Muslim SDRF Personnel Saves Five Kanwariyas from Drowning in The Ganga in Uttarakhand
New Age Islam News Bureau
25 July 2024
Representative
image of drowning.Credit: iStock Photo
--------
·
Muslim SDRF Personnel Saves Five Kanwariyas
from Drowning in The Ganga in Uttarakhand
·
Kamala Harris Skipped Netanyahu as Signal to
Muslims
·
Russia Is Waging A 'Christian Jihad' In
Occupied Ukraine, Military Chaplain Says
·
Right to Profess Religion Subject to Law,
Morality, Pakistan Apex Court Rules
·
Johor Islamic Religious Dept Steps Up
Monitoring of Five of 19 Deviant Teachings Declared Illegal in State
India
·
Imam’s Objection to Removal of Sunehri Bagh Mosque
Will Be Considered, HC Told
·
Either jail or ‘jahannum’ for terrorists: Union
minister Rai on J&K terror attacks
·
Cow smuggler shot dead while being chased by
police in Rajasthan
·
4 J&K govt employees dismissed without
inquiry for being ‘threat to state security’
---------
North America
·
Outrage in Congress: Democrats boycott
Netanyahu’s address over Gaza genocide
·
US Remains Committed to “Protecting Universal
Respect for The Right of Freedom of Religion” – US Responds to Police Orders to
Eateries Along Kanwar Yatra Route
·
Before Executing a Muslim Man, Alabama Denied
Many of His Final Religious Requests
·
New Jersey Man Who Stabbed Author Salman
Rushdie Was Trying to Carry Out Fatwa, Prosecutor Says
·
CAIR-CA to Hold 18th Annual Muslim Youth
Leadership Program in Sacramento
·
Police: Somerville Man Arrested for Allegedly
Spraying Anti-Muslim Graffiti on Bridgewater Mosque
·
US Treasury Department designates Islamic State
facilitators across Africa
·
In Congress, Netanyahu gets applause; but
outside, pro-Palestinians reaffirm reality
--------
Europe
·
World Islamic Tourism Conference 2024: Shaping
the future of Muslim-friendly Travel
·
Islamic State Claims Oman Attack
·
French President Praises Afghanistan’s Women
And Girls Ahead Of Paris Olympics
·
Annual Muslim event draws 40,000 attendees in
East Worldham
·
Glasgow Central Mosque proposed for category A
listing
·
Newham imam violently attacked in Al Karam
Mosque by 'man who claimed he was there to pray'
·
Iran summons German ambassador over banning of
Islamic centre, IRNA reports
·
Moscow car bombing suspect arrested in Türkiye
– Interior Minister
--------
Pakistan
·
Fawad sees Nawaz, Zardari on 'wrong side of
history' amid PTI ban move
·
Awami National Party for Shunning ‘Good and Bad
Taliban’ Distinction
·
Arrests in Bannu following govt-jirga agreement
·
PML-N ups the ante for Imran’s conviction in
May 9 cases
·
Islamabad High Court asks DC to allow PTI to
hold rally
·
Pakistan waives visa fee for 126 countries
·
Actor Tahir Anjum thrashed by PTI's woman
activist in Lahore
·
Three foreign climbers stuck on K2 rescued by
Pakistan Army
·
KP CM Gandapur 'accepts' demands of Bannu Aman
Jirga after late night huddle
·
Courts should remain open if country faces
martial law threat: Justice Minallah
---------
Southeast Asia
·
Kelantan Bans Entertainment, Loud Noise On
Thursday Night To Encourage Acts Of Worship Among Muslims
·
Papal Visit Enthuses Indonesian Muslim Leaders
·
Progress is Slow in ASEAN’s Anti-Nuclear Pact:
Indonesia
·
Wisma Putra: Malaysia hails Beijing Declaration
for Palestinian Unity and interim govt formation, calls it major milestone
--------
Africa
·
Federal Government of Nigeria Resumes Mass
Trial of 300 Terrorism Suspects
·
Sudan: Paramilitary leader says he will attend
ceasefire talks in Switzerland
·
Do Not Join Nationwide Protests – Kalu To
South-Easterners
·
Nationwide Protest Is Not Billed to End In
Peace – Atiku’s Ex-aide, Daniel Bwala
--------
Mideast
·
Hamas Slams Israel PM for ‘Misleading’ Speech to
US Congress
·
Fall of Al Andalus 1st defeat for Arabs,
Muslims, says Sharjah Ruler
·
Warnings against Jewish calls to storm Aqsa
Mosque
·
Settlers storm al-Aqsa Mosque under enemy
police protection
·
Leader of Islamic Revolution issues message
about Hamas
·
Hundreds killed in first 10 days of hostilities
in south Lebanon
·
US destroys 3 Houthi missile launchers in Yemen
·
First ships dock in Yemen harbor after Israel
strike: Houthi media
·
‘Miracle’ baby born in Gaza after airstrike
kills heavily pregnant mother
·
Judaization of the Ibrahimi Mosque – What is
Israel’s Endgame in Al-Khalil
·
Putin meets Syria’s Assad in Moscow
--------
South Asia
·
Pakistan Closes Torkham Crossing to Afghan Patients,
Nangarhar Official Says
·
Intensification of Violence Against Pashtun
Community in Pakistan
·
Strengthening cultural relations discussed,
ministry
·
Kandahar’s sour grape juice gains popularity
·
Over 660 military cadets join national army
after training, ministry
--------
Arab World
·
Saudi Deputy FM Participates in Sudan Peace
Efforts Meeting
·
MoU to drive job creation, training in Saudi
hospitality
·
Saudi minister meets Brazilian aerospace
company Embraer’s official
·
Saudi ambassador discusses Gaza aid with
KSrelief delegation in Cairo
·
Like father, like son: 10-year-old walks 150 km
to Abha
·
Development of Riyadh’s King Abdulaziz Park
gets underway
·
Diriyah Co. signs $2bn contract for Wadi Safar
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL:
Muslim
SDRF Personnel Saves Five Kanwariyas from Drowning in The Ganga in Uttarakhand
24 July
2024
Representative
image of drowning.Credit: iStock Photo
------------
Haridwar:
A Muslim head constable of the SDRF here is being extolled for his heroic acts
of saving five Kanwariyas, including two minors, from drowning in the Ganga
River in separate incidents.
Almost
everyone in the pilgrimage town is talking about State Disaster Response Force
(SDRF) head constable Ashiq Ali, who is deployed at Kangra ghat near Har Ki
Pairi here.
When
21-year-old Shiv devotee Monu from Faridabad in Haryana started drifting along
the swift currents of the Ganga at Kangra Ghat on Tuesday, Ali, along with his
fellow SDRF personnel, wasted no time in jumping into the river and rescuing
him.
He saved
another Kanwariya -- 21-year-old Govind Singh from the state's Udham Singh
Nagar district -- the same day in a separate incident.
On
Monday, Ali saved 21-year-old Sandeep Singh of Gorakhpur, 17-year-old Karan of
Delhi, and 15-year-old Ankit of Panipat in Haryana.
The SDRF
personnel was assisted by SDRF constables Anil Singh Kothiyal, Pradeep Rawat,
Shivam Singh and fire service constable Laxman Chauhan.
Talking
to PTI, Ali said saving people's lives is his religion and he is not bothered
by the caste or religion of someone who is drowning.
"For
me, he is a human being and saving his life is my religion," an emotional
Ali said.
Ali said
whenever he saves someone, he gets immense spiritual satisfaction.
Haridwar
SSP Parmendra Doval has honoured Ali with the 'Man of the Day' title for his
"excellent" work.
Source: deccanherald.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.deccanherald.com/india/uttarakhand/uttarakhand-muslim-sdrf-personnel-saves-5-kanwariyas-from-drowning-3120092
--------
Kamala
Harris Skipped Netanyahu as Signal to Muslims
24 July
2024
Vice
President Kamala Harris, by skipping out on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu's speech to a joint session of Congress Wednesday, signalled to the
nation about the play the White House is making for Muslim American voters in
Michigan and Minnesota, former Trump deputy national security adviser KT McFarland
tells Newsmax.
"She
could even be president before Biden's term is finished, and for her to
deliberately slap in the face, rhetorically speaking, the Israeli leader who's
come to Washington to talk about the security situation in the Middle East, she's
really signaled to her voters at home," McFarland said on
"Newsline" on Wednesday before the prime minister's speech.
"This
all about the play that they're making for the Muslim American voters in
Michigan and Minnesota," McFarland added. "She cares a lot more about
them than she does about the security of the state of Israel."
Harris
is speaking in Indianapolis to a group of sorority members associated with her
alma mater, Howard University, and said that the appearance had already been
planned. As Senate President, Harris would have been presiding while Netanyahu
spoke.
And her
skipping the speech sends a dangerous message to the United States'
adversaries, said McFarland.
"Iran
looks at this and they say, the Biden administration, Kamala Harris, they're
telling us, 'take your move. We're not going to stand with Israel,'" said
McFarland. "Iran has to assume that is an amazing opportunity for them to
go after Israel, to unleash all the proxies, potentially even to destroy
Israel."
But that
window is closing quickly if former President Donald Trump returns to office,
she said.
"He's
not a friend of Iran," said McFarland. "I think Iran is looking at
this and thinking, okay, we got a couple of months. Let's make our move."
Meanwhile,
the Biden administration just is concerned with staying in power, she said.
"Look
at what the Democrats have done, the scam they've pulled on the American
people, the endangerment of the United States with the open border, with the
inflation, with our policies towards Russia, with our policies in the Middle
East, and our policies towards China," she said. "They don't really
care. They just care about themselves staying in power. They just care about
the perks of office."
McFarland
added that she's been working in Washington for 50 years " and I have
never seen a more craven, grasping group of people than occupy the White House
and the Democrat establishment today. They'll do anything to stay in
power."
Source: newsmax.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.newsmax.com/newsmax-tv/kt-mcfarland-kamala-harris-benjamin-netanyahu/2024/07/24/id/1173811/
--------
Russia
Is Waging A 'Christian Jihad' In Occupied Ukraine, Military Chaplain Says
July 24,
2024
Ukrainian
Military Chaplain Mark Serhiyev on July 24, 2024, after testifying before the
U.S. Helsinki Commission
------------
WASHINGTON
-- Churches in occupied Ukraine are “loyal to Moscow rather than God,”
Ukrainian military chaplain Mark Serhiyev said at a July 24 congressional
hearing, adding that Russia is waging a “Christian jihad” in the region.
Serhiyev,
an evangelical pastor in Melitopol, a city in southern Ukraine, was invited to
speak to the Helsinki Commission about life as a non-Orthodox Christian in
occupied Ukraine. Serhiyev said he came to the United States to meet with over
25 pastors and American Christians to “spread the stories” of Ukrainian
believers.
Members
of Congress in recent months have met with representatives from various
Ukrainian Protestant churches to better understand the impact of the war on
religious freedom. Evangelical leaders, in turn, have said that minority faith
groups are under threat in Russian-occupied territory in Ukraine as they appeal
to American evangelicals, a key constituency in the presidential election this
November.
Serhiyev
told the commission that he watched “from the windows of my church” as Russian
tanks “rolled into my city” in the early days of Russia’s full-scale invasion
in February 2022.
There
are no evangelical churches left in Russia-occupied parts of Ukraine, Serhiyev
told Representative Joe Wilson (Republican-South Carolina), chairman of the
Helsinki Commission, which is a committee that focuses on security,
cooperation, and human rights in Europe.
Serhiyev
noted that before the war there were 2,000 Baptist churches and 2,500
Pentecostal churches in Ukraine. He didn’t specify how many remain but said
many Christians are now worshiping underground.
Serhiyev
said his father, also an evangelical pastor, was given 72 hours early in the
invasion to record a video in front of his Melitopol church stating that
Russian President Vladimir Putin controlled the area. His father refused to
make the video, even under threat of having his fingers cut off, and the
church’s 40-foot cross was “cut up” and “replaced with the Russian flag.”
“Russians
are trying to make a weapon of religion,” Serhiyev said, adding that his church
is now being used to host pro-Russia concerts funded by the Kremlin.
Moscow
values religion for controlling the public, Serhiyev said, noting that Russia
in June exchanged a single Orthodox priest for Ukrainian soldiers in a prisoner
swap.
While Serhiyev
told the commission that Ukraine has “100 percent religious freedom,” in
Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine members of all non-Orthodox denominations and
religions are targeted.
Under
Russian occupation, Serhiyev said 80 percent of congregants from his
1,500-person church fled. Those who remain meet and pray in small groups of
less than five people in what Serhiyev described as a “new level of faith.” One
small group leader, Lena, is being held prisoner by Russia for leading a small
evangelical group, Serhiyev recounted.
Penn
State professor Catherine Wanner told the commission there is “no place for
Protestants in the Russian world.” According to Wanner, who previously worked
for the Ukrainian Research Institute at Harvard University, evangelicals in
Russia are considered “apostates,” “traitors,” and “spies.”
For
Serhiyev, Russia’s behavior parallels his great-grandfather’s experience as a
jailed pastor in the Soviet Union. He was later killed.
“Nothing
has changed,” Serhiyev told RFE/RL. “The questions by the communist KGB were
the same when Russians came into my house.”
Serhiyev
said that when the Russian forces found out he was a pastor, he was forced to
go outside in the middle of the night. Russian soldiers, he said, pointed an
assault rifle in his face while his 9-year-old son, Christopher, watched.
Serhiyev
also condemned Patriarch Kirill, who is the head of the Russian Orthodox Church
and known for his ties to Putin.
The
hearing addressed Kirill, who announced a “Christian jihad,” and proclaimed
that every Russian soldier who fights against Ukraine would “go directly to
heaven because he’s fighting for the country” if he died in battle, Serhiyev
told RFE/RL.
From the
Russian perspective, Serhiyev said Kirill wants a “fight for the Slavic
Orthodox world,” which “is crazy because they are killing kids and destroying
our city.”
Source: rferl.org
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.rferl.org/a/religion-serhiyev-evangelicals-russia-ukraine-church-christian/33049533.html
--------
Right to
Profess Religion Subject to Law, Morality, Pakistan Apex Court Rules
July 25,
2024
ISLAMABAD:
The Supreme Court has accepted the Punjab government’s plea to revisit its Feb
6 order in the Mubarak Ahmad Sani case, and declared that the right to profess
religion and religious freedom, as ensured by the Constitution, is subject to
law, morality and public order.
A
27-page judgement was issued on Wednesday on a set of review petitions filed by
the prosecutor general of Punjab and other individuals as well as organisations
against the Mubarak Ahmad Sani case order that had kick-started a controversy
and a malicious campaign against Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa.
The Feb
6 decision of the court had overturned the conviction of Mubarak Sani, who was
accused of an offence under the Punjab Holy Quran (Printing and Recording)
(Amendment) Act enforced in 2021. However, the FIR alleged that the petitioner
had done this in 2019 when it was not an offence.
Consequently,
the apex court set aside the impugned orders and ordered immediate release of
the petitioner.
This led
to what the government and the legal community termed a “malicious and
slanderous campaign” against the chief justice, even prompting the Supreme Court
to release a clarification.
The
decision was subsequently challenged by the Punjab government on the grounds
that the finding of the Feb 6 verdict in Paragraph 9 regarding Article 20 of
the Constitution needed to be modified to the extent that the rights of the
citizens as envisaged under the constitutional provision were not absolute and
instead subject to law, public order and morality.
A
three-judge bench comprising CJP Isa, Justice Irfan Saadat Khan and Justice
Naeem Akhtar Afghan had reserved its decision on May 29.
During
the hearing, the SC had sought assistance of religious institutions, namely the
Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), Jamia Darul Uloom, Karachi; Jamia Imdadia,
Faisalabad; Jamia Naeemia, Lahore; Jamia Muhammadia Ghousia, Bhera; Jamia
Salafia, Faisalabad; Jamiatul Muntazir, Lahore; Jamia Urwat-ul-Wusqa, Lahore;
Quran Academy, Lahore; and Al-Mawrid, Lahore etc.
Written
in Urdu and punctuated with verses from the Holy Quran and sayings of the Holy
Prophet (peace be upon him), the judgement also emphasised that complete faith
in the finality of the Prophethood was the very foundation of Islam — a belief
without which nobody can be called a Muslim.
Such
belief has already been explained in different Ahadith and Quranic verses,
especially in a verse from Surah Al-Ahzab, which says: “The Holy Prophet (PBUH)
is the Messenger of Allah and the seal of the prophets. And Allah has perfect
knowledge of all things.”
Departure
from the rules
The
decision explained that the scope of the review petition had always been very
limited and the court usually never granted a right of audience, except to
those who were not parties in the first round of hearing.
But a
departure from the rules that govern the filing of the review petition was made
by providing opportunity, not only to different religious institutions, but
also patiently hearing arguments advanced by individuals in view of both
“religious sensitivities” and the “constitutional aspect” involved in the
issue, to remove any apprehensions of uncertainty or doubt.
The
court made it clear that like ordinary citizens, obedience to the law and the
Constitution was also mandatory and obligatory upon judges, who have taken oath
at the time of their elevation to the highest office of judgeship to defend and
preserve the Constitution while carrying out their duties of dispensing
justice.
The
verdict emphasised that no court in the country commanded the authority or the
power to legislate, except for what had been provided in the Constitution or
the law. This right is only vested in parliament by the Constitution, it
explained.
‘Treat
enemies with affability’
According
to the SC decision, the Holy Quran is not just witness to the high probity and
uprightness of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), but has also ordained Muslims to follow
the example of his high moral character.
“Our
Holy Prophet (PBUH) has been described by the Holy Quran as
Rahmatul-lil-Alameen — a blessing, the showering of which was not limited to
the Muslims alone, but even to adversaries, enemies and all beings.
The
judgement emphasised that Islam commands that the followers of the Holy
Prophet (PBUH) should treat even their enemies with affability and warmth.
The
provincial government also argued that it was aggrieved by the judgement and
sought review of the court findings since the conclusion were based on an
erroneous assumption of material facts, a misreading of the records and without
adverting to the points of law raised and agitated before the SC.
Those
errors were manifest and apparent on the face of record, the review petition
contended, adding that the same resulted in grave miscarriage of justice.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1847874/right-to-profess-religion-subject-to-law-morality-apex-court-rules
--------
Johor
Islamic Religious Dept steps up monitoring of five of 19 deviant teachings
declared illegal in state
24 Jul
2024
Johor
Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid named the
deviant groups as Syiah, Hizbut Tahrir, Millah Abraham, Suhaini Mohammad
(Sihulk) and Qadiani. — Bernama pic
--------------
JOHOR
BARU, July 24 — The Johor Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ) is actively
monitoring five of the 19 deviant teachings that have been declared illegal in
the state.
Johor
Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid named the
deviant groups as Syiah, Hizbut Tahrir, Millah Abraham, Suhaini Mohammad
(Sihulk) and Qadiani.
He said
two reports concerning the Millah Abraham teachings were received this year in
Segamat and Pontian, while no complaints have been made regarding Syiah and
Hizbut Tahrir so far.
“Sihulk
is highly active on social media and is under constant surveillance by JAINJ’s
Enforcement Division and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission
(MCMC). This group is particularly active in New Zealand.
“The
Qadiani teaching, meanwhile, is in the process of being re-declared (through a
fatwa) as a teaching that contradicts Islam,” he told reporters after the
Religious Teachers’ Day celebration here today, in response to claims that
deviant teachings were still believed to be active in the state.
He said
JAINJ enforcement officers are always on the move and ready to take action
against those spreading such teachings.
Since
1986, a total of 19 teachings or beliefs have been declared contrary to Ahli
Sunnah Wal Jamaah teachings in the state, including Ayah Pin, Wahabi, Taslim,
Ilmu Makrifat, Gunung Ledang Tangkak, Azman Samat, Yayi and Hadi Minallah.
On the
series of arrests and prosecutions of followers of deviant teachings and
groups, including the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group in Johor, he said it
demonstrates the authorities’ commitment to their duties, adding that the state
government will continue to cooperate in eradicating such teachings.
“We will
collaborate in identifying anyone involved, no matter how small their role, as
long as it violates national laws or state regulations, especially concerning
criminal activities and deviant teachings.
“It
doesn’t matter who they are. If there are many arrests, I am pleased because it
means we have identified more followers of deviant teachings, rather than
fewer, indicating there are still followers out there,” he added. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/07/24/johor-islamic-religious-dept-steps-up-monitoring-of-five-of-19-deviant-teachings-declared-illegal-in-state/144853
--------
India
Imam’s
objection to removal of Sunehri Bagh mosque will be considered, HC told
Jul 25,
2024
New
Delhi: Delhi High Court on Wednesday said it was not inclined to issue any
direction in relation to the proposed removal of Sunehri Bagh Masjid after New
Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) gave an assurance that the objections raised by
its imam would be considered before arriving at a final decision.
