doing even more injustice to BCs and if Muslims are merged into the BCs category, the entire Hindu community will revolt, he claimed.

The Union Minister also warned that the ruling party is sure to face consequences in the ensuing MLC elections because of this move and urged for removing Muslims from the BC list. The State Government should stand by its promise to implement 42% quota for BCs in the ensuing local body polls and any backtracking meant betraying the BCs.

Delays might stop 15th Finance Commission funds

“The Congress Party does not have the courage to contest local body elections and delaying them will only harm Telangana as the 15th Finance Commission funds may be stopped,” he said.

Admission of failure

In a separate statement, party spokesman N.V. Subash said that Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka’s latest statement on the Caste Census is an “implicit admission of failure and deceit”. He questioned the legitimacy of the government’s assertion that 95% of households were covered, arguing that reports and videos on social media clearly showed widespread resistance to the survey, with many people refusing to participate.

“How can the government ignore overwhelming evidence of surveyors being turned away by households? The data appears to be fabricated,” alleged Mr. Subash. The February 16 – 28 extension for the leftover survey of ‘3.1%’ is another Congress-led gimmick to justify its 42% BC quota promise in local bodies, he added.

Source:thehindu.com

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South Asia

Naogaon University to develop human resources suitable for 5th industrial revolution: Prof Aminul Islam

13 Feb 2025

NAOGAON, Feb 13, 2025 (BSS) - Special Assistant (State Minister Status) for Education Ministry Professor Dr M Aminul Islam today said Naogaon University will develop human resources suitable for the 5th Industrial Revolution and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the robotic era.

He made the remarks while addressing the 2nd founding anniversary of Naogaon University at Sadar Upazila Parishad Auditorium as the chief guest.

Naogaon University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Moh Hasanat Ali chaired the programme, while University Grants Commission member Professor Dr Masuma Habib, Pabna University of Science and Technology Vice Chancellor Professor Dr SM Abdul Awal, Naogaon Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Abdul Awal and Police Superintendent Shafiul Sarwar and founder of TMSS Professor Dr Hosne Ara delivered speeches.

Professor Awal said that there was a university at Paharpur in Naogaon in the 8th century. “But it is unfortunate that Naogaon University is yet to begin its academic activities despite passage of the university bill in 2023,” he added.

He urged authorities concerned to take steps to start academy activities of Naogaon University immediately.

Vice Chancellor of Naogaon University Professor Dr Moh Hasanat Ali said, “Today we are celebrating the 2nd founding anniversary but there are no teachers and students of the university at the event which is very sad.”

He expressed his hope to celebrate the next founding anniversary on the university’s own campus.

Earlier, the chief guest inaugurated the 2nd founding anniversary by releasing pigeons and festoons.

Meanwhile, Naogaon University Bill was passed in the National Parliament on February 13, 2023.

Source:bssnews.net

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Amir al-Mumineen Calls for Stronger Education at Kandahar University

2025-02-13

KANDAHAR (BNA): Amir al-Mumineen Sheikh Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, visited Kandahar University on Wednesday, where he met with university officials, faculty members, and students.

In his address, the Supreme Leader stressed the importance of both religious and modern education, urging students to pursue knowledge with sincerity and use it for the benefit of society and the nation.

His Excellency also highlighted the need to preserve Afghanistan’s history, calling for greater recognition of the country’s historical figures on the international stage.

The Supreme Leader noted that Afghanistan is progressing under its current governance system and encouraged students to contribute to the country’s development through academic excellence.

Furthermore, he emphasized that all policy decisions within the Islamic Emirate are made in consultation with religious scholars and in accordance with Islamic teachings.

The gathering took place at Kandahar University’s central mosque and was attended by a large gathering of students, faculty, and staff members.

Source:bakhtarnews.af

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Five killed in traffic accident on Herat-Islam Qala Highway

By Setara Qudosi

14 Feb 2025

A collision between two high-speed vehicles on the Herat-Islam Qala highway left five people dead and several others, including a young girl, injured, local sources told Amu.

The accident occurred on Thursday morning. Among the victims was Basir Ahmad Noori, the head of the Herat Food Traders’ Union.

The injured were transported to a hospital in Herat for treatment.

A Herat resident attributed such accidents to drivers failing to follow traffic regulations and a lack of government oversight on the highway.

The Herat-Islam Qala highway is one of Afghanistan’s busiest routes, facilitating frequent travel between Herat and Iran.

Source:amu.tv

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Imam orders to prevent smuggling of food grains in Myanmar

13 Feb 2025

COX'S Bazar, Feb 13, 2025 (BSS) - Food Adviser Ali Imam Majumdar today instructed the authorities concerned to be strict in preventing smuggling of food grains in Myanmar.

"There is a possibility of food crisis due to civil war in Myanmar's Rakhine state. In this situation, law enforcement agencies including BGB must be strict in preventing the smuggling of food grains from Bangladesh," he said.

The adviser gave this order at a meeting on 'Strengthening Food Grain Smuggling Prevention System' at Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner's office.

After the meeting, Imam said if there is a food crisis, there will be a risk of some smuggling from Bangladesh.

"There was already a tendency to smuggle fertilizers and fuel oil here. Therefore, it has been decided to continue surveillance and strengthen it if necessary. So that there can be no smuggling under any circumstances," he added.

Stating that the government stockpiles and import system of food grains are normal in the country, the food adviser said, "If there is no major natural disaster in the future, the shortage of rice will end and the price of rice will remain at a tolerable level."

Source:bssnews.net

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CA greets Muslims on holy Shab-e-Barat

13 Feb 2025

DHAKA, Feb 13, 2025 (BSS) - Chief Adviser (CA) Professor Muhammad Yunus today greeted all Muslims in the country and elsewhere across the world on the occasion of the holy Shab-e-Barat, the night of fortune, to be observed tomorrow night (Friday).

"I extend my heartfelt greetings to the Muslim community of Bangladesh and the world on the occasion of the holy Shab-e-Barat," said Dr Yunus in a message.

Noting that this auspicious night brings the infinite mercy and blessings of the Almighty Allah to mankind, he said on this night, Allah shows the supreme glory of granting forgiveness and fulfilling prayers.

On this holy night, the infinite mercy and blessings of Allah are showered, he said, adding that through this glorious night, Muslims can secure closeness to the Almighty Allah through prayers.

"We can achieve the infinite mercy, blessings, salvation and forgiveness of the Almighty Allah," Dr Yunus added.

The Chief Adviser urged all to dedicate themselves to the work of human welfare and nation building, being inspired by the significance of the holy Shab-e-Barat.

He called for avoiding all kinds of injustice, lawlessness, violence and superstition and rather establishing the spirit of Islam, also known as the religion of peace, at all levels of individual, social and national lives.

"May the Almighty Allah forgive and protect us all, Ameen," he said.

Source:bssnews.net

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AFJC reports unprecedented rise in Radio restrictions in Afghanistan

By Fidel Rahmati

February 14, 2025

By: Tabasum Nasiry

The Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC), on the occasion of World Radio Day, announced that the restrictions imposed on audio media in Afghanistan are “unprecedented.”

The center stated on Thursday, February 13 that in the past year, the offices of at least seven radio stations have been closed due to direct orders or restrictions imposed by the ruling administration of Taliban.

This statement was released by the Afghanistan Journalists Center on February 13, World Radio Day, which was officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, and since then, this day has been celebrated annually.

The Taliban has been accused of imposing severe restrictions on freedom of expression and media. On World Radio Day, it announced that after the rise of the Taliban, licenses had been issued to 33 radio stations in the country.

Khabib Ghufran, spokesperson for the Ministry of Information and Culture of the Taliban, told Khaama Press that currently 234 radio stations are broadcasting across various regions of Afghanistan. According to him, among these audio media outlets, 33 centers have received operating licenses in the past three years.

However, independent reports on the activity of audio media in Afghanistan show that “since the return of the Taliban to power, the freedom of the media, especially radio stations, has been continuously restricted.”

Documents from the Afghanistan Journalists Center indicate that “over the past three years, the Taliban has issued at least 22 directives or orders to media outlets, which specifically affected radio stations.”

The center pointed out the ban on women working at “National Radio,” the prohibition on broadcasting music, the ban on interviewing opponents or critics of the Taliban administration, as well as increased direct and indirect surveillance by irresponsible institutions such as intelligence agencies and the Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice on radio programs.

The findings from the Afghanistan Journalists Center also show that in the past year, the offices of at least seven radio stations have been closed, of which three radio stations have not yet been allowed to reopen. Currently, at least six media employees, including three employees from radio stations, are imprisoned.

The current situation of audio media in Afghanistan reflects a growing challenge to the freedom of expression, especially in the face of governmental restrictions and closures. It underscores the ongoing struggle of media professionals and the public’s access to information under increasingly restrictive conditions.

Source:khaama.com

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63 Afghan migrants released from Pakistani prisons

By Fidel Rahmati

February 13, 2025

The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriates of the Taliban has announced that 63 Afghan citizens have been released from prisons in Pakistan and returned to Afghanistan.

According to a statement released by the ministry on Thursday, February 13, these individuals include four Afghan migrant families, comprising 15 members and 48 other individuals.

The statement adds that these individuals were detained in various Pakistani cities for lacking legal documentation and were held in prison for between 2 to 6 days.

After receiving humanitarian aid, these individuals were transferred to their original locations in Afghanistan.

In the past ten days, this marks the third time the ministry has announced the release of dozens of Afghan migrants from Pakistani prisons. Previously, the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriates reported that, on February 1, at least 91 Afghan citizens, including women and children, were freed from Pakistani prisons.

The return of these migrants highlights ongoing challenges faced by Afghan nationals living in Pakistan without proper legal status, with continued deportations affecting their livelihoods and well-being.

The detaining and imprisonment of Afghan migrants in Pakistan intensified after the Pakistani government set a deadline for illegal migrants, including Afghans, to leave the country by November 1, 2023.

According to a recent report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in January 2025, 18,300 Afghan refugees returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan, with around 1,000 of them being forcibly deported.

In recent months, the Pakistani police have repeatedly deported Afghan migrants from the country. Widespread expulsions of Afghan migrants, especially those without legal documents, have caused significant problems for them in Pakistan.

Source:khaama.com

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Arab World

Saudi Arabia condemns two suicide attacks in Afghanistan

February 13, 2025

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned and denounced on Thursday two separate suicide attacks that took place in Afghanistan recently.

In the first attack, a suicide bomber attacked the front of a bank in the northern city of Kunduz on Tuesday, killing eight people. Daesh later claimed the bombing, saying it was targeting Taliban government employees collecting salaries.

In the second attack, a person was killed and at least three wounded in a suicide attack on the Afghan ministry of urban development and housing on Thursday.

A Foreign Ministry statement reiterated the Kingdom’s categorical rejection of the terrorist acts, and its support for the Afghan people against all forms of violence, terrorism and extremism.

The statement also expressed the Kingdom’s condolences to the families of the victims and the Afghan people, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

Source:arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2590112/saudi-arabia

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Hajj 2025: Deadline for registering Hajj buildings in Mecca extended

February 13, 2025

Cairo: Saudi Arabia has extended a deadline for registration to obtain permits for buildings in Mecca that will accommodate Muslim pilgrims during the upcoming annual Hajj pilgrimage due in June.

Deputy Governor of Mecca Saud bin Meshal has approved the extension until the 24th of Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar, the Saudi newspaper Okaz reported. The month of Ramadan is expected this year to begin on March 1.

A Saudi state committee in charge of readying housing for pilgrims in Mecca has urged owners of such buildings to swiftly go to accredited consultancy engineering offices to present their applications.

Last July, the committee announced the start of registration to obtain related permits as part of early preparations for the annual Hajj congregation.

The panel has called on Saudi nationals interested in obtaining or renewing permits for renting their buildings to house the pilgrims to present applications.

The Mecca municipality originally set the deadline for receiving the applications until the end of Rajab, the seventh Islamic month corresponding to January 30 while the deadline for the issuance of the permits at the end of the current month of Shaaban.

Engineering firms accredited by the municipality and the civil defence service are tasked to check the buildings to verify their compliance with the required stipulations before giving them certificates whereby related permits are issued by the committee.

The municipality has called on the landlords to comply with the associated conditions, meet all safety requirements and forward their applications as early as possible to avoid last-minute processing and congestion.

Hajj is one of Islam’s five obligatory duties. Muslims, who can physically and financially afford Hajj, have to undertake it at least once in a lifetime.

Around 1.8 million Muslims, including 1.6 million from abroad, performed last year’s Hajj.

Source:gulfnews.com

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Saudi king, crown prince congratulate Greece’s new president

February 14, 2025

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday congratulated Greece’s parliament chief Constantine Tassoulas on his election as the country’s new president.

In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, King Salman said he wished the new president every “success,” and for “the friendly people of Greece continued progress and prosperity.”

The crown prince issued a similar statement.

Tassoulas, 65, was elected with 160 votes in the 300-member parliament in the fourth round of voting on Wednesday.

He replaces Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the first woman to serve as Greece’s head of state, who was not nominated for a second five-year term.

Tassoulas is a member of the governing center-right New Democracy party and a close ally of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. A lawyer by trade, he also served as culture minister a decade ago.

Source:arabnews.com

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How AI is transforming music and preserving legends — but raising ethical concerns

WAAD HUSSAIN

February 13, 2025

RIYADH: Artificial intelligence is redefining music, opening up new opportunities to create, innovate, and preserve cultural legacies. From composing new melodies to recreating the voices of late artists, AI sits at the intersection of technology and artistry.

According to Alice Eldridge, Thor Magnusson, and Chris Kiefer in their paper, “Artificial intelligence in music and performance: A subjective art-research inquiry,” AI leverages machine learning to analyze patterns in music, enabling it to compose, mimic, or adapt musical styles.

Technologies such as generative adversarial networks refine outputs to make them more lifelike, while natural language processing aids in creating lyrics and melodies. The researchers say these tools are integral to interactive music systems, where AI becomes a collaborative partner in the creative process.

Musician Atheer Al-Amoudi views AI’s creative potential as revolutionary. “AI is becoming unstoppable in various fields, and the outcomes are undeniably mind-blowing,” Al-Amoudi told Arab News.

“Its limitlessness makes the wildest thoughts of creativity easier to actually produce. If an artist wished to collaborate with another artist but they were unreachable, they can use AI to bring this to life.”

Although such technological leaps are transformative for the production of music, they do throw up concerns about plagiarism and copyright infringement. “There must be a form of consent or at least a disclaimer stating that the actual artist has been replicated,” Al-Amoudi said.

Indeed, while AI can spark creativity, its potential for misuse is concerning. “AI could become a shortcut for lazy artists, where they sell their voice input and let editors produce whatever music they want,” Al-Amoudi said.

“It’s not as authentic, but the shortcut has its benefits for certain projects.”

One especially powerful application in AI-generated music is when it is used to recreate the voices of late singers by drawing upon their body of work.

“The only aspect where AI can create deep emotional music is when it uses the vocals of a deceased singer,” Al-Amoudi said. “It’s really moving, and you can’t help but wonder how that singer would feel about it, and if they would sing it the same way AI is doing it.”

AI in music depends on various advanced technologies, including machine learning, voice synthesis, and generative adversarial networks. These systems analyze and recreate everything from rhythm and harmony to unique vocal traits.

Voice synthesis and cloning, for example, involve training AI on recordings of an artist’s voice to replicate their tone, pitch, and intonation. Models like generative adversarial networks refine these replications, ensuring they sound natural and authentic.

This integration of AI technologies was recently used to recreate the voice of Saudi musician and composer Talal Maddah for his daughter Nagham’s wedding — a project that demonstrated the ability of AI to preserve and honor cultural heritage.

“Initially, when I met with the bride, she hadn’t even considered the idea of using one of her father’s songs for her wedding,” music designer Nasser Al-Ojan told Arab News.

“She was only planning to walk down the aisle to instrumental music. I suggested that her father should somehow be present with her at this special moment. She asked, ‘How?’ That’s when the idea of using AI came to me.”

The process was both technical and deeply emotional. “Creating such a precise outcome is one of the most challenging tasks,” Al-Ojan said. “First, we used 59 songs by Talal Maddah to isolate his voice across all the vocal ranges he had sung in. This was necessary to replicate his vocal signature accurately.

“The process involved extracting his voice from these songs at various pitches, so when the software works on highs or lows, it mimics the way the artist’s voice naturally flows. This level of precision required a lot of effort and professionalism. The process takes exactly 48 hours to achieve this level of perfection.”

The final result was a rendition of one of Maddah’s songs personalized with Nagham’s name, bringing his voice back to life for a deeply personal and moving moment.

Noor Al-Faraj, a data AI and automation expert at IBM and winner of the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence’s Enjaz Hackathon, sees AI as a tool that could push music beyond traditional boundaries.

“AI can help generate melodies, experiment with different sounds, or even mix genres in ways we might not think of,” Al-Faraj told Arab News. “It’s making music creation more accessible, too — you don’t have to be a professional to use these tools and make something amazing.”

However, Al-Faraj highlights the ethical concerns surrounding the technology. “Since AI is trained on existing music, there’s always a chance it could accidentally copy something too closely.

“And then there’s the question of ownership — if an AI tool creates a song, who owns it? The person using the tool? The company that made the AI? It’s a gray area that we’re still figuring out.”

AI’s role should complement human creativity rather than replace it, she said. “The goal isn’t to replace what humans create but to complement it with something different, something we’ve never heard before.”

AI is revolutionizing the music industry, offering tools to preserve the legacy of artistic greats like Maddah and push the boundaries of creativity.

From Al-Amoudi’s enthusiasm for AI’s potential to Al-Ojan’s emotionally charged recreation of Maddah’s voice for his daughter, these stories illustrate the transformative power of AI in music.

Source:arabnews.com

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‘Lessons to be learned from Saudi Arabia’s G20’ says South African envoy

LAMA ALHAMAWI

February 13, 2025

RIYADH: With South Africa set to host this year’s G20, the ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mogobo David Magabe, commended the Kingdom’s visionary leadership, adding that there were lessons to be learned from Saudi Arabia’s presidency of G20 during the global outbreak of COVID-19.

“There are positive lessons that South Africa itself has learned from countries that have hosted the G20 before it, and one of them will be our strategic partner the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” he said.

Magabe said that during the World Economic Forum, several meetings were held between Saudi Arabia and South African officials to discuss insights gained from the G20 presidency as well as how the two countries could continue to collaborate.

The ambassador said that it was unfortunate that the Kingdom hosted the G20 during COVID-19 when many of the delegates were unable to attend in person, but he stressed that much could be gained from Saudi Arabia’s responses during COVID-19.

“The issue of COVID, in terms of rolling out the vaccine, was one of the most important lessons,” he said.

“During that period, remember that everyone in the Kingdom was vaccinated based on the Kingdom’s leadership.”

