Maharashtra BJP Dy CM Raked Up The ‘Vote Jihad' And ‘Love Jihad' Issues; Says ‘Vote Jihad’ Noticed in 14 LS Seats to Defeat the Hindutvawadi Candidates
New Age Islam News Bureau
01 Oct 2024
Deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis
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· Maharashtra BJP Dy CM Raked Up The ‘Vote Jihad' And ‘Love Jihad' Issues; Says ‘Vote Jihad’ Noticed in 14 LS Seats to Defeat the Hindutvawadi Candidates
· Taliban Crackdown On ISIS in Afghanistan: Terrorists Entered from Pakistan, Says Taliban Spokesperson
· Nigerian Imams Tasked on Wealth Creation for Congregationin Order to Reduce Economic Hardship in The Country
· 1MDB Trial: Lawyer Says Former Prime Minister Najib Spent Like ‘Robin Hood’, Not On Himself
· Martyring Resistance Commanders to Create Change in Islamic World: IRGC Chief
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India
· PM Modi to PM Benjamin Netanyahu: Terrorism Has No Place In Our World, India Is Committed To Peace And Stability
· Demolition of Illegal Portions of Dharavi Mosque Begins Days After Massive Protest
· Indian Shia, Sunni groups united in protest against Israeli bombing in Lebanon
· Himachal mosque row: Hindu outfits' scuffle with police in Kullu; Muslim body says no masjid illegal
· Remember this election is about self-respect, rights of Jammu and Kashmir people: Rahul Gandhi
· Voting essential to ensure right people are in power: Mayawati urges Jammu and Kashmir voters
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South Asia
· World Bank donates $1.7 billion to Afghanistan over past three years
· Ministry of Agriculture Secures Islamic Financing to Boost Local Agricultural Production
· Islamic Emirate Prioritizes Development Projects Based on National Needs, Says PM Office
· Afghanistan and Iran Hold Talks on Strengthening Border Security and Smuggling Prevention
· Murder Case: Ex-MP Sultan Monsur held, put on remand
· July mass uprising: At least 4,634 bullets fired at protesters
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Africa
· Nigeria On the Brink Of One-party Dictatorship, Opposition Parties Must Form Coalition – Atiku
· ‘I Will Never Interfere’ – President Tinubu Assures Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun
· Burkina Faso calls out foreign powers “deliberately exacerbating suffering” of Sahelians
· National Unity: Over 300 Islamic Scholars, Imams Converge On Kwara
· Djibouti ‘profoundly alarmed’ by Mideast situation
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Southeast Asia
· Anwar attends Google’s US$2 billion data centre groundbreaking
· Anwar receives ex-UFC icon Khabib Nurmagomedov for talks on Muslim solidarity
· 580 Lawmakers Sworn In for 2024-2029 Term, Including Youngest DPR Member at 23
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Mideast
· US forces accounted for after reported rocket attack in Baghdad, official says
· At least 11 Palestinians killed in Israeli strike in Gaza’s Nuseirat camp, Gaza medics say
· Tehran urges Islamic support for Gaza, Lebanon in face of intl. inaction
· WHO has been preparing for ‘worst-case scenario’ in Lebanon, regional chief tells Arab News
· Israel court says Palestinian body can be held for hostage deal
· Gaza children ‘extremely impacted’ by war: UNICEF
· The Golden Mosque symbolizes the deep ties between my two homelands: Turkish envoy
· Islamic Jihad condemns Zionist assault on Hodeida seaport
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Pakistan
· Islamic Relief, NDRMF Join Forces to Combat Climate Challenges In Pakistan
· 2 Arrested as Mandi Bahauddin Police Bust Suspected Paedophile Ring
· New Toshakhana case: Court throws out Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi's bail pleas
· Imran challenges govt with D-Chowk protest call
· Top court sets aside LHC order on election tribunals
· Centre’s ‘parsimony’ with relief funds irks PPP
· Three bikes torched after clash in Karachi’s Malir
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Arab World
· American Author, Walter Isaacson, Praises Saudi Arabia’s Renewable Energy Revolution
· Falconers flock to north Saudi as hunting season begins
· Saudi FM discusses developments in Lebanon with French, Lebanese counterparts
· Saudi Arabia boosts cochlear implant care
· Saudi Arabia boosts security with new facilities, digital services
· Camel festivals attract investors, promote growth
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Europe
· Mufti of Chechnya Elected Leader of North Caucasian Muslims
· Birmingham mosque visitors in row over blocked pavement as resident says 'it's not safe'
· UN Global Expert On Muslim Affairs Aftab Malik Named Australia's Islamophobia Envoy
· Blackburn's Masjide Noorul Islam delighted with open day turn out
· Putin just announced Russia’s own Monroe Doctrine
· Moscow reacts to Germany’s arrest of couple for ‘illegal’ RT broadcasts
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North America
· Muslim Organization Sues Parkland Mayor, Others, For Discrimination
· California governor blocks landmark AI safety bill
· Man charged in Trump assassination plot pleads not guilty
· Mexico counting dead from 'zombie storm' John
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/love-vote-jihad-fadnavis-bjp/d/133335
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Maharashtra BJP Dy CM Raked Up The ‘Vote Jihad' And ‘Love Jihad' Issues; Says ‘Vote Jihad’ Noticed in 14 LS Seats to Defeat the Hindutvawadi Candidates
Deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis
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Sep 30, 2024,
Kolhapur: Deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, at an event on Monday, raked up the ‘vote jihad' and ‘love jihad' issues, without naming any community.
Speaking at the Sant Samavesh programme at Kolhapur's Kaneri Matt, Fadnavis said, "vote jihad" had been noticed in 14 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra. He said people from a particular community voted unitedly to defeat the Hindutvawadi candidates.
"In Dhule, a candidate was leading by 1.90 lakh votes in five assembly segments. However, in one constituency (Malegaon), the other candidate got 1.94 lakh votes, thus winning by 4,000 votes. The confidence of people from the other community has grown and they have started believing that they can defeat Hindutvawadis even with fewer numbers," said Fadnavis.
On "love jihad" cases, Fadnavis said such cases were rarely heard of even 10 years ago. "Now there are over 1 lakh complaints of love jihad. The girls are married, and after giving birth to 2-3 children they are abandoned," said Fadnavis.
Source:indiatimes.com
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/fadnavis-highlights-vote-jihad-in-14-lok-sabha-seats-in-maharashtra/articleshow/113826700.cms
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Taliban Crackdown On ISIS in Afghanistan: Terrorists Entered from Pakistan, Says Taliban Spokesperson
(Representative Photo)
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By Fidel Rahmati
September 30, 2024
The spokesperson for the Taliban government announced that in a special operation, individuals responsible for recent attacks in various parts of Afghanistan, including Bamiyan, have been arrested. These terrorists had entered Afghanistan from Pakistan.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated in a press release that, during a series of operations in Kabul and Nangarhar, those responsible for attacks on Afghanistan judiciary employees and foreign tourists in Bamiyan were apprehended.
The statement also revealed that a Tajikistani national, who was planning a suicide attack, was arrested at the hideout of the mastermind behind these attacks.
Mujahid further explained that investigations revealed that the attackers targeting employees of the “Prosecution and Monitoring of Orders” directorate had entered Afghanistan from a training camp of ISIS-Khorasan in Mastung, Balochistan.
He added that in separate operations in Kabul and Faryab, two ISIS members were killed, and several others were arrested.
Mujahid emphasized that among those arrested were individuals who had recently come to Afghanistan from the ISIS-Khorasan training camp in Balochistan, Pakistan.
These arrests highlight the ongoing security challenges Afghanistan faces, particularly with foreign militants entering the country from neighboring regions. The Taliban’s operations against ISIS-Khorasan are aimed at curbing the group’s activities, but the presence of cross-border threats continues to pose significant risks to Afghanistan’s stability.
Source:khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/taliban-crackdown-on-isis-in-afghanistan-terrorists-entered-from-paksitan-says-mujahid/
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Nigerian Imams Tasked on Wealth Creation for Congregation In Order To Reduce Economic Hardship In The Country
Photo: This Day
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October 1, 2024
A consultant with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Islamic Banking in the country, Prof. AbdulRasaq Abdulmajeed Alaro has emphasised the need for Imams across the nation to encourage the wealthy members of their congregation to render financial assistance and empowerment to the indigent members of the congregation in order to reduce economic hardship in the country.
This, he said would also go a long way of enhancing the socio-economic development of the society and also reduce poverty among the members of the congregation.
Alaro who also teaches Sharia Law at the department of Law, University of Ilorin, Kwara State disclosed this at the weekend at Ajase-Ipo in Irepodun local government council area of the state during a maiden leadership training programme for Imams in the country.
The programme was organised by an Islamic group, Daaru-s Sa’aadah Islamic Centre on the theme, “Sound Imam, Sound Jama’ah”.
The event was the first time of its kind that will be organised in the state since 2016 when centre based in Ogun State, started the initiative.
Alaro who was one of the guest speakers at the event on the topic, “Responsibilities and Duties of Imam’, noted that, Imams across the country have an economic role to play in the sustenance of the nation’s economic growth.
He stated that, “the position of Imam is an office of responsibility and not just a title”.
According to him, “Imams have economic role in looking after the welfare of the people by encouraging the wealthy members of his congregation to render financial assistance and empowerment to the indigent members of the congregation”
Alaro added that, “the responsibility of the Imam extends beyond leading the congregation in prayer.
“The mosque is an educational avenue for people to learn, it is a place for conflict resolution and communal judgement”.
He charged the Imams to be awakened to their responsibility of leading the congregation to the right path in line with the Islamic teachings
He also urged Imams to revive the mosque to serve the needs of the Muslims.
He stressed that, “the Imam should endeavour to always lead the congregation in prayer, be a role model and also a spiritual guide to his congregation through his sermons and preachings.
“They should encourage the oneness of Allah and not associate partners with almighty Allah which is the basis of the Islamic faith.
“The Imams are given social responsibility to encourage unity amongst the congregation and he should show concern for the well-being of the congregation”.
In his opening remarks, the Chief Imam of Ajase-Ipo, Sheikh Taofik Aliyu Atoloye said the community had longed for a gathering of such magnitude that will change the landscape of Islamic practice and understanding positivity for the Imams.
He said “this conference and training will help in the preservation of Islam through the enlightenment of clerics who will in turn guide the people towards righteousness”.
The Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahaya Atoloye Alebiosu in his address thanked the organisers for the conference and assured of his continued support subsequently.
Also, the second speaker and Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Lagos, Dr. Ridwanullah Jamiu encouraged Imams to be positive agents in achieving National Unity for the country.
He added that, “The mosque is a community centre and the Imam is a symbol of unity for all the Muslims who irrespective of their ethnicity, culture and political leanings line up behind him in prayer.
“The Imam is meant to foster national unity and strengthen it by encouraging mutual love among the people irrespective of our differences”.
He further noted that the mosque is not just a place where people come to pray but an avenue of togetherness and service that cuts across the social, economic, intellectual and psychological aspect of the congregants.
Jamiu stressed that, “the mosque is meant to be a multipurpose and educational centre to learn about faith, empowered economically through Zakat and sadaqah and a place of fellowship where people are brought together irrespective of their social and economic status.”
A member of the organising committee, Imam Ismail Yusuf, while speaking to the newsmen said that, “this conference was organised to awaken the Imams in mostly the southern Yoruba communities in the state and its environs to their roles and expose them to the modern trends in order to discharge their roles as spiritual leaders”.
Similarly, the convener of the conference, Hajia Rahmatallahi Akansin said the rationale behind the organising of the conference is to increase the knowledge of the leaders of the Islamic faith who are tasked with the role of correcting the ills in society.
One of the participants and spokesperson of clerics in the Ajase-Ipo community, Alhaji Abdulmaruf Balogun, expressed gratitude to the organisers of the conference which he described as “very timely”.
He said “This training is highly commendable and I want to appreciate the organisers for this wonderful initiative which is very timely and necessary at this moment and we have gained tremendously from the various speakers”.
Source:thisdaylive.com
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https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2024/10/01/economic-hardship-imams-tasked-on-wealth-creation-for-congregation/#google_vignette
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1MDB Trial: Lawyer Says Former Prime Minister Najib Spent Like ‘Robin Hood’, Not On Himself
Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak arrives in a wheelchair at the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex on September 26, 2024. — Picture by Firdaus Latif
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01 Oct 2024
By Ida Lim
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1 — The way former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak used the millions of ringgit in his personal bank accounts for political purposes was not corrupt, his lawyer argued today.
During Najib’s trial over the misappropriation of RM2.2 billion of 1Malaysia Development Berhad’s (1MDB) funds, lead defence lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah said that various prosecution witnesses have confirmed that his client did not use the money for personal spending, but for corporate social responsibility, social welfare and political purposes.
Asked by trial judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah if spending the money for political purpose and not for personal purpose makes a difference, Shafee argued there was a difference.
“What is important is this, it does make a difference, the answer is yes, because if I am robbing 1MDB to quote an elderly statesman — ‘perompak’, ‘penyangak’ — if I’m a robber of 1MDB money, I must be a Robin Hood to give it back by political, channelling by welfare, by CSR.
“I have to be a Robin Hood. But we have proven, Yang Arif, 99 point whatever percent of those monies went not for his personal use, like for instance, he goes and buy a yacht or buy a private plane or he treated everybody with champagne in New York bars or something like that.
“So, it is against the pathology of corruption that a person took this money and he spent it not for personal use, but for the benefit of the public as a whole, he may be a segment of the public, but he spent it,” Shafee argued in the High Court, adding however that there is no legal precedent for this situation as corruption cases are heavily based on the facts of each case.
Shafee also argued that Najib’s return of the US$620 million of the US$681 million deposited into his bank accounts allegedly showed that he did not have any bad faith, again saying there would be no past court cases that can be used as precedent for Najib’s 1MDB case.
“So if Yang Arif were to ask me, is there an authority, someone behaved like that, the answer is no. Because this is the factual finding Yang Arif has to make, would a man who steals money like that behave in that fashion, and that’s why I said it’s inconsistent with the pathology of corruption,” he argued.
Deputy public prosecutor Kamal Baharin Omar said, however, that what is important for money-laundering charges is if an accused person has dealt with illegal proceeds or money originating from illegal activities, and that the purpose of how the money is used does not matter.
