"Muslims are being targeted and harassed in Bihar": Tejashwi Yadav meets Governor Arif Mohammad Khan
New Age Islam News Bureau
6 February 2025
Governor Arif Mohammad Khan
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· "Muslims are being targeted and harassed in Bihar": Tejashwi Yadav meets Governor Arif Mohammad Khan
· Trump-backing Muslim voters finally realize they 'made a big mistake': expert
· PM calls for meaningful talks on Kashmir issue
· Guidelines for Muslims at non-Muslim events: Islamic affairs minister says talks ongoing, aims to prevent religious conflicts
· Islamic Jihad: Trump's statements on displacement of Palestinians are new version of Balfour Declaration
· Former Saudi ambassador to US condemns Trump’s ‘mad ethnic cleansing plan’ for Gaza
· Sweden mourns after deadliest shooting as gunman details emerge
· JUST IN: 17 Children Reportedly Killed as Fire Razes Islamic School
· Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Condemns US President’s Statements on Gaza Displacement
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India
· Muslims Want Just What Rest Of Capital Does — And Peace
· Uttar Pradesh police arrest man over video call with Pakistani cleric
· FIR against AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan for MCC violation
· TV coverage of Delhi polls was about freebies, potholes & sewers. No Hindu-Muslim politics
· Over 500 detained across Kashmir after former army soldier killed in Kulgam
· Delhi elections: All India Imam Association's Sajid Rashidi claims he voted for BJP
· BCs’ quota being cut to please Muslims, charges BJP on TG caste census
· Day before Delhi polls, FIR against Kejriwal over Yamuna remark
· Asaduddin Owaisi's Waqf Counter To Chandrababu Naidu's Tirupati Endorsement
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North America
· Why does Trump want to take over Gaza and could he do it?
· 'Angry', 'numb' - Palestinian Americans on Trump's Gaza comments
· Trump signs order banning transgender women from female sports
· Muslims’ Pivotal Hollywood Moment: Trump, Karla Sofía Gascón and a TV Landscape Defying Invisibility | Guest Column
· Catholic Charities NY: Government efforts to deal with criminal immigrants ‘legitimate’
· Trump's real-estate instincts clash with his America First worldview
· Trump tariff 'made something snap in us' - many Canadians see US rift beyond repair
· Trump ally Musk is remaking government - but will they clash?
· Former NFL player confirmed as US housing secretary
· Venture capital firm hires New York ‘subway vigilante’
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Pakistan
· Karak police checkpost attacked: Two officers martyred, six injured
· PM Shehbaz, President Zardari urge global action as country observes Kashmir Solidarity Day
· Garbage truck runs over, kills 3 in Karachi’s Gulistan-i-Jauhar
· Barrister Gohar faces allegations of 'making decisions against PTI's interests'
· OBITUARY: Karim Aga Khan — Imam of the atomic age
· MCB Islamic inaugurates its new branch in Multan
· Nawaz lauds Shehbaz, Maryam for distinguished services to people
· Irfan Siddiqui believes PTI won't receive reply to Imran's letter to COAS
· PTI ropes in ex-PM Abbasi to steer opposition alliance
· LHC refuses to quash FIR against passengers detained on begging charges
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Southeast Asia
· Malaysia joins Islamic nations in rejecting Trump’s Gaza ‘takeover’ plan, says PM Anwar
· ‘Unreasonable and insensitive’: Hindu Sangam says no to non-Muslims having to get approvals for events involving Muslims
· Banned Islamist group HTI rallies across Indonesia, raising worries over potential comeback
· In defamation hearing, ex-UiTM VC says no authority claimed ‘Becoming Hannah’ threatened Islam
· Indonesian Govt to Import Beef, Buffalo Meat for Ramadan and Eid
· MP: Will govt support alcohol sale ban in Muslim areas?
· Do non-Muslims need Jakim approval when they die, Saravanan asks
· Ex-senator agrees Islamic authorities never called out Yeoh's book
· Uzbekistan President Visits Islamic Arts Museum
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Mideast
· UN chief warns against ethnic cleansing, ‘demonization’ of Palestinians
· Deportation from occupied territory ‘strictly prohibited’: UN on Gaza
· Ayatollah Khamenei pardons over 3,000 Iranian prisoners
· Awqaf to reconstruct Al Shafi Mosque in Al Rayyan
· Economic revival in Iran after Islamic Revolution
· Expanded meeting held to Prepare for Ramadan Program, summer schools in Marib province
· Source: Iraqi Parliament session stalled by Sunni MPs' absence
· Museum of Islamic Art nominated for Most Significant Building of the 21st Century
· Mosul celebrates minaret, mosque reopening soon
· Iraq’s Amnesty Law: A legal battle threatens to unravel Sunni political gains
· Two years after quake disaster, Turkiye’s painful recovery continues
· Iraq's famed 'hunchback' of Mosul rebuilt brick by brick
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Arab World
· Jordan’s king welcomes Saudi support for Palestinian rights
· Quality of life, economy, culture in Madinah improving under Vision 2030, authority says
· Saudi Shoura Council vice-speaker receives Hungarian official in Riyadh
· Superintelligent AI could replace human researchers, experts suggest
· All Saudis should have access to AI health-monitoring tech, says Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed
· Saudi counter-narcotics authority seizes 11 million amphetamine pills in Dammam
· Data analytics hold potential to extend healthy human lifespan, say experts
· Dhahran conference bridges gap between research, innovation
· AI pioneers to gather at DeepFest during LEAP summit
· Jeddah to transform public transport with new expansion
· Ithra hosts screening of Japanese indie horror hit
· Saudi Arabia: Gates designated in Grand Mosque in Mecca for pilgrims’ access
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Europe
· UK to make it easier to build nuclear reactors
· ‘Eye-catching’ minarets complete Blackburn mosque design
· 'Stray firework' believed to have caused fire at mosque
· Families concerned as Grenfell to be dismantled
· I'd make it harder to get British citizenship, says Badenoch
· Liam Payne's girlfriend says she 'never thought' he might die young
· Civil servants could face sack for not saving money
· Bank of England expected to cut interest rates
· What do we know about the Sweden school shooter?
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Africa
· At least 40 children killed in Sudan over three days: UNICEF
· Uganda’s minority groups face rising fear as US aid halts
· All-night prayer costs congregant
· Nigeria Must Transform Debt Into Economic Asset – Shettima
· Weeks After Midair Crash, Delta, Japan Airlines Planes Collide In US
· Dangote Cement: Government Takes 52% Of Our Income – Dangote
· ‘Tinubu Snubs GAC Meeting For Failing To Reinstate Obasa As Speaker, Orders Immediate Compliance’
· UNODC Assures NDLEA Of Support, Partnership Against Drug War In Nigeria
· Edo Election Tribunal Stalls As INEC Fails To Present Witnesses
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South Asia
· CA mourns death of Ismaili Muslims leader Aga Khan IV
· CJ calls for maintaining dignity of all places of worship including mosques
· No load shedding expected in Ramadan: Adviser
· Jailed ex-minster Mosharraf referred to BSMMU
· Continued Humanitarian Aid Urged for Afghan Refugees
· Uzbekistan to Begin Construction of Afghan-Trans Railway in 2025
· UN to provide cash aid to 1 million vulnerable families in Afghanistan in 2025
· WHO sends 10 metric tons of medicine to health centers in Badakhshan
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/muslims-bihar-governor/d/134538
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"Muslims are being targeted and harassed in Bihar": Tejashwi Yadav meets Governor Arif Mohammad Khan
Governor Arif Mohammad Khan
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Feb 05, 2025
Patna (Bihar) [India], February 5 (ANI): Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday met Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan regarding the "deteriorating law and order situation" in the state and informed him about the "chaotic situation prevailing in the state."
Tejashwi Yadav alleged that a particular community is being targeted in the state.
"The incident that took place in Madhubani is horrifying. The law and order in Bihar has become a criminal disorder. The police should be to serve the people... There is no day in Bihar when there is no firing incident. A particular community is being targeted," he told reporters after meeting the governor.
"Even the police have people with such a mentality. No action was taken against the DSP... Nitish Kumar is in a delusion and we are worried for Bihar. The state is not in safe hands. The CM has lost people's faith because of his silence... The central and state ministers are coming out to defend the criminals... We came to meet the Governor in this regard," he added.
He alleged that the Bihar police are "torturing the common citizens on the basis of caste and religion."
"Today, I met the Honourable Governor and gave a memorandum regarding the deteriorating law and order situation in Bihar and informed him about the chaotic situation prevailing in the state," Tejashwi Yadav said in a post on X.
"Due to the poor law and order situation in Bihar, record breaking incidents of murder, firing, rape, robbery, theft, snatching and extortion are happening every day in the state and smuggling of liquor and drugs is at its peak. Hundreds of people are being murdered every month. The police administration is torturing the common citizens on the basis of caste and religion. Muslims are especially being targeted and harassed," he added.
He alleged that the criminals are emboldened under the protection of the government.
"The ministers of the state government themselves are openly accepting the crimes sponsored by the government. The state and central ministers are justifying the firing of hundreds of rounds. There is a worrying situation of anarchy and chaos in the state. The Chief Minister is unaware of all this," he said. (ANI)
Source:aninews.in
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Trump-backing Muslim voters finally realize they 'made a big mistake': expert
Donal Trump, US President
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Brad Reed
February 5, 2025
James Zogby, the president of the Arab American Institute, told CNN's Brianna Keilar on Wednesday that many Muslim voters are regretting the decisions they made in the 2024 presidential election.
As Keilar noted while interviewing Zogby, Trump received a major boost from Muslim voters in 2024 due to anger against the Biden administration for its role in helping the Israeli government's war in Gaza that has killed more than 50,000 Palestinians and that Zogby described to CNN as a "genocide."
In fact, Trump in 2024 became the first Republican presidential candidate in more than two decades to win in Dearborn, Michigan, which has the largest Muslim American population of any city in the United States.
When asked by Keilar if he'd spoken with any of these voters since the election, he replied that he had and they were firmly against Trump's recently stated desire to ethnically cleanse Gaza by removing all Palestinians from their land.
"Many of [the voters] stayed home, and some of them voted for Donald Trump," he said. "But they are now feeling very clearly that they made a big mistake. And, you know, sort of like the kid who gets in trouble and his parents send him to his room and he goes out there and starts throwing stuff around... in a pique of anger. All he's got is a mess and that's what we've got here.
"People didn't vote for Kamala Harris. They voted for Donald Trump. They had their tantrum. And now look what we got. We got a crazy man in the White House who's doing and projecting things that are really, really problematic."
Source:rawstory.com
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https://www.rawstory.com/trump-muslim-voters/
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PM calls for meaningful talks on Kashmir issue
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
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Tariq Naqash
February 6, 2025
• Urges India to move beyond Aug 5, 2019, mindset
• Addresses AJK Assembly as nation observes Solidarity Day
• COAS reaffirms military’s commitment to Kashmir cause
MUZAFFARABAD: As people across the country came together in various ways to express solidarity with the struggling people of India-held Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged Delhi to move beyond the mindset of Aug 5, 2019, and engage in a meaningful and result-oriented dialogue to fulfil its commitments to the Kashmiris and the world regarding the implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions.
“We have always adhered to the principle of peaceful coexistence with our neighbours. We want all disputes, including Jammu and Kashmir, to be resolved through peaceful means based on democratic and diplomatic principles. This is essential for the development and prosperity of billions of people living in this region,” the prime minister said in his address to the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly, presided over by Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar.
The session was among a slew of activities held across the country as well as in many other parts of the world to mark Kashmir Solidarity Day, a yearly national feature to manifest support for the Kashmiris fighting Indian occupation of their motherland with dauntless bravery.
After landing in Muzaffarabad, PM Shehbaz first visited a grand Martyrs’ Monument, where he was also joined by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Syed Asim Munir. Both laid floral wreaths at the monument and observed a one-minute silence to pay homage to the fallen heroes of the Kashmir freedom movement.
While the prime minister drove to the Legislative Assembly, the army chief went to a nearby military installation where he interacted with a select group of notables and veterans.
Earlier in the day, symbolic human chains were formed at key points linking AJK and Pakistan, including Kohala and Bararkot in the Muzaffarabad division, Azad Pattan and Tain Dhalkot in the Poonch division, and Mangla and Holar in the Mirpur division.
In Kohala, cabinet member Bilal Yasin from Punjab and MPA Dr Ashok Kumar from Balochistan were also among the attendees.
In Muzaffarabad, a friendly cricket match between Srinagar Eleven and Jammu Eleven was held at Narul Stadium, with former Pakistan captain Shahid Khan Afridi as the chief guest.
Elsewhere, rallies, demonstrations, public meetings and seminars were held in almost all towns and cities, including areas along the Line of Control (LoC), to send a loud message of solidarity and support across the divide.
“I have come as a representative of Pakistan’s 240 million people to assure you that we stand shoulder to shoulder with you in your struggle until the blood spilt in the valley secures your freedom,” PM Shehbaz said in his speech to the AJK Assembly.
He warned India against the misconception that it could strip Kashmiris of their identity or displace them from their homeland through draconian, oppressive and fascist laws.
“The issue will not be resolved by spilling Kashmiri blood, demolishing their homes, carrying out extrajudicial killings, martyring children, torturing and imprisoning leaders, or turning occupied Kashmir into a massive military garrison,” he said.
He asserted that the democratic rights of the people of occupied Palestine and Kashmir were supported by democratic nations, institutions, organisations and people worldwide, as well as by international laws and principles.
“There cannot be different standards for justice, democracy, and the enforcement of international law. This is the demand of justice, democracy, and international law, as well as of humanity, for which we will continue to raise our voice on every global forum,” he affirmed.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also made it clear that Pakistan’s commitment to peace should not be mistaken for weakness.
“Our pursuit of peace is rooted in the enlightened principles of our faith, the democratic ideology of our forefathers, and the strength of our system. Pakistan is a nuclear-armed state with a highly skilled and professional military that serves as an unbreakable shield for national security,” he said.
“From the creation of Pakistan to the present day, we have always responded decisively to acts of aggression,” he added, citing Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav and captured pilot Abhinandan as living testimonies to Pakistan’s military prowess.
He warned that, if necessary, Pakistan would use its full strength to safeguard its national interests without hesitation.
Earlier, AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq and Leader of the Opposition Khawaja Farooq Ahmed also spoke and thanked the government and people of Pakistan for standing by the Kashmiris through thick and thin.
According to a press release by ISPR, the military’s media affairs wing, the COAS reaffirmed the Pakistan Army’s commitment to national defence, making it clear that any act of aggression would be met with a decisive response.
During his interaction with notables, who included former AJK premier Sardar Tanveer Ilyas, he reaffirmed that Pakistan would always stand by the Kashmiris in their just and legitimate cause against state-sponsored repression and oppression.
“Without any doubt, Kashmir will be free one day and part of Pakistan as per the free will and destiny of the people of Kashmir,” he said.
GB expresses solidarity
In Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir Solidarity Day was observed with rallies, resolutions and public demonstrations. The GB Assembly unanimously passed a resolution reaffirming the region’s unwavering support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.
Rallies were held in Skardu, Gilgit, Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar, Astore, Shigar, Kharmang and Ghanche, with banners displayed across buildings and streets highlighting the plight of Kashmiris.
The main rally in Gilgit, which began at Aga Khan Shahi Polo Ground and passed through Raja Bazar before culminating at Etihad Chowk, saw participation from ministers, opposition and treasury members, government officials and activists from various political and religious groups.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1890051/pm-calls-for-meaningful-talks-on-kashmir-issue
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Guidelines for Muslims at non-Muslim events: Islamic affairs minister says talks ongoing, aims to prevent religious conflicts
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar
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06 Feb 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 6 — The proposed new guidelines for ceremonies involving Muslims at non-Muslim houses of worship are still under discussion with the authorities, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.
He said that engagement sessions on the matter involved state Islamic religious councils (MAIN) and the proposed guidelines would be comprehensively discussed during the 126th Meeting of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) Muzakarah Committee.
“The decision of the MKI Muzakarah Committee will be presented at the MKI Meeting, chaired by the Sultan of Perak,” he said in a statement last night.
As such, Mohd Na’im urged all parties to refrain from creating misunderstandings or polemics concerning the guidelines, which could result in public unrest, as their purpose was to ensure that religious activities were conducted in an orderly manner and contribute to national harmony.
In a written reply uploaded on the Parliament’s website yesterday, Mohd Na’im said that the government would introduce new guidelines for events involving Muslims at non-Muslim houses of worship.
The guidelines include a requirement to obtain permission from religious authorities if the event involves Muslims, as well as ensuring that the event does not contain elements that could offend the sensitivities of Muslims.
Elaborating, Mohd Na’im said that the guidelines were developed to promote harmonious social and cultural relations among Malaysia’s diverse religious communities.
The guidelines would allow Muslims to attend celebrations or ceremonies of other religions in a respectful manner, observe proper decorum, and uphold the principles of Islamic faith, he added.
Mohd Na’im added that, once finalised, the guidelines would support the government’s efforts to foster unity and mutual respect among the people, without raising concerns or misunderstandings from an Islamic perspective.
“It will ensure that the organisation and participation of Muslims in these activities will not spark controversy or touch on the sensitivities of different religious groups,” said Mohd Na’im. — Bernama
Source:malaymail.com
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Islamic Jihad: Trump's statements on displacement of Palestinians are new version of Balfour Declaration
President Donald Trump
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06 Feb 2025
Islamic Jihad considered that the statements of US President Donald Trump on the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, represent a new version of the Balfour Declaration and reveal the reality of the American-Zionist project in the region.
The movement stressed that Washington, led by Trump, supports the crimes of the occupation, noting that the Israeli aggression on Gaza between October 2023 and January 2025 led to the death and injury of more than 159,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, in addition to thousands of missing persons.
It explained that plans to displace Palestinians, end UNRWA, and support the occupation pose a threat to Arab national security, especially to Egypt and Jordan, which the US administration is trying to implicate in confronting the Palestinians.
The movement stressed that the Palestinian people will not surrender to these conspiracies, but will continue their resistance until the liberation of their land, calling on the Arab and Islamic peoples to confront the American and Israeli plans targeting the entire region.
Source:saba.ye
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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3434265.htm
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Former Saudi ambassador to US condemns Trump’s ‘mad ethnic cleansing plan’ for Gaza
February 06, 2025
LONDON: Donald Trump’s plan for the US to take control of Gaza and force Palestinians to leave the enclave would be “ethnic cleansing” that would spark conflict and bloodshed, Prince Turki Al-Faisal, Saudi Arabia’s former ambassador in Washington, said on Wednesday.
In an interview with CNN, Prince Turki, who is also a former head of the Kingdom’s intelligence services, angrily rejected the US president’s comments, which included a threat to send US troops to help turn Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
Prince Turki said he expected Arab and Muslim countries, along with other nations and Europe, to take up the issue at the UN to show that the world opposed “this mad ethnic cleansing plan.”
“It is a fantasy to think that ethnic cleansing in the 21st century can be condoned by a world community that stays on its behind, and does not respond to that,” Prince Turki told presenter Christiane Amanpour. “The problem in Palestine is not the Palestinians. It is the Israeli occupation. And this has been clear and understood by everybody.”
Prince Turki said Trump’s comments upended previous US policy that favored a two-state solution based on land for peace.
He said Trump’s plan was based on the position of Israeli extremist politician Itamar Ben-Gvir, “the ultimate ethnic cleanser,” who recently resigned as national security minister over the Gaza ceasefire.
Trump’s words were a “total acceptance of the Israeli position by the American government,” Prince Turki said, adding that this approach had been gaining support in US political circles over the past two years.
Prince Turki said that if Trump visited Saudi Arabia, he is likely to receive “an earful” from the Saudi leadership about “not just the wisdom of what he is proposing, but the downright unfairness and injustice.”
Trump has had close relations with Saudi Arabia and made the Kingdom his first foreign visit during his first term. Prince Turki said Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had pledged last month to invest $600 billion in the US.
Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry strongly condemned threats to displace Palestinians from their land and reiterated the Kingdom’s position that there would be no normalization of relations with Israel until the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
“This has been the position of Saudi Arabia from the beginning,” Prince Turki said.
He said that Trump’s Gaza plan on top of the “destruction and the devastation” of the territory during Israel’s campaign would only lead to more support for militant groups such as Hamas.
“Everybody has been telling the Israelis that if you repress these people, that if you punish them, if you inflict death and destruction and mayhem and genocide on them, all you are going to do is create more opposition,” Prince Turki said.
“That’s why they want to use ethnic cleansing to get the people out of the territory.
“So, their policy is clear cut and, unfortunately, we hear this reflected now in what Mr. Trump has said.”
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2589165/saudi-arabia
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Sweden mourns after deadliest shooting as gunman details emerge
5th February
Swedish police said they were still investigating the motive behind the country's deadliest mass shooting, as local media began reporting details about the gunman.
The suspect, named in reports as 35-year-old local man Rickard Andersson, was reported to be a former student of the school in Orebo, a city 157 km (98 miles) west of Stockholm, where the attack took place on Tuesday.
Eleven people died in the shooting, including the attacker, with at least six others injured.
The attack has sent shockwaves through the nation, with King Carl XVI Gustaf on Wednesday saying: "All of Sweden is mourning."
Authorities are still yet to release details about the dead and injured. Health officials said three women and two men were in a critical but stable condition, while another woman was treated for minor injuries.
Police declined to confirm media reports naming Andersson as the suspect. Orebro police said they had identified the suspect but would "not publish his name yet, due to the investigation".
They have not said how he died but indicated on Wednesday he had most likely killed himself after an exchange of fire with police.
Police said they were still investigating why the gunman had chose to attack the Risbergska adult educational centre. Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet reported the suspect was previously enrolled at the school but had not attended classes since 2021.
Police on Tuesday said the suspect had no apparent links to gangs and did not appear to be motivated by ideology.
They also do not believe the attack was motivated by terrorism.
"We will get back on what motives there are," local police chief Roberto Eid Forest told reporters on Wednesday.
The suspect had no previous convictions and obtained his weapon legally, local media reported.
Sweden's public broadcaster SVT suggested it was a hunting weapon, while Swedish Radio said police had listed the weapon as an automatic firearm.
Local police chief Mr Forest also defended authorities' delay in releasing accurate information about the number of dead and wounded. He said the size of the school premises had led to delays in ensuring there were not more victims.
Police said they were using fingerprints, dental records and DNA to identify victims - alongside interviews with family members.
In addition to providing Swedish language classes for immigrants, the Risbergska centre also provided adult education for people aged over 20 who did not finish primary or secondary school.
Earlier, Orebro residents attended a candlelit vigil outside the educational centre, which remains cordoned off. Flags around Orebro and at government buildings, parliament and royal palaces across the country were also lowered to half-mast.
King Carl XVI Gustaf, who visited the campus on Wednesday with Queen Silvia, told reporters: "All of Sweden feels it has experienced this traumatic event."
"All Swedes are thinking of those people who lost their loved ones," the King told the BBC. He said he was "sure the country would overcome the tragedy... one way or another, but it will take time".
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, who also visited the site on Wednesday, described Tuesday's attack as a dark day in Swedish history.
"Together, we must help the injured and their relatives bear the grief and weight of this day," he said.
Source:bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czdl72j3j6go
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Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Condemns US President’s Statements on Gaza Displacement
2025-02-05
KABUL(BNA): The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has officially condemned recent statements made by the US President regarding the displacement of Palestinians and the potential accommodation of these individuals in other countries.
In a statement released by the Afghanistan Foreign Ministry, the Islamic Emirate emphasized that “Gaza is the land of the Palestinians and no one else can decide their fate.”
The Islamic Emirate characterized the US President’s remarks as a blatant violation of international law and asserted that such plans serve the “evil aims” of the Zionist regime. The statement further warned that these actions incite hatred among Muslims and exacerbate tensions throughout the region.
The Islamic Emirate has called upon influential and justice-seeking nations to adopt a unified and proactive stance against what they describe as conspiracies targeting the Palestinian people.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/islamic-emirate-of-afghanistan-condemns-us-presidents-statements-on-gaza-displacement/
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India
Muslims Want Just What Rest Of Capital Does — And Peace
Feb 6, 2025
New Delhi: Like the voters in other segments, members of the Muslim community, who hold the upper hand in some constituencies, said they voted for development, civic infrastructure, public hygiene and peace and harmony. Muslim number around 21.6 lakh, or 12.9% of the city's population, and can be considered game changers in the six seats of Seelampur (50% Muslim voters), Matia Mahal (48%), Okhla (43%), Mustafabad (36%), Ballimaran (38%) and Babarpur (35%). AAP swept all these six seats in 2020. Muslims are in substantial numbers in some other constituencies too.
This year, there was Congress trying to win over the Muslim, besides the presence of Asaduddin Owaisi's All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM). Data till Wednesday evening showed a fall in voting percentages from 2020. There was 68.7% voting in Seelampur, 65.1% in Matia Mahal, 54.9% in Okhla, 69% in Mustafabad, 63.9% in Ballimaran and 66% in Babarpur, all lower than in 2020. The final figures on voting on Thursday will give a clearer trend on the community's voting pattern.
When casting their votes on Wednesday, the Muslims in northeast Delhi kept the major electoral factors of employment, sanitation, water and communal harmony in mind. At a polling booth in Jaffrabad, Mohammad Shamim of Janta Mazdoor Colony said, "In our locality, the roads have been badly damaged by sewer lines being dug. The water supply is poor. These need to be urgently addressed." Shamim also emphasised the importance of employment.
At Ghonda, Iqra, 42, had a completely different imperative. "All we wish for is social peace and harmony," she said. "Apart from that, we wanted a govt that is not corrupt."
However, Sharwat Hussain, who works in the automobile sector, said, "In my neighbourhood, I can say we saw development. The water supply improved and roads were constructed. I, therefore, voted for the party that works for such development," he disclosed.
Parveen and her daughter Aalia, who live in Badi Baradari within the Ballimaran assembly constituency, also expressed satisfaction about progress in the past decade. "Besides the development works, the incumbent party also provided free bus rides to women, free electricity and water, and has announced schemes to help needy people save money," said Parveen. "We saw the party fulfilling the promises it made and we are sure it will fulfil promises in the future also. We have also been assured that the long-pending problems of contaminated water and leakages in sewer lines will be fixed soon."
At Mehrauli, graphic designer Harun Khan and his wife Zareen Khan remarked that they had benefited from electricity and water schemes, free bus rides for women and improvement in govt schools. "I voted for Delhi and India's development," said Zareen.
Mohammad Nigam, 42, of Phool Mandi, Chandni Chowk, had an altogether different opinion. "We trusted the current govt for 11 years, but it failed to perform on the ground," he said pointing to the garbage and clogged drains. "When basic jobs are not done, how can infrastructure be said to be at par with Sheila Dikshit's govt?" he asked.
At a pink booth in Patparganj, two Muslim families — Riyasat Ali, 37, and Anjum Banu, 34, and Shakhawat Ali, 42, and Tehseen Banu, 38 — "voted for those who worked for progress", as one of them put it. Pointing at a newly constructed three-story school building, Riyasat Ali reflected, "This is the same school where we studied. But back then, it operated out of tents. Today, our children study here in a much better condition."
Asif, 83, and his 80-year-old wife, Masra Asand, arrived at a polling station in Shaheen Bagh with their grandchild. The wheelchair-bound couple encouraged everyone to vote. "Everyone is working hard to earn a living and support their families, but the condition of roads and sanitation are big headaches. These issues must be prioritised," said Asif. "Other than that, we are not expecting any major changes."
Kamal Khan, who lives in the JJ cluster in Dwarka Phase 3, swore neutrality as a Muslim regarding the electoral outcome on Feb 8. He explained that residing in urban areas, he embodied three identities: a migrant, impoverished slum resident and a Muslim. These characteristics, he noted, were sufficient for any administration to make broad assumptions about his preferences. "My neighbourhood comprises both Hindus and Muslims, leaving no room for any distinct identity here. It's best for me to vote for the development," he said.
Source:indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/muslims-want-just-what-rest-of-capital-does-and-peace/articleshow/117959965.cms
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Uttar Pradesh police arrest man over video call with Pakistani cleric
February 5, 2025
The Uttar Pradesh police have arrested 24-year-old Mohammad Aqeel, a resident of Narullapur village in Mirzapur, on charges of “sedition” following a livestreamed conversation with a Pakistani cleric.
Aqeel was taken into custody on January 30 under Section 152 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), a law that penalizes actions deemed a threat to the unity and sovereignty of India.
In a video that went viral on social media, Aqeel was seen engaging in a discussion with Maulana Mohammad Ali Mirza, a well-known Pakistan-based Islamic scholar. During the conversation, Aqeel questioned the cleric on his statement regarding Muslims who died during clashes with Uttar Pradesh police in Sambhal on November 24, following a dispute over a survey order for the Shahi Jama Masjid.
Maulana Mirza had referred to those who lost their lives in the violence as martyrs. Responding to Aqeel’s query, the cleric reaffirmed his stance, stating that they had sacrificed themselves for a noble cause.
Furthermore, Maulana Mirza advised Aqeel to seek legal recourse if Hindus claimed that the mosque was previously a temple. He cautioned against taking the law into their own hands, warning that such actions would only worsen the situation for Indian Muslims.
Once the video began circulating widely, several Hindu right-wing groups expressed outrage, demanding Aqeel’s immediate arrest. Acting swiftly, the Uttar Pradesh police detained him, claiming that the content of the video was misleading and had damaged the country’s global reputation.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shrish Chandra stated that Aqeel’s remarks had hurt public sentiments and tarnished India’s image. “We seized his mobile phone and discovered chats with the Pakistani cleric,” he added.
On January 31, Aqeel was presented before a local court and subsequently sent to jail. Authorities have launched further investigations to gather additional evidence and determine whether Aqeel had any involvement in the November violence in Sambhal. “We are examining all aspects of his activities and interactions,” ASP Chandra stated.