The envoy also commended the Kingdom’s role as a geopolitical mediator: “The importance of multilateral forums that have been established because they (Saudi Arabia) continue to play a meaningful role in terms of the global dialogue for humanity for peace, and this is very important.

“I always say that these two countries, Saudi Arabia and South Africa, are well positioned in terms of different regions to make a contribution.

“And there continues to be more collaboration between the two countries.”

During his interview with Arab News, the ambassador highlighted the excitement felt about G20’s presidency in South Africa, underlining that “it will be the first time that the G20 is hosted on African soil.”

He said that economic diplomacy was one of the areas that South Africa was committed to strengthening under its G20 presidency.

According to the ambassador, other areas of focus for South Africa’s G20 would be unemployment, poverty and hunger, challenges around achieving sustainable development goals, geopolitical instability and climate change.

South Africa’s G20 presidency would focus on three main elements — solidarity, equality and sustainability.

Under the theme of solidarity, Magabe said that there needed to be more collaboration between countries on the geopolitical situation.

The envoy also stressed that inequality among developed and developing countries would be an important topic of discussion.

“It will be a very good opportunity for South Africa and within the African continent to make this contribution,” he said.

The ambassador also said that a ministerial meeting would take place in Johannesburg from Feb. 20-21, which would set a tone for the G20.

South Africa’s G20 presidency began on Dec.1, 2024 and will continue until November 2025.

Source:arabnews.com

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Filipino judges complete training at Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh

February 14, 2025

RIYADH: Participants in the second judicial course for Filipino judges, held recently at the Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University, have commended the Kingdom’s government for prioritizing the spread of Islamic knowledge and its commitment to serving Muslims.

The two-week course at the university’s Higher Judicial Institute was aimed at enhancing the skills of Filipino judges, and facilitate the exchange of expertise between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

This year’s course, which concluded on Feb. 12, was the second for Filipino judges. The first course was held in 2022.

The program is part of a series of international judicial training programs organized by the institute in collaboration with countries worldwide. Judges from Malaysia, Indonesia, Comoros, and several other African nations have also participated.

These initiatives aim to foster international cooperation and exchange judicial expertise, further solidifying the Kingdom’s leadership in this field, the SPA reported.

Islamic law is partially applied in the Christian-majority Philippines and is applicable only to Filipino Muslims. Shariah courts are supervised by the country’s Supreme Court.

Last year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed a law expanding the Shariah judicial system in the Philippines to cover not only the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao but also other regions.

Under the new law, the Shariah courts have jurisdiction over civil affairs for Muslim communities, including family matters, marriage, and inheritance. Criminal cases remain under the authority of national courts.

Source:arabnews.com

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Saudi culture minister holds talks with Nigerian counterpart

February 13, 2025

JEDDAH: Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Farhan met Nigerian Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa on the sidelines of the 13th Conference of Culture Ministers in the Islamic World.

The two officials discussed the importance of enhancing cooperation in various artistic fields, including literature, music, films and heritage, in addition to discussing collaboration with organizations concerned with cultural affairs such as UNESCO.

Source:arabnews.com

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Saudi Interior Ministry establishes General Department for Community Security and Combating Human Trafficking Crimes

February 13, 2025

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior established the General Department for Community Security and Combating Human Trafficking Crimes on Thursday to further ensure the public safety.

The newly established body will be linked to the General Directorate of Public Security, following a directive from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The ministry said that the department aims to combat crimes that infringe on personal rights, violate fundamental freedoms under Islamic Shariah laws, or undermine individual dignity.

It also aims to eliminate crimes by dismantling criminal networks in coordination with local and international authorities, the SPA added.

Source:arabnews.com

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Saudi counter-narcotics authorities thwart drug smuggling attempts in several regions

February 13, 2025

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s counter-narcotics authorities thwarted drug smuggling and dealing attempts, including of hashish, khat, and methamphetamine, in various cities on Thursday.

The General Directorate of Border Guard arrested an Ethiopian citizen for attempting to smuggle 49,350 tablets of unlicensed medical pills in the Red Sea region of Asir, located in southwest Saudi Arabia.

The Border Guard thwarted another smuggling attempt in Asir, which borders Yemen, where they seized 100 kg of hallucinogenic khat leaves, valued at approximately $5,300.

In Jizan, located in the southwest of the Kingdom, authorities arrested a gang of Yemeni nationals for smuggling 5.5 kg of hashish and 30 kg of khat; in another incident, they seized 108 kg of khat.

In Dammam in the eastern region, the General Directorate of Mujahideen arrested a Saudi citizen for selling the toxic methamphetamine drug known locally as Al-Shabu.

Drug smuggling is a serious crime in Saudi Arabia. It is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, along with 50 lashes and a fine for first-time offenders involved in smuggling, consuming or marketing drugs. However, individuals who repeatedly commit this crime may face the death penalty, according to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control.

Security authorities urged the public to report drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions.

Reports can also be made to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or via email at 995@gdnc.gov.sa. All information will remain strictly confidential.

Source:arabnews.com

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Prince Mohammed bin Salman Award established to strengthen Saudi-China cultural ties

February 13, 2025

RIYADH: The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Award for Cultural Cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China was launched at a special cultural and social event in Riyadh on Wednesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event was held with the support of Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the minister of culture and the chairman of the award’s board of trustees.

It highlighted the award’s objectives, categories, and various initiatives designed to enhance cultural collaboration between Riyadh and Beijing.

Faisal bin Abdulrahman bin Muaammar, the deputy chairman of the board of trustees, was also in attendance.

The deputy chairman emphasized the significance of the award — which bears the name of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman — as a symbol of the relationship between Saudi Arabia and China, one of cultural interaction, strengthening ties and enriching cross-cultural exchanges.

He added that Saudi Vision 2030 placed a strong emphasis on cultural openness — aligning seamlessly with China’s Belt and Road Initiative — which seeks to enhance global connectivity.

The award, he said, reflected a new era of cultural cooperation to drive mutual development and prosperity for both nations.

Source:arabnews.com

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Riyadh leads national tally with 21 mm of rainfall

February 13, 2025

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture reported on Thursday that six regions across Saudi Arabia experienced rainfall, with Riyadh region recording the highest precipitation of 21 mm in Alqah, Zulfi governorate.

According to the ministry’s daily meteorological report, 52 hydrological and climate monitoring stations tracked precipitation across the Kingdom. Rainfall was recorded in Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, Qassim, Eastern Region, and Al-Baha.

In the Riyadh region, Rawdat Al-Sabla in Zulfi recorded 7.5 mm, while Al-Rayyan district in Al-Dawadmi measured 7.1 mm. Other notable readings included Kharoub farms in Shaqra at 6 mm, Al-Majmaah train station at 4.8 mm, and Arja in Al-Dawadmi at 4.6 mm.

Qassim region reported significant rainfall, with Dukhnah in Al-Rass measuring 11 mm, Buraidah 8.6 mm, and Riyadh Al-Khabra 8 mm. The Eastern Region saw precipitation levels of 9.6 mm at Al-Olaya metro station, 9 mm in Khafji, 4.6 mm at the Naval Forces Airport in Jubail, and 3.8 mm at the Border Guard station in Ruqi, Hafar Al-Batin.

The Makkah region’s Saja Reserve in Al-Muwayh recorded 9.2 mm, while Raniah received 2.2 mm. Madinah region registered 1.4 mm in Al-Hisu, Al-Hinakiyah, and Al-Baha region’s Shada in Al-Makhwah recorded 0.6 mm.

Source:arabnews.com

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Europe

The Brewery to host drop-in on plans for South Street, Romford mosque

13th February

By Olivia Carter

Residents in Romford have been invited to have their say on plans for a new mosque.

A drop-in event forms the latest step taken by Havering Islamic Cultural Centre (HICC) in the proposed development of the former Brickyard bar and then barbecue restaurant Smokey's Shack in South Street.

Built in 1933 as a builders merchants, the venue has now been identified as the potential new location for the mosque.

Havering Council leader Ray Morgon said in August the HICC was in "advanced talks" with Bridge Close LLP, the council's regeneration partner, for the sale of its current Waterloo Road site.

Havering Council made a compulsory purchase order in light of the wider redevelopment of the Bridge Close area for up to 1,070 homes, a primary school, health services and business space.

The council is legally obliged to pay for "equivalent like-for-like reinstatement" by purchasing the HICC a new site.

An official application is yet to be submitted to the planning portal.

The cost of the South Street development is forecasted to exceed the like-for-like value by £4.5 million, a cost which HICC must front itself and is fundraising towards.

A leaflet with details of the drop-in shows the charity's "vision" and future plans for the South Street location.

It reads: "Our vision is to retain its historic facade, and deliver a new mosque, with improved outreach facilities for all the community."

The proposal includes prayer halls, education space and community space, as well as room for a foodbank and soup kitchen for the community.

According to the HICC, its proposed mosque would feature environmental provisions such as sustainable drainage and biodiverse landscaping.

The drop-in will be held at The Brewery shopping centre near to the Sainsbury's store on February 27 from 3.30pm to 6.30pm.

Those wishing to submit feedback online can do so here, with comments open until March 14.

Source:thisislocallondon.co.uk

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Glasgow Central Mosque given category-A listing

February 13, 2025,

The Glasgow Central Mosque (GCM) has been granted category-A listed building status by Historic Environment Scotland (HES).

The categorization covers the mosque's original paved courtyard with garden, boundary walls and railing but excludes a hall that was added at a later date.

The four-acre (1.62ha) site opened to the public in 1984 at a cost of £3m and was the first purpose-built mosque in Glasgow.

Listed status, awarded by HES, recognises buildings with special architectural or historical interest.

The mosque is located on Mosque Avenue, next to the A-listed Victoria Bridge and B-listed Union Railway Bridge.

It was or the Jamiat Ittehead ul Muslimin (the Muslim Mission), an organisation established in Scotland in 1933 by early migrants from India.

The organisation was previously based in the Gorbals area, and inaugurated the first mosque in Scotland in a converted tenement block in 1944.

Plans for a purpose-built mosque for the community had begun by the early 1950s and plans for the GCM were approved in 1977.

The location, on the southern bank of the Clyde, was the former site of the Adelphi whisky distillery.

The building was completed in two phases by architects W.M. Copeland and Associates and Coleman Ballantine Partnership.

The GCM is the first mosque building in Scotland to be built according to Islamic architectural traditions with a courtyard and central gathering space , garden, an entrance "iwan", a dome and arched openings.

The glass dome and minaret tower, which calls worshippers to prayer five times a day, is a recognisable part of the city skyline.

The mosque opened on 18 May 1984 with capacity for up to 2,500 worshipers and is Scotland's largest mosque.

The mosque community aims to help tackle poverty in the city and provides more than 350 weekly food parcels to asylum seekers and refugees every Sunday and during Ramadan.

During the Covid pandemic, the mosque's function suite was used as a vaccination centre by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

HES said: "We decided to list the Glasgow Central Mosque at category A in recognition of its architectural quality, its status as the first mosque building designed according to Islamic architectural traditions in Scotland, and its important role in the development of the Muslim community in Scotland in the second half of the 20th century."

Source:bbc.com

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Bradford fundraiser Nazim Ali brings joy to poorly kids

13th February

By Michael Broomhead

SMILES were put on poorly children's faces as part of a charitable campaign to celebrate one of the holiest days in the Islamic calendar.

Nazim Ali, of Manningham, recently organised the 12th annual Creating Smiles Gifts Initiative, which saw more than 30 gifts given to youngsters on Airedale Hospital's children ward.

It was supported by his younger brother, Yasir Ali, and Bradford-based Saveco Cash and Carry.

The initiative celebrated the 27th Rajab - marking the night when the Prophet Muhammad ascended to the heavens in response to Allah's call.

Nazim said: "We dropped off over 30 gifts for poorly children at Airedale Hospital.

"The gifts included cuddly toys and playsets.

"It was a gesture of kindness - and a way of showing that members of the wider community do care and think about the poorly children and want to uplift their spirits.

"I express my gratitude to Shiraz Ahmed and Fairaz Ahmed, managing directors of Saveco Cash and Carry, for their kind and selfless ongoing support."

Shiraz said: "We are truly humbled to once more support the fabulous initiative started by Nazim."

Maria Barrick, of Airedale Hospital, said: "I'd like to say a huge thank you to Nazim, Yasir and Saveco Cash and Carry for their continued support."

Source:thetelegraphandargus.co.uk

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Hungarian Politicians React to Another Islamist Terror Attack in Germany

2025.02.13.

As news came in regarding the shocking car ramming terror attack from Germany, Hungarian politicians reacted with criticism of Europe’s immigration policies that they see are directly linked to such incidents.

wrote Zsigmond Barna Pál, Parliamentary State Secretary and Deputy Minister of the Ministry of European Union Affairs on his X account.

“A 26-year-old Afghan man deliberately drove into a crowd in broad daylight—28 injured, including children, one fighting for their life! This perpetrator was arrested multiple times for theft & drug dealing—yet still free. How many more victims before Brussels & Berlin act? Europe’s security must not be sacrificed for pro-migrant policies. Stop mass migration—defend Europe’s borders!”, reads the Hungarian MP’s post.

“Of course, the 24-year-old Afghan migrant had already been arrested multiple times for theft and drug dealing—yet he was still roaming free. ENOUGH is enough!

wrote Balázs Hidvéghi, Deputy Minister at the Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister.

“It never stops. Western Europe is racing down a dead end street into civilizational collapse”, wrote András László, FIDESZ MEP.

According to media reports, at least 28 people were injured when a terrorist drove into a crowd in Munich. The driver has been identified as a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker.

Source:hungarytoday.hu

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Azerbaijan to host 16th Islamic summit in 2026

13 February 2025

Azerbaijan is set to assume the chairmanship of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) during the 16th Islamic Summit, scheduled to take place in the country in 2026.

On May 4, 2024, during the 15th summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in The Gambia, it was announced that the 16th Islamic Summit of the OIC would be held in Azerbaijan in 2026, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

Note that, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, originally established as the Organization of Islamic Conference in 1969, has evolved significantly in its mandate to bolster solidarity and safeguard the rights of the Islamic world.

The organization was born out of a historic Islamic Summit held in Rabat from September 22-25, 1969, in response to the arson attack on Al-Aqsa Mosque – Islam’s third-holiest site – by an Australian extremist on August 21, 1969. The incident spurred Muslim nations to rally behind a united front.

In March 1970, at the first meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the Secretariat General was established, with a Secretary General appointed, and its headquarters set in Jeddah pending the liberation of Jerusalem.

A landmark rebranding occurred at the 38th meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Astana from June 28-30, 2011, when the organization’s name was officially changed to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, reflecting its broader, more dynamic role in addressing contemporary global challenges.

The 15th summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was held in Banjul, The Gambia on May 4, 2024, where world leaders from the 57 member countries and beyond gathered to address pressing issues facing the Muslim community. The summit, themed “Enhancing unity and solidarity through dialogue for sustainable development,” was inaugurated on Saturday and concluded on Sunday.

Türkiye was represented by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and the gathering focused on strengthening collective unity to tackle challenges, including the situation in Palestine and the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, which had claimed over 34,000 lives.

In addition to addressing global concerns, the summit also aimed to promote domestic economic growth, particularly by revitalizing small and medium enterprises, while showcasing the richness of Gambian and African culture.

During the summit, three key documents—a draft Palestinian resolution, a draft Banjul statement, and a draft final document—were presented to the Council of Foreign Ministers and subsequently discussed, marking a significant step toward unified action among member nations.

Source:caliber.az

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Trump announces three-way talks on Ukraine war

14 February 2025

President Donald Trump has announced that US, Russian and Ukrainian officials will meet at a security conference in Munich on Friday for talks on how to end the war in Ukraine.

"Russia is going to be there with our people," the US president said. "Ukraine is also invited, by the way, not sure exactly who's going to be there from any country - but high-level people from Russia, from Ukraine and from the United States."

However, Russia - which is not officially attending the annual forum in Germany - did not comment and a senior Ukrainian official said "talks with Russians in Munich" were "not expected".

America's Nato allies are still reacting to Trump's surprise announcement this week that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed in a phone call to begin talks to end the war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is due to meet Trump's Vice-President, JD Vance, in Munich.

Zelensky is also expected to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Rubio's plane had to turn back to a US airbase in Maryland late on Thursday, after it experienced a "mechanical issue" on its way to the German city. He was then due to take a different plane.

The US president announced the three-way meeting in Munich during a press conference on Thursday, without giving any further details.

However, Zelensky adviser Dmytro Lytvyn told reporters the Ukrainian delegation had no plans to attend such a meeting.

Russia did not immediately respond to a BBC request for comment on the issue.

Trump's announcement came a day after he held separate phone calls first with Putin, then with Zelensky.

Describing the talks as "great", Trump said there was a "good possibility of ending that horrible, very bloody war".

But he said it was not "practical" for Kyiv to join the Nato military alliance and also "unlikely" that Ukraine could return to its pre-invasion borders in 2014.

Zelensky - who admitted it was "not very pleasing" that Trump had spoken to Putin before him - warned that Ukraine would not agree to any peace deal proposed by the US and Russia without Kyiv's involvement.

"We cannot accept it, as an independent country," he said, stressing that his priority was "security guarantees", something he did not see without US support.

Zelensky said European allies "needed to be at the negotiating table too", amid growing fears across the continent that Trump's overture to Putin could lead to a separate US-Russia deal on Ukraine's and Europe's future.

French President Emmanuel Macron told the Financial Times that only Zelensky could negotiate on behalf of his country with Russia, warning a "peace that is a capitulation" would be "bad news for everyone".

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said: "Any quick fix is a dirty deal."

In Munich, Zelensky's goals in his meeting with Vance seem clear: to encourage the US to continue to stand by Ukraine and keep the beleaguered nation's best interests in mind as it tries to negotiate an end to the war.

What the Americans want from this meeting is more uncertain. Vance may try to assure Zelensky that the Ukrainians will be involved in the forthcoming peace negotiations, even if lately it seems as though they will be a junior partner.

Vance, in fact, may be delivering a blunt message - one that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said publicly on Monday, even if he later walked it back somewhat. The US does not envision a Nato that includes Ukraine. And in order to end the war, Ukraine will have to give up territory that is currently under Russian control

It may be a bitter pill for Zelensky to swallow, but the kind of additional US military aid to Ukraine that it eventually would need to keep up the fight seems unlikely at this point.

Neither Trump nor Trump's Republican Party in Congress have much interest in keeping the support going.

Following the overthrow of Ukraine's pro-Russian president in 2014, Moscow annexed the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea and backed pro-Russian separatists in bloody fighting in eastern Ukraine.

The conflict burst into all-out war when Russia invaded Ukraine nearly three years ago.