Kamal Baharin also argued that for corruption cases, what an accused person does with the money does not matter, as what is important is the origin of the money.
Deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Akram Gharib similarly said that whether money in corruption cases are used for personal or political purposes is not a relevant question, while also pointing out that Malaysia’s corruption law also defines “gratification” as including donation or gifts.
Shafee then argued that the facts in this case allegedly shows that Najib does not know that the money in his bank accounts were ill-gotten.
“That’s the reason why I ask Yang Arif to examine the facts, would someone actually have knowledge that he obtained it unlawfully be spending money like that in the open? And he issued cheques, it’s not cash, so that he can be arrested? So these are the facts that Yang Arif would have to reckon with, how do you resolve these inconsistent facts with guilt?” he asked.
“But if Yang Arif asks me, is it consistent with his lack of knowledge that these monies were ill-gotten? The answer is a thumping yes, it is consistent.
“And Yang Arif, lastly of course, his behaviour in the way he spent is also consistent with what he will say and what he said in his Section 53 statement, that the purpose of this donation money was for him to utilise for political purposes and other purposes. And it is consistent with returning the money, because he didn’t find it comfortable to retain the money after the election,” he argued regarding Najib’s actions.
Throughout this trial, Najib’s lawyers have said he believed the money he had received in his bank accounts were donations from Saudi Arabia’s royalty.
Shafee cited four alleged letters from a purported Saudi prince to Najib over these purported donations, and claimed that no one had ever alerted Najib that these could be a “red flag” for the money which flowed into his bank accounts.
The prosecution had previously argued that Najib would not be able to use these four letters to defend himself as other courts had found these documents to be fabricated, while an investigating officer said the four letters have not been verified to be genuine.
In this trial, Najib is facing four power abuse charges and 21 money laundering charges over more than RM2.2 billion of 1MDB funds allegedly to have entered his two personal AmIslamic bank accounts.
Source:malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/10/01/1mdb-trial-lawyer-shafee-says-najib-spent-like-robin-hood-not-on-himself/152228
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Martyring Resistance Commanders to Create Change In Islamic World: IRGC Chief
Photo: Mehr News Agency
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03 / 09 / 2024
IRGC Chief Commander Major General Hossein Salami emphasized that Israeli assassination of former Lebanon’s Hezbollah Resistance Movement Chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Deputy Commander for Operations of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) General Abbas Nilforoushan will create a lot of changes in the Islamic world.
Expressing his heartfelt condolences on the martyrdom of Deputy Commander for Operations of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) General Abbas Nilforoushan in Dahiyeh in Beirut, the chief commander stated Martyr Nilforushan was one of the most courageous and brave commanders with a dignified personality.
Source:ilna.ir
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https://www.ilna.ir/Section-politics-3/1536607-martyring-resistance-cmdrs-to-create-change-in-islamic-world-irgc-chief-cmdr
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India
PM Modi to PM Benjamin Netanyahu: Terrorism Has No Place In Our World, India Is Committed To Peace And Stability
30.09.24
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu about the recent developments in West Asia and asserted that terrorism has no place in our world.
It is crucial to prevent regional escalation and ensure the safe release of all hostages, Modi said.
“Spoke to Prime Minister @netanyahu about recent developments in West Asia. Terrorism has no place in our world. It is crucial to prevent regional escalation and ensure the safe release of all hostages,” Modi said on X.
India is committed to supporting efforts for an early restoration of peace and stability, PM Modi said.
While PM Modi did not mention any specific incident, Israeli strikes in Lebanon last week killed seven high-ranking commanders and officials from the Hezbollah militant group, including the group's leader Hassan Nasrallah.
Hezbollah had been firing rockets and missiles into northern Israel after Hamas' October 7 attack from Gaza into Israel sparked a war there.
Source:telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/terrorism-has-no-place-in-our-world-pm-modi-as-he-speaks-to-israel-pm-benjamin-netanyahu/cid/2052010
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Demolition Of Illegal Portions Of Dharavi Mosque Begins Days After Massive Protest
SEPTEMBER 30, 2024
The demolition of unauthorised portions of a mosque in Dharavi in Mumbai has begun, office bearers of the trust that manages the place of worship said on Monday.
A report on the demolition has been submitted to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, an office bearer told PTI.
”Since the mosque is surrounded by slums, it might take some time for the demolition to be completed,” he added.
On September 21, hundreds of residents had blocked the arterial 90-feet road in Dharavi to stop a BMC team from demolishing illegal portions of the mosque.
To defuse the situation, trustees of the mosque held talks and submitted a written request to the deputy commissioner and assistant commissioner of the BMC’s G North ward seeking four to five days to remove these portions.
During the protest, some individuals allegedly pelted stones at a BMC vehicle, breaking its front glass, after which an FIR was registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Maharashtra Police Act and Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
Source:news18.com
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https://www.news18.com/india/demolition-of-illegal-portions-of-dharavi-mosque-begins-days-after-massive-protest-9069575.html
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Indian Shia, Sunni groups united in protest against Israeli bombing in Lebanon
SEPTEMBER 30, 2024
Several Shia as well as Sunni organisations in India condemned Israel's ongoing airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon and held protests in different parts of the country.
In Lucknow, thousands of Shia Muslims under the banner of Anjuman-E-Haideri took out a procession against Israeli aggression and the killing of Hassan Nasrallah, the chief of Iran-backed militant outfit Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The protesters chanted slogans of "Netanyahu murdabad" and burned the posters of the the Israeli Prime Minister.
In Delhi, Sunni Muslim organisations such as the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind condemned the attack on Beirut, calling it a "cowardly aggression".
Syed Sadatullah Husaini, President of the Jamaat-e-Islami HInd, said, "We strongly condemn Israel for carrying out the indiscriminate and barbaric air strikes on the Lebanese city of Beirut, killing more than 40 people including the Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasarallah. We extend our deepest condolences, sympathy and unwavering solidarity to the people of Lebanon and all those who are resisting the illegal occupation of Palestine and other sovereign territories by the apartheid and colonised regime of Israel. This cowardly aggression constitutes a massacre and a heinous crime."
A prayer and condolence meeting for Nasrallah and other Hezbolloah officials was organised at the India Islamic Culture Centre in Delhi on Monday evening. The Ambassadors of Lebanon and Iran in India were invited to this gathering.
A candle march was organised on Monday evening by Shia Muslim organisations in the Kashmere Gate area in Delhi.
"The Shia Muslims of India consider Israel’s attack on Lebanon and Hassan Nasrallah as a terror attack. He is a shaheed (martyr). He was fighting for Palestine, the Shia consider him a hero for the people of Lebanon," said Syed Bahadur Abbas Naqvi, general secretary of Anjuman-e-Haidri, India’s biggest Shia Muslim organisation.
"The two-nation solution is the stand of India. Muslim clerics of India have appealed that the Indian government should intervene and stop such attacks. Organisations like Majlis-e-Ulema-I-Hind have also concerned prayers for Nasrallah," he added.
On Sunday, protests were witnessed with people taking out a march holding posters of Nasrallah and condemning Israel's actions.
Israel has intensified its attack on militant groups part of Shia-majority Iran's 'Axis of Resistance'. The Jewish nation has eliminated several of the top ranking officials of Hezbollah, including the group's chief, Hassan Nasrallah.
Israel is also planning a limited ground operation in Lebanon, the Jewish nation has informed the US, the Washington Post reported.
Source:indiatoday.in
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https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indian-shia-sunni-groups-united-in-protest-against-israeli-bombing-in-lebanon-2608987-2024-09-30
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Himachal mosque row: Hindu outfits' scuffle with police in Kullu; Muslim body says no masjid illegal
30.09.24
As protests demanding the demolition of illegally constructed mosques rage on in Himachal Pradesh, a Muslim organisation said that there were no illegal mosques in the state but delay in approval of maps in government records was causing a problem.
Hindu outfits that took out a yatra in Kullu demanding the demolition of the mosque were involved in a scuffle with police on Monday.
Protesters of the 'Hindu Dharam Jagaran Yatra' marched from Hanuman temple to Akhara Mosque amid tight security.
People in large numbers, women included, carrying saffron flags and placards called for the demolition of the mosque in Kullu. Musicians playing local instruments and women in traditional dress led the yatra.
The demand for the demolition of illegally constructed mosques began after a scuffle between a Muslim barber and a Hindu businessman in Malyana area in the suburbs of Shimla on August 30 turned into a communal issue.
Hindu groups have been demanding the demolition of mosques they say are unauthorised, while residents at large are demanding that outsiders coming into the state be identified.
Meanwhile, Muslim Welfare Committee, Mandi president Naheem Ahmed told the PTI on Monday: "No mosque in Himachal Pradesh is illegal but there had been a delay in getting the maps approved and other related processes. We would ourselves remove the structures if found illegal." He said that a meeting of representatives of the Muslim community was held in the Balh area of Mandi on Sunday.
It was decided that a state-level committee of the minority community would be constituted and they would meet the chief minister to apprise him of the prevailing situation, Ahmed said.
He said that Muslim leaders were of the view that some people are spreading hatred and such practices should be curbed. Every person coming from outside irrespective of his religion should be checked, he added.
Earlier, on Sunday, Kullu district authorities said that the mosque at Akhara Bazaar was not illegal. He said that there was a some difference between the area of the mosque in government records and the actual area covered by it, district authorities said, adding that the case for its regularisation was pending with the town and country planning department.
The total area of the mosque is 980 square metres, and a deviation of around 150 square metres was found, they said.
The Jama Masjid in Kullu is a pre-Independence structure and finds entry in the gazette notification, dated August 15, 1970 of the state government.
Earlier on September 11, ten people were injured during a protest demanding the demolition of a portion of a mosque in Sanjauli area of Shimla.
Two days later, similar protests erupted in Mandi and water cannons had to be used to disperse protesters.
The residents of Kasumpti, Shimla also submitted a memorandum to demolish a mosque in the Kasumpti area. Residents of Sunni and other areas in the state have also made similar demands.
Source:telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/himachal-pradesh-mosque-row-hindu-outfits-scuffle-with-police-in-kullu-muslim-body-says-no-masjid-illegal/cid/2051950
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Remember this election is about self-respect, rights of Jammu and Kashmir people: Rahul Gandhi
01.10.24
The Congress on Tuesday urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to vote in large numbers in the third and final phase of the assembly polls, with Rahul Gandhi calling on them to remember that this election is about their self-respect and rights.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge appealed to the voters to "teach a lesson" to those who snatched statehood from them.
Voting for the third phase of the Jammu and Kashmir elections is underway in 40 seats across seven districts, including the winter capital Jammu. More than 39.18 lakh eligible voters are set to decide the fate of 415 candidates.
In a post in Hindi on X, Gandhi said, "All voters are requested to come out of their homes in large numbers and vote for INDIA. Your every vote for INDIA will secure the foundation of the future of Jammu and Kashmir, and will give you the strength to fight for your rights."
Kharge also called on the people of Jammu and Kashmir to exercise their franchise.
"As voting for the third phase of the Jammu and Kashmir elections commences, I urge the people in these 40 Assembly seats to exercise their Democratic rights in large numbers," the Congress president said on X.
This is the final chance to "teach a lesson" to those who snatched statehood from the people of Jammu and Kashmir, he said.
"Remember, that a single vote can change your destiny and usher in a brighter future, which secures your Constitutional rights," he said.
"A single vote is valuable enough to ensure better employment opportunities for the young, take on the corrupt, safeguard your land rights and ensure progress and prosperity," he added.
"We welcome the first-time voters, for the future course for Jammu and Kashmir shall be decided by their participation. Once again, I request you to join the voting queue," Kharge said.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra spoke in the same vein.
"My brothers and sisters of Jammu and Kashmir, today is the third and last phase of voting.
"I request all of you to participate enthusiastically in this festival of democracy. Vote in large numbers for democracy, for your rights, for livelihood and employment, for your governance in your state," she said in a post on X in Hindi.
"Choose a government that works for you, for the future of your children and for Jammu and Kashmir and makes you strong," she said.
Polling began at 7 am in 16 assembly segments in three border districts of north Kashmir amid tight security.
The assembly segments in the region where polling is underway are Baramulla, Uri, Rafiabad, Pattan, Gulmarg, Sopore and Wagoora-Kreeri in Baramulla district; Kupwara, Karnah, Trehgam, Handwara, Lolab and Langate in Kupwara district; and Bandipora, Sonawari and Gurez in Bandipora district.
A total of 202 candidates are in the fray in these 16 segments.
Voting also began in 24 assembly constituencies in Udhampur, Samba and Kathua districts in the Jammu region.
A voter turnout of 61.38 per cent was recorded in the first phase of the elections on September 18 and 57.31 per cent in the second phase on September 25.
The results are scheduled to be announced on October 8.
Source:telegraphindia.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original Story
https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/rahul-gandhi-remember-this-election-is-about-self-respect-rights-of-jammu-and-kashmir-people/cid/2052150
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Voting essential to ensure right people are in power: Mayawati urges Jammu and Kashmir voters
01.10.24
BSP president Mayawati on Tuesday appealed to all voters in Jammu and Kashmir to cast their votes for the third and final phase of the assembly elections "to ensure that the right people are in power".
The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is among the parties contesting the assembly polls being held after almost a decade in Jammu and Kashmir and the first time since abrogation of Article 370.
"An appeal to all voters to vote enthusiastically in the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections being held today, so that in this election being held after a long time, the right people can have a share in power, for which a lot of voting is necessary. First vote, then refreshment," Mayawati posted on X in Hindi.
Voting commenced on Tuesday for the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, covering 40 seats across seven districts, including the winter capital Jammu.
Source:telegraphindia.com
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South Asia
World Bank donates $1.7 billion to Afghanistan over past three years
By Fidel Rahmati
September 30, 2024
The World Bank has announced that since 2021, it has provided $1.7 billion in aid to Afghanistan, focusing on services for women and girls.
On Saturday, September 28, the bank published a report stating that these funds had been allocated without the involvement of the de facto administration in Afghanistan.
The report also noted that in December 2021, the bank transferred $280 million from the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) to UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP).
According to the World Bank, these funds have been directed toward providing essential services for women and girls and addressing “humanitarian gaps” by meeting urgent health and food needs.
The report states that approximately 9.3 million Afghan citizens in targeted regions will benefit from basic services such as clean water, sanitation, and repaired roads through these projects.