Justice
Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav disposed of the petition by imam Abdul Aziz,
challenging a Dec 24, 2023 public notice by NDMC asking people to submit
objections/suggestions on removing the religious structure due to alleged
traffic congestion in the area in Lutyens’ Delhi. “At this stage, the court is
not inclined to pass any positive directions,” the judge said.
The
court took on record the statement made by the additional solicitor general
that the objections of the public would be considered as per the law. He also
said the decision of the heritage committee on the removal was still awaited.
The
petitioner’s senior counsel said he would withdraw the petition if the
authorities were directed to decide the objections submitted by him before
taking any final call. The petitioner submitted that the mosque was more than
150 years old and several government buildings in the area had contributed to
the traffic, if any.
In Feb,
the court was told by Delhi Traffic Police that the issue was being considered
by Heritage Conservation Committee. The NDMC counsel then said a final call
would be taken by the committee.
On Dec
18, the court had closed the proceedings in a separate petition by Delhi Waqf
Board while recording that the parties would act as per law. PTI
We also
published the following articles recently
Why
there are many objections to new bill targeting Urban NaxalsThe Maharashtra
Special Public Security Bill has sparked criticism for potentially turning the
state into a police state. Critics argued it curbs civil liberties, harshly
punishing dissent and categorizing peaceful protests as unlawful. The bill's
vague terms raised concerns about potential misuse by authorities. Human rights
activists and opposition parties demanded its withdrawal.111948860
Action
will be taken to rescue child labourers in Delhi: AAP govt tells Delhi high
courtThe Delhi High Court pressed the AAP government for urgent action to
rescue trafficked minors. Authorities were asked to act quickly on provided
information. The petition highlighted delays despite legal mandates for swift
intervention. Instructions were given for sharing actionable details to
facilitate rescues.111833592
Faridkot
court writes to HC to consider transfer of Kotkapura case trial tooA Faridkot
court has proposed transferring the Kotkapura case to Chandigarh, following the
recent move of the Behbal Kalan case. The high court had earlier ordered
simultaneous trials for both interconnected sacrilege cases. With the state's
lack of serious pleading, the Behbal Kalan victim's family is planning to
challenge the transfer in the Supreme Court.111895253
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/imams-objection-to-removal-of-sunehri-bagh-mosque-considered-by-delhi-high-court/articleshow/111998749.cms
---------
Either
jail or ‘jahannum’ for terrorists: Union minister Rai on J&K terror attacks
July 24,
2024
Terrorists
active in Jammu and Kashmir will either land in jail or be sent to ‘jahannum’
(hell), Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said in the Rajya
Sabha on Wednesday while asserting that the Modi government has zero tolerance
for terrorism.
Rai was
replying to a supplementary question from Congress MP Pramod Tiwari.
Terrorist
activities witnessed recently will soon end, the minister said. “They
(terrorists) will not succeed in their design,” he added.
In the
past few days, 28 terrorists have been killed in Jammu and Kashmir and some
security personnel have also lost their lives, which is very unfortunate, Rai
said.
According
to the minister, security forces have killed about 900 terrorists in the region
after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. “Modi government has zero
tolerance for terrorism. We will end terrorism. They (terrorists) will be
either in jail or jahannum… I want to assure the House,” Rai said.
Between
2004-2014 when the UPA was ruling at the Centre, there were were 7,217
incidents of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The number came down to 2,259 from
2014, when the BJP was voted to power, and July 21 this year, Rai said.
“These
should not have happened. It is unfortunate but they (opposition) should not do
politics over it,” the minister said.
In 2019,
the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir was bifurcated into the union
territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Rai told
the House that 2,829 citizens and security personnel lost their lives between
2004 and 2014. This number has come down by 67 per cent since 2014. Besides,
there is also reduction of 69 per cent in terror incidents.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jail-or-jahannum-terrorists-union-minister-rai-jk-terror-attacks-9472875/
--------
Cow
smuggler shot dead while being chased by police in Rajasthan
July 24,
2024
A pickup
van driver allegedly smuggling cows was shot dead in the early hours of
Wednesday by another group of suspected bovine smugglers in Rajasthan’s Deeg
district, police said.
Superintendent
of Police (SP) Rajesh Kumar Meena said the incident occurred around 2 am,
adding that police had information that two men were smuggling cows in a pickup
van.
As a
police team gave the vehicle a chase, the occupants of the pickup truck opened
fire at it, he said.
Meena
said that at some distance, two other suspected cow smugglers were catching
bovines. Seeing the commotion, they opened fire at the pickup van, the officer
added.
“A
bullet hit the driver of the van that was being chased by police,” the SP said,
adding that he died of the gunshot wound.
The
deceased was identified as Sandeep and the other person who was with him,
Naresh, was caught, he said.
The SP
said two cows were rescued from the vehicle. The other two suspected bovine
smugglers fled the spot, he added.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/cow-smuggler-shot-rajasthan-9472971/
--------
4
J&K govt employees dismissed without inquiry for being ‘threat to state
security’
Include
two cops, education dept official, village level worker. This brings the total
number of such dismissals to 64
Written
by Bashaarat Masood
July 24,
2024
jammu
and kashmirThe Article 311 (2) (c) allows dismissal of a government employee
without inquiry. (PTI Photo/Representative)
The
Jammu and Kashmir administration has terminated four more government employees
— including two policemen — on allegations of being a threat to the security of
the state. The employees have been terminated with immediate effect under the
Article 311 (2) (c) of the Constitution.
The
Article 311 (2) (c) allows dismissal of a government employee without inquiry.
In a
latest order, the administration has terminated the services of Mushtaq Ahmad
Pir, senior grade constable from Handwara; Imtiyaz Ahmad Lone, a police
constable from Gamraj village of south Kashmir’s Tral; Bazil Ahmad Mir, a
junior assistant in the education department from Khurhama village of Lalpora
in north Kashmir’s Kupwara; and Mohd Zaid Shah, a village level worker in the
rural development department from Basgran village in Uri in north Kashmir’s
Baramulla district in similarly worded dismissal orders.
The
order dismissing Mushtaq Ahmed Pir read: “Whereas the Lieutenant Governor after
considering the facts and circumstances of the case and on the basis of the
information available that the activities of Mr Mushtaq Ahmad Pir, Senior Grade
Constable in Police Department S/O Ab Ahad Pir R/O Kalmoona, Vilgam Handwara
District Kupwara are a such warrant his dismissal from service. Accordingly,
the Lieutenant Governor hereby dismisses Mr Mushtaq Ahmad Pir… with immediate
effect”.
“And
whereas, the Lieutenant Governor is satisfied under sub section (c) of the provisio
of clause (2) of Article 311 of the Constitution of Indian that in the interest
of the security of the state, it is not expedient to hold an enquiry in the
case of Mr Mushtaq Ahmad Pir,” the order dismissing Mir reads.
This
brings the total number of such terminations in the UT in the last four years
to 64 government employees. Mainstream political parties in the Valley have
been critical of the move.
The
latest spate of terminations came a month-and-a half after the government
ordered dismissal of four government employees. On June 8, the government
terminated the services of two policemen, an assistant lineman in the Jal
Shakti department and a Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) teacher.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jammu-kashmir-govt-employees-dismissed-inquiry-threat-state-security-9472616/
---------
North America
Outrage
in Congress: Democrats boycott Netanyahu’s address over Gaza genocide
24 July
2024
When
Benjamin Netanyahu arrives on Capitol Hill to address a joint meeting of US
Congress, he will face empty rows of seats left by Democratic representatives
who demand an end to the Biden administration’s support for Israel’s genocidal
campaign in Gaza.
The July
24 event, which is also expected to draw crowds of angry protesters in
Washington, will be boycotted by approximately 80 House Democrats and at least
six Democratic senators, CNN reported citing sources and public statements.
This has
prompted Speaker Mike Johnson to threaten that he will have anyone who causes a
disturbance on the floor or in the gallery above arrested.
Among
those who will boycott Netanyahu’s address is Democratic congressman Jamaal
Bowman, who said he was outraged as "a genocidal war criminal will address
Congress."
Netanyahu’s
joint address, he said, is directly undermining the will of the overwhelming
majority of Americans who want peace.
Representative
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Democrat of New York, said she would not be attending
the speech for the simple reason that she thinks Netanyahu is a “war criminal.”
So does
Democrat of Michigan and the sole Palestinian American in Congress
Representative Rashida Tlaib. She said, “It is utterly disgraceful that leaders
from both parties have invited him to address Congress.”
Tlaib
said Netanyahu “should be arrested and sent to the International Criminal
Court.”
“It is a
sad day for our democracy when my colleagues will smile for a photo op with a
man who is actively committing genocide.”
Representative
Pramila Jayapal of Washington was also planning to stay away.
Representative
Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, another progressive Democrat, said she would not
attend the event.
Representative
Maxwell Alejandro Frost, Democrat of Florida, who also said he would skip the
speech said, “I detest what Netanyahu is doing, and I detest his leadership.”
Meanwhile,
a number of Democratic lawmakers are planning to participate in a series of
counter-programming events on Wednesday.
The
event, “Peace is Possible: An Alternative Vision for Israel and Palestine,”
will feature Israeli and Palestinian peace leaders and is hosted by groups like
the Center for American Progress and Middle East Democracy Center.
Netanyahu
landed in Washington on Monday and will meet Biden on Thursday.
Vice
President Kamala Harris, who has secured the support of a majority of
Democratic delegates to become the party's nominee for president after Biden
announced he was quitting the race for a second term, will hold separate talks
with Netanyahu.
After
Biden dropped out of the presidential race, many hope that Harris will have an
opportunity to change course on Washington’s support for Tel Aviv’s war on
Gaza.
But the
vice president won’t be attending Netanyahu’s address, as she has pre-scheduled
campaign travel in Indianapolis on Wednesday, said her plans “should not be
interpreted as a change in her position with regard to Israel,” according to a
Harris aide.
The
Biden-Harris administration has sent tens of thousands of weapons to Israel
since the regime launched its campaign of death and destruction in Gaza in
early October.
The
regime's war machine has now raged for 291 days and so has killed more than
39,000 Palestinians, with a devastating impact on children in particular,
according to the Gaza health officials.
Source: presstv.ir
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/07/24/729991/Nentanyahu-Congress-speech-Democrats-boycott-war-criminal
--------
US
Remains Committed to “Protecting Universal Respect for The Right of Freedom of
Religion” – US Responds to Police Orders to Eateries Along Kanwar Yatra Route
July 25,
2024
UP
eateries order On Monday, Muzaffarnagar police ordered all eateries along the
Kanwar Yatra route to display the names of their owners to avoid any
"confusion".
Responding
to a query on the police orders requiring eateries’ owners to display their
names along the Kanwar Yatra route in certain Indian states, the US state
department said it has seen the reports of the Supreme Court ordering a stay on
the directives. A department spokesperson said that US remains committed to
“protecting universal respect for the right of freedom of religion”.
“We have
seen those reports. We have also seen the reports that the Indian Supreme Court
on July 22nd issued an interim stay on the implementation of those rules,” said
State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller when asked about the police directives
issued in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
“Speaking
generally, we are always committed to promoting and protecting universal
respect for the right of freedom of religion and belief for all anywhere in the
world. And we have engaged with our Indian counterparts on the importance of
equal treatment for members of all religions,” he added.
The
Supreme Court of India on July 22 issued an order prohibiting the enforcement
of a public notice by the police in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar district.
This notice had directed hotels, eateries, and shops along the route of the
Kanwar Yatra to display the names of their owners and employees. Similar
directives had been issued by police in Haridwar (Uttarakhand) and Ujjain
(Madhya Pradesh).
The Muzaffarnagar
Police’s notice, issued on July 17, claimed that while no “religious
discrimination” was intended, past incidents had shown that confusion arose
among the Kanwariyas—who adhere to a strict vegetarian diet—when they
encountered shops without clearly identified ownership.
The
directive has faced significant backlash, with BJP allies JD(U) and RLD along
with senior party leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi joining the Opposition parties in
questioning the order. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav had criticized the
orders, labeling them “social crimes” intended to disrupt peace and harmony.
Trinamool
Congress MP Mahua Moitra, Association for Protection of Civil Rights, Delhi
University Professor Apoorvanand, and the former India head of Amnesty
International Aakar Patel had challenged the direction in the Supreme Court on
the ground that it targets Muslim-owned businesses by compelling individuals to
reveal their religious identity.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/kanwar-yatra-eateries-order-us-response-9474187/
--------
Before
Executing a Muslim Man, Alabama Denied Many of His Final Religious Requests
July 24,
2024
For the
past 25 years, Keith Gavin practiced Islam inside the walls of death row at
Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Alabama. He was the prison’s imam for a
time, leading the row’s Sunni Muslim community in prayer. He’d even adopted an
Islamic name, Kamar Kernell Gavin Gabuniquee, meaning “strong prince, strong
one, and wonder.” The religion had saved his life, Gavin told me as we sat at a
plastic folding table in the prison’s visitation room on Thursday morning.
Gavin, 64, wore a knit white kufi on his head; a string of pale green and black
prayer beads dangled over his khaki prison uniform.
It was
10 a.m., and in eight hours, Alabama planned to execute Gavin by lethal
injection. He’d filed a handwritten appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court the
previous day and was waiting to hear whether it would step in and stop it. I
knew that the odds weren’t in his favor. The court was historically hostile to
death row prisoners and there was only a very small chance it would let him
live, but it wasn’t unheard of—the justices had just stopped an execution in
Texas at the eleventh-hour the night before.
While we
waited, we talked about another matter: whether Gavin would get to eat his
final meal, a decision that was up to the prison’s warden, Terry Raybon. Gavin
had requested halal food, lamb specifically, but Raybon was refusing to let
anyone get it for him and it didn’t sound like he was going to change his mind.
Even if chances of a stay were slim, they still seemed higher than Gavin
getting a piece of lamb.
It was
the latest disagreement between the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC)
and Gavin over his final wishes, all of which arose from his Islamic faith.
Last month, Gavin sued the state to ensure that officials did not perform an
autopsy on him because doing so would be sacrilegious. The lawsuit came after a
breakdown in “meaningful discussion” with state officials, according to a court
filing. Alabama eventually relented and allowed Gavin to forgo an autopsy under
the condition that he find a mortuary to take his body by 7:30 p.m. after his
execution. His supporters raised $4,000 to pay for the pickup and the transport
of his body back to his hometown of Chicago for an Islamic burial.
In the
days leading up to his execution, Gavin also made requests about what he wanted
to eat, the garments he would wear, and his final words before he died. He’d
planned to wear his kufi while his imam of 15 years, Aswan Abdul-Adarr, prayed
with him in the execution chamber, a proposal he said Raybon had approved, per
the state’s execution protocol.
It’s not
uncommon for death row prisoners to make final requests that stretch the bounds
of what’s usually permitted on death row. Last year, James Barber led a march
to “When the Saints Go Marching In” before he was led off to Alabama’s
execution chamber. The prison also allowed his family to bring in a guitar, on
which they played “Amazing Grace” at the request of a correctional officer.
But ADOC
officials have been less receptive to the requests of Muslim prisoners facing
execution. Though less than one percent of the state identifies as Muslim, a
much larger population on death row—around 20 people, or 12 percent—identify as
Sunni Muslim. When Domineque Ray asked that his imam be allowed to pray with
him in the execution chamber in 2019, ADOC refused, citing security concerns.
The decision was criticized by a federal appeals court and three U.S. Supreme
Court justices. In a dissent, Elena Kagan wrote that she found the decision
“profoundly wrong.”
In the
visitation room, Gavin explained that Raybon, the warden, had instructed him
earlier in the week to select his final meal, initially saying he could choose
whatever he wanted as long as it was under $25. Gavin’s request for halal lamb
was an attempt to abide by Islamic teachings that say meat should be slaughtered
in the jugular vein, a method that is supposed to result in a quicker and
kinder death. Gavin had been unable to eat halal food on death row. (Muslim
prisoners had tried unsuccessfully to convince ADOC to start serving halal
options, a campaign made all the more difficult by Raybon, who had said that he
didn’t know what halal food was, said Gavin. ADOC did not reply to a request
for comment about the statement.)
“I’m a
Muslim, I’m supposed to be eating halal food,” Gavin said. “There’s nothing else
to eat but junk food. If I had a choice, I’d eat halal food. But I have to eat
to survive.” Having a halal meal in the hours before his death would be “truly
a blessing,” he said.
The
problem with Gavin’s request came when Raybon decreed that if he wanted an
outside meal, it had to come from one of the handful of restaurants in the
small city of Atmore—even though none of them serve halal food, let alone lamb.
The previous day, Kelly Huggins, Gavin’s lawyer, had devised a plan to get him
halal lamb by having Abdul-Adarr pick it up on his way from Mobile, some 50
miles away. When she sent an email to ADOC lawyers with the offer, they were
unmoved.
“I
believe the warden has explained to Mr. Gavin what his meal options are today,”
wrote Thomas McCarthy, an ADOC lawyer, in an email I reviewed. “Mr. Gavin can
select from those options or select something from the facility menu, which is
what he has been eating. His visitors are also able to provide him with any
snacks and beverages available in the facility vending machines.”
When
Huggins asked whether any halal option would be available, she got no answer.
As a
last effort on Thursday, the prison’s chaplain asked Raybon whether he could
drive to Mobile to pick it up. As Huggins and I visited with Gavin, the
chaplain told us that the warden had shot down the plan.
Soon,
Raybon was in the visitation room, wearing a striped crimson University of
Alabama polo and his gold warden badge. He dismissed Huggins’ pleas and told us
that the halal meal violated protocol, leaving without providing explanation.
ADOC’s execution protocol states that visitors can’t bring in food, but
mentions no requirement that final meals come from Atmore. I sent questions
about the policy to ADOC on Thursday but didn’t receive an answer.
Like the
rest of his meals on death row, Gavin’s final meal consisted of junk food: a
pint of butter pecan ice cream bought with the remaining money on his
commissary account, and a can of Mountain Dew and bag of peanut M&M’s from
the visitation room vending machine.
Gavin
seemed perturbed but unsurprised. More than anything, ADOC’s resistance to such
a seemingly simple request had created new questions about what it would do
later. Would he get to wear his kufi in the execution chamber? Pray with his
imam? Would ADOC hand off his body untouched?
Gavin
was sentenced to death in 1999 by a jury vote of 10-2 for the 1998 murder of
William Clayton Jr., a driver for Corporate Express Delivery Systems. Gavin
maintained that he was innocent of the crime, alleging that his cousin was
responsible for the killing.
On
appeal, his lawyers questioned the reliability of his sentence for a list of
other reasons. Among them, they argued that the jury should’ve had to
unanimously agree to sentence Gavin to death. Alabama and Florida are the only
two states that allow juries to send someone to death row even when all jurors
don’t agree. Approximately six out of every ten prisoners on death row in
Alabama were sentenced to death by a split jury, according to a 2023 report by the
NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Efforts to stop the practice have
been unsuccessful; a 2023 bill banning non-unanimous death sentences in Alabama
never made it out of committee.
Gavin’s
attorneys have also argued that the performance of his court-appointed trial
lawyers fell below constitutional standards. His current legal team found that
one of his lawyers admitted to being “heavily sedated” due to a broken foot as
Gavin’s trial approached. They also say his trial lawyers put together a meager
case to convince jurors to spare Gavin’s life when it came time for them to
decide whether to sentence him to life without the possibility of parole or
death. At the time, his lawyers called just two people to testify: his mother,
who they admitted they had not adequately prepared; and a minister who had
counseled Gavin in jail.
Gavin’s
appellate lawyers later dug up information that they argued could have helped
his case. They found that he grew up in poverty and surrounded by violence in
Chicago housing projects. He took on the role of caregiver for his 11 siblings
and committed crimes to earn money for his family. He was beaten by his father
throughout his childhood. At 17, a gang attack sent Gavin to the hospital. By
the time he was 21, he shot dead the leader of the gang that attacked him and
spent a total of 17 years in an Illinois prison, where he was stabbed by gang
members, according to legal documents.