Moscow's attempts to take control of the capital Kyiv were thwarted, but Russian forces have taken around one-fifth of Ukraine's territory in the east and south, and have carried out air strikes across the country.

Ukraine has retaliated with artillery and drone strikes, as well as a ground offensive against Russia's western Kursk region.

Accurate casualty counts are hard to come by due to secrecy by both the Russian and Ukrainian governments, but it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of people, most of them soldiers, have been killed or injured, and millions of Ukrainian civilians have fled as refugees.

Source:bbc.com

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Trump wants peace. Ukrainians fear what that might look like

14 February 2025

"I have no plans for the future at all," says Oleksandr Bezhan, standing next to an empty, frozen paddock where he used to work as a fisherman on the bank of the Dnipro river in southern Ukraine. "If I wake up in the morning, that's already pretty good."

Malokaterynivka sits just 15km (9 miles) north of the front line in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region.

If US President Donald Trump succeeds in halting the war, Malokaterynivka is hoping to end up on the right side of that front line.

I last visited this area in 2023, when Ukraine launched a much-anticipated counter-offensive.

At the time, Ukrainians dared to dream of winning this war. They had, after all, won the battle of Kyiv and liberated swathes of territory elsewhere.

But 18 months on, thunder-like artillery exchanges reflect the failure of that operation, and Russia's dominance.

The front line here is broadly in the same place - but the broad expanse of river has gone.

When the Russian-occupied Kakhovka dam downstream was destroyed, this became a vast, uninterrupted expanse of scrubland.

The barren surroundings reflect the frozen limbo Ukraine finds itself in. The White House wants to end the war, but it's not as simple as blowing a full-time whistle.

"If the front line becomes a border, it would be scary… fighting could break out at any moment," explains Oleksandr.

The exposed riverbed separates our location from Russian-occupied territory. Distant sunlight bounces off the metallic Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, in Moscow's grip since 2022.

Ukraine and the US both want peace, but that is where the consensus seems to end.

Washington's vision of it, along with battlefield realities, means Russia will likely keep hold of the Ukrainian land it's seized.

Ukraine wants meaningful security guarantees that would prevent invading forces from pushing across the river.

Instead, Donald Trump has denied Kyiv's dream of joining the Nato alliance as he focuses on Russia.

Having watched and reported on Ukraine's fight for more than three years, it is an especially tough hand for the country to receive.

There are feelings of betrayal. Commentators criticise either Ukrainian President Zelensky or the new foreign policy of its biggest ally.

"The border wouldn't depend on us," says Oleksandr. "It probably won't work out, but Seoul is 30km from North Korea, and they somehow live and prosper."

Malokaterynivka's challenge of finding a new purpose lies at the heart of Ukraine's future.

And while politicians talk about talks, Ukrainians continue to fight and die.

Villagers gather for the funeral of a local soldier, also named Oleksandr. Half of the graves in the cemetery are freshly dug.

The ceremony can't last more than 25 minutes because of the threat of artillery. Mourners flinch and duck for cover when his comrades fire off a gun salute.

"I don't have hope for a ceasefire," says his widow Natalya, who nevertheless wants to be proved wrong.

"They just keep sending more and more of our boys to the front. If only they could find some way to end it."

Alongside the river is a disused rail line surrounded by barbed wire.

"It's to stop Russian agents from sabotaging the track," explains Lyudmyla Volyk, who's lived in Malokaterynivka her whole life.

Trains used to run all the way to Crimea in the south.

"We hope that one day it will be restored," says the 65 year old, optimistically. "And that one day we'll go to our Crimea."

The peninsula's eleven years of Russian occupation makes it hard to imagine.

President Zelensky insists he won't sign any agreement which doesn't include Ukraine, so does Lyudmyla trust him to get a deal which protects her?

"We want to believe," she replies after a deep breath.

If Donald Trump does bring peace to Ukraine, it would be welcomed in many quarters.

The prospect of uninterrupted nights, sirens falling silent and soldiers returning home is yearned for.

But as things stand, any relief would quickly be swamped by the unanswered questions of how a ceasefire would hold and who would enforce it.

Kyiv will see this absence of detail as something still to play for. The problem for Ukraine, is that so will Russia.

Source:bbc.com

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Leaders set for key security meeting as 'old' world order at risk of crumbling

14 February 2025

The US Vice President, JD Vance, Ukraine's President Zelensky and up to 60 other world leaders and decision-makers are due to convene in Munich over the next three days for the annual Munich Security Conference (MSC).

For nearly two decades now I have been attending and covering this event for the BBC and I cannot think of a year when there has been so much at stake in terms of global security. A senior and highly experienced Western official said this week "this is the most dangerous and contested time I have ever known in my career".

Why?

Put simply, the current world security order – the catchily named International Rules-based Order – is in danger of crumbling. Some would argue this is already happening.

The end of consensus

When President Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago it was widely condemned by much – although not all – of the world. Nato, the EU and the West in general reached an extraordinary level of unity in coming together to help Ukraine defend itself, without getting drawn into direct conflict with Russia.

Barring some demurring from Slovakia and Hungary, there was a general consensus that Putin's invasion must be seen to fail or Nato itself would be critically weakened while Russia would eventually be tempted to invade another neighbouring country, such as Estonia. It was often said that Ukraine should be given whatever it took and for as long as it took in order to secure a lasting peace from a position of strength.

Not any more.

President Trump has effectively pulled the rug out from Ukraine's negotiating position by conceding, via his Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, that restoring Ukraine's territory to where it was before the first Russian invasion in 2014 is simply "not realistic".

The US has also dashed Kyiv's hopes of joining Nato, a key ambition of President Zelensky, and ruled out sending US troops to help protect its borders from the next time Russia decides to invade.

An even greater shock has come with the news that President Trump held an apparently cordial 90-minute phone call with President Putin, thus abruptly ending the West's three-year freeze in talking to the Russian leader that has been in place since the time of the invasion.

Over the next 72 hours we will be hearing in Munich from President Trump's team here in Munich what the details of their plan for Ukraine will be. Some of it is still to be worked out after his envoy, retired US Army General Keith Kellogg, travels to Kyiv next week.

But for now, Nato's unity is badly dented as clearly there is a wide difference of opinion over Ukraine between Washington and Europe. One wants the war to end as quickly as possible, even if it means conceding to many of Moscow's demands.

The other still believed, at least until this week, that with Russia losing around a thousand battlefield casualties a day and its economy facing dire long-term problems the best way to win a lasting peace would be to keep up the pressure on Moscow until it its army was exhausted and it agreed to peace terms more favourable to Ukraine.

That won't be happening now.

Worrying cracks in Nato

For the Nato alliance, now in its 76th year, there are other worrying cracks starting to appear which will also come in for discussion here at the Munich Security Conference.

Last month President Trump announced he wanted to "buy" Greenland, an autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark. When Denmark's Prime Minister Frederiksson assured her population that "Greenland is not for sale" there followed what was called a "horrendous" phone call from Donald Trump who has not ruled out the use of force to take Greenland.

The idea of one Nato country threatening to seize part of another Nato country's territory would have been unthinkable up until now. In Greenland's case there is no justification for it on security grounds since there are more US troops on Greenland than Danish and Copenhagen is happy to agree ways to boost mutual defence for the island.

But even if nothing ever comes of this idea, and most of Scandinavia is dearly hoping that is the case, in some respects the damage has already been done. The message has gone out from the leader of the free world that its OK to threaten your neighbours by force if you want their territory.

"It may be," says Lord Kim Darroch, the former UK national security adviser and British Ambassador to Washington, "that Trump's threat of economic measures against Nato ally Denmark, and his refusal to rule out military action against them, are just negotiating tactics. But even if nothing comes from it, it's done great damage. It's another signal of Trump's disdain for Nato. And it will be interpreted in Moscow and Beijing as a message that they have a free hand in Ukraine and Taiwan respectively".

Washington's European allies will be looking for some reassurance here in Munich that that is not the case. But President Trump is already well on the way to reshaping America's role in the world and the indications are he is unlikely to be listening to any complaints coming from Europe.

Source:bbc.com

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What we know about suspected car attack in Munich

14 February 2025

A 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker drove a car into a crowd in the German city of Munich on Thursday, injuring at least 30 people, police have said.

Officers said they were treating the incident as a suspected attack.

Here's what we know about the attack so far.

What happened?

Munich police said the car, a Mini Cooper, accelerated and ploughed into the back of a rally by the Verdi trade union during a strike by public sector workers. It happened in Munich's city centre at the junction of Karlstrasse and Seidlstrasse at about 10:30 local time (11:30 GMT).

Employees of day-care centres, hospitals, sanitation facilities and public swimming pools had joined the strike, calling for higher pay and longer holidays.

At the time of the collision around 1,500 people were on their way to the rally's final location a short distance away.

One shot was fired at the vehicle by police before the driver was detained at the scene.

Emergency services had been in the area because of the rally allowing the suspect to be quickly arrested and for the injured to be treated, police said.

It is unclear whether the suspect was injured.

A police spokesman told local broadcaster BR that police are checking whether there was a link between the demonstration and the incident.

The crash happened hours before the US vice president and Ukrainian president were due to arrive in the city for the Munich Security Conference - but police say they don't believe it's related.

How many were injured?

At least 30 people have been injured, including two seriously, German police said on Thursday.

The local fire service said some of those hurt were in a "life-threatening condition".

Munich's mayor Dieter Reiter said children were among those injured.

According to local outlet BR24, injured people are being treated at multiple hospitals around Munich, including a children's hospital and the Munich Red Cross Clinic.

Some of the injured include employees of the Munich city administration, Munich's deputy mayor Dominik Krause told the outlet.

Several participants at the trade union rally had brought their children with them, "which makes the act even more heinous", Krause said.

Who is the suspect?

The suspect, Farhad N, who we are not fully naming due to German privacy law, is a 24-year-old asylum seeker from Afghanistan.

He resides in Munich, German police said, adding that his motive was unclear.

"It was probably an attack," Bavaria state premier Markus Söder told reporters.

Bavarian interior minister Joachim Herrmann said the suspect had his asylum application rejected, but he had not been forced to leave due to security concerns in Afghanistan.

Munich Police said the suspect had a valid residence permit at the time of the collision.

According to the the German Press Agency, the suspect came to Germany in 2016 as a minor.

Police added he was also known to the police as a witness due to his previous work as a store detective.

He is yet to appear in court and the criminal investigation is continuing.

What have witnesses said?

The BBC's Daniel Wittenberg, reporting from Munich, said there was a pram strewn across the floor at the scene, as well as half a dozen umbrellas and high-vis jackets.

A severely damaged white Mini Cooper could be seen at a pedestrian crossing in the middle of three lanes of traffic which had been cordoned off by police.

A woman working at an orthopaedic shop on the road where the incident took place told the BBC that half a dozen people came running into the shop.

"They looked panicked, and some people were crying," she said.

Pedestrians reportedly sprinted for cover in shops and residential buildings that line either side of the thoroughfare.

One student, who didn't wanted to give her name, said the driver of the Mini Cooper accelerated before hitting the crowd.

"It was fast enough to pull 10 to 15 people to the ground," another witness said.

What have authorities said?

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the suspect "must be punished" and "must leave the country".

"This perpetrator cannot hope for any leniency," he told reporters, in a translation from Reuters news agency.

"If it was an attack, we must take consistent action against possible perpetrators with all means of justice."

Bavaria state premier Markus Söder said authorities were working to "clarify all the details".

"This is not the first case and who knows what else will happen," he added.

"It is now even more important that, in addition to the processing of individual cases, in addition to the concern that we all feel, in addition to the sympathy and in addition to the great hope that many will recover, we also show the determination that something must change in Germany."

Source:bbc.com

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North America

What America’s Muslims can teach you about resisting political oppression

Corey Saylor

13 Feb 2025

President Donald Trump’s outcries against government overreach and abusive tactics are numerous. But will he instruct his administration not to repeat these power abuses? Trump’s spokesman, Alex Pfeiffer, has asserted that FBI Director nominee Kash Patel will “end the weaponisation of law enforcement” and “target crime”. I find this unlikely. Patel’s statements suggest that, rather than ending such practices, the Trump administration will only increase persecution and attacks, both criminal and civil, on those perceived as political opposition.

For those wondering how an administration that favours headline-grabbing over justice and lawfulness might deploy weaponised law enforcement, baseless investigations, and political retaliation against those with differing viewpoints, there is much to be learned from the experiences of America’s Muslims.

For us, it is the same old story.

After 9/11, a broad range of Muslim organisations based in the US were targeted by law enforcement under the pretext of combating terrorism. This campaign involved high-profile investigations, asset seizures, and public accusations. American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) staff, in their 2009 report Blocking Faith, Freezing Charity, reported that “According to the 9/11 Commission staff, Treasury officials acknowledged that in the post-9/11 period, ‘some of the evidentiary foundations for the early designations were quite weak,’ and that the haste to designate charities after 9/11 ‘might [have] result[ed] in a high level of false designations’.” Many other groups, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organisation in the US, where I work, were similarly smeared. The consequences of these smears persist to this day.

Take CAIR, for example. If you are a Muslim in the US with political opinions, particularly on civil rights or issues affecting marginalised minorities, you have been subjected to government scrutiny. By 2011, then-Attorney General Eric Holder concluded that “the facts and the law” did not support any legal action against CAIR. The Bush administration had reached the same conclusion earlier. Undeterred by facts or law, however, internet warriors claimed the decision was due to political interference. US Attorney James Jacks, a key figure in one prosecution, later issued a statement addressing these allegations, saying, “The decision to indict or not indict a case is based upon an analysis of the evidence and the law. That’s what happened in this case.”

Still, the labels and rumours persist. Be prepared, as this is likely what you – alongside anyone publicly expressing a dissenting opinion or standing opposition to a government position – will face under Trump 2.0. Facts? Law? Not in this case. The same old story: Disinformation serving political agendas. It will make your allies hesitant to come to your defence. It will make donors nervous. It will obstruct your ability to advance charitable causes.

In the case of American Muslims, analysts have identified various motivations behind these attacks, many of which were unrelated to “public safety”.

Following 9/11, the US government was under intense pressure to prevent further attacks. Prosecuting or investigating Muslim organisations allowed officials to promote a narrative of actively combating domestic terrorism.

Anti-Muslim racism, rather than evidence of criminal activity, led to the perception that Muslim organisations were inherently suspicious. Recently, Elon Musk, billionaire X owner heading Trump’s newly minted Department of Government Efficiency, has used his social media platform to perpetuate a narrative of moustache-twisting Muslim villains.

Since 9/11, US government agencies have repeatedly been rewarded with increased funding and expanded authority for implementing counterterrorism programmes targeting Muslims, even when those programmes were based on stereotypes and unfounded science, and contributed nothing to public safety. The NYPD’s Muslim surveillance and mapping programmes resulted in zero prosecutions. The Obama Administration’s Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) programmes produced dubious indicators, such as the idea that growing or shaving one’s beard could be a sign of malevolent intent. Meanwhile, concerns about the threat posed by ideological extremists such as white supremacists were downplayed.

In 2009, a report by the Extremism and Radicalization Branch of the Homeland Environment Threat Analysis Division warned of the rising threat from white supremacists and violent antigovernment groups. Congress torched it. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) disavowed the report. The DHS analyst behind it left his job. His team was dissolved.

By 2011, journalist R Jeffrey Smith noted that “as many as 40 analysts” were focusing on al-Qaeda and its ideological allies. By contrast, in 2012, Wired journalist Spencer Ackerman reported that the DHS had only a single analyst tasked with tracking all forms of domestic non-Islamic extremism. In 2017, the Government Accountability Office reported that 62 of the 85 extremist terrorist incidents in the US post-9/11 were carried out by white nationalists.

Through this government overreach, America’s Muslims have learned a hard lesson: When those in power want to target you, there is little you can do to stop it. Ducking for cover or appeasing your oppressors are not viable strategies. However, there are steps you can take: Prioritise serving your community, develop resilience, refuse to change who you are to please those in power, enhance legal preparedness, and build your ability to communicate directly with the American people. It is a difficult road, but movements that champion justice will ultimately thank you.

Source:aljazeera.com

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Muslim nurses put on leave after bragging in viral video about killing, not treating Israeli patients in Australia

02/13/2025

Two Muslim Australian nurses have been placed on leave at NSW Health following the release of a video that depicted them boasting about killing and refusing to treat Israeli patients. Ahmad Rashad Nadir and Sarah Abu Lebdeh were employed by Bankstown Hospital in southwest Sydney at the time of the video, according to ABC Australia.

Nadir and Lebeh made the comments while speaking to Israeli content creator Max Veifer, who primarily publishes conversations about the Middle East.

After Veifer revealed to Nadir that he was from Israel, the nurse complimented his eyes before saying that he believed Veifer would go to hell.

"I'm so upset that you're Israeli," Nadir said. "Eventually you're going to get killed and go to Jahannam, inshallah."

Veifter responded, asking why he was going to be killed. Lebdeh joined in on the conversation and said, "It's Palestine's country, not your country, you piece of shit." She then stated that his "time will come" to die.

"When your time comes, I want you to remember my face so you can understand you will die the most disgusting death," Lebdeh said, adding that she won't treat Israeli patients. "I won't treat them, I will kill them," she declared.

Nadir chimed back in and asserted, "You have no idea how many Israeli dogs came to this hospital and I send them to Jahannam [hell]."

NSW Premier Chris Minns confirmed that Nadir and Lebdeh are being investigated by the health agency, telling 2GB Sydney, "Both of them have been immediately stood down pending a full investigation."

"We need to send a clear and unambiguous message that if you go to an emergency department, if you're on a ward anywhere in NSW, you will be treated by people who are highly trained and highly skilled that care about you," said Minns.

Source:humanevents.com

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Trump launches plan to target countries with new tariffs

14 Feb 2025

US President Donald Trump is sharpening plans to hit exports from countries that he says have trade policies that are unfair to the US.

On Thursday, Trump signed a memo that instructed staff to develop custom tariffs for each country, taking into account features such as their existing tariffs, exchange rates, trade balances and other rules.

In outlining its concerns, the White House said that tariffs imposed by other countries were not necessarily the biggest issue, singling out the European Union for other policies the Trump administration said put US exporters at a disadvantage.

While big questions remain about the plans, the announcement is likely to kick off trade talks around the world.

Which countries could be affected?

The memo signed by the president asked that staff report back for a plan for "reciprocal trade and tariffs" within 180 days.

Trump's pick for Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, said his team would be ready to hand a plan to the president by 1 April.

Trump cast his plan for so-called reciprocal tariffs as part of his effort to bring investment to the US and boost manufacturing.

"If you build your product in the United States, there are no tariffs," he said, adding that he was "just doing what was fair".

"In almost all cases, they're charging us vastly more than we charge them but those days are over," he said. "This should have been done a long time ago."