Since April 2022, the bank has launched resilience and livelihood projects across Afghanistan to create livelihood and income opportunities for one million families in 6,450 villages nationwide.
The World Bank has also supported health, food security, micro-loans, and entrepreneurship projects to promote growth and stability, mainly focusing on empowering women and girls in Afghanistan.
Additionally, the World Bank highlighted that its board has approved the resumption of the “CASA-1000” project in Afghanistan, with payment mechanisms set up outside the Taliban’s control.
The World Bank has reassured its commitment to continuing aid to Afghanistan.
The World Bank’s sustained assistance to Afghanistan highlights its dedication to addressing critical humanitarian needs, particularly for women and girls, while maintaining projects independent of the Taliban’s control. Despite ongoing political challenges, these efforts aim to create long-term resilience and stability in Afghanistan.
Source:khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/world-bank-donates-1-7-billion-to-afghanistan-over-past-three-years/
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Ministry of Agriculture Secures Islamic Financing to Boost Local Agricultural Production
2024-09-30
KABUL(BNA): The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock has officially announced the approval of the Financial Committee for the Agricultural Development Fund.
According to a statement from the Ministry, the Financial Committee, chaired by Mawlawi Sadr Azam Osmani, Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, convened to review and approve Islamic financing for four domestic factories seeking funding through the Murabaha Islamic finance model.
During the meeting, officials from the Fund presented comprehensive evaluations of the four companies’ operations and activities, which encompass key sectors such as cotton production, poultry farming, chemical fertilizer imports, and flour production and packaging. After thorough discussions and assessments, Islamic financing was approved for selected factories based on their demonstrated capabilities and potential.
Mawlawi Sadr Azam Osmani emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to providing effective and enhanced services to farmers throughout the country, highlighting the crucial role of such funding initiatives in promoting agricultural development and sustainability.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/ministry-of-agriculture-secures-islamic-financing-to-boost-local-agricultural-production/
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Islamic Emirate Prioritizes Development Projects Based on National Needs, Says PM Office
2024-09-30
KABUL(BNA): The Director General of the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Mullah Abdul Wasi, has confirmed that several large-scale development projects are currently being implemented throughout the country, funded by domestic revenues.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Abdul Wasi met with elders and influential figures from the Arghandi region at ARG.
During the meeting, community representatives, Mohammad Zarif Arghand and Dr. Malik Sorgul, expressed their support for the Islamic Emirate and praised the ongoing development efforts across various regions of the country.
Additionally, the elders shared their satisfaction with the launch of several major infrastructure projects by the Islamic Emirate. They also presented their suggestions for further development, emphasizing the need for schools, healthcare centers, electricity, water supply systems, and other essential services in their area.
For his part, Dr. Abdul Wasi assured the representatives that numerous projects, including the construction of dams and roads, are progressing nationwide, all financed through internal resources. He highlighted the joint efforts between the people and the Islamic Emirate in rebuilding the country, emphasizing that projects are prioritized based on national needs.
He also reassured the Arghandi elders that the Islamic Emirate would consider their requests and proposals within the available resources.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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Afghanistan and Iran Hold Talks on Strengthening Border Security and Smuggling Prevention
2024-09-30
KABUL(BNA): Senior border officials from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran convened to discuss critical matters related to border security, preventing smuggling, and enhancing cooperation.
According to a statement from the Ministry of National Defense, the Islamic Emirate delegation, led by Haji Mohammad Rahim Khadem, Commander of the 10th Border Brigade of the 207th Al-Farooq Army Corps, held discussions with Iranian counterparts, focusing on key issues such as coordination between border forces, strengthening border security, combating cross-border smuggling, and the restoration and maintenance of border pillars.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to continued dialogue and cooperation, ensuring future engagements to strengthen border management and regional security.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/afghanistan-and-iran-hold-talks-on-strengthening-border-security-and-smuggling-prevention/
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Murder Case: Ex-MP Sultan Monsur held, put on remand
Oct 1, 2024
A Dhaka court yesterday put former lawmaker Sultan Mohammad Monsur Ahmed on a five-day remand in a case filed over the murder of Jubo Dal leader Shamim Mia in the capital's Paltan area on October 28 last year.
Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Ragib Noor passed the order after Investigation Officer Tonmoy Kumar Biswas, a sub-inspector of Paltan Model Police Station, produced him with a 10-day remand prayer.
Earlier, Monsur was shown arrested in the case after he was detained at Dhaka airport yesterday morning as he returned home from abroad.
The arrest came even though his name was not included in the first information report of the case.
In the remand prayer, SI Tonmoy said Monsur was directly involved with the killing.
Monsur told the court that he went abroad in May this year. He was implicated in the case just for harassing him. So, he appealed to the court to cancel the remand prayer and grant him bail.
On September 14, Abbas Ali, a former member of JCD central committee, filed the murder case with Paltan Model Police Station against 704 people, including Awami League's top leaders, several police officials, and 12,000 unnamed people.
Monsur was once a vice president of Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu).
He was elected as lawmaker in 1996 from Awami League. During political change over in 2007-08, differences surfaced between him and his party as he sought reform in the party.
In the 2018 general election, he contested from Moulvibazar-2 as a candidate of the BNP-led Jatiya Oikya Front and won the seat.
Source:thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/july-mass-uprising-least-4634-bullets-fired-protesters-3716521
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July mass uprising: At least 4,634 bullets fired at protesters
Oct 1, 2024
In 100 incidents alone, law enforcement agencies in Dhaka and Chattogram cities fired at least 4,634 bullets at protesters during the July-August uprising, according to an analysis of 100 police cases filed at 12 police stations in Dhaka and 10 in Chattogram.
They also threw 16 "hand grenades and grenades" at the protesters.
The analysis was done by Lawyers for Energy, Environment and Development, and led by Abdullah Al Noman, a prosecutor at the International Crimes Tribunal, and Qazi Zahed Iqbal, a Supreme Court lawyer.
The lawyers' platform published the findings from the analysis in a press release yesterday.
The 7.62mm semiautomatic rifles, submachine guns, BD08 assault rifles, Taurus 9mm revolvers and Type 54 pistols were used. The bullets also included 62 heavy ball cartridges.
The law enforcement agencies gave priority to using lethal weapons over other methods of riot control, shows the analysis.
A total of 2,733 teargas shells and 984 sound grenades were fired at the protesters.
Even when using "less lethal" weapons, the law enforcement agencies used deadly lead cartridges that resulted in several deaths, and numerous cases of blinding. As many as 12,340 rounds of lead cartridges were shot in comparison to 8,994 rounds of rubber bullets.
Seventeen-year-old Farhan Faiyaaz was shot dead on July 18 with such a "less lethal" weapon, according to hospital documents.
At least 717 people were killed nationwide during the protests, according to a draft list of the health ministry. However, the number is still increasing as many deaths were previously unreported.
The first information reports (FIRs) of the 100 cases were recorded at Shahbagh, Mohammadpur, Adabor, Rampura, Dhanmondi, New Market, Mirpur, Jatrabari, Uttara East, Uttara West and Turag police stations in Dhaka and Panchlaish, Khulshi, Bakalia, Chandgaon, Kotwali, Pahartali, Halishahar and Double Mooring police stations in Chattogram.
"The blatant violation of limits in the name of exercising 'right to self defence' by the law enforcement forces is clearly against the spirit and fundamental rights guaranteed by the constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh," said the report.
"We focused solely on 100 cases filed with 22 police stations, which represents only a small portion of the violence perpetrated during the protests. A comprehensive assessment of the true extent of violence is necessary. If we analyse all the cases filed by the police nationwide and compile the information, we will get a full picture," said lawyer Zahed Iqbal.
Source:thedailystar.net
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Africa
Nigeria On The Brink Of One-party Dictatorship, Opposition Parties Must Form Coalition – Atiku
30 September 2024
By Oladipo Abiola
Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, on Monday, declared that the country is currently on the brink of a one-party dictatorship.
He, therefore, called on leaders of the opposition parties in the country to come together and form a coalition to prevent this from happening.
Atiku made the observation and call in a statement on Monday on the occasion of the nation’s 64th Independence anniversary celebration.
According to the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the founding fathers of the country made great sacrifices to keep the country as one and the current generation must strive to live in unity as envisioned by the esteemed founders.
Atiku emphasized that the anniversary milestone is not merely a commemoration but a tribute to the indomitable spirit and unwavering resolve of Nigerians who steadfastly believe in the potential of their homeland.
While congratulating the country for maintaining its longest democratic dispensation since its creation, the former Vice President voiced the need to prevent the nation’s democracy from slipping into authoritarianism.
“Our nation has traversed numerous tumultuous phases, yet the tenacity of patriotic citizens, bolstered by the solidarity of our international allies, has fortified our resolve as a resilient entity,” he proclaimed.
“On this day, as we mark 64 years of nationhood, we take pride in the enduring establishment of democracy in Nigeria, highlighted by the longest period of democratic governance in our history.”
He added that, “While democracy has anchored our institutions in the principles of the rule of law, we have yet to achieve satisfactory progress in fostering political inclusivity and ensuring elections that are genuinely free and fair.
“Our founding fathers united under a common cause, championing our independence through peaceful, political activism. What we celebrate today is the fruition of their collective endeavors and those of subsequent generations.”
Atiku emphasized the need for opposition political parties to provide Nigerians with a credible opposition capable of steering the nation toward a promising future, even as he submitted that the current landscape reflects a troubling decline in electoral credibility, increasingly subject to the caprices of the ruling class.
“Our political milieu has become corrosive; opposition parties languish in weakness, while the ruling party appears to manipulate internal processes to render them ineffectual. Nigeria teeters on the brink of a one-party dictatorship, and it is incumbent upon all politicians and statesmen of integrity to rise and reclaim our democracy from the encroaching shadows of oppression,” Atiku declared.
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/09/30/nigeria-on-the-brink-of-one-party-dictatorship-opposition-parties-must-form-coalition-atiku/
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‘I Will Never Interfere’ – President Tinubu Assures Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun
30 September 2024
By Udeze Ekene
President Bola Tinubu has assured the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, that there will be no interference in the decision-making and processes of the judiciary.
President Tinubu stated this while swearing in the second female Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on Monday.
”The judiciary is an important pillar constituting the tripod that holds our constitutional democracy. Indeed, the Nigerian judiciary, at various times in history, has proven to be the moderating force ensuring everyone remains in check.
Your role as the last hope of the common man serves to sustain our people’s confidence in democracy, knowing well that there is an important arbiter that can always give them redress if they are wronged.
”For this function, it is important that our judiciary remains truly independent. It is my administration’s total commitment to preserve the sanctity of the judiciary.
”While we may have reasons to interface as complementing components of the same government, under my watch, the government will also be mindful of the clear line demarcating the two of us.
”We will never interfere or abuse the relationship between us as separate organs of government in our democracy. This is important for sustaining our constitutional democracy,’‘ the President said.
President Tinubu reiterated his government’s dedication to improving judicial officers’ welfare and working conditions, noting recent decisions to enhance their effectiveness in administering justice.
He urged Justice Kekere-Ekun to continue upholding the principles of ethical leadership, fearlessness, and honesty that have defined her career.
”The Nigerian judiciary needs a leader with these qualities at this time, and I have no doubt that you will set the pace for others to follow,’‘ he said.
The President lauded Justice Kekere-Ekun’s rise as a testament to hard work and an inspiration to women, particularly young girls, in a male-dominated profession.
”This day has also cemented the judiciary as a self-evolving and progressive institution. I specifically congratulate the Nigerian women. Any girl child can dream big and have her dreams come true. It is worth celebrating, ” Tinubu added.
President Tinubu also acknowledged the presence of Justice Kekere-Ekun’s 89-year-old mother, Mama Wilfred Layiwola Ogundimu (Nee Savage), and other family members led by Akin Kekere-Ekun, Justice Kekere-Ekun’s husband.
The ceremony occurred at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja. Four former chief justices of the Federation, including the first female Justice, Aloma Mukhtar, were present at the ceremony.
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/09/30/i-will-never-interfere-president-tinubu-assures-chief-justice-kekere-ekun/
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Burkina Faso calls out foreign powers “deliberately exacerbating suffering” of Sahelians
30 September 2024
Burkina Faso’s Minister of Foreign Affairs addressed Monday the UN General Assembly High-Level Debate in New York.
As his country still fights a terrorist group in the north-east, he said nearly 70% of the territory was now under control from 40% in 2022.
Foreign Minister Traore also called out what he termed as propaganda against Burkinabe Defence forces.
He highlighted “the professionalism and the stellar conduct” of the country’s Defense and Security Forces (FDS), “that is demonstrated through their participation in peacekeeping operations and recognize it time and time again at this very podium, the ongoing training and examination of our defense forces and volunteers in International humanitarian law guarantee that our professional conduct is unimputable in respecting human rights.”
Foreign powers "financing and supporting terrorism"
Karamoko Jean Marie Traore said the Alliance of Sahel's states primary aimed to " protect the populations of the Sahel who have suffered from the security and humanitarian crisis. and against whom deadly measures were deliberately enforced to further exacerbate their suffering."
In that regard, he reiterated his country's accusation against Ukraine, as a "sponsor" of terrorists in the Sahel.
“The popular support and enthusiasm sparked by the creation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) can be partly explained by the failure and incapacity of sub-regional institutions and mechanisms to respond to security concerns of our populations, which are legitimate. The creation of the Alliance has been lifesaving and it will be our salvation. Its primary aim is to protect the populations of the Sahel who have suffered from the security and humanitarian crisis. and against whom deadly measures were deliberately enforced to further exacerbate their suffering
He said the AES was still waiting for the UN security council which it appealed to last August and from which it expects "strong decisions".
He extended his country's support of a reform of UN Security Council to include Africa.
“That will enable us to establish the universal character of the UN and repair the persistent injustice against Africa,” he concluded.
Source:africanews.com
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https://www.africanews.com/2024/09/30/burkina-faso-calls-out-foreign-powers-deliberately-exacerbating-suffering-of-sahelians/
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National Unity: Over 300 Islamic Scholars, Imams Converge On Kwara
, 30 Sep 2024
Over 300 Imams and internationally renowned Islamic scholars have converged on Ajase-Ipo, Kwara State, to deliberate on their roles and responsibilities to foster national unity.