A
federal district court in 2020 ruled that Gavin’s representation at trial was
so poor that it violated his right to counsel. “Counsel were totally
unprepared,” the judge wrote in a decision that was later reversed by the 11th
U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
After
the state set Gavin’s execution date in April, his lawyers filed motions trying
to stop the execution. When those were rejected, Gavin opted to represent
himself, filing his own motions in a final effort to save his life.
On
Thursday afternoon, around 3 p.m., Gavin received a petition filed by Alabama
Attorney General Steve Marshall with the U.S. Supreme Court asking the justices
to let the execution proceed, a response to his appeal for a stay the previous
day. With just an hour and a half until he’d be taken away by corrections
officers, he looked down at the blank legal pad of paper in front of him. There
would be no time for him to file a last rebuttal. “Don’t despair,” Gavin had
said throughout the day, and now it was Huggins’ turn to echo the refrain back
to him.
Gavin
was resolute. “I’m not afraid to die,” he said.
Once it
became clear that the execution would happen, Gavin’s legal team waiting with
him inside the prison, which by now had grown to three, asked if he was ready
to discuss an unpleasant topic: how the executioners would set the IV lines
that would deliver the lethal drugs.
Gavin
shuddered, clutching the insides of his arms close to his body, as if to
protect his veins from hearing about the stabbing they’d soon endure. He said
he’d hated needles ever since he saw people shooting up drugs as a kid in
Chicago.
As if to
change the subject, Gavin began writing another letter to his sister, Adriane,
and stuffed it into the folder that his lawyers were to send to her in Chicago.
When the
clock struck 4:30 p.m., corrections officers gathered in the hallway that
wrapped around the visitation room on all sides. They had changed from the blue
polo shirts they wore earlier in the day into formal uniforms of light blue
long sleeve button downs and navy pants. One of the officers came in and told
Gavin that it was time to go.
The next
time I saw him, Gavin was lying strapped to a gurney inside the execution
chamber. His body was bound in a white blanket; his arms outstretched next to
him, with IV lines sticking out below both of his elbows. His index fingers
were lifted, an Islamic gesture meaning Allah is the only god. Gavin’s eyes
were locked onto his imam, Abdul-Adarr, who stood to his left, and his lips
were moving, his speech muted by the glass window separating the chamber and
witness room. He was no longer wearing his kufi.
Raybon,
the warden, who had changed into a suit, read the execution warrant and turned
over the microphone for Gavin for his final statement. “I love my family,” he
said, followed by “La Ilaha Illallah Muhammadur Rasulullah,” an Arabic phrase
meaning “there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of God.”
An
officer motioned for Adbul-Adarr to step forward. As they prayed together,
Gavin’s lips started moving more slowly until they stopped moving altogether.
Eventually, Abdul-Adarr stepped back.
Myself,
two of Gavin’s lawyers and media witnesses sat under the glow of a fluorescent
pink light watching Gavin die as feedback droned from the speaker above us.
Once it appeared that he was no longer breathing, a corrections officer closed
the hospital curtain that covered the window into the chamber. He was
pronounced dead at 6:32 pm.
Afterwards,
ADOC issued a press release stating that Gavin refused a final meal and made no
special requests.
On
Sunday, I spoke with Abdul-Adarr, the imam, by telephone. He told me that after
Gavin was taken away by corrections officers, and out of contact with his
lawyers inside the impenetrable walls of the execution chamber, ADOC had
reneged on its agreement to allow Gavin to die in line with Islamic tradition.
The breakdown, which had begun with the meal earlier that day, had spiraled
into Gavin’s final moments.
Abdul-Adarr
told me that Raybon had personally guaranteed him that Gavin could wear his
kufi, a cap many Muslim men wear as an identifier of their religious beliefs,
inside the execution chamber. But when Abdul-Adarr finished praying with Gavin
in his cell before he was taken to the chamber, a corrections officer made
Gavin take it off.
Abdul-Adarr
said the warden had also agreed in writing to let him recite a series of four
traditional Muslim prayers with Gavin before pushing the lethal drugs into
Gavin’s veins, and that the execution team captain had confirmed the
arrangement once they got to the death chamber—but that plan broke down, too.
According
to Abdul-Adarr, they were just halfway through the first prayer, the opening
chapter of the Quran, when Gavin abruptly jumped ahead to the final statement
Muslims are supposed to say right before death: “La Ilaha Illallah Muhammadur
Rasulullah.” Abdul-Adarr said he tried to encourage Gavin to keep going but it
became clear that would not be possible; shortly after, Gavin’s head, which was
upright, fell backwards onto the gurney. ADOC, he said, had already started
administering the sedative, rendering Gavin unable to speak.
“He
wasn’t responding,” recounted Abdul-Adarr. “I initially thought it was because
of the gravity of the final moments so I just kept going to finish the prayer,
but then I realized they had started the lethal injection process while I was
still standing right there.”
ADOC did
honor its agreement to Gavin after he died. It did not perform an autopsy on
Gavin’s body and the agency handed it off to an Islamic mortuary without any
issues. Once there, Abdul-Adarr washed it three times, as is required in
Islamic tradition, and prepared it for the flight to Chicago. He was buried
there on Tuesday.
Abdul-Adarr
said he planned to file a complaint with ADOC over its treatment of Gavin
before and during the execution.
He’d
been reflecting on whether he should have said something about ADOC deviating
from its plan while he was in the chamber but doubted officials would have done
anything differently. “It was very disrespectful,” he said. “You didn’t give
him his last meal. You took his kufi. But you said we would have plenty of time
to pray. They didn’t follow their own procedure.”
Source: boltsmag.org
Please click the following URL to read
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https://boltsmag.org/alabama-execution-keith-gavin-religious-requests/
--------
New
Jersey man who stabbed author Salman Rushdie was trying to carry out fatwa,
prosecutor says
July 24,
2024
A man
who severely injured author Salman Rushdie in a frenzied knife attack in
western New York was motivated by a Hezbollah leader's endorsement of a fatwa calling
for Rushdie's death, prosecutors said Wednesday in announcing new terrorism
charges.
The
three-count indictment unsealed in U.S. District Court in Buffalo offered for
the first time a potential motive for the 2022 attack on “The Satanic Verses”
author.
Hadi
Matar, a U.S. citizen from New Jersey, was attempting to carry out a fatwa,
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Kruly said. According to the prosecutor, Matar
believed the call for Rushdie's death, first issued in 1989, was backed by the
Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah and endorsed in a 2006 speech by the
group’s secretary-general, Hassan Nasrallah.
"We
allege that in attempting to murder Salman Rushdie in New York in 2022, Hadi
Matar committed an act of terrorism in the name of Hezbollah, a designated
terrorist organization aligned with the Iranian regime,” Attorney General
Merrick Garland said in a news release. “The Justice Department will prosecute
those who perpetrate violence in the name of terrorist groups and undermine the
basic freedoms enshrined in our Constitution.”
Matar,
who faces separate state charges of attempted murder and assault, pleaded not
guilty to the new federal charges of terrorism transcending national
boundaries, providing material support to terrorists and attempting to provide
material support to a terrorist organization.
“The
investigation was lengthy, for the last two years, and I’m sure involved a
number of different agencies, a number of different countries and a number of
individuals,” Matar’s attorney, Nathaniel Barone, said after the arraignment.
He said the federal case will be far more complex than the state charges, which
focus largely on the assault on Rushdie while he was onstage and about to give
a lecture at the Chautauqua Institution in August 2022.
“Federally,
you're looking at more of conspiracies,” the lawyer said.
Matar,
he said, “plans on proceeding with a vigorous defense and maintain his
innocence.”
Matar,
26, has been held without bail since the attack, during which he stabbed
Rushdie more than a dozen times before a stunned audience of about 1,500
people. Knife wounds blinded Rushdie in one eye. The event moderator, Henry
Reese, was also wounded before bystanders subdued the assailant.
“This
defendant put time and effort into traveling to the western district of New
York with the intent of taking the life of another,” U.S. Attorney Trini Ross
said. “Only because of the brave efforts of those who were present that day,
the defendant was prevented from completing his murderous intention."
Rushdie
detailed the attack and his long and painful recovery in a memoir published in
April.
The
federal charges come after Matar earlier this month rejected an offer by state
prosecutors to recommend a shorter prison sentence if he agreed to plead guilty
to both state and the anticipated federal charges. Instead, both cases will now
proceed to trial separately. Jury selection in the state case is set for Oct.
15.
A
detention hearing in the federal case is scheduled for Aug. 7.
The
author spent years in hiding after the Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran issued a
fatwa in 1989 calling for Rushdie's death over his novel “The Satanic Verses.”
Khomeini considered the book blasphemous. Rushdie reemerged into the public in
the late 1990s.
Matar
was born in the U.S. but holds dual citizenship in Lebanon, where his parents
were born. He lived in Fairview, New Jersey, prior to the attack. His mother
has said that her son became withdrawn and moody after he visited his father in
Lebanon in 2018.
The
attack raised questions about whether Rushdie had gotten proper security
protection, given that he is still the subject of death threats. A state police
trooper and county sheriff's deputy had been assigned to the lecture. In 1991,
a Japanese translator of “The Satanic Verses” was stabbed to death. An Italian
translator survived a knife attack the same year. In 1993, the book’s Norwegian
publisher was shot three times but survived.
The
investigation into Rushdie's stabbing focused partly on whether Matar had been
acting alone or in concert with militant or religious groups.
Source: nbcconnecticut.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/national-international/nj-man-stabbed-salman-rushdie-carry-out-fatwa/3344186/
---------
CAIR-CA
to Hold 18th Annual Muslim Youth Leadership Program in Sacramento
July 24,
2024
From
July 25 through July 28, the California chapter of the Council on
American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights
and advocacy organization, will hold its 18th annual Muslim Youth Leadership
Program (MYLP) at the State Capitol in Sacramento.
MYLP is
an intensive four-day program designed to empower Muslim high school students
with the knowledge and skills to become future leaders in government, law, and
media.
WHAT:
18th Annual Muslim Youth Leadership Program
WHEN:
Thursday, July 25 – Sunday, July 28. Media opportunities include:
Jummah
(Congregational) Prayer: Friday, July 26, 1:30 p.m. to 1:50 p.m., Capitol
Lawn
Mock
Legislative Session: Friday, July 26, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., O Swing Building, Room
1100
WHERE:
State Capitol, Sacramento
CONTACT:
CAIR Sacramento Communications & Outreach Coordinator Anes Mokeddem,
916.610.5079, amokeddem@cair.com
This
year’s program will bring together 39 Muslim high school students, selected
from a competitive statewide pool, to participate in workshops on community
organizing, leadership development, and public speaking.
A
highlight of the program is a mock legislative session, where participants
serve as legislators, debating public policy issues and preparing bills to be
presented on the State Capitol Assembly Floor. This session provides a
practical understanding of how the California legislature reviews bills and
enacts laws.
“The
Muslim Youth Leadership Program provides invaluable opportunities for our youth
to learn about leadership and advocacy,” said CAIR-CA CEO Hussam Ayloush. “We
are dedicated to preparing these young individuals to take on tomorrow’s
challenges and contribute meaningfully to their communities.”
ince its
inception in 2005, over 570 California students have participated in MYLP. The
program boasts alumni who have been accepted to elite universities, such as
Harvard, Stanford, Cornell, John Hopkins, UC Berkeley, and UCLA, with many
going on to elected office. Graduates have also become community activists, who
have created non-profit organizations and taken on groundbreaking leadership
positions.
CAIR-CA
is a chapter of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy
organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect
civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
Source: cair.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-ca-to-hold-18th-annual-muslim-youth-leadership-program-in-sacramento/
--------
Police:
Somerville Man Arrested for Allegedly Spraying Anti-Muslim Graffiti on
Bridgewater Mosque
July 24,
2024
BRIDGEWATER,
NJ - An arrest has been made in relation to anti-Muslim graffiti on the
exterior of the Al Fatah Center, in Bridgewater.
The
graffiti, according to a release, contained a derogatory and anti-Muslim remark
against Islam’s Prophet Mohammad.
Julian
A. Dale, 29, of Somerville, was charged with fourth degree bias intimidation
and a disorderly person’s offense of criminal mischief following an
investigation into the incident.
According
to Bridgewater Township Police Chief John Mitzak, on July 19 at about 6:34
p.m., Dale was seen driving a black Honda Civic with New Jersey registration
onto the property of the Al Fatah Center, on Route 202/206. Dale parked near
the entrance to the mosque and then left a short time later, Mitzak said.
At about
7 p.m., an employee of the mosque saw bias graffiti spray painted on a pillar
near the main entrance to the building.
On July
22, Bridgewater detectives found Dale, interviewed him and subsequently
arrested him.
Dale was
taken to Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing.
“Al
Falah Center was deeply shocked to discover the anti-Muslim graffiti following
Friday prayer, a weekly ritual that draws dozens of Muslims in the Bridgewater
community,” the center said in a statement. “The hateful message should be
thoroughly investigated, and justice must be served in accordance with the
law.”
Source: tapinto.net
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.tapinto.net/towns/bridgewater-slash-raritan/sections/police-and-fire/articles/police-somerville-man-arrested-for-allegedly-spraying-anti-muslim-graffiti-on-bridgewater-mosque
---------
US
Treasury Department designates Islamic State facilitators across Africa
July 24,
2024
Yesterday,
the US Treasury Department sanctioned three Islamic State facilitators based in
Zambia, Uganda, and South Africa. The three have operated as part of a
coordinated network that moves money between Islamic State franchises in
Somalia, South Africa, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and
Mozambique.
Treasury’s
designation report reveals it sanctioned Abubakr Swalleh, a Ugandan national
based in both Zambia and South Africa; Zayd Gangat, a South African national
also linked to criminal networks; and Hamidah Nabagala, another Ugandan
national based in the DRC.
According
to the designation statement, Swalleh is “involved in the physical transfer of
funds from South Africa to the DRC.” Treasury also states that “Swalleh
facilitates the movement of ISIS-affiliated individuals from Uganda to South
Africa, and vice versa.”
In
addition, Treasury states that Swalleh closely works with Mohamad Ali Nkalubo,
also known as Meddie, a senior official within the Islamic State’s Central
Africa Province (ISCAP) in the DRC. Swalleh and Meddie’s roles in funding ISCAP
were meticulously outlined in a previous study by the Bridgeway Foundation for
George Washington University’s Program on Extremism.
Meddie
ordered Swalleh to move from Uganda to southern Africa, according to Treasury.
Meddie was previously designated by the US State Department late last year for
his own involvement with the Islamic State. He is believed to be behind most
terrorist incidents in Uganda since 2021.
Though
the US government just sanctioned Swalleh, he is currently in Ugandan custody.
Swalleh was arrested earlier this year in northern Zambia, where he was
continuing his work as an Islamic State facilitator. He was subsequently
extradited to Uganda, where he is currently held in Kampala’s notorious Luzira
Prison.
Regarding
Zayd Gangat, the Treasury Department notes that he “is a South Africa-based
ISIS facilitator and trainer.” It also states that Islamic State operatives in
South Africa “have historically used robbery, extortion, and kidnap for ransom
operations to generate funds for the group.” Gangat’s current status and
location are unclear, though he is believed to be based in Johannesburg.
The
Bridgeway Foundation study also documented former Ugandan Islamic State members
traveling to South Africa to receive military training. Based on testimony from
these defectors, the research confirmed that Islamic State cells in South
Africa, primarily in Johannesburg, rely heavily on crime to generate revenue.
The relationship between crime and Islamic State nodes in South Africa has
previously been documented by independent reporters in 2020 and the US Treasury
in 2022.
Money
gained from criminal activities is pooled with money forwarded by the Islamic
State’s Al-Karrar Office, an Islamic State-central administrative body hosted
within the group’s franchise in Somalia. The Islamic State then forwards funds
to other operatives in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and the DRC.
Swalleh and Hamidah Nabagala, designated by Treasury yesterday, are two such
operatives.
Treasury
states Nabagala “serves as an intermediary for ISIS financial flows in central
Africa.” While still based inside Uganda, she helped fund the November 2021
triple suicide bombing in Kampala. Treasury makes a point to state that
Nabagala “also sought to smuggle her three children out of Uganda to send them
to ISIS-affiliate camps in the DRC,” where she is now based.
Though
he is not mentioned in Treasury’s designation, Nabagala’s husband, Hamidu
Nsubuga, was also an Islamic State operative in Uganda. Hamidu Nsubuga was
linked to the August 2021 suicide bombing plot at the funeral of a Ugandan
general, which was broken up by Ugandan security forces before he and another
individual could blow themselves up. According to Ugandan officials, Meddie
Nkalubo commanded that plot.
Hamidu
Nsubuga was killed two months later, in October 2021, by Ugandan security after
attempting another terrorist plot in Kampala. In November 2021, a separate cell
commanded by Nkalubo conducted the triple suicide bombing that Nabagala helped
facilitate.
Yesterday’s
designations will likely have little impact on the ground since Islamic State
financial nodes in Africa largely operate outside of formal banking or
financial institutions. However, the report provides useful insights into just
how extensive and robust Islamic State networks are across the African
continent, including in countries virtually untouched by global jihadism in the
past, such as Zambia.
Source: longwarjournal.org
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2024/07/us-treasury-department-designates-islamic-state-facilitators-across-africa.php
--------
In
Congress, Netanyahu gets applause; but outside, pro-Palestinians reaffirm
reality
24 July
2024
Pro-Palestine
protesters were on the streets in Washington, DC, on Wednesday to condemn
Israel’s barbaric campaign of death, destruction and genocide in the besieged
Gaza Strip.
And at
the same time, Benjamin Netanyahu was addressing US Congress.
Several
thousands of demonstrators gathered near the Capitol.
Demonstrators
with signs reading, “Arrest Netanyahu” and “End all US aid to Israel” chanted,
“Free, free Palestine!” following a sit-in at a congressional office building
that resulted in several arrests the previous day.
Netanyahu
aims to bolster Washington’s support for Israel’s war machine.
Protest
organizers had planned to obstruct his path to the building, which led to the
police forcibly dispersing those blocking an intersection.
The
organizers announced that six intersections leading to the Capitol were “claimed
by the Palestinian people.”
Some of
the protesters were transported to the demonstration site from New Jersey.
“Bibi,
Bibi, We’re not done! The intifada has just begun!” protesters shouted,
referring to Netanyahu by his nickname, as other demonstrators chanted,
“Netanyahu, you can’t hide. You’re committing genocide.”
“We
protest this homicidal maniac, his supporters and his enablers. And we demand
his arrest,” shouted Zeina Hutchinson, director of development for the Arab
American Anti-Discrimination Committee, after reading off the names of several
Palestinian journalists Israel has killed.
Several
dozen protesters gathered outside Netanyahu’s hotel on Monday evening upon his
arrival in Washington. The following afternoon, hundreds of demonstrators organized
a flashmob-style protest inside the Cannon building, which houses offices of
House members.
The
Capitol Police reported some 200 arrests on Tuesday related to the sit-in at
the Cannon building. According to Jewish Voice for Peace, a larger number,
including rabbis, were also taken into custody.
Organized
by Jewish Voice for Peace, protesters dressed in red T-shirts emblazoned with
“Not in Our Name” occupied the building’s rotunda. They sat on the floor,
displayed signs, and chanted “Let Gaza Live!”
Source: presstv.ir
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/07/24/730003/netanyahu-congress-washington-pro-palestinians-
--------
Europe
World
Islamic Tourism Conference 2024: Shaping the future of muslim-friendly Travel
25.07.2024
The
World Islamic Tourism Conference 2024 is set to return to Kuala Lumpur this
September, underscoring the rapid growth and dynamic potential of the Islamic
tourism sector. Organized by the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC), this significant
event will convene on 12-13 September 2024, gathering 500 key industry players
to delve into the theme “Forging Connections.”
Malaysia
and ITC continue to spearhead the expansion of Islamic tourism, a sector that
is experiencing unprecedented growth as the global Muslim population surpasses
2 billion. The World Islamic Tourism Conference 2024 aims to spotlight emerging
trends and innovative strategies to penetrate the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and
Hospitality (MFTH) sector, with a focus on both established and emerging Muslim
markets.
The
theme “Forging Connections” highlights the importance of linking destinations
to promote mutual understanding, economic collaboration, cultural exchange,
innovation, and sustainability. The conference will address these themes across
four critical tracks: Understanding Muslim Tourists, Muslim-Friendly Travel and
Community, Growth and Opportunity, and Inclusivity.
Understanding
Muslim Tourists will explore the backgrounds, motivations, and faith-based needs
of Muslim travelers, examining the influence of digital spaces and the rising
role of Muslim women in tourism.