As well as the European Union, Trump's moves are expected to have an impact on trade relationships with countries such as India, Vietnam and Thailand, which have relatively higher tariffs and rely on the US as a big market for exports.

Trump signed the memo ahead of a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has already taken steps to reduce tariffs on key items such as motorcycles, which Trump made an issue during his first term.

Still, he vowed reciprocal tariffs on Indian imports at a joint press conference with Modi on Thursday: "Whatever India charges us, we charge them."

In recent days, officials in Thailand and Vietnam have also said they were reviewing trade with the US.

Ahead of Trump's announcement, the European Union said it was committed to "maintaining a close partnership with the US".

"We will continue to seek constructive engagement," Olof Gill, the commission's spokesperson for trade said. "At the same time, we stand ready to protect our interests."

What are reciprocal tariffs?

A tariff is a tax on imports collected by the government. It is paid by the company importing the good.

Countries typically erect tariffs in a bid to protect certain sectors from foreign competition.

Historically, the US has championed free trade and kept the majority of its tariffs low, except on certain products such as footwear and, more recently, steel and aluminium.

The US has an average tariff rate of 3.4%, compared with an average rate of 5% in Europe, according to the WTO.

In setting out its plans, the White House cited objections to tariffs such as the 10% tax that US-made cars face in Europe, compared with the 2.5% tariff the US applies to cars brought into the US.

The White House also said that Brazil charges an 18% tariff on ethanol imports, while the US charges a 2.5% tariff on the same product.

But officials made clear that the US intends to use tariffs to challenge policies farther afield, citing concerns about the digital services taxes many countries, including Canada and the UK, have unveiled against Big Tech firms - many of which are US-based - as well as Europe's rules for its Value Added Tax (VAT), a kind of sales tax.

Those kinds of issues also raise risks for the UK.

Duncan Edwards, chief executive of BritishAmerican Business, a group representing transatlantic firms, said Trump's plans "should not come as a surprise" and the details of how any reciprocal tariffs are calculated will be a key focus.

"Our hope at BritishAmerican Business, is that the UK's relatively open market and balanced trade with the USA gives it a chance to avoid much of the impact of this policy but nothing should be taken for granted," he said.

What impact could tariffs have on the economy?

Thursday's announcement comes after a string of tariff-related moves from the new administration.

Earlier this week, Trump ordered the US to start charging a 25% import tax on all steel and aluminium brought into the country, ending exemptions for countries including the European Union, UK and Brazil. That is due to go into effect next month.

He also raised tariffs on all goods from China to 10% and threatened to hit imports from Canada and Mexico with duties of 25%, a plan that has been put on hold until March.

Shares on Wall Street rose after no immediate tariffs were announced.

John Cassidy, chief executive of Red Cedar Investment Management, said Trump's string of rapid-fire tariff announcements had unnerved Wall Street, which "does not like the unknown".

But he warned against over-reacting, noting that tariffs that Trump imposed during his first term had a relatively mild impact on the US economy.

"I think Trump's playing a hand here and I think he's got a very strong hand to play," he said.

However, Alex Durante, economist at the Tax Foundation, said it remained to be seen what changes could result from Trump's moves.

He does not think tariffs are the best strategy for dealing with trade complaints, given the costs and uncertainty they introduce for US firms and risks of retaliation.

"I think we're inching toward more and more tariffs with each coming week and further escalation of a trade war with other countries," he said.

He noted that Trump in his first term walked away from the Trans Pacific Partnership, a free trade agreement that had been intended to address some of these same issues with countries in Asia.

"They were open to doing this without having to put the US through more trade uncertainty," he said.

Trump has dismissed concerns about collateral economic damage, saying his plans will boost manufacturing in the US over the long term.

"What's going to go up is jobs are going to go up," he said. "Prices could go up somewhat short term, but prices will also go down."

But surveys indicate the US public remains concerned about the cost of living and is unconvinced about the benefits of tariffs, which economists have warned are likely to lead to higher prices for US businesses and households.

A recent Marquette Law School poll found just 24% of respondents believe tariffs will help the US economy, including just under half of Republicans and just 12% of independents and 4% of Democrats.

"The question is are these tariffs going to lead to higher inflation, higher costs of goods," said Charles Franklin, director of the poll. "The fairness argument is probably a good argument for the president to make but the price impact is much more of a hard thing to sell".

Source:bbc.com

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Jeff Bezos space firm Blue Origin to cut a tenth of jobs

14 Feb 2025

Blue Origin, the rocket company owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, is laying off about 1,400 employees, or about 10% of its workforce, according to an internal email obtained by BBC News.

In the memo to staff, Blue Origin's chief executive, Dave Limp, said the job cuts are part of a plan to trim managerial ranks and focus resources on ramping up rocket launches.

Blue Origin has recently completed the first test flight of its New Glenn rocket, marking a major milestone for the company.

Founded by Jeff Bezos in 2000, the company has been a key player in the private space race, but it is seen as lagging behind rivals such as Elon Musk's SpaceX.

In the email to staff, Mr Limp said it had become "clear that the makeup of our organisation must change" to meet its present priorities.

"Our primary focus in 2025 and beyond is to scale our manufacturing output and launch cadence with speed, decisiveness, and efficiency for our customers."

On top of some management roles, the company will also be eliminating jobs in research and development (R&D), and engineering.

In 2023, Mr Bezos gave Mr Limp, who until then had worked at Amazon's customer-focused devices unit, the top job at Blue Origin.

The leadership overhaul was part of a change in strategy at the company that included an increased focus on developing the New Glenn.

Blue Origin has been dramatically outperformed by Elon Musk's SpaceX but last month's launch was an important step for Mr Bezos' company.

The powerful New Glenn is able to carry large and heavy payloads including satellites into space.

Named after John Glenn, the first American astronaut to orbit Earth more than 60 years ago, the rocket is more powerful than SpaceX's Falcon 9.

It can also carry more satellites, and Bezos wants to use it as part of his Project Kuiper, which aims to deploy thousands of low-earth satellites to provide broadband services.

That project would compete directly with Musk's Starlink service.

Source:bbc.com

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RFK Jr sworn in as US Health and Human Services chief

14 Feb 2025

Robert F Kennedy Jr, one of President Donald Trump's most controversial cabinet picks, has been sworn in as the next US Health and Human Services Secretary.

The former presidential candidate will now oversee key health agencies with about 80,000 employees and a trillion-dollar budget. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle had questioned his baseless health claims and vaccine scepticism.

On Thursday, Kennedy was confirmed by a 52-48 vote. No Democrats backed him. Former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was the lone Republican to vote against Kennedy.

Kennedy is the latest cabinet appointee installed as the president seeks to rapidly overhaul almost every level of government.

The Senate is putting in late nights and early mornings as they hurry to round out the president's cabinet by confirming his remaining nominees. Lawmakers also approved Brooke Rollins as head of the Department of Agriculture by a vote of 72-28.

Kennedy, who had his swearing in ceremony in the Oval Office, is the second controversial cabinet pick to be confirmed this week after Tulsi Gabbard was confirmed as director of National Intelligence in a narrow Senate vote on Wednesday.

He will now oversee agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Kennedy will also be charged with overseeing the US health industry which includes food safety, pharmaceuticals, public health and vaccinations. He ran for the White House himself in 2024 as an independent, but dropped out and backed Trump.

The president's decision to tap Kennedy to lead the federal health agency drew scepticism from several Republicans. Many questioned Kennedy's past comments on immunisations, his ties to groups making unsubstantiated health claims and his views on abortion.

Kennedy is the founder of the anti-vaccine group Children's Health Defense, which gained prominence in the US for casting doubt on the safety and efficacy of childhood vaccinations and making the discredited claim that the shots are linked to autism.

Kennedy, the nephew of former President John F Kennedy, has denied that he is anti-vaccination, pointing out his own children are immunised. He insisted during his confirmation hearings that he merely supports more stringent studies and safety tests for injections.

Some Republicans have praised Kennedy for his criticism over the use of food additives and push to curb big pharma.

During the hearings, lawmakers also grilled Kennedy on his promotion of health misinformation and knowledge of the US healthcare system.

He was asked to explain his stance on abortion, as he previously indicated that he was in favour of abortion rights. He responded by telling lawmakers he agreed with Trump that access to abortion should be controlled by individual states and that "every abortion is a tragedy".

The exchange drew scrutiny from Democrats who accused Kennedy of "selling out" his pro-choice values in order to secure President Trump's nomination.

One of his hearings was interrupted by shouting protesters. But he also received loud applause when promising to make America healthy again, a slogan used by Trump's administration.

Ahead of the hearing, Caroline Kennedy - the cousin of Robert F Kennedy Jr - urged US senators to reject him as the next health and human services secretary. She said Kennedy's views on vaccines disqualify him from the role of being one of America's leading health policymakers.

It wasn't enough to dissuade several Republicans who previously withheld their support from Kennedy but wound up approving his nomination during Thursday's vote.

Many eyes were on Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican, who chairs the Senate Health Committee.

Cassidy, a doctor, previously indicated that he was struggling with Kennedy's stance on vaccines. He voted to confirm Kennedy.

"We need to make America healthy again, and it is my expectation that Secretary Kennedy will get this done," Cassidy posted on X after the vote.

Others closely watched McConnell, a Kennedy critic and polio survivor. McConnell had warned Kennedy not to undermine the polio vaccine.

He voted against confirmation.

"Individuals, parents, and families have a right to push for a healthier nation and demand the best possible scientific guidance on preventing and treating illness," McConnell said in a statement. "But a record of trafficking in dangerous conspiracy theories and eroding trust in public health institutions does not entitle Mr. Kennedy to lead these important efforts."

The Senate continues moving forward with Trump's nominees. After confirming Kennedy, lawmakers are expected to advance the nomination of Howard Lutnick as the next Secretary of Commerce.

This tees up the final vote for his confirmation to take place next week.

Lawmakers are also expected to take up the nomination of Kash Patel, Trump's controversial choice to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Kelly Loeffler, Trump's pick for Small Business Administrator, after the picks received approval from a key committee on Thursday.

Trump's pick to head the education department, Linda McMahon had her confirmation hearing on Thursday as well.

This puts a handful of cabinet picks through a key hurdle and sets up confirmation votes of Lutnick and Loeffler no sooner than Tuesday, given the President's Day long weekend.

Source:bbc.com

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Top prosecutor resigns after being told to drop case against NYC mayor Eric Adams

14 Feb 2025

The top US prosecutor in Manhattan has resigned after refusing an order to drop a corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

Danielle Sassoon, a conservative lawyer recently promoted by President Donald Trump, said dismissing the case would set a "breathtaking and dangerous precedent".

Sassoon's departure - along with at least two other top justice department officials - is the latest sign of disquiet over sweeping changes the Trump administration is making in federal law enforcement.

In an indictment last September, Adams is alleged to have accepted gifts totalling more than $100,000 (£75,000) from Turkish citizens in exchange for favours. He denies the charges.

The case was initially brought by officials appointed by former President Joe Biden.

But on Monday, a Trump appointee, acting deputy attorney general Emil Bove, ordered Sassoon and New York prosecutors to drop the case, saying it "restricted" the mayor's ability to address "illegal immigration and violent crime" - a key goal of Trump's administration.

Bove did not address the merits of the case and noted that the justice department would reserve the right to reinstitute the charges after New York City's mayoral election in November.

Sassoon refused to drop the case, however, setting out her reasoning in a letter to Bove's boss, Attorney General Pam Bondi, on Thursday and saying she saw no "good faith" reason for dropping the case.

"Because the law does not support a dismissal, and because I am confident that Adams has committed the crimes with which he is charged, I cannot agree to seek a dismissal driven by improper considerations," she wrote.

Sassoon said her office held a meeting with Bove and lawyers for Adams on 31 January in which the mayor's representatives offered "what amounted to a quid pro quo", saying Adams would be able to help with administration policies "only if the indictment were dismissed".

Alex Spiro, a lawyer for Adams, denied that there was any deal tying immigration enforcement with the dropping of the case.

He said in a statement: "The idea that there was a quid pro quo [with the Trump administration] is a total lie. We offered nothing and the department asked nothing of us."

In a letter accepting her resignation, Bove accused Sassoon of attempting to "continue pursuing a politically motivated prosecution despite an express instruction to dismiss the case".

He also said that other prosecutors who worked on the Adams case would be placed on leave and would be subject to an internal investigation - and that Sassoon would be investigated as well.

Two other justice department prosecutors resigned on Thursday: John Keller, acting head of the public corruption unit, and Kevin Driscoll, a senior official in the department's criminal division.

Later on Thursday, US media outlets reported three additional prosecutors with the justice department's corruption unit also resigned.

Sassoon, 38, joined the federal prosecutor's office in Manhattan in 2016 and was part of the team that prosecuted FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried.

The mayor and Trump

Mayor Adams, a Democrat, has expressed a willingness to work with the Trump administration when it comes to the president's hardline immigration policy. On Thursday, after a meeting with Trump's "border czar" Tom Homan, the mayor agreed that immigration officials could re-establish an office at the city's Rikers Island jail.

In a statement, Adams said: "I want to work with the new federal administration, not war with them, to find common ground and make better the lives of New Yorkers."

The New York mayor met with Trump in Florida days before his inauguration, and then attended his swearing-in ceremony on 20 January. Adams denied at the time that he discussed his legal issues with the incoming president.

On Thursday, Trump told reporters that he had not asked for the case against Adams to be dropped.

However, Bove's letter described his instructions to drop the case as "direct orders implementing the policy of a duly elected President".

Adams indicted last September

Adams was indicted last autumn on charges of wire fraud, bribery, and receiving campaign contributions from foreigners.

According to a 57-page indictment, the mayor allegedly accepted hotel stays, lavish meals and airline upgrades from Turkish nationals beginning in 2016, when he was president of the New York City borough of Brooklyn.

In one instance, Adams is alleged to have paid $600 for a two-night stay at a luxury hotel in Istanbul, a visit that was valued at approximately $7,000.

He has pleaded not guilty and denies any wrongdoing.

Source:bbc.com

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

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm274m25e4ro

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TikTok returns to Apple and Google app stores in the US

14 Feb 2025

TikTok is again available on the US app stores of Apple and Google, after President Donald Trump postponed enforcement of a ban of the Chinese-owned social media platform until 5 April.

The popular app, which is used by more than 170 million American users, went dark briefly last month in the US as the ban deadline approached.

Trump then signed an executive order granting TikTok a 75-day extension to comply with a law banning the app if it is not sold.

TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment from BBC News.

According to Bloomberg, which first reported TikTok's return to app stores in the US, the decision to resume its availability came after Apple and Google received assurances from the Trump administration that they would not be held liable for allowing downloads, and the ban wouldn't be enforced yet.

The ban, which passed with a bipartisan vote in Congress, was signed into law by former President Joe Biden. It ordered TikTok's Chinese owner ByteDance to sell the US version of the platform to a neutral party to avert an outright ban.

The Biden administration had argued that TikTok could be used by China as a tool for spying and political manipulation.

China and TikTok have repeatedly denied those accusations. Beijing has also previously rejected calls for a sale of TikTok's US operations.

The law banning the app was supported by US lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and it was ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court.

Trump himself had supported banning the app during his first term in office but he appeared to have a change of heart last year during the presidential race.

He professed a "warm spot" for the app, touting the billions of views he says his videos attracted on the platform during last year's presidential campaign.

When the app started working again in the US last month, a popup message was sent to its millions of users that thanked Trump by name.

TikTok chief executive Shou Chew met with Trump in Mar-a-Lago after his electoral victory in November and later attended his inauguration ceremony.

Trump has said he wants to find a compromise with the Chinese company that complies with the spirit rather than the letter of law, even floating an idea of TikTok being jointly owned.

"What I'm thinking of saying to someone is buy it and give half to the US, half, and we'll give you a permit," he said recently during a news conference about artificial intelligence.

And he also said he would be open to selling the app to Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, as well as billionaire Elon Musk, who leads the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency.

Previous names linked with buying TikTok include billionaire Frank McCourt and Canadian businessman Kevin O'Leary - a celebrity investor on Shark Tank, the US version of Dragon's Den.

The biggest YouTuber in the world Jimmy Donaldson - AKA MrBeast - has also claimed he is in the running after a number of investors contacted him after he posted on social media that he was interested.

Source:bbc.com

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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g91kyjw07o

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Trump wants a deal with Russia – but can he deliver?

13 Feb, 2025

The defining geopolitical rivalry of the 21st century may be between the United States and China, but few interactions in global politics draw as much scrutiny and intrigue as those between America and Russia. While the future world order may hinge on the dynamics between Washington and Beijing, the stability of the world itself often depends on the relationship between the US and Moscow.

Wednesday’s phone call between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump was a reminder of this enduring reality. It was also a signal that, for all the efforts to isolate Russia, serious negotiations are back on the table.

Unlike his predecessors, Trump has never treated Russia with the hostility so often expected in Washington. While he has mocked and insulted rivals and allies alike, from Mexico to NATO partners, Russia and India remain two notable exceptions. The US foreign policy establishment readily accepts Trump’s warmth toward India but views his respectful approach to Russia as something suspicious. Since his first presidency, speculation has swirled around whether Trump genuinely sees Russia as a major power deserving of engagement, or whether he simply understands that diplomacy with Moscow requires mutual respect.

Whatever the case, the meticulous preparations that preceded this latest phone call suggest a stark contrast with Trump’s often impulsive approach to other world leaders. Every face-to-face meeting between Trump and Putin during his first term was marked by strong personal chemistry and productive discussions on key global issues. However, each time Trump returned to Washington, those tentative diplomatic breakthroughs were undermined by a political establishment determined to preserve the narrative of a Russian threat. Allegations of “Russian interference” sabotaged potential cooperation on Syria, Ukraine, counterterrorism, missile defense, and arms control.

Now, with Trump back in office, those same forces are once again mobilizing to block any steps toward détente. The idea that Trump and Putin could strike a deal on Ukraine — one that would leave behind those who have invested political and financial capital into prolonging the war — poses an existential threat to the current European security order. It is no coincidence that this phone call took place just before the Munich Security Conference, where many of these “investors in war” gather to reinforce their commitments to perpetual conflict.

Yet, this conversation is merely the first step in a long and uncertain road. Trump’s primary focus remains making America — not Russia — “great again,” and any agreements he seeks with Moscow will be dictated by that priority. However, his openness to negotiation and strategic realism signal a shift in approach that could redefine the global balance of power.

The next crucial moment will be an in-person meeting between the two leaders. Whether that meeting leads to a genuine breakthrough or another cycle of political sabotage remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: with the world watching and the stakes higher than ever, Trump and Putin have set the agenda — and their adversaries are paying attention.