The case has sparked debate, with some questioning the legal basis for Aqeel’s arrest and others supporting the authorities’ strict action. The incident highlights ongoing tensions over religious and political discourse in India, particularly concerning issues involving cross-border interactions and communal sensitivities.— With Agencies Inputs
Source:muslimmirror.com
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https://muslimmirror.com/uttar-pradesh-police-arrest-man-over-video-call-with-pakistani-cleric/
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FIR against AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan for MCC violation
February 5, 2025
Delhi Police have registered a case against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections. The case was filed just hours before voting commenced on Wednesday. Khan is contesting from the Okhla constituency.
An FIR was lodged at Jamia Nagar Police Station after a video surfaced online, purportedly showing Khan distributing stickers and election materials in the Batla House area late on Tuesday night.
A police source confirmed that the video led to an investigation, following which the case was registered. “Based on the video and subsequent probe, an FIR has been filed. Further inquiries and investigation are ongoing,” the source added.
The Election Commission’s Model Code of Conduct prohibits campaigning beyond the designated period. The official campaign period for the Delhi assembly polls ended on Monday evening.
The incident has drawn attention to election law enforcement in the national capital, with authorities closely monitoring any violations. The police have assured that appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing investigation. — With Agencies Inputs
Source:muslimmirror.com
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https://muslimmirror.com/fir-against-aap-mla-amanatullah-khan-for-mcc-violation/
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TV coverage of Delhi polls was about freebies, potholes & sewers. No Hindu-Muslim politics
SHAILAJA BAJPAI
06 February, 2025
By the time you read this, exit polls on television news channels will have answered the question they have asked for the last six weeks: Dilli kiski?
The margins of victory differ from poll to poll but they agree that the next government in the capital is a BJP one.
The counting of votes on 8 February will reveal the result of ‘Dilli ka Dangal’ (Aaj Tak) so let’s wait till then to pronounce judgement on the accuracy of the exit polls which, as we know, have had a chequered strike rate in recent elections.
From what we saw of the poll campaign on television and read in the newspapers, the verdict is based on the people’s concerns about their city, which the news media highlighted. Meanwhile, politicians spoke about freebies.
The news coverage of the election campaign captured ‘Dilli Ke Dil Mein Kya Hai’ (ABP News). And no, it wasn’t about ‘Sheesh Mahal’, the Delhi liquor excise policy that put several AAP leaders, including former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in jail – or indeed, Hindi-Muslim divisions, which usually roil election campaigns.
Yes, the people of Delhi are angry but it’s the overflowing garbage, blocked sewer lines, dirty drinking water, and potholed roads that are raising their blood pressure, not people who live in glass houses.
In one word, infrastructure. That’s the message that rang out loud and clear across news channels and was written about in the newspapers. A reporter on Mirror Now hit the spot when she said, “Delhi is the only place we report on problems—the open drains, sewage, garbage…’’
Election of ‘issues’
The alphabet war in the capital, which pitched A v/s B v/s C (AAP, BJP, Congress), saw reporters repeatedly ask people in different parts of the city, what were the “issues” in this election. Again and again, from Chandni Chowk to Dwarka and Rajouri Gardens, people spoke of the living conditions, good or bad.
“Kejriwal has done great work…the schools are better, but nothing on employment,” said one voter to Total TV. “Kejriwal is good for Delhi, you can see for yourself how much he has done,” said another man.
The voters on Zee News disagreed. “Useless,” said a woman resident of Mehrauli, “AAP has done nothing—they’ve become netas. Look at the market—the sewers are blocked, garbage everywhere.”
On TV9 Bharatvarsh, some voters remembered former Congress CM Sheila Dikshit, whose son Sandeep Dikshit is fighting Kejriwal in the New Delhi constituency. “Nothing is being done, Sheila Dikshit did a lot.’’ The mood of voters against the ruling AAP is best reflected in one pithy quote by a woman voter on India TV: “I don’t like Kejriwal, BJP will win, I think. AAP’s emblem is a broom but they just bring in the dirt.’’
In Rajouri Gardens, we heard many people on different Hindi news channels. “City is in ruins”, “BJP will do better”, “Modi and Yogi will do,” said some to ABP News and Aaj Tak. “No clean gutters,” complained a woman to India TV, “at least BJP does something.’’
But in Kalkaji, the situation wasn’t so simple: people were still undecided between AAP and BJP – no mention of Congress except in the past tense. “We don’t know”, was a common reply on ABP News. “Sab chor hain (everyone is a thief)”. One voter said AAP had done good work, but was immediately challenged by another. “What work? The drains are blocked, there’s garbage here.”
To highlight her dismay with the poor conditions, a woman in Vishnu Garden showed ABP News the grey drinking water in a glass. In Chandni Chowk, we saw potholes filled with water, on India TV.
Channel after channel broadcast the same woes and the see-saw battle between AAP and BJP. You were left with a sense that people were looking for a change.
The news channels made all efforts to find out how people voted. On voting day, yesterday, TV reporters pestered voters to reveal their choices, to the point where it crossed the line of privacy.
“What are you thinking? What were the issues on your mind when you voted? Has anyone done anything for you? Do you want change or are things ok as they are?” asked the News 24 reporter in Dwarka.
“What did you keep in mind when voting?” an ABP News correspondent in Seelampur asked women. “Is everything good here? Kaise lag raha hai? (how are you feeling).’’
Change of strategies
Communal politics was missing both in poll action and news media coverage. For once, we did not read or hear divisive speeches along religious lines—if there were some, the news media gave them little space.
The Times of India, in its analysis of the poll campaigns of the three main political contenders, AAP, BJP and Congress, noted this absence. “BJP’s campaign was consciously designed to avoid polarization; the strategy did not yield results for it in 2020 as it ended up getting just eight seats,” wrote TOI.
Analysis of the AAP campaign discovered that Kejriwal had also shifted focus. The Hindu noted that Kejriwal’s “politics of development” in 2020 had “completely gone missing from the party’s messaging” in 2025. Instead, the newspaper found that at campaign rallies during the end of January, Kejriwal issued an “ominous warning”— “Galat button mat dabana… Kamal ka button mat dabana.” Don’t press the wrong button, don’t vote for the lotus symbol party (BJP).
As for Congress, the media paid it less attention. “The Congress is clearly far behind in the narrative game in the capital, even though it too has promised a raft of sops like frontrunners AAP and BJP. Its campaign does not have the visibility of the others,’’ wrote The Indian Express.
Freebies in the fight
The advertising campaign of the main contenders was at odds with what the public said, in the media at least. People spoke of open, dirty drains, the political ads promised free guarantees.
When TV reporters asked voters about receiving subsidies, they acknowledged it but didn’t mention it otherwise—interesting, since BJP and Congress advertisements on TV and in newspapers talk about little else.
Example: In the ‘Congress Guarantees for Delhi’ print ad on 4 February, five yojanas are mentioned: money for women, free health, paid apprenticeships, free electricity, and ‘Mehngai Mukti Yojana’ with Rs 500 for gas cylinder and fee ration kit.
Similarly, read the ‘Vote for progress, Vote for BJP’ ads on 5 February – it has freebies too. ‘Phir layenge Kejriwal’ (we will bring back Kejriwal) song-slogan of AAP also describes ‘free’ gifts from the former CM.
By the way, no one promised free clean air – and the media didn’t press them for answers.
Source:theprint.in
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https://theprint.in/opinion/telescope/tv-coverage-of-delhi-polls-was-about-freebies-potholes-sewers-no-hindu-muslim-politics/2481728/
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Over 500 detained across Kashmir after former army soldier killed in Kulgam
February 5, 2025
On Tuesday, Jammu and Kashmir Police detained at least 500 individuals from various parts of Kashmir in connection with the killing of Manzoor Ahmad Wagay, a former army soldier. Wagay, 39, was shot dead by suspected militants in Behibagh village on Monday. His wife, Aaina Akhtar, 32, and her niece, Saina Hameed, 13, were also injured in the attack.
According to sources, most of those detained are from Kulgam, Anantnag, and Shopian districts in south Kashmir. Many were asked to report to their respective police stations, while security forces also conducted raids in Kulgam, where the attack occurred. Several suspects were taken in for questioning.
A senior police officer confirmed the detentions, stating, “We have launched a massive operation across the valley to identify and apprehend individuals with links to terrorist networks.” The officer emphasized that the authorities are committed to ensuring the safety of residents and visitors in Kashmir.
Officials say the detainees include Over Ground Workers (OGWs), militants, and individuals with past militant links. Some reportedly have militancy-related cases dating back to 2003 but are currently leading normal lives.
Others are relatives of militants based in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, suspected of orchestrating recent attacks on civilians and off-duty security personnel.
A police officer told The Indian Express that the detentions aim to send a strong message that attacks involving family members will not be tolerated. “They (militants) have crossed a red line this time by targeting a soldier’s family,” he said.
Meanwhile, candlelight protests were held across Kashmir to condemn the killing. People from various sections of society, including police officials, civil society members, and schoolchildren, participated in the march to express solidarity with the victims’ families.
Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah strongly condemned the attack, calling it a “heinous act” and stating that such violence has no place in society. He expressed hope for peace and justice, saying, “May peace and justice prevail.”
J&K Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra criticized the government, stating that despite claims of normalcy, targeted attacks on security personnel continue. “The Government of India must explain why such incidents persist,” he said.
CPI(M) leader Mohmad Yousuf Tarigami also denounced the killing, stating, “Such heinous acts of violence have no place in a civilized society and must be condemned in the strongest terms.” — With Agencies Inputs
Source:muslimmirror.com
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https://muslimmirror.com/over-500-detained-across-kashmir-after-former-army-soldier-killed-in-kulgam/
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Delhi elections: All India Imam Association's Sajid Rashidi claims he voted for BJP
Feb 06, 2025
In a video shared by BJP leader Amit Malviya, All India Imam Association Chairman Maulana Sajid Rashidi has said that he has voted for BJP in the Delhi Assembly election."Sajid Rashidi of All India Imam Association says he voted for the BJP in the Delhi Assembly election. This is not an isolated instance, and the so called ‘secular’ parties should be worried if Muslims also start supporting the BJP in a big way," said Amit Malviya in a post on X.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is poised to form the next government in Delhi with the ruling AAP falling behind, most exit polls predicted on Wednesday and said that Congress likely to continue its dismal run in the assembly polls.
The exit polls varied in their prediction of margin of BJP victory with one poll saying that the party could win 51-60 out of 70 assembly seats in Delhi. Two polls also predicted AAP victory. The exit polls came with their prdictions after the conclusion of voting in Delhi assembly polls on Wednesday.
According to P-MARQ exit poll, BJP is likely to win on 39-49 assembly seats, Aam Aadmi Party 21-31 seats and Congress 0-1 seats.
Matrize exit poll predicted a close contest between BJP and AAP. It said BJP is likely for win on 35-40 seats and AAP 32-37 seats. It said Congress can win one seat.
Peoples Pulse exit poll said BJP could win 51-60 assembly seats and AAP 10-19 seats. The exit poll did not give any seat to Congress.
As per People's Insight exit poll, BJP is likely to emerge victorious in 40-44 seats and AAP 25- 29 seats. The Congress, it said, can win 0-1 seat.
JVC exit poll gave 39-45 seats to BJP, 22-31 to AAP and 0-2 seats to Congress.
Chanakya Strategies predicted 39-44 seats for BJP, 25-28 seats for AAP and 2-3 seats for Congress
Poll Dairy exit polls predicted that BJP will win 42-50 seats, AAP 18-25 and Congress 0-2 seats.
WeePreside exit poll said AAP could win 46-52 seats, BJP 18-23 seats and Congress 0-1 seat.
Delhi recorded a turnout of 57.70 per cent till 5 pm on Wednesday. Votes will be counted on February 8.
AAP has dominated the last two assembly polls in Delhi. In the 2020 assembly elections, it won 62 out of 70 seats and BJP won eight. Congress, which ruled the national capital for 15 years, failed to open its account in the last two assembly polls.
Source:indiatimes.com
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https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/elections/assembly-elections/delhi/delhi-elections-all-india-imam-associations-sajid-rashidi-claims-he-voted-for-bjp/articleshow/117967983.cms
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BCs’ quota being cut to please Muslims, charges BJP on TG caste census
February 05, 2025
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the Congress government led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy of “hatching a conspiracy to please the minority Muslim community by snatching away the rights of the Backward Classes (BCs) in reducing the quota and asked if this was the role model” for the party, on Wednesday.
Addressing a press conference at New Delhi, Rajya Sabha MP and national OBC morcha persident K. Laxman lashed out at the State government, accusing it of coming out with an “unscientific and flawed caste census” in Telangana which is totally out of tune with reality.
“If the Congress government was really committed to social justice it would have provided legal sanctity, corrected the mistakes and brought it in the form of a Bill. The caste census has been done in a perfunctory manner and showcasing reduced population of BCs is meant to crush them politically,” he charged.
The 42% or 1.60 crore BCs population “cannot be true” as previous surveys have put it at 51-52%, pointed out Mr. Laxman and saw something amiss in reducing the BCs population by 6% . He also faulted the survey for putting about 10% Muslims under the BCs category and questioned if the Constitution had allowed for “Hindu BCs and Muslim BCs”.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi carries the Constitution in his pocket but does not seem to be aware that Dr. Ambedkar had opposed religion-based reservations. Two Muslim communities — Dudekula and Mehtar have been enjoying BC benefits following the Mandal Commission Report recommendation. The erstwhile YSR government had hiked Muslims quota to 4% and KCR increased it to 12% unconstitutionally — all this was done at the cost of BCs’ quota, he maintained
BCs cheated
In a separate press meet here in Hyderabad State office, deputy floor leader in Legislative Assembly Payal Shankar accused the Congress government of “cheating” the BCs by merely passing a resolution stepping the actual implementation for potential enhanced benefits under the cover of ‘Constitutional amendment’.
“Mr. Revanth Reddy has failed to keep up with the promise made as ‘Kamareddy declaration’ before the elections. The government has also refused to explain how the BCs numbers got declined in the last 10 years,” he said and questioned why the government was cagey about releasing district-wise population census figures collected.
Mr. Shankar expressed doubts about the survey results and about the difference in the figures between the last household survey carried out by the previous BRS government about a decade ago and now. “How can the government claim that the previous household survey has no sanctity when the report has been uploaded onto the official website of a government department,” he wondered and was sure the ruling party will face the consequences in the local body polls.
Source:thehindu.com
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https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/bcs-quota-being-cut-to-please-muslims-charges-bjp-on-tg-caste-census/article69183652.ece
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Day before Delhi polls, FIR against Kejriwal over Yamuna remark
February 5, 2025
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal was booked on Tuesday, February 4, over his recent remarks regarding pollution in the Yamuna River. The FIR comes just a day before Delhi votes in its assembly elections.
Kejriwal stirred controversy after accusing the Haryana government of poisoning the Yamuna River before it reaches Delhi, which is located downstream.
The FIR was registered at the Shahbad police station under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 192 (intent to cause riot), 196(1) (promoting enmity between different groups), 197(1) (spreading false or misleading information), 248(a) (false charge of offense made with intent to injure), and 299 (insulting religious beliefs).
Earlier on Tuesday, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi was also booked by the Delhi Police. Three FIRs were registered in Kalkaji regarding violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), including one against Atishi, another against AAP members, and a third against BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri and his associate.
According to police, Atishi was accompanying AAP supporters who allegedly interfered with an officer’s work at Fateh Singh Marg. Additionally, two AAP members were booked for assaulting a police constable on duty.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders Manish Bidhuri, a relative of BJP’s Kalkaji candidate Ramesh Bidhuri, and Ravi Dayama were also booked. The police registered an FIR against them at Govindpuri Police Station following a complaint from AAP.
Atishi alleged that Manish Bidhuri was seen “roaming around” in Kalkaji late Monday night, despite not being a voter in the area.
Responding to the first complaint, police said they found Manish Bidhuri and Ravi Dayama violating the MCC. Later, upon receiving another complaint, they discovered a large gathering of AAP workers with around 10 vehicles.
Despite repeated warnings, the AAP members refused to disperse, violating prohibitory orders, according to DCP (Southeast) Ravi Kumar Singh.
Police added that when they began recording the scene, some AAP workers allegedly assaulted and misbehaved with a head constable, snatched his phone, and injured him. A separate FIR was registered in connection with the assault.
When asked whether CM Atishi was specifically named in the FIR, DCP Singh confirmed that action was taken against all those violating the prohibitory orders.
Atishi criticized the Election Commission on X, alleging that BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri and his family were engaging in “hooliganism” while no action was taken against them. Instead, a case was lodged against her. — With Agencies Inputs
Source:muslimmirror.com
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https://muslimmirror.com/day-before-delhi-polls-fir-against-kejriwal-over-yamuna-remark/
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Asaduddin Owaisi's Waqf Counter To Chandrababu Naidu's Tirupati Endorsement
Feb 06, 2025
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has challenged Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu over the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) decision to act against its non-Hindu employees. Mr Owaisi questioned why Mr Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP) supported the BJP's Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which mandates the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards.
In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Mr Owaisi said that while TTD insists on Hindu-only employment, the Waqf Bill mandates at least two non-Muslims in Muslim religious bodies. He cited the Andhra Pradesh Hindu Endowments Act, which restricts non-Hindus from holding positions such as Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, Inspector, Trustee, or Executive Officer.
"If only Hindus should govern Hindu Endowments, and only Hindus should be employees, then why this discrimination against Muslim Waqfs?" Mr Owaisi asked.
He said that under the new Bill, a majority of Waqf Board members could be non-Muslim, as they will now be nominated by the government rather than elected. "The government is very capable of having a non-Muslim majority Waqf Board," Mr Owaisi added.
TTD Action
The controversy erupted after TTD identified 18 employees who were allegedly practicing non-Hindu religions while working at the institution. TTD, which manages the Sri Venkateswara temple, stated that these employees had violated their oath to follow Hindu traditions.
According to a memo issued by TTD on February 1, disciplinary action had been initiated. The employees have been barred from participating in religious activities, and some may face transfers to other government departments or voluntary retirement.
TDP Defends Decision
Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh defended the TTD's move, stating that it reflected the official stance of the TDP-led NDA government.
"There is no second thought about it. We spoke about it before the elections, and we stand by it," Mr Lokesh said.
He compared the decision to rules in mosques, where non-Muslims are generally not allowed to serve in religious capacities. Mr Lokesh also insisted that the government would fight any legal challenge to TTD's policy.
The TDP has accused the previous YSR Congress government of appointing non-Hindus to TTD, alleging that this move hurt Hindu sentiments.
Source:ndtv.com
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https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/asaduddin-owaisis-waqf-counter-to-chandrababu-naidus-tirupati-endorsement-7645418
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North America
Why does Trump want to take over Gaza and could he do it?
Feb 5, 2025
President Donald Trump's suggestion the US could "take over" and "own" Gaza, resettling its population in the process, has been met with shock and condemnation.
The comments come as a ceasefire is under way between Hamas and Israel, and amid questions about Gaza's post-conflict future.
The UN estimates around two thirds of buildings there have been destroyed or damaged after 15 months of fighting.
Trump's vague proposal could signal the largest shift in US policy on the Middle East in decades, upending widespread international consensus on the need for a Palestinian state - comprising Gaza and the occupied West Bank - to exist alongside Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the idea was "worth paying attention to" but it has been roundly rejected by Arab nations and some US allies.
Why did Donald Trump say this now?
If Donald Trump is right about one thing, it is that decades of US diplomacy on Israel and the Palestinians have failed to resolve the conflict.
Peace proposals and presidents have come and gone but the problems have festered. Hamas's attack on Israel on 7 October 2023 and the war in Gaza it triggered were the hideous results.
Trump made his millions as a property developer and, with that hat on, made a perfectly valid observation: if Gaza is to be rebuilt, from scratch in some places, it makes little sense for hundreds of thousands of civilians to be sheltering in the rubble.
The task of rebuilding Gaza will be monumental. Unexploded munitions and mountains of debris have to be removed. Water and power lines have to be repaired. Schools, hospitals and shops need to be rebuilt.
Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff has said that could take years - and while that goes on, the Palestinians will need to go somewhere.
However, rather than exploring ways of keeping them close to home, almost certainly in camps in the central and southern parts of the Gaza Strip, Trump says they should be encouraged to leave - permanently.
Trump believes that in their absence, an idyllic, American-owned "Riviera of the Middle East" will rise from the ashes, providing thousands of jobs, opportunities for investment and, ultimately, a place for "the world's people to live".
Why are Trump's comments so controversial?
Where to begin?
Even for a president who spent much of his first term upending US Middle East policy – including moving the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and recognising Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights – this was an astonishing proposal.
In their wildest imaginations, no US president ever thought that solving the Israel-Palestinian conflict would involve taking over a chunk of Palestinian territory and evicting its population.
To be clear, to do this by force would be a grave violation of international law.
Some Palestinians would likely choose to leave Gaza and rebuild their lives elsewhere. Since October 2023, as many as 150,000 already have.
But others cannot or will not, either because they lack the financial means to do so or because their attachment to Gaza – part of the land they call Palestine – is simply too strong.
Many Gazans are descendants of people who fled or were driven from their homes in 1948 during the creation of the state of Israel - a period Palestinians call the Nakba, the Arabic word for catastrophe.
The thought of another will be too painful for many and they will cling to their reduced lives in what remains of Gaza with a fierce determination.
For Palestinians who dream of a state of their own, alongside Israel, the loss of part of it will feel like an amputation.
Gaza has been physically separated from the West Bank since 1948. Previous rounds of negotiations, as well as Trump's 2020 "Vision for Peace", included plans for tunnels or railways that might link the two.
Now Trump is basically telling the Palestinians to give up on Gaza once and for all.
While he does not appear to be advocating the forced deportation of civilians - which is against international law - Trump is clearly encouraging Palestinians to leave.
Palestinian officials have already accused Israel of blocking the supply of tens of thousands of caravans which could help Gazans to stay put in less damaged parts of the territory while reconstruction takes place elsewhere.
The Arab countries who Trump says should accept as many as 1.8 million Gazan refugees, mainly Egypt and Jordan, have expressed outrage.
Both have enough problems of their own without this added burden.
What is the current status of Gaza?
Gaza was occupied by Egypt for 19 years before it was seized by Israel in the 1967 Six Day War.
It is still considered occupied by Israel under international law, which Israel disputes. It says the occupation ended in 2005, when it unilaterally dismantled Jewish settlements and pulled out its military.
Around three quarters of UN members recognise Gaza as part of a sovereign state of Palestine, though the US does not.
Cut off from the outside world by fences and an Israeli maritime blockade, it has never felt like a truly independent place.
Nothing and no one moves in or out without Israel's permission, and an international airport - opened amid much fanfare in 1998 - was destroyed by Israel in 2001 during the second Palestinian uprising.
Israel and Egypt imposed a blockade on Gaza, citing security reasons, after Hamas won Palestinian elections in 2006 and ejected its rivals from the territory after intense fighting the following year.
Long before the latest war, Palestinians had come to regard Gaza as an open prison.
Could Trump take over Gaza if he wants to?
It goes without saying that the US has no legal claim to the territory and it is not at all clear how Trump intends to impose American rule.
As with his bullish claims about US control over Greenland or the Panama Canal, it is not yet clear whether Trump really means it or if the comments represent an opening, outlandish bargaining position ahead of a bruising set of negotiations on Gaza's future.
Various plans have been discussed for the post-war governance of Gaza.
In December, the two main Palestinian factions, Hamas and Fatah, agreed to form a joint committee to oversee its administration - an agreement which has so far come to nothing.
At other times, discussions have focused on the creation of an international peacekeeping force, possibly made up of troops from Arab countries.
Last month, Reuters reported that the UAE, US and Israel had discussed the formation of a temporary administration in Gaza until a reformed Palestinian Authority (PA), which already has control in parts of the West Bank, was ready to take over.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously publicly insisted that the PA will have no role to play in running post-war Gaza.
In a limited sense, American boots are already on the ground. A US security firm has employed around 100 former US special forces to man a vital checkpoint south of Gaza City and screen the vehicles of Palestinians returning to the north for weapons.
Egyptian security personnel have also been seen at the same checkpoint.
These could be the first, tentative signs of an expanded international - and possibly US-led - presence in Gaza.
But that is hardly a US takeover, something that would require a large-scale military intervention in the Middle East - the sort of thing Trump has long told voters he wants to avoid.
Could there be implications for the Israel-Hamas ceasefire?
Negotiations on phase two of the two-week-old ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have barely begun but it is hard to see how Trump's bombshell remarks will help to advance them.
If Hamas feels the end product of this whole process is a depopulated Gaza - devoid not just of Hamas, but of all Palestinians - it may conclude there is nothing to talk about and hold on to the remaining hostages it took on 7 October 2023.
Netanyahu's critics have accused him of looking for excuses to blow up the negotiations and resume the war. They are bound to conclude that, with these comments, Trump is a willing accomplice.
On the other hand, the Israeli prime minister's right-wing backers have expressed satisfaction with the US takeover plan, potentially reducing the risk of cabinet resignations and making Netanyahu's immediate political future appear more assured.
In that sense, Trump has given Netanyahu a powerful incentive to keep the ceasefire going.
What did Donald Trump say about the West Bank?
Asked whether he agreed the US should recognise Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank, Trump said he had yet to take a position but that he would have an announcement to make in four weeks' time.
That remark has caused alarm among Palestinians, for whom such an announcement would inevitably be seen as another nail in the coffin for a two-state solution.
Recognising the legitimacy of Israel's settlements in the West Bank would be a hugely consequential move. Most of the rest of the world regards them as illegal under international law, although Israel disputes this.
During previous rounds of peace talks, negotiators recognised that Israel would get to hold onto large settlement blocs as part of a final agreement, probably in exchange for small chunks of Israeli territory.
In 2020, Trump brokered the Abraham Accords, which secured the historic normalisation of relations between Israel and two Arab nations, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain.
The UAE signed that agreement on the understanding Israel would not annex parts of the West Bank - an understanding which may now be in jeopardy.
Source:bbc.com
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'Angry', 'numb' - Palestinian Americans on Trump's Gaza comments
Feb 5, 2025
Palestinian-Americans across the US have expressed outrage at Donald Trump's proposal for the US to "take over" Gaza, a place many of them still consider home.
"Our right of return, it's something we've thought about our whole lives," Iman Kishawi, who was born in Gaza but now lives in the Los Angeles area, told the BBC.
She said she was "very angry" over what President Trump has said, asking: "Who are you to own the land?"
Meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday, Trump proposed the idea that Palestinians could be resettled elsewhere while the US took ownership of the territory and turned it into the "Riviera of the Middle East".
Hosting a joint press conference with Netanyahu, the first international leader to visit the White House since Trump's inauguration, the president said: "The US will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it, too."
He added: "I do see a long-term ownership position, and I see it bringing great stability to that part of the Middle East."
His proposition - a radical departure from decades of US policy - was met with backlash.
Laila El-Haddad, a Palestinian-American author and activist, said she was "stunned".
"It was appalling," the Maryland resident told the BBC.
"It just showed an utter sort of callous disdain and disregard for Palestinian lives and Palestinian humanity and Palestinian dignity, like it's as though they're just a pawn that are being played around with," she continued.
"He was talking about Palestinians as though, again, they existed in some vacuum, as though they had just been the unfortunate victims of some natural disaster."
Some Republicans have defended Trump or sought to clarify his remarks, while others have greeted the proposal with scepticism and confusion.
For many Palestinian Americans, the president's comments just reaffirm Gaza's situation.
Tariq Luthun, a Palestinian American living in Michigan, who once told the BBC that "every day I wake up, I check to see if family members are alive", said he was "pretty numb" to Trump's remarks.
He called Trump's proposal a continuation of "US imperialist policy".
Trump is "simply saying the quiet part out loud. This is the admission of what we have seen over the course of the past several decades", Mr Luthun added.
Iman Kishawi, who was born in Gaza in 1958 but fled because of war when she was seven years old, said she became "depressed a little" over the news.
"We need to give people a chance to live on their homeland," the Los Angeles-area resident said, adding that losing your home is like "losing your identity".
Just last month, after the announcement of a ceasefire following 15 months of fighting between Israel and Hamas, Ms Kishawi began contemplating her eventual return to Gaza.
"I just have a yearning of going and belonging and helping my people," she said.
But that fantasy has been tossed into doubt - for now - following Trump's remarks.
"The minute you see hope coming, it's gone," Ms Kishawi said.
The current conflict started when hundreds of Hamas fighters stormed across Israel's southern border on 7 October 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages back to Gaza.
Israel responded with an air bombardment, then a full-scale ground invasion that has left more than 46,700 people - most of them civilians - dead, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry.
Source:bbc.com
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Trump signs order banning transgender women from female sports
Feb 5, 2025
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that prevents transgender women from competing in female categories of sports.
The order provides guidance, regulations and legal interpretations, and it will enlist the Department of Education to investigate high schools thought to be non-compliant.
Republicans say it restores fairness to sports but LGBT advocacy and human rights organisations have described the move as discriminatory.
The order, which goes into effect immediately, largely covers high school, universities and grassroots sports.
A number of sporting governing bodies, including swimming, athletics and golf, have banned transgender women from competing in the female category at elite level if they have gone through male puberty.
According to White House officials who briefed reporters on Wednesday morning, this latest order empowers the Department of Education to investigate how schools implement Title IX, a US law that bans sex discrimination in federally funded education programmes.
An administration official said that the executive order will reverse the position of the Biden administration which in April last year said that LGBT students would be protected by federal law, although it did not give specific guidance on transgender athletes.
"If you let men take over women's sports teams or invade your locker rooms, you will be investigated for violations of Title IX and risk your federal funding," Trump explained.