The programme with the theme ‘Sound Imam, Sound Jama’ah’, was organised by Daaru-s Sa’aadah Islamic Centre.
Daily Trust reports that this is the first time the programme will hlod in the state since 2016 when the centre based in Ogun State, started the initiative.
The Grand Mufti of the Conference of Islamic Organizations (CIO), Sheikh Dhikrullah Shafi’i, is one of the trustees of the organization among other notable Islamic personalities.
In their opening remarks, the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahaya Atoloye Alebiosu and Chief Imam of the community, Sheikh Taofik Aliyu Atoloye said the conference and training will help in the preservation of Islam through the enlightenment of clerics who will in turn guide the people towards righteousness”.
They added that the community had longed for a gathering of such magnitude that will change the landscape of Islamic practice and understanding positively for the Imams.
One of the Guest Speakers, Prof AbdulRasaq Abdulmajeed Alaro, in a lecture titled ‘Responsibilities and duties of Imam’, noted that the position of Imam is an office of responsibility and not just a title.
He charged the Imams to be awakened to their duties of leading the congregation to the right path in line with the Islamic teachings
Prof Alaro, a CBN consultant in Islamic banking, urged Imams to revive the mosque to serve its educational and conflict resolution needs of the Muslims among others.
“Imam should always lead the congregation in prayer, be a role model and a spiritual guide through his sermons and preachings.
“They have an economic role to look after the welfare of the congregants by encouraging the wealthy members of his congregation to render financial assistance and empowerment to the indigent members,” he said.
On his part, Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Lagos, Dr. Ridwanullah Jamiu, encouraged Imams to be positive agents in achieving National Unity for the country.
He added that ,“The mosque is a community centre and the Imam is a symbol of unity for all the Muslims who irrespective of their ethnicity, culture and political leanings line up behind him in prayer.
“The Imam is meant to foster national unity and strengthen it by encouraging mutual love among the people irrespective of our differences”.
He further noted that the mosque is not just a place where people come to pray but an avenue of togetherness and service that cuts across the social, economic, intellectual and psychological aspect of the congregation.
Jamiu stressed that, “the mosque is meant to be a multipurpose and educational centre to learn about faith, economic empowerment through Zakat and sadaqah and a place of fellowship where people are brought together irrespective of their social and economic status.”
member of the organising committee, Imam Ismail Yusuf, while speaking to the newsmen said “over 300 Imams mostly the southern Yoruba communities of Kwara State and its environs were assembled to expose them to their roles and modern trends in order to discharge their obligations as spiritual leaders”.
The convener of the conference, Hajia Rahmatallahi Akansin said the rationale behind the conference is to increase the knowledge of the leaders of the Islamic faith who are tasked with the role of correcting the ills in society.
Source:dailytrust.com
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Djibouti ‘profoundly alarmed’ by Mideast situation
ZAIRA LAKHPATWALA
October 01, 2024
NEW YORK CITY: The two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict “is the only solution that can lead to lasting peace and security,” Djibouti’s permanent UN representative told the 79th UN General Assembly on Monday.
However, Israel insists “on maintaining its occupation of Palestinian territory in perpetuity,” Mohamed Siad Doualeh said.
Djibouti is “profoundly alarmed” by the situation in the Middle East, including the West Bank, where “violence continues unabated,” he added.
“We’re profoundly saddened by the continued loss of lives, in particular children in Gaza, the collective punishment of the Palestinian people, the indiscriminate and continued bombings, and the unlawful occupation in the form of a total siege,” Doualeh said.
Furthermore, Israel’s attacks on Lebanon have “accelerated the regional conflagration we all feared,” he added.
Djibouti is hopeful that all parties involved agree to the 21-day ceasefire called for by the US and France last week, as it is imperative to avoid “all-out war” at all costs, he said.
Doualeh also spoke about the conflicts in Yemen, Ukraine and Africa, particularly Sudan, as well as Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
Such “geo-economic fragmentation and trade wars” negatively impact global economic growth and, combined with the “crisis of confidence” among UN member states, undermines the credibility of the “multilateral system,” he said.
Doualeh urged the UNGA to “redouble our efforts, overcome our divisions and undertake collective action” in order to end conflicts and put in place policies, investment programs and partnerships to make up for the delays in the implementation of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
He also emphasized the need for reform of international financial institutions so that “they’re able to respond promptly and effectively to the emergencies and the systemic shocks facing many countries in the world.”
He added: “Financial institutions must provide developing countries with greater subsidies and access to financing under favorable conditions while maintaining their risk tolerance for investments in sustainable development.”
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2573424/middle-east
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Southeast Asia
Anwar attends Google’s US$2 billion data centre groundbreaking
BERNAMA
01-10- 2024
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today attended Google’s groundbreaking ceremony for its US$2 billion (US$1 = RM4.12) data centre and cloud region in Malaysia, held at the inaugural “Mantap Malaysia Bersama AI” event.
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz also attended the event.
The data centre, under construction in Elmina Business Park, Selangor, will address the increasing demand for Google Cloud capabilities, artificial intelligence (AI) innovations, and other digital services used daily by individuals and organisations in Malaysia.
Google’s investment is expected to generate over US$3.2 billion in economic impact and create 26,500 jobs by 2030.
Alphabet and Google president and chief executive officer Ruth Porat reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Malaysia’s digital advancement with the data centre and cloud region in Selangor.
“Google’s investments in infrastructure, digital skilling and sustainability represent progress in our joint efforts with the Government of Malaysia to create high-value jobs and bring the benefits of AI to local communities and companies,” she said at the groundbreaking ceremony here today.
Porat emphasised that Google would support innovation and growth in Malaysia, enabling individuals and businesses to maximise the potential of the digital age.
“As we do this, Google will continue its responsible stewardship of natural resources by improving community watershed health and ecosystems in Malaysia and helping to drive local adoption of renewable energy sources,” she added.
Today’s ceremony follows Google Cloud’s 2022 announcement to establish a local cloud region, aimed at providing public sector organisations, small to medium-sized businesses, startups and large enterprises with faster, more accessible on-demand computing, AI and machine learning (ML) services.
The cloud region will offer high-performance, low-latency services, enabling customers to uphold the highest security, data residency, and compliance standards, including specific data storage requirements.
Source:thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/local-news/anwar-attends-google-s-us-2-billion-data-centre-groundbreaking-AE13061706
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Anwar receives ex-UFC icon Khabib Nurmagomedov for talks on Muslim solidarity
01 Oct 2024
PUTRAJAYA, Oct 1 — Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday.
The mixed martial arts (MMA) legend arrived at Seri Perdana here, the Prime Minister’s official residence, at 6.30 pm.
They had a nearly hour-long meeting which touched on various issues, including Islamic affairs, development of
In a statement following the meeting, Anwar highlighted that all three figures are exemplary sources of inspiration in their respective fields, without neglecting aspects of compassion and mercy.
“I see the importance of personalities like Khabib, Khaled, and Yazan being an inspiration, showing that a good Muslim not only excels professionally but also embodies values of compassion and mercy, especially when confronting Islamophobia,” Anwar said.
Earlier, Anwar joined the guests for the Maghrib prayer.
The 36-year-old Khabib, who holds an undefeated UFC lightweight record of 29-0, retired in 2021 and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2022.
The Dagestani-born athlete came to Malaysia to participate in the ‘Khabib Nurmagomedov Live in Malaysia 2024’ programme, which took place in the federal capital yesterday.
In 2020, Khabib announced his retirement after his fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. — Bernama
Source:malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/10/01/anwar-receives-ex-ufc-icon-khabib-nurmagomedov-for-talks-on-muslim-solidarity/152203
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580 Lawmakers Sworn In for 2024-2029 Term, Including Youngest DPR Member at 23
Yustinus Paat
October 1, 2024
Jakarta. A total of 580 members of the House of Representatives (DPR) and 152 members of the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) for the 2024-2029 period will be sworn in on Tuesday at the parliament complex in Senayan, Jakarta.
The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) has confirmed that Puan Maharani will continue as Speaker of the House of Representatives for the next five years. Puan, the daughter of PDI-P Chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri, made history five years ago as the first woman to serve in this role.
The 2019 law on the legislature grants the party with the most votes in the last election the right to the House speakership. Although this law can be amended by a majority vote, it currently favors PDI-P, which secured over 16 percent of the popular vote in the last election, maintaining its status as the largest party in the DPR, despite a decline from its previous 21 percent share.
Among those being sworn in today is 23-year-old Annisa Maharani Alzahra Mahesa, the youngest member of the DPR for the 2024-2029 period.
A member of the Gerindra Party representing Banten II, Annisa won 122,470 votes from approximately 7,542 polling stations, securing her seat in Senayan. She is the daughter of the late Gerindra politician Desmond Mahesa and earned the second-highest vote count in her electoral district, which includes the cities of Serang, Cilegon, and Serang Regency.
Of the 580 new lawmakers, 25 come from celebrity backgrounds, including actress Arzeti Bilbina from the National Awakening Party (PKB), singer Ashraff Abu from the Golkar Party, actor Dede Yusuf from the Democratic Party, former lead singer of Ungu Band Sigit "Pasha" Purnomo from the National Mandate Party (PAN), TV host Nico Siahaan, and comedian Denny Cagur from PDI-P.
Source:jakartaglobe.id
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https://jakartaglobe.id/news/580-lawmakers-sworn-in-for-20242029-term-including-youngest-dpr-member-at-23
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Mideast
US forces accounted for after reported rocket attack in Baghdad, official says
October 01, 2024
BAGHDAD: Multiple Katyusha rockets were fired near Baghdad International Airport, two Iraqi military officials told Reuters early on Tuesday, but a US official disputed reports that US military forces were targeted in the incident.
“All military personnel are accounted for and military forces were not targeted as had been reported,” the US defense official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The incident was a reminder of the soaring tensions in the Middle East, as speculation swirled about whether Iran and Iran-backed groups would make good on threats to retaliate after a series of Israeli major blows against Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah.
Two Iraqi security sources said an initial investigation showed three rockets were fired, including one that landed near buildings used by Iraqi counter-terrorism forces, causing damages and fire to some vehicles but no casualties.
The sources had previously said at least two Katyusha rockets were also fired at a military base hosting US forces and that air defenses intercepted the rockets.
But the US official said Washington was aware of reports of an attack instead on the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Complex, which is a Department of State facility.
“For details about the incident we refer you to the State Department,” the official said.
A US Department of State is assessing the damage caused by the attack, according to a spokesperson, who said there were no casualties.
Iraq, a rare regional partner of both the United States and Iran, hosts 2,500 US troops and also has Iran-backed armed factions linked to its security forces.
Iran-aligned armed groups in Iraq have repeatedly attacked US troops in the Middle East since the Gaza war began.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2573429/middle-east
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At least 11 Palestinians killed in Israeli strike in Gaza’s Nuseirat camp, Gaza medics say
October 01, 2024
GAZA: At least 11 Palestinians were killed, including women and children, in an Israeli strike on a house in Nuseirat camp in central Gaza Strip, Gaza medics told Reuters early on Tuesday.
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Tehran urges Islamic support for Gaza, Lebanon in face of intl. inaction
September 30, 2024
Mohammad Reza Aref made these remarks during a conversation with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Sunday, where he expressed his condolences for the loss of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, who was assassinated in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut two days prior.
Aref described the extensive assault on residential areas in the Dahieh neighborhood and Nasrallah's martyrdom as a stark demonstration of the Israeli regime's brutality, which he attributed to U.S. backing and emphasized, “Israel bears responsibility for this atrocity.”
He criticized the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, for its failure to respond effectively and urgently to the crises in Lebanon and Gaza, urging all nations committed to law, security, and peace to oppose such unlawful actions boldly.
Aref called for the full utilization of political and diplomatic resources to intensify pressure on Israel to cease its violent attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, insisting that Islamic countries must implement swift, practical, and resolute measures to support Lebanon and Palestine.
Additionally, the Iranian official reiterated Iran’s commitment to providing political and economic support to Lebanon.
In response, Prime Minister Mikati acknowledged Nasrallah's death as a significant loss for Lebanon and urged all nations to extend their support to the country.
Source:tehrantimes.com
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WHO has been preparing for ‘worst-case scenario’ in Lebanon, regional chief tells Arab News
EPHREM KOSSAIFY CASPAR WEBB
September 30, 2024
NEW YORK: The escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is of “grave concern” for the World Health Organization, and the agency is exerting substantial efforts in ensuring that countries in the region are “ready for the worst-case scenario when it comes to health preparation,” WHO’s regional chief has told Arab News.
Dr. Hanan Balkhy, a Saudi physician who was appointed to the role of director for the Eastern Mediterranean in January this year following a distinguished career in medicine, made the comment while she was in New York City last week to rally support for critical public health initiatives.
“When it comes to the health preparation, we were able over the past months to pre-place emergency kits within Lebanon and with a few other neighboring countries to at least sustain some of the commodities that would be needed in case the escalation reached a very high point,” she told Arab News.
“We work very closely with the ministers of health, within the ministries themselves, and we make sure that we can train people on certain skills that we know will be necessary.”
The agency has conducted “hundreds” of training sessions — including mass casualty training, health workforce training and EMT training — within Lebanon and other WHO member states in the region.
Some of those countries have already faced significant pressure on their healthcare systems as a result of Israel’s war in Gaza, Balkhy said.
“There’s big pressure on the member states that are surrounding the Occupied Palestinian Territories, from receiving the (Palestinian) patients and taking care of them, but now there’s actual escalation of war in southern Lebanon.
“So, with that in mind, we’re trying to put together at least the basics that are needed for the worst-case scenario.”
Balkhy voiced concern over the recent pager and walkie-talkie explosions across Lebanon.
On 17 and 18 September 2024, thousands of handheld pagers and hundreds of walkie-talkies intended for use by Hezbollah operatives exploded simultaneously across Lebanon and Syria in an Israeli attack, killing dozens, including two children, and injuring thousands more.
Most of the dead are believed to have been fighters, based on death notices posted online by Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Shiite militia.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has called for an “independent, thorough and transparent investigation” into the mass explosion, adding that “simultaneous targeting of thousands of individuals, whether civilians or members of armed groups, without knowledge as to who was in possession of the targeted devices, their location and their surroundings at the time of the attack, violates international human rights law and, to the extent applicable, international humanitarian law.”
The device explosions led to “very complex injuries in the face and in the hands,” said Balkhy.