Source:rt.com

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https://www.rt.com/news/612654-trump-wants-deal-with-russia/

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US aircraft carrier collides with cargo ship

14 Feb, 2025

The USS Harry S. Truman, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, collided with the merchant vessel Besiktas-M in the Mediterranean Sea late Wednesday night, according to US Navy officials.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:46pm local time near Port Said, Egypt. No injuries or flooding were reported on the Truman, and its nuclear propulsion systems “are unaffected and in a safe and stable condition,” the US Navy emphasized in its statement. An investigation into the collision is currently underway.

The Besiktas-M, a bulk carrier measuring over 188 meters in length with a deadweight of 53,000 tons, had recently transited the Suez Canal and was en route to the Black Sea port of Constanta, Romania, at the time of the collision. The USS Harry S. Truman, homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, had just completed a port call in Souda Bay, Greece, prior to the incident.

The USS Harry S. Truman, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, was deployed to the Mediterranean in September 2024 to protect American “national interests” in the Middle East amid escalating tensions in the region. The vessel, which carries a crew of approximately 5,000, has been involved in various operations, including multiple missile strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen.

This collision is the latest in a series of maritime incidents involving US Navy vessels. In 2017, the USS Fitzgerald collided with the container ship ACX Crystal off the coast of Japan, resulting in the death of seven sailors. Later that year, the USS John S. McCain was involved in a collision with the tanker Alnic MC near Singapore which killed ten sailors.

In another notable incident, the USS Connecticut, a Seawolf-class nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, collided with an uncharted underwater mountain in the South China Sea on October 2, 2021, according to a US Navy investigation. The collision resulted in injuries to 11 crew members and significant damage to the submarine’s forward section. The US Navy has faced scrutiny over these incidents, prompting investigations into operational protocols and training procedures to prevent future incidents.

Source:rt.com

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https://www.rt.com/news/612686-us-navy-carrier-collision/

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US govt paid Reuters millions for ‘social deception’ – Musk

13 Feb, 2025

A subsidiary of Reuters has received millions in US government funding for “large scale social deception” projects, Elon Musk, the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has claimed.

In a post on Thursday, Musk weighed in on data from the website USAspending.gov stating that Thomson Reuters Special Services LLC, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters, had contracts with government agencies.

One of the publicly available documents stipulated that the US Department of Defense had committed more than $9 million on two projects called Active Social Engineering Defense (ASED) and Large Scale Social Deception (LSD).

Commenting on the document, Musk wrote: “Reuters was paid millions of dollars by the US government for ‘large scale social deception’. That is literally what it says on the purchase order! They’re a total scam. Just wow.”

According to the Pentagon’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the ASEAD program aims to develop automated defenses against social engineering attacks, which could involve deceptive tactics to manipulate individuals into divulging confidential information. Neither the Pentagon nor USAspending.gov elaborates on the purpose of the program, but both LSD and ASEAD are listed as activities within the realm of engineering and research and development.

Reuters was awarded another Pentagon contract that provides the Department of Defense with unidentified advanced development services. The agency has also received around $500,000 from the State Department for access to news services.

Both Musk and US President Donald Trump have vowed to fight corruption and wasteful spending in the US government. In light of this, several federal agencies have terminated contracts totaling $8 million with Politico magazine following Musk’s criticism of these agreements as a “wasteful” use of taxpayer funds.

Trump has also suggested that billions of dollars have been misappropriated within agencies such as the US Agency for International Development (USAID), Washington’s primary agency for funding political projects abroad, to pay for favorable media coverage of Democrats. The claim was rejected by several US media outlets, including Politico and the Associated Press.

Source:rt.com

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https://www.rt.com/news/612663-musk-reuters-funds-doge/

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Africa

Sudan army chief attacks Islamists, civilian opposition

FEB 13, 2025

Sudan’s military chief and leader of the Transitional Sovereign Council, General Abdelfattah Al-Burhan, on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the Coordination of Civil Democratic Forces, the country’s largest anti-war civilian bloc also known as Taqaddum, and on Islamist factions aligned with the former regime, accusing them of undermining the military’s efforts to restore stability.

His criticism of Taqaddum is not unprecedented, but his attack on Islamists was more rare and elicited widespread surprise. Al-Burhan and the other top leaders of Sudan’s ruling junta were all senior officers during the regime of Omar al-Bashir, who was ousted in 2019 along with the Islamist ruling party, the National Congress (NCP).

Since the coup led by Al-Burhan in 2021, the military government of Sudan has reinstated many of the practices and policies of the old regime of Al-Bashir, but has not formally restored to power the National Congress or any other Islamist party.

Speaking at a gathering of pro-army political groups in Port Sudan, Burhan dismissed Taqaddum, the civilian bloc led by former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, as a “deceptive entity” that seeks to weaken the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) under the pretext of advocating for democracy. He accused the coalition of aligning with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and foreign actors to dictate the country’s political future.

“Anyone who carries a weapon under the banner of a political or regional entity will not be accepted. We reject those whose only concern is power and positions. I also say to those who supported destruction, you have no chance to return. You destroyed Sudan, supported its enemies, and stood by those who killed Sudanese civilians. You are no different from those who take up arms against Sudan.”

This alluded to the RSF’s relationship with the United Arab Emirates, and to Taqaddum’s alleged alignment with the RSF, which Taqaddum itself denies, asserting its neutrality. However, Al-Burhan went on to say that he would “forgive” individuals who belonged to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the ongoing civil war, provided they sever ties with the paramilitary group, and members of the anti-war political bloc Taqaddum (FFC), if they abandon the group and join the war effort.

“Even the rebels – if they lay down their weapons and return to the Sudanese fold, we welcome them. The Forces for Freedom and Change – if they abandon their destructive stance and align with the Sudanese state and its institutions, we have no issue with them. But as long as anyone stands against Sudan and its institutions, they are our enemy, and we will fight them just as we fight armed rebels. These people claim to be working for peace and democracy, but in reality, they conspire against the army and the people of Sudan. They sit in air-conditioned rooms and talk about political settlements while our soldiers and civilians are being slaughtered,” he said.

Message to Islamists: ‘Stop political maneuvers now’

Al Burhan also directed harsh criticism at Islamist factions linked to the former regime of Omar al-Bashir, accusing them of exploiting the war for their political comeback. He claimed that elements of the ousted regime were attempting to infiltrate the army and manipulate the conflict for their own benefit.

“We also recognize that there are many political actors maneuvering for positions, particularly the National Congress Party. We send them a clear message: if you are truly patriotic and care about Sudan, stop political maneuvers now. Withdraw now. We will not give you another opportunity to return to power at the expense of Sudanese lives. There will be no difference between you and the Forces for Freedom and Change or any other faction.”

However, Al-Burhan went on to suggest that the former ruling party, the NCP, could compete in elections after the war is over—an offer that would have been unthinkable before the military leader took power in a coup in 2021, given that the transitional government before him had dissolved and banned the NCP.

“The people fighting now are Sudanese patriots [the Sudanese military, which characterizes itself as apolitical], and none of them seek personal gains. The National Congress Party and others should organize themselves for elections later, but at this stage, no one should claim authority or impose themselves,” he stated.

The Islamists maintain significant influence within the Sudanese army through various militias, including Al-Baraa Bin Malik, a sanctioned but unofficial paramilitary group that has gained prominence in the ongoing war. This Islamist armed group has sophisticated military and media and political organs, and frequently claims responsibility for SAF’s advances against the RSF.

Al-Burhan alluded to this dynamic in his speech, indirectly acknowledging their role while specifically calling out hardline Islamist cleric Sheikh Abdel Hai Yousif:

“We have also seen political groups attempting to co-opt some fighters. We reject any political affiliation for those who are now fighting. These fighters are Sudanese, and even armed units have been warned against being politically exploited. Anyone who carries a weapon under the banner of a political or regional entity will not be accepted. The Sudanese armed forces and those who fight with them are defending their homeland. This battle, as long as the Sudanese people stand behind it, will lead to the eradication of these aggressors. Their falsehood will collapse, for falsehood is ultimately doomed to perish.”

“We are aware that in political and national matters, it is impossible to please everyone. Our primary goal is to please God. We are not concerned with pleasing individuals like [cleric] Abdel Hai or anyone else. We move forward with our principles,” he stated.

The military chief further announced that SAF would “forgive” Sudanese citizens who had previously supported the RSF, provided they renounce their allegiance to the paramilitary group and pledge loyalty to the army. He framed this as an opportunity for “misled individuals” to return to the national fold.

“Political work is well-known to everyone, as are the contradictions that arise within it. The door remains open for anyone who takes a national stance at any time. Anyone who chooses to reconsider their position is welcome.”

“Anyone who distances themselves from the aggressors—those who attack Sudan and kill its people—who raises their hand from them and speaks the truth, we welcome them at any time. We know that some of our people were tricked or coerced into supporting the RSF, but those who persist in treason will be treated as enemies,” he stated.

Civilian opposition leader responds to criticisms

Al-Burhan’s remarks were widely seen as an attempt to implicate civilian leaders in the ongoing war and were met with strong criticism from opposition politicians, including Taqaddum, which dismissed his accusations as baseless and inflammatory. Key members of the coalition accused the army chief of scapegoating civilian actors to deflect from SAF’s military setbacks and the worsening humanitarian crisis.

Khalid Omar Yousif, a prominent and vocal member of Taqaddum, dismissed any claims of his group’s responsibility, instead highlighting the achievements made during the brief tenure of Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok. He emphasized that these accomplishments were cut short by the October 2021 military coup orchestrated by Al-Burhan and RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.

“What is ironic about the discussions that followed Al-Burhan’s speech is the mere attempt to compare or balance between the National Congress and its Islamic movement on the one hand, and the Forces for Freedom and Change and Taqaddum on the other. This is a comparison that cannot be made in any rational context. I noticed the former regime’s members rushing to make this ridiculous comparison, which is understandable in light of the deep wound left in their souls by the short experience of freedom and change during the two years of the abortive transition.”

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, he continued,

“Freedom and Change entered clean and exited clean; its hands were not stained with blood, and it was not involved in corruption. In just two years, the transitional government achieved what the [Islamists] government failed to do for thirty years. The transitional government inherited a war-torn country, but it succeeded in completely stopping them in Darfur, the Nuba Mountains, and the Blue Nile.”

“It found an isolated country besieged by terrorism and sanctions lists, so it pulled Sudan out of that isolation and returned it to its natural place, where nations celebrated it in international forums, and it was taken as a model to be followed,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Khalid was referring to the 2019-2021 transitional period, during which the Forces of Freedom of Change played a prominent role, leading a government that shared power with military leaders as part of an envisioned transition to full civilian rule.

Arman: ‘Decisive military victory is unattainable’

Yasser Arman, another prominent leader within Taqaddum and head of an SPLM-North faction, reiterated civilian forces’ calls for an immediate ceasefire and renewed negotiations to end the war, arguing that a political solution remains the only viable path forward and that no military victory has ever been achieved in Sudan’s wars.

“From a strictly military perspective, based on our past experiences and current information, I do not subscribe to the belief - widely circulated on social media - that recent battles between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) were merely agreed withdrawals between the two parties to the conflict. These were real battles that claimed many lives, both civilian and military.”

“Initially, the RSF made significant advances through intense combat, then the army gained ground with real victories in battles like Omdurman and Sennar. The army, despite failing in its primary duty of protecting civilians and the state, managed to maintain control over key strategic military positions of command and control, particularly in Khartoum, with its headquarters remaining a central symbol of its command. It successfully extracted its commander and preserved its leadership structure across its various units.”

“In regions where it formed alliances with local tribes and forces, the army-maintained control over its garrisons, such as in Babanusa, Dilling, El Fasher, and El Obeid. However, none of this constitutes absolute victory for either side. Regardless of the army’s recent advances, they should serve as a steppingstone toward a peaceful resolution - not an expectation of total victory.”

“Similarly, no matter how much the RSF tries to regain momentum, achieving a decisive military victory is unattainable. Both sides must shift their strategies toward a negotiated settlement, considering the lessons of past conflicts, the current balance of power, and both internal and external alliances,” he wrote on Tumblr.

NCP reaffirms support for military

The National Congress Party (NCP) quickly rejected Al-Burhan’s statements, asserting its right to return to political life once the war concludes. However, the party also reaffirmed its support for the military despite Al-Burhan’s criticisms.

In a statement, the NCP insisted that no one in Sudan has the authority to ban it as a political organization and emphasized that its leadership had voluntarily stepped down in April 2019 to avoid bloodshed, despite having numerous options to retain power. It argued that the accusations of clinging to power were contradicted by its historical decision to prioritize national stability over violent resistance.

The party suggested that Al-Burhan’s remarks misrepresented its role and decisions during Sudan’s 2019-2021 political transitions. The statement defended the NCP’s conduct following its removal from power, highlighting that its leaders endured imprisonment, property confiscation, and other forms of repression under the transitional government. Despite this, the party claimed to have maintained a stance of peaceful opposition and rejected any recourse to violence.

The NCP blamed the post-2019 leadership for mishandling governance, particularly in allowing the RSF to expand unchecked, which it argued was a key factor in the outbreak of the current war. It reiterated its support for the SAF, stating that its members had contributed significantly to the war effort against the RSF.

“The accusation that the Sudanese National Congress Party (wants to rule or return to rule over the remains of the Sudanese) is contradicted by recent history of the change in April 2019 when the party leadership decided to peacefully step down from power. At the time, the party leadership had dozens of options that would keep it in power, but they would lead to the shedding of the blood of the daughters and sons of the Sudanese people who were deceived at the time, knowing that the blood that would have been shed if the National Congress leadership had adhered to legitimacy is not worth 1% of the blood that was shed after the April 2023 war. This is the biggest answer to the talk of the Commander-in-Chief who thought that the National Congress leaders were clinging to power in exchange for the blood of the Sudanese people.

“The leadership of the National Congress, despite the fact that its leaders were subjected to torture and imprisonment for years in the prisons of the hybrid military-civilian government, and the confiscation of property and the most heinous types of injustice, its position was clear: respecting the sovereignty of the national state and peaceful opposition and rejecting violence, because it knows from its long experience in managing the country what it means to be dragged into chaos.

“Despite all this injustice and oppression that the leaders of the National Congress found from the hybrid government when the war broke out due to the wrong practices in managing the post-change period and allowing the rebel Rapid Support Forces to expand - after they were auxiliary forces that did not exceed twenty thousand - when the war broke out, the National Congress Party announced its position explicitly by standing with the national army and the party circulated to its million-strong membership in the country the necessity of confronting the war plan aimed at swallowing up the Sudanese state, so the sons and daughters of the party supported the mobilization camps with tens of thousands of young people who defend the homeland without favor or harm.

“We highly value the positions of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and his struggle in the ongoing war, and we appreciate his leadership of the Armed Forces, and we hold him above attacking the National Congress at every opportunity, in order to get closer to and curry favor with weak, crumbling forces that have nothing in their arsenal except certificates of loyalty to the forces of evil that are fighting the homeland, and from whom he will find nothing but treachery and betrayal.

“The leadership of the National Congress believes that the duty of the time is (the battle of dignity) and it is engaged with all its resources in the victory of the homeland and believes that it is too early to pay attention to disagreement and discord and to search for political gains that will inevitably harm the battle. God Almighty said: (And do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and your strength departs, and be patient. Indeed, God is with the patient.) God Almighty is true.

“Despite this, we in the National Congress support the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces in his symbolic and honorary capacity, and we see that there is no way to achieve a decisive victory over this project except by rallying around the Sudanese Armed Forces with its known administrative structure and arrangements.

“And as soon as the war ends, we announce to the Commander-in-Chief, the Sudanese national and non-national political forces, the Sudanese army, all the sons and daughters of Sudan, and the international community that no one will confiscate our will, for we are a party whose roots are deeply rooted in Sudanese society. As long as you are all talking about a transitional period that ends with elections, then welcome to the ballot boxes. (And then there will be a discussion about each incident.)

Source:sudanwarmonitor.com

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https://sudanwarmonitor.com/p/sudan-army-chief-attacks-islamists

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Military Eliminates 133 Terrorists, Recovers Aircraft Engines In Borno, North-West Operations

14 February 2025

By Enioluwa Adeniyi

The Nigerian military has reported the elimination of 133 terrorists in a series of operations across Borno State and the North-West region.

Naija News reports that the Defence Headquarters made this disclosure during an operational update on Thursday, highlighting significant progress in counter-terrorism efforts from January 3 to February 13, 2025.

Aircraft Engines, Missiles Recovered In Borno

Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, announced the recovery of two calibrated aircraft engines from a long-forgotten unidentified crash site in Borno State. Additionally, troops seized one double-barrel cannon gun and 16 missiles.

During the period under review, Kangye stated that troops neutralised 133 terrorists, arrested 138 suspects, and rescued 46 hostages in coordinated operations.

Security forces also cracked down on oil theft, arresting 36 suspects and recovering stolen petroleum products valued at over ₦646 million.

Oil Theft Crackdown In Niger Delta

Kangye detailed the seizure of 497,152 litres of stolen crude oil, 142,000 litres of illegally refined diesel, and 4,075 litres of petrol. Troops also dismantled 42 illegal refining sites, destroying 164 crude oil cooking ovens and 37 dugout pits.

In the North-West, 58 terrorists were killed, 11 suspects arrested, and 16 kidnapped victims rescued. Operations under Operation Fansan Yamma spanned Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi states.

A notorious terrorist leader, Kachalla Mudi, surrendered with two associates, handing over one GPMG, an AK-47 rifle, and a fabricated rifle in Kaduna State.

In Katsina’s Malumfashi LGA, troops neutralised five terrorists and rescued five victims.

In Zamfara’s Gusau LGA, six terrorists were killed, with the recovery of four AK-47 rifles and 62 rounds of ammunition.

In Maradun LGA, troops eliminated eight terrorists and seized five AK-47 rifles and a Baofeng radio.

Major Arrests And Weapons Seized

Between February 7 and 9, a high-profile terrorist leader, Muhada Muhammadu (alias Yellow), and four associates were arrested in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi states. Troops recovered N2.45 million in cash from the suspects.

Across all operations, troops recovered:

31 AK-47 rifles, 9 fabricated rifles, 2 GPMGs, and 1 RPG tube.

252 chain links of 12.7mm ammunition and 558 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

13 motorcycles, 11 mobile phones, and N2,451,820 in cash.

The Defence Headquarters reiterated its dedication to sustaining the momentum in counter-terrorism efforts and urged citizens to provide timely intelligence.

Source:naijanews.com

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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/02/14/military-eliminates-133-terrorists-recovers-aircraft-engines-in-borno-north-west-operations/

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Gospel act Timons releases new single ‘Jesus’

February 14, 2025

Gospel artist Theophilus Omonokhua, popularly known by his stage name Timons, has announced the release of his highly anticipated single “Jesus,” on February 15, 2025.

This new track is a heartfelt anthem of faith, hope, and worship, showcasing Timons’s signature soul-stirring vocals and inspiring lyrics.