Additionally, the White House plans to bring in sporting bodies - such as the National Collegiate Athletics Association, or NCAA - to come to the White House to meet female athletes and their parents to discuss concerns.
The official who discussed the order, said the US would do all it could to prevent transgender athletes from competing against females in International Olympic Committee competitions that take place on US soil.
President Trump specified that the order would include the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
He has said he will deny visas for transgender Olympic athletes trying to visit the US to compete at the LA Games.
Ahead of signing the executive order, Trump declared that "the war on women's sports is over", saying that during the LA Games, "my administration will not stand by and watch men beat and batter female athletes."
He said he would direct the secretary of homeland security "to deny any and all visa applications made by men attempting to fraudulently enter the United States while identifying themselves as women athletes..."
IOC has been approached for comment.
White House officials described the policies as being broadly popular with Americans, and critical to ensuring "fairness" for women in sports, as well as safety.
In a statement, Human Rights Campaign president Kelley Robinson said that the order "exposes young people to harassment and discrimination, emboldening people to question the gender of kids who don't fit a narrow view of how they're supposed to dress or look".
"For so many students, sports are about finding somewhere to belong," Ms Robinson added. "Not partisan policies that make life harder for them."
Less than 1% of the population over the age of 13 in the US are transgender, according to a study by the UCLA Williams Institute, and the number playing sports is smaller.
On Trump's first day in office on 20 January, he signed a separate order calling for the federal government to officially define sex as either being male or female.
Source:bbc.com
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Muslims’ Pivotal Hollywood Moment: Trump, Karla Sofía Gascón and a TV Landscape Defying Invisibility | Guest Column
February 5, 2025
I am still coming off the high caused by The Muslim House activation at the Sundance Film Festival in late January. It was an inspiring space for fostering inclusion and elevating creative voices from American-Muslims and other emerging communities.
Despite President Donald Trump’s executive order around DEI programs, there is still momentum in what television audiences will soon witness. For the first time in American television history, three series that portray Muslim communities will premiere within the first three months of 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the continued evolution of Muslim portrayals in Hollywood. This marks a victory for Muslim creatives working to combat the lingering impact of the decades-old vilification, racism and harmful depictions of Muslims — and as we can see from deleted racist tweets by Karla Sofía Gascón supporting a ban of Islam in Europe despite being a member of a vulnerable community herself, there is still much work to do.
As I told TheWrap in response to the “Emilía Perez” Oscar nominee’s controversy last week: “Muslims are part of every community, including the transgender community. ‘European values’? Does she mean the ones that led to the Holocaust? She needs to immerse herself in Islamic history. When Europe was in the dark age, Muslims were busy discovering math, science, and medical equipment. Learn, woman.”
Yet in the face of such hatred, Muslim voices and creatives are still breaking through. While in the last decade there has only been one main U.S. television series with Muslim characters in leading roles (Hulu’s “Ramy” was the first to focus on its Muslim protagonist’s inner struggles and contradictions and the controversial topics within the Muslim community), audiences will now have three more series to enjoy.
In order of premiere, they are:
This seres is named after its lead character, the man with a heart of gold, Mohammed Amer. It is the story of Mo Najjar, a Palestinian refugee living in Houston and navigating life as a Muslim immigrant in America. The series highlights topics such as immigration, mental health, and Israel/Palestine, among other life issues — from love to family to belonging.
Audiences who are familiar with reality television already know that the genre is often dominated by shows that cater to Western dating cultures. “Muslim Matchmaker” centers on Muslim singles seeking partners in ways that respect their cultural and religious values. Hosts Yasmin Elhady and Hoda Abrahim are the show’s heart; they bring their unique blend of wisdom and wit to the matchmaking process. They are addictive.
This series will surprise most. Unlike the other two projects, the “Deli Boys” characters play outside the lines of what we are used to watching. Asif Ali, Saagar Shaikh, Poorna Jagannathan, Iqbal Theba and others make for a great crime family. As they deal with the aftermath of their father’s ties to mobsters and money laundering, they uncover hidden secrets that lead to a wild adventure. “Deli Boys” touches on themes of cultural identity as well as family and generational conflict, but hardly puts their Muslim identity front and center, which makes this series feel fresh and unique.
The emergence of these three TV series during this particular time in our nation’s journey is not just a reflection of better representation in media, but a testament to the resilience of Muslim creatives working very hard to perfect their craft and have it seen. Under the Trump administration, DEI efforts will severely be undermined by anti-Muslim (and anti-everything else that is not white-Christian-straight-male) policies, which embolden Islamophobia.
However, these shows — and the creators behind them — are part of a larger movement pushing back against such divisiveness. And, let us not forget organizations like the one I belong to, the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), and other advocacy groups that have been instrumental in breaking down barriers for years, ensuring that we can tell our own stories in ways that are authentic, nuanced and diverse.
Shows like “Mo,” “Muslim Matchmaker” and “Deli Boys” actively challenge outdated tropes by showing Muslims as complex, multifaceted people with hopes, dreams, humor and challenges that will resonate beyond Muslim audiences. That is my prediction.
Many of us are bracing ourselves for what is to come in the next four years. Like eight years ago, we are dodging something new every day. These series are a breath of fresh air and a testament to the power of entertainment in pushing forward the values of equity, inclusion and social justice. These are the values we hope America will fight for.
Source:thewrap.com
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https://www.thewrap.com/muslim-tv-shows-mo-matchmaker-deli-boys-mpac-karla-sofia-gascon/
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Catholic Charities NY: Government efforts to deal with criminal immigrants ‘legitimate’
By John Lavenburg
Feb 5, 2025
NEW YORK – Amid a federal immigration crackdown, the head of Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of New York says that while the organization is concerned for many immigrants, he also understands the government’s “legitimate attempt to deal with the bad apples, the criminals.”
“We always have concerns, but at the same time we understand that, sadly, there are a few bad apples among the immigrants who come to New York,” Msgr. Kevin Sullivan told Crux. “If some of those immigrants do commit crimes, well, they should pay a price for that. But yes, we do have a concern and do want to make sure those who are not the criminals, that they’re not impacted.”
Since President Donald Trump took office, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials have arrested more than 8,000 people who the agency says are in the country illegally, according to a compilation of daily totals of arrests it has posted, current as of Feb. 1.
The ICE raids have touched all corners of the country, especially major cities, including New York. Crux reached out to multiple local Catholic Charities agencies for perspective on how the federal immigration crackdown has impacted their work and the community they serve. However, as of Feb. 4 Sullivan, who has led Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York since 2001, was the only to offer perspective.
Sullivan declined to comment on whether or not he had been in communication with federal or local authorities, instead saying that the organization’s concern is always and remains with the people they try to serve and help on a daily basis. He said he didn’t know if less immigrants utilized Catholic Charities services out of a greater fear of being in public, but acknowledged that a heightened fear exists in immigrant neighborhoods and communities.
“We have heard of a significant amount of fear and anxiety in the immigrant communities,” Sullivan said. “We fully understand the anxiety, the fear, that is in those communities and we kind of just reassure those communities that Catholic Charities is going to accompany them, be with them, and continue to provide the services that are needed.”
According to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York’s website, those services include helping newcomers with legal advice, to reunite with their families, learn English, prepare for citizenship, and find employment opportunities, in addition to the regular services the organization provides. For example, food, housing, and emergency services.
Sullivan said the organization also educates immigrants on their responsibilities and their rights, including the need to abide by the law, and understand their rights amid the immigration crackdown.
“That’s our approach. We continue to provide help,” Sullivan said.
Source:cruxnow.com
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https://cruxnow.com/church-in-the-usa/2025/02/catholic-charities-ny-government-efforts-to-deal-with-criminal-immigrants-legitimate
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Trump's real-estate instincts clash with his America First worldview
Feb 5, 2025
When a real-estate developer becomes the US president, don't be surprised if American foreign policy includes a heavy helping of real-estate development.
That's probably the biggest conclusion to draw from Donald Trump's stunning proposal for the US to take over Gaza and turn it into a resort for all the people of the world to enjoy – a "Riviera of the Middle East", in his words.
It also presents the latest iteration of a question that has persisted as long as Trump has been involved at the highest level of American politics.
Should Trump's Gaza development plan, which includes the resettlement of more than two million Palestinians and US "ownership" of the contested lands be taken literally or seriously? Both, or neither?
Trump's proposal flies in the face of the deeply held wishes of the Palestinian people and has been summarily rejected by the Arab nations that would have to play an integral part in resettling those displaced from war-torn Gaza.
It has also triggered howls of protest from the international community, as well as the president's domestic critics in the Democratic Party.
"Developing war-torn land like a Trump golf resort isn't a peace plan, it's an insult," said Democratic Congressman Troy Carter of Louisiana. "Serious leaders pursue real solutions, not real estate deals."
Even some of Trump's most steadfast Republican allies have seemed wary of the president's suggestion that US forces could occupy Gaza, clearing rubble and removing unexploded Israeli ordinance.
"I think most South Carolinians would probably not be excited about sending Americans to take over Gaza," Lindsey Graham, who represents South Carolina in the US Senate, said on Wednesday. "I think that might be problematic, but I'll keep an open mind."
Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky was even more blunt.
"I thought we voted for America First," he wrote on X. "We have no business contemplating yet another occupation to doom our treasure and spill our soldiers' blood."
Paul highlights what has been an apparent contradiction in the early weeks of Trump's presidency. While Trump has culled US foreign aid and pledged to focus on American domestic concerns, he has also leavened his remarks with talk of American expansionism.
His interest in acquiring Greenland is persistent and, according to administration officials, deadly serious. His talk of making Canada the "51st state" and retaking the Panama Canal is no longer being treated like a joke.
And now Trump, one of the most vocal right-wing critics of the US invasion and reconstruction of Iraq, is suggesting a new Middle East nation-building project.
As for the specific ideas behind Trump's latest proposal, they may be shocking for some but they shouldn't be too much of a shock.
The president spoke of "cleaning out" Gaza and resettling Palestinians in remarks to reporters on Air Force One just days after his inauguration.
During the presidential campaign, he told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt that Gaza could be "better than Monaco", but that the Palestinians "never took advantage" of their "best location in the Middle East".
This also isn't the first time Trump has viewed a seemingly intractable foreign policy situation as an exciting business opportunity.
During meetings with North Korea's Kim Jong Un in 2018, President Trump marvelled at the hermit nation's "great beaches", which could someday have the "best hotels".
Those ambitious dreams have been shelved – and Trump's Gaza vision, which would require a significant commitment of American blood and fortune at a time when it's paring back its foreign involvements, will almost certainly meet the same fate.
But Trump's Gaza proposal does represent a marked shift in America's commitment to a two-state solution to the Palestinian situation.
A generous interpretation of the American strategy is that it is designed to shake up the Middle East powers and force them to commit more of their own resources, and political will, to finding a long-term solution to the situation in Gaza.
But such a strategy would come with risks.
The multi-step Israeli-Hamas ceasefire hangs in the balance. The Palestinians could view Trump's comments as a sign that the US is not interested in a lasting peace, while Israeli hard-liners who are a key part of Benjamin Netanyahu's governing coalition may celebrate it as Trump's green light for further expanding Israeli settlements.
Arab nations – some of whom worked with the first Trump administration to produce normalised relations with Israel in the Abraham Accords – may doubt whether Trump in his second term can be a reliable negotiating partner.
There are now years of evidence that Trump's focus can shift on a moment's notice. In the end, he could abandon all attempts at brokering a durable Middle East peace, blaming the Palestinians and their Arab allies for what he might view as their decision to reject the prospect of a better life removed from past conflicts.
Then it's back to trade wars with Canada, condominiums in North Korea, mining sites in Greenland or some other challenge that does not divide his own party or require solving centuries of animosity with seemingly intractable ancestral concerns.
Source:bbc.com
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Trump tariff 'made something snap in us' - many Canadians see US rift beyond repair
Feb 5, 2025
After US President Donald Trump threatened Canada with steep tariffs, Monika Morelli from Montreal cancelled her subscriptions to Netflix and Amazon, two giant American companies.
She also called off a trip that she had planned for later in the year to New Orleans.
"There is something that has been irrevocably broken now, after centuries of the US and Canada being allies," Ms Morelli, 39, told the BBC.
The threaten of import taxes, she said, plus Trump's remarks that Canada could become the 51st US state, "have made something snap in us all".
Trump had vowed to slap a 25% tariff on both Canada and Mexico this week, citing issues with border security.
He then struck a surprise deal with Mexico on Monday that resulted in the duties being delayed for 30 days in exchange for more Mexican troops at the border. A similar deal was agreed with Canada later in the day.
For Canadians, who had been deeply anxious about the economic consequences of the tariffs, the delay elicited a sigh of relief. But some feel the threat has caused a rift in the US-Canada relationship.
Data released on Wednesday by national pollster Angus Reid found that 91% of Canadians want their country to rely less on the US in the future, preferring that option over repairing the US-Canada relationship, though more than half still wanted to try.
The opinion survey also noted a big jump in national pride, and found that 90% of Canadians were following this issue closely, mimicking engagement levels not seen since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Shachi Kurl, president of Angus Reid, told the BBC the numbers capture "a moment of unity" in the country. They also showed that Canadians have responded to the US tariffs with a shared sense of anger, she said.
With the US being the largest customer for Canadian goods, the tariffs threaten to push the Canadian economy into a recession and put thousands of jobs at risk.
In addition to the tariffs, Trump has stated repeatedly (possibly as a joke) that Canada should instead become a US state to avoid paying the levy - a remark that has been met with fury from Canadians, and has been seen by some as a threat to their sovereignty.
The issue has made way for a surge of patriotism in Canada - notably uniting people from all political stripes at a time when the country had been deeply divided over the leadership of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his policies.
A "Buy Canadian" sentiment has been pushed by politicians and the general public, with shoppers wanting to support local businesses and avoid purchasing US-made products in protest over the potential tariffs.
Carole Chandler, a 67-year-old retired public school teacher from Halifax, said that she, like Ms Morelli, had cancelled an upcoming holiday to Florida.
"I love America and Americans," she tells the BBC. "But I don't want to be one."
Even with the temporary pause on tariffs, some Canadian provinces are still pushing ahead with "Buy Local" campaigns to encourage people to spend their dollars closer to home.
On Wednesday, Manitoba's premier Wab Kinew said his province will be spending C$140,000 ($97,800; £78,200) on advertising - including on billboards and radio - to push Manitobans to contribute to their local economy.
Provinces are also removing barriers to trade internally within Canada, and many are calling for the country to diversify its trade relationship and build ties elsewhere.
Kinew described the back and forth on the potential tariff war between the US and Canada as akin to "whiplash".
"But through it all, to see people come together and to rally around the flag, to put the Manitoba pride first and foremost, has been very encouraging," Kinew said.
Ms Kurl noted that the Canada-US relationship has endured for centuries, and the two countries have long been close allies and partners on the world stage.
"It's quite an enmeshed relationship," she said.
Canadians share not only deep economic ties with the US, but also familial bonds and the world's longest land border. The US has also long been the top travel destination for Canadians.
She said it would not be easy to untangle those ties, and it remains to be seen whether the recent sentiments over Trump's tariffs signal a fundamental shift between the two countries.
A lot of it, she added, could depend on how the relationship with the current US president progresses, and whether the tariff threat materialises.
As Canadians wait and see what happens, they said they were looking to support their own however they can.
"We don't put on big displays like Americans do," said Ms Chandler from Halifax.
But Canadian patriotism runs deep, she said.
Source:bbc.com
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Trump ally Musk is remaking government - but will they clash?
Feb 5, 2025
After days of speculation over the precise role the world's richest man would play in Donald Trump's White House - how much power he would hold, whether he is a government employee at all - he took to the social media platform he owns to clarify.
"My preferred title is just 'Tech Support,'" Elon Musk wrote on X on Tuesday. It was a knowing understatement.
As the head of the nascent Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), Musk has emerged as a dominant force in the dizzying start to Trump's second administration.
In just two weeks he has led efforts to seize access to the federal payment system, dismantled an entire agency and offered millions of civil servants an ultimatum - quit or face being fired.
But Musk's increasingly bold attempt to remake the federal government with the same blunt force he used to take control of companies like Twitter have put him on a collision course with the Washington establishment.
And while he has secured a place in Trump's inner circle, observers wonder if a showdown between these two powerful personalities could be looming.
Musk's journey from billionaire entrepreneur to White House power player was not straightforward. By his own accounting, Musk had - for decades - been a reliable vote for the Democrats.
But unhappy with Biden's position on issues from labour laws to transgender rights, Musk began to look to the other side of the aisle in the run-up to the 2024 presidential election.
Initially, Musk called for Trump to "hang up his hat & sail into the sunset" and had backed his rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, for the Republican nomination. But he soon became the president's biggest booster, contributing $288m to Trump and other Republican candidates and becoming a key adviser on the campaign.
By the time of Trump's inauguration, Musk was his right-hand man, seated just behind the president's left shoulder on the dais - an unmistakable symbol of his influence.
"You know I always say we have to be protective of our geniuses because we don't have too many. But that one is a good one," Trump said of Musk, after welcoming him on stage at a rally the day before.
Musk has been a near constant presence in the nation's capital ever since.
Almost immediately after his election Trump tapped Musk to run Doge, and this new role has seemingly empowered him in a far-reaching mission to slash and transform the federal government, pushing for massive reforms with stunning speed.
Although Trump had said Musk would not be given an office in the West Wing, the tech leader and his team have moved beds into the federal personnel office next door to the White House, according to the New York Times.
He has top secret security clearance, a Trump administration official confirmed, potentially giving him access to a broad swathe of highly classified information.
His tactics - relentless, sometimes ruthless - are reminiscent of how he ran his previous companies, former employees say.
A former programme manager at Tesla, who spoke to the BBC on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, said Musk "did not care" about the human cost of his decisions.
"He's only concerned with the objective at hand. I think he views interpersonal issues and conflicts as ancillary things that are not worth his time," he said.
Occasionally, Musk tended toward the impulsive. The manager recalled seeing Musk fire a fellow Tesla employee on the spot over an overflowing rubbish can.
"He interpreted that as a sign that this person didn't take as much pride in his work as he should," he said. "That was the nuance to it… but at the end of the day someone got fired because they admitted that their trash can was overflowing."
The approach yielded a committed workforce, the employee said. If you were on board with Musk's mission, that single-minded focus was motivating, he said, and helped fuel regular 13 plus-hour days on the job.
"He can get more out of people than anyone else I have ever seen," he recalled, although he added that the intensity at Tesla was par for the course in Silicon Valley.
But for those in the federal government, the employee added, "it's gotta be a culture shock."
Nowhere has Musk's purported work on behalf of Trump been felt as intensely as USAID.
The government agency responsible for international development went from dispensing billions in aid to programmes around the world to an effective dead stop in just over two weeks.
Trump already curtailed USAID's work significantly when he ordered a 90-day pause in US foreign spending, while the administration reviewed the funds in order to make sure they were in line with the president's policy goals.
But in recent days, employees have watched with increasing alarm as Musk set his sights directly on USAID, labelling their agency a "criminal organisation" on X.
Musk's increasingly harsh rhetoric has coincided with equally drastic changes at USAID.
On 1 February, the USAID website stopped working; its X account appeared to vanish not long after. That same weekend, two top security officials were placed on administrative leave after a confrontation with Doge representatives over access to a secure facility used for reviewing classified information, the Washington Post and other US outlets reported.
On Monday, USAID employees were told to stay at home while hundreds of employees were locked out of their email. CBS, the BBC's US news partner, reports USAID employees are being pulled out of their respective countries worldwide by Friday.
"It's beyond repair," Musk said of the agency during his 50-minute conversation on X Spaces early Monday morning.
"I went over it with him in detail, and he agreed that we should shut it down," Musk said of his conversation with Trump. "And I actually checked with him a few times [and] said 'are you sure?'"
"The comments from Elon Musk have been particularly cutting, calling us a 'criminal organisation' that needs to 'die,''" said a USAID staffer, who asked not to be named because they feared retaliation from Musk and the administration.
"Coming from the wealthiest man on the planet, that feels pretty grotesque," said the staffer, who has since been put on administrative leave along with many other colleagues.
"I see foreign service officers that have spent their entire lives serving - a large part of it overseas - and the sacrifices they made," they said. "To be dragged through the mud like this is disrespectful."
The upheaval at USAID has raised concerns from Democrats and experts about whether Trump and Musk's actions are legal.
On its face, efforts by Trump and Musk to shut down USAID are "not legal because it runs afoul of what Congress has explicitly done previously," said Jon Rogowski, a political science professor at the University of Chicago who studies the separation of powers in the US government.
Congress has established USAID as an independent agency, and the legislative branch appropriates funding.
As head of the federal agencies, however, Trump does have broad authority to bring certain USAID functions under the state department's control, according to George Ingram, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and a former USAID deputy assistant administrator.
One such move included appointing Secretary of State Marco Rubio as the acting head of USAID, when in the past the agency had functioned independently of the state department, while following its guidance on foreign policy.
And influential Republicans in Congress appear ready to work with the administration to allow some degree of change.
"I'm supportive of the Trump administration's efforts to reform and restructure the agency in a way that better serves US national security interests," said Senator James Risch, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Though Musk does not have the authority to shut down or restructure USAID, the agency likely could not have been dismantled as swiftly and thoroughly without his influence.
"I cannot think of any precedent where a presidential administration has essentially handed over the reins to a private citizen, to remake and take control of the executive branch as they see fit," Mr Rogowski said.
In a statement to the BBC, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Musk "is selflessly serving President Trump's Administration as a special government employee, and he has abided by all applicable federal laws".
Prior to Trump's inauguration, some of Musk's peers expressed optimism at the prospect of an injection of start-up culture in Washington.
"I think we've just had a very exciting moment," Marc Benioff, the billionaire founder and CEO of Salesforce who has been vocal in his support of Trump, told the BBC in December. "It's a new chapter for America."
"There's a lot of incredible people like Elon Musk in the tech industry and in the business community. And if you can tap the power of expertise to make the best of America, that's a great vision," he said at the time.
But two weeks into the Trump administration, some observers say not everyone in Silicon Valley is enthusiastic.
Niki Christoff, a former Salesforce executive who now runs a communication firm in DC, told the BBC that many "people in the [tech] industry seem dumbstruck by the events of the past two weeks".
"Most CEOs of publicly traded multinational tech companies want predictability. They want stability. They want a strong dollar," she added. "They want predictable supply chains, and a lot of the policies and the headlines coming out of Washington are creating anxiety and uncertainty."
Dr Philip Low, a neuroscientist and CEO of neurotechnology company Neurovigil, said Musk's playbook could wreak havoc on governmental institutions. The two were close for nearly 15 years before their relationship soured, he said.
"His pattern is to take companies, invest in them, destabilise them, and then take them over," said Dr Low, citing Twitter as an example.
"In that context, the White House is his biggest investment to date. And he is destabilising the American government now."
According to Dr Low, Musk will not be satisfied being a trusted deputy, which may set him on a collision course with the president, his boss.
"Knowing Elon as I do, he doesn't want to be number two or number three. He will want to take over," he said.
"Whatever he decides, goes," the former Tesla employee said, echoing Dr Low. "He never takes no for an answer."
After the shake-up at USAID, Trump made it clear that final authority would always rest with him.
When asked if he was happy with Musk after the upending of the agency, he said yes - "for the most part".
"Sometimes we won't agree with it, and we'll not go where he wants to go. But I think he's doing a great job," he said on Monday.
"Elon can't do and won't do anything without our approval, and we'll give him the approval where appropriate. Where it's not appropriate we won't," the president said.
Source:bbc.com
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Former NFL player confirmed as US housing secretary
Feb 5, 2025
The US Senate has confirmed Donald Trump's pick to run the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Scott Turner, a former professional American football player, was confirmed 55-44 on Wednesday to run the agency tasked with addressing homelessness, providing assistance to renters and home owners, and preventing housing discrimination.
The agency and its 10,000 employees manage a budget of more than $70bn (£56bn).
Turner previously played for the Washington Redskins, Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers in the National Football League. He is the Trump administration's lone black cabinet appointee.
Only two Democrats backed Turner in Wednesday's confirmation vote: Senators Peter Welch of Vermont and John Fetterman of Pennsylvania.
The role of housing secretary is the same position that Ben Carson served in Trump's first term in the White House. At the time, Carson, too, was the sole black cabinet member.
Turner was executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump's first term.
He also previously served in the Texas legislature.
During his testimony before the Senate's banking, housing and urban affairs committee last month, Turner talked about growing up in Texas and working as a dishwasher at a BBQ restaurant.
He told the panel more housing was needed in the country and more work was necessary to halt the homelessness crisis in the US. He said the agency was "broken" and its workforce needed to come back to the office.
"We have a housing crisis in our country, where American people and families are struggling every day," he told the committee. "HUD is failing at its most basic mission."
The agency has a vast role in housing and development. A large part of its budget goes towards helping lower-income individuals, homelessness and the elderly and disabled community.
It provides rental assistance to more than two million families and oversees 790,000 public housing units in the US.
It also runs a mortgage and loan insurance programme for homeowners, distributes block grants to support and develop low-income housing and help for community development.
In a statement, the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment non-profit said it was ready to work with Scott "to achieve our shared vision of thriving communities with affordable homes for all".
It also said it would work with HUD to "ensure that housing and community development agencies nationwide receive their federally appropriated funds without disruption".
Source:bbc.com
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Venture capital firm hires New York ‘subway vigilante’
5 Feb, 2025
A prominent venture capital firm, Andreessen Horowitz, has appointed Daniel Penny as a deal partner within its American Dynamism team. The former Marine was acquitted in December of criminally negligent homicide following a high-profile subway incident in New York City and has enjoyed a wellspring of support from the political right.
In May 2023, Penny was involved in an altercation on the F subway train in Manhattan, which ended in the death of Jordan Neely, a homeless 30-year-old black man with a history of mental illness, when the ex-Marine used a chokehold trying to restrain him. Neely had reportedly been threatening passengers before the confrontation. The incident was captured on video and led to Penny's arrest and subsequent trial. A jury found him not guilty of criminally negligent homicide in December, and a manslaughter charge was dismissed after jurors were unable to reach a verdict.
Neely’s death quickly became a flashpoint in national debates over racial justice, as civil rights activists fumed that a white man had killed a black man.
Republican figures, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, hailed Penny as a hero, while Rev. Al Sharpton and others compared the incident to the 1984 subway shooting involving Bernhard Goetz, who was dubbed the “subway vigilante” after shooting four black men. Goetz, who is white, was later acquitted of all charges except for carrying an unlicensed firearm.
David Ulevitch, a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz, expressed support for Penny's hiring in an internal statement seen by The Free Press. “Daniel is a Marine Corps veteran who served his country and, in a frightening moment in a crowded New York City subway car, did a courageous thing.” The statement added, “He was acquitted of all charges. Beyond that, it has always been our policy to evaluate the entire person and not judge them for the worst moment in their entire life.”
US Vice President JD Vance praised Penny's new role, calling it “incredible news” on social media platform X.
The former Marine also attended the annual Army-Navy football game with President Trump just five days after his acquittal in December.
Penny will reportedly be based in Manhattan, focusing on investments in government and defense technology sectors.
Source:rt.com
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Pakistan
Karak police checkpost attacked: Two officers martyred, six injured
By Ibrar Khattak
February 06, 2025
At least two police officers were killed and six others wounded when armed militants launched an intense gun assault on a police checkpost in Karak during the early hours of Thursday, authorities confirmed.
The attackers, armed with heavy weapons, launched a heavy barrage of gunfire at the police station in the city area of Bahadurkhel.
The deceased officers have been identified as driver Naqeeb and Adnan. Four injured personnel were rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital in Karak for treatment. Two of the wounded are reported to be in critical condition and have been transferred to Peshawar for advanced medical care.
District Police Officer (DPO) Karak informed Geo News that the assailants fled the scene after police retaliated.
A heavy police contingent immediately arrived on the mishap site, cordoning off the area and initiating a search operation to apprehend the perpetrators.
Security measures have been heightened across the area following the incident.
The attack comes just days after a policeman was shot dead by extremists in Khyber district during an anti-polio campaign.
On February 3, an inoculation team was ambushed in the Bakarabad area on the first day of the vaccination drive, highlighting the persistent threat posed by militant groups in the region.
It should be mentioned here that the Pakistani Taliban, also known as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), remain the most active militant group in the area.
In response to escalating security threats, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif last month declared the need to eliminate the "Fitna al-Khawarij," referring to the TTP, which has been responsible for numerous attacks on security forces and civilians.
During a meeting of the Central Apex Committee on the National Action Plan (NAP) on January 3, PM Shehbaz urged federal and provincial authorities to develop a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism and ensure peace across the country.
He specifically highlighted the presence of infiltrators in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and commended the security forces for the robust response to recent cross-border terrorist attacks.
Pakistan has experienced a surge in militant violence since the Taliban regained power in neighbouring Afghanistan in 2021.
According to the Islamabad-based Centre for Research and Security Studies, more than 1,600 people were killed in attacks in 2023, marking the deadliest year in nearly a decade.
Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Afghanistan's Taliban government of failing to curb militant activities on its soil, a charge Kabul denies.
The situation between the two neighbours remains tense, with recent incidents, including a November bombing in Balochistan that killed seven people—five of them children—underscoring the ongoing security challenges.
Authorities continue to investigate the latest attack in Karak as efforts to stabilise the region and counter militant threats intensify.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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PM Shehbaz, President Zardari urge global action as country observes Kashmir Solidarity Day
Umar Bacha
February 5, 2025
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have urged the international community to put pressure on India to allow the Kashmiri people to freely determine their own future for lasting peace in the region, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.
In his message on Kashmir Solidarity Day being observed today (Wednesday), PM Shehbaz highlighted that a lasting peace could not be achieved by suppressing the genuine aspirations of the local people.