Doctors in Lebanon say they had never seen the kind of maiming that resulted from the pager attacks. Described some of the wounds as “horrific,” they said the injuries have ranged from puncture wounds in the face, amputated hands, ruptured eyeballs, abdominal wounds, ruptured bones, and broken jaws.
“We’re looking and seeking to find experts that can help us in identifying the best methods of treatment and how we can support the Lebanese Ministry of Health,” Balkhy said, pointing to “empathy” between member states and “a strong sense of solidarity.”
Balkhy also oversees WHO operations in Gaza, where the healthcare system is “on its knees” according to the UN.
“None of the healthcare facilities are fully functioning,” said Balkhy who witnessed the stark reality of the situation during a visit to Gaza and the West Bank in July.
Over 500 healthcare workers have been killed by Israeli airstrikes since the beginning of the war in October last year, and where out of 36 hospitals, 17 remain only partially functional. Primary healthcare and community-level services are frequently suspended in the battered enclave, due to insecurity, attacks and repeated evacuation orders.
More than 22,500 Palestinians have suffered life-changing injuries since Israel launched its military campaign in retaliation for a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7 during which militants gunned down civilians and snatched people in towns, along highways and at a techno music festival.
Medical staff operating in Gaza are under “significant amounts of pressure and stress,” Balkhy said, with surgeons forced to operate in increasingly makeshift facilities, often without access to basic medical equipment.
“The healthcare facilities are not just buildings. They are buildings, they are medication and instruments, and commodities, they are also the health workforce.
“There’s not one single individual (in Gaza) who has not been faced (with) being asked to move from one point to another.
“Many of them have moved many, many times, but also with the deaths and the losses within their family.”
Yet healthcare workers “continue to stand on their feet and provide care when appropriate,” Balkhy added.
However, the type of traumas and injuries inflicted on Palestinians have been “unprecedented” and “devastating,” requiring “very complex healthcare systems” of the type that Gaza lacks, she said.
“Those who have been working in the humanitarian field for over a decade have acknowledged that the types of compound fractures, soft tissue injuries, skull injuries … need neurosurgeons.
“You need very sophisticated orthopedic surgeons. You need very sophisticated equipment.”
In response, the WHO has worked in tandem with member states to organize medical evacuations across the Middle East and beyond.
Since October 2023, over 5,000 patients have been evacuated for treatment outside Gaza, with over 80 percent receiving care in Egypt, Qatar and the UAE, and a further 10,000 patients are currently in need of medical evacuation for specialized care.
This includes newborn babies requiring intensive care whose families are trying to evacuate them following the bombing of specialist maternity units across Gaza.
Another major concern of health officials has been the growing lack of clean water and sanitary conditions in Gaza.
Hundreds of the enclave’s water filtration and sanitation facilities were destroyed by Israeli airstrikes since the beginning of the war.
Balkhy said that the lack of clean water makes it “very difficult” to provide the basics of healthcare.
She also highlighted the worrying proliferation of mental trauma among the population in Gaza.
“The last thing that worries me and that I saw of significance was what we will be facing from the mental stress disorders among the people who remain there and that will continue to work there.
“We will need, as the WHO, with partners, to help support, rehabilitate and address some of these issues.
“So, there’s a lot. The environment, which is a crucial part of the health and wellbeing of individuals, is extremely disturbing.
Balkhy described scenes of sewage “running in the streets” as well as endless rubble, adding: “It’s extremely devastating to be there on the ground.”
A significant breakthrough in the WHO’s Gaza campaign came earlier this month with the completion of the first round of a polio vaccination campaign.
A month earlier, a 10-year-old baby had been left partly paralyzed by the disease, in what was the enclave’s first reported case in 25 years.
The WHO’s campaign in central Gaza involved more than 2,000 health workers operating across 143 sites.
“We’re very happy that we were able to secure these days of tranquillity to ensure that we conducted the first round of the polio campaign,” said Balkhy.
“The whole world has their eyes on this polio campaign because the success is not just a success for the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Gazans, it’s a success for the world, because pathogens know no borders, and there’s a risk that polio might again spread.”
“So, I’m very happy that that has happened.”
A second round of vaccination is still needed, however, to ensure optimal levels of immunization, Balkhy added.
“Every child needs to receive those two doses, between one to two months apart,” she said.
A second round is set for mid-October, and the WHO will look to “replicate what we did in the first round.
“The WHO, UNICEF, UNRWA and the Ministry of Health of the Palestinian Authority did amazing work to make this happen together,” Balkhy said.
“But also significant credit goes to the workers on the ground.
“All those lessons learned from the first round of the polio campaign will be very much looked at in order to have a more successful and efficient second round for the polio.”
However, Balkhy gave warning that health authorities are only at the beginning of the campaign to rehabilitate living conditions in Gaza.
“As an infectious disease person, as an epidemiologist and as a pediatrician, we have a long way to go to rehabilitate the environment for the people in Gaza to to be living with dignity and with appropriate methods to have proper hygiene, instruments, clean water, soap and so on,” she said.
Balkhy is also focused on Sudan, where millions of people have been displaced by the country’s raging civil war, and famine has been declared in the North Darfur region.
Her latest visit to the country came two weeks ago, when she called for warring factions to abide by international law and end their attacks on healthcare facilities and workers.
The WHO reported in July that since the outbreak of the war in April 2023, more than 88 attacks in Sudan had targeted health facilities, ambulances, patients and workers.
“It’s very important to sustain the regular people, the civilians who are not engaged in any of these wars, to be able to feel secure and that the humanitarians and the health workers can do their job,” Balkhy said.
“We have been able to work with the Ministry of Health of Sudan to come up with very good plans on rehabilitating primary health care and some of the secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities.”
Balkhy also visited a site for internally displaced people, warning that the level of access to clean water and sanitation, as well as the risk of cholera, are “huge challenges.”
She added: “It came also during the rainy season. It was expected — none of this is a surprise. We’ve been talking about this for quite a while.
“We’ve been able to, of course, with the Ministry of Health, establish cholera treatment centers and rehydration centers.
“So, the immunization program is is moving forward. We’re trying our best — it’s not optimal. But we do hope that we will be able to access as many children as possible.”
At the General Assembly in New York City, Balkhy eyed a breakthrough resolution in a high-level meeting on antimicrobial resistance.
“It’s the silent pandemic. I have led the Directorate of Antimicrobial Resistance as the first assistant director general in Geneva for close to five years,” she said.
“The fruition of reaching to this point of a high-level meeting — hopefully the resolution has clear, objectives, clear commitments and targets for the member states to focus.”
Despite the combined burden of Gaza and Sudan, and fears mounting over a new war in Lebanon, the WHO is “ready to do its full job and its full role in supporting the elevation of health and leaving nobody behind,” Balkhy said.
That, however, requires heads of state to meet their own responsibilities, she said.
“Secure peace for the world so that we can move on with our agendas and truly walk the talk of leading to our SDGs, leaving nobody behind.
“But without peace and without everybody working together, that is not possible.
Source:arabnews.com
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Israel court says Palestinian body can be held for hostage deal
September 30, 2024
JERUSALEM: Israel’s Supreme Court on Monday ruled authorities have the right to hold the body of a Palestinian prisoner to aid hostage negotiations, rejecting an appeal for return of the corpse.
Walid Daqqa — a Palestinian of Israeli nationality — died from cancer while still in custody in April.
He had spent 38 years in detention for the kidnapping and murder of an Israeli soldier in 1984.
After his death, his remains were held by Israeli authorities due to negotiations then underway for an exchange between Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons, and hostages as well as the bodies of dead captives held by Hamas militants in Gaza.
“The military command has the authority to order the holding of the bodies of terrorists for the purposes of negotiations, including the bodies of terrorists who are citizens of Israel,” the court said in a statement.
Hamas’s unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people on the Israel side, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures that include hostages killed in captivity.
Of the 251 hostages seized by militants, 97 are still held in Gaza, including 33 the Israeli military says are dead.
There are currently more than 9,600 Palestinian prisoners in Israel, according to civil society organizations monitoring prisons.
The court’s decision drew criticism from Adalah, an advocacy group for Arab minority rights in Israel, which had filed the appeal.
“The Israeli Supreme Court has sanctioned the government’s brutal policy of withholding the bodies of Palestinians, including citizens of Israel, purely based on security assessments of their potential value to be exploited as bargaining chips in negotiations for Jewish Israeli hostages,” the group said in a statement.
Israel has been holding the bodies of dozens of Palestinians for years, including the remains of members of armed groups killed during clashes that caused Israeli casualties.
Source:arabnews.com
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Gaza children ‘extremely impacted’ by war: UNICEF
September 30, 2024
JERUSALEM: Nearly a year of devastating war has left Gaza’s 2.4 million people enduring a humanitarian tragedy, with children in the besieged territory the most vulnerable, a UNICEF official told AFP in an interview.
Jonathan Crickx, the UN agency’s spokesman for the Palestinian territories, has returned this month from a week-long mission to Gaza, still heavily impacted even as Israel shifts its military focus to Lebanon.
He talked to AFP about the plight of Gaza’s children, who have not had a single day of education since the Israel-Hamas war broke out on October 7.
“You see children who are not allowed to have the life of normal children, no education, no play, no joy,” Crickx said.
“The faces of these children are... so sad.”
Most children he saw in the war-battered Palestinian territory were helping their family as they no longer had classes to attend.
“So, you see a lot of children carrying these dirty yellow plastic jerrycans” with up to 25 liters of water, he said.
“I’ve seen children pushing these jerrycans with a broken wheelchair, trying to bring water, which is one of the major issues... in the Gaza Strip.”
Crickx said it was heartbreaking to see children, some as young as five or six, trying to find food for their families.
They are “walking in huge piles of garbage and trying to get whatever they can,” he said.
“These children are extremely impacted by the violence and the bombings and insecurity they have been through for a year.”
Crickx vividly remembers his conversation with Ahmad, a 10-year-old Gazan boy who lived with his family in a displacement camp in southern Gaza.
The boy’s uncle had died a horrific death, Crickx said.
Ahmad “was saying things that a 10-year-old should not tell you, how the body was in pieces, how the head was far away,” he recalled.
“This is extremely intense and difficult to hear from a 10-year-old child.”
Many children in Gaza have lost at least one of their parents, said Crickx.
Exact figures are unavailable, “but the frequency at which we meet with those children is very high,” he said.
UNICEF estimates that there are 19,000 children who are unaccompanied or have been separated from their parents, he said.
On top of that, not a single school is functioning across Gaza, he said, and 85 percent of all school buildings have been destroyed by the fighting.
“You have the entire population of school-aged children who didn’t attend a single hour of class in the past 12 months,” Crickx said.
“What is really striking is how they want to go to school, how they want to play with their friends, how they want to see their teachers... education, learning give hope.”
UN agencies and aid groups have warned of the spread of preventable disease and other health risks compounded by the war.
“With a very high level of density of people, extremely bad hygiene conditions, high temperatures, too little access to a bathroom, it’s the perfect, terrible recipe for the emergence of diseases,” Crickx said.
Many children are sick and need treatment, but most hospitals across Gaza are not functioning.
“This situation is really leading to children not getting the proper treatment that they need,” Crickx said.
He said he had met four children in northern Gaza’s Kamal Adwan hospital who were suffering from cancer or heart problems.
“These children actually need an immediate medical evacuation (or) they will not make it,” he said.
Source:arabnews.com
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The Golden Mosque symbolizes the deep ties between my two homelands: Turkish envoy
By Passant Hisham
September 30, 2024
KUWAIT: Turkish Ambassador to Kuwait, Tuba Nur Sonmez, described how the Badriya Nasser Al-Jiean Mosque, not only stands as a place of worship but, “a beautiful symbol of the enduring religious and cultural bonds rooted in history between my homeland, Turkey, and my second home, Kuwait.” During a tour organized on Sunday by the Turkish Embassy to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations, she highlighted how the mosque, also known as “The Golden Mosque”, embodies the deep cultural connections between the two countries, blending Ottoman architectural brilliance and Kuwaiti architectural styles.
Expressing her heartfelt gratitude to the donors, especially Sheikh Miteb Al-Sabah, Sheikh Thamer Al-Sabah, and Sheikha Hanoof Al-Sabah children of Badriya Nasser Al-Jiean, the ambassador said that the mosque serves as a sign of their generosity. Evoking the architectural mastery of the renowned Mimar Sinan, the chief Ottoman architect of the 16th century, Ambassador Tuba added that the craftsmanship behind the mosque exemplifies the close collaboration between Turkish and Kuwaiti teams in creating this architectural masterpiece.
Completing the mosque required almost two years, according to its designer, Mohamed Ibrahim Amr. In an interview with Kuwait Times, he highlighted the contribution of a dedicated diverse workforce from Kuwait and Turkey to finishing the project, which was officially inaugurated in 2021. Amr added that he sourced all materials from Turkey, to achieve a harmonious integration of construction and design elements.
The diverse team behind the project, he said, aimed to blend traditional Ottoman design with Kuwaiti culture and the local environment, as reflected in the earthy colors of the exterior, which suits Kuwait’s dusty climate. The mosque also includes a diwaniya, a gathering area common in Kuwaiti culture, allowing the imam to engage with worshippers and teach students the Quran without disturbance.
A standout feature of the mosque, according to Amr, is its impressive large dome design, which consists of 15 smaller domes and four minarets, each reaching a height of 50 meters. This remarkable architecture, as he added, is complemented by the use of special materials, including golden titanium, travertine stone, and stained glass. Amr concluded by mentioning that the main prayer area accommodates around 1,000 male and 400 female worshippers, with the extra space for outdoor gatherings.
Source:kuwaittimes.com
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Islamic Jihad condemns Zionist assault on Hodeida seaport
30 Sep 2024
Gaza - Saba: Palestine's Islamic Jihad Movement on Sunday condemned the Zionist assault on Hodeida seaport as another war crime to be added to a series of crimes committed by the enemy.
The bloods shed in this crime will only strengthen the Yemeni people's determination to keep on hurting the enemy until the latter is defeated, the Movement said in a statement, hailing the Yemeni people's courage in support of the Palestinian people.