Muslim-Friendly
Travel and Community will discuss the importance of standards and
certifications, community engagement, and the integration of sustainable
practices in line with Islamic principles, including the significance of
authentic Halal culinary experiences.
Growth
and Opportunity will focus on Malaysia’s Umrah Hub mission, the promotion of
Islamic heritage sites, and inspiring entrepreneurial stories within the
Muslim-friendly tourism sector.
Inclusivity
will analyze marketing strategies targeting Muslim consumers in
non-Muslim-majority countries, the impact of online Islamic finance platforms,
and the growth potential of inclusive financial solutions for Muslim tourists.
ITC
Director-General Nizran Noordin emphasizes the conference’s importance, noting
Malaysia’s top-ranking status as a Muslim-Friendly Destination for nine
consecutive years in the Global Muslim Travel Index Report. Nizran invites
Malaysians, tourism industry leaders, stakeholders, and practitioners to engage
in this expansive sector, valued at USD 225 billion.
The
conference is open to a diverse range of stakeholders, including government
officials, national tourism organizations, travel and tour operators,
hoteliers, airline companies, and digital developers.
Established
in 2009, ITC is committed to advancing Malaysia’s Islamic tourism ecosystem by
enhancing the MFTH framework. Through initiatives such as the Muslim-Friendly
Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition (MFAR) and the
Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guide (MFTG), ITC has cemented its position as a
trusted leader in the industry.
The
World Islamic Tourism Conference 2024 promises to be a pivotal event in shaping
the future of Muslim-friendly travel, fostering economic growth, cultural
exchange, and sustainable development in the Islamic tourism sector.
Source: traveldailynews.asia
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.traveldailynews.asia/meetings-events/world-islamic-tourism-conference-2024-shaping-the-future-of-muslim-friendly-travel/#google_vignette
--------
Islamic
State Claims Oman Attack
Jul 17,
2024
In a
first, the Islamic State has formally claimed an attack in Oman, a country that
has had little history of security threats posted by jihadist groups- something
that is itself unsurprising given that jihadists, who are Sunnis, do not draw
on the native Omani population that primarily follows a different sect of Islam
(Ibadism). The attack itself was directed at members of the country's Shi'a
community- derogatorily dubbed 'Rafidites' (and specifically intended to refer
to Twelver Shi'a).
Rather
than being part of some sophisticated Gulf/Arabian Peninsula-specific strategy
or necessarily indicative of a broader trend in the region, the attack is more
simply a reflection of the group's worldview that the Shi'a- as a supposed
'apostate' sect- are to be attacked wherever and whenever possible with the
ultimate goal being that no Shi'a should be left on earth. So long as the
attackers can successfully execute the attack and prove their allegiance to the
Islamic State in doing so, that becomes sufficient grounds for the attack to be
formally claimed by the organisation. In this case, there was clear value in
claiming the attack given that it had no precedent in the country in question
and that it emphasises the global and eternal nature of the group's war against
Shi'a.
Below
are the relevant Islamic State materials translated. Any parenthetical
insertions in square brackets are my own.
{Click
here to continue reading}:
https://www.aymennaltamimi.com/p/islamic-state-claims-oman-attack
Source: aymennjawad.org
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://aymennjawad.org/2024/07/islamic-state-claims-oman-attack
---------
French
president praises Afghanistan’s women and girls ahead of Paris Olympics
July 24,
2024
French
President Emmanuel Macron has described the people of Afghanistan as “strong”
and emphasized that girls and women in the country should remain hopeful about
the future and continue their efforts.
Macron
made these remarks on Tuesday, July 23, during an exclusive interview with
Radio Free Europe in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics.
He noted
that the decision by the United States to withdraw from Afghanistan had
significantly impacted girls and women in the country. Macron highlighted that
France had done everything possible to accommodate refugees and protect people
in the aftermath of the U.S. withdrawal and its consequences.
“I know
how strong your people are,” Macron said. “I want to send this message to
Afghan women and girls to remain hopeful about the future.”
The
French President also praised the participation of three Afghan girls in the
Olympics, stating that their presence symbolizes hope and represents all Afghan
women and girls.
The
Olympics are set to begin in Paris, France, on Friday. Afghanistan’s athletes
Kimia Yousofi, Fariba Hashemi, and Duldaz Hashemi, along with Muhammad Samim
Faizzad, Shah Mahmood Noorzai, and Faheem Anwari, have traveled to Paris to
participate in the Games.
Meanwhile,
Macron’s statements reflect a supportive stance towards women of Afghanistan
and highlight the significance of athletes’ participation in the upcoming
Olympics. Their presence on the global stage serves as a beacon of hope and
resilience for their country amidst ongoing challenges.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.khaama.com/french-president-praises-afghanistans-women-and-girls-ahead-of-paris-olympics/
--------
Annual
Muslim event draws 40,000 attendees in East Worldham
The
event is organised by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and is being held from
July 26 to 28, at Oakland Farm in East Worldham, near Alton, drawing an
impressive 40,000 participants from more than 100 countries.
This
gathering has stood as the UK's longest-lasting Muslim convention, with this
year marking its 58th anniversary.
The
event will host Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the Caliph of the global Ahmadiyya
Muslim Community, who is known for his dedication to enriching peace and
harmonising interfaith relationships.
This
large-scale gathering will transform the 210-acre Hampshire farm into a global
village, thanks to some 7,000 volunteers across the UK.
The
volunteers are not just event organisers – they are also expected to prepare
over 300,000 meals throughout the convention.
This
year's event has assembled support from prominent figures like His Majesty the
King, respected faith leaders, and well-regarded NGOs.
One of
the convention's highlights includes the Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim
Community raising the British flag, symbolising unity.
The
ceremony, scheduled on Friday, July 26 at 3pm, is expected to attract an
audience of 35,000 UK delegates and will broadcast to millions globally.
Other
significant activities are scheduled for the weekend, including speeches from
various dignitaries, parliamentarians, and civic leaders.
The
event will feature an impactful display of unity on Sunday, July 28.
From
10am until 2.30pm, thousands of attendees will form a human chain to take a vow
to uphold the rights of all humanity.
Jalsa
Salana will be broadcast live worldwide through MTA International and Voice of
Islam Radio in various languages.
In
addition, exhibitions on topics like freedom of religion, the Israel-Gaza
conflict, and humanitarian projects by Humanity First will be available for
visitors.
A
display by the Review of Religions magazine is also on the agenda.
Source: hampshirechronicle.co.uk
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk/news/24474202.annual-muslim-event-draws-40-000-attendees-east-worldham/
--------
Glasgow
Central Mosque proposed for category A listing
24 July
2024
Glasgow
Central Mosque could be listed as category A following a consultation by the
Historic Environment Scotland (HES).
The HES
is welcoming comments through its consultation which begins today, July 24 and
continues until August 21.
Following
this, HES will review the comments before finalising the mosque's designation
status.
More
information is available at https://tinyurl.com/63k6bc5z.
(Image:
Historic Environment Scotland)
Elizabeth
McCrone, director of Heritage at HES, said: "The Glasgow Central Mosque is
a distinctive local landmark and an important building both in terms of its
architecture and the role it has played in the historical development of the
Scottish Muslim community.
"We
welcome comments through our consultation on our proposal to designate the
Glasgow Central Mosque, and we welcome information that can further increase
our understanding of the building and its use."
Completed
between 1979 and 1984, the mosque in Gorbals, one of Scotland's first
purpose-built mosques, incorporated Islamic architectural traditions into the
design, but it also includes features such as a courtyard and an Arabesque
garden.
(Image:
Historic Environment Scotland)
The
mosque's use of red brick, pigmented red concrete, and terracotta tiles were a
nod to Glasgow's local practice of using red sandstone in building
construction.
It also
serves as a social historical interest for Scotland's Muslim history, having
played a significant role in the community's growth in the latter half of the
1900s, while also operating as a centre for education in the Islamic faith.
Source: uk.news.yahoo.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/man-repeatedly-punched-face-train-133200695.html
--------
Newham
imam violently attacked in Al Karam Mosque by 'man who claimed he was there to
pray'
An imam
was “violently attacked” by a man who allegedly talked his way into an east
London mosque by pretending he wanted to pray.
Security
has been significantly tightened at the Al Karam Mosque in Newham and police
officers will maintain a “high visibility presence” following the assault in
the early hours of July 22.
The man
entered the mosque at about 5.30am, allegedly with a concealed lock knife,
claiming he was there to pray. When inside he launched himself at Mansoor
Mahmood.
In a
statement, a spokesman for the Al-Karam Mosque said: “Demonstrating remarkable
courage, our Imam defended himself until police arrived and apprehended the
attacker.
“We are
profoundly grateful that our Imam survived this horrific incident, and we
commend the swift response of the police.
“We urge
our congregation to support and adhere to the enhanced security measures being
implemented, including the regulated opening and closing of the mosque during
prayer times.”
Plaistow
councillor John Morris said: "I'm deeply shocked by this appalling attack
on one of our religious communities.
“My
thoughts are with the Al-Karam Mosque's courageous Imam and congregation.”
Chief
Inspector Sarah Jackson, who leads Newham's neighbourhoods policing teams, said
local faith officers had been dispatched to the mosque. “I know that this is an
alarming incident,” she said. “We we are treating it with the utmost
seriousness.
"Local
faith officers have visited the mosque to meet those directly impacted. We are
in touch with other partners to provide wider reassurance.
"Officers
are also providing a high visibility presence at the mosque for Friday prayers
and I would encourage anyone who has any concerns to speak to them.”
“Police
were called at about 5.30am on Monday, July 22 following reports that a man had
been assaulted at a mosque on Katherine Road, E7. The man was taken to hospital
for treatment and has since been discharged.
“This
matter is not being treated as a hate crime but as an isolated incident.”
Motin
Jaman, 32, has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon and assault
by beating. He is due to appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
Source: standard.co.uk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/london-imam-attacked-al-karam-mosque-newham-mansoor-mahmood-b1172598.html
--------
Iran
summons German ambassador over banning of Islamic centre, IRNA reports
24 July
2024
DUBAI
(Reuters) - Iran's foreign ministry summoned the German ambassador in Tehran on
Wednesday over Berlin's decision to ban the Islamic Centre Hamburg (IZH)
association, the official IRNA news agency reported.
Germany's
interior ministry said on Wednesday it had banned the organisation and its
subsidiaries.
The
German ministry said the IZH acted as a direct representative of Iran's Supreme
Leader and sought to bring about an Islamic revolution in Germany that would
create theocratic rule.
The IZH
was not available for comment by phone on Wednesday morning, and its website
was not accessible to the public.
(Reporting
by Elwely Elwelly; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
Source: uk.news.yahoo.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/iran-summons-german-ambassador-over-121642967.html
--------
Moscow
car bombing suspect arrested in Türkiye – Interior Minister
24 Jul,
2024
A
Russian citizen suspected of being responsible for a car bombing in Moscow on
Wednesday morning has been detained by police in the Turkish city of Bodrum,
the country’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya has announced.
The
arrest comes after a Toyota Land Cruiser, reportedly belonging to a Russian
serviceman, exploded near a residential building in Northern Moscow earlier in
the day. The bomb went off when the owner of the vehicle and a person believed
to be his wife, got inside. Both were hospitalized, with the man reportedly
losing his feet and the woman receiving shrapnel wounds.
Following
the incident, Russia’s Investigative Committee told the TASS news agency that
the identity of the culprit behind the explosion had been established and that
they had found the car he used to get to the scene of the crime.
Several
hours later, the Turkish Interior Minister published a statement on X that
Russia’s Interpol unit had informed it that the person behind the car bombing,
identified as Yevgeny Serebryakov, a Russian citizen, had boarded a flight from
Moscow to Bodrum.
Serebryakov
was arrested by the Mugla Provincial Police units in the city, Yerlikaya said.
The arrest was caught on video, which was shared by the minister.
According
to media reports, citing sources within the Turkish Interior Ministry,
Serebryakov was able to enter the country as a tourist, given that he was not
yet placed on any international wanted list.
While
investigators in Russia continue to examine the details of the terrorist act,
no official statements have been made yet regarding potential reasons for the
brazen attack.
Source: rt.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.rt.com/russia/601599-suspect-moscow-car-bombing/
--------
Pakistan
Fawad
sees Nawaz, Zardari on 'wrong side of history' amid PTI ban move
July 24,
2024
Fawad
Chaudhry, the former federal minister in the erstwhile Imran Khan-led
administration, has claimed that it will be the "worst blunder" of
the ruling coalition in history if it proceeded with its decision to to disband
the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
PML-N
President Nawaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari are standing on the wrong
side of history, he said warning the duo against the ban on the PTI.
The
former minister said this while talking to the media outside the anti-terrorism
court in Lahore on Wednesday.
The
former minister's statement came after Information Minister Attaullah Tarar
doubled down on the government's decision to ban the PTI, saying the government
had made up its mind to go ahead with its "principled" decision.
"[We]
have consulted with the Pakistan Peoples Party with regards to the PTI ban and
are currently in talks with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan [...] people
are strongly supporting [the idea of banning [PTI]", Tarar said while
speaking on Geo News' programme 'Capital Talk' on Tuesday.
The
information minister referred to the July 19 meeting that Prime Minister
Shehbaz Sharif convened to take the key ally into confidence over the vital
decision. The coalition government has started consultations with its partners
over its decision to ban the Imran Khan-founded party over its alleged
involvement in anti-state activities.
The two
parties decided to bring the issue to parliament for discussion after
brainstorming it at the party level, and then it will be presented before the
federal cabinet.
However,
Fawad believed the ban would be of no effect, saying that the PTI founder had
been imprisoned for nearly a year. "Did it make any difference?" he
asked.
"You
deprived the PTI of the election symbol of the bat. You gave them scores of
symbols instead. Despite all this, people voted in favour of the PTI."
He also
ruled out the PTI's role in the "digital terrorism", saying it is
being executed from abroad.
PTI's
Information Secretary Raoof Hasan was arrested from the party's central
secretariat in the federal capital for allegedly heading a social media cell
involved in running anti-state propaganda.
Issuing
its statement after Hasan's arrest, the Islamabad police said, "The PTI
digital media centre had become a centre of international disinformation, from
where anti-Pakistan propaganda is run throughout the world."
In his
presser earlier this week, Inter-Services Public Relations Director-General (DG
ISPR) Lt General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said, "Digital terrorism is being
done on social media. The army is standing up against terrorists and digital
terrorists."
In
today's media interaction, Chaudhry said that the PTI ban was being worked out
in the federal cabinet's meetings today, however, it would turn out to be
history's worst blunder by Nawaz and Zardari.
On this
occasion, the former minister highlighted that the current dire economic
situation would prompt people to "scream" in the coming days, as the
government is in "direct confrontation" with the judiciary and the
public.
He also
demanded the government release PTI leader Raoof Hasan.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1212962-fawad-sees-nawaz-zardari-on-wrong-side-of-history-amid-pti-ban-move
--------
Awami
National Partyfor Shunning ‘Good And Bad Taliban’ Distinction
July 25,
2024
PESHAWAR:
Awami National Party’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa president Mian Iftikhar Hussain on
Wednesday said any strategy to combat militancy would be successful only if the
authorities implemented it without making any distinction between good and bad
Taliban.
Speaking
at a function held to mark the 14th death anniversary of his son, Mian Rashid
Hussain, he said wrong policies pursued in the past had pushed the Pakhtun
nation against the wall.
He said
politics of revenge should be shunned, and warned against banning Pakistan
Tehreek-i-Insaf. “National Awami Party was banned in the past but it is still
functional in the shape of ANP,” he said.
Mr
Hussain said in a democratic set-up, banning political parties was not solution
to the issues.
He said
situation in Bannu was not as tense as it was being portrayed. He said the
firing on a peace rally in Bannu should be investigated independently, and the
perpetrators should be awarded exemplary punishment.
He
claimed when in the government ANP engaged in successful talks with militants
and also conducted a successful operation against anti-state elements. He said
such measures were successful because they were taken with the consent of the
public.
“Will
more blood of Pakhtuns be shed to make the CPEC successful and please China,”
he said.
“Twice
in the past, the US came to this region, but it wasn’t able to eliminate
terrorism,” he said.
The ANP
leader said KP continued to witness military operations from time to time. He
said the public had lost its faith both in talks with militants as well as the
operations against them. “People’s trust needs to be built.”
Mr
Hussain said parliament and all other stakeholders should be taken into
confidence and a unanimous strategy should be formulated as far as the fight
against militancy was concerned.
He said
14 years ago on this day he lost his only son to terrorism and his wounds were
still fresh in his mind. He said this wave of terrorism was still going
unabated.
He vowed
that ANP would continue efforts for ending terrorism and restoring peace in the
country. — Bureau Report
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1847820/anp-for-shunning-good-and-bad-taliban-distinction
--------
Arrests
in Bannu following govt-jirga agreement
July 25,
2024
LAKKI
MARWAT: Police detained over a dozen armed suspects during a grand clean-up operation
targeting “good Taliban” in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district on Wednesday.
The development comes as the provincial apex committee is set to meet today
(Thursday) to address the demands of a 40-member jirga.
Simultaneously,
a sit-in continued for the fifth consecutive day in the southern district of
Bannu, with demonstrators calling for the restoration of peace and
indiscriminate action against armed groups.
A police
official said the operation began after sub-divisional police officers and
station house officers were given the green signal to crack down on armed men
in their jurisdictions.
“Law
enforcement raided three locations in the southern district, rounding up 17
suspects,” the official said, adding that police seized arms and ammunition and
impounded their vehicles.
The
suspects, along with their weapons and vehicles, have been shifted to local
police stations for interrogation.
“We are
in the process of identifying the arrested men and determining their
involvement in any terrorism-related or subversive activities,” the official
added. Police experts are also investigating the motives behind their presence
in the area.
The
operation, which involved a large police contingent, armoured personnel
carriers (APCs), and Elite Force commandos, resulted in the elimination of
armed suspects’ hideouts.
A video
circulating on social media showed police officers apprehending armed suspects
and escorting them to police vans. Residents, upon learning of the police
action, emerged from their homes and chanted slogans in favour of police
officials.
“Such
actions not only enhance public trust in law enforcement agencies but also
improve law and order in the district,” a resident said.
The
police action followed a 40-member Bannu Aman Jirga’s presentation of a 16-point
demand list, including measures against armed groups, to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur in Peshawar.
The
jirga’s demands included the elimination of centres of surrendered Taliban
fighters, their patrols and pickets, and granting the police a free hand to act
against terrorists.
Bannu
sit-in
Meanwhile,
a protest sit-in led by former tehsil nazims Fida Muhammad Khan and Engineer
Malik Ihsan, along with other local leaders, entered its fifth day on
Wednesday, with many people camped at Maulana Abdul Sattar Shah Chowk in Bannu
city.
The
district health department also set up a free medical camp at the protest site,
while Rescue 1122 personnel provided medical and other services.
Bannu
Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Nasir Bangash emphasised that the
sit-in would continue until Friday (tomorrow), when Mr Gandapur is expected to
visit the district.
The
provincial apex committee is scheduled to meet today to discuss the 16-point
demands of the Bannu Aman Jirga and the province’s security situation. Five
members of the Bannu jirga are also set to attend the apex committee meeting.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1847872/arrests-in-bannu-following-govt-jirga-agreement
--------
PML-N
ups the ante for Imran’s conviction in May 9 cases
July 25,
2024
LAHORE:
Punjab’s senior minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, who had been keeping a low profile
with regard to issuing political statements since the formation of the PML-N
government, joined the ranks of party’s top leadership demanding conviction of
all May 9 riots culprits, particularly ex-premier Imran Khan after his reported
“confessional statement” that he had asked for a “peaceful protest” outside the
army headquarters in the wake of his arrest.
Several
PML-N leaders, including Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Senator Talal
Chaudhry, federal and provincial ministers Attaullah Tarar, Khawaja Asif, Rana
Tanvir Hussain, Khurram Dastgir, Rana Mashhood and Azma Bokhari, have already
demanded that the PTI founder be convicted of terrorism after what they said
his “confessional statement of attacking the military installations”.
In his
reaction to the PML-N demand, PTI’s Punjab chapter information secretary Shaukat
Basra said those calling his party a “terrorist organisation” should think
twice, reminding them Maryam Nawaz herself had accused judges of partiality
during her campaign against the superior judiciary.
While
speaking at a news conference, Ms Aurangzeb said: “After his confessional
statement, Imran Khan must be given punishment by courts. He admitted that he
had given the call for May 9 events. Its evidence was witnessed by the whole
nation on the screens as the PTI had been attacking the state time and again
since 2014.”