The recent developments in the Middle East amply showed that long-standing disputes should not be allowed to fester, the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) quoted the premier as saying in a statement.
He said the government and the people of Pakistan annually observed the Kashmir Solidarity Day to renew their steadfast support for the Kashmiri people’s just and legitimate struggle for the realisation of their right to self-determination.
“The right to self-determination is a fundamental principle of international law. Every year, the UN General Assembly adopts a resolution that stresses the legal right of people to decide their own destiny,” the premier said, according to a statement from his office.
“Regrettably, despite 78 years having passed, the Kashmiri people have yet to exercise this inalienable right,” he lamented.
“Today, the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) remains one of the most militarised zones in the world. Kashmiris are living in an environment of fear and intimidation,” PM Shehbaz highlighted.
Reiterating that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute would remain a key pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy, the premier reaffirmed the country’s “unwavering moral, diplomatic and political support to the Kashmiri people till the realisation of their right to self-determination”.
President Asif Ali Zardari said the day reminded the global community of its responsibility towards the oppressed Kashmiri people, according to Radio Pakistan.
The president stated that the United Nations should honour the promises made to the Kashmiris 78 years ago and support their struggle for their right to self-determination.
Pakistan wants dialogue to resolve all conflicts: PM
Separately, PM Shehbaz arrived on a one-day visit today in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), to reaffirm Pakistan’s unwavering commitment and support for the people of India-occupied Kashmir (IoK).
Addressing the AJK Legislative Assembly, the premier reiterated Pakistan’s offer to India to hold a dialogue to resolve the Kashmir issue.
“India should come out of their August 5, 2019 thinking, and implement the approved UNSC resolutions, fulfil their promises to the Kashmiris and the world and come towards a meaningful and consequential dialogue,” the premier said.
“We want that through dialogue — while following the diplomatic and democratic rules — all conflicts, including the Kashmir issue, should be resolved peacefully,” he added.
However, at the same time, the prime minister asserted that Pakistan would not hesitate to use power for its national interests. He stressed that Pakistan’s desire for peace was not its “weakness, rather it is due to our strong system”.
“Our capabilities are the pride of our nation [… However,] whenever needed, for our national interest, we would not hesitate to use our complete strength,” he said.
During his address, PM Shehbaz highlighted that the AJK Assembly was “people-appointed”, adding that it was an honour for him to be invited there.
“February 5 is not just a day but the day of our firm belief because it is not just a slogan, but it is faith,” he said. The premier said that the day was one to remember the officers who made “unforgettable stories”.
PM Shehbaz vowed that in the fight for Kashmir, Pakistan would stand alongside them until the people got their right to independence. He stated that while India was increasing its forces deployed in the disputed territory, the resilience of the Kashmiri people also rose.
The prime minister said the Kashmir Solidarity Day reminded India of Kashmir’s decision to “not become a part of India” due to its revocation of the disputed territory’s special status on Aug 5, 2019.
“Neither the Kashmiris accept this nor the United Nations Security Council,” the premier said.
Recalling former Indian prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s visit to Lahore, PM Shehbaz stressed that both sides agreed to resolve all conflicts, including the Kashmir issue, through dialogue.
“The only way to move forward is what is written in Lahore [Declaration],” he added.
PM Shehbaz was also scheduled to hold meetings with various Kashmiri leaders, APP reported, citing the PM Office Media Wing. AJK PM Chaudhry Anwarul Haq also spoke at the assembly earlier.
The premier was welcomed with a guard of honour upon his arrival at the AJK Legislative Assembly. Minister for Kashmir Affairs Engineer Amir Muqam, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar accompanied the prime minister.
‘Genuine aspirations can’t be undermined through legislation’
Various federal ministers reiterated their support for Kashmiris in their separate statements. Iqbal asserted that Pakistan would never backtrack from its principled position on the Kashmir dispute, while Tarar said the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people would not go in vain.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said in a statement that India had made “consistent efforts to suppress the wishes” of Kashmiris for the past 77 years.
“However, the genuine aspirations of the Kashmiri people cannot be undermined through domestic legislation, judicial verdicts or administrative actions,” Dar asserted.
According to the Foreign Office’s statement on the occasion, Dar addressed letters to the president of the UN Security Council and General Assembly, the UN chief, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) secretary-general on the situation in IoK.
The deputy PM urged the UN and OIC leadership to play their role in improving the human rights situation in IoK.
Ahead of the Kashmir Solidarity Day, a briefing was organised for Islamabad-based diplomats to apprise them of the situation in occupied Kashmir, the FO stated.
In a televised message, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif highlighted that the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions had been delayed due to Indian intransigence.
Rana Sanaullah, the PM’s aide on political affairs, called on the international community to raise its voice for the people of IoK. He said India should be “compelled to accept the right of self-determination of Kashmiri people”.
Rallies, public meetings pledge support to Kashmiris
Meanwhile, as the country marked Kashmir Solidarity Day, political leaders and ministers vowed in their speeches to continue the “struggle for the support of Kashmiri brethren”.
A rally was held in Islamabad, where hundreds of participants — holding Kashmiri flags — walked from Constitution Avenue to D-Chowk, chanting slogans in support of the residents of IoK.
According to the FO, officers and staff members of the foreign ministry also participated in the rally titled ‘Solidarity Day Walk’.
Addressing the rally, Petroleum Minister Dr Musadik Malik said Pakistan stood in unwavering solidarity with the Kashmiri people, pledging unrelenting support for their struggle to achieve self-determination and fundamental human rights.
“Kashmir, often called a ‘Heaven on Earth’, boasts breathtaking landscapes, abundant resources, and lush forests. However, the beauty of this paradise is starkly contrasted by the harsh realities faced by its people.
“The ongoing conflict with our neighbouring country, India, has turned their (Kashmiris’) lives into a living hell, forcing them to endure unimaginable hardships,” Malik said.
He said the Kashmiris’ bravery and resilience in the face of oppression were a testament to their unshakeable spirit.
Highlighting that the stark contrast between the quality of life in IoK and India was alarming, Malik said: “While Indian families prioritise education, sending their children, including daughters, to schools and universities, Kashmiri families are facing harassment and brutality.
“The situation in Kashmir is dire, with families being beaten up and subjected to violence,” the minister said, adding that the brutality and violence against women, elders, and children was beyond bearing.
Noting Pakistan had strong bonds with the Kashmiri brethren, Malik echoed Pakistan’s demand to implement the UN resolutions.
To commemorate the day, which is also declared a public holiday, posters and billboards have been displayed around important avenues, airports, and railway stations, Radio Pakistan reported.
It added that “human chains will also be formed at Mangla, Kohala, Bararkot, Azad Pattan, and Holar linking Pakistan and Azad Kashmir”. Other related events would be held at Mirpur district’s Mangla Bridge, as well as in the Kotli and Bhimber districts of AJK.
Armed forces condemn grave violations of human rights in IoK
Meanwhile, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, the service chiefs, and the armed forces have also reaffirmed their “unwavering support for the resilient people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in their just struggle for self-determination”.
In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the armed forces of Pakistan “strongly condemned the ongoing grave violations of human rights in IIOJK, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary detentions”.
“These transgressions stand as a stark indictment of India’s blatant disregard for international law, humanitarian principles, and fundamental human rights.”
The armed forces paid tribute to the “indomitable spirit of the Kashmiri people, who have endured decades of oppression, state-sponsored brutality, and egregious human rights violations”.
The ISPR statement highlighted that Kashmiris’ “unwavering resolve in the face of tyranny remains a beacon of courage and inspiration for the entire nation”.
The armed forces urged the “international community, global human rights organisations, and the United Nations to take immediate and decisive action to address the plight of the Kashmiri people and ensure the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions in accordance with their aspirations”.
“The Pakistan Armed Forces remain steadfast in their commitment to the just cause of Kashmir and resolute in their duty to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our Kashmiri brethren in their rightful pursuit of freedom and dignity,” it asserted.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir also visited Muzaffarabad and paid homage and rich tributes to the “unparalleled sacrifices” of martyrs, the ISPR said.
The COAS expressed complete confidence in the “battle readiness” of the armed forces, reaffirming that “no act of aggression would go unanswered and underscored”.
He also integrated with the notables and veterans of Kashmir, reiterating steadfast support for IoK.
“COAS stated that Indian atrocities and rising Hindutva extremism only strengthens the resolve of Kashmiri people in their struggle for self-determination,” the ISPR said, adding that the army chief reaffirmed that the military would always stand by Kashmiris in their “just and legitimate” cause against “state-sponsored repression and oppression”.
“Without any doubt, Kashmir will be free one day and part of Pakistan as per the free will and destiny of the people of Kashmir,” the ISPR quoted him as saying.
Source:dawn.com
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Garbage truck runs over, kills 3 in Karachi’s Gulistan-i-Jauhar
February 5, 2025
Three people were killed when a garbage truck belonging to the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) hit multiple vehicles on Rashid Minhas Road in Karachi’s Gulistan-i-Jauhar area, police and rescue officials said on Wednesday.
Speaking to Dawn.com, Traffic Police Deputy Inspector General Ahmad Nawaz Cheema said, “The SSWMB’s garbage-carrying dump truck was on its way when its brakes failed while descending from Jauhar Flyover at around 5:20pm.
“Consequently, the truck went out of control and hit three motorcycles and two cars, killing three people, including a woman,” the metropolis traffic police chief said.
He said that the driver had managed to escape from the spot, leaving behind the dump truck.
“The dump truck, damaged cars and bikes were taken away by Sharea Faisal police.”
The bodies of the deceased were moved to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), an Edhi Foundation spokesperson told Dawn.com, identifying the deceased as Maryam Zehra and her husband Kamran.
In a separate incident, a woman and her infant daughter were killed while three others were injured.
DIG Traffic Cheema said a contract carriage bus had broken down at Khokhrapar-4 around 5pm due to a pressure failure.
“However, it suddenly started and rammed into a residential building, instantly killing a woman and a child while injuring three others,” he said.
The bus driver was arrested while the bus was removed with the help of a crane. The bodies and injured were moved to the JPMC.
Edhi Foundation spokesperson identified the victims as Bisma Imran, 35, and her infant daughter Irum Imran, 3.
Police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed told Dawn.com that Bisma sustained crush injuries to the lower half of the body while Maryam suffered multiple crush injuries all over the body.
Meanwhile, the Edhi Foundation, in a statement, said that so far, over the last five days till February, 14 persons, including five children and two women, were killed in accidents, while 100 others were injured in the metropolis.
Source:dawn.com
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Barrister Gohar faces allegations of 'making decisions against PTI's interests'
By Haider Sherazi
February 05, 2025
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has been accused of "making decisions against the party interest", with some PTI National Assembly lawmakers deciding to write to party founder Imran Khan in this regard.
Sources told Geo News that the PTI leaders, including Member of National Assembly Amjad Khan, have expressed reservations over Barrister Gohar's parliamentary affairs.
MNA Amjad had presented a bill proposing free health facilities in NA standing committee — which was opposed by the PTI chairman, they added.
Later, the lawmaker attempted to get the resolution passed by the Punjab and KP assemblies, sources said, adding that he had also consulted the PML-N leadership and first lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, about the bill.
"The bill was prepared but the party chairman opposed it," sources quoted Amjad as saying.
Furthermore, sources said, another PTI lawmaker Changaze Ahmad Khan also expressed reservations over Barrister Gohar, accusing the latter of opposing his bill related to high court in Faisalabad.
"PTI lawmakers table their bills but party chairman opposes them," Kakar claimed.
In the letter, sources said, Imran would be apprised of Barrister Gohar's non-cooperation with parliamentary leaders.
Speaking to Geo News, the PTI chairman rejected the concerns raised by some parliamentary leaders, noting that when a private member comes up with a bill, then personal opinions are given.
"There is no need for legislation on these matters," he said while referring to the bills he opposed.
This is not the first time internal rifts have emerged within the former ruling party, including on the nomination for Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Chairman, with its top brass labelling them "difference of opinion".
The PTI had nominated MNA Sher Afzal Marwat for the PAC’s chairmanship, but later replaced him with Sheikh Waqas Akram, the party’s spokesperson.
The nomination for the PAC chairmanship slot also caused rift in the former ruling party, when Sher Afzal Marwat refused to work with senior party leaders after his nomination was revoked for the slot.
Last year in May, Marwat alleged that PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz did not let him meet founder chairman Imran Khan, in connivance with the jail superintendent.
He pointed out that earlier both Ayub and Faraz claimed that the PML-N was not ready to accept him as the PAC chairman. They quoted Khawaja Asif and NA speaker as having said so, whereas both denied it.
Later, the PTI issued a show-cause notice to him for violating its code of conduct and policy. He was also expelled from PTI's core and political committees on the directives of Imran.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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OBITUARY: Karim Aga Khan — Imam of the atomic age
Qasim A. Moini
February 6, 2025
SHAH Karim Al Hussaini, better known to the world as the Aga Khan, was a prince without a physical realm. Yet he mingled with kings and presidents, and oversaw a fortune reportedly worth billions of dollars.
Prince Karim, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 88, was the 49th hereditary imam of the Ismaili Muslims, and the fourth to bear the title of Aga Khan. In his nearly 68-year tenure as Ismaili imam, he worked for the socioeconomic uplift of his flock, as well as the larger communities wherever Ismailis could be found.
Claiming descent from the Ismaili imams that would separate from the Shia mainstream in the eighth century, Prince Karim was very much a man of the modern world.
Born in 1936 in Geneva, Prince Karim assumed the imamat at age 20 in 1957, when he was declared heir to his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah, Aga Khan III. Both his father Prince Aly and his uncle Sadruddin were bypassed by his grandfather and Prince Karim, described as a “handsome young Harvard man” in a Time magazine article from 1960, became the leader of millions of the Ismaili faithful. He would finish his studies at Harvard (obtaining a BA Honours in Islamic History) after becoming imam. Talking to Vanity Fair in 2013, he described receiving his grandfather’s mantle as “a shock”.
Ancient roots, modern outlook
Though the Ismaili imamat goes back 13 centuries, both the ‘prince’ and ‘Aga Khan’ titles in his name can be traced to the mid-19th century, before Prince Karim’s Iranian forebears left their homeland to relocate to the subcontinent. The first to hold the title of Aga Khan was his great-great-grandfather, Hasan Ali Shah Mahallati, the 46th Nizari Ismaili imam. He was granted the title by Fath Ali Shah, Qajar monarch of Iran. The shah also married his daughter to Hasan Ali Shah, linking the subsequent Ismaili religious leaders to the Qajar royal house, and earning them the title of ‘prince’. Hasan Ali Shah would in 1844 leave Iran for the subcontinent, settling in Bombay, now Mumbai, permanently in 1852.
A global jamaat
Prince Karim, known to his followers as ‘his highness,’ or the more reverential ‘Mowlana Hazir Imam’, continued the mission of his grandfather Aga Khan III of equipping his murids (followers) with the tools necessary to adapt to life in the modern world. His flock, said to number between 12 and 15 million people as per community sources, live across a vast geographic area.
From the Pamirs of Central Asia to the coastal cities of East Africa, Nizari Ismailis have maintained communities in these locales for decades if not centuries. There are of course populous communities in the subcontinent, including Pakistan, where members of the jamaat can be found in Karachi and along Sindh’s coastal towns, Gwadar, Chitral and Hunza. Moreover, new jamaats have struck roots wherever South Asian immigrant communities can be found in the ‘new world’, for example in the great metropolises of the US and Canada.
Karim Aga Khan’s link with Pakistan was a strong one. For example, one of Karachi’s top hospitals, founded in 1983, bears his name while the Aga Khan University Education Board, started in 2003, offers qualifications up to the intermediate level. He visited the country on several occasions and various organisations linked to him are active throughout Pakistan, particularly in the health, education and socioeconomic sectors.
Socioeconomic impact
A major focus worldwide of Karim Aga Khan’s work for his own followers as well as other communities was on health, education and socioeconomic uplift. He established a web of agencies and organisations that implemented his vision of human development.
These include the Aga Khan Foundation, the Aga Khan Development Network and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.
The AKU maintains campuses in Pakistan, East Africa and the UK, while under Prince Karim’s watch the Institute of Ismaili Studies was established in London in 1997. Furthermore, the Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations was established by the AKU in 2002, while the University of Central Asia, with campuses in the ex-Soviet Central Asian States of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, was established in 2002.
Another of Prince Karim’s achievements was the adoption of a constitution for his community in 1986. His grandfather had started this endeavour by giving his followers in East Africa a similar document in 1905. But Prince Karim’s constitution was supposed to apply to his murids across the world.
Karim Aga Khan also oversaw a vast portfolio that included his own personal wealth, as well as funds dedicated to his jamaat. In fact, a 2013 article in Forbes dubbed him ‘Venture capitalist to the Third World’, due to the investments he made in what can be termed emerging markets. Much of his personal wealth was inherited from his grandfather, while the ‘institutional wealth’ he oversees comes from the donations and religious taxes paid by his murids. Apart from his religious funds, he had invested in several businesses, including media, hospitality, banking and insurance.
In the realm of culture, Prince Karim’s Aga Khan Trust for Culture supported hundreds of projects across the globe. Some of the prominent restoration projects included Lahore’s Walled City, Humayun’s tomb in Delhi, as well as the gardens of Babar’s mausoleum in Kabul.
The late Aga Khan married twice and sired four children: Princess Zahra and Princes Rahim, Hussain and Aly Muhammad. He appeared to be a man of contradictions — a globe-trotting aristocrat who belonged to a tradition dating back to one of the oldest schisms in Islam, an ‘imam of the atomic age’ for his followers. His successor, Prince Rahim, will be the 50th Nizari Ismaili Imam. No doubt, the new ‘Hazir imam’ will have to guide the flock through even more complex times.
Source:dawn.com
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MCB Islamic inaugurates its new branch in Multan
February 06, 2025
LAHORE - MCB Islamic proudly inaugurated its new branch in Multan, marking another milestone in its commitment to providing Shariah-compliant banking services across Pakistan. The grand opening ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of the President and CEO of MCB Islamic Bank Mr Zargham Khan Durrani alongwith Mr Azhar Iqbal, General Manager Multan and Balochistan Circle, and Mr Ali Feroz, Regional Head Multan. Speaking at the occasion, Mr Durrani emphasised the bank’s vision of expanding its customer base with innovative, ethical, and customer-centric financial solutions. He expressed confidence that the new branch would play a vital role in facilitating the banking needs of individuals and businesses in Multan.
Source:nation.com.pk
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Nawaz lauds Shehbaz, Maryam for distinguished services to people
By Web Desk
February 05, 2025
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for their indefatigable efforts in serving the people of the country.
He made these remarks during a meeting with members of the Punjab Assembly, also attended by Punjab's CM, where they discussed the country's overall situation, development, and public service projects.
Pakistan's economy has entered a slight recovery phase, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation easing significantly to 2.4% year-on-year in January 2025, falling from 4.1% in December 2024 and from 28.3% in January last year, as per Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Monday.
This marked the lowest inflation rate in over two years, reflecting easing price pressures across both urban and rural areas. In FY23, it reached over 29%; inflation touched an all-time high of 37.97% in May 2023. However, it has been on a downward trajectory since then.
Commenting on the stabilising macroeconomic indicators, former PM and ruling PML-N chief Nawaz praised his younger brother, saying: "Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is working hard in the Centre", adding that, "declining rate of inflation is a sign of economic improvement."
The economy maintained its positive trajectory in the first half of FY2024-25, with GDP expanding by 2.5% after last year’s contraction, building on the stabilisation achieved in FY2024, according to a Finance Division report released in January.
The State of Pakistan's Economy Half Yearly Report (July-December 2025) attributes the sustained positive momentum to sound macroeconomic management, effective inflation control measures, and improved fiscal and external account stability.
"Inflation substantially declined to 7.2% in H1-FY2025 from 28.8% a year earlier, supported by easing global prices, a stable exchange rate, and targeted government policies," the finance ministry said in the report.
"The rise of the stock exchange is a reflection of the confidence of the business and investor community," the former premier said.
He added: "The increase in the speed of the journey towards development is a sign of the arrival of a positive change". The PML-N chief also expressed satisfaction over "pause in the decline Pakistan was pushed towards".
Talking about the development projects in Punjab, being undertaken by CM Maryam, he profusely praised her efforts.
"Maryam Nawaz is working with the spirit of a mother and daughter in Punjab more than being the chief minister of the province," he said.
Maryam, who was present in the meeting, said "I feel more responsible being the daughter of Nawaz Sharif".
The chief minister added that she has added responsibilities due to the prime minister’s "exemplary public services".
Addressing the provincial assembly members, Maryam told them that their guidance and trust "is the key to our strength and success".
The tradition of the past regarding the quality and pace of public service is being carried forward, Maryam Nawaz.
"We are carrying forward the traditions of the past in terms of the quality and pace of public service," she concluded.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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Irfan Siddiqui believes PTI won't receive reply to Imran's letter to COAS
February 05, 2025
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Irfan Siddiqui on Wednesday called the PTI founder Imran Khan's letter to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Asim Munir "a charge sheet" against the jailed politician, saying that his party would not receive reply to the letter.
In a statement, the senator said that Imran's letter to the army chief was proof of the former's "despair and frustration".
He noted the former prime minister had also sent a letter to COAS via former president Arif Alvi in 2023. "They [PTI] did not receive a receipt or a reply to the previous letter, and will not receive this time as well," Siddiqui added.
Two days earlier, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and lawyer Faisal Chaudhry confirmed that Imran, who is incarcerated in Adiala jail, penned a six-point letter to the army chief urging for review of policies while explaining the reasons for what he called the widening gulf between public and the army.
He clarified that writing a letter by the party founder to the army chief was not a policy shift and that the jailed party founder wrote the letter as a former prime minister.
The 71-year-old cricketer-turned-politician has been behind bars since August last year after he was booked in multiple cases ranging from corruption to terrorism since his ouster from power via opposition's no-trust motion in April 2022.
However, security sources, a day earlier, claimed that no letter from the incarcerated former premier was received by COAS Munir. Sources added that the news about Khan’s letter came to the military brass via the media.
The letter comes weeks after PTI leaders — Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan — met the army chief, with the party's chairman saying that they discussed the overall security situation.
It also holds importance as the former ruling party ended its negotiations with the PML-N-led coalition government last month, in which the PTI had demanded two things — the formation of judicial commissions on events that transpired on May 9, 2023, and November 24-27 as well as the release of "all political prisoners", including Khan.
The letter
According to Chaudhry, the letter’s first point addresses "fraudulent elections" and the alleged promotion of money launderers. The second point discusses the impact of the 26th Constitutional Amendment on judicial independence and the rule of law. Khan also referenced the Al-Qadir Trust case verdict in the letter.
The third point criticises the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), stating that it has been weaponised to suppress dissent and crack down on social media.
The fourth point highlights cases of terrorism charges, raids, and the use of force against PTI workers. Khan also wrote that threats to journalists are damaging the army’s reputation.
The fifth point concerns intelligence agencies' operations, while the final point focuses on the economy.
Khan claimed the incumbent government weakened the economy by artificially controlling the rupee’s value. He also raised concerns over low investment and internet shutdowns.
Chaudhry added that Khan urged the army chief to reconsider policies and called for the formation of a judicial commission.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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PTI ropes in ex-PM Abbasi to steer opposition alliance
Ikram Junaidi
February 6, 2025
ISLAMABAD: After talks between the government and the opposition collapsed last week, the PTI made another push to establish a joint front against the federal government and roped in former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to become part of its anti-government movement.
The meeting with the former PML-N lawmaker from Murree came after PTI founder Imran Khan wrote a letter to Army Chief Gen Asim Munir proposing ‘remedial measures’ to bridge the purported trust deficit between the public and the military.
The PTI has also made efforts to convince Maulana Fazlur Rehman of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam and former PPP senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar to become part of its anti-government alliance.
It may be noted that in April last year the PTI already formed a multi-party opposition alliance named Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan, comprising Sunni Ittehad Council, Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, Balochistan National Party-Mengal, Jamaat-i-Islami, and Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen.
The PTI officials said the grand alliance would be steered by Mr Abbasi. This was decided after major opposition parties gathered at the residence of former speaker Asad Qaiser in Banigala.
The meeting was attended by PkMAP head Mr Achakzai, JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman, SIC chief Hamid Raza, MWM leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, NA opposition leader Omar Ayub, and others.
Sources said Mr Abbasi had been asked to head the steering committee to bring all parties on one platform against the government and the former premier was picked for the task because he was not a controversial individual. The committee is yet to be formed.
“Leaders of all political parties demanded resignation from the government and urged the government to hold free and transparent elections under a free and fair election commission. They were of the view that issues of terrorism, instability and political turmoil can only be addressed through free and fair elections,” said Faisal Chaudhry, lawyer representing Imran Khan.
Mr Chaudhry, who also attended the meeting, said that the meeting was held after getting the approval of Imran Khan. “KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has been advised not to give any statement against Maulana Fazl,” he said.
It is worth mentioning that Maulana Fazlur Rehman can play a major role in case of starting agitation against the government and this is the time the PTI has tried to join hands with the veteran politician from Dera Ismail Khan.
“It is a fact that the PML-N and the PPP have lost political space and gave it to the establishment by depriving the PTI of its mandate. The incumbent government is so helpless that it could not even arrange a meeting between the negotiating committee of the PTI with party’s founding chairman incarcerated in Adiala jail,” he said.
He said that, during the meeting, it was decided to respectively support the media and legal fraternity over the issues of amendment to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act and the appointment of judges in the Islamabad High Court.
“Participants also showed concerns over the spike in terrorism in KP and Balochistan and formed a committee to devise a strategy in this regard,” Faisal Chaudhry said.
Meanwhile, PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui criticised the PTI for walking off negotiations and writing a letter to the army chief. It is unclear what these people want to achieve by writing such letters, he said. Senator Siddiqui emphasised that Imran Khan should realize that his party had serious negotiations as the only way forward.
“Writing meaningless letters has not benefited them in the past, nor will it do again,” he said, adding that Mr Khan had sent a similar letter to the army chief when Arif Alvi was the president.
Source:dawn.com
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LHC refuses to quash FIR against passengers detained on begging charges
Wajih Ahmad Sheikh
February 6, 2025
LAHORE: The Lahore High Court has ruled that the rights of freedom of movement and religion are fundamental, but not absolute and may be lawfully restricted under specific circumstances.
Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh observed that the international human rights law recognises these rights but also sets out permissible limitations to ensure public order, safety, health, and the protection of the rights of others.
The judge made these observations dismissing a petition for the quashment of an FIR registered against eight persons barred from travelling to Saudi Arabia by the immigration officials at the Multan airport on suspicion of being involved in an organised begging in Gulf countries.
On July 20, 2024, shift incharge at FIA immigration, Multan airport, submitted a report regarding eight passengers travelling to Saudi Arabia via Muscat, who aroused suspicion during immigration screening.
Upon further inquiry, it was found that the passengers lacked sufficient financial resources and had not confirmed return tickets or mandatory hotel bookings and were unfamiliar with the requirements of performing Umrah.
During baggage searches, authorities seized 900 boxes of cigarettes and 70 boxes of nicotine pouches.
The passengers were offloaded and further interrogation revealed that they were all relatives.
A passenger namely Sadiq Hussain had motivated others to travel to Saudi Arabia for begging. Sadiq and his associates charged Rs160,000 to Rs170,000 for each visa without hotel bookings and received Rs70,000 to Rs100,000 as an advance payment from them.
The remaining balance was to be paid after the passengers engaged in begging in Saudi Arabia, the investigation revealed.
Consequently, the FIA registered an FIR under Sections 3 and 4 of the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2018 (PTPA), Section 22 of the Emigration Ordinance, 1979, and Section 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).
The passengers filed the petition before the high court seeking cancellation of the FIR, pleading that the authorities’ actions violated their fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution, specifically Articles 15 and 20, which safeguard the right to travel and the freedom to practise religion, including the right to perform Umrah.
A deputy attorney general opposed the petition, saying during recent months, complaints had surged from various countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, Iraq, UAE and Malaysia, that Pakistani citizens go there and engage in begging.
He said all passengers travelling abroad are interviewed at immigration counters at the airports.
He said particular attention is given to those travelling to Saudi Arabia who must undergo comprehensive screening and profiling to verify their eligibility and authenticity as Umrah pilgrims or visitors.
As part of this process, Umrah pilgrims are required to demonstrate possession of sufficient Saudi riyals to cover their expenses.
In his judgement, Justice Sheikh observed that beggary is a complex social issue often rooted in poverty, lack of opportunities and systemic inequalities.
The judge noted that the investigating officer apprised that during the investigation, the FIA collected evidence that the petitioners were habitually engaged in sending innocent people abroad under the pretense of Umrah visas and exploiting them for begging.
He observed that the right to travel, whether domestically or internationally, can be restricted for reasons such as national security, public health concerns, or the requirements of criminal justice.
Similarly, he said, the right to practise one’s religion, while protected, may be limited when it poses risks to public safety, morality, or infringes on the rights of others.
Justice Sheikh ruled that the FIA immigration official was justified in offloading the eight passengers as his action was aimed at protecting the public interest and ensure compliance with international obligations.
With these observations, the judge dismissed the petition saying there are no grounds for quashing the FIR.
Source:dawn.com
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Southeast Asia
Malaysia joins Islamic nations in rejecting Trump’s Gaza ‘takeover’ plan, says PM Anwar
By Zaf Seraj
05 Feb 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 5 — After US President Donald Trump’s declaration to “take over” Gaza, Palestine, earlier today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that Malaysia’s stance on this issue was similar to other Islamic nations.
“On Gaza, what’s important is that Malaysia’s stance is the same as other Islamic countries,” Anwar told reporters, here today.
Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry promptly issued a statement responding to Trump’s proposition with a firm no.
The statement reportedly said that Saudi Arabia will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel without the establishment of a Palestinian state and shut down the idea of displacing Palestinians from the region.