“Jesus” is a testament to Timons’s unwavering commitment to spreading the message of God’s love through music.

The single promises to uplift listeners, offering a moment of spiritual reflection and celebration. With its captivating melody and profound message,

“Jesus” is poised to become a timeless addition to gospel music playlists worldwide.

Timons has become a beacon of inspiration in the gospel music industry, known for his ability to connect with audiences through his authentic and heartfelt performances. His previous releases have garnered widespread acclaim, earning him a dedicated global following.

Source:thenationonlineng.net/

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https://thenationonlineng.net/gospel-act-timons-releases-new-single-jesus/

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Implementing Sharia law in Nigeria’s South-West recipe for trouble; Southerners distinct from Northerners: Catholic Church

FEBRUARY 14, 2025

The Catholic Church has called for caution in the push for the implementation of Sharia law in the South-West.

The director of mission and dialogue at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Lawrence Emehel, made this known while fielding questions from journalists at the fifth Annual Media Parley in Abuja on Thursday.

He described the recent development as a sensitive matter that required careful observation and called for a rethink for the sake of other believers.

There were fliers in circulation inviting guests from across the country to the inauguration of a Sharia court earlier scheduled for January 11 in Oyo.

However, the event drew criticism from a cross-section of Nigerians, with many arguing that the predominantly Yoruba South-West zone is different from the North, where Muslims are in the majority.

Mr Emehel said that while the Nigeria Constitution allows for Sharia law, the rights of others must be considered and respected, too. He said that caution must be exercised in the South-West, which remains a melting pot of Muslims, Christians, and African traditional religious activities.

“The Nigerian Constitution actually allows Sharia law to be implemented, especially on personal issues such as marriage and inheritance. But issues of infringing on other faiths’ rights should be greatly considered. The introduction or implementation of the law in some parts of Nigeria will cause a lot of issues,” he said.

He cautioned that all these should be considered and explained that it was the reason the Constitution allowed for religious liberty, which allowed people to fulfil their rights.

“In a place where you find in the same family people who follow these three main religions, it is difficult for the introduction of Sharia law. So the church in Nigeria, the Catholic Church in Nigeria, is asking for caution.

“First, not to throw away the legitimate desires of the people, but very importantly, look at the people’s interests first,” he said.

Governor Seyi Makinde, while reacting to the development, recently acknowledged the proposed Sharia court and the controversy it had sparked.

“Regarding the establishment of a Sharia court in Oyo town, people may try, but as for me, I swore to uphold our laws and the Constitution of Nigeria.

“If their actions are within the law, fine. If not, they should expect that I will insist the law must be followed,” the governor stated in a broadcast.

Source:gazettengr.com

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Lagos pilgrims become JP, raise Nigeria’s flag in Israel

February 13, 2025

Christian pilgrims to Jordan and Jerusalem on Thursday, February 13, 2025, received their certificates at Tabar Hotel, Nazareth, officially confirming them as Jerusalem Pilgrims (JP).

The ceremony was a proud and memorable moment for Lagos pilgrims in Israel, as they sang the Nigerian National Anthem and joyfully hoisted the Nigerian flag alongside the Israeli flag.

As part of their pilgrimage, the group visited significant biblical sites, including Mount Tabor, where the Transfiguration of Jesus took place, as well as the Mount of Beatitudes and Capernaum, known as the City of Jesus.

Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Christian Matters, Bukola Adeleke, described the experience as a privilege, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the sites visited.

He said, “One of the advantages of pilgrimage is the spiritual sites, and where we visited today is one of the sites that people love to visit, and our being here today is a privilege and we used the opportunity to pray for ourselves, Lagos State and Nigeria at large.”

The pilgrims are expected to be back in Nigeria on February 17, 2025.

Source:thenationonlineng.net

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Protesters block major road in Zamfara as bandits kidnap imam, 31 others

February 13, 2025

By Ochogwu Sunday

Residents of Maru community in Zamfara State on Thursday morning blocked major roads leading to Gusau, the state capital, and Sokoto in protest over a recent surge in bandit activities in the area.

DAILY POST gathered that the protest followed a recent attack in which about 32 people, including the town’s chief imam and members of his family, were kidnapped.

Angry residents, mostly youths, barricaded the road, restricting vehicular movement on the ever-busy highway.

Although the protest reportedly lasted for about seven hours, troops of the Nigerian Army later restored normalcy.

Reports said the military assured residents of enhanced security measures in the area before reopening the road for travellers.

Efforts by DAILY POST to reach the Zamfara State Police Command proved abortive, as the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Yazid Abubakar, did not take his calls.

Source:dailypost.ng

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NCPC boss Adegbite advocates for Christian impact in politics

February 13, 2025

by David Bolarinwa

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has emphasised that Christians can make a positive impact in politics and government.

Adegbite made this statement during a courtesy visit from the Boys Brigade of Nigeria, a Christian organization that mentors boys, on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.

He shared his connection with the organization, having been a part of it in his youth, and promised to continue supporting them.

“The Bible says when the righteous are in government, the people rejoice, as Christians, we can bring a unique perspective and values to the political sphere, and make a positive impact on our nation”, he said.

National President of the Boys Brigade of Nigeria, Prof. Samson Duna, congratulated Bishop Adegbite on his first anniversary in office. He described the NCPC boss as a worthy ambassador of the Boys Brigade of Nigeria.

“The Boys Brigade of Nigeria is proud to celebrate Bishop Adegbite on his first anniversary in office,” said Prof. Samson Duna, National President of the Boys Brigade of Nigeria.

“He has been a worthy ambassador of our organization, exemplifying the values of leadership, service, and integrity”, he said.

Prof. Duna further solicited partnership between the Boys Brigade and the Commission, especially in the area of assisting the elderly during pilgrimage, amongst others.

Source:thenationonlineng.net

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Nigeria Doesn’t Need More States – Plateau House Speaker, Dewan

14 February 2025

By Udeze Ekene

The Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Gabriel Dewan, has condemned the call for the creation of more states in the country.

Naija News reported that the House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review, led by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, disclosed during plenary that the committee received proposals for the creation of 31 new states.

In an interview with Arise News on Thursday, the Plateau Speaker said the country was bedeviled by too many issues that should be addressed.

Dewan argued that the call for the creation of more states was not in the best interest of the country. According to him, creating more states would lead to increasing costs for the citizens and government.

The Speaker noted that most states currently were underperforming and unviable. He added that more state creation would be an addition to already existing problems.

“As a lawmaker that I am, the fact is very straight. For me, I’m against any creation of additional states for now. The reason is very simple, I don’t see need to create more states when we’re yet to manage the existing state that we’re having.

“The situation we’re having in this country now, for me, I felt we have so many issues that we need to channel our energy and our strength to, in order to salvage the nation than creating more states to add more wage bills to the nation. When we have a lot of issues that we need to look at as a country, why are we talking of more states?

“Have we finished managing the 36 states that we’re having now? We have high rate of unemployment in the country. We have high number of school dropouts and lots more, talk of diseases, talk of infrastructural decay, and so many issues. Why are we trying to add more government burden, more wage bills on the citizenry, when we’re yet to, solve the existing issues?

“So for me, as a person, If you create more states now, whether we like it or not, that is an invitation for more wage bills, because new government houses will be built, more governors will spring up, more legislatures will spring up, A lot of issues will come up. And I felt that is not necessary for now,” he said.

There Will Always Be Injustice

The Plateau State Speaker stressed the argument that more states would address the injustice of the underrepresented groups was lacking in sound argument.

Dewan called for patriotism from all Nigerians. He noted that there would always be cries of injustice. He emphasized the role of patriotism and good governance in addressing all concerns raised by all people across the country.

He continued, “Well, as I speak, I’m coming from a state where we have over 50 ethnic groups. But first and foremost, let’s look at it rationally. What is the definition of injustice? Yes. There are a lot of reasons.

“There are lots of things that make people believe that there are signs of injustice. Yes, there are injustices perpetrated in this nation, but that is not the yardstick for creation more states. Instead, we should come to a round table to discuss. Let’s talk about patriotism.

“We’re all Nigerians. We have agreed to be one Nigeria. So if we have agreed to be one Nigeria, what are we talking about? Whether you are Igbo, you are Yoruba, you are Hausa, whatsoever tribe, wheresoever you come from, as far as you are a Nigerian, for me, I think we should channel our strength on preaching unity, treating each other as one entity than issue of creating more state.

“There’s no state today, especially in some parts of the country. There’s no state today that we create that will sort issue of injustice.

“So I think what we need to do now is to educate ourselves about morality. Understanding what life is all about. And we should also remind ourselves that there’s nothing in this life whether we like it or not. We just have short period of time to enjoy and when the times come, we join our ancestors.

“I think there is a way our concentration should be than all these petty arguments of creating more states, creating more local government. Have we finished managing the existing one? That is the question.”

Source:naijanews.com

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Nigeria Will Overtake US To Become Third Most Populous Nation On Earth – Shettima

13 February 2025

By Richard Ogunsile

Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed optimism that Nigeria will, by 2050, overtake the United States (US) to emerge as the third most populous nation on earth.

The number two citizen highlighted Nigeria’s demographic advantage, stating that with the right policies, the country’s youthful population could be transformed into an economic asset.

Naija News reports that Shettima highlighted this during a meeting on Thursday, February 13, with a delegation led by the visiting Director-General of the International Labour Organisation, Gilbert Houngbo, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

“One in four black men is a Nigerian, and by 2050, we will surpass the United States to become the third most populous nation on earth.

“The average age in Nigeria is 16.9 years. We have a demographic bulge, but with the right policies, we can turn it into a demographic dividend rather than a demographic disaster,” the Vice President said.

Shettima also expressed confidence in Nigeria’s future workforce, stating, “Our young people are more digitally literate than us. While some traditional jobs may disappear, new opportunities will emerge, and we will equip our youth with the skills to thrive in the evolving global economy.”

Furthermore, in his remark, Shettima said President Bola Tinubu’s administration is receptive to continuous dialogue with organized labour.

He reiterated the Federal Government’s dedication to the well-being of workers, emphasizing Tinubu’s commitment to cultivating a prosperous workforce and a functional labour environment.

“We will keep engaging with our partners in the labor movement to guarantee advancement,” Shettima remarked.

Houngbo was joined by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, and the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communication, Stanley Nkwocha, shared this update in a statement titled ‘VP Shettima Reaffirms FG’s Commitment to Workers’ Welfare and Wage Reforms.’

Shettima assured the ILO leader that the Nigerian government is still devoted to inclusive labor policies, equitable wages, and economic development.

“We are all patriots and partners in building a stronger Nigeria,” Shettima said, reiterating that President Tinubu, whom he described as an activist himself, would be briefed on the delegation’s requests upon his return to the country.

The Vice President praised the Nigerian labour movement, describing it as vibrant and well-led.

He also reiterated Tinubu’s passion for workers’ welfare, noting that the government had raised the minimum wage, with most states already implementing it—some even exceeding the ₦70,000 benchmark set at the national level.

“I commend the Nigeria Labour Congress for their statesmanship and commitment to workers’ rights,” Shettima said.

Speaking on Thursday, the ILO DG, Houngbo thanked the Vice President for receiving his delegation, acknowledging that his visit to Nigeria was long overdue, given the country’s strategic role in the ILO.

Recalling Nigeria’s support for his election, Houngbo said, “Without the mobilisation of the Nigerian government and its social partners, my election would have been very difficult. Nigeria played a key role in rallying African constituents in my favour.”

He noted that his visit provided an opportunity to engage with ILO’s social partners in Nigeria, including the NLC and the Trade Union Congress, and that their discussions were productive.

Houngbo urged the Federal Government to expedite the finalisation of labour code reforms and sought Shettima’s support for reviving the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC), a forum for social dialogue among tripartite stakeholders.

“We believe that given the dynamism of Nigeria’s labour market, its population, ambition, and role in Africa, reviving the NLAC will be highly beneficial,” he added.

Other dignitaries present at the meeting include the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mrs Nkiruka Onyejeocha; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr Salihu Usman; Director-General, National Directorate of Employment, Mr Silas Agara; Director-General, National Productivity Centre, Baffa Agundi; Director-General, Michael Imoudu Institute for Labour Studies, Isa Aremu; NLC President, Joe Ajaero; and the First National Deputy President of the Trade Union Congress, Dr Tommy Etim-Okon, among others.

Source:naijanews.com

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Insecurity: We Must Allow Communities Carry Some Weapons – DSS DG Declaresv

13 February 2025

By Oladipo Abiola

The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, has advocated the need to allow communities to bear weapons to a certain level.

The DSS boss submitted that the Nigerian Army, Police, DSS and other security agencies can not be everywhere at the same time.

He stressed that allowing the local communities to bear some degree of firearm would allow them to serve as a first line of defence against insecurity.

Naija News reports the DSS boss made the submission on Thursday in Abuja during the inaugural annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies (AANISS).

He said, “You do not expect the Nigerian army, police, DSS, to protect every Nigerian. It is not going to work.

“How can you create the first line of defence? The military, police, and other security agencies have to deal with the bigger ones, like organised crime.

“It is unimaginable that any security agencies have the resources to deploy to every community.

“What we have to start experimenting with is how we can make the community be a fist in the first line of defense.

“We have to allow some level of armament for the communities and they can serve as the first line of defense.”

Source:naijanews.com

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Mideast

Vatican says Palestinians must ‘stay on their land’

February 13, 2025

VATICAN CITY: A top Vatican official on Thursday rejected US President Donald Trump’s proposal to move Palestinians from Gaza, saying “the Palestinian population must remain on its land.”

“This is one of the fundamental points of the Holy See: no deportations,” Secretary of State Pietro Parolin said on the sidelines of an Italy-Vatican meeting, according to the ANSA news agency.

Moving Palestinians out would cause regional tensions and “makes no sense” as neighboring countries such as Jordan are opposed, he continued.

“The solution in our opinion is that of two states because this also means giving hope to the population,” he said.

Trump has proposed taking over the war-ravaged Gaza Strip and moving its more than two million residents to Jordan or Egypt. Experts say the idea would violate international law but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called it “revolutionary.”

Pope Francis this week criticized Trump’s plans for mass deportations of undocumented migrants in the United States — drawing a sharp response.

In a letter to US bishops, the head of the Catholic Church called the deportations a “major crisis” and said sending back people who had fled their own countries in distress “damages the dignity” of the migrants.

Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, responded: “I wish he’d stick to the Catholic Church and fix that and leave border enforcement to us.”

Source:arabnews.com

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Discussing mechanisms to activate tourism work and implement Ramadan activities in Ibb

14 Feb 2025

Ibb (Saba) - A meeting of owners and agents of travel and tourism offices in Ibb Governorate discussed preparations for implementing the program's activities and Ramadan councils.

It reviewed the executive plan for Ramadan councils at the governorate center and directorates level.

Source:newsnow.co.uk

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https://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/1262532158?-2818%3A1034#out

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Baghdad chosen as the capital of culture in the Islamic world for the year 2026

14 Feb 2025

The Ministry of Culture announced today, Thursday, the selection of Baghdad as the capital of culture in the Islamic world for the year 2026.

The Ministry of Culture said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "A delegation from it attended the work of the thirteenth session of the Conference of Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World held in Jeddah, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the period from 12-13/2/2025."

The representative of the Minister of Culture at the conference and head of the Iraqi delegation, Director General of the Iraqi Manuscripts House, Ahmed Karim Al-Aliawi, confirmed that "the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities, under the supervision of Minister Ahmed Fakak Al-Badrani, and the cooperation of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), made a distinguished effort for this important accreditation, so that Baghdad would receive some of its cultural entitlement, as it contributed to the history of Islamic civilization, so its influence extended to include the world, as it was the city of peace, science, thought, translation, education and schools, and the maker of scholars, thinkers, poets, writers and creators, for centuries and still, providing the present with promising talents."

In the speech he delivered at the conference, Al-Aliawi referred to the history of Iraq, its civilization, the impact of Baghdad on human awareness, the ministry’s efforts to preserve cultural identity, its continuous work to preserve antiquities and heritage, and its ongoing movement to recover antiquities, including the ministry’s request to adopt Baghdad as the capital of culture in the Islamic world for the year 2026.”

Source:ina.iq

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Ceremony concluded at Shahid Al-Qur'an School semester in Raymah

13 Feb 2025

Shahid Al-Qur'an Secondary School for Sharia Sciences in Rayma province organized on Thursday a ceremony to conclude the academic year 1446 AH.

The speeches of the participants in the ceremony pointed to the importance of Qur'anic schools and their role in immunizing young people from erroneous cultures and graduating a generation armed with faith and God's guidance.

They touched on the greatness of the Qur'anic renaissance project founded by the martyr leader Sayyid Hussein Badr al-Din al-Houthi, of which the Shahid al-Qur'an schools are one of the fruits. The speeches emphasized that the Qur'anic methodology is capable of reforming the reality of the nation.

Source:saba.ye

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Nationwide festivities in Iran for birth anniversary of Imam Mahdi

February 13, 2025

According to Islamic teachings, Imam Mahdi is the prophesied savior who will emerge in the future to establish justice and peace in the world. His birth anniversary, known as Mid-Sha’ban, is a major religious and cultural event in Iran.

On this special occasion, streets and neighborhoods are adorned with lights and banners, creating a festive atmosphere. People distribute juice and sweets in public areas as an expression of joy and unity.

One of the central locations for these celebrations is Jamkaran Mosque, a site deeply associated with devotion to Imam Mahdi near the holy city of Qom.

In anticipation of large crowds, 420 service stations (moukebs) have been set up at the entrances of Qom and on the main 8-kilometer route leading to the mosque. These stations provide food, drinks, and other services to pilgrims and visitors attending the Mid-Sha’ban festivities.

Source:ifpnews.com

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President al-Mashat to Revolution leader: "At Your Service, O Son of Messenger of Allah"

13 Feb 2025

President Mahdi Al-Mashat, head of the Supreme Political Council, has called for a massive nationwide march tomorrow in response to the call of Revolution Leader Sayyid Abdul-Malik Badr al-Din al-Houthi.

The Yemeni Armed Forces are in a state of full readiness to execute the leader’s directives.

Military intervention is on the table if former U.S. President Donald Trump follows through on his threats.

Al-Mashat urged all Yemenis—including state officials—to participate in the million-strong demonstration as a show of solidarity.

Source:saba.ye

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Bahrain All Share Index, Islamic Index close with no change

13 Feb 2025

Manama, Feb. 13 (BNA): Bahrain All Share Index has closed at 1,891.60 points, with no change to its previous closing.

Bahrain Islamic Index has closed at 790.15 points, with no change to its previous closing.

Results indicated that 63 equity transactions took place with a volume of 917,744 worth BD 366,272.

Investors traded mainly in the non-Bahraini companies sector, representing 61.92% of the total value of securities traded.