Source:saba.ye
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Pakistan
Islamic Relief, NDRMF join forces to combat climate challenges in Pakistan
October 01, 2024
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan, one of the most climate-vulnerable nations globally, is grappling with an increasing frequency of extreme weather events like floods and droughts. These recurring disasters, highlighted by the catastrophic 2022 floods, continue to threaten the lives and livelihoods of millions, putting vulnerable communities at significant risk. In response, Islamic Relief, in partnership with the National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF), has taken proactive steps to mitigate these challenges through the “RAPID: The Resilient Reflections” initiative.
The event, organised by Islamic Relief and NDRMF, was part of the Resilient and Adaptive Population in Disaster (RAPID) project, supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). It aims to address the climate-induced challenges in districts across Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, regions severely affected by natural disasters. The RAPID-I project was successfully implemented in Chagai and Quetta, while RAPID-II recently concluded in D.I. Khan, focusing on flood protection against hill torrents from the Koh-e-Sulaiman mountain range.
These projects have made a significant impact in reducing the risk of flash floods, preserving water resources, preventing land degradation, and mitigating seismic activity. Interventions like check dams, reservoirs, and retrofitting schools and hospitals have greatly enhanced the resilience of these vulnerable communities. The event provided a platform for stakeholders, including government officials, donors, and community members, to reflect on the achievements of the RAPID project and discuss future climate resilience efforts.
Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, emphasized the need for regional solutions and learning from global best practices. “Pakistan, being part of the V20 group of vulnerable countries, must develop strong adaptation plans to mitigate the immense losses caused by natural disasters,” she stated. Alam further stressed that these challenges go beyond economic damage, as disasters also cause immense psychological trauma due to the loss of homes and loved ones. She called for a shift toward proactive measures instead of relying on international conferences like COP meetings to address pressing issues.
Chief Guest Senator Sherry Rehman, Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change, discussed the growing resource scarcity impacting large populations. “We must integrate disaster risk reduction (DRR) into all our national plans,” she urged, pointing out the fragile state of Pakistan’s most vulnerable communities. Rehman highlighted the global negligence toward DRR and adaptation, stressing the need for greater international support to combat the growing risks posed by climate change. She also criticized the global fossil fuel industry for failing to act, stating, “The 2022 floods weren’t fate—they were driven by global emissions.”
Asif Sherazi, Country Director of Islamic Relief Pakistan, underscored the importance of collective action in addressing climate change, noting that the 2022 floods served as a wake-up call. “Since then, Islamic Relief and its partners have been working tirelessly to implement transformative actions that not only save lives but also empower communities to secure their future,” Sherazi remarked. He added that Islamic Relief remains committed to building climate resilience in Pakistan, particularly in the most vulnerable areas.
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Pakistan, Mohamed Yahya, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the challenges faced by Pakistan due to climate change impacts largely caused by others. He urged stronger partnerships between the government and private sector to bring innovation and expertise to the table. Yahya also emphasized that Pakistan cannot face climate vulnerabilities alone, calling for more international collaboration.
The event included a panel discussion featuring representatives from international humanitarian organizations, UN agencies, civil society, and government officials. Participants shared insights and proposed solutions to enhance disaster risk reduction efforts and build community resilience. The conversation focused on the importance of localized solutions, community participation, and stronger adaptation strategies to address Pakistan’s unique challenges.
Nathan A. Rive, Climate Change Specialist at the Asian Development Bank, praised Pakistan’s pioneering climate policies but pointed out the gap between policy and implementation. “Pakistan has laid the groundwork with strong policies, but now we need more projects that can attract the necessary financing,” he noted.
The event concluded with a collective commitment to continue supporting Pakistan’s most vulnerable communities and to scale up efforts in building climate resilience across the country.
Source:nation.com.pk
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2 Arrested as Mandi Bahauddin Police Bust Suspected Paedophile Ring
Zaheer Abbas Sial
September 30, 2024
The Mandi Bahauddin police on Monday said two people were arrested as they busted a suspected gang of child predators who allegedly molested children and filmed the assaults.
District Police Officer (DPO) Ahmad Mohiuddin told Dawn.com that the action was taken after he took notice of four cases registered at the Civil Lines police station from September 24-29 under Sections 375A (gang rape), 376iii (punishment for rape of a minor) and 511 (attempting to commit offences punishable by life imprisonment) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).
DPO Mohiuddin said he immediately took notice and ordered the district superintendent of police (DSP) to arrest the suspects and submit an incident report at the earliest, after which two suspects were arrested from the areas of Makhanwala and Tariqabad with raid teams seizing a mobile phone, a laptop and a USB drive.
He added that one suspect secured interim bail and that a fourth suspect was on the run.
“Police teams are currently searching for him,” the DPO said. “We are hoping to find him by tonight.”.
Mandi Bahauddin Police Spokesperson Ajmal Waheed Gul told Dawn.com that the arrested suspects allegedly lured the children to a shop where the gang molested them.
“They filmed the assaults on their phones and used the videos as blackmail,” he added.
“These are operatives of the same gang,” the DPO said, adding that a medical examination of the victims was being performed.
DPO Mohiuddin added that the victims ranged in age between 8 and 13. He said that some of them refused to come forward “due to social stigma”.
Previously, more than 40 separate cases of abduction and sexual violence against women were reported in Mandi Bahauddin district in July.
According to 46 first information reports (FIRs), seen by Dawn.com, the incidents occurred from July 1 to July 24.
The various cases were registered under PPC Sections 376 (rape), 376iii (rape of a minor), 365B (kidnapping, abducting or inducing woman to compel for marriage etc.), 496-A (enticing or taking away or detaining with criminal intent a woman), 114 (abettor present when offence is committed) and/or 511 (punishment for attempting to commit offences punishable with imprisonment for life or a shorter term).
The FIRs revealed details regarding abduction, sexual assault, and physical abuse of young girls and adolescents by various means and pretexts.
The ages of the affected women and adolescents ranged from 10 to 28 years with the majority being underage girls between the ages of 10 and 18.
Earlier this year, data compiled by Sahil, an NGO working for children’s rights, showed that 11 children were abused every day in 2023, with mostly acquaintances and relatives involved in the heinous act.
The report said that in 2023, a total number of 4,213 child abuse cases had been reported from all four provinces as well as the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). The total number of cases included reported cases of child sexual abuse, cases of abduction, cases of missing children, and child marriages.
A gender-divide analysis of the data showed that out of the total reported cases, 2,251 (53 per cent) of victims were girls and 1,962 (47 per cent) were boys. The reported age showed that children were most vulnerable to abuse in the age group of 6-15 years, in which more cases of boys than girls were reported.
Moreover, children as young as 0-5 years were also sexually abused. The abuser’s category in the report indicated that acquaintances were still the most involved in child sexual abuse, along with relatives, family members, strangers and women abettors.
The report also showed that out of the total 4,213 reported cases, 75pc were reported from Punjab, 13pc cases from Sindh, 7pc cases from Islamabad capital territory, 3pc cases from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and 2pc cases from Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).
Source:dawn.com
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New Toshakhana case: Court throws out Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi's bail pleas
By Shabbir Dar
September 30, 2024
RAWALPINDI: A court on Monday threw out the petitions filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife and former first lady Bushra Bibi seeking bail in the new Toshakhana case wherein they face allegations of misuse of powers to acquire state gifts.
During the hearing inside the Adiala jail, where the former PM and first lady also appeared, Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjumand announced the verdict on the bail pleas filed by the couple.
Today's development comes as the duo is set to be indicted in the said case on October 2 after the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) was barred from pursuing the matter and the case was transferred to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in line with the Supreme Court's verdict restoring amendments to the anti-corruption laws.
The deposed prime minister has been imprisoned for almost a year upon his conviction in four cases — two Toshakhana references, the cipher case, and the Iddat case, in which his wife is also incarcerated.
The new Toshakhana reference against the couple came to the fore after NAB arrested them shortly after a district and sessions court in Islamabad acquitted Khan and Bushra in the iddat case — also known as the un-Islamic nikah case.
During the hearing today, the FIA prosecutor said that the suspects received the Bulgari (Bvlgari) jewellery set from Saudi Arabia and apprised the court that the agency had obtained records of a necklace and earrings from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"According to the records, both items are valued at Rs71.5 million," said the prosecutor adding that the couple got it valued at Rs5.8 million from a private firm.
Requesting the court to deny the couple's bail plea, he further said that the suspects also failed to submit the said jewellery set in the Toshakhana repository — a department under the administrative control of the Cabinet Division that stores precious gifts given to rulers, parliamentarians, bureaucrats and officials by heads of other governments and states and foreign dignitaries as a goodwill gesture.
Representing the PTI founder and former first lady, Barrister Salman Safdar contended that the new Toshakhana case was similar to the previous one with similar allegations and approvers.
Referring to the September 6 SC verdict restoring the NAB amendments, the lawyer said that the Toshakhana case against his clients should come to an end following the top court's ruling.
The court then reserved its verdict, and later announced it after a break in the hearing.
Jewellery set case
The jewellery set — comprising a ring, bracelet, necklace a pair of earrings — was gifted to the former first lady on her visit to Saudi Arabia in May 2021, as per the NAB's reference.
It said the PTI founder and his wife have illegally kept the jewellery set.
It added that the deputy military secretary briefed the Toshakhana section officer to estimate and declare the price of the jewellery set.
The jewellery set, it mentioned, was not deposited in Toshakhana.
The jewellery company sold the necklace for €300,000 and earrings for €80,000 on May 25, 2018. The information regarding the price of the bracelet and ring could not be obtained from the company.
On May 28, 2021, the price of the jewellery set was estimated at Rs70.56 million; the price of the necklace was Rs50.64 million and the price of the earrings included in the jewellery valued at Rs10.50 million back then.
According to the rules, the 50% price of the jewellery set is approximately Rs30.57 million.
The national exchequer suffered a loss of approximately Rs30.28 after the jewellery was undervalued.
As per the reference, the PTI founder and his wife violated the NAB Ordinance. It added that an inquiry was initiated against the former first couple on the instructions of the NAB chairman on August 1, 2022.
"[The] PTI founder and Bushra have misused their powers. [The] PTI founder retained 58 out of 108 gifts during his prime ministership," read the reference.
The 71-year-old cricketer-turned-politician has been in prison for more than a year after he was booked in a plethora of cases, including the Toshakhana case, cipher case, and the un-Islamic marriage case.
Despite securing relief in several cases, the PTI founder remains behind bars after he was booked in the new Toshakhana case and other cases related to the May 9 mayhem.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1235392-new-toshakhana-case-court-throws-out-imran-khan-bushra-bibis-bail-pleas
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Imran challenges govt with D-Chowk protest call
Syed Irfan Raza
October 1, 2024
ISLAMABAD: PTI has given a fresh call for countrywide protests for the “independence of judiciary”, including a demonstration in Islamabad where all such gatherings are banned.
According to an announcement attributed to PTI founder Imran Khan, a protest will be held at D-Chowk in Islamabad on Oct 4.
The plan was announced a day after Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur threatened the federal government and other institutions with dire consequences if action against PTI workers was not stopped.
On Monday, Mr Gandapur again vowed to hold a protest at any location announced by the former prime minister.
As per the PTI founder’s announcement, the party will hold protests in Mianwali, Faisalabad, and Bahawalpur tomorrow (Wednesday).
A similar demonstration will be staged at Minar-i-Pakistan in Lahore on Oct 5.
The PTI has called for a protest in Islamabad despite a fresh law which imposed a blanket ban on public gatherings and meetings in the capital.
Under the ‘Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill 2024’, every party wanting to hold a protest has to appoint an event coordinator who would write to the district magistrate for permission to hold the gathering at least seven days before the intended date of the event.
“Upon receipt of the application, the district magistrate, before granting permission, shall examine the prevailing law and order situation and obtain security clearance reports from law enforcement agencies,” the law stated.
It also empowers the federal government to designate a specific area of the Islamabad capital territory as a ‘red zone’ or ‘high-security zone’, thereby prohibiting all types of assemblies in that area.
After the party’s last rally in Sangjani area of Islamabad where leaders made fiery speeches, at least 11 PTI MNAs were arrested from various parts of Islamabad, including the Parliament House.
Some of the leaders were produced in an anti-terrorism court which handed over their custody to Sangjani police for eight days on physical remand.
Later, the Islamabad High Court struck down the remand, and the lawmakers attended the National Assembly session after the speaker had issued their production orders.
Imran backs Gandapur
According to the announcement, the PTI founder has also conveyed the protest programme to CM Gandapur.
Criticising the present regime, Mr Khan said the government wanted to crush PTI under what he called the “London plan”. “I was put in jail under the same plan.”
He claimed the PTI always staged a peaceful protest, but the law itself failed to protect his party. “Our women are languishing in jail. A case was registered against an 80-year-old woman, but no one cares,” Mr Khan complained.
The PTI founder said that CM Gandapur marched towards Islamabad and has “rightly said that the revolution is imminent”.
“He [Mr Gandapur] conveyed my point of view to the people,” Mr Khan added.
In an apparent reaction to the constitutional package proposed by the government regarding judges of the Supreme Court, the PTI founder said: “We will defend the judiciary and will continue a struggle for real freedom.”
He said his wife has also been kept in jail for several months. “They want to break me in jail. People should not be afraid of being imprisoned.”
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1862284/imran-challenges-govt-with-d-chowk-protest-call
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Top court sets aside LHC order on election tribunals
Nasir Iqbal
October 1, 2024
• CJP calls for ‘cautious approach’ in matters involving constitutional bodies, office-holders; says verdict was ‘uncalled for’ after meeting between LHC CJ and ECP chief
• Justice Mandokhail says commission can only ask for one judge against a tribunal; primacy lies in high court chief justice’s final opinion
ISLAMABAD: As it set aside the order of the Lahore High Court (LHC) and a subsequent notification regarding election tribunals to hear poll-related complaints, the Supreme Court on Monday advocated a cautious approach in cases where a constitutional body or constitutional office-holder was party to a dispute, stressing that adjudication in such matters should be the last resort.
“The people, who we all eventually serve, expect nothing less,” observed Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa. He was heading a five-judge SC bench hearing an appeal by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) seeking a final determination on whether the commission or the LHC enjoyed primacy in the appointment of election tribunals.
Moved through senior counsel Sikandar Bashir Mohmand, the appeal before the Supreme Court had sought to overturn the LHC pronouncement.