It added that its position on the plight of Palestinians were non-negotiable.
Only yesterday, five Arab foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt, and Jordan, an a senior Palestinian official, sent a letter to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio rejecting Trump’s plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to its neighbouring countries during its reconstruction.
The group underscored that Palestinians should lead the rebuilding efforts along with international support and warned that further displacement could destabilise the region.
Last week, Anwar said Malaysia will build a school, hospital, and mosque as an initial effort to assist in the reconstruction of Gaza, Palestine which would involve joint efforts by the Japanese and Malaysian governments.
A few hours ago, Trump announced that the US will “take over” the Gaza Strip and relocate Palestinians permanently at a joint press conference with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier today without providing details.
“We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site.
“If it’s necessary, we’ll do that, we’re going to take over that piece, we’re going to develop it, create thousands and thousands of jobs, and it’ll be something that the entire Middle East can be very proud of,” Trump reportedly said earlier.
Anwar made his remarks after officiating the book launch of A Malik Bennabi Reader: A Muslim Visionary in the Whirlwind of Colonial Modernity by Mohamed El-Tahir El-Mesawi which compiles the ideas and thoughts of Malik Bennabi, a 20th century Muslim thinker who emphasised the importance of intellectual and spiritual reform for the revival of Islamic civilisation.
The prime minister also officiated the establishment of the new International Institute of Futures Studies at the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) which would explore the future perspective of the Islamic world through strategic studies and various disciplines.
It aims to be the main point of reference in Islamic thought, philosophy, and global development.
Source:malaymail.com
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‘Unreasonable and insensitive’: Hindu Sangam says no to non-Muslims having to get approvals for events involving Muslims
By Dhesegaan Bala Krishnan
06 Feb 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 6 — The Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) has flatly rejected any requirements for non-Muslims to obtain Islamic religious authorities’ approvals before hosting celebratory events that may involve Muslims.
This came after Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar announced last Tuesday that the government will release new guidelines regarding the participation of Muslims in celebrations and funeral ceremonies of non-Muslims as well as for visits and events held at their places of worship.
MHS said that the government did not consult key stakeholders, including religious organisations and civil society groups, before making the announcement.
“The Malaysian Department of Islamic Development’s (Jakim) primary role is to oversee Islamic affairs and guide the Muslim community.
“Extending its authority over non-Muslims in this manner is unwarranted and overreaching.
“If there are concerns regarding Muslims attending non-Muslim events, the responsibility should rest with Muslims themselves to seek guidance, not on non-Muslims to navigate additional layers of bureaucracy,” MHS said in a statement yesterday.
The Hindu worship advisory body also pointed out that requiring non-Muslims to seek approvals for Muslims to participate in certain events is not practical and could lead to absurd scenarios.
“Would non-Muslims have to seek approval for Muslims to attend funerals, weddings, or cultural celebrations?
“Expecting bureaucratic clearance for a Muslim to pay their last respects to a friend or colleague is both unreasonable and insensitive.
“Such restrictions only serve to create unnecessary barriers, eroding the goodwill and mutual respect Malaysians have built over the years.
“We call upon the government to engage religious and community leaders in meaningful discussions before implementing any policy that affects interfaith interactions,” it added.
MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan also raised similar concerns yesterday, saying that the new protocol could alienate non-Muslim support for the unity government.
He also urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to intervene in the matter.
Besides requiring non-Muslims to obtain permission and advice from Islamic religious authorities for celebratory events that may involve Muslims, Mohd Na’im said the new protocol prohibits:
Source:malaymail.com
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Banned Islamist group HTI rallies across Indonesia, raising worries over potential comeback
FEB 06, 2025,
JAKARTA - Carrying their signature black-and-white flags and chanting slogans for an Islamic caliphate, thousands of supporters of a banned, ultra-conservative Muslim organisation on Feb 2 marched at the same time through cities and towns in 22 Indonesian provinces, alarming security officials and observers.
More than 17,000 ex-members of the defunct Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI) waved banners and chanted “Long live the caliphate! Support the caliphate!” in Bahasa Indonesia during the march. Riding on public anger over the Gaza war, they also waved Palestinian flags.
Analysts say they suspect that the simultaneous Feb 2 rallies are a show of strength and that HTI may be attempting a comeback, now that President Prabowo Subianto, who had worked with Islamist groups for the 2019 elections, is in power.
HTI was abolished by previous president Joko Widodo in 2017, as the group stepped up its campaign for the establishment of an Islamic state.
Observers – including Ms Rida Hesti Ratnasari, a senior researcher at Indonesia’s Ulema Council (MUI), and Dr Muhammad Najih Arromadloni, an executive board member of the Nahdlatul Ulama’s international network development agency – said they were perplexed by the authorities’ negligence in not doing anything about the Feb 2 marches.
Both argued the authorities should have taken action and charged the perpetrators with promoting an ideology other than what the nation adopts, which is punishable by a jail term.
“What ex-HTI demonstrators did over the weekend was to test the waters. If they received public sympathy, they would later come in bigger crowd,” Dr A’an Suryana, a visiting fellow at ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute, told The Straits Times.
In a March 2023 report, Ms Raneeta Mutiara of S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, wrote that on the political level, the public discussion on HTI revolved around its engagement with then presidential candidate Mr Prabowo who was campaigning ahead of the 2024 election.
“It was regarded as an effort by the banned group to pursue re-empowerment,” Ms Raneeta said in the report.
In the 2019 presidential election campaign, ex-HTI members were seen in Mr Prabowo’s rallies, according to local media reports.
There was no indication that Mr Prabowo or his ministers were aware of the plan for the rallies, which took place in major cities such as Surabaya, Yogyakarta and Palembang, with each gathering consisting of between 100 and 2,500 people.
The police estimated that the rallies, covering more than half of Indonesia’s 38 provinces, attracted a total of 17,160 people. An aide to Mr Prabowo declined to comment on the gatherings that have attracted media attention.
A senior security official told journalists earlier this week: “The street rallies over the weekend in that many places simultaneously are concerning. We are keeping tabs on this.”
The official who spoke anonymously as he is not authorised to speak to the media, pointed out that scores of domestic terrorists arrested over the years were ex-members of HTI.
One of them was an armed woman who attempted to trespass into the presidential palace in October 2022. She was arrested and later sentenced to four years’ jail. Indonesian police had identified her as an HTI supporter espousing radical and anti-government ideology.
HTI is the Indonesian chapter of the Hizbut Tahrir global Islamist organisation, which is banned in several Arab and Central Asian countries for advocating the establishment of its version of a strict caliphate based on Islamic law.
Founded in 1953 in then-Jordanian-controlled Jerusalem by Taqi al-Din al-Nabhani, a Palestinian Islamic scholar, HT has been advocating for the dissolution of national borders to make way for a unified global Islamic caliphate.
“Ex-HTI members today have regrouped and reached out to the grassroots using grouping or movement names in Indonesian language, rather than the usual Arabic language. This is a more effective way to recruit followers,” said Ms Rida.
Protesting against the rallies over the weekend, Banser, the youth wing of Indonesia’s largest Islamic organisation Nahdlatul Ulama, posted on X on Feb 5: “The HTI is throwing a party today in several cities... as if they were just being released from a cage.
“Clearly the government is being negligent. Banser is ready to step forward and disperse the crowd if the government is incapable of doing so.”
Noting that the activities of groups advocating for a caliphate have been increasingly visible recently, radicalism and terrorism researcher Khoirul Anam told ST that decisive government action is needed.
He also noted that that similar campaign by supporters of the banned group has been intensifying since the transition from former President Joko Widodo to President Prabowo.
“The dissolution of the organisation was not accompanied by strict monitoring of its former members and key figures, allowing them to continue spreading their ideology unchecked,” said Mr Anam, a PhD candidate at Indonesian International Islamic University.
Dr Najih said HTI’s ability to maintain relevance shows the complexity in combating such transnational movements.
The group’s resilience lies in its ideological appeal to a pan-Islamic identity, positioning itself as the bulwark against Western imperialism and corrupt local governments, he added.
“In Indonesia, this narrative finds fertile ground among segments of the population disillusioned by political corruption, economic disparity, and perceived moral decline,” said Dr Najih.
Wahyudi Soeriaatmadja has been the Indonesia correspondent for The Straits Times since 2008, and is based in Jakarta.
Source:straitstimes.com
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In defamation hearing, ex-UiTM VC says no authority claimed ‘Becoming Hannah’ threatened Islam
06 Feb 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 6 — Former Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) vice-chancellor, Tan Sri Dr. Ibrahim Abu Shah, told the High Court today that no authority, including the Islamic Religious Council or the Department of Islamic Affairs, had declared that the book Becoming Hannah: A Personal Journey posed a threat to Islam.
Ibrahim was responding to the cross-examination by lawyer Sangeet Kaur Deo, representing Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh in her defamation suit against Universiti Utara Malaysia lecturer Dr. Kamarul Zaman Yusoff.
The lawsuit concerns two Facebook posts made by Kamarul in May 2017 about the book.The second defence witness also agreed that no authority, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, had banned the book since its publication in 2014.
Sangeet: When you expressed your views on the book, was there any court ruling in this country stating that it contravenes Article 3(1) of the Federal Constitution?
Ibrahim: Not yet.
When questioned by Sangeet about the book’s content, Ibrahim agreed that it did not state that Islam is not the official religion of the Federation or any state.
The former Dewan Negara senator then said after reading the book for the first time in 2015 and expressing concerns about its content, he did not file a police report but instead raised the matter in Parliament.
However, Ibrahim maintained that although Muslims in the country may not be easily influenced after reading the book, that does not mean it does not pose a threat.
In the lawsuit filed in 2022, Hannah Yeoh claimed that between May 10 and May 17, 2017, Kamarul Zaman posted two Facebook statements alleging that she intended to spread Christianity through her political activities.
The lecturer also cited her biography, Becoming Hannah: A Personal Journey, as part of a purported Christian agenda and accused her of seeking to turn Malaysia into a Christian nation.
In his statement of defence, Kamarul Zaman argued that his Facebook posts were not defamatory, asserting that he had a duty to inform the public about the book’s content, fearing it might influence them toward Christianity.
The trial resumes today. — Bernama
Source:malaymail.com
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Indonesian Govt to Import Beef, Buffalo Meat for Ramadan and Eid
February 6, 2025
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Deputy Minister of Agriculture (Wamentan) Sudaryono said the Indonesian government plans to import meat on a limited basis to meet the need for beef and buffalo meat during the month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. This is done because the current stock is still less than the total needed.
"Yes, there is stock, we have stock if I'm not mistaken of 18,000 tons, but maybe less. "That's why we have decided today to immediately import," said Sudaryono in his official statement on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.
He said the government needs at least 120,000 tons of meat so that prices remain stable amidst high demand. Imports will only be carried out entirely by State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN). According to him, this policy was taken so that the government has more freedom to regulate meat importers.
"Why BUMN? It is a state tool to control, we can push it, we can order it, we can pressure it for the sake of the people," he explained.
Therefore, Sudaryono appealed to the public not to worry about price increases. He promised that meat stocks would be available before Ramadan arrives. "We all work and according to market needs. We must be optimistic that before Ramadan the need for meat will be available. Later we can bring it from Brazil, or from Australia, and from anywhere that is approved," he said.
The same thing was also expressed by the Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas) Arief Prasetyo Adi. He guaranteed that the need for meat would be met in the near future.
"We will prepare a stock of 120,000 tons until Eid. We will arrange the distribution. Don't worry, because the Deputy Minister of Agriculture is my friend, so everything will run smoothly," said Arief.
Previously, the government had set 180,000 tons of regular imported beef in the 2025 commodity balance. Then as of February 5, 2025, the government officially added to this year's commodity balance by including 100,000 buffalo meat.
Head of Bapanas Arief Prasetyo Adi claimed that this additional import could control meat prices in the market. In addition, Arief said that the buffalo meat that would be imported from India was also intended for stock throughout 2025.
Dian Rahma Fika contributed to writing this article.
Editor's Choice: Indonesia to Import 280,000 Tons Beef, Buffalo Meat as FMD Disrupts Supply Ahead of Ramadan
Source:tempo.co
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MP: Will govt support alcohol sale ban in Muslim areas?
Feb 5, 2025
PARLIAMENT | Fawwaz Jan (PN-Permatang Pauh) today asked the government if it will support efforts to stop alcohol sales in Muslim-majority areas.
He told the Dewan Rakyat that it was not strange for Muslims to call for the expansion of the alcohol sales ban considering Allah’s punishment for any transactions involving alcohol...
Source:malaysiakini.com
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Do non-Muslims need Jakim approval when they die, Saravanan asks
Feb 5, 2025
MIC deputy president M Saravanan has criticised the proposed new guidelines for Muslims to attend non-Muslim events, including funerals.
This is especially after Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Na’im Mokhtar said organisers of interfaith events need to get approval from the relevant authorities...
Source:malaysiakini.com
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Ex-senator agrees Islamic authorities never called out Yeoh's book
05 Feb 2025
A former senator agreed that Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh’s memoir “Becoming Hannah” has never been called out by government Islamic departments and councils since the memoir was published in 2014.
Ibrahim Shah Abu Shah today was testifying before the Kuala Lumpur High Court as a witness for Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) lecturer Kamarul Zaman Yusoff, who is being sued by Yeoh for defamation.
Source:malaysiakini.com
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Uzbekistan President Visits Islamic Arts Museum
05/02/2025
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 5 (Bernama) -- Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who is on a two-day official visit to Malaysia, spent about 30 minutes this afternoon exploring the Islamic arts and exhibits at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM) here. Mirziyoyev and his delegation were presented with an exhibition of various Islamic manuscripts, including a Quran manuscript, the Kiswah of the Kaaba, and models of Islamic architectural designs from around the world. The visiting president also enjoyed the collection of Islamic manuscripts in the Uzbek language, which was showcased in conjunction with the ‘Roundtable Discussion on Cultural Heritage: A Bridge between Uzbekistan and Malaysia’ organized here yesterday. Senior Manager of the IAMM Director's Office, Rashidah Salim, said that the visit of the Uzbekistan president is hoped to catalyse efforts to preserve Islamic culture in the country, as Islamic art is one of Malaysia's inherent strengths. Mirziyoyev, who assumed the President’s Office in December 2016 after serving as Prime Minister of Uzbekistan since 2003, arrived here yesterday for an official visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Earlier today, the visiting president was accorded an official welcome at Perdana Putra before having a one-on-one meeting with Anwar, who visited Uzbekistan in May last year.
Source:bernama.com
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Mideast
UN chief warns against ethnic cleansing, ‘demonization’ of Palestinians
EPHREM KOSSAIFY
February 06, 2025
NEW YORK: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday issued a strongly worded warning against “any form of ethnic cleansing” of Palestinians, while also underscoring the importance of adhering “to the bedrock of international law.”
His comments came after US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a proposed takeover of Gaza under which the entire population of the enclave would be relocated to other countries.
“The US will take over the Gaza Strip,” Trump said in a White House press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“We’ll own it ... We have an opportunity to do something that could be phenomenal ... the Riviera of the Middle East.”
Trump added: “ We should go to other countries of interest with humanitarian hearts, and there are many of them that want to do this, and build various domains that will ultimately be occupied by the 1.8 million Palestinians living in Gaza, ending the death and destruction and, frankly, bad luck.”
However, the UN secretary-general warned that “in the search for solutions, we must not make the problem worse.”
Guterres said that it is “vital to stay true to the bedrock of international law (and) essential to avoid any form of ethnic cleansing.”
Speaking in New York at the opening of the 2025 session of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, he called for a renewed commitment to ensuring Palestinians can “simply live as human beings in their own land.”
He added: “We have seen the realization of those rights steadily slip farther out of reach.
“We have seen a chilling, systematic dehumanization and demonization of an entire people.”
The UN chief described “the catalogue of destruction and unspeakable horrors” as a result of 15 months of war on Gaza, in which nearly 50,000 people have been killed, 70 percent of them women and children.
He also condemned the destruction of civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and water facilities.
“The overwhelming majority of the entire population have faced displacement after displacement, hunger, and disease,” said Guterres.
“Children, out of school for over a year. A generation left homeless and traumatized.”
He said: “I welcome the ceasefire and hostage release deal. I thank the mediators — Egypt, Qatar, and the US — for the continued efforts to ensure implementation.
“Now is the time to be crystal clear about objectives going forward.”
While acknowledging the recent truce and freeing of captives held by Hamas, Guterres urged continued efforts for lasting peace.
“We must keep pushing for a permanent ceasefire and the release of all hostages without delay. We cannot go back to more death and destruction,” he said.
The UN is working tirelessly to provide humanitarian aid, he added, emphasizing the need for rapid, safe, and sustained access to those in need.
Guterres called for the international community to support the essential work of the UN Relief and Works Agency, which provides services to Palestinian refugees.
He reiterated the UN’s commitment to the two-state solution as the only viable path to a lasting peace.
“A viable, sovereign Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with Israel is the only sustainable solution for Middle East stability,” he said.
The path to this solution, Guterres said, requires tangible, irreversible progress toward ending the occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state with Gaza as an integral part.
The UN chief also expressed deep concern about rising violence in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, particularly acts of aggression by Israeli settlers.
“As affirmed by the International Court of Justice, Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territory must end,” said Guterres.
He called for a halt to the violence and for those responsible to be held accountable in accordance with international law.
Additionally, he emphasized the importance of preserving the unity and integrity of occupied Palestinian territory, including efforts to rebuild Gaza after its devastation.
“International law must be respected, and accountability ensured,” Guterres said.
He also stressed the importance of supporting the Palestinian Authority to foster unity and governance, which are essential for a viable future for Palestinians.
“We must work toward preserving the unity, contiguity, and integrity of the occupied Palestinian territory and the recovery and reconstruction of Gaza.
“A strong and unified Palestinian governance is crucial.
“The international community must support the Palestinian Authority to this end,” he said.
Source:arabnews.com
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Deportation from occupied territory ‘strictly prohibited’: UN on Gaza
February 05, 2025
GENEVA: UN rights chief Volker Turk insisted Wednesday that deporting people from occupied territory was strictly prohibited, after US President Donald Trump’s shock proposal for the United States to take over Gaza and resettle its people.
“The right to self-determination is a fundamental principle of international law and must be protected by all states, as the International Court of Justice recently underlined afresh. Any forcible transfer in or deportation of people from occupied territory is strictly prohibited,” Turk said in a statement.
Source:arabnews.com
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Ayatollah Khamenei pardons over 3,000 Iranian prisoners
February 5, 2025
Ayatollah Khamenei agreed on Wednesday to pardon or commute the sentences of the Iranian convicts upon a proposal from Judiciary Chief Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei who had requested the Leader’s clemency for prisoners with specific conditions.
The amnesty was granted in honor of the 46th anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution, which toppled the Pahvali dynasty on February 11, 1979, and also in honor of the anniversary of Eid al-Mab’ath and the Eids of the months of Sha’ban.
Article 110 of the Constitution grants the Leader the right to pardon or reduce the sentences of convicts upon a recommendation from the head of the Judiciary.
The clemency, however, does not apply to certain types of convicts, including those who have been sentenced for their role in the armed smuggling of narcotics, arms trafficking, kidnapping, acid attacks, rape, armed robbery, bribery, embezzlement, counterfeit money forgery, money laundering, disruption of economy, smuggling of alcoholic drinks, and organized smuggling of commodities.
Source:ifpnews.com
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Awqaf to reconstruct Al Shafi Mosque in Al Rayyan
FEBRUARY 05, 2025
The Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs is set to rebuild the Al Shafi Mosque in Al Rayyan, with a capacity to accommodate 2,000 worshippers on two floors.
Local Arabic daily Arrayah reported that Awqaf has completed the demolition of the existing mosque which could accommodate 600 worshippers.
Al Shafi Mosque is considered one of the largest and oldest mosques in the region. “It was built about 40 years ago and became dilapidated over time. It is in dire need of reconstruction to be on the same level as the rest of the mosques in the country that were built by Awqaf,” Central Municipal Council member Mohammed Hamoud al-Shafi told Arrayah.
He explained that after the mosque is rebuilt, it will serve worshippers in many surrounding areas whether in the Al Rayyan area or other neighbouring areas.
The design of the mosque, according to the report, will be distinctive, similar to the designs that Awqaf follows in the rest of the mosques in the country.
Source:gulf-times.com
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Economic revival in Iran after Islamic Revolution
Feb 5, 2025
Inflationary pressures on households due to frequent rise of commodity prices have left policymakers faced with a quandary on how to shore up the economy and achieve self-sufficiency as part of the country’s revolutionary mantra, according to Press TV.
The Islamic Revolution in 1979 burst upon the stage of history with a “big bang”, ushering in a global movement that aspired to bring about a convergence of Muslim political thought and cleanse it from the infiltration of Western political ideas in order to pave the way for a generation of pious Ummah.
The era of the new republic also gave precedence to economic prospects and aspirations, shifting the focus from the elites and urban areas to the destitute and rural classes and expanding access to basic services such as electricity, water and education in the countryside.
The results were brisk, leading to positive developments in the livelihoods of Iranians helped by an influx of revenues from the boom in oil prices.
An ensuing baby boom doubled Iran’s population in four decades from 37 million in 1979 to nearly 84 million in 2020, as Iranians born after the revolution found better opportunities for education.
Some economists say this sudden huge population growth put brakes on the country’s economic revival, but others believe Western hostility towards the Islamic Revolution and concerns over its rapid rise made Iran a constant target of terrorism and aggression, according to Press TV.
The discovery of large, commercially most viable reservoirs of oil at the turn of the 19th century had made Iran an object of imperialist interests, with the British being the first to push into the country only to be nudged out by the Americans.
Since the revolution broke out, Iran has been under US and European sanctions which have hampered its economic growth, not to mention an eight-year destructive war which the former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein waged against the country with both Western and Soviet Eastern support.
As it stands, Iran has been struggling under the sanctions but the coercive measures have also been a strong stimulus for indigenous progress.
Detractors would like to debunk this out of hand, arguing that economic revival under sanctions is somehow impossible, but there are precedents to the contrary, with China, Japan, South Korea, and Germany after World War II being the examples which turned challenges into opportunities.
According to the World Bank, Iran’s gross domestic product has increased to more than $401 billion as of 2023 from $90 billion in 1979 when the revolution broke out.
This show the country has developed a system of resistance to external pressures – a long-sought goal demanded by the leadership. However, to ensure sustainable growth, economic policies should focus on reducing dependence on oil, developing knowledge-based industries, expanding regional trade, and strengthening the private sector.
Iran has potential capacities in the sectors of industry, agriculture and technology that can help increase economic growth and improve the country's position in the global economy.
Economic resistance, by definition, is an effort to enhance the country's economic strength against internal and external shocks. It is meant to detect pressure nodes and subsequently control and attenuate them, and under ideal conditions to convert this pressure into opportunity.
In other words, resistive economy aims to reduce dependence and emphasizes the advantages of domestic production and self-reliance.
There are no dearth of natural and human resources, and what it needs is a clear strategy to regulate and build the economy according to a clear economic model.
Source:mehrnews.com
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Expanded meeting held to Ppepare for Ramadan Program, summer schools in Marib province
05 Feb 2025
The local authority and general mobilization in Marib province on Wednesday organized an expanded meeting to prepare for the Ramadan program for the year 1446 AH, summer schools, and the continuation of mobilization and recruitment within al-Aqsa Flood campaign.
The meeting, which was chaired by governor Ali Tumaiman an and attended by the province's undersecretaries, general mobilization leaders, directors of districts, and directors of executive offices, focused on discussing the activation of local and mobilization leaders' roles in enhancing community awareness and participation in the program. It covered plans for Ramadan lectures, lessons, and other community activities.
Governor Tuaiman emphasized the importance of preparing for the holy month of Ramadan by holding preparatory workshops in each district. He called for the establishment of Ramadan councils at the village and district levels and urged everyone to align with the leadership's directives, particularly in intensifying mobilization and recruitment efforts.
Brigadier General Badr al-Majsh, head of the general mobilization in the province, noted that the meeting reflected the directives of the leader of the revolution, Sayyed Abdulmalik Badr al-Din al-Houthi, to strengthen the faith-based identity and Quranic culture, purify souls, and adhere to the Quranic approach in order to contribute to building the nation correctly and in accordance with divine teachings.
The participants in the meeting expressed their commitment to preparing for Ramadan, supporting summer school preparations, and maintaining high readiness for the battle of "the promised victory and holy jihad" against the enemies of the nation, with a firm determination to achieve victory.
Source:saba.ye
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Source: Iraqi Parliament session stalled by Sunni MPs' absence
2025-02-05
Shafaq News/ On Wednesday, the Iraqi Parliament failed to hold its regular session due to the absence of Sunni bloc MPs and other reasons, according to a parliamentary source.
Earlier, Parliament decided to postpone its session due to a lack of quorum, according to a brief official statement from the Parliament’s media office.
In response, the source told Shafaq News Agency, “The parliamentary session scheduled for today did not proceed due to a lack of quorum, as fewer than 100 MPs attended, leading to its postponement to a later date.”
“Sunni bloc MPs did not show up at the Parliament building, which disrupted the session,” he explained. “Political statements from Sunni party and bloc leaders also contributed to the delay and the session's failure to convene as planned."
Notably, tensions have recently risen within political circles following the Federal Court’s decision to halt the implementation of controversial laws (General Amnesty Law, Personal Status Law, and Property Restitution Law), prompting criticism from Sunni parties.
However, Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council ruled on Wednesday that laws passed by parliament cannot be suspended before their official publication in the government gazette, arguing that the court's ruling lacked legal grounds, as it targeted non-enforceable laws. It also affirmed that the Iraqi courts are obligated to implement the amended General Amnesty Law.
Despite the council's remarks, the Federal Court reaffirmed that its rulings, including injunctions, are “final and binding on all authorities,” citing Article 94 of the 2005 Iraqi Constitution.
Source:shafaq.com
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Museum of Islamic Art nominated for Most Significant Building of the 21st Century
05 Feb 2025
Doha, Qatar: The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) is among the nominees for the Most Significant Building of the 21st Century, by the influential architecture and design magazine Dezeen.
The candidates of the contest are those listed in the magazine's series titled, "21st-Century Architecture: 25 Years 25 Buildings" which features one notable building per year for the past 25 years.
"To conclude our 21st-Century Architecture: 25 Years 25 Buildings series we are asking Dezeen readers to vote for the most significant building of the 21st century," the magazine said on its website.
Voting is now open through the magazine's official website.
MIA is joined with other prestige architectural wonders such as the Tate Modern by Herzog & de Meuron, Moriyama House by Ryue Nishizawa, Walt Disney Concert Hall by Frank Gehry, Burj Khalifa by SOM, Bosco Verticale by Stefano Boeri and more.
The Museum of Islamic Art designed by IM Pei was nominated for being the most significant building in 2008 by Dezeen, and was dubbed as the first "mega-museum in the Gulf".
Dezeen stated that the winner will be announced later this year.
Source:thepeninsulaqatar.com
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Mosul celebrates minaret, mosque reopening soon
2025-02-05
Shafaq News/ UNESCO held a special conference, on Wednesday, to celebrate the successful reconstruction of the iconic Al-Hadba Minaret, one of Mosul’s most recognizable historical landmarks.
Speaking to Shafaq News, Yousif Al-Abd Rabo, Director of the Sunni Endowment (Waqf) in Nineveh, described the occasion as a tribute to the perseverance and dedication of those involved in the restoration. “This achievement brings back a key part of Mosul’s identity and heritage,” he said.
Al-Abd Rabo also noted that while the minaret’s reconstruction is complete, work on the Al-Nuri Mosque and its annexes continues. “The grand reopening of the mosque, including the restored minaret, is scheduled for mid-March, with a formal ceremony expected to be attended by Iraq’s Prime Minister, a high-ranking UNESCO delegation, and key cultural and political figures.”
For its part, UNESCO reaffirmed its commitment to Mosul’s reconstruction, emphasizing that the challenges faced due to war and destruction have not deterred efforts to restore the city’s cultural and religious landmarks.
Restoring Mosul’s Cultural and Religious Legacy
The destruction of Al-Nuri Mosque and Al-Hadba Minaret in 2017 was a defining moment in Mosul’s battle against ISIS. The minaret, nicknamed “The Hunchback” for its distinctive lean, had stood for over 800 years, serving as a symbol of the city’s rich history.
Recognizing the importance of Mosul’s cultural heritage, UNESCO launched the “Revive the Spirit of Mosul” initiative in 2018. The program, developed in partnership with the United Arab Emirates, aims to rebuild historic landmarks, restore cultural life, and support education.
The restoration of Al-Hadba Minaret faced significant challenges, including the need to clear hidden explosives from the site and preserve 12th-century architectural elements discovered during excavations. Engineers ensured that the minaret retained its signature tilt—leaning 160 centimeters, just as it did in the 1960s, while reinforcing its foundation for long-term stability.
In addition to architectural restoration, UNESCO focused on revitalizing Mosul’s cultural and social life. Backed by funding from the European Union, the organization has restored 124 heritage homes. The organization has rebuilt more than 400 classrooms across Nineveh Province, including Al-Ekhlas Primary School, which now features modern facilities and a library. Meanwhile, Mosul University has received new academic resources and a cinema department, expanding opportunities for students.
Source:shafaq.com
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Iraq’s Amnesty Law: A legal battle threatens to unravel Sunni political gains
2025-02-05
Shafaq News/ Iraq’s highest court has halted the implementation of a controversial amnesty law just days after its approval, deepening political tensions and triggering backlash from Sunni leaders who see the move as a threat to their hard-fought gains.
Vote Then Suspend
The vote, which took place in January, saw the Iraqi Parliament approve the laws “in one basket,” sparking protests among lawmakers who argued that the process was flawed. Several MPs alleged that Speaker Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani did not read the full text of the Amnesty Law before announcing its passage and that the laws were pushed through without a proper vote, leading to an effort by several lawmakers to collect signatures for the removal of Speaker Al-Mashhadani.