Source:bna.bh

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Israel asserts presence in five strategically significant high points in southern Lebanon

NAJIA HOUSSARI

February 13, 2025

BEIRUT: Ahead of the scheduled Friday meeting of the five-member committee overseeing the implementation of the ceasefire agreement in southern Lebanon, Israel preemptively announced its decision to maintain a military presence in five strategic points overlooking the southern sectors.

The Israeli announcement — through both its officials and Israeli media — came four days before the extended deadline for withdrawing its forces, which have advanced into Lebanese territory.

On Wednesday night, Israeli warplanes conducted low-altitude flights, breaking the sound barrier over Beirut and several other regions, including the Bekaa Valley.

The maneuver came only hours after Lebanon rejected any extension of Israeli forces’ presence in the border areas, which they had advanced into since Oct. 1.

Political analysts interpreted the aerial incursion as “an act of intimidation designed to pressure Lebanon into accepting the situation.”

Lebanon has rejected any extension of the Israeli occupation of its territory. On Thursday, President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed that “Lebanon is intensifying diplomatic efforts to ensure Israel’s withdrawal by February 18.”

He said that the country was actively engaging with influential global powers, particularly the US and France, to secure a sustainable resolution.

During his meeting with Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji in the newly formed government, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty underscored the need to enforce the ceasefire agreement in southern Lebanon and demanded the immediate, full withdrawal of Israeli forces. He also stressed the importance of enforcing Resolution 1701, ensuring that all parties complied without exception.

On Thursday, Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer announced that Israel would retain control over five strategic high points inside Lebanon following the expiry of the ceasefire next Tuesday. He emphasized that while the Israeli army would redeploy, it would maintain its presence in these key positions until Lebanon met its commitments under the agreement.

“Lebanon’s obligations do not entail removing Hezbollah from the border, but rather disarming it,” Dermer told Bloomberg.

While the Israeli minister did not specify how long the Israeli army would remain in the strategic high points, he said: “The army will not withdraw in the near future.”

On Wednesday, Ori Gordin, the chief of the Israeli army’s Northern Command, made a call “to solidify Israel’s presence in these positions under American cover and with international support.”

The Israeli Broadcasting Authority quoted senior officials in the Security Cabinet of Israel as saying that “the US has granted Israeli forces permission to remain in several locations in Lebanon long-term beyond Feb. 18.”

Israeli media reported that “the Israeli army has received US approval to establish observation points to monitor Hezbollah’s activities, while the US side rejected postponing the Israeli withdrawal from the villages where it is still carrying out incursions.”

These Israeli positions coincided with a round of talks conducted by US Maj. Gen. Jasper Jeffers, representative of the US in the committee monitoring the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, with Israeli officials on Thursday. As a result, the committee’s meeting in Ras Naqoura was postponed to Friday after originally being scheduled for Thursday.

Lebanon has rejected a joint US-French proposal to take control of these five strategic positions along the border, insisting instead that UN peacekeeping forces — UNIFIL — assume control of these points in coordination with the Lebanese army.

The disputed hills, which the Israeli military refuses to evacuate, include Jabal Blat, Labouneh, Aziziyah, Awida and Hamames. All these positions are strategically located but uninhabited.

According to local media reports in Beirut, Israeli forces have begun constructing prefabricated structures with guard posts along the Markaba-Houla road, adjacent to an existing UNIFIL position near the border.

Source:arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2590117/middle-east

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Kuwait’s PM affirms country’s diplomatic neutrality, leads delegation to Munich Security Conference

February 13, 2025

LONDON: Kuwait’s Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah arrived in Germany on Thursday to participate in the 61st session of the Munich Security Conference, which is being held from Feb. 14 to 16.

Sheikh Ahmad is leading the Kuwaiti delegation at a conference that brings together hundreds of decision-makers and opinion leaders to discuss global security.

The prime minister reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to building strong connections with the international community while advocating for the resolution of conflicts through dialogue and supporting efforts for peace and security.

Sheikh Ahmad said Kuwait had maintained its diplomatic ties by upholding neutrality and remaining at an equal distance from conflicting parties, the Kuwait Press Agency reported.

He added that Kuwait was committed to leading humanitarian efforts in disaster-stricken countries, and actively mediating to resolve regional and international crises.

Reem Mohammed Al-Khaled, Kuwait’s ambassador to Germany, along with embassy staff, received the prime minister on his arrival.

Source:arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2590107/middle-east

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Houthis threaten new attacks if Gazans displaced

February 13, 2025

SANAA: The Houthis on Thursday threatened to launch new attacks if the United States and Israel go ahead with plans to displace Palestinians from Gaza.

“We will take action by firing missiles and drones and launching maritime attacks if the United States and Israel implement their plan to displace” Palestinians from Gaza, Houthi leader Abdul Malik Al-Houthi said in a televised speech.

US President Donald Trump’s plan to move Gaza’s inhabitants and redevelop the territory has been widely condemned in the Arab world.

The Houthis have launched scores of attacks on Israeli targets and Red Sea shipping during the Israel-Hamas war.

“I call on the armed forces to be ready to take military action in the event that the criminal Trump carries out his threat,” Houthi said on the militia’s Al-Masirah TV station.

Source:arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2590102/middle-east

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Southeast Asia

Cabinet dismisses call for non-Muslim affairs minister

Feb 14, 2025

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed DAP MP Chow Yu Hui’s proposal for the creation of a minister’s post to oversee non-Muslim religious affairs.

He also described Chow’s call as a personal opinion and not...

Source:malaysiakini.com

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Pahang civil servants to end work at 12.30pm on Fridays during Ramadan, Sultan announces

14 Feb 2025

KUANTAN, Feb 14 — The Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has set the Friday working hours for the state civil servants to end at 12.30pm throughout Ramadan.

In a post on Kesultanan Pahang’s Facebook page, His Royal Highness said that the state government reached the decision during the State Executive Council meeting on February 5.

Speaking at the closing of the 68th state-level Tilawah Al-Quran last night, Al-Sultan Abdullah said it was to allow the civil servants to spend more time with their families while “honouring Friday, the chief of all days”.

Also present was Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.

At the same time, Al-Sultan Abdullah expressed hope that the people would take the opportunity to read the Quran more, reflect and practise its teachings in daily life, adding that the Ramadan month is the best time to return to fitrah (spiritual purity) and focus less on worldly matters.

The Pahang Ruler said he would also engage in the recitation of the Quran and reflect on its verses together with the Istana Abdulaziz staff throughout the month.

“The Quran is not merely to be recited, but to be understood and its meaning fully appreciated. This knowledge of the Quran must be learned through talaqqi (face-to-face learning with a qualified teacher), just as the Prophet Muhammad pbuh was taught by the Angel Jibril,” His Royal Highness said.

The Quran recitation competition saw Ahmad Yasser Mohd Najib and Siti Fatimah Mohd Noor emerge as the winners scoring 95.50 and 95.75 respectively. — Bernama

Source:malaymail.com

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Friday sermon highlights cleanliness in Islam

February 14, 2025

The Friday sermon today highlighted the importance of cleanliness in Islam, emphasising its significance in both physical and spiritual aspects of life. Islam is a comprehensive way of life that encompasses every aspect of human existence, including the principle of cleanliness.

The sermon underscored that cleanliness in Islam is not merely a cultural practice or a mark of progress but a reflection of faith and spiritual purity. This is affirmed in the Quran, as stated in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 222, where the Almighty expresses His love for those who purify themselves.

Recognising the vital role of cleanliness, Islam places great emphasis on maintaining both physical and spiritual hygiene.

Cleanliness is a prerequisite before undertaking any task, especially acts of worship. Before performing prayers, Muslims are required to perform ablution (wudu), ensuring that their bodies, clothing, and prayer spaces are clean and pure.

Every virtuous act, whether physical or spiritual, is beloved to Allah subhanahu wa-ta’ala. Thus, upholding cleanliness in all aspects – personal, familial, societal, environmental, and national – is crucial.

The sermon highlighted that maintaining cleanliness fosters a comfortable, peaceful, and healthy atmosphere while preventing illnesses and promoting physical and mental well-being.

However, it was noted that some individuals still neglect cleanliness, whether in personal hygiene or maintaining the cleanliness of their surroundings. Acts such as littering in inappropriate places were condemned as irresponsible and disrespectful.

Furthermore, neglecting cleanliness can lead to the spread of diseases, environmental pollution, food contamination, and an overall decline in public health. Islam firmly upholds that cleanliness is a collective responsibility that every Muslim must observe.

Beyond physical cleanliness, the sermon stressed the importance of spiritual purity. Devotion to the Almighty entails purging oneself from sinful behaviour and harmful influences. A spiritually pure heart fosters good character and moral excellence, shaping individuals into righteous and honourable members of society.

Muslims are encouraged to consistently pray for steadfastness in maintaining both physical and spiritual cleanliness.

As cleanliness is highly regarded in Islam, the sermon reiterated that it extends to all aspects of life, including maintaining the cleanliness of homes, families, clothing, food, and inner hearts and minds.

Islam’s teachings on cleanliness are not only about health but also about attaining spiritual reward. Upholding cleanliness earns divine blessings and validates acts of worship, while negligence may result in sin, divine displeasure, and the rejection of worship.

Therefore, the command to uphold cleanliness serves both personal and societal well-being. Those who observe it gain rewards, while those who disregard it may face consequences in this life and the hereafter.

The sermon concluded with a call to action for all Muslims to adopt cleanliness as a way of life. Every individual is responsible for maintaining cleanliness in all areas, including homes, mosques, government and private buildings, public restrooms, parks, and other shared spaces.

By fostering cleanliness, society can enjoy a healthier, more harmonious, and spiritually fulfilling life. – Izah Azahari

Source:borneobulletin.com.bn

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Tajik court issues long jail terms for attempted murder of top Muslim cleric

FEB 13, 2025

DUSHANBE - A court in Tajikistan has sentenced three men to prison sentences ranging from two to 26 years for attempting to kill the Central Asian republic's chief mufti last year, the head of the Supreme Court said on Thursday.

Sayeedmukarram Abduqodirzoda suffered minor injuries in September after a person with "hooligan motives" stabbed him following a prayer service at a mosque in the Tajik capital Dushanbe, the interior ministry said at the time.

The perpetrator of the attack, a 24-year-old student, was jailed for 26 years after being found guilty of terrorism and attempted murder, Rustam Mirzozoda, chairman of Tajikistan's Supreme Court, told a press conference on Thursday.

Another man was given 13 years for terrorism and a third was jailed for two years for failing to report the crime.

Mirzozoda said investigators had concluded there were "signs of extremism in the crime", without specifying further.

Tajikistan is a landlocked country of some 10 million people sandwiched between Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and China. The majority of Tajiks are adherents of the Hanafi school of Sunni Islam.

Abduqodirzoda, 61, has served as chairman of Tajikistan's highest Islamic institution, the Islamic Council of Ulema, since 2010. He is known for speaking out against the spread of religious extremism in his sermons, and for urging young people not to join radical groups.

The Islamic State militant group was defeated in Syria in 2019 but splinter groups including Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K), the Afghan branch, have continued attacks, including a mass shooting at a concert hall near Moscow last year.

Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin told reporters on Thursday the situation at the 843-mile-long (1,350 km) border with Afghanistan was "under control" and the frontier "heavily guarded" by border guards and Interior Ministry officers.

He said three militant attacks had been committed in Tajikistan in 2024, all in the southeastern city of Kulob, and two attacks had been thwarted.

Earlier this month, nine prisoners who had been convicted over links to Islamic State and the Jihadi Salafi movement assaulted guards at a prison outside Dushanbe in an escape attempt, leaving five inmates dead. REUTERS

Source:straitstimes.com

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MAIWP Urged To Enhance Digital Technology In Islamic Governance

13/02/2025 0

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 13 (Bernama) -- The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) has been urged to enhance its adoption of digital technology in Islamic governance, in line with the five key agendas set for this year. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said this is crucial to ensuring a more efficient, transparent, and accountable management and administrative system for Muslims. “The use of digital technology can enhance the management of tithe, wakaf, and Islamic affairs more efficiently and effectively.“Technology also enables data and information to be updated in a more organised manner and easily accessed by the public, while also facilitating better monitoring and management,” he said in his speech at the presentation of promotion letters to 42 MAIWP personnel here today. Also present were acting MAIWP chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Nizam Yahya and MAIWP chairman Syed Kamarulzaman Syed Kabeer. The five agendas set for all agencies under the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) are to uphold the development of the Quran and hadith, enhance understanding and appreciation of Islam, strengthen the application of technology in governance, promote social well-being of the ummah, and empower unity and civilisational harmonyMohd Na’im said MAIWP must also leverage artificial intelligence (AI) technology to disseminate information on its initiatives, while also intensifying efforts to address poverty through policies that enhance the potential of Muslims in economic, social, educational, spiritual, and moral aspects in the Federal Territories. He added that this year has been declared MAIWP Quality Year, with a focus on improving work quality and service delivery, including anti-corruption efforts and better tithe distribution management. Meanwhile, at a press conference, Mohd Na’im urged the public to use social media to strengthen unity and avoid causing divisions among ethnic and religious communities. “We want Malaysia to be a successful nation economically, but this cannot be achieved if the people are constantly divided and in conflict, particularly on social media. I hope the public will be cautious when addressing sensitive issues,” he said. -- BERNAMA Source:bernama.com

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PM Anwar orders review, improvement of Sosma, says Fahmi

By Syed Jaymal Zahiid

14 Feb 2025

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 14 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today directed Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution to review and “improve” the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012, a law that human rights groups have described as draconian.

“PM had asked for Sosma to be reviewed and studied. God-willing, the home affairs minister will appear in Parliament to explain,” Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing here.

“But in principle there are a few issues that had been agreed upon for improvement or reviewed,” he added.

Source:malaymail.com

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Pakistan

Kuwait hosts high-level forum to discuss International Islamic Court of Justice

February 14, 2025

ISLAMABAD - Kuwait hosted a two-day forum on Tuesday, bringing together representatives from member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to discuss the International Islamic Court of Justice. The forum aims to encourage member states to ratify the court’s statute and strengthen cooperation between judicial institutions, said a UNA press release received here. In the opening speech, Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council, Justice Saleh Al-Raqdan, emphasized Kuwait’s commitment to establishing the International Islamic Court of Justice as a judicial framework for resolving disputes among Islamic states. He expressed hope that the forum would produce practical recommendations to strengthen justice and consolidate principles of rights and equality in Islamic countries. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, stated that the forum reflects Kuwait’s firm commitment to activating the International Islamic Court of Justice. He emphasized the need for fruitful dialogue and sustained efforts to overcome common challenges and build a comprehensive Islamic legal system based on justice, fairness, and equality. The OIC General Secretariat, in coordination with Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, organized the forum, which features international experts in law and international and regional judicial affairs. The forum is expected to provide recommendations to the Council of Foreign Ministers on activating the International Islamic Court of Justice.

Source:nation.com.pk

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Journalists, rights activists in Karachi reject Peca as ‘black law’

Shazia Hasan

February 14, 2025

KARACHI: Calling it a ‘black law’, journalists and civil rights activists have unanimously rejected the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Amendment (Peca) 2025, which, they said, is aimed at suppressing the globally recognised the right to freedom of expression protected by the Constitution of Pakistan as well as international accords.

They were speaking at a consultation organised by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on Thursday in collaboration with the Karachi Union of Journalists (KUJ) and Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) at the Karachi Press Club.

Columnist, academic and social activist Dr Tauseef Ahmed Khan said Peca was another tactic to control the media. “We have inherited such laws from the British era,” he said while reminding of the Press Publication Act of 1963. “The PFUJ stood up against that law. It could be dissolved after much struggle in 1988,” he said.

He said that earlier, the PTI government had also tried bringing a Peca Ordinance in 2016, which the media had challenged. He also said the Peca committee members were to be nominated or appointed by the government while the PFUJ would not be consulted for it.

“It is said that Peca would be an autonomous body but that is only on the surface,” he said. “They say that it only concerns social media. But all print and electronic media news are also uploaded on social media,” Dr Tauseef pointed out.

Senior journalist Mazhar Abbas said that all such laws in Pakistan seemed like anti-people laws. “Even the Anti-Terrorism Act, which looked fine in the beginning, was later used for targeting political activists,” he said. “The right to know is a human right. Peca goes against that,” he said.

“The media is important because it mirrors society. But when you control the media, you also stop people from gaining awareness. For the people’s right to know, this law must go,” he said while also reminding how the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), which was brought in at first as just a licensing and regulatory authority, now controls the electronic media. “Peca is also an extension of such laws made to control the discerning voice,” he pointed out.

Mahnaz Rahman of the Aurat Foundation said that there was a need for that child from the story ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’ to raise his finger and raise his voice to point out the invisible controlling factor in Peca. “The freedom of the press must not be throttled,” she added.

Journalist Shahab Mahmood lamented the fact that journalists were discouraged from asking questions. “Some have even lost jobs for questioning objectively,” he said.

Former KPC president Saeed Sarbazi said the Peca Act was passed by the parliament without the consultation of the stakeholders.

“This same act was rejected by the Islamabad High Court when the PTI tried to have it passed,” he said. “But after the 26th Amendment, don’t expect relief from the judiciary. Sadly, with such laws coming up, we can say that we don’t have a democracy,” he added.

Academic Dr Asghar Ali Dashti also said that post-colonial Pakistan was getting the same old laws of the British in a new package. “The editors’ institution is dead anyway and there is now only the social media where we often hear voices raised against wrongdoings. But now we have Peca to silence those voices, too,” he said.

KUJ president Tahir Hasan Khan said that after coming out of the parliament where the Peca Act was passed, the parliamentarians themselves were not sure about what it actually was. “We need to engage with the political parties which may have unknowingly passed this law,” he said. “They should be made to understand that this very law can also come back to bite them,” he added.

HRCP chairperson Asad Iqbal Butt said that there was no doubt that Peca was a black law. “It is not just a journalists’ issue, it is a political issue and also a labour issue. Actually, it is the issue of all those who stand up for the truth. When you are not allowed to question, then what else is left? Such acts will take us to political ruin,” he concluded.

Later, the representatives of the HRCP, KUJ and other organisations adopted a resolution, which says that the right to freedom of expression includes freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference. Freedom of expression is imperative to democracy, stability and progress.

“This forum notes that the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill 2025, passed hastily by the National Assembly and Senate, and endorsed by the president, poses a serious threat to the freedom of expression and digital rights of the citizens.” they said.

The participants demanded immediate withdrawal of Peca, including the amendments made to it. “We pledge to resist all attempts to muzzle the citizens’ freedom of expression and the right of access to information. We call upon civil society organisations, political workers, rights activists, labour and student groups to jointly struggle for defending human rights against any attempt to curtail them through disproportionate coercive measures under various pretexts.”