At the last hearing on Sept 24, the apex court was told that four out of eight election tribunals had become functional in Punjab to settle election disputes, whereas the rest of the tribunals would be notified by the ECP. The judgement, however, set aside the LHC order, as well as the subsequent June 12, 2024 notification of appointing the tribunals.
The judgement said further adjudication was uncalled after the meeting between Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court Aalia Neelum and the ECP since the matter had been amicably resolved to the satisfaction of both.
Moreover, since such a dispute might one day have to be adjudicated upon, the court held that anything stated in the impugned judgement of the LHC should not be referred to before any court, the order said.
In his additional note, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail observed that the ECP was a constitutional body and LHC judges were holding constitutional posts. “It is expected that members of both institutions must respect each other, and in case of any issue, they are supposed to have a meaningful consultation.”
In the case at hand, there was no meeting between the two institutions; therefore, there was no proper consultation, which resulted in litigation. During the pendency of these appeals, when the high court CJ and the ECP decided to have a meaningful consultation, consensus developed.
Justice Mandokhail observed that the Constitution and Section 140 of the Elections Act 2017 did not provide for any provision enabling the commission to request for a panel of judges for the purpose of appointment as tribunals. The intention of the legislature is evident from the fact that it did not assign power to the commission to ask for a panel of judges and pick and choose a judge of its own choice among them.
The commission must have faith in every judge and can only ask a judge against each tribunal, Justice Mandokhail observed, adding the primacy, therefore, lies in the final opinion of the high court CJ.
No doubt, the power to appoint tribunals rests only with the ECP, Justice Mandokhail observed, but in order to ensure a free and fair election, an independent machinery is necessary.
Therefore, the power to adjudicate such delicate tasks has been assigned to the judiciary, Justice Mandokhail, adding that in the case of appointing a sitting judge of a high court, consultation with the CJ of the high court concerned by the commission was a condition precedent.
The purpose of consultations is because of the realisation that the CJ is not only the administrative head of the high court but also in the best position to know and assess the suitability and availability of the judges.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1862288/top-court-sets-aside-lhc-order-on-election-tribunals
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Centre’s ‘parsimony’ with relief funds irks PPP
Saleem Shahid
October 1, 2024
QUETTA: PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has expressed resentment over the withholding of foreign aid by the federal government, which was given to rehabilitate the victims of the 2022 floods.
He made these remarks on Monday at an event to distribute compensation cheques distribution among the flood affectees.
The PPP chairman expressed his displeasure over being invited to distribute money “among a few victims” who have been displaced for more than two years now.
Mr Bhutto-Zardari said as foreign minister in 2022, he and then-PM Shehbaz Sharif secured aid from foreign countries and lenders with a pledge that the government would match their donations to rehabilitate the displaced population.
He referred to a $400m loan given by the World Bank and complained that the federal government got the money in US dollars, but it is giving it to Balochistan in rupees.
“Even then, the Centre was exerting control over how this money would be spent,” he said, lamenting that not a single house damaged during the floods had been rebuilt in Balochistan.
He warned that the 2022 flood wasn’t the last natural disaster faced by the country.
“Next time, we will have to go to these donors again. They will ask us about the commitments made last time,” he said, adding that the slow pace of rehabilitation would create problems for any future government.
He urged the federal and provincial governments to take immediate steps to address the issues faced by those who were severely affected by the natural disaster. “If both governments contribute, we can help more people.”
Earlier, the PPP chairman addressed an event organised by the Peoples Lawyers Forum, where he stressed the urgent need for judicial reforms and a Constitutional Court.
The PPP “will not be intimidated by threats” from lawyers on the issue of constitutional amendments, he vowed.
He said his late mother and former prime minister Benazir Bhutto envisaged a Constitutional Court where all four provinces have equal representation.
While referring to the Charter of Democracy, signed by his mother and PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, the PPP chairman said Ms Bhutto had promised to introduce judicial reforms and establish constitutional courts for swift justice.
“The current political environment presents an opportunity to realise this component of the Charter of Democracy.”
He added that no party has a two-thirds majority in parliament and any decision with regards to setting up constitutional courts has to be made with consensus.
While explaining the rationale for setting up a new court, Mr Bhutto-Zardari claimed constitutional courts would be empowered to take up political cases which comprise 15 per cent of the total cases in the Supreme Court but consume 90pc of the court’s time.
He said the PPP wants to set up a Constitutional Court in the Centre and each province to help high courts provide expeditious justice.
“This would allow the existing courts to provide justice in civil and criminal matters, which would benefit people,” he said, adding that there is a consensus among PPP, PML-N, and JUI-F on this point.
However, he added the formation of new courts alone wouldn’t clear the backlog of cases and called for a review of the appointment process of judges.
The PPP has proposed repealing the 19th Amendment, and judges should be appointed according to the process outlined in the 18th Amendment.
However, he added that PML-N and JUI-F might not agree with this proposal as they want to merge the existing Judicial Commission and the parliamentary committee for the appointment of judges.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1862281/centres-parsimony-with-relief-funds-irks-ppp
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Three bikes torched after clash in Karachi’s Malir
The Newspaper's Staff Reporter
October 1, 2024
KARACHI: Three motorcycles were set on fire after a clash between two supposed rival groups outside Malir courts on Monday, police said.
Malir SP Saeed Rind told Dawn that a clash had erupted between two groups some months ago in which one person was killed.
On Monday, both the groups arrived at the Malir courts for hearing of the case when another clash broke out between them on the court premises , the SP added.
He said when one side came out from the court; other side was ostensibly waiting for them near Salman Tower on main National Highway. They started fighting with each other and resorted to aerial firing as well. Then they set three motorcycles on fire.
During the clash, traffic remained suspended on the highway as it triggered fear and chaos in the locality, SP Rind said.
Contingents of the police rushed to the spot and arrested 10 suspects from both sides, he added.
Young man stabbed to death
A young man was found murdered in Korangi on Monday.
Zaman Town SHO Ateequr Rehman said that the deceased, 30-year-old Arsalan Shakoor, was stabbed and killed in Madina Colony near Sona Chandi Hall.
The SHO said that during initial probe, it transpired that he was killed allegedly by a suspect named Amir, adding that Amir’s wife, Sabiha, had left him after developing differences over some issue but she did not get divorce from him. She was reportedly living with victim Arsalan for last one year without any Nikah, the officer added.
He said they had got information from sources said that Arsalan was killed somewhere else and later on his body was thrown in their area in a rickshaw.
The corpse was shifted to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre for medico-legal formalities.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1862250/three-bikes-torched-after-clash-in-karachis-malir
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Arab World
American Author, Walter Isaacson, Praises Saudi Arabia’s Renewable Energy Revolution
September 30, 2024
RIYADH: Distinguished American author Walter Isaacson praised the Kingdom’s burgeoning entrepreneurship, particularly within the energy and development sectors, during his appearance at the Riyadh International Book Fair.
In a dialogue session focused on lessons from the greatest minds in history, Isaacson highlighted the Kingdom’s developmental revolution, particularly in renewable energy, as evidenced by the surge in innovation and the proliferation of solar panels.
Moderator Yasmin Al-Khowaiter emphasized Isaacson’s expertise in crafting biographies of globally significant figures and explored leadership concepts among the influential personalities whose lives the author has chronicled.
Isaacson examined the creative revolutions led by pioneering figures and acclaimed leaders in their fields.
He pointed to key factors essential for fostering creativity in practice, including curiosity, exploration, out-of-the-box thinking, passion, humility, poise, simplicity in execution, precise task delineation, and adherence to ethical principles.
Isaacson traced the evolution of creativity across epochs, beginning with the intellectual revolution of Benjamin Franklin, progressing to the nuclear era represented by Albert Einstein, advancing into the digital age with Steve Jobs, and culminating in the space revolution led by Elon Musk.
The Riyadh International Book Fair 2024, organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, runs from Sept. 26 to Oct. 5 at King Saud University.
This year’s theme, “Riyadh Reads,” seeks to elevate the Kingdom’s cultural standing both regionally and globally.
The fair offers a wide array of cultural, artistic, and entertainment events, featuring over 200 activities designed for all age groups.
Attendees can engage in seminars, dialogue sessions, lectures, poetry evenings, and workshops led by a distinguished group of writers and thinkers from Saudi Arabia and around the world. These sessions cover a broad range of subjects and disciplines.
This year’s guest of honor is Qatar, offering visitors a rich cultural experience that highlights the country’s literary and intellectual achievements, cultural heritage, history and arts.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2573378/saudi-arabia
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Falconers flock to north Saudi as hunting season begins
October 01, 2024
RIYADH: As hunting season begins this month, falconers from the Kingdom and the GCC are flocking to the Al-Hammad area, east of Arar in the northern border of Saudi Arabia.
The Al-Hammad area is a renowned stopover for migratory birds during the hunting season, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
For visitors, there are also opportunities for camping, tours and participation in traditional arts and crafts, including playing the rababa and reciting poetry.
In addition, the area is known for the sale of falcons, making it a popular destination for buyers.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2573441/saudi-arabia
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Saudi FM discusses developments in Lebanon with French, Lebanese counterparts
September 30, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed developments in Lebanon with his French and Lebanese counterparts in phone calls on Monday.
In a phone call with Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, Prince Faisal stressed the Kingdom’s support for Lebanon’s security and stability.
During a separate phone call, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and Prince Faisal discussed the consequences of developments in Lebanon and efforts made in this regard.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2573413/saudi-arabia
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Saudi Arabia boosts cochlear implant care
September 30, 2024
RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Health’s cochlear implant program performs more than 500 surgeries annually and boasts a 100 percent success rate.
In the first half of 2024 some 288 surgeries were conducted, according to the ministry.
The program provides essential treatment through health clusters, which encompass 17 cochlear implant and rehabilitation centers nationwide, all equipped with advanced facilities offering comprehensive healthcare services.
It aims to support individuals with hearing impairments, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
These centers are staffed by highly skilled medical professionals utilizing state-of-the-art technology for holistic care.
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a global leader in cochlear implants is reflected in the expansion of its centers — increasing from five in 2018 to 17 today — which underscores the nation’s dedication to top-tier care for those with hearing challenges.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2573403/saudi-arabia
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Saudi Arabia boosts security with new facilities, digital services
September 30, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif inaugurated the new General Directorate of Public Security building in Riyadh on Monday.
He went on to inspect the facilities, security equipment, and advanced technology that enhance security capabilities and create an integrated work environment.
Prince Abdulaziz also opened the Innovation Center and the Indicators and Artificial Intelligence Center, which aim to improve security operations through modern technology while promoting digital transformation.
As part of ongoing efforts to automate services, Prince Abdulaziz has also launched several new offerings on the Absher Individuals platform covering accident registration, vehicle license printing, digital air weapon licenses, accident reports, vehicle data reports, and driving licenses.
In addition, new services for rock-cutting technicians’ licenses and transporting rock-cutting materials have been introduced on the Absher Business platform.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2573383/saudi-arabia
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Camel festivals attract investors, promote growth
September 30, 2024
RIYADH: The judging committee and spectators at the Camel Avenue Festival in Taif witnessed a dazzling display of over 1,900 camels in a single day, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Since Sept. 19, camel owners have competed in 36 rounds. The festival, which ends on Oct. 1, features a total of 40 rounds and offers 300 prizes worth SR20 million ($5.3 million).
Camel festivals are valuable for heritage and economic growth, providing significant opportunities for citizens and investors in the camel industry.
The economic returns from these festivals stimulate investment and create new avenues for growth in Saudi Arabia.
Marzouq bin Fawaz Al-Dhiabi, an investor in the camel market, said that auction sales alone reached over SR6 million, while private deals among owners exceeded SR30 million.
The festival’s camel market saw more than 250 daily transactions involving a wide range of camels.
About 15,000 camels of various colors were on display, attracting investors from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2573368/saudi-arabia
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Europe
Mufti of Chechnya elected leader of North Caucasian Muslims
30 September 2024
By Luiza Mchedlishvili
The Mufti of Chechnya and known advisor to Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, Salakh Mezhiev, has been elected chair of the Coordination Centre of Muslims of the North Caucasus.
On 28 September, the Council of Muftis unanimously elected Mezhiyev during a meeting in Cherkessk, the capital city of Karachay–Cherkessia.
‘I congratulate the respected Sheikh Salakh-Khadzhi Mezhiev on his election to this post. I am confident that he will justify the high trust placed in him by religious leaders of the North Caucasus and will make every effort for the fruitful activities of the [Coordination Centre of Muslims of the North Caucasus] for the benefit of Muslims of the Caucasus and all residents of Russia’, Kadyrov wrote on Telegram.
The Coordination Centre unites the nine Muftiates of the North Caucasus — the traditional representative bodies of local Muslims — and their heads, the Muftis.
The meeting to elect a new chair was held two months after the death of the association’s previous head, the Mufti of Karachay–Cherkessia, Islam Berdiyev, who had held the post since 2003.
Who is Salakh Mezhiev?
Mezhiev was elected Mufti of Chechnya in 2014 at the Congress of Muslims of the Chechen Republic. He has also held the post of Advisor to the Head of the Chechen Republic, and was believed to be part of Kadyrov’s inner circle. In February 2024, he received the title of ‘Hero of Chechnya’ for his alleged ‘personal contribution to the achievement of goals and objectives' in the war in Ukraine.
Over the last decade, he has often appeared publicly belittling and reprimanding residents of Chechnya.
In 2019, state television channel Grozy TV aired a story in which 16-year-old Magomed Akhmatov was scolded by Mezhiev for writing critical comments about the authorities on Instagram. Mezhiev accused Akhmatov, who spent most of the programme in tears and apologising for his behaviour, of becoming ‘a comrade of the enemies of Islam’.
In 2020, Mezhiev, together with the head of the Grozny Ministry of Internal Affairs, Aslan Iraskhanov, held an ‘educational meeting’ on the state-run TV channel during which he scolded and forced four women to remove their niqabs. Mezhiev then ordered the women’s male relatives to ensure that they did not wear this item of clothing in the future.
Mezhiev also appeared to justify the murder of Salman Tepsurkaev, an alleged administrator of the opposition Telegram channel 1adat. After Tepsurkaev was kidnapped by Chechen security forces and forced to sodomise himself with a glass bottle, Mezhiev called Tepsurkaev a ‘dirty man’.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Mezhiev has been actively interacting with those who have been sent to war from the special forces university in Gudermes, and has called the war itself ‘sacred’.