Sunni blocs in parliament welcomed the approval of the Amnesty Law, which they had long advocated, citing the presence of “many innocent people” in prisons, as well as detainees whose charges they described as “malicious.” The law’s passage was widely seen as part of broader political negotiations among Iraq’s factions, with Sunni parties considering it a key condition for their participation in the government.
However, some Shiite factions opposed the law, citing concerns that it could lead to the release of detainees accused of terrorism-related offenses.
A week after the parliamentary session, Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council Chairman, Faiq Zaidan, issued an order to implement the Second Amendment to the General Amnesty Law. The Iraqi Presidency later confirmed that “based on the approval of the Iraqi Parliament, as per Articles 61 and 73 of the Constitution, President Abdul Latif Rashid signed the Second Amendment into law.”
Despite these steps, a legal challenge was filed before the Federal Supreme Court, questioning the validity of the vote.
On Feb. 4, Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court suspended the implementation of the three laws, including the major amendment to the General Amnesty Law.
The court stated that “the suspension of the law’s implementation is a discretionary power and a temporary precautionary measure until a ruling is made on the constitutionality of the laws in question and their compliance with the constitution.” It further noted that “the consequences of enforcing these laws cannot be undone if a ruling is later issued deeming them unconstitutional, especially since the urgency principle is based on the concept of immediate temporary protection that neither deprives nor grants rights.”
The ruling, based on Article 94 of the 2005 Constitution and Article 5/Second of the amended Federal Supreme Court Law No. 30 of 2005, was issued by a majority of court members, making it final and binding on all parties.
Political Uproar
The court’s decision drew sharp criticism from Sunni leaders, who accused the judiciary of political interference. Authorities in the Sunni-majority provinces of Al-Anbar, Nineveh, and Saladin, as well as in Kirkuk, suspended official working hours on Wednesday in protest.
Sunni political factions, including Taqadum, Al-Siyada, and the Iraqi National Project, rejected the ruling, stating that the Amnesty Law does not apply to individuals convicted of terrorism.
Mohammed Al-Halbousi, leader of Taqadum, vowed to challenge the court’s decision through legal avenues and called for protests and institutional boycotts.
"The Federal Court is interfering in legislation, disregarding laws, and issuing an unjust ruling against the innocent and wrongfully accused," Al-Halbousi said.
In a statement, Al-Siyada called for a swift ruling on its constitutionality and accused lawmakers of exploiting the issue for “political gain” and “inciting unrest.”
The group reaffirmed its “respect for the Federal Supreme Court and the constitution” but strongly opposed the injunction. It argued that the Amnesty Law amendment was part of a political agreement among national factions and accused certain MPs of “deliberately obstructing its implementation.”
Jamal Al-Dari, Secretary-General of the Iraqi National Project, called for an emergency leadership meeting to address the ruling, warning on X that “ongoing political disputes, evasion of agreements, and attempts to involve the judiciary in obstructing parliamentary decisions will push Iraq into further crises.” He condemned the use of the General Amnesty Law as a “political bargaining tool” and demanded the immediate enforcement of the political agreement, which he claimed “remains hidden from the public.”
The Coordination Framework, a coalition of Shiite political parties, backed the court’s decision, arguing that it safeguarded constitutional integrity. The coalition insisted that the ruling was a necessary response to procedural violations during the January 21 parliamentary session.
"The Federal Supreme Court’s decision is not an attack on legislation but a defense of constitutional order. These laws were passed without proper debate, in a single vote, and under questionable quorum conditions," the Coordination Framework said in a statement.
The coalition rejected allegations that the court’s ruling was politically motivated, saying “attempts to delegitimize the judiciary and frame this ruling as a ‘political maneuver’ are reckless and dangerous. Respect for the rule of law means respecting the mechanisms designed to protect democracy.”
Meanwhile, a bloc of lawmakers from central and southern Iraq welcomed the ruling, condemning "emotional and irresponsible" reactions from Sunni politicians. "A precautionary ruling is a temporary measure aimed at preventing irreversible legal consequences. Political outcry and street mobilization are unwarranted," the bloc stated.
Temporary or Permanent?
Legal Committee member in the Iraqi Parliament, Mohammed Anouz, told Shafaq News that "the issuance of the provisional order by the Federal Supreme Court regarding the three laws is a normal procedure. This order does not mean the annulment of the vote or the repeal of the legislation by Parliament; it is a temporary measure until the case is reviewed and decided upon."
He added, "We are awaiting the court’s final and binding decision, which we expect to be issued within a maximum of two weeks, as such cases require legal and constitutional review."
Kurdish parties are yet to comment on the court’s decision
What Comes Next?
Taqadum MP Qutaiba Mohammed told Shafaq News that his bloc had suspended its attendance at parliamentary sessions in response to the judicial order.
"We are considering other measures, such as withdrawing from the government or Parliament if the legislation is fully revoked. However, this decision must be made through a political agreement among all Sunni blocs," he said.
He added, "The General Amnesty Law was the only major achievement for the Sunni component in the political agreement that formed the government. Yet, powerful figures within the judiciary are obstructing it. Withdrawing from Parliament is one of the tools we have."
Mohammed argued that "the Federal Court would not issue such a controversial ruling without real political influence from key leaders. Otherwise, how can we explain that after long efforts, disputes, and the suspension of parliamentary sessions, the General Amnesty Law was finally passed—only for sudden and unjust decisions to emerge, depriving innocent people of the chance to have their cases reviewed?"
Source:shafaq.com
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Two years after quake disaster, Turkiye’s painful recovery continues
February 06, 2025
ANKARA: Two years after the deadliest and most destructive earthquake in modern Turkish history, hundreds of thousands of people remain displaced, with many still living in temporary housing, as rebuilding efforts lag behind initial targets.
The 7.8-magnitude earthquake on February 6, 2023, and its aftershocks rattled 11 Turkish provinces and parts of northern Syria, killing more than 55,000 people and injuring more than 107,000.
The disaster reduced entire towns to rubble, including homes, hospitals, and historical landmarks, with Hatay, Kahramanmaras and Adiyaman hardest hit.
The government has pledged to build 650,000 homes, with President Tayyip Erdogan promising in the weeks after the tremor that 319,000 would be delivered within a year.
“We are fortunate to have delivered 201,431 independent units to their rightful owners less than two years after the earthquake,” Erdogan said after a cabinet meeting on Monday.
Environment and Urbanization Minister Murat Kurum said $75 billion had been spent on rebuilding across the quake region.
The critical phases of reconstruction have been completed, he said, adding that housing and business projects were progressing rapidly.
Many residents, however, remain in makeshift conditions, while others have left their home provinces entirely, disrupting communities and livelihoods.
Ozgur Ozel, leader of the main opposition CHP, said only 30 percent of the pledged reconstruction had been completed. The housing completion rate in Hatay, one of the worst-hit provinces, was only 18 percent, he said.
“Only three out of ten who believed in Erdogan now have homes, while the other seven are still in containers or seeking refuge in the homes of relatives,” Ozel said on Tuesday.
“How can they look into the eyes of those they forced to live in containers for two years and say, ‘We have kept all our promises, thank God’?“
Lingering hardships
International and local aid groups say a full recovery remains far off, with thousands of Turks still facing barriers to returning home.
The Hatay Earthquake Victims’ Association said in a report that more than 400,000 people remain in container-home cities, facing poor sanitation, inadequate health care, and an uncertain future.
It also raised concerns about asbestos exposure from unregulated demolitions and land seizures under emergency decrees.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said that millions of people in Turkiye and Syria were still struggling to rebuild their lives. It called the pace of reconstruction “far too slow” for such a disaster.
Delays in reconstruction hurt long-term stability and risk depopulation of the region, some aid groups say.
In Hatay, in southernmost Turkiye, empty streets, shuttered businesses, and demolition work still define the city, which was once a bustling mixture of cultures and religions, and a draw for tourism.
Ankara says its response to the earthquake has been effective and on track.
Kurum, the government minister, said 423,000 homes and workplaces will be handed over to survivors by the end of 2025, adding that Turkiye had allocated 584 billion Turkish lira ($19 billion) for recovery efforts.
Source:arabnews.com
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Iraq's famed 'hunchback' of Mosul rebuilt brick by brick
February 06, 2025
Mosul: The leaning minaret of Mosul in northern Iraq has been restored using its original brickwork, years after it was reduced to rubble under Daesh group rule.
The Al-Hadba or “hunchback” minaret is part of the historic Al-Nuri Mosque from where former IS chief Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi in July 2014 declared his “caliphate” that committed atrocities across swathes of both Syria and Iraq.
The mosque and minaret were destroyed in June 2017 during the battle to oust Daesh from Mosul, and Iraq’s authorities accused the jihadists of planting explosives before their withdrawal.
The minaret and mosque are the latest landmarks in Mosul to be restored by United Nations heritage body UNESCO, whose teams have worked for five years to revive several sites there.
The Al-Hadba minaret of today is an exact replica of the old one, “built with the same bricks,” said Abdullah Mahmoud of the Iraqi department of antiquities.
“Al-Hadba is our identity, and by restoring it, the identity of the city has been reclaimed.”
The restored minaret’s tilt has been retained at 160 centimeters (63 inches), just as it was in the 1960s.
However, engineers have reinforced the foundations so it no longer leans quite so precariously, as it began to do gradually after being built in the 12th century.
“The minaret’s body from the inside needed 96,000 new bricks,” Mahmoud said.
“But for the exterior we used 26,000 old bricks” to preserve its historical legacy.
’Massive change’
Days before work was completed, hundreds of workers put the finishing touches to Al-Nuri’s columns, dome and yard.
Mahmoud said the mihrab, a niche indicating the direction of Makkah, has been largely repaired using its original stones.
But the minbar, from where sermons are delivered, has lost most of its original pieces.
Across the street, Imad Zaki, a former muezzin at the mosque, said: “Every day I stand here for an hour to watch as they are restored to their original state.”
“Today one can feel the spirituality. It’s as if our souls have finally found peace,” added the 52-year-old, wearing a long traditional Iraqi abaya, or robe.
Eighty percent of Mosul’s old city was destroyed in the fight against IS, and more than 12,000 tons of rubble was removed for the UNESCO restoration project, which also included Al-Tahira and Our Lady of the Hour churches and 124 heritage houses.
The Al-Tahira Church, dating from 1862, has been rebuilt with its arcades, embellished pillars and stained-glass windows.
During restoration, workers discovered an underground cellar and large jars once used for wine. It now has a glass ceiling so visitors can look inside.
Maria Acetoso, senior project manager at UNESCO Iraq, said the project aimed “to work in parallel on meaningful monuments for the city and also to bring life back” to Mosul.
“When I arrived here in 2019 it looked like a ghost city,” Acetoso said. “In five years plus, there has been a massive change.”
In Mosul on Wednesday, UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay hailed her team’s efforts and said on that the renovation had allowed “the identity of the city” to return.
Scars of battle
After IS was defeated, life returned to the city’s streets, where the chatter of patrons in small cafes blended with the clatter of construction work at the mosque.
In the coming weeks, Iraqi authorities will inaugurate the restored landmarks.
But Mosul still bears scars from the ferocious fight against IS.
Tucked away in narrow old city alleyways are ruined houses. Some bear the word “safe” scrawled in red on walls, signalling that they that have been cleared of explosives.
The crumbling walls and shattered windows tell tales of displacement. Their original owners, mostly Christian, have yet to return.
Mohammed Kassem, 59, came back to the old city a few years ago, to a new house as his former home was just debris.
Mosul still “needs a great deal” of work before it is back to normal, he said.
“It needs its former residents... the Christians to come back. This is their place,” Kassem added.
Across the street from Al-Nuri Mosque, Saad Mohammed, 65, said he hoped the restoration efforts will attract visitors to Mosul, although he still feels sad because of what it has lost.
But he couldn’t help but smile when he looked up at the minaret from his little shop.
“We opened the window once and saw the black IS flag on top of the minaret. Then we opened it again and the minaret was gone,” said Mohammed, who never left Mosul, even at the height of the fighting.
“Today the minaret has risen again, alongside the mosque and the churches. Now we feel safe,” he said.
Source:arabnews.com
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Arab World
Jordan’s king welcomes Saudi support for Palestinian rights
February 05, 2025
RIYADH: Jordan’s King Abdullah on Wednesday welcomed Saudi Arabia’s continuing firm and supportive stance on the rights of the Palestinian people.
He expressed his appreciation during a telephone conversation with the Kingdom’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a day after US President Donald Trump suggested the removal of all Palestinians from Gaza so the US can take over the territory and rebuild it for others to use.
“The US will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it, too; we’ll own it,” he said during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.
During their call, King Abdullah and the crown prince discussed the latest developments in the region and efforts to achieve security and stability, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Earlier in the day, during a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, the king rejected “any attempts” to take control of Palestinian territories or displace the people there.
Saudi authorities issued a statement in the early hours of Wednesday, following Trump’s statement, that affirmed that the Kingdom’s position on the establishment of a Palestinian state remains firm and unwavering, and they rejected any “attempts to displace the Palestinian people from their land.”
It added: “Saudi Arabia will continue its relentless efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel without that.
“Achieving lasting and just peace is impossible without the Palestinian people obtaining their legitimate rights in accordance with international resolutions, as has been previously clarified to both the former and current US administrations.”
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Quality of life, economy, culture in Madinah improving under Vision 2030, authority says
NADA ALTURKI
February 05, 2025
RIYADH: Quality of life, the economy and culture in Madinah are improving under Vision 2030, according to the Madinah Region Development Authority.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, officials from the authority said they are aiming to highlight regional achievements and the transformation taking place there.
Ihab Salem, chief strategy officer at Madinah Region Development Authority, said: “With the support of the emir of the region, we will achieve (Vision 2030 goals) through all relevant sectors of work in the region.
“This also helps in achieving developmental mobility, economic growth, and increasing investment opportunities and local content in the Madinah region, thus opening many opportunities for male and female entrepreneurs in various sectors.”
Economically, local gross domestic product reached SR118 billion ($31 billion) in 2023, with SR53 billion in foreign investment, while the second quarter of 2024 saw a decrease in unemployment.
Tourism is the rise, with 18 million visitors to the region in 2024. Visitors stayed an average of 10 days in 2023. The region was ranked 88 globally on Euromonitor International’s 2024 index of the world’s top 100 city destinations, ranked seven globally on the Tourism Performance Index, and 3,200 locations are registered in the National Urban Heritage Register.
It was recently announced that foreigners can now invest in Saudi-listed companies owning real estate in Makkah and Madinah, following a landmark decision by the Saudi Capital Market Authority.
Al-Madinah Smart City has also gained a number of achievements, including an advancement in 11 ranks in the International Institute for Management Development Smart City Index, ranking 74th globally after ranking 85th in 2023, alongside a number of other milestones.
Other notable initiatives implemented in collaboration with the Vision Realization Program include the King Salman Project to expand Quba Mosque, which aims to expand the area tenfold and develop 57 historical sites to reach a capacity of 66,000 worshipers; and the Dar Al-Hijra project in Madinah, which aims to retrace the steps of the Prophet Muhammad’s journey.
Madinah is considered one of the most accessible regions in the Kingdom through land, sea and air. Its three airports transported 10 million passengers in 2024, across more than 72,000 flights operated by 77 airlines to 36 local and international destinations.
Public buses in Madinah now have 123 stations, and the Haramain High Speed Railway Depot has transported 9 million passengers, according to the authority.
Salem added that a number of projects can be attributed to private investors and entities like Maqsad Quba, Jabal Ayr and As Safiyyah Museum & Park.
The authority is highlighting Madinah’s economic diversification through the agriculture and mining industries, its global connectivity through tourism and cultural heritage offerings, and the vision achieved by its residents in the health, education private and nonprofit sectors.
Officials said that 58 initiatives have been launched under the Pilgrim Experience Program, 104 under the Quality of Life Program and 30 under the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program.
Source:arabnews.com
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Saudi Shoura Council vice-speaker receives Hungarian official in Riyadh
February 05, 2025
Vice-Speaker of the Shoura Council Mishaal Al-Sulami received Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary Istvan Jakab and his accompanying delegation in Riyadh on Wednesday.
During the meeting the two sides discussed various topics of common interest, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Al-Sulami reviewed the Shoura Council’s work and the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in consolidating cooperation and supporting bilateral relations.
Jakab also expressed his aim of deepening bilateral relations between the two sides.
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Superintelligent AI could replace human researchers, experts suggest
RAHAF JAMBI
February 05, 2025
RIYADH: Experts at a Riyadh conference on Wednesday tackled the question of whether human researchers will become obsolete in the face of superintelligent machines capable of making groundbreaking discoveries.
A panel discussion during the Global Healthspan Summit, which has Arab News as a media partner, brought together specialists to explore the potential of artificial intelligence in scientific research.
The session, titled “AI — The Greatest Scientist in Waiting?” challenged the scientific community by positing that the new technology could surpass human capabilities in hypothesis generation, experimental design, and data analysis.
Two prominent contributors, Dr. Christoph Benn, director of the JLI Center for Global Health Diplomacy in Switzerland, and Jamie Heywood, CEO and founder of Alden Scientific in the US, took part in the discussion, which was moderated by Dr. Jens Eckstein, investment partner at the Hevolution Foundation in Saudi Arabia.
Heywood opened the conversation by emphasizing the transformative potential of AI.
“Mathematics and data techniques are not particularly new. What changes is the amount of data and the computational power we can apply to it,” he said.
Modern scientific method, when combined with AI, allows researchers to ask more nuanced questions, Heywood said.
Rather than relying on generalized clinical trials, researchers can now tailor inquiries to individual circumstances, thus enhancing the relevance and applicability of findings.
Heywood explained: “With enough variables and carefully designed queries, we can answer critical questions like: What will help me? What might be harmful? How will a change in my life, whether it be a diet or medication, feel?”
Such personalized insights would not be feasible without the integration of modern AI technologies, he added.
However, Heywood also cautioned against the pitfalls of AI, particularly the “garbage in, garbage out” phenomenon.
He explained that while machine learning can generate valuable insights, it is also susceptible to errors if the underlying data is flawed or misinterpreted.
“Machine learning can correct for seasonality errors in data, but it can also produce spurious correlations that traditional scientific methods might not catch,” he warned.
For instance, he recounted how the UK Biobank data suggested a correlation between vitamin D and aging that contradicted prior knowledge, highlighting the importance of critical oversight in AI-assisted research.
Benn echoed these comments, stressing the necessity of using AI responsibly in the context of personalized medicine.
“Is it possible to do modern medicine effectively without machine learning? I’m not even sure,” he said.
Benn said that the complexities of modern health data — comprising thousands of variables — are beyond the capacity of human intuition alone.
“Humans can intuit some relationships, but we can’t analyze data at that level,” he said.
The discussion also explored the ethical implications and regulatory needs surrounding AI in healthcare.
Benn pointed out the importance of establishing frameworks to ensure that AI tools are validated and certified.
“We need to trust these tools, both from the consumer’s perspective and from researchers,” he said.
He shared concerns raised by researchers who were hesitant to market their AI innovations without a clear certification process and accountability measures in place.
“Unless we know whether there is a certification process and whether we will be held accountable for unintended side effects, we will not market our AI tools.”
As the panel concluded, the conversation highlighted a critical juncture for the scientific community, noting that the integration of AI into research has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of health and disease, but also necessitates careful consideration of ethical and regulatory frameworks.
Source:arabnews.com
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All Saudis should have access to AI health-monitoring tech, says Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed
HAIFA ALSHAMMARI
February 05, 2025
RIYADH: All Saudis should have access to artificial intelligence technology that monitors their health in real time, Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed told Arab News in an exclusive interview on Wednesday.
“Every Saudi citizen should have a real-time AI-driven health dashboard tracking metabolic markers, predictive disease risks, and lifestyle optimization strategies,” said the founder and CEO of KBW Ventures on the sidelines of the Global Healthspan Summit in Riyadh, which has Arab News as a media partner.
“We can also incentivize longevity-focused R&D. Governments should treat health-tech startups like they treat defense contractors: Fund them, fast-track them, and make breakthroughs happen.”
The prince and investor spoke about the idea of extending the healthy lifespan of the Saudi population, which is a key focus of the two-day summit.
“Aging isn’t the onset of disease; it’s the failure of medicine to treat the root cause. We’ve been conditioned to believe that heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and metabolic disorders are just part of ‘getting older.’ That’s like saying a car breaking down after 100,000 miles is inevitable. It’s not; it’s a mechanical failure due to wear and tear.”
In addition, the financial stress on economies is not from people living longer, the CEO believes, but rather from people living sick longer.
“Healthcare systems are designed to treat disease, not prevent it. We spend trillions on end-stage care instead of investing in tech that keeps people healthy for longer. The longer people stay active, productive, and self-sufficient, the better it is for the economy,” he said.
According to Prince Khaled, a healthy population is not a burden but an economic accelerator.
He continued: “What happens when we add 20 high-performance years to a person’s life instead of 20 years of dependency? We flip healthcare from an expense to an investment.”
The problem, he said, is governments and legacy institutions that treat healthcare as an expense instead of a growth sector.
However, to change this perspective, longevity should be a national priority, as should investing in new technology to extend healthy lifespans, he added.
“The same way governments invest in infrastructure and energy security, we should be funding longevity tech, AI-driven medicine, and regenerative therapies,” Prince Khalid said.
He added: “We need to overhaul preventative healthcare. Move from a ‘treat once sick’ model to a ‘predict and prevent’ model.”
Another idea the CEO raised was leveraging Saudi Arabia as a biotech corridor.
Saudi Arabia could be presented to the world as a global hub for longevity research, “offering regulatory flexibility, AI-powered clinical trials, and public-private partnerships that make biotech innovation move faster,” he said.
A healthier population will drive productivity, innovation, and economic expansion like never before, he added.
Furthermore, the future of health is not exclusively held by hospitals but by algorithms. With advanced technology, Prince Khaled suggested, AI will design personalized longevity plans for every individual by detecting disease before any symptoms appear.
“AI isn’t replacing doctors — it’s making every citizen their own health CEO. We should be running simulations of every human body and predicting health outcomes before they happen. The data exists. We just need AI to make sense of it,” he said.
While the country is developing and advancing with a number of megaprojects, the CEO believes that the government could build the world’s first longevity-first city as well, where AI can play a significant role in optimizing public health, fostering genetic research, and reversing the effects of aging.
“With AI-driven biotech, the Kingdom can lead in regenerative medicine, gene editing, and age-reversal therapies. A 100-year lifespan shouldn’t be a burden — it should be an advantage,” he said.
“The future of Saudi health isn’t about more hospitals and doctors. It’s about AI-driven longevity, proactive medicine, and ensuring every Saudi lives healthier for longer.”
When aging is viewed as an unsolvable problem, it becomes so, Prince Khaled said. However, if it is treated as an engineering challenge, it can be solved.
In a final note, Prince Khaled said: “The countries that prioritize longevity will dominate the global economy.”
Source:arabnews.com
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Saudi counter-narcotics authority seizes 11 million amphetamine pills in Dammam
February 05, 2025
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s counter-narcotics authority thwarted on Wednesday an attempt to smuggle eleven million pills of the illegal and dangerous drug amphetamine.
The General Directorate of Narcotics Control, or GDNC, announced the discovery of 11,108,998 amphetamine pills concealed in a food shipment at King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, located in the Eastern Region.
Two suspects were arrested — a resident of Jordanian nationality and a Saudi citizen — by the GDNC, acting in coordination with the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority, which controls the security of all land and seaports in the Kingdom.
The street value of the seized amphetamine pills, also known as captagon, ranges between $10 and $25 each. Consequently, the value of the shipment is estimated to be between $111 million and $227 million.
Drug smuggling is a serious crime in Saudi Arabia. It is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, along with 50 lashes and a fine for first-time offenders involved in smuggling, consuming or marketing drugs. However, individuals who repeatedly commit this crime may face the death penalty, according to the GDNC.
Security authorities urged the public to report drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions.
Reports can also be made to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or via email at 995@gdnc.gov.sa. All information will remain strictly confidential.
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Data analytics hold potential to extend healthy human lifespan, say experts
RAHAF JAMBI
February 05, 2025
RIYADH: The role of advanced data analytics and longitudinal studies in extending the healthy human lifespan came under the spotlight at a conference in Riyadh on Wednesday.
Expert panelists said that, as aging research evolved, the integration of large-scale data analytics with clinical trials was reshaping the understanding of healthy aging.
The session at the Global Healthspan Summit, of which Arab News is a media partner, highlighted key national-level initiatives such as France’s Instituts Hospitalo-Universitaires HealthAge and the UK’s Our Future Health.
Dr. Bruno Vellas, founder of the IHU HealthAge in Toulouse, set the stage by underlining the necessity of improving medical practices to align with innovative research.
“There is a need to change medical practice based on the evidence gathered,” he said, stressing the importance of integrating lifestyle factors into healthcare models.
Vellas noted that while data analytics offered immense benefits, they represented only part of the solution.
“To achieve optimal outcomes, findings must be translated into clinical practice,” he said.
The panel featured diverse voices including Dr. Raghib Ali, CEO and chief investigator of Our Future Health, who echoed the need for inclusive research practices.
“The focus is to produce evidence that is relevant to diverse populations, particularly those of South Asian and African descent,” he said, highlighting the urgency of addressing health disparities. “It is essential to ensure that the innovations developed are accessible to all, not just those with the highest incomes.”
Dr. Nikole Kimes, co-founder and CEO of Siolta Therapeutics, provided insights into how advanced analytics allowed researchers to move beyond traditional reductionist approaches in medicine.
“What advanced analytics enables is a shift from merely treating symptoms to understanding the complex interactions within biological systems,” she explained.
Emphasizing the importance of longitudinal studies, Kimes said: “These studies allow for an examination of health outcomes before disease symptoms manifest, providing a crucial advantage in preventative care.”
She also pointed to an emerging understanding of microbiome and nutrition in shaping long-term health outcomes. “By exploring these early factors, it is possible to potentially alleviate chronic diseases before they take root,” she said.
Dr. Richard I. Morimoto, a leading researcher from Northwestern University, elaborated on the cellular mechanisms underlying stress responses.
“Stress, often viewed negatively, can actually be protective at the molecular level,” he said, emphasizing the significance of understanding interpersonal variability in stress responses and advocating for personalized healthcare strategies.
“By harnessing large data analyses, it is possible to uncover how different individuals respond to stress and how to protect against disease,” he said.
“The integration of longitudinal studies and big data opens tremendous opportunities for detecting and mitigating health risks.”
He added that understanding cellular mechanisms in diverse populations was essential for tailoring interventions effectively.
However, as the panel discussed the potential of these innovations, they also acknowledged the challenges in translating research into practice.
Vellas pointed out the need for robust frameworks that could effectively incorporate findings into clinical settings. “There is a need to work diligently to avoid negative trial outcomes and ensure that research translates into tangible benefits for populations,” he warned.
The sentiment was echoed by Ali, who stressed the importance of identifying barriers to effective implementation. “It is critical to map out the stages in the journey from lab research to everyday life,” he said, highlighting the role of evidence-based practices in shaping public health interventions.
The discussions also touched on the ethical dimensions of research into extending the healthy human lifespan.
Kimes pointed out the responsibility researchers have in ensuring findings did not worsen health inequality.
“As new interventions are developed, it is vital to remain vigilant about their accessibility and affordability,” she said.
Her view aligned with Ali’s commitment to producing research with a global impact. “It is essential that findings benefit not only the UK but also communities worldwide,” he said.
In closing, the panelists underscored the critical importance of collaboration across disciplines and borders.
As the field of aging research continues to evolve, the insights shared highlighted the transformative potential of advanced data analytics and longitudinal studies. The prioritization of preventative care and research inclusiveness means experts are paving the way for a paradigm shift in the way healthy aging is approached.
Source:arabnews.com
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Dhahran conference bridges gap between research, innovation
JASMINE BAGER
February 05, 2025
DHAHRAN: The Global Students Research Conference, organized by King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, is taking place in Dhahran from Feb. 4-6.
Btoul Al-Khalil, executive leader of the conference and a bioengineering major, said the student-led initiative aimed to “bridge the gap between students and research, because we want research to be for everyone.”
The event, focused on advancing scientific research and its impact, has brought together over 300 participants from Saudi Arabia, Russia, South Korea and North America.
It has featured top researchers, industry leaders and students exploring disruptive technologies, with panel discussions, exhibitions and a hackathon to solve real-world problems using creative thinking and teamwork.
Notable speakers have included Prof. Richard Bush from NEOM who discussed “creating sustainable products, economic growth, and lower environmental impact,” and Nasir Shafiq, who delivered a keynote on “disrupting the business landscape.”
Conference speaker Harmeen Mehta said: “What I like about this conference is two things. One, students are passionate enough to want to understand beyond just their academics. Two, they want to know more than what they’ve already learned from their teachers.”
Her role stemmed from a desire to help students bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world applications.
“For corporate individuals like me, this is a bit of paying it forward because in college, you learn a lot but can’t always link it to the practical implications in the real world,” she said.
Mehta added she was impressed by the students, especially one from Algeria who presented a solution for a hip disease that makes traditional hip replacements impractical for young people.
“What I learned from the students is that the youth here have incredibly innovative ideas,” she said.
Source:arabnews.com
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AI pioneers to gather at DeepFest during LEAP summit
February 05, 2025
RIYADH: The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority will gather global AI leaders at its DeepFest platform during the fourth LEAP conference running from Feb. 9-12 in Riyadh.
With more than 150 speakers, 120 exhibitors and an expected attendance of more than 50,000 people from around the world — as reported by the Saudi Press Agency — the DeepFest platform will showcase a range of cutting-edge AI technology.