PTI
reminds Marriyum Aurangzeb of her party leadership’s ‘venom’ against judges,
generals
Addressing
the judiciary, the senior minister stated in categorical terms: “If you do not
punish Imran Khan, then tomorrow you will have to allow all terror groups to
come into the political framework.”
Asked if
the PTI leaders and workers accused of May 9 incidents were getting bail
because of weak prosecution, Ms Aurangzeb said: “It is not the weakness of
prosecution. If they are pardoned today, then tomorrow you and I should also be
pardoned for committing any crime. I ask the judiciary, parliament and
political leaders and workers to understand what we have to do with this
country.”
Lashing
out at the former premier, the senior minister said he also had started a
“campaign of digital terrorism” by becoming a part of foreign conspiracies and
damaging the country’s reputation. “In 2022, he even had advised IMF not to
provide financial assistance to Pakistan and drifted towards default.”
She said
no one would be allowed to hold country’s “institutions hostage and act
arbitrarily”.
‘Zombies
against state’
According
to her Mr Khan used people as “zombies against the state” under the guise of a
political party. “It is now necessary to punish him. He has no understanding of
the definition of a democratic and political party or a terrorist organisation.
The
person who brought hunger to the country will now see people going on hunger
strikes against him,“ she said, asserting that no further legal leniency should
be given to him as it was mandatory to apply law to everyone equally.
Asked if
the PML-N government was feeling threatened to be sent home before completing
its tenure, the provincial minister said: “We will complete our five-year
term.”
‘Nawaz
spewed venom against army’
In a
sharp reaction to the presser, PTI leader Shaukat Basra reminded the PML-N of
Ms Nawaz’s campaign against the superior judiciary during which she herself had
accused judges of partiality. He said PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif had spewed venom
against the military leadership during his speech in Gujranwala and in
statements made in London. Mr Sharif also used to call the then army chief Gen
Bajwa and the then DG ISI “traitors”.
Mr Basra
claimed that Maryam Nawaz used to promote slogans against military such as “Yeh
jo dehshatgardi hai — iss kay peechay wardi hai” in her public meetings. He
said PML-N cronies had also attacked the SC and harassed the then CJP Sajjad
Ali Shah decades ago. The Sharif family had always confronted the state
institutions when in power, he added.
He said
the PML-N was finding it difficult to accept the SC full bench order that
recognised the PTI as a political party and awarded it its due share of
reserved seats. “Marriyum Aurangzeb was only crying hoarse to express her
loyalty to the party — but without any substance,” he commented.
Asserting
that Mr Khan would be out of jail by October and become the next prime
minister, he said, the PML-N’s false narrative was falling flat as the PTI
founder was being exonerated from every case instituted against him.
Through
the power of their votes, people had already buried the PML-N government’s May
9 narrative, he said, adding that some 30 million Pakistanis voted for the
PTI-backed candidates in the Feb 8 general elections.
“The PTI
had won 180 seats, which were stolen through Form-47,” he added.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1847856/pml-n-ups-the-ante-for-imrans-conviction-in-may-9-cases
--------
Islamabad
High Court asks DC to allow PTI to hold rally
July 25,
2024
ISLAMABAD:
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday set aside deputy commissioner
Islamabad’s order issued on July 5, refusing to allow PTI to hold a rally in
Islamabad on July 6 and ordered him to decide the request for the issuance of
No-Objection Certificate (NOC) in accordance with the law by treating it as
pending.
“Since
the date of NOC for holding the rally has passed, the application for the grant
of NOC by the petitioner shall be deemed to be pending,” ordered Chief Justice
Aamer Farooq while disposing of PTI’s petition.
On July
5, DC Islamabad had turned down PTI’s request to hold the rally on July 6 at
any place, including D-Chowk, in view of the law and order situation due to
Muharram.
The IHC
order recalled how it had in earlier decisions declared maintenance of public
order and imposition of reasonable restriction while regulating the exercise of
the right guaranteed under Article 16 of the Constitution was within the domain
of the executive authorities i.e. the minister for interior, interior
secretary, chief commissioner, Inspector General of Police and deputy
commissioner.
Glass
wall in makeshift courtroom in Adiala jail removed
But at
the same time the court had ordered these officials to ensure that while
considering application of the political parties, they should be mindful of
their constitutional duty to safeguard the fundamental rights of all the
citizens.
However,
they will jointly be accountable for any hardship suffered by the citizens or
damage caused to property pursuant to their decisions. Likewise, the
applicants, whether representing the ruling party or the opposition parties,
are expected to strictly comply with the regulations and restrictions prescribed
in the interest of maintaining public order by these officials.
In a
separate case, the state counsel on Wednesday apprised the high court that a
glass barrier erected earlier in the makeshift courtroom inside Adiala jail has
been removed. The courtroom has been set up where former Prime Minister Imran
Khan was facing trials.
During
the hearing, Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz specifically inquired whether the
removal of the glass wall was a necessary.
Assistant
Attorney Generals (AAG) Rana Imran Farooq and Raja Zamirud Din Ahmed as well as
the state counsel however told the court that the decision of removing the
glass barrier has been taken by the jail authorities after taking into
consideration all aspects including the security.
The
court, however, directed the law officers to ensure that a statement to this
effect is filed before the court, which should be personally signed by the jail
authorities concerned by the next date of hearing which will be fixed after the
summer vacation.
Meanwhile,
the Punjab government and deputy superintendent Adiala Jail pleaded before the
high court to reject the petition by Intizar Hussain Panjuta, highlighting
alleged non-cooperation on the part of jail authorities to make his visit to
former prime minister Imran Khan difficult.
The
petitioner, Panjuta, had requested that the court facilitate his visit to Imran
Khan and sought a declaration against prison authorities regarding stopping him
at a distance of one and a half kilometres from the jail premises.
Filed
through Additional Advocate General Punjab Sanaullah Zahid, the statement
contested the factual aspects, adding the exercise of lawful discretion by the
management authorities with regard to regularisation of visitation with a
condemned/undertrial prisoner and a place of parking for his visitors do not
require any interference by IHC in its extraordinary constitutional
jurisdiction.
Sanaullah
Zahid contended that it was a well settled law that a person can be aggrieved
only when a person was denied a legal right or he was performing a legal duty,
adding the court should dismiss the petition in the interest of justice for
being devoid of merit.
Source: dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1847834/islamabad-high-court-asks-dc-to-allow-pti-to-hold-rally
--------
Pakistan
waives visa fee for 126 countries
July 25,
2024
ISLAMABAD:
In a major change in visa policy aimed at attracting tourists and investment
from across the world, Pakistan has completely waived the visa fee for the
citizens of as many as 126 countries.
The
decision, dubbed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif a “quantum jump” to attract
businessmen, investors, tourists and other travellers and to bring ease of
doing business, was taken at the federal cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
While
relaxing the visa policy, the cabinet approved the enforcement of online visa
application system under which citizens of 126 countries would get business and
tourist visas within 24 hours and would be exempt from paying visa processing
fee.
An
official handout issued by PM House quoted the prime minister as saying the
cost of visa processing after the waiver would be covered through foreign
exchange earned through investment and tourism, including religious tourism of
which Pakistan has immense potential.
Not only
the visitors would get visas within 24 hours through the electronic travel
authorisation form, but also get the facility of e-gates, which would be
established at Gwadar Port and nine airports across Pakistan, according to the
statement. Initially, the e-gates would be installed at Islamabad, Lahore and
Karachi airports.
Moreover,
for the travel facilitation of Sikh Yatrees (pilgrims) having passports of a
third country, the cabinet approved a separate sub-category for visa-on-arrival
facility. For this purpose, it was decided that a dashboard would be introduced
at the interior ministry to supervise the online visa system.
A source
told Dawn that the visa policy was relaxed for businessmen and tourists so that
they can apply for visa online, even a day before travel.
The
decision of the cabinet would be implemented by the interior ministry and the
Foreign Office, the source said, adding that all the 126 countries would be
informed through the FO.
Special
courts
Also,
the federal cabinet, on the recommendations of the high courts of Islamabad,
Balochistan, Sindh, Lahore and Peshawar as well as the Ministry of Law and
Justice, approved notification of special courts and banking courts with regard
to banking cases.
The
special and banking courts would function under the security exchange
commission.
The
cabinet also gave the go-ahead to singing of an MoU between Pakistan and
Denmark for promotion of public-private partnership for logistics, transport,
sustainable growth, water waste management, urban green development,
alternative energy and construction of basic infrastructure.
Resolution
on Palestine
Separately,
the cabinet demanded that the international community make Israel accountable
for its crimes against humanity and bring it to face court of justice, and
stressed upon the global community to accelerate its efforts to ensure
ceasefire and supply of human assistance in Gaza.
The ICJ
had declared Israeli brutalities as “genocide” of Palestinians.
A resolution,
passed by the cabinet in support of Palestinians and shared by PM Office, said
more than 39,000 Palestinians had been martyred due to barbarity of Israel.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1847864/pakistan-waives-visa-fee-for-126-countries
--------
Actor
Tahir Anjum thrashed by PTI's woman activist in Lahore
July 25,
2024
LAHORE:
A Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) woman worker on Wednesday vented anger on
stage actor Tahir Anjum by storming his vehicle and thrashing him outside the
party's hunger strike camp which was established outside the Punjab Assembly.
The
enraged party worker, who was at the protest to support her leaders, ripped one
of his sleeves while trying to drag him out.
The PTI
supporter, accused of viciously pounding and cursing the actor, who is also
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's (PML-N) Cultural Wing's president, was
identified as Aneela Jutt aka "Neeli Pari".
Aneela
alleged that Anjum used to post derogatory videos to malign incarcerated PTI
founder Imran Khan, dubbing him a "terrorist".
Videos
of the incident flooded social media, showing the PTI activist hurling abuses
at the stage actor as he fiercely fought to stay inside his car, with the
sleeve of his right arm reduced to tatters.
Some
cops and bystanders intervened to stop Aneela, but to no avail, as she refused
to give in and resisted the security personnel, ignoring their warnings and
entreaties to let Anjum leave the scene.
After
much rumpus, Anjum managed to flee the riot.
Later,
speaking to journalists, the actor expressed outrage over the incident and
claimed that the PTI’s bullies did not even care that his children were also in
the car with him.
He
slammed the PTI workers for resorting to "hooliganism" like members
of a "terrorist outfit" and for buffeting him.
Before
leaving the scene, Anjum also denied posting videos against the PTI founder or
doing anything illegal to trigger such an attack.
The
incident took place outside the Punjab Assembly building, where the
Imran-founded party is staging its second token hunger strike protest after
Islamabad demanding the release of arrested PTI leaders.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1212950-actor-tahir-anjum-thrashed-by-ptis-woman-activist-in-lahore
--------
Three
foreign climbers stuck on K2 rescued by Pakistan Army
July 24,
2024
AZAD
KASHMIR: Three foreign mountaineers, who got stranded while trying to scale K2,
the world’s second-highest peak, were rescued by the Pakistan Army on
Wednesday.
The
climbers came to Pakistan from the Netherlands, Singapore, and Ecuador to enter
their names in history by surmounting the peak, also known as Savage Mountain due
to difficulty of ascent and the second-highest fatality rate among the
eight-thousanders.
“I came
here to Pakistan to climb K2. I fell from the glacier and struck my arm. I was
rescued by a Pakistan Army helicopter," one of the mountaineers said after
the rescue.
Speaking
about her stressful experience, another climber said: “I came here to K2 base
camp. However, due to bad weather conditions, I fell ill. I had a really bad
cough and flu and was then rescued by the army.”
“I fell
from the glacier and the Pakistan Army rescued me from the glacier,” another
climber added sharing their harrowing experience.
After
the rescue operation, the army rescuers provided immediate medical aid and
warmth to the climbers, who were grateful to their saviours for bringing them
to safety.
Adventurous
climbers consider Pakistan a significant mountainous location as the country
hosts five of the world's 14 mountains above 8,000 meters — thus
eight-thousanders. However, some mountaineers in their challenging endeavours
face dire situations and sometimes even death.
Earlier
in 2023, a Pakistani porter died as hundreds ascended the K2 summit, including
Norwegian climber Kristin Harila and her Nepali guide Tenjin "Lama"
Sherpa.
Additionally,
well-known Mohammad Ali Sadpara and two others went missing in 2021 when they
attempted to scale the K2 mountain.
They
were then officially declared dead by the authorities. Notably, Sadpara is the
only Pakistani to have climbed eight of the world's 14 highest mountains.
K2 is
located around 10 kilometres north of Gasherbrum IV in the Gilgit-Baltistan
region, where the Karakoram mountain range is located. It is one of the
deadliest mountains in the world as many climbers have lost their lives trying
to reach its peak.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1212957-three-foreign-climbers-stuck-on-k2-rescued-by-pakistan-army
--------
KP CM
Gandapur 'accepts' demands of Bannu Aman Jirga after late night huddle
July 24,
2024
PESHAWAR:
The demands tabled by the Bannu Aman Jirga have been "accepted by Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur" which were placed in a
meeting held earlier this week, Geo News reported citing sources on Wednesday.
The jirga's
demands will be presented before the apex committee meeting expected to be held
tomorrow, wherein the terms of reference (ToRs) for the constitution of a
committee to probe into the Bannu incident will be discussed as well, the
sources said.
The forthcoming
session of the apex committee will be attended by the KP chief secretary,
additional secretary home, Corps Commander Peshawar, KP Inspector General (IG),
and other senior officers.
The
people familiar with the meeting also said the jirga sought to dismantle armed
groups operating in the province; empower police and ensure their patrolling at
night; allow CTD to conduct search operations or take action against terrorists
instead of security forces; and present missing persons before courts.
It was learnt
that CM Gandapur responded to queries of Bannu jirga members during the meeting
held late Monday.
He said
that the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) cleared the air about Operation
Azm-e-Istehkam (Resolve for Stability) — a new counterterrorism drive being
launched in the aftermath of a surge in terrorist attacks.
The
chief minister told the jirga members that the military's media wing made it
clear that Azm-e-Istehkam was "not an operation but a strategy" to
root out terrorism and extremism, they added.
It is
noteworthy to mention here that several political parties including the
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), the Awami
National Party (ANP), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and others had expressed
reservations over the new operation, demanding the authorities to take
parliament into confidence.
"Azm-e-Istehkam
is a comprehensive and integrated counter-terrorism campaign, not a military
operation per se as it is being presented," the ISPR Director-General
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said while responding to reservations
during a press conference in Rawalpindi a day ago.
While
detailing the scope of the new counterterrorism drive, Gandapur reportedly told
the jirga members that the KP police and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD)
would carry out search operations while they would take assistance from the
security forces as per the need.
He added
that the provincial police force would take action against armed individuals.
Subsequently, patrolling duties would be performed by the provincial police
which will be increased.
The KP
CM said that the government was strengthening the police and the CTD in Bannu
by opening recruitment and handing over additional vehicles, as per the
insiders.
In the
same meeting, the sources said CM Gandapur assured the Bannu Aman Jirga that
Jumma Khan Road will be reopened for movement soon.
While
talking to Geo News today, Adviser to KP CM on Information Barrister Muhammad
Ali Saif said that the apex committee was an independent institution to make
decisions on matters related to national security.
The CM's
aide said that not only Bannu but steps will be taken to eliminate terrorism
across the province.
He said:
"It was important to take up the Bannu [firing] incident in the [upcoming]
apex committee. The constitution of a commission on the Bannu incident will
also be discussed in the apex commission’s session."
The
situation turned unpleasant after the firing incident during the Bannu Aman
March last week in which at least one person was killed and 22 sustained
injuries during a peace march.
In the
presser, the DG ISPR detailed that some armed men in the peace march opened
fire, which led to the loss of life. In Bannu, the army personnel followed
their response SOP accordingly, he added.
Explaining
the SOP of the army, he said that whenever any "anarchist group"
approaches a military installation, it is first given a warning, and then it is
dealt with.
He said
that as soon as this incident took place, there was a hue and cry on social
media. "This shows how digital terrorists are supporting terrorists on the
ground."
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1212937-kp-cm-gandapur-accepts-demands-of-bannu-aman-jirga-after-late-night-huddle
---------
Courts
should remain open if country faces martial law threat: Justice Minallah
July 24,
2024
NEW
YORK: Justice Athar Minallah of the Supreme Court has stressed the need for the
courts to remain functional whenever the country faces a threat regarding the
imposition of martial law.
Pakistan
has faced three martial laws — 1958–1971, 1977–1988, 1999–2008 — spanning
decades since its independence in 1947.
"I
wish every time there's a threat of martial law, the courts are open," the
top court's judge said while addressing an event of the New York City Bar
Association on Wednesday.
The
judge's remarks came in response to a question, when a participant in the event
asked him why he opened the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on April 9, 2022, at
midnight — the day when former prime minister Imran Khan was ousted from power.
The
judge, who served as the IHC chief justice from 2018-2022, told the participant
that when he was appointed to the IHC's helm, he had issued a circular that the
high court would operate 24/7.
The
jurist noted that he had set a procedure that anyone could file a petition at
any time, which would then be sent to the then-IHC CJ on WhatsApp — whether it
be 3am or 4am.
"1,400
benefited from that circular. Nobody knows about them because they were not
political people, they were ordinary people. Only the Islamabad High Court did
that. The high court was open for everyone," Justice Minallah said.
He also
clarified that the media reports were wrong when they ran the news that he had
arrived at the high court. "I was in my pyjamas [...] when I was informed
that Supreme Court Bar Association President Ahsan Bhoon wants to file a
petition. But all petitions were frivolous and I didn't pass any order."
Justice
Minallah added that while he was at home, a private television channel was
broadcasting that he had reached the high court and was lamenting over this
development.
"My
wife told me this [...] and I said, 'really'?" He added that if he had
passed any order, people could question his integrity, but he did not resort to
any such move. "Despite that, a political narrative was created."
"[A
private television] channel created an impression that martial law is going to
be imposed," the senior jurist said, about the news being aired amid the
session on the no-confidence motion against then-PM Khan in April 2022.
"I
wish every time there's a threat of martial law, the courts remain open. I wish
they were open on July 5 when General Ziaul Haq was removing an elected prime minister.
I wish they were open on October 12 when General Pervez Musharraf had thrown
out an elected prime minister."
"If
anyone had attempted to remove unconstitutionally an elected prime minister
till then, Imran Khan, then it would have been a test of the Islamabad High
Court, whether it stands to uphold the Constitution or not."
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1212874-courts-should-remain-open-if-country-faces-martial-law-threat-justice-minallah
--------
Southeast Asia
Kelantan
bans entertainment, loud noise on Thursday night to encourage acts of worship
among Muslims
25 Jul
2024
KOTA
BHARU, July 24 —The Kelantan government has banned all forms of entertainment
from being held, or loud noise from being heard, in the state on Thursday
night.
State
Local Government, Housing, Health and Environment Committee chairman Hilmi
Abdullah said the ban is provided in the 1998 Control of Entertainment and
Places of Entertainment Enactment.
“The ban
is apt, to encourage Muslims to increase their acts of worship from Thursday
after the Asar prayer until Friday evening,” he told reporters after the state
executive council meeting today.
He said
the ban would be enforced because of several cases of quarters breaching
regulations, with the recent one involving an organiser of an event testing the
public address system at a premises near a mosque here. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/07/25/kelantan-bans-entertainment-loud-noise-on-thursday-nightto-encourage-acts-of-worship-among-muslims/144886
--------
Papal
visit enthuses Indonesian Muslim leaders
Dec. 24,
2023.
Top
leaders of Indonesia’s two major Islamic organizations have expressed their
enthusiasm for the upcoming visit of Pope Francis to their nation, calling it a
special occasion to embolden trust and harmony between religious communities.
The
visit can be a catalyst for peace-building in a world plagued by conflicts,
said the leaders representing Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah during a webinar
on July 23.
“We
welcome the visit with joy,” said Ulil Abshar Abdalla, a leader of Nahdlatul
Ulama which has an estimated 80 million members, making it one of the largest
Islamic organizations in the world.
Abdalla
made the remarks during the webinar organized by the Indonesian embassy at the
Vatican and the Association of Indonesian Priests and Sisters in Rome.
He said the
papal visit was special because it comes two months after the Grand Imam of Al
Azhar University in Cairo, Muhammad Ahmad Al Thayyib, visited Jakarta on July
9-11.
"The
visit of the Grand Sheikh and the visit of the pope occurring at almost the
same time is important considering that both figures have a great influence on
their respective religions," he said.