The forum also emphasises that aversion of various authorities to promptly and completely share information with the citizens regarding issues affecting their lives prompt speculation that may lead to misinformation, thus underscoring the need for unfettered journalistic coverage of public issues.“ the resolution read.

Source:dawn.com

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Pakistan observes Shab-e-Barat with fervor, Mosques illuminated, people seek forgiveness

February 13, 2025

KARACHI: Pakistan is observing Shab-e-Barat, also known as the Night of Forgiveness, with great religious fervor tonight. Mosques across the country are illuminated and filled with worshippers who are offering special prayers, reciting the Quran, and listening to sermons on divine mercy and forgiveness.

All mosques are filled with highly illuminated buildings and populated by devotees offering special prayers, Quranic recitations, and listening to sermons on divine mercy and forgiveness.

Scholars have been asking believers to open their hearts and seek the blessing of Allah on this blessed night, known by many, sometimes, as the Night of Forgiveness.

Some people go to the graves of their deceased relatives to pray for their reward, while others share sweets and charity food among their neighbors and the poor.

Keeping the devotees in mind, the Sindh government has announced a holiday for all public and private educational institutions on Friday, February 14.

Shab-e-Barat falls on the 15th of Shaban in the Islamic calendar. The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee previously confirmed the sighting of the Shaban moon on January 30, and thus today is the special night of blessing.

For the night, devout people from all walks of life partake in prayers, seeking forgiveness and mercy, and thus fulfill the essence of Shab-e-Barat.

Source:dailyausaf.com

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Security forces gun down 13 terrorists in separate KP operations

February 13, 2025

At least 13 terrorists were neutralised by security forces during five separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on February 12 and 13, the military’s media wing said on Thursday.

“On 12-13 February 2025, 13 Khwarij [terrorists] were sent to hell in five separate engagements in KP province,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

Security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in the general area Khulachi of district Dera Ismail Khan on the reported presence of terrorists, it added.

During the conduct of the operation, the army troops effectively engaged the terrorists’ location and killed five terrorists, including Shah Gul alias Rohani.

In two separate encounters in the North Waziristan district, a fire exchange took place between the security forces and terrorists in general areas Dosali and Tappi. Resultantly, five terrorists were effectively neutralised by security forces.

In another encounter that took place in Lakki Marwat district, two terrorists were gunned down.

Similarly, during an engagement in general area Bagh of Khyber district, the law enforcers effectively neutralised one more militant.

Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed terrorists, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against the security forces as well as the killing of innocent civilians.

Sanitization operations were launched to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area as the security forces are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country, as per the military's media wing.

The operations are part of a sustained counter-terrorism effort as the country witnessed a surge in violent attacks since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, particularly in the bordering provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

The country witnessed a sharp increase in terror attacks in January 2025, surging by 42% compared to the previous month, according to data released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), a think tank.

The data revealed that at least 74 militant attacks were recorded nationwide, resulting in 91 fatalities, including 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants. Another 117 individuals sustained injuries, including 53 security forces personnel, 54 civilians, and 10 militants.

KP remained the worst-affected province, followed by Balochistan. In KP's settled districts, militants carried out 27 attacks, resulting in 19 fatalities, including 11 security personnel, six civilians, and two militants.

The tribal districts of KP (erstwhile Fata) witnessed 19 attacks, leading to 46 deaths, including 13 security personnel, eight civilians, and 25 militants.

Source:thenews.com.pk

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Sanaullah never talked about filing reference against SC judges: law minister

By Web Desk

February 13, 2025

Clarifying the government's position amid ongoing debates on the transfer and elevation of judges, Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar said on Thursday that filing a reference was not on the cards after PM's aide Rana Sanaullah signalled potential action over jurists' "misconduct".

Sanaullah, the prime minister's adviser on political and public affairs, hinted at filing a reference against two senior apex court judges two days ago, who were committing "misconduct" by "writing letters on every issue containing critical remarks" and "leaking it to the media".

However, the premier's adviser clarified his statement yesterday while speaking on Geo News' programme 'Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath', saying that his remarks of filing a reference against the judges were neither an announcement nor a threat.

His remarks came amid strong opposition over the nomination of six judges to the Supreme Court by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) meeting, which was boycotted by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers and two senior SC judges. The chief justices of all high courts, except the Lahore High Court (LHC) were among the six judges nominated.

A day ago, the law ministry also notified the appointment of six judges who were elevated to the Supreme Court from various high courts following President Asif Ali Zaradri's approval.

When questioned about a potential reference against SC judges today, Tarar told journalists at the parliament that the government has not given any statement about such a move and it would apprise the media if it takes any decision.

"Chief Justice [Yahya Afridi] is also head of the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan," said the law minister, "[…] and also heads the rule of law programme." He added that Pakistani jurists used to attend different connections in this regard.

The JCP had approved the said judges' appointment to the apex court on February 10 during a meeting boycotted by PTI's Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Senator Ali Zafar, and two SC judges, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Munib Akhtar.

The judges' elevation issue was not left without controversy as four SC judges including Justice Shah, Justice Akhtar, Justice Ayesha A Malik and Justice Athar Minallah had written to the CJP Afridi urging him to postpone the JCP meeting "till the challenge to the 26th Constitutional Amendment is decided one way or the other".

However, apart from notifying the six SC judges, the government also issued the notification of the appointment of IHC's Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb as the SC acting judge in light of the JCP's decision earlier this week.

Whereas Justice Sarfraz Dogar — transferred from LHC — has also been notified as the acting chief justice of the same court with effect from the date he takes oath of his office, till the appointment of a regular chief justice.

Justice's Dogar's transfer and subsequent change in the seniority list of the IHC itself is not without controversy as seven IHC judges — Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, Babar Sattar, Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, Arbab Muhammad Tahir, Saman Rafat Imtiaz and Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb — had written to the CJP as well as high courts' chief justices against it.

CJP-IMF meeting

To another question, Tarar replied that CJP Afridi did not meet the International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation in connection with any case but as the head of the Pakistani judiciary.

An IMF delegation visiting Pakistan to review the judicial framework as part of the ongoing $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) met CJP Afridi.

According to a press release issued by the Supreme Court, the chief justice provided an overview of "the ongoing efforts to enhance judicial performance".

Meanwhile, the IMF delegation acknowledged the judiciary’s role in maintaining legal and institutional stability and expressed its appreciation for ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening governance and accountability.

Source:thenews.com.pk

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‘Democracy losing’: Fazl slams attempt to create 'bad blood' between JUI-F, PTI

February 13, 2025

ISLAMABAD: Blasting the incumbent government, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Thursday said that attempts were made to create rift between his party and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Differences emerged between the ruling coalition and the JUI-F chief — who played a key role in the toppling of former prime minister Imran Khan’s government in 2022 — after the politico-religious party termed the February 8, 2024 elections “rigged”.

During his interaction with journalists today, the JUI-F chief said: “Attempt was made to divide the opposition. Political games were played [in the country].”

Reiterating his allegations about “fraud elections”, Fazl said that representatives of the “dummy government” could not face the people.

"People do not trust governments that lack public mandate," he added.

Speaking on the occasion, the JUI-F chief also raised serious questions over the prevailing electoral system in the country.

“People have to stand in queues to cast their votes just for formality. It’s up to their will what they want to bring out from the ballot boxes,” he said referring to the alleged manipulation in the polls.

“We [JUI-F] will not bow down before the power.”

Politicians were being "expelled" from the system, he said, adding that the role of parliament was being abolished.

“Democracy is losing its case,” he added.

Maulana Fazl has time and again accused the state institutions of manipulating election results to tighten their control on power in the country.

The situation would deteriorate further if political parties were rendered ineffective, he warned today. Referring to alleged rigging in by-election in Balochistan, the JUI-F chief further said that the incumbent government did not respect the decisions of the majority.

To a question, the JUI-F chief threw his weight behind the journalists against the recently introduced amendments to the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Act (Peca).

Source:thenews.com.pk

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Imran’s attempts to engage military draw cold shoulder

Ikram Junaidi

February 14, 2025

• Message from ex-PM accuses ISPR of building ‘false narrative’, calls on top brass to reconsider its policies

• COAS denies getting correspondence, says he will forward it to PM if received

ISLAMABAD: While incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan seems bent on communicating with the top military brass, the army chief indicated on Thursday that he would not engage with any such correspondence, but would rather forward it to the prime minister.

On Thursday, the contents of a third open letter purportedly addressed to Army Chief Gen Asim Munir on behalf of Mr Khan were shared on the former prime minister’s official X account.

However, the full text of the letter was not shared by the party, and it is not known whether the communique has formally been dispatched to the army chief, or the party is relying on mainstream and social media channels to convey its message to the powers that be.

When asked why a draft of the so-called open letter had not been shared with the media — as had been the case with recent letters written to an IMF delegation and the chief justice of Pakistan — a party insider told Dawn that the letter to the army chief “does not exist”.

“Imran Khan has been behind bars for 20 months and he cannot sign any documents. Mr Khan’s lawyer revealed the contents of the message outside Adiala jail and that is what was shared on social media,” the insider said.

In contents shared on the PTI founder’s X (formerly Twitter) account — which he does not personally have access to while in prison — Mr Khan accused Inter-Services Public Relations of building a false narrative, which he claimed was “bringing the armed forces into disrepute”.

“Repeating again and again that the army does not interfere in politics insults the nation’s intelligence,” said the post on Mr Khan’s X account, adding that every child in the country knows that the army chief effectively runs the country.

The latest message posted on behalf of the PTI leader stated that he did not seek any concessions for himself, but rather was concerned with restoring the reputation of the Pakistan Army. Contending that the gulf between the people and the armed forces was widening, the message claimed that the democracy has been derailed in Pakistan.

The message recalled that it was the establishment that had once told the nation that the ruling elite was involved in corruption, but regretted how “rejected faces had been imposed on the nation through rigged elections”.

Efforts are being made to paint cases against Sharif family and Asif Zardari as politically motivated, but the fact is that NAB initiated those cases, it said. Former ISI chief Gen Ehtesham Zamir and former president Farooq Leghari provided dossiers containing proof of corruption in these cases, the message said, which were filed long before the PTI’s tenure.

The only case filed under PTI rule was the Ramazan Sugar Mills case against Shehbaz Sharif, which has also been closed, it said, regretting that all the same faces had been imposed on Pakistan again after being dry-cleaned.

The incarcerated former prime minister’s message also claimed that after the PTI government was ousted, democracy was derailed through the imposition of a fake government, while the Constitution was violated and party symbol was snatched from PTI.

While the whole world has been progressing, Pakistan has been moving in opposite direction, the PTI founder’s message said, adding that these problems can only be solved by the people’s true representatives.

Mr Khan’s message also criticised the 26th amendment, alleging that handpicked judges were being appointed, leading to a collapse of the justice.

The message called on the establishment to reconsider its policies to “avoid further damage to the institution”.

Army chief’s response

Meanwhile, during an informal interaction with media persons during a state banquet held in honour of visiting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir denied receiving any correspondence.

While he did not name the PTI or Imran Khan, the army chief said that he would forward any such letters to the prime minister.

In his brief remarks, the COAS said, “Pakistan is moving forward, and it must move forward”.

This is the second time the establishment has denied receiving any correspondence from the PTI founder. The party has previously claimed to have sent the army chief two open letters, which were also mired in controversy.

Security sources had denied receipt of the first purported letter to the army chief, whose contents were divulged to the media. Similarly, a second such letter also never saw the light of day; instead, only its salient features were shared on the social media handle of the ex-PM.

When asked whether the letter supposedly sent to army chief physically existed or not, a source privy to the development told Dawn on condition of anonymity that it was not possible for anyone to write a letter containing allegations against the establishment on behalf of Imran Khan to the army chief.

However, the source claimed that the fact that the army chief had come forward to talk about the letter was “a success for Imran Khan”, as an earlier response was given through security sources.

Source:dawn.com

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Couple remanded in Rawalpindi minor maid’s murder case

Mohammad Asghar

February 14, 2025

RAWALINDI: A man and his wife, arrested for the alleged torture/death of a 12-year-old maid, were remanded in police custody for four days on Thursday.

Mian Rashid Shafiq and his wife Sana Shafiq will be produced before court on February 17.

The police had requested the court of area magistrate Mohammad Wasim Qureshi for a seven days physical remand of the suspects.

Another woman, Rubina, arrested in the case was sent to the judicial jail for 14 days. She will be produced in the court on Feb 27.

The maid, identified as Iqra, was tortured allegedly by her employers in the Asghar Mall Scheme located in the limits of Bani police.

The girl was shifted to Holy Family Hospital after her condition deteriorated. She had injuries to her head and other parts of the body.

The girl succumbed to her injuries in the hospital on Tuesday night.

The police registered the case on the complaint of her father Sanaullah under the Punjab Protection of Helpless and Neglected Children Act.

After her death, murder and other sections were added to the FIR against the suspects for keeping the girl in illegal detention and torturing her to death.

Source:dawn.com

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CDA turns to World Bank to address capital’s water woes

Kashif Abbasi

February 14, 2025

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has said it is collaborating with the World Bank on water-related projects to address the city’s growing need for potable water.

The capital city, which has been witnessing rapid growth in its population, is facing water scarcity with no major project completed in the last three decades. This has resulted in acute water shortages in many areas of Islamabad.

Currently, against the total need of 220 million gallons per day (mgd), the CDA is providing around 65 mgd in city areas while rural areas depend on boring and other water sources.

There are three main sources of water in the federal capital — Simly Dam, Khanpur Dam and tube wells — as CDA has failed to develop any new source.

On the other hand, during the last two decades, the construction of several new dams, including Dotara Dam, Shahdhara Dam, Chinot Dam and Chirah Dam and Ghazi Barotha project - has remained a key agenda in CDA meetings, but without any significant progress.

So far, all of these projects are reportedly in their feasibility study stages.

“There is a need to focus on the issue as Islamabad is facing a shortage of water and if timely steps are not taken, the situation will worsen in future,” said an official, adding that every summer the residents of Islamabad faced water shortages.

“Scarcity of water is a major challenge being faced by Islamabad…the pace of development activities in Islamabad including new housing schemes shows that in coming years the crisis will deepen further,” the official said.

Meanwhile, CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa and board members met World Bank Public-Private Partnership Adviser Michael Opagi at the CDA headquarters on Thursday.

“During the meeting, it was agreed to work on water-related projects and their tangible deliverables with timelines for the city of Islamabad,” read a press release issued by CDA after the meeting.

It said the meeting focused on enhancing mutual cooperation in various sectors and discussed the initiation of water-related projects. According to the statement, the CDA chairman said the civic agency was ready to work under public-private partnership for various projects.

He emphasised the need for immediate action for better supply of water.

The CDA chairman further added that the World Bank needed to provide technical assistance and consultancy for various projects.

Source:dawn.com

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

https://www.dawn.com/news/1891876/cda-turns-to-world-bank-to-address-capitals-water-woes

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ANP asked to congregate in Sangjani instead of Liaquat Bagh

Aamir Yasin

February 14, 2025

ISLAMABAD: The district administration has asked the Awami National Party to hold its gathering in Sangjani, as it declined a request by the political party to organise a gathering at Liaquat Bagh on Friday due to an alleged security threat to the ANP leadership.

The District Intelligence Committee (DIC) requested the ANP leaders to hold their public meeting at Faisal Hills Cricket Stadium near Sangjani instead of Liaquat Bagh.

A senior official told Dawn there were two options for alternative sites: Bhatta Chowk and Sangjani, but the DIC recommended the ANP Sangjani for its gathering.

He said the ANP was assured that all facilities would be provided, but they rejected the offer.

He said that ANP leaders were informed about the DIC report and they sought time to consult party leadership. However, they held a press conference at the National Press Club instead.

In its press conference, the ANP lambasted the PML-N government for its refusal to allow them to congregate in the garrison city.

Speaking at the National Press Club, ANP spokesperson Engineer Ehsanullah Khan said that they were not “bound by anyone’s permission to hold public meetings” as per the Constitution of Pakistan.

Flanked by Senator Haji Hidayatullah, ANP Punjab President Manzoor Ahmed Khan, Abdul Rahim Wazir Advocate and others, the ANP spokesman said, “Why is our way being blocked at Liaquat Bagh? We are people who follow peace and law. We do not believe in violence and do not accept authoritarian rule.”

He said despite security threats, they held rallies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh, but they were not given permission to hold their public meeting in Punjab.

“An application was submitted to the administration two weeks ago for a public meeting at Liaquat Bagh, Rawalpindi, on February 14. But, on February 13, we were informed that the public meeting could not be held due to security reasons. We strongly condemn this action of the Punjab government. It is the government’s job to maintain law and order,” he said.

“We will definitely hold a public meeting at Liaquat Bagh and a new date will be announced after a consultation with party leaders,” Engineer Ehsanullah Khan said.

He further said that the public meetings were being held across the country to mobilise the people for the party manifesto, adding that a public meeting was held in Karachi last month.

“We strongly condemn this action of the Punjab government,” he said, accusing the PML-N of duplicity.

“We want Aimal Wali Khan to lead a rally at Liaquat Bagh. Our path is being blocked. Is the Constitution completely suspended in Pakistan? If they suppress the voice of the people, there will be repercussions,” he said, claiming that Pashtuns were being harassed under the guise of action against Afghan refugees.

He also said that ANP condemned the Peca law and expressed solidarity with journalists. “We condemn this behaviour of the Punjab government and the federal government to introduce anti-journalist laws,” he added.

Source:dawn.com

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

https://www.dawn.com/news/1891872/anp-asked-to-congregate-in-sangjani-instead-of-liaquat-bagh

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Chamber president, Customs men kidnapped in South Waziristan

A.K. Wazir

February 14, 2025

SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: The president of the Waziristan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI) and two Customs officers were abducted in a high-profile kidnapping in South Waziristan on Thursday.

WCCI President Saifur Rehman, Customs Superintendent Nisar Abbasi and Inspector Khushal were returning from the Customs office at the Angoor Adda border crossing with Afghanistan when they were kidnapped, according to Deputy Commissioner Nasir Khan.

The kidnappers stopped their vehicle and forcibly took them to an unknown location.

The district administration and police have launched an immediate investigation. However, an FIR is yet to be registered.

The whereabouts of the three men remained unknown till the filing of this report. The local business community has expressed serious concern over the abduction.

The Wana Trade Union and the WCCI have strongly condemned the abduction. They demanded that the government and security agencies take immediate action to recover the three men.

The traders have also claimed that such incidents severely affected the business environment and threatened to take to the streets in protest if the government failed to improve the law and order situation.

Locals have urged security forces to take strict measures to prevent such incidents and restore the confidence of the business community and citizens.

Source:dawn.com

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

https://www.dawn.com/news/1891815/chamber-president-customs-men-kidnapped-in-south-waziristan

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