The event will explore emerging technologies, foster collaboration, exchange expertise and build partnerships, contributing to innovation and strengthening cooperation among experts across diverse industries.
The SDAIA is engaging in several other events and panel discussions at the conference.
Areeb Al-Owisheq, head of Linguistic Technologies in SDAIA’s Research and Development Sector, will take part in a panel titled “Innovation in the Kingdom’s Future Economies,” and discuss opportunities to expand AI applications in supporting emerging economies.
At its booth, the SDAIA plans to showcase its latest projects, including Tawakkalna, an all-in-one app that brings together government services.
Other highlights include Aynay, a medical AI solution for detecting diabetic retinopathy; Ehsan, a charitable giving platform; and AI-based tools and platforms such as Sawtak, and Samai, which have elevated the level of government and technical services in Saudi Arabia.
The booth will also highlight projects aimed at advancing the Kingdom’s leadership in data AI.
The SDAIA said that its participation highlights its commitment to promoting digital transformation in the Kingdom.
The authority was founded in 2019 in order to implement the government’s AI strategy and raise awareness of the technology in the Kingdom and abroad.
Source:arabnews.com
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Jeddah to transform public transport with new expansion
AFSHAN AZIZ
February 05, 2025
JEDDAH: Jeddah is set to undergo a major public transportation expansion with new routes and increased services.
Jeddah Transport Co. CEO Yousef Al-Sayegh has announced the launch of 91 new buses, including three electric vehicles, and an increase in bus routes from six to 14 starting April 1.
This expansion will significantly enhance mobility across the city, with the number of bus stops increasing from 46 to 383, and a goal of serving 9 million riders annually.
The announcement was made during a recent event hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce Saudi Arabia Jeddah Chapter, which focused on transportation initiatives and business collaboration opportunities.
During his presentation, Al-Sayegh outlined the company’s history and operations, focusing on public transportation, transit-oriented development, and sustainable urban mobility.
He highlighted key initiatives, including bus and taxi services, infrastructure development, and investments to enhance Jeddah’s public transport network.
Al-Sayegh discussed the company’s partnership with SAPTCO, the local bus service provider, which began in 2018.
“We started with six bus routes, and Jeddah remains the only city in Saudi Arabia with air-conditioned bus stations. Today, 76 buses serve the city, carrying 26 million passengers over the past five years,” he said.
Al-Sayegh also outlined plans for an exclusive public taxi franchise to improve service quality and efficiency.
A consultancy contract has been secured to assist with the tendering process, financial modeling, and operational requirements.
The initiative includes a distinct visual identity for Jeddah’s taxis, featuring a standardized brand, logo, official uniforms, and designated taxi parking signage.
Each taxi will have informative interior stickers and digital passenger screens.
“Taxis and drivers will maintain a standard appearance, with dashboards displaying the driver’s name and company details. Four different color-coded taxis will distinguish services provided by four companies,” he added.
Speaking to Arab News, Al-Sayegh emphasized the importance of expanding Jeddah’s bus network and increasing the number of stations to boost ridership.
“The more stations we have, the more people can access public transport. We have increased bus routes to 14, and if demand rises, we are prepared to expand further. Our goal is to make Jeddah’s public transport system comfortable, reliable, and punctual.
“Our buses are kept clean and are driven by qualified professionals who prioritize safety. Women can confidently use public transport as all buses are equipped with surveillance cameras linked to a control room with facial-recognition technology.”
Nausherwan Hafeez, president of the Jeddah chapter, said: “This conversation showcased Jeddah Transport Co.’s efforts to enhance mobility across the city and address a key challenge in our community.
“We look forward to organizing more events that bring business leaders together to exchange insights, foster connections, and collaborate across industries to find solutions to common challenges.”
Zeina Alnouri, head of events and programs for the Jeddah chapter, said: “These are exciting times for Saudi Arabia, and we are proud to serve as a platform for companies like Jeddah Transport Co., to share their vision and foster collaboration.
“We look forward to continuously hosting this new event series, featuring exclusive announcements that provide our attendees with valuable insights into the Kingdom’s future.”
Source:arabnews.com
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Ithra hosts screening of Japanese indie horror hit
JASMINE BAGER
February 05, 2025
DHAHRAN: As a part of Japan Cultural Days in Dhahran, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, Ithra, recently hosted a special screening of the 2017 film “One Cut of the Dead.”
It was followed by an exclusive Q&A with director Shinichiro Ueda.
“One key point is that this film was created as part of an acting workshop we conducted, and then we made a film with the participants,” Ueda told the crowd.
“As a result, there were no casting costs. We also assembled a strong team from within the workshop, which helped keep the budget low,” he said.
The event gave audiences a rare opportunity to explore the film’s creative process, behind-the-scenes secrets, and the journey that turned this indie film into an international phenomenon.
“For the protagonist’s house, we used my own home, and as for the baby … that was my own child."
“Yes, ‘One Cut of the Dead’ was indeed shot in one continuous take,” he confirmed, earning applause from the audience.
At first glance, it seems like a typical horror movie — a film crew shooting a bloody zombie film in an abandoned location, complete with exaggerated movements and endless screams — only to find themselves caught in a real zombie outbreak.
Chaos ensues as they struggle to survive, all while the cameras keep rolling. However, nothing is as it seems.
Before the screening, audiences at Ithra were advised not to be deterred by the seemingly chaotic and confusing beginning.
“You will be rewarded after the first 40 minutes, and it will all make sense,” an announcement assured viewers before the 96-minute film began.
The film’s innovative structure and execution have made it a favorite among directors who appreciate smart and unconventional filmmaking. American filmmaker and actor Quentin Tarantino called it one of his favorite films of the year.
Edgar Wright, director of “Shaun of the Dead,” highlighted its clever storytelling, and Rian Johnson, director of “Knives Out” and “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” praised its creativity.
For the discussion, Ueda wore a Saudi thobe and shemagh, joining several of the film’s actors, along with a moderator and translator.
They explored how the film defied genre conventions, blending horror and comedy with an inventive storytelling structure that surprised audiences worldwide.
The film won multiple honors, including the Audience Award at the Yubari International Fantastic Film Festival and Best Director at the Fantaspoa International Fantastic Film Festival.
Dammam resident Ahmed Albather shared his excitement with Arab News about finally watching the 2017 classic he had heard so much about.
“I heard about this screening and came specifically to watch it. The film is said to be one of the best Japanese indie zombie films of the last decade, if not longer. I love Japanese movies, so I had to come,” Albather said.
“This is my first visit to Ithra’s Japan Cultural Days, and I am really impressed by it and how they brought the director to talk to us here,” he added.
The film is being showcased in its original Japanese with Arabic and English subtitles.
For those who missed the event, “One Cut of the Dead” will have another screening at Ithra Cinema on Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m., without the director’s talk.
Tickets can be purchased through the Ithra website or at the venue.
Source:arabnews.com
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Saudi Arabia: Gates designated in Grand Mosque in Mecca for pilgrims’ access
February 05, 2025
Cairo: As the peak season for the Umrah or minor pilgrimage is just round the corner, Saudi authorities have advised pilgrims to use designated gates to enter the Grand Mosque, Islam’s holiest sprawling site in Mecca.
The General Authority for Care of the Two Holy Mosques noted that certain gates are allocated for the Umrah pilgrims to have access to the Mataf (circumambulation) courtyard in the mosque. They are the gates of King Fahd No 79, Ajyad No 3, and Umrah No 62.
The state agency pointed out that the worshippers’ knowledge about the numbers of gates and designated exits from the Mataf and Mas’a sites guarantees them an easy and smooth movement in the Grand Mosque especially in peak hours.
Exit gates from the Mas’a area have been designated on the ground and first floors via the Al Shabika, Ajyad, and Al Abbas bridges.
The main rituals of the Umrah are encircling the Holy Kaaba for seven times a rite known as Tawaf, and likewise walking back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwah a rite called Sa’i in the Grand Mosque.
The current season of Umrah, which can be undertaken around the year, began in late June after the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Saudi authorities are ramping up preparations for coping with an expected influx of pilgrims during the upcoming holy lunar month of Ramadan when the Umrah season usually peaks. The holy month is expected this year to begin on March 1.
Source:gulfnews.com
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Europe
UK to make it easier to build nuclear reactors
5th February
The government has announced plans to make it easier to build mini nuclear power stations in England and Wales, as part of its efforts to boost UK economic growth.
It said it will reform the "archaic" planning rules which ministers believe have held Britain back in the global race for clean, secure and affordable energy.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the country had been "let down and left behind" because it had not built a nuclear power station in "decades" - and the plans will create thousands of highly skilled jobs.
Unions and business groups welcomed the move, but environmentalists criticised the government, saying it had "swallowed nuclear industry spin whole".
Nuclear power provides around 15% of the UK's electricity but many of the country's ageing reactors are due to be decommissioned over the next decade.
Mini nuclear power stations - or small modular reactors (SMRs) - are smaller and cheaper than traditional nuclear power plants, and produce much less power.
The plans announced on Thursday will mark the first time SMRs will be included in planning rules. A list of the only places a nuclear reactor could be built will also be scrapped. The list was made up of just eight sites.
Sir Keir said Britain's energy security had been "held hostage" by Russian President Vladimir Putin for "too long", which has resulted in prices "skyrocketing at his whims".
"I'm putting an end to it - changing the rules to back the builders of this nation, and saying no to the blockers who have strangled our chances of cheaper energy, growth and jobs for far too long," he explained.
The process of choosing to loosen rules on where nuclear reactors could be built began under Rishi Sunak's Conservative government with a consultation in January 2024.
Ministers said Britain is considered one of the world's most expensive countries in which to build nuclear power, and a new Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce will be established to speed up the approval of new reactor designs and stream line how developers engage with regulators.
Conservative shadow energy secretary Andrew Bowie said it was "about time" Labour followed his party's lead in recognising the benefits "of stable, reliable, baseload nuclear power".
But Doug Parr, policy director of Greenpeace UK, claimed the government had not applied "so much as a pinch of critical scrutiny or asking for a sprinkling of evidence".
"The Labour government has swallowed [the] nuclear industry spin whole," he said, adding: "They present as fact things which are merely optimistic conjecture on small nuclear reactor cost, speed of delivery and safety."
The head of the Nuclear Industry Association, Tom Greatrex, called the reforms the "strongest signal yet" towards growth and clean power.
Gary Smith, GMB's general secretary, said the union has repeatedly said "there can be no net zero without new nuclear".
Referring to Sizewell C, the site on the Suffolk coast on which then prime minister Boris Johnson pledged a new nuclear reactor on in 2022, he added: "[It] stands ready and waiting for the green light to power up our country's future."
The government has not yet made a final decision on Sizewell C, which is not due to come until the spending review later this year. The final choice on the design of the SMRs will also come at the same time.
Currently, progress building nuclear power stations in the UK can be slow - to get from planning to "power on" can take nearly 20 years. Consultations for Sizewell took 10 years alone.
On Wednesday, joint managing director of Sizewell C, Julia Pyke, called the project "the next step" in the journey towards growth and energy security.
Source:bbc.com
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‘Eye-catching’ minarets complete Blackburn mosque design
5th February
Workers have completed the installation of two minarets at the top of one of Blackburn’s biggest mosque projects in recent years.
The new mosque, in Preston New Road, will act as a place of worship for people living nearby as well as people from neighbouring estates such as Beardwood.
The project which began in 2021 is being financed by billionaire EG Group founders Mohsin and Zuber Issa through their charitable arm the Issa Foundation.
The two minarets come as work continues at a brisk pace. In recent months the landscaping around the mosque has been completed and windows have been installed.
This week, workers could be seen on the roof of the building.
The mosque was shielded from the main road until recently.
The new mosque complex will aim to focus on sustainability with solar panels on the office building and the main building.
The mosque backs onto homes at the top section of Buncer Lane and is opposite one of the most historic buildings in town - the St Silas Church.
Westholme School used to have buildings on the site but these were demolished and plans were revealed for the mosque in December 2020.
The £5 million scheme was approved in mid-2021 but it is unsure what the cost for the final structures will be and if it has kept to budget.
It will be the seventh mosque within walking distance of the area to meet the demands of the community and alleviate some of the congestion, traffic and parking problems that can be witnessed during busy periods.
Source:asianimage.co.uk
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'Stray firework' believed to have caused fire at mosque
5th February
THE fire service has revealed what caused a blaze at a Bradford mosque in the early hours of this morning.
Firefighters were sent out to the Anjuman-e-Haideria Masjid, on St Mary's Road in Manningham just after 1am on Tuesday morning.
Six crews attended and tackled the blaze on the fourth floor.
Firefighters used breathing apparatus, a large jet, hose reels, and an aerial ladder.
The fire service says it's believed a "stray firework" was the cause of the blaze.
A spokesperson for the service said: "We were called at 1.22am this morning to a fire at a building on St Marys Road.
"Six crews attended and tackled a fire in a mosque on the fourth floor.
"Using breathing apparatus, a large jet, hose reels and an aerial ladder firefighters extinguished the fire.
"A stray firework into the roof is believed to be the cause of the fire."
Source:asianimage.co.uk
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Families concerned as Grenfell to be dismantled
5th February
The government has decided to dismantle Grenfell Tower, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner told a meeting with bereaved relatives and survivors.
Seventy two people died when the tower block in west London caught fire in June 2017.
The decision follows several years of debate over the future of the 24-storey tower, with some hoping it would remain in place as a lasting reminder of the tragedy and others wanting it replaced with a new memorial.
A spokesperson for Grenfell United, a group which represents bereaved families and survivors, said "no-one" at the meeting supported Rayner's decision to "demolish the tower" and people "had been ignored".
Separately, the head of a local residents' association told Radio 4's The World Tonight he and "the overwhelming majority" supported the decision to take down the tower.
A formal announcement by the government is expected to be made on Friday.
The spokesperson for Grenfell United said Rayner had refused to confirm how many bereaved and survivors had been spoken to in the "recent, short four week consultation".
"Today's meeting showed just how upset bereaved and survivors are about not having their views heard or considered in this decision," they said in a statement.
"Ignoring the voices of bereaved on the future of our loved ones' gravesite is disgraceful and unforgivable."
Kimia Zabihyan, from Grenfell Next of Kin, which also acts for some of the bereaved families, told the BBC she had attended the meeting with Rayner where she said the tower would be deconstructed down to the ground level.
She described the meeting as "charged", but said Rayner appeared to have come along with the "best of intentions".
"The deputy prime minister was very clear that she has taken this decision very seriously, that it is a serious responsibility and that it is a very sensitive decision to make, but it is one that she felt she had to make," said Ms Zabihyan, adding that Rayner said she had made the decision based on what engineers had recommended.
The government has previously been warned the structure may be unsafe due to the extent of the fire damage.
'Deeply personal matter'
Ms Zabihyan said she understood the government's rationale for the decision, but said many people were very unhappy.
She said that at the meeting, one person had told Rayner: "No-one cares about this more than me, because I had just bits of bone to bury of my mother so that building means a lot to me. That is where her soul is, where her ashes are. It's in that building."
Following the meeting, a government spokesperson said: "The priority for the deputy prime minister is to meet with and write to the bereaved, survivors and the immediate community to let them know her decision on the future of the Grenfell Tower.
"This is a deeply personal matter for all those affected, and the deputy prime minister is committed to keeping their voice at the heart of this."
Mushtaq Lasharie, a local resident and chairman of Lancaster West Estate Residents Association, told Radio 4: "We were waiting over seven and a half years for a closure and I hope this decision will bring a closure.
"When we surveyed a few years back the overwhelming majority wanted to take it out and the reason is, number one, it is dangerous, number two, it reminds us every day."
Emma Dent Coad, who was Labour MP for Kensington at the time of the Grenfell fire and is now an independent councillor on Kensington and Chelsea Council, said a lot of the bereaved and families were "absolutely distraught".
She said: "We've been told the work will start after the 8th anniversary which is this coming June and will be gone by the 10th so that may take two years to deconstruct as they're calling it."
She said while there were concerns from the local community about public health issues some of the bereaved wanted the tower to stay - " a lot of people regarded it as a sacred site".
The fire on 14 June 2017 was originally caused by a faulty fridge in a fourth-floor flat and quickly spread around the block because it was covered in highly flammable cladding.
A public inquiry concluded in September the disaster had been the result of numerous government failures, and failure of the construction industry to act on the dangers of flammable materials on high-rise buildings.
The west London tower block was covered in combustible cladding because of the "systematic dishonesty" of firms who made and sold it, inquiry chairman Sir Martin Moore-Bick said.
Many bereaved families have called for criminal action to be brought against some of those implicated in the inquiry but police and prosecutors have said that no decision will be made on potential charges until the end of 2026.
In a 2023 report, the Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission set out a series of recommendations for a "sacred space", designed to be a "peaceful place for remembering and reflecting".
It said the space should include a garden, monument and dedicated space for the private expression of grief and mourning for the families who lost loved ones.
A shortlist of five potential design teams was announced last month, and a winning design team is set to be selected this summer.
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I'd make it harder to get British citizenship, says Badenoch
5th February
Immigrants should only be able to apply for British citizenship after being in the UK for 15 years rather than the current six, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has said.
Making one of her first policy announcements since becoming leader, Badenoch also said indefinite leave to remain - which paves the way for citizenship - should not be granted to those who have criminal records or who had claimed benefits or social housing.
Speaking to the BBC, she said citizenship was a privilege, not just a right and should be for those with a "meaningful connection to the UK".
Labour minister Angela Eagle said "after 14 years of shameful Tory failure no one will take seriously anything they claim".
Obtaining indefinite leave to remain (ILR) gives people the right to live, work and study in the UK.
It is usually possible for someone to apply for ILR if they have worked in the UK for five years, although it can be two or three years if they came to UK on particular visas.
A person can currently apply for British citizenship, 12 months after they have been granted indefinite leave to remain.
The Conservatives say the period before someone can apply for ILR should be extended from five to 10 years and people should then have to wait a further five years before seeking citizenship.
The party wants the government to adopt the changes, backdated to 2021, by amending its Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill due to be debated in Parliament next week.
Speaking to the BBC, Badenoch said the current rules had created a "conveyor belt" to citizenship for those who had just arrived in the country.
She argued too many people were getting citizenship through this route and that was "creating a strain on public services".
"We need to make sure that people coming here have a real, meaningful connection to the UK, so no criminal records, they should be net contributors to the economy, not relying on benefits but people who care about our country and our communities."
She said she believed the policy would bring numbers down but would not say by how much.
Last year, shortly after becoming leader, Badenoch said her party had got it "wrong" on immigration during its time in government, which saw net migration rise to a record high of 906,000.
She has said there should be a hard cap on migration but declined to say what the cap should be, arguing it would depend on the situation at any given time.
Asked if she was panicking because of the rising popularity of Nigel Farage's Reform UK, Badenoch said her party "needed to rebuild trust with the public" and that it was natural for the public to look to "the protest party".
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Liam Payne's girlfriend says she 'never thought' he might die young
5th February
Liam Payne's girlfriend has said she would "never have left Argentina", if she had known the singer's death would happen.
US influencer Kate Cassidy - who had been in a relationship with the One Direction star since 2022 - told the Sun in an exclusive interview that Payne's death was a "tragic accident".
"No, I never did think [he might die young]... I just never thought this would have happened," she added, in her first interview since he died.
Payne died in October last year, after falling from the balcony of his hotel room in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was 31.
A week after his death, Cassidy posted a tribute to the singer online, describing him as "my best friend, the love of my life".
She also posted a photo of a note written by Payne shortly before he died, suggesting the couple would marry within a year.
The 25-year-old told the Sun: "Love is so optimistic, and you just hope that everything will work out at the end.
"Obviously if I knew, if I could see into the future, I would never have left Argentina".
She added that she never thought her travelling separately from him "would turn out the way it did".
Payne had been in Argentina on holiday to see his former bandmate Niall Horan in concert.
Cassidy said that she had left Argentina and returned to their Florida home alone to take care of their dog, Nala.
"I had a responsibility, we had a responsibility. We had our dog and obviously I never, ever thought this event would occur," she explained.
She added that "Liam was in such a good headspace when I left".
Payne's sudden death sparked a debate about the music industry's duty of care for young stars.
Toxicology tests conducted shortly after his death revealed traces of alcohol, cocaine and a prescription antidepressant in Payne's body, the prosecutor's office in Argentina said.
The cause of his death was confirmed as "polytrauma" – a term for multiple traumatic injuries – at the opening of a UK inquest held in Buckinghamshire recently.
According to the Sun, Cassidy has since left their Florida home and moved back to New Jersey.
Cassidy said she believed they were "soulmates" from the first time they met, and that it "still doesn't feel fully real" that he's no longer there.
"I'm trying to be the best I can be, but I feel like my life has changed so much. I think about Liam every second of every day," she said adding: "That he won't be there with me to navigate through this life, that I'll have to deal with this without him by my side... it's really hard."
The couple met in 2022, when Cassidy was a waitress in South Carolina, the paper reported.
When she got the call about Payne's death from a friend of his, she said: "I feel like I just completely blacked out. When I officially found the news out to be true, I felt numb. I tried to call him. I called pretty much everybody."
She told the Sun that she still calls Payne's phone to hear his voicemail recording, and that while she used to fall asleep to his music, she can no longer play it.
"Maybe one day," she added.
"We were in such a great place, just full of love; he was so happy and positive... you never truly know what tomorrow will bring, you never know."
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Civil servants could face sack for not saving money
5th February
Top civil servants have been told they could face the sack if they do not save taxpayers money under rules announced by the government.
Senior leaders will be held personally responsible for achieving savings in their departments as part of reforms to how the Civil Service manages performance.
Under the changes those who do well could be rewarded but those who do not face dismissal.
It is part of an effort by Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden to create a more "agile and modern" state.
He said the public "must be confident we are spending every pound of their money well".
"It is vital that senior leaders are not just encouraged, but held responsible for this," McFadden said.
"We need them to build productive and high performing teams, to deliver on our plan to put more money in people's pockets, get the NHS back on its feet and rebuild Britain.
"We will introduce new checks to identify and tackle poor performance where we find it, and to recognise the good work of senior leaders across the civil service."
As part of a spending review due to conclude in June, government departments have been told to find efficiency savings worth 5% of their budgets. Back in December a government source said this could see 10,000 jobs cut.
Other changes introduced in the new performance policy published by the Cabinet Office on Thursday include measures to identify poor performance.
McFadden is not the first Cabinet Office minister to attempt to improve performance in the Civil Service.
Conservative paymaster general John Glen said high performance in Whitehall was not "recognised, rewarded or incentivised properly", and suggested linking civil service pay to performance.
He also warned he would crack down on poor performance, saying it was "all too easy for leaders to let people move to another team, to let the poor performer become someone else's problem".
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Bank of England expected to cut interest rates
5th February
Interest rates are expected to be cut by the Bank of England later, in a move closely watched by households and economists.
Analysts predict the benchmark rate will be cut from 4.75% to 4.5%, as the Bank comes under pressures to boost the UK economy which has been showing slow growth.
The Bank rate is the primary tool aimed at controlling inflation, and hopes of a cut rose after the inflation rate - which charts the rising cost of living - fell to 2.5% in the year to December.
However, it remains above the Bank's target of 2%, and changes in the Budget are forecast to push it up.
Economic uncertainty has been heightened, owing to US President Donald Trump's introduction, or threat, of import tariffs. They could lead to inflationary pressure globally, causing a knock-on effect on price rises in the UK.
Why do interest rates change?
The Bank moves rates up and down to try to control inflation, which measures the pace of overall price rises.
By raising rates, borrowing is made more expensive, so people have less money to spend. People may also be encouraged to save more.
In turn, this reduces demand for goods and slows the rate at which prices are rising.
But it is a balancing act - increasing borrowing costs risks harming the economy as it discourages businesses from investing and creating more jobs.
Once price rises are more under control, then the Bank will consider lowering interest rates.
Its base interest rate heavily influences the rates High Street banks and other money lenders charge customers for loans, credit cards and other finance deals.
This is most obviously seen in the cost of mortgages. Reducing the base rate would see an immediate impact for those on "tracker" mortgages.
About 629,000 mortgage-holders have tracker deals. Typically, their monthly repayment would fall by about £29 as a result of the expected 0.25 percentage point cut later.
A similar number of householders have variable rate deals, and lenders will be under pressure to cut their rates if the Bank reduces the base rate.
Fixed rate deals do not change immediately, but the expectation of further rate cuts could lead to new, or renewing, borrowers getting a better deal.
Savers would be hit by a base rate fall, as the return they receive from banks would also be likely to be cut.
'Gradual approach'
In December, when rates were held at 4.75%, the Bank's Governor, Andrew Bailey, said it would take a "gradual approach to future interest rate cuts".
But he added: "We can't commit to when or by how much we will cut rates in the coming year."
In the minutes from that meeting, the Bank said there was uncertainty "around how the measures that had been announced in the autumn Budget were affecting growth".
Following November's meeting, Mr Bailey would not be drawn on the impact of Trump tariffs on the UK economy, saying "let's wait and see".
In the US, the central bank - the Federal Reserve - has indicated it will cut rates at a slower pace this year.
When the Bank announces its interest rates decision at 12:00 it will also share a report on where it sees inflation going in the coming months and could hint at its strategy in response.
Cutting the UK interest rate would strike a balance between "supporting an economy that appears to have ground to a complete halt and preventing inflation from taking off again", economist Paul Dales from Capital Economics told the BBC.
"Trump's tariffs are unlikely to influence UK interest rates much," he added, but wage growth being faster than the Bank's forecast could influence its decision.
The UK economy grew by less than expected in November, after not growing at all in the previous two months. A further slowdown is expected as businesses brace for rising costs from April because of budgetary changes like rising National Insurance contributions and higher minimum wages.
The economic figures came after recent turbulence in financial markets sent the government's borrowing costs to the highest level for several years and the value of the pound down.
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What do we know about the Sweden school shooter?
5th February
On Tuesday afternoon, the gunman behind Sweden's worst-ever mass shooting paced up and down through the corridors of Risbergska adult educational centre.
His steps could be heard outside the classroom of Hellen Werme, a 35-year-old nursing student.
"We heard three shots, one after the another, and panicked. My teacher shouted: 'shut the doors, lock them and hide,'" she tells Sweden's TV4 News.
Police have not formally named the attacker but he has been identified as Rickard Andersson, 35, by Sweden's public broadcaster SVT.
The gunman was among eleven people who died in the attack in the central Swedish city of Orebro.
Local media paint a picture of a recluse who lived locally and legally owned a weapon.
Here's what we know so far.
What were the suspect's motives?
The suspect was unknown to police and they believe he acted alone.
Officers said he had no links to gangs and is thought to have acted "without any ideological motive".
They also do not believe the attack was motivated by terrorism.
"It's a changing situation. The information we gave earlier is still valid, but may change later," said local police chief Roberto Eid Forest.
When officers attended the scene they were "shot at", he added, but none were injured.
Police then found the suspect dead - and Mr Forest said it appeared he had killed himself.
What else do we know about the suspect?
In an interview with the Aftonbladet tabloid, a relative of the suspect said he had not had much contact with family in recent years and was unemployed.
"As a child he was different but lively," the relative said. "He did well at school. But recent years were tough for him."
Another relative said the suspect, who reportedly changed his surname eight years ago, was a "recluse" and may have had mental health problems.
They said: "Before, he had a friend he spent a lot of time with, but not now. He wants to be on his own. He doesn't seem to like people much."
Hours after the attack, heavily armed officers raided a flat in Orebro believed to be registered to the man, using drones and a ladder truck, according to Swedish Radio.
The broadcaster found he had no convictions to his name and had declared no income over the past few years.
What do we know about the weapon?
According to Swedish Radio, the ongoing police investigation lists an automatic firearm as the weapon used.
SVT suggested it was a hunting weapon owned legally by the suspect.
During Wednesday's press conference, Mr Forest was unable to confirm any details about the weapon, or say whether one or more was used.
What do we know about the victims?
Police said 11 people had died, including the suspected gunman.
Health authorities said three women and two men were in stable yet critical condition after operations for gunshot wounds. Another woman was receiving care for minor injuries.
As of Wednesday morning, not all victims had been identified.
Police said they were using fingerprints, dental records and DNA to identify them - alongside interviews with family members.
The school it happened at provides adult education for people aged over 20 who did not finish primary or secondary school, as well as Swedish classes for immigrants.
Maria Pegado told Reuters she took all of her 15 students out into the hallway and they started running. "I saw people dragging injured out, first one, then another. I realised it was very serious," she said.
Two young residents who spoke to the BBC said they feared a racial element to the shooting, given many of the students were known to be immigrants.
Another teacher, Lena Warenmark, said there were unusually few students at the school on the day as many had gone home after sitting a national exam.
The local municipality offered support at the city's Haga Church, while Orebro Mosque kept its doors open on Tuesday evening to provide support for community members.
How did the attack unfold?
Police first received reports of a shooting taking place in Orebro, a city 200km (124 miles) west of Stockholm, at 12:33 local time (11:33 GMT) on Tuesday.
The shooting was at Campus Risbergska - a type of school for adults known as Komvux in Swedish, which is primarily for people who did not finish primary or secondary education. There are other schools also on the campus.
Teachers have described hearing shots ring out, leading to them fleeing classrooms or barricading themselves inside.
Police locked down six schools and a restaurant in the area, and people were told to stay away or stay inside their homes.
Footage on social media also appeared to show students hiding under desks.
A video filmed from a balcony also appeared to show the sound of shots fired in quick succession, as people rushed away:
In the first few hours after the attack, there was confusion over the number of people hurt.
Despite media reports of fatalities, when the police first gave an official briefing at 15:30 local time, they said that only five people had been injured.
Swedish media continued to report that several people had died, before police confirmed in an update at 18:00 local time that "around ten" had died.
Later that night, this was revised up to 11 dead, including the shooter.