“How
come these visits happened consecutively? Is this divine providence?” he asked.
In 2018,
Francis and Al-Thayeb signed The Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace
and Living Together, also known as the Abu Dhabi Declaration, which stresses “a
culture of mutual respect” that can allow different faiths to live peacefully.
Abdala
said the Abu Dhabi document highlights the importance of openness in building
relations between religious communities.
The
pope's visit, he said, "is a breath of fresh air for all religious
communities in Indonesia, not just Muslims and Catholics."
Syafiq A
Mughni from the International Relations and Cooperation Division of
Muhammadiyah — which has 50 million members — said this visit is expected to
strengthen Islamic and Catholic relations in "building mutual trust
between us."
"Because
we do not deny that this often happens in various regions of the world and in
our country there is distrust or mutual suspicion between one group and
another," he said.
He said
a common understanding between faiths is important not only in religious
affairs but also in other aspects such as as politics, economics, and culture.
"I
think we should interpret the arrival of the pope as a momentum to create a
common understanding, how we see this situation as a challenge that we must
solve together," he said.
Religious
communities need to find common ground in overcoming the gap between the rich
and the poor, and to tackle injustices everywhere.
Looking
at other faiths with a positive mindset can yield good fruits, he said.
"Islam
says something positive about Catholics, likewise Catholics say positive things
about Muslims. It can be a powerful force in building a life together," he
added.
He
stressed implementing the Abu Dhabi Declaration with concrete action.
Indonesian
ambassador to the Vatican, Michael Trias Kuncahyono, said the pope's visit was
not only important for Indonesian Catholics, but also for the whole nation .
He said,
"there was no economic diplomacy or even political interest in the
visit."
"There
are only humanitarian interests, morality and ethics. That is what Pope Francis
always campaigns for," he said.
According
to the official itinerary, Francis will meet Muslim leaders at the Istiqlal
Mosque, close to the Cathedral Church in Jakarta during his Sept. 2-6 visit.
The two
places of worship are now connected by a tunnel which is scheduled to be
inaugurated next month. It is expected to be used during the pope’s visit.
About 85
percent of Indonesia’s estimated 270 million people follow Islam, making it
world’s largest Muslim-majority nation. The country has about 24 million
Christians including seven million Catholics.
The
country has six organized religions — Buddhism, Catholicism, Confucianism,
Hinduism, Islam, and Protestantism — and around 200 traditional beliefs.
Francis
will be the third pope to visit Indonesia after visits by Pope Paul VI in
December 1970 and Pope John Paul II in October 1989.
Source: ucanews.com
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https://www.ucanews.com/news/papal-visit-enthuses-indonesian-muslim-leaders/105828#google_vignette
---------
Progress
is Slow in ASEAN’s Anti-Nuclear Pact: Indonesia
July 25,
2024
Jakarta.
The progress is slow in bringing nuclear-possessing countries to promise that
they would keep the Southeast Asian region nuke-free, Indonesia told fellow
ASEAN members.
Foreign
Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi is currently in Laos to discuss the bloc’s
matters with her ASEAN counterparts. The group’s Southeast Asia Nuclear
Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) pact became one of the major themes in the
discussions.
The
treaty aims to create a peaceful Southeast Asia region that is free from
nuclear weapons. The pact has legally binding protocols for the five
nuclear-weapon states -- China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US -- to sign
and ratify. By signing, these five countries would promise to not use or
threaten to use nukes in the region. Although the SEANWFZ dates back to 1995,
no nuclear weapon state has signed the protocol so far.
“There
has not been any significant progress from the nuclear-weapon states in regards
to the SEANWFZ protocol,” Retno said in a press statement on Wednesday evening.
Amidst
the sluggish progress, Indonesia thinks it is about time that ASEAN should
involve experts in their efforts.
“Indonesia
suggests that we should appoint experts, including legal experts from every
ASEAN country, to give their inputs in the next SEANWFZ Commission meeting with
a clear and measurable timeline,” Retno said.
Of all
five nuclear-weapon states, China appears to be the one who is the closest to
signing the pact. Last year, Malaysia’s then-Foreign Affairs Minister Zambry
Abdul Kadir said that China had given its word to sign the protocol
“unconditionally”.
Kadir
made the remarks on the sidelines of an ASEAN foreign ministerial meeting in
Jakarta last July. Not long after Kadir’s statement, Secretary-General Kao Kim
Hourn also dropped a similar hint that Beijing had shown a “strong desire” to
sign the SEANWFZ protocol. But again, China has yet to keep its promise.
Source: jakartaglobe.id
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https://jakartaglobe.id/news/progress-is-slow-in-aseans-antinuclear-pact-indonesia
--------
Wisma
Putra: Malaysia hails Beijing Declaration for Palestinian Unity and interim
govt formation, calls it major milestone
25 Jul
2024
PUTRAJAYA,
July 25 — Malaysia welcomes the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and
Strengthening Palestinian National Unity sealed by the representatives of
Palestine in Beijing on July 23 within the framework of the Palestine
Liberation Organisation (PLO) and for the formation of an interim government of
national reconciliation.
The
Malaysian Foreign Ministry in a statement Wednesday said the Declaration is a
major milestone for Palestine in establishing its national unity and
reconciliation.
“Malaysia
believes this will bring many benefits to all parties, especially the people of
Palestine. We encourage all stakeholders to remain committed to the objectives
and spirit of this important Declaration,” said the ministry.
It also
commended the initiative and concrete efforts undertaken by China in making the
Declaration possible, noting that while reconciliation is an internal matter
for the Palestinian factions, the support of the international community is
also pivotal.
“Malaysia
commends this unified effort and reaffirms its support for the Palestinian
people’s right to self-determination and peace, and remains hopeful that this
agreement will pave the way for lasting stability and prosperity in the region.
“Equally
important is the commitment by all parties to working together to address the
challenges facing Palestine, including resisting displacement and illegal
settlements, and ensuring the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian and medical
aid to the people of Palestine,” it said.
Malaysia
remains resolute in its support for Palestinian statehood and urges governments
which have not done so to recognise the state of Palestine.
“Malaysia
stands ready to play our part within our means to contribute to ensuring
effective implementation of the Declaration,” it said.
On
Tuesday, representatives from 14 Palestinian groups, including Fatah and Hamas,
signed the declaration, pledging to end division and strengthen unity after a
three-day reconciliatory talks, hosted by China in Beijing. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/07/25/wisma-putra-malaysia-hails-beijing-declaration-for-palestinian-unity-and-interim-govt-formation-calls-it-major-milestone/144915
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Africa
Federal
Government of Nigeria Resumes Mass Trial Of 300 Terrorism Suspects
4 July
2024
The
Federal Government, on Wednesday, announced the resumption of mass trial for
individuals accused of terrorism and other serious crimes against Nigeria.
Spokesperson
for the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Abu Michael, stated that the trials
are part of the government’s efforts to promote social justice through a
transparent administrative process.
More
than 300 suspects are currently on trial, with five reputable judges presiding
over five courts and chambers dedicated to ensuring swift justice in terrorism
and related cases.
The
trials involve multiple stakeholders, including CCG prosecutors and defense
attorneys from the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACON).
Previously,
over 800 case files were reviewed, and charges were prepared to facilitate
effective prosecution and ensure justice is served appropriately.
The
statement read, “The ongoing trial, which is in line with the International
Criminal Justice system is being administered by the Federal High Court of
Nigeria with the Complex Casework Group (CCG) of the Office of the Attorney
General of the Federation in collaboration with other critical stakeholders
under the coordination and supervision of the National Counter Terrorism Centre
(NCTC), Office of the National security Adviser (ONSA).
“More
than 300 suspects are on trial with 5 reputable judges manning the 5 courts and
Chambers set up for speedy administration of justice on the ongoing trial in
terrorism and other related cases in the country.
“The
trial involves multiple stakeholders, CCG prosecutors, and defense counsel from
the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACON).
“Before
now, over 800 case files have been reviewed, and charges are drafted for
efficient prosecution in order to ensure that justice is appropriately served.
“Between
2017 and 2018, the trials so far resulted in 163 convictions, 882 discharges
and 5 accquitals. Suspects that are inculpable are being deradicalised, engaged
in profitable ventures, and efforts to reintegrate them are being sustained.
“The
NCTC-ONSA is working assiduously with relevant authorities in fulfilling its
mandates and to boosting the efforts of the incumbent administration towards
realising good governance and a just society.”
Source: naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/07/24/fg-resumes-mass-trial-of-300-terrorism-suspects/
--------
Sudan:
Paramilitary leader says he will attend ceasefire talks in Switzerland
25 July
2024
The
leader of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, said on
social media on Tuesday that he plans to attend ceasefire talks in Switzerland
next month.
They
have been arranged by the United States and Saudi Arabia in a bid to bring an
end to 15 months of intense fighting between the paramilitary group and the
army.
The US
State Department said the talks will aim to build on discussions between the
two sides that broke down late last year in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
“We
continue to believe there is no military solution to the conflict in Sudan. And
that convening these national ceasefire talks, and making clear that they are
backed by key international stakeholders, is the only way to put to end the
conflict in Sudan,” said US State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller.
He said
this was essential to prevent the famine that exists in Sudan from spreading
and to create space to restore the civilian political process.
In a
post on X, Dagalo said he hoped the talks would become “a major step” toward
peace and stability in Sudan and create a new state based on "justice,
equality, and federal rule.”
“We
share with the international community the goal of achieving a full ceasefire
across the country and facilitating humanitarian access to everyone in need,”
he said.
However,
it is not yet clear if the army, led by General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, will take
part in the talks.
Officials
in the office of the spokesperson for the Sudanese army told Associated Press
that no decision has been made on whether it will send a delegation.
They are
expected to get underway on 14 August at an as-yet unspecified location in
Switzerland.
The
United Nations says over 14,000 people have been killed and 33,000 others
injured in the fighting, but rights activists say the toll could be much
higher.
It has
also created the world’s largest displacement crisis with over 11 million
people forced to flee their homes, as well as allegations of rampant sexual
violence and possible crimes against humanity.
International
experts recently warned that 755,000 people are facing famine in the coming
months.
Last
week, the UN secretary-general's envoy for Sudan hosted a series of indirect
talks in Geneva between the two sides focusing on issues of humanitarian aid
and the protection of civilians.
Source: africanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.africanews.com/2024/07/24/sudan-paramilitary-leader-says-he-will-attend-ceasefire-talks-in-switzerland/
--------
Do Not
Join Nationwide Protests – Kalu To South-Easterners
25 July
2024
This
request comes after President Bola Tinubu signed the South East Development
Commission bill into law.
The
lawmaker asserted that the president has shown his willingness to heal the
wounds of the past, as the newly signed bill will tackle ecological problems
and other related environmental or developmental challenges in the south-east
states, and address infrastructural damages suffered by the zone as a result of
the civil war.
Speaking
to journalists in Abuja he said, “To my fellow South-Easterners, I implore you
not to join the planned looming anti-government protests.
“Instead,
let us view the signing of the SEDC bill into law as a testament to the
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s resolve to heal the wounds of the
past, bury the rumours of the “marginalization of the Southeast geopolitical
zone,”and renew the hope of the nation towards equitable economic growth and
socio-cultural renewal. This is a time for unity and progress, not division and
unrest.
“I also
implore Nigerians from all walks of life and the entirety of the country to not
heed the calls for protest but instead continue to trust in the process.
“The
reforms of the current administration will take time but will soon start to
suffice, including a reversal of inflation, stabilization of the economy, and
the ensuing multiplier effects in a massive employment boom as a result of
industrialization, and the outcomes of the work organizations like the SEDC will
engineer.”
Source: naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/07/25/do-not-join-nationwide-protests-kalu-to-south-easterners/
--------
Nationwide
Protest Is Not Billed To End In Peace – Atiku’s Ex-aide, Daniel Bwala
24 July
2024
Naija
News learnt that Bwala made this known on Wednesday while speaking with State
House journalists shortly after meeting President Bola Tinubu at the
Presidential Villa Abuja.
Describing
the intended protest as politically motivated and unnecessary, Bwala said
members of the opposition party must see beyond politics and rally around
Tinubu in his desire to transform the economy of Nigeria.
He
acknowledged citizens’ constitutional rights to carry out peaceful protests,
but expressed reservations, stating that nationwide protest is not billed to
end in peace.
Bwala
urged Nigerians to give the President more time to actualise his goals for the
country, adding that Tinubu was not oblivious to the economic hardship.
He said,
“I was delighted to have met with Mr President today to show solidarity with
him for his tireless effort in addressing the problems confronting the Nigerian
people.
“Mr
President is genuinely concerned about the plight of our people and he is working
hard to address them.
“Let us
keep faith and hope alive, knowing that there is light at the end of the
tunnel.”
Source: naijanews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.naijanews.com/2024/07/24/nationwide-protest-is-not-billed-to-end-in-peace-atikus-ex-aide-daniel-bwala/
---------
Mideast
Hamas
slams Israel PM for ‘misleading’ speech to US Congress
July 25,
2024
Hamas
said Wednesday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was “misleading”
the international community after he addressed the US Congress and called for
expedited military aid to his country.
“Netanyahu’s
talk about intensified efforts to return the hostages is a complete lie and
misleading Israeli, American and international public opinion, while he is the
one who thwarted all efforts aimed at ending the war and concluding a deal to
release the prisoners, despite the continuous efforts of mediators from our
brothers in Egypt and Qatar,” the Palestinian militant group said in a statement.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2555981/middle-east
--------
Fall of
Al Andalus 1st defeat for Arabs, Muslims, says Sharjah Ruler
His
Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and
Ruler of Sharjah, confirmed that the fall of the city of Al Andalus is not just
the occupation of a territory; rather, it is “the first defeat for Arabs and
Muslims.”
His
Highness revealed a cultural, historical, and religious project on the
offensive translation of the Holy Quran written by the Englishman, “Robert of
Ketton,” in agreement with the leader of Christian thought against Islam,
“Peter the Venerable,” in the year 1142 AD, which was printed in the year 1162
AD.
His
Highness said in a telephone interview on the “Direct Line” programme, which is
broadcast on Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, with Mohammed Hassan Khalaf,
Director General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority: “I studied the fall of
Al Andalus, and many Muslims believe that Al Andalus is a land that was
occupied and ended. While it is not like that, it is “the first defeat for the
Arabs and Muslims,” and therefore I wrote a play called “The Case,” but at the
time neither the actors nor even the viewers knew what I meant, and I meant
that this was the first defeat for the Arabs and Muslims, and therefore we
hope, God willing, that the setbacks in the Arab world will not continue.”
Peace,
not war
His
Highness continued: “I have written many books on the subject of refuting Islam
in Al Andalus and the reasons that led to that, and also the secret inquisition
courts that practised execution, burning, and many other matters against
Muslims. Islam spread in 711 AD, and this spread has a story that many people
do not know. They believe that Tariq Ibn Ziyad first entered Al Andalus. While
he first entered the city of Toledo, which is close to the city of Madrid, and
he did not destroy, but only besieged the city, so the people of the city asked
him: "Why are you besieging the city when we are now at the time of
harvesting the fruits of our agriculture? What do you want?" He replied,
“I just want to enter the city in peace without war.”
They
allowed him to do that. He entered the city peacefully and the religion of
Islam remained there until the year 1086, and thus the city of Toledo was
Muslim for 374 years. After that came a leader whom the Arabs call “Alfonso Ibn
Fernando,” “Alfonso the Brave,” and “Alfonso VI,” and he has many names. They
believe that he was brave, while in fact, when he came to Toledo, he besieged
the Muslims there for 3 years, and prevented anyone from entering or leaving,
and he also did not allow food to enter, until the world closed in on them, so
this city was handed over to Alfonso Ibn Fernando.”
Offensive
comments
His
Highness stated: “After the city of Toledo was handed over to Alfonso Ibn
Fernando, they found that the Muslims did not choose to take the path of
resistance; rather, they were striving to present and spread their Islamic
thought. They feared people of other religions to the point that the fear
reached Europe, where Europe feared that people would abandon Christianity and
embrace Islam, so the leader of Christian thought against Islam, “Peter the
Venerable,” appeared in the year 1142 AD, and he was the head of the Abbey of
Cluny, which was founded in 910 AD in France, and it is the largest abbey.
At this
time, Islam was strong in the city of Toledo. So the Christians wanted to do
something that makes Christians hate Islam, so “Peter the Venerable” agreed
with an Englishman who works in astronomy called “Robert of Ketton” to refute
the Holy Quran in exchange for money, and they appointed 4 translators to help
him do that, so they translated the Quran into a realistic translation for him,
and he adds his offensive comments, and these translations were not released
for publishing and printing until the year 1162 when a printing press printed
these translations.
The
government in the city of Basel in Switzerland imposed on it not to mention the
name of the printing press on the printed copies, and this edition was
published in the year 1162, that is, 20 years after it was translated. This
manuscript is in the French library, and I acquired it from there, and I
reviewed all the translations. The Italian translation does not include any
insult to Islam. Because Italy was dealing with the East and had interests and
trade with the East.”
37
errors
His
Highness maintained that: “Peter the Venerable" said in his memoirs, ‘I will
publish this book to match the Latins in the West’ – and he meant the Italians
– which prompted me to do the great project ‘The Recorded Quran’ in 1979, and I
came up with a translation of the Holy Quran by the Pakistani translator, Yusuf
Ali, and the English translator, Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall. I gave the
specialists in the English translation and its meanings to work on it. We asked
permission from the rightful owners of the book of Muhammad Marmaduke
Pickthall, to correct the approximately 37 errors in the book, but they refused
to correct the errors within the book, and they gave us permission to place the
correction individually and add it to the book. I would like to point out that
the translation of Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall is better than the translation
of Yusuf Ali. However, Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall wrote in the introduction
to his book, “It is not enough to read my translation, and I invite you to
learn Arabic to taste this elegant style.”
After we
brought the translations and corrected them, we brought in a voice training
specialist from the British Broadcasting Corporation to train our person, who
is an English Muslim. He was registered with a company in the Greek capital,
Athens, and we gifted this recording to many regions. Especially those that
were English colonies, and although the tapes were written on them “to give
away and not to sell”, however, a group of store owners recorded the tapes and
sold them for the purpose of trade. The Greek company learned of this and asked
us: "Why are you selling the tapes?" We explained to the company that
we had nothing to do with this matter, and after that we found that the
recording had spread throughout the earth, and this is our intention, but we
wanted it to reach people for free.”
'We must
not forget... we forgive'
His
Highness said: “I am now working on the offensive translation of the Holy Quran
written by the English astronomer "Robert of Ketton." The problem I
face in this work is that I cannot mention what "Robert of Ketton"
says, as all of this is slander against Islam, and the Prophet Muhammad, may
God bless Him and grant Him peace. Therefore, I avoid mentioning many things
that are found in Robert of Ketton’s book in the English language. I would like
to point out that the translation of Robert of Ketton’s book in the Italian
language has nothing to do with the translation of the Holy Quran in the
Italian language, as they are two separate books that have nothing to do with
each other, knowing that the translation of the Holy Quran in the Italian
language is impeccable. I will complete this work soon, God willing, and this
distinguished work is in an uncomplicated and interesting style that narrates
many historical situations. These books help the reader in knowing his history
and knowing his enemies as well.”
His
Highness concluded his statement by saying, "We say that we must not
forget...we forgive, but we do not forget what happened to us."
Source: gulftoday.ae
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2024/07/24/fall-of-al-andalus-1st-defeat-for-arabs-muslims-says-sharjah-ruler
--------
Warnings
against Jewish calls to storm Aqsa Mosque
24 Jul
2024
OCCUPIED
QUDS July 24. 2024 (Saba) - Islamic-Christian authority defending Quds on
Tuesday warned of Jewish Torah-based calls to storm into Aqsa Mosque on the
anniversary of the so-called 'Fences Destruction', urging the Palestinians to
gather in the Holy Mosque and curb the settlers' raids.
A Jewish
group issued calls, via social media, for the largest gathering to break into
Aqsa Mosque and perform Talmudic services.
The
authority is very-anxiously watching these violations that unprecedentedly
escalated since the outbreak of the Zionist genocidal war on Gaza Strip, in a
bid to impose a new reality that would undermine the religious and legal status
in the Mosque, the authority said in a statement.
The
provocative calls come as the Zionist authorities impose undeclared siege on
Aqsa Mosque, restrict worshipers' access to the Mosque, step up assaults on its
marabouts and guards, and issue orders to force many them out of the Mosque,
the authority added.
Source: saba.ye
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3352379.htm
---------
Settlers
storm al-Aqsa Mosque under enemy police protection
24 Jul
2024
OCCUPIED
AL-QUDS July 24. 2024 (Saba) - Dozens of Zionist settlers on Wednesday stormed
al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied al-Quds under the protection of Nazi-Zionist police
forces.
Eyewitnesses
reported that the settlers entered the mosque in successive groups, conducted
provocative rounds, and performed Talmudic rituals in its courtyards.
The
occupation forces imposed heightened security measures in the Old City,
stationed personnel at al-Aqsa’s gates, and restricted access for worshipers.
Source: saba.ye
Please click the following URL to read
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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3352229.htm
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Leader
of Islamic Revolution issues message about Hamas
Jul 25,
2024
TEHRAN,
Jul. 24 (MNA) – Simultinusly with the presence of the Prime Minister of the
Zionist regime, Benjamin Netanyahu in the US Congress, the X account of the
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei released some
remarks.
The
power of resistance shows itself more and more day by day, the Leader of the
Islamic Revolution emphasized.
An
organization with military, political and economic power like the US is
fighting behind the Zionists against the Hamas movement and they could not
bring them to their knees, the Leader wrote in Hebrew language.
The post
comes as the Israeli regime's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed
Congress in Washington as he sought to bolster US support for the regime's
devastating war in Gaza.
The Israeli
regime has been waging an unrelenting genocidal war against the Gaza Strip
since October 7, responding to al-Aqsa Storm, a retaliatory operation staged by
the territory’s resistance groups.
The
brutal military onslaught has so far claimed the lives of at least 39670
Palestinians, mostly women and children, but has stopped far short of realizing
the regime’s goal of ousting the resistance from power in the coastal
territory.
Since
the onset of the warfare, resistance groups hailing from Lebanon, Iraq, and
Yemen have also been staging increasingly daring retaliatory attacks against
the occupied territories and Israeli interests in support of the war-hit
Gazans.
The post
incorporated a video depicting some of the attacks.
A post
published on the account earlier this week had similarly underlined the Israeli
regime’s failure in the face of the regional Axis of Resistance, noting how Tel
Aviv was taking the frustration that it was suffering from the defeat out on
Palestinian civilians.
Source: en.mehrnews.com
Please click the following URL to read
the text of the original Story
https://en.mehrnews.com/news/218357/Leader-of-Islamic-Revolution-issues-message-about-Hamas
--------
Hundreds
killed in first 10 days of hostilities in south Lebanon
July 24,
2024
BEIRUT:
Thousands of attacks on South Lebanon have resulted in the death of nearly 540
people and hundreds more injured since hostilities began on July 15, according
to MP Fadi Alama, the head of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Lebanese
parliament.
The MP
said 538 people had died and 1,850 injured in the 5,736 attacks.
The
Foreign Affairs Committee met on Wednesday with several ambassadors from the
EU, Switzerland, Norway, Britain, and Canada to present the results of the
ongoing Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon, as part of preparations for “the
government’s work in the post-ceasefire phase.”
MP Alama
said that “representatives of diplomatic missions and international
organizations were surprised when we talked about 1,800 hectares intentionally
burned by the Israeli enemy. They were also surprised by the number of schools
that were targeted and the number of students who were unable to complete their
education and moved to other places. Additionally, they were informed of the
28,000 new families who have been displaced from areas that are being targeted
daily.”
The
parliamentarian said there was urgency for the government to develop a plan and
a roadmap as soon as possible.
MP Wael
Abu Faour, a member of the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee, stated that
“the human, health, urban, agricultural, and environmental losses as a result
of Israeli attacks have become enormous. Initial estimates from Lebanese
institutions indicate a cost of approximately two $2 billion so far, in
addition to other damages and losses.”
Abu
Faour said: “This is a new challenge for the Lebanese state that must be dealt
with in Lebanon’s Arab and international relations. The state is bankrupt and
unable to bear such responsibilities, but at the same time, it cannot abandon
its responsibilities towards its citizens regardless of any controversial local
political considerations regarding the feasibility of war or its justifications
among some parties.”
Hostilities
between Hezbollah and the Israeli army continued on Wednesday. According to
Israeli media, “43 settlements were evacuated in the north, (and) more than
1,500 buildings, cars, and infrastructure were damaged in the north.
Additionally, six industrial zones were affected, and hundreds of businesses
were forced to close due to Hezbollah strikes.”
Israel
targeted the towns of Kafr Shuba, Tayr Harfa, and Hula on Wednesday with
airstrikes and artillery shelling. A raid also targeted a house in the town of
Kfar Hammam, leading to its destruction. This small village is located in
Hasbaya District on the eastern side of Nabatieh Governorate.
Hezbollah
released a new video recorded by the Hudhud drone within Israel, showcasing
footage from inside the Ramat David Air Base, located approximately 50 km from
the Lebanese border.
According
to Hezbollah, “the footage was captured on Tuesday using a drone.”
The new
eight-minute video released by Hezbollah showcases several sensitive areas
within the base, including aircraft fuel tanks, the headquarters of Squadron
109, an Iron Dome missile defense platform, and ammunition depots. It also
reveals the locations of the Squadron 157 and Squadron 105 headquarters.
Hezbollah included an image of the base commander’s office, exposing intricate
details of the facility.
This is
not the first time Hezbollah has employed such tactics. Previously, the group
broadcast aerial footage of critical installations captured by similar unmanned
aerial vehicles in Haifa and the Golan Heights.
Israeli
media reacted strongly, with one outlet stating: “Over eight minutes of
Hezbollah video exposing our vulnerability is a disgrace.”
The
Israeli military, however, downplayed the incident, claiming the footage was
captured by a drone designed solely for photography and did not affect base
operations.
A
Hezbollah source linked the timing of the video release to Israeli Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington.
Amid
these developments, the Israeli military announced on Wednesday that its
“reserve brigade has completed a drill simulating war scenarios in Lebanon.”
Israeli
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir expressed support for a
comprehensive war against Hezbollah, stating: “The sooner, the better.”
However,
Israel’s Ambassador to Russia Simona Halperin maintained that while Tel Aviv is
prepared for military confrontation with Lebanon, it still prefers a diplomatic
solution.
She
emphasized that Israel is not interested in a large-scale war. “We cannot
dismiss a scenario where Israel might be compelled to engage in a wide-ranging
war on the northern front,” she added.
Coinciding
with Israel’s war rhetoric, the Canadian Embassy in Lebanon issued a renewed
advisory to its citizens.
It
called on “Canadians, permanent residents, their spouses, and dependent
children to heed travel advisories and leave the country while commercial
flights are available.”
The
embassy emphasized its focus on assisting individuals in obtaining necessary
travel documents and keeping families together during this process.
This
escalation comes as thousands of Lebanese expatriates with dual citizenship
from Canada, the US, and Europe have arrived in Lebanon for summer vacations.
Source: arabnews.com
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US destroys
3 Houthi missile launchers in Yemen
July 24,
2024
AL-MUKALLA:
The US Central Command said on Wednesday that it destroyed three missile
launchers on territory in Yemen held by the Houthi militia.
It was
the latest in a series of military operations targeting Houthi sites in
response to continuing attacks by the militia on international shipping.
“It was
determined these weapons presented an imminent threat to US (and) coalition
forces, and merchant vessels in the region,” the US military said in a message
posted on social media platform X. It added that by destroying the launchers it
was taking preemptive action to prevent Houthi attacks on international
shipping and protect freedom of passage.
US and
UK forces have carried out dozens of attacks since January on sites in Sanaa,
Hodeidah and other Houthi-held parts of Yemen being used to store missile
launchers, unmanned aerial vehicles and drone boats, in an effort to prevent
threats to international maritime routes off the coast of Yemen.
Meanwhile,
the Houthis said operations at Hodeidah Port, on Yemen’s Red Sea coast, have
resumed at “full capacity” after fires in fuel tanks, caused by an attack by
Israel at the weekend, were extinguished.
Houthi
governor Mohammed Quhim reported on Tuesday night that the blazes were under
control, and Houthi officials at the port said it was operational and two ships
carrying hundreds of cargo containers and thousands of tonnes of steel had
docked.
In
response to a Houthi drone strike that killed one person and injured at least
10 in Tel Aviv, Israeli warplanes bombed several parts of Hodeidah on Saturday,
including the port, a power station and an area on the city’s northern
outskirts. The Houthis said six people were killed and more than 80 injured by
the attacks, which destroyed dozens of fuel tanks and a crane at the port.
The
militia have demanded that foreign organizations operating in regions under
their control provide them with the names and jobs of all employees, as the
Houthis intensify their crackdown on Yemenis who work with international
organizations or at Western embassies, amid accusations of espionage.
In a
letter dated July 17 that circulated on social media this week, the Houthi
Supreme Council for the Management and Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and
International Cooperation ordered international organizations active in Yemen
to provide staffing structures within a week, including the names of workers,
their positions and nationalities, and lists of prospective employees for
approval.
The Yemeni
government’s information minister, Muammar Al-Eryani, said the demand reflects
the growing Houthi pressure on foreign organizations to employ workers loyal to
the militia so that they can control the flow of international aid to Yemen.
In a
message posted on X, he urged international groups operating in the country to
transfer their offices from Houthi-controlled regions to the
government-controlled southern port city of Aden, the nation’s temporary
capital, to protect their staff from Houthi persecution.
“The
terrorist Houthi militia considered the hesitant international positions a
green light to continue its crimes and violations, and to further escalate its
repressive measures towards international and humanitarian organizations
working in the areas under its control,” he added.
The
Houthis have abducted more than 60 Yemenis working for international
organizations and Western missions in recent months, including more than a
dozen employees of the UN. They claim Yemeni workers at such organizations are
part of a large Israeli and US spy network.
Source: arabnews.com
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First
ships dock in Yemen harbor after Israel strike: Houthi media
July 24,
2024
HODEIDA,
Yemen: Two container ships have docked in Yemen’s Hodeida harbor, the first
since a deadly Israeli strike hit fuel storage tanks at the militant-held port,
according to Houthi media and ship trackers.
The
strikes on Saturday, the first claimed by Israel on Yemen, triggered a massive
blaze that burned for days at the dock amid slow firefighting efforts.
It
destroyed some cranes and dozens of oil tanks, according to experts. Another
tank exploded overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday, reigniting some flames
at the harbor, a critical gateway for fuel imports and humanitarian aid into
Houthi-held areas.
Despite
the ongoing threat, “the port of Hodeida is working normally around the clock”
to receive commercial ships, Ahmed Al-Murtada, the deputy director of the
container terminal, told the Houthi-run Saba news agency on Tuesday.
The
port’s director of maritime operations, Mohamed Al-Sais, told Saba that two
ships had docked at the harbor on Tuesday.
He
identified them as “Marsa Zenith,” a vessel that carried 514 containers of
“various goods,” and “Brother 1,” which was loaded with 22,803 tons of iron,
Saba said.
Ship
tracking website marinetraffic.com confirmed the arrival on Tuesday of Marsa
Zenith, identifying it as a Panama-flagged vessel that departed from the port
of Djibouti.
It
additionally reported the arrival of the Tanzania-flagged Brother 1, which also
sailed from Djibouti, according to the website.
The
quays of Hodeida were spared major damage in the Israeli strike that militants
say killed nine people and targeted a fuel storage depot owned by the Yemen
Petroleum Company as well as a power plant north of the port.
Maritime
security firm Ambrey said there were no reports of major damage to vessels in
or near the harbor following the strike.
The
port, however, is still at risk of another “catastrophe,” said Mwatana for
Human Rights, a Yemeni right group which dispatched an assessment team to the
dock.
“Based
on (the findings of) our field team, the risk of more fuel tanks exploding
still remains,” it told AFP in an emailed statement.
“Whenever
the firefighting teams tried to extinguish the fires, the explosions and flames
reignited,” Mwatana said.
“There
are major concerns that the teams may not be able to... prevent another explosion.”
Source: arabnews.com
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---------
‘Miracle’
baby born in Gaza after airstrike kills heavily pregnant mother
July 24,
2024
GAZA:
Nine months pregnant, Ola Al-Kurd could not wait to hold her baby and bring new
life to Gaza during a war which has killed over 39,000 fellow Palestinians and
razed much of the enclave.
That
special moment never came.
An
Israeli airstrike smashed into the family home in Al-Nuseirat in central Gaza
on July 19, according to her father Adnan Al-Kurd. The blast threw Ola down
several floors to her death in the house, whose inhabitants included women,
children and the elderly, he said.
Somehow,
her baby survived, as did her husband, who was hospitalized.
“It’s a
miracle that the fetus stayed alive inside of her when she was martyred
(died),” Adnan Al-Kurd said, contemplating a photo of his daughter’s
graduation.
The
explosion, like many others, killed several members of a single family, a daily
tragedy across Gaza since Israel began its offensive in Gaza in response to a
devastating cross-border attack by Palestinian Hamas militants on Oct. 7 last
year.
Mediators
from the United States, Qatar and Egypt have failed in multiple attempts to
secure a ceasefire. So it is highly unlikely that Israeli airstrikes and
shelling will end anytime soon.
“She
wanted to hold her child and fill our home with his presence,” Al-Kurd said.
“She would say, ‘Mom, hopefully, this will make up for the loss of my martyred
brothers and bring life back to our home’.”
Entirely
against the odds, surgeons at Al Awda hospital in Nuseirat — where Ola was
first taken after the strike — managed to deliver the newborn, Malek Yassin. He
was then transferred to Al Aqsa Hospital in Deir Al-Balah, where an aunt
touched the baby’s face as he lay in an incubator.
“Thank
God, this baby’s life was saved and he is now alive and well,” doctor Khalil
Al-Dakran said at the hospital, where many medical facilities have been
destroyed in over nine months of war.
Al-Kurd
gazes at photos of his three late children killed in the Gaza war. He said baby
Yassin is blond like his deceased uncle Omar. “I go visit him everyday. He is a
part of me,” he said.
Babies
who survive frequent Israeli bombardment get no relief as the conflict inflicts
more destruction in the heavily built-up, densely populated Gaza Strip.
“We are
in fact facing very great difficulties in the nursery department,” said
Al-Dakran, due to a lack of sufficient medication and supplies and fears that
the hospital generator could stop at any moment due to fuel shortages.
Hospitals
across impoverished Gaza have been demolished or seriously damaged during the
war, which began when Hamas-led fighters attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people
and taking over 250 hostages according to Israeli tallies.
Israel
responded with an air and ground offensive that has killed more than 39,000
Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, and levelled much
of the coastal territory.
“What is
the fault of this child to start his life under difficult and very bad
circumstances, deprived of the most basic necessities of life?” said Dakran.
Source: arabnews.com
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--------
Judaization
of the Ibrahimi Mosque – What is Israel’s Endgame in Al-Khalil
July 24,
2024
Last
week, Palestinian residents from the city of Hebron (Al-Khalil), in the
southern occupied West Bank, heard a message coming from the mosque’s
loudspeakers, urging them to protect the Ibrahimi Mosque from a new Judaization
attempt.
Israeli
authorities had built a roof on one of the mosque’s open courtyards, making it
similar to a Jewish synagogue, despite knowing that this area belongs to
Muslims.
Therefore,
the Islamic Awqaf Department immediately called on the people of Hebron to rush
to the mosque in the Old City and protest these attempts.
At the
end of the day, Israel was forced to desist from this step, which sparked great
anger among the local population.
Deliberate
Obstructions
Since
1994, when Israeli settler Baruch Goldstein carried out the infamous massacre
of worshippers in the Ibrahimi Mosque, killing 29 Palestinians and injuring
hundreds more, the situation in the city has worsened.
The
Palestinians, the victims of the massacre, were the ones who were punished, as
Israel divided the mosque in a completely unfair manner, allocating part of it
to the illegal Jewish settlers.
Israeli
authorities often close the mosque to Muslim worshippers for several days under
the pretext of Jewish holidays. Moreover, they placed more than 120 barriers
around the holy site to prevent Palestinians from accessing it, while of course
allowing easy access to Jewish settlers.
The
director of the mosque, Moataz Abu Sneina, told the Palestine Chronicle that an
electric elevator had been recently installed so that elderly settlers could
enter the mosque.
Repeated
Violations
In the
early hours of Thursday, July 18, the custodians of the mosque
were
surprised by the arrival of Israeli trucks carrying building materials. After a
few hours, Israeli workers had covered the mosque’s only outlet.
“We
invited people to rush to the mosque to defend it,” Abu Sneina said. “On
Friday, they (the Israeli authorities) were forced to retreat when UNESCO
intervened,” he continued.
The
Ibrahimi Mosque was placed on the World Heritage List by the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 2017.
Of
course, this was not the first episode. The mosque is subjected to many
violations, starting from obstructing the mo’athen access to call for prayers.
Over the last month, this happened over 50 times, according to Abu Sneina.
Following
the start of Israel’s aggression on Gaza, Israeli restrictions at the mosque
increased. Even the residents of the area near the mosque have been prohibited
from entering it except under extraordinary circumstances.
“Israel
ignores international conventions, treaties, and customs regarding the
protection of holy sites and places of worship, especially Al-Aqsa Mosque and
the Ibrahimi Mosque,” Abu Sneina explained.
Judaization
Attempts
Currently,
63 percent of the mosque is under Israeli control and there are constant
attempts to transform it into a synagogue by changing its features.
The
Arabic signs inside the mosque were converted to Hebrew, and Israeli flags are
constantly raised over the holy site during Jewish holidays.
Planting
audio and video cameras throughout the mosque so that Muslim worshipers are
placed under constant surveillance.
“All of
this is part of Israel’s policy of keeping worshippers away from this religious
and historical place and harassing people through electronic gates that were
installed years ago to restrict worshippers,” Abu Sneina said.
‘Military
Barracks’
Badie
Dweik, an anti-settlement activist and resident of the Old City of Hebron,
compares his life before and after Israel took over the area.
He lives
in the area surrounding the Ibrahimi Mosque and in the past, he used to reach
it within minutes. Now it takes him more than an hour to arrive if he is not
stopped at military checkpoints.
“Military
checkpoints and gates impede our movement. Even our visits to relatives have
been affected and there are homes that we cannot reach,” Dweik told The
Palestine Chronicle.
“Soldiers are deployed all the time on the
roofs of buildings and settlers are constantly seizing homes. Our area has
literally turned into a military barracks,” he added.
Access
to the mosque has become a risk for the residents of Hebron, as it is
surrounded by checkpoints and gates, while snipers and settlers are deployed
everywhere.
Worshippers
are constantly subjected to searches, detention, arrest, and even shooting
under any pretext.
For
instance, a few days ago, a woman who was accompanied by two children was
arrested on the pretext that she was carrying a knife in her bag. These
violations are repeated continuously without any international monitoring.
On the
other hand, settlers can access every part of the holy site with no barriers,
no obstacles, and not even an ID card check.
“Only
God knows how long one of us will spend at the Israeli checkpoint while heading
to the mosque, to work, or even to his home. It all depends on the mood of the
soldier,” Badie said.
Source: palestinechronicle.com
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---------
Putin
meets Syria’s Assad in Moscow
July 25,
2024
MOSCOW:
Russian President Vladimir Putin met Syrian President Bashar Assad in the
Kremlin, the president’s press service said on Thursday.
“I am
very interested in your opinion on how the situation in the region as a whole
is developing,” Putin told Assad. “Unfortunately, there is a tendency toward
escalation, we can see that. This also applies directly to Syria.”
The
Kremlin said the meeting took place on Wednesday.
“Considering
all the events that are taking place in the world as a whole and in the
Eurasian region today, our meeting today seems very important to discuss all
the details of the development of these events, to discuss possible prospects
and scenarios,” Assad told Putin through a Russian translator.
Source: arabnews.com
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South Asia
Pakistan
closes Torkham crossing to Afghan patients, Nangarhar official says
July 24,
2024
Abdul
Basir Zabuli, spokesperson for the Taliban police in Nangarhar, has reported
that Pakistan has closed the Torkham crossing to Afghan patients.
Simultaneously,
the Taliban-controlled Bakhtar News Agency reported that Pakistan has closed
the Torkham crossing to all Afghans as of Wednesday, July 24th.
According
to Abdul Basir Zabuli, the Torkham crossing remains open for regular visa
holders and commercial vehicles. However, Bakhtar News reported that Pakistani
soldiers are not allowing any Afghan with a visa to enter.
The
Taliban police spokesperson in Nangarhar stated that Pakistan is only
preventing entry for those with medical visas.