The reason it took so long to give a death toll was due to the size of the school premises, according to local police chief Mr Forest.
How rare are school shootings in Sweden?
Very rare. While there have been school shootings in Sweden before, they have not been of this magnitude.
It is "the worst mass shooting in Sweden's history" said Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, as he urged people not to speculate about the motive.
Gun laws are strict in Sweden, where "law-abiding and well-behaved" adults must be able to "certify the purpose" of their need for a weapon licence.
The most common purposes for gun ownership are hunting and target shooting. More than 5% of the population legally own a firearm.
Last September, there was a school shooting south of Stockholm, when a 15-year-old is suspected to have wounded a classmate - although that attack was linked to Sweden's wider problem of gang violence.
In 2022, two teachers at a school in Malmo were killed by an 18-year-old student wielding an axe and knives.
In 2015, a masked man who was armed with a sword and had "racist motives" killed a teacher and pupil at a southern Swedish school.
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Africa
At least 40 children killed in Sudan over three days: UNICEF
February 05, 2025
UNITED NATIONS, United States: At least 40 children were killed by bombings over three days in several parts of Sudan, a UNICEF official said Wednesday, calling it a “stark” example of the threats facing young people in the war-torn country.
“Sadly, it is rare that more than a few short days go past without new reports of children being killed and injured,” Annmarie Swai, the UN children agency’s representative in Sudan, said in a statement.
She referred to strikes in the southern city of Kadugli on Monday which killed 21 children and maimed 29 others, as well as reports of at least 11 children killed in the bombing of a livestock market in El-Fasher, the besieged capital of North Darfur state.
Eight more children were reportedly killed in a strike on a market near the Sudanese capital Khartoum on Saturday, Swai said.
“At least 40 children reportedly killed across just three days, in three separate areas of the country. This is a stark illustration of the devastating — and growing — threats to children in Sudan,” she said.
Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have been locked in a fierce power struggle since April 2023, with the fighting intensifying this month as the army seeks to reclaim the capital.
Both have been repeatedly accused of targeting civilians and indiscriminately shelling residential areas.
Swai did not say which party was responsible for the deadly bombings on the 40 children.
The conflict has killed tens of thousands and uprooted more than 12 million people.
The United Nations has recorded more than 900 “grave violations” against children between June and December 2024 — mainly children killed or injured in Darfur, Khartoum and Al-Jazira states.
“Children in Sudan are paying the ultimate price of the relentless fighting,” Swai said, calling for all parties to respect international humanitarian law and to cease fighting.
Source:arabnews.com
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Uganda’s minority groups face rising fear as US aid halts
5 February 2025
Ugandan LGBTQ+ rights activist Pius Kennedy is one of many humanitarian workers across the world who is effectively out of a job since U.S. President Donald Trump shut down the government's main agency for delivering humanitarian aid to other countries.
The Africa Queer Network nonprofit where he works provides counselling for members of Uganda’s LGBTQ community and receives most of its funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Along with five other permanent employees, Kennedy received a letter ordering them to stop work immediately at the end of January after Trump ordered USAID to halt most of its work.
USAID has been one of the agencies hardest hit as the new White House administration and Elon Musk’s budget-cutting team target federal programs they say are wasteful or not aligned with a conservative agenda.
“Some donors are now going to pull out resources because they were also receiving from the similar funding baskets to sub grant to us," said Kennedy.
According to Kennedy, the funding cuts mean reversing years of gains in the country.
He said USAID had been the biggest funder of HIV programs, with around 20 million people receiving drugs and testing services through associated organisations.
Amid uncertainty on the future of US funding, Kennedy underscored the immediate impact on at-risk individuals in the world’s poorest communities decrying that survivors of gender-based violence have nowhere to turn for medical or psychological support.
He is also concerned about the impact of tougher conditions on asylum seekers.
After Uganda last year passed one of the most repressive anti-homosexuality laws in the world, the U.S. was seen as a safe haven for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
But now Kennedy fears that LGBTQ+ people under threat in Uganda will no longer be able to claim asylum there.
"I'm looking at this not as an issue that affected Uganda or that affected East Africa, it’s an issue that has affected the global citizenship," he said.
Source:africanews.com
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All-night prayer costs congregant
5 Feb, 2025
Three knife-wielding robbers allegedly pounced on a congregant who was going for an all-night prayer and robbed him of his phone and money.
Manqoba Moyo (28), Mthulisi Sibanda (22) and Thamsanqa Mathe (27) were dragged to Plumtree magistrates courts yesterday to answer to robbery charges.
They were remanded in custody to February 7 by magistrate Mr Joshua Nembaware.
The state alleged on February 1 the trio saw Khulumeni Ndlovu who was walking on a footpath on his way to an all night prayer.
The suspects pounced on him and threatened to stab him before robbing him of his money and phone.
Hours later they used the same trick to rob two other pedestrians.
Police acted swiftly and arrested the trio.
Selestine Madziwa prosecuted.
Source:bulawayo24.com
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https://bulawayo24.com/index-id-news-sc-religion-byo-250228.html
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Nigeria Must Transform Debt Into Economic Asset – Shettima
6 February 2025
By Udeze Ekene
The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has said with prudent management, Nigeria’s debt could be transformed into an asset.
Naija News reports that Senator Shettima stated this on Wednesday while inaugurating the Supervisory Board of the Debt Management Office (DMO).
He said the Supervisory Board was part of the government’s efforts to strengthen fiscal and monetary policy coordination and ensure long-term debt sustainability in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking during the Meeting of the Board on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Vice President Shettima who chairs the Board charged the members to come up with a more strategic approach to public debt management.
He noted that Nigeria must continue to use public debt as a vehicle for the development of critical infrastructure and a tool for economic growth and poverty reduction.
“With prudent management, debt can be transformed into an asset for economic growth and poverty reduction. Our goal must be to formulate policies, regulations, and guidelines for the DMO, with a view to achieving long-term debt sustainability for our country,” he said.
Shettima explained that this approach aligns with President Tinubu’s policies, which prioritize fiscal discipline, economic stability, and sustainable development.
He stressed that borrowing, when applied prudently, could catalyze economic growth rather than a financial liability.
“As you all know, public debt, if prudently applied, becomes an asset for economic growth and poverty reduction. However, recent realities in our economy call for stronger coordination between our fiscal and monetary policies,” he stated.
The Vice President commended the President for his economic reforms, acknowledging the President’s dogged efforts towards reforming the Nigerian economy.
He also praised the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy and the DMO leadership for their untiring efforts in the day-to-day management of the nation’s sovereign debt portfolio.
“I want to commend the dedication of our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his dogged efforts towards reforming our economy. I applaud the Honourable Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and the DMO Management, for their untiring efforts in the day-to-day management of our sovereign debt portfolio,” he said.
The former Borno State governor also noted Nigeria’s recent success in the global financial market on the issuance of a $2.2 billion double-tranche Eurobond, which he described as a testament to investor confidence in the country.
“I also use this opportunity to congratulate them and other members of the Nigerian delegation for a successful outing in the recent $2.2 billion double-tranche Eurobond issuance. The over-subscription rate of the bonds showed an impressive appetite for our country’s sovereign instruments in the global capital market,” he added.
According to his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, other members of the Board are Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun (Vice Chairman); Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (member); Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Dr. Tope Fasua (member); Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso (member); Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), Dr. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein (member), and Director-General of the Debt Management Office, Patience Oniha (Secretary).
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/02/06/nigeria-must-transform-debt-into-economic-asset-shettima/
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Weeks After Midair Crash, Delta, Japan Airlines Planes Collide In US
6 February 2025
A Delta Airlines plane and a Japan Airlines aircraft collided on the ground at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) on Wednesday morning, triggering an emergency response from airport authorities.
The incident occurred at approximately 10:15 a.m. local time on a ramp along a taxi lane between S Concourse and the airport’s south maintenance hangars, according to SEA officials.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), SEA reported that the collision involved a taxiing Japan Airlines aircraft, which appeared to have struck the tail of a parked Delta Airlines plane.
Emergency crews, including the Port of Seattle Fire Department, airport police, and SEA operations teams, were immediately dispatched to the scene.
Despite the impact, all passengers were safely deplaned and transported to the terminal, with no reported injuries.
Official Statement and Passenger Accommodation
SEA provided an update, confirming: “All passengers from [the] incident involving Japan Airlines flight 68 & Delta Air Lines flight 1921 have been deplaned [with] no reported injuries.”
The airport added that the airlines were working to accommodate affected passengers while response crews prepared to move the aircraft off the taxiway.
Travellers were advised to check with their airlines for possible flight disruptions, though SEA noted that the incident had minimal impact on overall airport operations since it occurred on a taxi lane.
Context and Recent Aviation Incidents
The collision at SEA comes exactly one week after a midair crash near Washington, D.C., between a passenger plane and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, which resulted in 67 fatalities.
Authorities are expected to investigate the Seattle incident to determine the cause and any potential safety lapses.
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/02/06/weeks-after-midair-crash-delta-japan-airlines-planes-collide-in-us/
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Dangote Cement: Government Takes 52% Of Our Income – Dangote
6 February 2025
By Enioluwa Adeniyi
Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has claimed that the government is taking 52 per cent of his company’s income
This highlights the tax burden on Dangote Cement Plc and the challenges of doing business in Nigeria.
Dangote made the statement on Wednesday during a tour of Dangote Fertiliser Limited and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos, led by a delegation from the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG).
According to a statement issued by the Senior General Manager, Corporate Communications, Esan Sunday, Dangote emphasized the critical role of the private sector in economic growth and stressed that Nigeria’s challenges could be addressed by creating more employment opportunities.
He criticized Nigeria’s reliance on imports, pointing out that even developed nations like the United States and China protect their local industries from excessive foreign competition.
“The concept of a free market should not be used as an excuse for import dependence,” Dangote stated.
Citing an example, he said, “The President of Benin Republic is a personal friend, and my Ibese plant is just 28km from Benin, yet they refuse to allow imports to protect their local industries, most of which are grinding plants.”
Dangote further claimed that the Nigerian government is taking 52 kobo out of every naira generated by Dangote Cement through taxes and other payments.
“The government stands to gain substantially when the private sector flourishes. However, 52 per cent of our earnings goes to the government,” he stated.
He also lamented the high cost of setting up industries in Nigeria, stressing that private investors are often left to handle infrastructure development, including power, roads, and ports, which should ordinarily be the responsibility of the government.
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/02/06/dangote-cement-government-takes-52-of-our-income-dangote/
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‘Tinubu Snubs GAC Meeting For Failing To Reinstate Obasa As Speaker, Orders Immediate Compliance’
6 February 2025
By Enioluwa Adeniyi
The lingering political crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly took a dramatic turn on Tuesday as President Bola Tinubu reportedly snubbed members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) for failing to execute his directive to reinstate impeached Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa.
According to sources familiar with the development who spoke with Peoples Gazette, the GAC delegation, which had travelled to Abuja to brief Tinubu on the deadlock surrounding Obasa’s reinstatement, was left hanging for hours before being told that the president had no business with them.
“The president called off the meeting after learning that the council members failed to reach a conclusion on his order that the Lagos Assembly lawmakers should reinstate Obasa.
“He told them to go back and carry out his order without delay,” a source revealed.
GAC’s Attempt To Offer A Political Bargain Fails
The Governance Advisory Council (GAC), a political body with no constitutional backing, had attempted to bypass Tinubu’s directive by proposing an alternative resolution.
During a Monday meeting in Lagos, the council reportedly suggested offering Obasa a senatorial ticket for the 2027 election in exchange for him stepping aside as Speaker.
The council also proposed the removal of Obasa’s replacement, Mojisola Meranda, and the appointment of a neutral candidate as a compromise.
However, sources say Tinubu rejected the proposal outright, insisting that his decision was final.
Following their meeting in Lagos, Naija News reported that some GAC members travelled to Abuja on Tuesday to formally present their alternative proposal to Tinubu.
But rather than receiving an audience, they were made to wait for hours before being dismissed and sent back to Lagos.
“The members of the council who had come from Lagos stood for hours before they were informed that Mr. Tinubu said he had no business with them since they were not there to carry out his order.
“They were ordered to go back to Lagos and immediately reinstate Obasa as Speaker because the president’s decision is final,” another source revealed.
Obasa was impeached on January 13, 2025, by 32 out of 40 lawmakers in the Lagos State House of Assembly, over allegations of financial misappropriation, misconduct, and high-handedness.
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/02/06/tinubu-snubs-gac-meeting-for-failing-to-reinstate-obasa-as-speaker-orders-immediate-compliance/
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UNODC Assures NDLEA Of Support, Partnership Against Drug War In Nigeria
5 February 2025
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has assured the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of further support and renewed partnership in its ongoing effort to rid the country of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
Naija News reports that the new Country Representative of UNODC in Nigeria, Cheikh Ousmane Toure, made this known on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), at the Agency’s National Headquarters in Abuja.
In a statement issued by the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, Toure, along with a team of top officials, acknowledged the leadership role NDLEA plays in drug law enforcement in Africa, particularly the West African sub-region.
The UNODC chief said his visit was to re-engage with the Agency on how to cascade the successes recorded at the national level to the states because the drug scourge is at the basis of most of the security challenges at the subnational level.
He said, “It is very important for us to re-engage and re-energize the relationship between UNODC and NDLEA and I think that me coming here today is to tell you I want to re-engage and reinvigorate our relationship so that it serves Nigeria as a whole and also the rest of this sub-region by following your lead.
“NDLEA has been our partner and even facilitated our implementation in Nigeria. So, I want a re-engagement of UNODC with NDLEA to see how together we can develop a greater plan to support the remaining implementation of the master plan and going forward, the new stages of engagement with Nigeria. And one thing that we want to look at is how NDLEA can provide increased capacity building to West African member countries so that together we fight this menace and share best practices”
Also, Marwa appreciated the global body’s support to the agency over the years and expressed confidence that the new Country Representative will elevate the relationship to a new level.
While listing some of the numerous achievements the agency has attained in the areas of drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction in the past four years with the support of local and international partners, including the UNODC, the NDLEA boss said the team’s visit provided the opportunity to present some of the areas they should consider in their support of the agency.
Marwa also asked UNODC to support the agency’s Alternative Development Programme and provide alternative means of livelihood for cannabis growers.
He said, “And so, if we are able to provide an alternative, that would be good for them and for society. And so that’s one of the areas that I would like greater collaboration. We need some support on this.
“The drug use survey is another project that we need support. The one published in 2018 is quite stale and we need a re-assessment, and I remember two or three years ago in Vienna, I spoke to the Director of UNODC directly on the need. Happily, now it’s in your sights I understand. So, that’s a most welcome development for us to reassess, to see what the prevalence is now, and what are the new trends and so on and so forth.
“The National Drug Control Master Plan is another area of need. The current master plan is 2021-2025. Another one is due. So, that’s certainly one more area that we would work together towards. Then capacity building and training. This is key to our work, because every organization, the bottom-line is the personnel. So, this capacity building has helped us and we need more master trainers. Let me conclude with the tools; we need handy field test kits. You can check and see what’s going to be possible now, what will be possible next year, and so on. Just to help us continue to do the work that we’re doing.”
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/02/05/unodc-assures-ndlea-of-support-partnership-against-drug-war-in-nigeria/
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Edo Election Tribunal Stalls As INEC Fails To Present Witnesses
5 February 2025
By Enioluwa Adeniyi
Proceedings at the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja were stalled on Wednesday due to the absence of witnesses from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Naija News understands that the tribunal is hearing a petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, challenging the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election results, which declared Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner.
At the resumed hearing, INEC’s counsel, Abdullahi Aliyu, informed the tribunal that the five witnesses listed for the defence were still on their way to Abuja from Benin City and were unable to testify as scheduled.
However, in an attempt to show its commitment to defending the election results, INEC tendered three documents before the Wilfred Kpochi-led three-member tribunal. These documents included:
– Certified True Copies of the Collation of Results at the State Level (Form EC8D)
– Declaration of Results Form
– Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2022
Despite this, Justice Wilfred Kpochi faulted INEC’s approach, stating that the entire day had been wasted due to the commission’s unpreparedness.
INEC’s counsel, Aliyu, pleaded for an adjournment, arguing that the commission still had a ten-day timeline to present its defence and would require only one day to conclude its case.
On his part, PDP’s counsel, Adetunji Oyeyipo, did not object to the tendering of the documents but noted that they were the same documents the PDP had earlier presented to prove that the election was flawed.
Following the proceedings, the tribunal adjourned the hearing until Thursday to allow INEC to call its witnesses.
The PDP and its candidate, Ighodalo, are seeking to invalidate Okpebholo’s victory, arguing that the governorship election was conducted in violation of the Electoral Act, 2022.
The petitioners contend that Okpebholo did not secure the highest number of lawful votes and are asking the tribunal to declare the election results null and void.
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/02/05/edo-election-tribunal-stalls-as-inec-fails-to-present-witnesses/
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South Asia
CA mourns death of Ismaili Muslims leader Aga Khan IV
06 Feb 2025
DHAKA, Feb 6, 2025 (BSS) - Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has expressed profound shock at the death of 49th hereditary Imam of Ismaili Muslims Mawlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV.
He expressed his sorrow in a condolence message sent to Aga Khan IV's son Prince Rahim Aga Khan who was named Wednesday as the new Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the world's millions of Ismaili Muslims.
The chief adviser said, "It is with deep sorrow that I extend, on behalf of the government and people of Bangladesh, our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your esteemed father, 49th hereditary Imam of Ismaili Muslims, His Highness Mawlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV."
He said Aga Khan IV's visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the people's well-being has been exemplary, according to a message received here today.
Prof. Yunus said, "Over the decades, I had regarded him for his dedication to champion empathy, harmony, pluralism. With great fondness and reverence, I recall my conversations with His Highness and his ideas to uplift livelihoods of communities in diverse parts of the world".
"I shall cherish my friendship with His Highness Aga Khan IV. I had the distinct honour to work with him on the board of his foundation, and had many occasions to visit with him and also have many discussions on issues of common concern and interest at many board meetings and conferences," he said.
Dr Yunus said, "As I had been to the far flung parts of the world, I saw for myself how the initiatives of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) left indelible marks on the ground. His focus on learning and culture, in particular, truly emanated out of his vision to touch souls beyond identities or distinction".
In Bangladesh, "we would remember His Highness for the ways he wished to stand by our people, to help us transform minds of the posterity, uphold heritage and support the vulnerable," he said.
In a truly landmark moment for Grameen Bank, the Aga Khan Architectural Award was given for the design of its US$ 500 home for its member/borrowers - a bold and visionary decision, he added.
Many in Bangladesh would hold him dearly to their hearts for he brought the AKDN to Bangladesh with an expanded Protocol in 2013, he continued.
The chief adviser said the Aga Khan Academy, in the heart of Dhaka City, remains one shining instance of his vision and determination.
"I and the people of Bangladesh would stand ready to build on the valued legacy of His Highness by impact fully translating the provisions of the Protocol," he said.
"In this time of immense grief, we stand in solidarity with you, your family, and the entire lsmaili community around the world," the chief adviser wrote to Prince Rahim.
"May you draw on the enduring legacy of His Highness, whose spirit of service and humanity will continue to inspire generations to come, across continents," he said.
"Our thoughts and prayers remain with you and your bereaved family. May the Almighty Allah grant His Highness eternal peace and your family solace during this most difficult time," he added.
Aga Khan IV died Tuesday in Portugal.
Source:bssnews.net
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https://www.bssnews.net/news-flash/244211
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CJ calls for maintaining dignity of all places of worship including mosques
05 Feb 2025
DHAKA, Feb 05, 2025 (BSS): Chief Justice (CJ) Syed Refaat Ahmed today called upon the countrymen to ensure the peaceful coexistence of all religions in the country by maintaining the dignity of all places of worship including mosques and shrines.
"Let us make a collective commitment to uphold the dignity of our mosques, shrines and indeed all places of worship. A commitment to work for a society, built on the principles of mutual coexistence of all religions, the foundation of which will be justice, compassion and unity,” he said.
The CJ was speaking as the chief guest at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Supreme Court Mosque and Shrine Complex today.
“Mosques and shrines have always played a significant role in shaping our spiritual and social lives for long not only as places of prayer, but also as centres of learning and acquiring knowledge. Like the great scholars of early Islam, we continue to practice the pursuit of knowledge in the mosques with joy today,” he said.
“So it is indeed our collective responsibility to ensure the sanctity of all mosques and shrines across the country," Refaat Ahmed said.
He said apart from the pursuit of knowledge, mosques and shrines serve as powerful symbols of unity, especially in this particular part of the world.
Regardless of social or economic status, everyone stands shoulder to shoulder in the mosque to pray, which reinforces the values of equality and humility, he observed.
Beyond the mere structure, a mosque in particular is actually a spiritual strength that resides in the hearts of believers as “it is a place where we reconnect with our Creator. We find peace within our hearts by contemplating our purpose in life."
He called upon the countrymen to build a society based on mutual respect and tolerance that translates into actions, benefit the entire humanity and make the world a better place.
Supreme Court Shrine and Mosque Administration Committee Chairman and Appellate Division Justice S. M. Emdadul Hoque chaired the event while Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul and Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain were present as special guests.
Speaking on the occasion, Asif Nazrul said the mosque’s design should be made in consistence with the design of the structures of the Supreme Court.
In Islam, mosques are not just places of prayer, there is a social system at the centre of the mosque where religious education and many discussions take place within the mosque, he said.
Regardless of religion, mosques and other places of prayers are important parts of life, he said.
The religious adviser said Bangladesh is a country of different religions. “We are all trying from our own places to maintain our sincere harmony. No one can destroy this harmony even if they want to, we will be strict against anyone who tries to do so," he said.
Shamim Akhtar, Chief Engineer of the Housing and Public Works Department, presented a slide on the construction project of the Mazar-e-Mosque building located in the Bangladesh Supreme Court premises.
The Supreme Court Mazar-e-Mosque construction project was approved by the ECNEC on December 6, 2023.
Its construction cost is TK 110.58 crore. A four-story mosque with two basements will be built where there will be facilities for men and women to pray and car parking and 2,500 people will be able to pray together.
The project plan mentions that there will be facilities for a madrasa, library, langarkhana and a mortuary bath.
The Chief Engineer hoped the work will be completed by December this year.
Source:bssnews.net
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https://www.bssnews.net/news/244123
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No load shedding expected in Ramadan: Adviser
05 Feb 2025
DHAKA, Feb 05, 2025 (BSS) – Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan today hoped that there would be power outrage during the month of Ramadan.
“A plan was taken to keep the country free from load shedding during the Ramadan. But some areas of the country might experience load shedding during the summer,” he said.
Addressing an inter-ministerial meeting on power and energy supply during the upcoming Ramadan and irrigation season at Bidyut Bhaban, he said load shedding occurs due to various reasons.
“We have given instructions to avoid load shedding except technical reasons,” the adviser said.
He said that the electricity demand during the summer and irrigation season has been estimated 18,000 MW, out of which 6,000 MW is required for cooling (AC) system.
“Around 900 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) gas is now being supplied for electricity generation, which will be 1200 mmcfd during the Ramadan to produce additional electricity, Fouzul Kabir said.
The adviser said that gas supply will be 1100 mmcfd from April to September (Summer Season). During the Ramadan, the electricity demand will be 15000 MW. But we have taken preparations for uninterrupted power supply.
If we can keep the AC temperature up to 25 or 26 degrees Celsius level, the demand will be reduced by 2000 to 3000 MW. And then there will be no need for load shedding, he said.
Fouzul Kabir said that load shedding happens due to shortage of primary energy supply and technical reasons.
Meetings with concerned departments were held to make sure availability of funds and got assurance to procure necessary fuels for power generation during the Ramadan.
Source:bssnews.net
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https://www.bssnews.net/news/244036
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Jailed ex-minster Mosharraf referred to BSMMU
Feb 5, 2025
Engineer Mosharraf Hossain, Awami League presidium member and former minister, has been advised to be admitted to BSMMU by Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH).
The development came after the former minister was brought to CMCH from Chattogram Central Jail for medical attention this morning.
A medical board at CMCH examined him and recommended that he be admitted to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital for better treatment, according to Brig Gen Taslim Uddin Khan, director at CMCH.
"The jail authority brought him to CMCH for a medical checkup in the morning, and a medical board conducted the examination," Brig Gen Khan said.
"They advised that he be admitted to BSMMU for more comprehensive treatment. He has been suffering from various illnesses including diabetes, hypertension, lung infection, and neurological problems," he added.
Engineer Mosharraf was arrested in Dhaka on October 27, following the fall of the Awami League-led government on August 5.
Masud Hasan Jewel, jailer of Chattogram Central Jail, confirmed that Mosharraf was taken to CMCH for a checkup.
"After initial treatment at CMCH, he was returned to jail," he said.
Source:thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/jailed-ex-minster-mosharraf-referred-bsmmu-3816881
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Continued Humanitarian Aid Urged for Afghan Refugees
2025-02-05
KABUL(BNA): Acting Minister of Refugees and Repatriation, Mawlavi Abdul Kabir, called for the sustained humanitarian assistance of the United Nations for Afghan refugees.
A meeting took place with Indrika Ratwatte, the UN Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan.
During the discussions, Indrika Ratwatte voiced his concerns regarding the plight of Afghan refugees in neighboring countries. he assured that the UN is committed to assisting Afghan refugees, focusing on critical areas such as clean water, health, education, and shelter. Notably, land agreements have been established for 17 settlements aimed at providing housing and living opportunities for returning migrants.
Mawlavi Abdul Kabir expressed gratitude for the UN’s ongoing support while emphasizing the need for its continuation. He condemned the violence faced by Afghan refugees in neighboring nations and called for enhanced protections and facilities for them.
Additionally, he pointed out the challenges faced by returning migrants and displaced families, urging aid agencies to expedite assistance for their resettlement. The call for action underscores the urgent need for international support as Afghanistan continues to navigate its humanitarian crisis.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/continued-humanitarian-aid-urged-for-afghan-refugees/
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Uzbekistan to Begin Construction of Afghan-Trans Railway in 2025
2025-02-05
KABUL(BNA): Uzbekistan’s Transport Minister, Ilham Muhammadov, announced that construction of the long-awaited Afghan-Trans railway will commence in 2025.
This ambitious 573-kilometer project aims to connect Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan, enhancing trade and transportation routes between Central Asia, South Asia, and beyond.
The Afghan-Trans railway will include an expansion of an 80-kilometer section designed to facilitate access to Pakistani and Iranian ports through Afghanistan.
The Islamic Emirate expressed its commitment to the project in August 2021, with an exploration team conducting route assessments and feasibility studies throughout 2022.
According to Uzbekistan’s main transport and infrastructure design institute, the estimated construction cost of the railway is approximately $4.6 billion.
Once completed, the railway is projected to have the capacity to transport up to 20 million tons of commercial goods annually. This crucial transport corridor is expected to strengthen connections between Europe, Russia, Central Asia, and South Asia, making it easier and more cost-effective for Afghanistan to access regional and global markets.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/uzbekistan-to-begin-construction-of-afghan-trans-railway-in-2025/
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UN to provide cash aid to 1 million vulnerable families in Afghanistan in 2025
ByFidel Rahmati
February 6, 2025
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has announced that it will provide cash assistance to one million vulnerable families in Afghanistan in 2025.
OCHA reported on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, that nearly half of the Afghanistan’s population, around 22.9 million people, will need humanitarian assistance to survive due to the limited capacity to meet their ongoing and acute needs.
According to the report, 89% of the needy families in Afghanistan prefer “dignified cash assistance.”
OCHA has raised concerns about the increasing poverty and hunger in Afghanistan, warning that 14.8 million people, more than a third of the population, will face severe food insecurity by March 2025. The cumulative effects of long-term food insecurity, inadequate water and sanitation, and limited access to healthcare for pregnant women are further exacerbating the crisis.
The report states that in 2025, 7.8 million children under the age of five and women will require nutritional assistance, including 3.5 million children suffering from acute malnutrition and 1.1 million women needing treatment.
OCHA also noted that challenges such as climate change, the return of refugees from neighboring countries, particularly Iran and Pakistan, and political developments will increase the risks of poverty and people’s needs.
According to United Nations statistics, 22.9 million people in Afghanistan are in need, with 21 million lacking access to sufficient water and healthcare, 14.8 million facing severe food insecurity, 14.3 million having limited access to medical services, and 7.8 million women and children requiring nutritional assistance.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has also emphasized that to help those in need, a budget of $2.24 billion will be required.
This continued humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan highlights the pressing need for international support, as millions of people struggle to meet basic needs, including food, water, and healthcare.
Source:khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/un-to-provide-cash-aid-to-1-million-vulnerable-families-in-afghanistan-in-2025/
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WHO sends 10 metric tons of medicine to health centers in Badakhshan
ByFidel Rahmati
February 6, 2025
The World Health Organization (WHO) has sent ten metric tons of medicine to health centers in Badakhshan province to treat various diseases.
On Wednesday, February 5, the WHO reported that it had provided 10 metric tons of various medicines to six remote health centers in Badakhshan. The medicines are intended for treating conditions such as pneumonia, measles, and malnutrition. These medicines were purchased with financial aid from Japan.
It is reported that over 3,000 people will benefit from these supplies. This move is part of WHO’s ongoing efforts to provide essential health services to those in need, especially in remote regions.
The WHO has consistently worked to support Afghanistan’s health system, which is at risk of collapse due to ongoing challenges. Recently, the organization also reported sending eight tons of medical supplies to Badakhshan’s regional hospital, including emergency kits, trauma supplies, surgical instruments, and other necessary items.
Earlier this year, WHO announced its efforts to strengthen the healthcare system in Afghanistan through support provided to 106 health centers across 19 provinces.
This achievement reflects the organization’s commitment to delivering balanced and comprehensive healthcare services to the people of Afghanistan and improving overall healthcare access.
Source:khaama.com
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