Pakistan
has yet to comment on this situation.
The lack
of medical facilities in Afghanistan has led many to seek treatment in
neighboring countries like Pakistan and Iran, but the process of obtaining
visas and passports has posed significant challenges for Afghan citizens.
The
closure of the Torkham crossing has exacerbated the difficulties faced by
Afghan refugees and patients in accessing necessary medical care. This
restriction adds to the growing humanitarian crisis and underscores the urgent
need for more accessible medical and logistical support for those in distress.
Moreover,
the situation highlights the broader issues of refugee management and
cross-border cooperation. Effective and compassionate solutions are needed to
address the needs of Afghan refugees and ensure they receive the assistance and
care they require amidst ongoing regional challenges.
Source: khaama.com
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--------
Intensification
of Violence Against Pashtun Community in Pakistan
July 24,
2024
Ethnic
Pashtuns in Pakistan face daily challenges, including targeted killings,
extortion, and military operations. The situation worsened after the Taliban’s
return to Afghanistan in August 2021, leading to heightened concerns within
Pakistan’s military establishment regarding the growing Pashtun solidarity in
the region. The Pashtun community has gained significant attention through the
Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) led by Manzoor Pashteen. Reports indicate that
Pakistan’s security agencies have taken severe measures against PTM activists
to curb the movement.
In a
recent incident, Gilaman Wazir, a prominent Pashtun poet and senior PTM member,
was killed under suspicious circumstances in Islamabad on July 7. Wazir was
well-known for his poems celebrating Pashtun history and had a significant
following on social media. His death prompted protests and absentee funeral
prayers by Pashtun communities and PTM activists worldwide. Reports of an
attack on the Pakistani consulate in Frankfurt, Germany, have surfaced,
although details remain unconfirmed. Despite the seriousness of the incident,
Pakistani law enforcement has not apprehended those responsible for Wazir’s
death, with reports suggesting the suspects fled the country shortly after the
incident.
Wazir
was a vocal critic of the Pakistani government and often associated with Afghan
national symbols. His digital activism drew attention, leading to his arrest in
Bahrain in 2020 and subsequent extradition to Pakistan. He faced further
detention in 2023, with reports of severe mistreatment while in custody.
Wazir’s social media presence continued to highlight his experiences and the
challenges faced by the Pashtun community.
Media
coverage of PTM activities has been restricted in Pakistan since April 2019,
limiting mainstream reporting on Wazir’s death and his funeral in North
Waziristan. Social media and independent journalists have played a crucial role
in sharing information about these events. Despite a ban on X (formerly
Twitter) in Pakistan, over 32,000 tweets mentioned Wazir in a single day, with
the hashtag #GilamanWazir trending across platforms. Former Afghan Presidents
Hamid Karzai and Ashraf Ghani also expressed their condolences.
Manzoor
Pashteen led tens of thousands of attendees at Wazir’s funeral on July 12,
where participants expressed their grievances against the Pakistani military.
Wazir’s murder has highlighted longstanding issues within the Pashtun community
in Pakistan. Pakistan’s security agencies have frequently targeted PTM leaders,
such as Arif Wazir and Arman Luni, to suppress the movement. Recently, PTM has
faced renewed scrutiny following their criticism of Pakistan’s new
counterterrorism operation, Azm-i-Istehkam. The operation is expected to impact
the livelihoods of local Pashtun populations significantly.
Wazir
was critical of the new counterterrorism measures and frequently highlighted
the struggles of Baloch and Pashtun minorities. His support for Pashtun unity
and a ‘Greater Afghanistan’ concept unsettled Pakistan’s military
establishment. The legitimacy of the Durand Line, a contentious border, remains
unrecognized by various Afghan governments, including the current Taliban
administration.
Recent
events, including a violent response to a rally in Bannu on July 19, where
several peaceful protesters were killed and injured, have exacerbated tensions.
Political parties in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and the Human Rights Commission of
Pakistan (HRCP) have condemned the new counterterrorism operations and the use
of force against civilians.
Data
from the Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) indicates an increase in
terrorist violence across KP, suggesting that Operation Azm-i-Istehkam has not
improved the security situation. Instead, the operation may be further
alienating ethnic minorities, particularly the Pashtun community.
The
challenges facing the Pashtun community in Pakistan require attention and
resolution to prevent further escalation of violence and instability in the
region.
Source: khaama.com
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---------
Strengthening
cultural relations discussed, ministry
July 25,
2024
KABUL:
The Culture and Art Deputy Minister of Information and Culture Mawlavi
Atiqullah Azizi, in a meeting, with a Chinese delegation led by Li Qun, Deputy
Minister of Culture and Tourism of that country, discussed the strengthening of
bilateral cultural ties and preservation of historical and ancient sites in the
country, the ministry said in a statement the other day. The meeting discussed
various important issues, focusing on mutual cooperation in cultural,
scientific, and historical areas, the statement said. The Chinese delegation
pledged to cooperate with the Islamic Emirate in the preservation,
strengthening, and restoration of Afghanistan’s historical monuments and
ancient sites, as well as enhancing the capacity of the ministry’s staff, the
statement added. It is pertinent to mention that the Chinese delegation visited
Kabul at the official invitation of Afghanistan’s Ministry of Information and
Culture. The delegation is also scheduled to visit several other historical
sites in Afghanistan, including the Mes Aynak archaeological site. The Kabul
Times
Source: thekabultimes.com
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---------
Kandahar’s
sour grape juice gains popularity
July 25,
2024
The
juice of unripe grapes is in fact antimicrobial (as well as stunningly high in
antioxidants). An entrepreneur has invested in the production of unripe grapes
(sour grape juice) in Kandahar, which has quickly become popular. Previously,
only a few people made unripe grape juice at home, limiting its availability.
Najibullah Maqsudi, head of Samar Factory in Kandahar, explained that he
started producing sour grape juice two years ago with minimal resources, and now
it has become successful. In addition to unripe grape juice, Maqsudi has also
invested in pomegranate juice and jam production in Kandahar. During the fruit
seasons in Kandahar, 50 families work directly with the factory, most of whom
are widows and women without male guardians. “We have created opportunities for
poor women to work from home, as they are more patient in cleaning and peeling
fruits compared to men. Men handle marketing, purchasing, and sales. We produce
juice from various fruits during their respective seasons, including
pomegranates, grapes, plums, and sour grapes,” Maqsudi said. Previously,
orchard owners struggled to sell sour grapes in the market, but now the factory
buys directly from them. Jabar Shah, head of marketing at Samar Company, urged
people to choose domestic products over carbonated and acidic drinks,
benefiting Afghan orchard owners and investors. Shah emphasized the importance
of the Islamic Emirate’s support for the private sector and suggested that the
government organize regular exhibitions for Afghan products at the provincial
level. “If people use Afghan products, it will support the private sector and
benefit orchard owners. Our unripe grape juice has a great taste and color, and
people really like it,” he said. Agricultural experts in Kandahar view this as
a positive development and encourage further investment in similar areas.
Agricultural expert Engineer Masoud Shah Ahmadi noted that sour grape juice was
traditionally made at home, but now there is significant investment in its
production. He added that sour grapes used to be an additional crop for orchard
owners, but now modern processing and juice extraction prevent financial losses
for farmers, and people can obtain the juice more easily. “Kandahar produces
excellent juice and jam from pomegranates, grapes, sour grapes, and plums. The
benefits of processing first go to the farmers, then to the factory owners, and
finally to the consumers,” Ahmadi said. Previously, unripe grape juice in
Kandahar was made at home by women and wasn’t widely available in markets, but
recent investments have expanded its production and increased its popularity.
Unripe grapes offer several benefits, including lower sugar content, which may
be beneficial for blood sugar control, and higher levels of antioxidants such
as polyphenols, which can support heart health and reduce inflammation.
Additionally, unripe grapes are rich in vitamins and minerals, contributing to
overall nutrition. However, their tartness can be less palatable than ripe grapes,
and it’s important to consume them in moderation. Waheed Rahman Afghanmal
Source: thekabultimes.com
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Over 660
military cadets join national army after training, ministry
July 25,
2024
KABUL: A
total of 663 military cadets after completing a period of religious and
professional training, have graduated from the 15th term of the Military
Academy at Hazrat Abu Ubaidah Bin Jarrah National Defense University, the
Ministry of National Defense said in a statement the other day. The graduation
ceremony was attended by scores of top officials of the National Defense
Ministry, including Mawlavi Baz Mohammad Hamidi, the Deputy Minister of
Education and Personnel, and Mawlavi Naseebullah Madani, the Commander of the
Hazarat Abdullah Ibn Massoud Military Training Center, scholars and some other
related officials, the statement said. Addressing the ceremony, Mawlavi Baz
Mohammad Hamedi emphasized the importance of two groups: those who safeguard he
religion of Allah, to which the graduates belong, and those who aim to destroy
it, representing the group of the devil, according to the statement. He urged
the graduates to protect and uphold their faith with sincerity and honesty,
standing firm against those who seek to undermine it. All graduated soldiers
while receiving their certificates assured the ministry’s officials that they
are going to be ready to defend and protect the independence, territorial
integrity, and Islamic values of the country in any situation, the statement
concluded. The Kabul Times
Source: thekabultimes.com
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Arab World
Saudi
deputy FM participates in Sudan peace efforts meeting
July 25,
2024
RIYADH:
Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Al-Khuraiji participated
on Wednesday in the Second Consultative Meeting Enhancing Coordination of Peace
Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan, the Saudi Press Agency said.
During
the meeting held in Djibouti, he reiterated the Kingdom’s continued efforts to
resolve the Sudanese crisis, and its welcome and openness to international
efforts and initiatives aimed at achieving peace in Sudan.
Al-Khuraiji
said that the US and the Kingdom facilitated talks between the Sudanese parties
in Jeddah, resulting in signing of the Jeddah Declaration to protect civilians
in Sudan.
He
expressed Saudi Arabia’s keenness on the return of security and stability to
Sudan and urging the Sudanese parties to give priority to wisdom and
self-restraint, and to show flexibility and respond to positive and
humanitarian initiatives.
Source: arabnews.com
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MoU to
drive job creation, training in Saudi hospitality
July 24,
2024
RIYADH:
The Ministry of Tourism and Al-Balad Development Co., a Public Investment Fund
subsidiary, signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday to collaborate in
empowering national human capital in the tourism sector.
The MoU
focuses on improving hospitality services in Jeddah’s historic district,
Al-Balad, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The
collaboration will create local jobs and develop a skilled workforce in the
fields of hospitality, heritage tourism, and tourist guidance.
The
agreement, signed by Al-Balad Development Co. CEO Jamil Ghaznawi and the
ministry’s acting Undersecretary for Tourism Human Resources Development Hind
Al-Zahid in the presence of Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, stipulates a
collaborative effort to harness shared resources and expertise.
The
partnership aims to empower Saudi nationals through comprehensive training,
education, and job opportunities.
The
initiative aligns with the Kingdom’s National Tourism Strategy, which seeks to
attract 150 million visitors annually by 2030 and create 1.6 million
tourism-related jobs.
Source: arabnews.com
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Saudi
minister meets Brazilian aerospace company Embraer’s official
July 24,
2024
Saudi
Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef met with Dimas
Douglas Tomelin, vice president of strategy and innovation at Brazilian
aerospace company Embraer, recently in Sao Paolo, Brazil.
They
explored opportunities to enhance collaboration between the two sides and
discussed leveraging Embraer’s expertise in aircraft manufacturing, assembly,
and maintenance to enhance the Saudi aerospace industry, the Saudi Press Agency
reported on Wednesday.
Alkhorayef
toured Embraer’s facilities, namely Gaviao Peixoto, Ozires Silva and Eugenio de
Melo, which manufacture commercial, military and electric aircraft.
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Saudi
ambassador discusses Gaza aid with KSrelief delegation in Cairo
July 24,
2024
CAIRO:
Saudi Ambassador to Egypt Saleh bin Eid Al-Husseini discussed on Wednesday the
process of delivering aid to Gaza with a delegation from the King Salman
Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
During
the meeting, held in Cairo, Al-Husseini met with Mubarak bin Saeed Al-Dosari,
KSrelief’s director of the branches department, who also led the delegation.
The
parties discussed ways to collaborate to deliver humanitarian aid to those
impacted by the crisis in the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile,
Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, deputy head of the US Central Command, said the US
military’s problem-plagued mission to bring desperately needed aid into Gaza
via a temporary pier has ended, with deliveries shifting to an Israeli port.
“The
maritime surge mission involving the pier is complete, so there’s no more need
to use the pier. It’s now transitioning … to a port in Ashdod, Israel,” he
said.
US
President Joe Biden expressed disappointment in the performance of the pier,
which has repeatedly broken free of the shore because of bad weather since its
initial installation in mid-May, limiting the time it has been operational.
Deliveries
from Cyprus to Ashdod, and then on to northern Gaza, have already begun, with
more than 1 million pounds of aid moving via that route in recent weeks, said
Cooper.
Distribution
of aid, once it reached land, has also been a problem, with the UN World Food
Programme suspending deliveries of assistance that arrived via the pier last
month to assess the security situation after Israel conducted a military
operation nearby.
Source: arabnews.com
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Like
father, like son: 10-year-old walks 150 km to Abha
July 24,
2024
MAKKAH:
In a remarkable feat of grit, Sultan Al-Bariqi, a 10-year-old Saudi, has become
the country’s youngest person to complete a 150-km journey on foot from
Al-Namas to Abha in southern Saudi Arabia.
Accompanied
by his father, who is also an adventure enthusiast, Sultan finished the
five-day trek last Thursday.
Sultan’s
father, Mohammed Al-Bariqi, told Arab News that the walk aimed to promote
tourism in Asir, showcasing the region’s cool climate, dense vegetation and
towering mountains.
The
route offers visitors the chance to experience lush green landscapes and enjoy
the natural environment.
“We
chose Al-Namas as our starting point, passing through Balasmar, Billahmer,
Tanomah, and Shaar en route to Abha,” he said. He highlighted the region’s
significance as a hub for domestic tourism, attracting thousands of visitors
annually.
“July
typically sees high temperatures, but Asir enjoys a moderate, cool climate
perfect for hiking and exploration,” he said.
Despite
initial concerns about Sultan’s age, Al-Bariqi was impressed by his son’s
enthusiasm for walking and experiencing nature first-hand.
Sultan,
he added, was inquisitive about every stop throughout the five-day journey; the
trip was filled with excitement for the young adventurer. He reported that the
trip sparked joy in Sultan, keeping him motivated and eager from beginning to
end.
The
journey was also filled with encouragement from passersby, who offered drinks
and motivational words. Sultan maintained high spirits and fitness throughout
the trek, fueled by light meals and energy-boosting fruits, Al-Bariqi said.
With
Abha as its final stop, the trek not only marked a spirited achievement for the
young boy, but also highlighted environmental consciousness and long-distance
walking’s therapeutic benefits.
Al-Bariqi,
52, is no stranger to long-distance walks, having previously journeyed from
Asir to Makkah for Hajj in 16 days and to Madinah in 27 days.
He
advocates walking as a holistic health practice, urging people to reduce
dependency on cars and travel by foot, which he believes offers a comprehensive
regimen for health and wellness. He also finds genuine pleasure in walking to
explore tourist areas.
The
younger Al-Bariqi, initially apprehensive, found the experience life-changing.
“I was afraid I could not complete the first stage, but my father’s
encouragement motivated me,” he said.
The
10-year-old now aspires to make long-distance walking a regular part of his
life and is encouraging his peers to embrace physical activity.
He
highlighted the universal importance of exercise, saying that it was not
exclusive to any particular youth group. He also advocated for community-wide
support and encouragement to foster a healthier, more active society.
Sultan
eagerly anticipates recounting his adventure to schoolmates post-holiday,
aiming to share the many benefits he discovered during his journey.
Source: arabnews.com
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Development
of Riyadh’s King Abdulaziz Park gets underway
July 24,
2024
RIYADH:
A three-year project to develop King Abdulaziz Park in the nation’s capital is
underway following the completion of a design competition, the Royal Commission
for Riyadh City announced on Wednesday.
The
winning design was one of several presented by four international companies and
once completed will cover about 4.3 million sq. meters. It comprises six
distinct green spaces, the most prominent being the central Botanic Garden
spanning 200,000 sq. meters and featuring more than 200 species of local
plants.
Part of
the Green Riyadh initiative, the new park will be built in the north of the
city, close to King Khalid International Airport, Princess Nourah bint
Abdulrahman University and a train station.
A key
element of the design is the Munsiyah Tributary, a branch of the Al-Sulai
valley, which runs for 11 km through the park. The design also includes
sustainable commercial buildings and a 2 km pathway overlooking them.
More
than 2 million trees and shrubs will be used to provide shade throughout the
park, each of them served by an irrigation system using recycled water.
As well
as terraces, squares, open theaters for events and festivals, restaurants, the
design includes 24 children’s areas and 30 sports zones.
Khaled
Al-Bakr, CEO of the Quality of Life Program, said parks and other green spaces
were vital to a good quality of life for the residents of any city.
“King
Abdulaziz Park, King Salman Park and King Abdullah International Parks are
among the major park projects in the city of Riyadh, which will enhance the
humanization of the city of Riyadh and provide vast spaces for residents and
visitors,” he told Arab News.
“Parks
enable sports activities and provide recreational places for individuals and
families, in addition to their environmental and climatic benefits.”
The
parks development project, supported by the government, was helping to change
the face of the city and achieve the goals of the Green Riyadh and Vision 2030
initiatives, he said.
Several
other green spaces, including Al-Urubah, Al Munsiyah, Al Qadisiyah, and
Al-Rimmal parks, and planting along main roads like King Salman Road and King
Khalid Road are already underway.
An
irrigation network spanning 1,350 km has also been developed to service the new
parks.
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Diriyah
Co. signs $2bn contract for Wadi Safar
July 24,
2024
RIYADH:
Diriyah Co. has signed a $2 billion contract with Urbacon Saudi Co. and
Al-Bawani Group to develop the Wadi Safar project, including the Royal Diriyah
Equestrian and Polo Club and several luxury hotels.
“Today
is a very big day,” Diriyah Co. Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo told Arab News. “It
is unusual for development companies worldwide to sign $2 billion contracts,
but this is a giant construction package for our Wadi Safar, which will be one
of the most beautiful residential developments in the world,” he said.
The MoU
was signed on Wednesday at the DGDA headquarters in Riyadh by Inzerillo,
Urbacon Trading & Contracting President Ramez Al-Khayyat, and Al-Bawani
Group CEO Fakher Al Shawaf.
“Wadi
Safar will be home to the Royal Diriyah Equestrian and Polo Club, a Greg
Norman-designed 27-hole golf course, and 10 spectacular resorts,” Inzerillo
said. “Four of these resorts are included in this package: Aman, which will be
one of the most beautiful Amans in the world, Oberoi, a spectacular hotel
operator from India, Faena from Argentina and Miami, and Chedi from the Far
East. These four resorts are beautiful.”
The CEO
said that Wadi Safar “will be one of the greatest luxury residential high-end
developments in the world, with a $2 billion package.”
Inzerillo
said that last week they signed another $2 billion package for their multi-use
northern district, which will include King Salman Library, King Salman
University, and Diriyah Square.
“And
before December, we will be issuing additional contracts with big numbers close
to this as well,” he said.
“This
indicates that Diriyah is moving full speed ahead to realize Vision 2030.
Diriyah will be finished in time for Expo 2030 Riyadh, which will be the
greatest expo in the world.”
Located
west of Diriyah, Wadi Safar aims to be a residential cultural hub offering the
world’s finest experiences in polo, luxury hotels, and golf courses.
Mohamed
Saad, president of Diriyah Co., highlighted the significance of the new
partnership: “This is the main construction of many assets in Wadi Safar,
including the Royal Diriyah Equestrian and Polo Club, which will be the largest
equestrian polo club in the region. This will also include a range of hotels:
Amaala Resort, Six Senses, and Chedi.
“Everything
we do has to go back to the roots and culture of Diriyah. We are designing all
of our buildings and assets to present and celebrate the legacy, culture and
heritage of Diriyah,” he said.
Saad
highlighted that assets would open gradually each year, and by 2030, all of
Diriyah’s assets would be operational.
“We have
already delivered the golf course at Wadi Safar and will soon invite people to
play on it,” he said.
He said
that the Wadi Safar hotels would gradually begin opening in 2026.
Source: arabnews.com
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/muslim-personnel-ganga-uttarakhand-kanwariyas/d/132789