Source:media.org
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https://oc-media.org/mufti-of-chechnya-elected-leader-of-north-caucasian-muslims/
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Birmingham mosque visitors in row over blocked pavement as resident says 'it's not safe'
ByNathan Clarke
30 SEP 2024
A Bordesley Green builders merchant has pledged to find a new location for 'overflowing' stock which local worshippers claim is a 'serious health and safety risk' to Mosque-goers. Worshippers at the Darul Barakaat Mosque have launched a petition for the removal of building materials which are allegedly 'obstructing' the pavements around the mosque.
Local resident, Khalid Saifullah, has accused Cambabest Builders Merchant on Venetia Road of using local pavements as an 'extension' of their business. He said the 'dangerous and heavy materials' posed a risk to young children and the elderly who visit the mosque.
Cambabest said it was 'fully committed to serving our neighbours with the utmost care and respect' and were 'close' to a deal solve the 'problem'. A spokesperson for Birmingham City Council said: "We are aware of the situation in these locations and are working with the businesses in this location to find a workable solution for all parties."
Khalid Saifullah is one of over 500 people who have signed a petition calling on the city council to step in and remove the objects 'obstrcuting' the pavement. He said the problem has persisted for 'years.'
"The streets are full of materials everywhere," he told BirminghamLive. "There are so many you can't even walk on the pavement
"Three years ago we politely requested the company move the materials . I've contacted the council and my MP a number of times but nothing has happened.
"Building debris is strewn all across the pavement and road, it is causing damage to cars and it's a hazard to pedestrians. Ladies, kids and elderly people are coming to the mosque - it's not safe for them.
"We just want to solve the problem. Things have been getting worse and worse."
When approached, Cambabest Ltd said it took 'great pride' in being a long-standing part of the Birmingham community and was committed to removing the 'overflow of stock.' A spokesperson for the group said: "Due to limited space and unforeseen circumstances related to our previous site—part of a regeneration project managed by Birmingham City Council—we have faced challenges with the overflow of stock.
"Birmingham City Council approached us about taking over our site for their redevelopment project, and in return, we were to be re-sited. We continue to work closely with them to find a new location that suits both our business and the community. We are aware of the concerns raised by some residents regarding the use of parts of Garrison Lane, Venetia Road, and Tilton Road as temporary extensions to our business operations.
"We want to reassure the community that this situation is not something we have taken lightly. We remain in ongoing discussions with local MPs, the council, and neighbouring landowners to explore solutions and are close to finalising a deal that will solve the problem.
"Cambabest was founded in Birmingham over 40 years ago, and we remain, at heart, a community business. We deeply appreciate the patience and understanding of the community as we work towards a solution. Rest assured, we will continue to listen and collaborate with all parties involved to ensure that our operations have as little impact as possible on the local area."
Source:birminghammail.co.uk
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https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/birmingham-mosque-visitors-row-over-30013879
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UN Global Expert On Muslim Affairs Aftab Malik Named Australia's Islamophobia Envoy
09/30/24
By Vidhya CK
The Labor government has named Aftab Malik, a United Nations Alliance of Civilizations "Global Expert" on Muslim affairs, as special envoy to combat Islamophobia for a three-year term, beginning Oct. 14.
Malik will report directly to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke.
Born to Pakistani parents in Britain, Malik migrated to Australia in 2012 on an invite by the Lebanese Muslim Association to mentor young Muslims. He has been working in the New South Wales Premier's Department for a decade, reported ABC News.
Malik's appointment is expected to enhance the AU$90 million allocation to tackle the impact of the Hamas-Israel conflict in the country.
In July, the federal government had promised to appoint two envoys -- one to tackle antisemitism and second to monitor Islamophobia -- in the wake of emerging reports about social disunity in the country, since the start of the Gaza war, The Guardian reported.
Soon after, the government announced lawyer Jillian Segal as antisemitism envoy. Meanwhile, the government had found it difficult to name a person to monitor Islamophobia, as several people had refused to take up the role.
Malik said he would also collaborate with his counterpart to align the two communities toward common goals.
"Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia are not mutually exclusive: where there is one, you most likely will find the other lurking. I don't intend to use this role to advocate that one form of hatred is more important than another: both anti-Semitism and Islamophobia are unacceptable," he said.
"Promoting social cohesion and fighting against hate in Australia is more important today than it's ever been," Malik stated. "I look forward to engaging with my counterpart, Jillian Segal, to share insights and exchange ideas on how we can fortify social cohesion, and bring our communities together on a common ground, rooted in dignity for all."
The candidates, who were initially approached for the role, were apprehensive it could end up being a "bureaucratic government role." One of them was Islamic College of Brisbane CEO Ali Kadri, who had urged the government to engage with the diverse Muslim communities at the grassroots.
Source:ibtimes.com.au
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https://www.ibtimes.com.au/un-global-expert-muslim-affairs-aftab-malik-named-australias-islamophobia-envoy-1852006
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Blackburn's Masjide Noorul Islam delighted with open day turn out
October 1, 2024
By Shuiab Khan
One of Blackburn's oldest mosques invited people from across Blackburn to find out more about Islam and Muslims.
Masjide Noorul Islam on Audley Range was one of two mosques in the town taking part in the national Visit My Mosque Day organised by the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB).
Visitors were taken on a tour around the mosque as they learned about the history of the building and how Muslims worship.
The mosque imam Abdullah Bismillah and scholars were on hand to answer any questions.
Mosque chairman Maulana Tayyab Sidat said: “We were delighted to welcome the local community to our Visit My Mosque event.
“It was a wonderful opportunity to share the values of Islam, promote understanding, and foster connections between our neighbours. We appreciate everyone who took the time to visit and explore our mosque.
“Events like these help strengthen the bonds of unity, tolerance, and mutual respect in our diverse community, and we look forward to continuing this tradition in the future.”
The mayor of Blackburn with Darwen Cllr Brian Taylor was joined by the mayoress on the visit.
Cllr Taylor said: “We were honoured to attend the Visit My Mosque event at Masjide Noorul Islam.
“It was a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together, learn more about Islam, and appreciate the diversity that enriches our town.”
The mosque wanted to thank all the volunteers at Masjide Noorul Islam for helping to make the day a success.
Masjide Noorul Islam was first established in 1969. The mosque currently has a congregation of over 500 worshippers and also offers congregational prayers, a community library, funeral services, youth events, charity events and school visits.
Source:lancashiretelegraph.co.uk
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https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/24618734.blackburns-masjide-noorul-islam-delighted-host-open-day/
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Putin just announced Russia’s own Monroe Doctrine
30 Sep, 2024
On September 26, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced updates to the Foundations of State Policy of the Russian Federation in the Area of Nuclear Deterrence. The revised document implies that under certain conditions, Moscow may consider a proxy war against itself as justification for using nuclear weapons.
Salami tactics
Traditional nuclear deterrence doctrines date back to the Cold War and were developed with major world powers and military alliances in mind. The underlying assumption is that large states are unlikely to attack a nuclear power, since they risk facing a massive retaliatory strike.
However, the conflict in Ukraine has created a new and unprecedented reality: The West is waging war against Russia through a proxy state that shows little regard for its own self-preservation. At least under the grip of its current leadership.
Kiev actively attacks Russia’s historic territories. Incidents that have happened “for the first time since World War Two” are regularly reported in the news: e.g., a regional center being shelled in Russia, military facilities attacked in Volga Region or in the Kuban, or German-made tanks crossing into Kursk Region.
There have also been rumors of attacks on sites of Russia’s strategic nuclear forces. Such aggression is officially recognized as triggers for a nuclear response. Whether or not these rumors are true, this behavior is perfectly in line with the logic of Kiev and its Western sponsors. The goal is to use isolated drone strikes conducted by a proxy force to undermine Russia’s nuclear doctrine – or, speaking in IT terms, to hack it by means of a ‘zero-day exploit’.
After all, would Putin really start a nuclear war over one drone crashing near a strategic bomber base? What about two drones? Or ten? Or perhaps a couple of drones combined with a Western-made cruise missile?
This exemplifies classic ‘salami slicing tactics’: gradually pressuring the opponent, forcing them to change their strategic position without providing sufficient grounds for the opponent to deploy their primary (in Russia’s case – nuclear) forces.
Staying behind the lines
The only real red line between Russia and the West – and specifically, between Moscow and Washington – is something that would force one side to dramatically escalate the conflict.
Both the Kremlin and the White House are currently adhering to the so-called limited war strategy. Why? Because Russia can’t afford to shoot itself in the head because of Ukraine, and in a similar way, the West doesn’t want to blow itself up because of Russia. Any dramatic escalation could result in such an outcome, making the situation unpredictable even without the use of nuclear weapons.
Neither Russia nor the US desires an escalation in the conflict. Rather, both are aiming to keep it within its current boundaries. It’s like in the fable about the snake and the turtle: if one side makes a sudden move, the other is forced to respond, which could lead to dire consequences. For Russia, an escalation means mobilizing all resources, a situation that is fraught with peril for the nation. For the West, escalation means directly intervening, with no guarantee of success and a high risk of heavy losses or even a nuclear exchange.
For now, Russia has imposed a war of attrition on its adversary. Clearly, the Kremlin believes that this strategy has a better chance of working out
The US seems to understand this and wants to disrupt the Kremlin’s plan by increasing the costs but keeping everything within its present boundaries. This is why it resorts to so-called salami tactics.
Some experts believe that the ban on long-range missile strikes deep into Russian territory is the only real agreement that exists between Putin and [US President Joe] Biden. It’s not that such strikes would significantly change things, but this serves as a benchmark, a point of reference that is more or less understandable to both sides.
If you try to destroy us by means of a proxy force, we will destroy both the proxy and you
However, changes are about to happen in the White House. If the aforementioned agreements indeed exist, the Kremlin cannot be certain that the next administration will adhere to them.
This is why Russia needed to send a clear signal to the West (and to the whole world) about the current situation and how Russia will respond to various actions taken by the West.
Firstly, Moscow will not consider using nuclear weapons as long as it maintains the military initiative. Thus the likelihood of using nuclear weapons depends on its military success: if victory isn’t possible by conventional means, a nuclear strike becomes an option.
Secondly, because of this, Russia’s primary opponent (the US) cannot wage war against Russia directly and cannot arm the proxy state to such an extent as would change the course of the conflict. Therefore, the US must stay on the sidelines, watching as its proxy gradually loses the war. In this regard, nuclear deterrence is currently effective against the US and the West, at least until the administration in Washington changes. Putin’s new doctrine serves as a message and a warning to Biden’s successor.
Thirdly, the proxy state (Ukraine) is trying to find Russia’s weak spots and inflict a painful blow. As the situation on the front worsens for the Ukrainian forces, they may resort to more desperate measures, such as launching attacks on strategic missile deployment sites. These actions could potentially be effective. Will this provoke a nuclear response from Russia? Almost certainly not. The Kremlin is not considering a nuclear attack on Ukraine.
Why not? Because Ukraine does not pose a significant enough threat to justify starting a nuclear war. Russia can handle Ukraine through conventional means of warfare. And even though some incidents may be quite painful, they don’t change this reality.
Or, put simply: Russia will ensure its security as it sees fit, using the nuclear shield to deter anyone who might try to interfere.
Meanwhile, Ukraine serves as a vivid example of the fate that will befall any nation that wages war against Russia: it will be devastated, its industry and infrastructure will be destroyed, and it will suffer a demographic and economic collapse; as for the West, it will offer empty words of support, but in practice will push its proxy into the abyss.
One of the outcomes of Russia’s military operation should be a growing awareness among neighboring countries that looking for a fight with Moscow is a bad idea, and that NATO won’t be able to protect them.
Furthermore, the West must recognize that by inciting Russia’s neighbors to wage war against it, it risks prompting a nuclear war.
That is an approach James Monroe would certainly have approved of.
Source:rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/russia/604978-russias-own-monroe-doctrine/
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Moscow reacts to Germany’s arrest of couple for ‘illegal’ RT broadcasts
30 Sep, 2024
Berlin has apparently opted to celebrate the International Day for Universal Access to Information with arrests, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said, after a couple in Germany was taken into custody on suspicion of broadcasting RT and other Russian TV channels via the internet.
Almost all Russian media organizations were banned in the EU in March 2022 after the conflict between Moscow and Kiev broke out.
The couple was arrested last week on the eve of the International Day for Universal Access to Information, marked annually on September 28. Speaking during a press conference at the UN on Saturday, Lavrov suggested the arrest was a questionable way to celebrate the occasion.
“I would like to speak of how this day is celebrated in Germany. It has been reported that a married couple has been arrested in Germany, they are suspected of organizing the broadcast of several Russian television channels on the internet,” Russia’s top diplomat stated.
According to German authorities, the couple has been offering “several sanctioned Russian TV channels to their customers via an IP-TV service since at least the beginning of 2022.” Police in the city of Karlsruhe raided the couple’s apartment, seizing “extensive technical equipment, written evidence and 40,000 euros ($44,686) in cash.”
A district court has also issued an asset seizure order against the couple for some €120,000 ($134,000) in “illegal income” from the alleged activity. The two are now facing at least one year in prison, should they be found guilty of violating the Foreign Trade Act. The investigation is still ongoing and additional charges could potentially be brought against them.
Source:rt.com
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https://www.rt.com/news/604967-lavrov-germany-arrest-rt/
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NorthAmerica
Muslim organization sues Parkland mayor, others, for discrimination
September 30, 2024
The South Florida Muslim Federation, a group that represents 32 muslim organizations across South Florida, has filed a federal discrimination lawsuit against Coral Springs Marriott hotel and the City of Parkland, among others.
The lawsuit stems from the hotel’s cancellation of the Federation’s second annual conference back in January. The filing alleges that, despite having a contract in place in May 2023 to host the event, the hotel canceled it just one week prior due to “significant undesirable interest.”
“Suddenly, this place that we've had countless events at for decades, from our community, they all of a sudden act like they don't know who we are,” said Federation President Samir Kakli.
The hotel was the venue for the Federation's first annual conference in 2022.
Jay Shehadeh, legal counsel for SFMF, said that the hotel violated contract law and civil rights law by not allowing the conference to take place.
“The Marriott's cancellation of the South Florida Muslim Federation's annual conference was fueled by islamophobia and hate filled community leaders that believe all Muslims are terrorists,“ he said.
The suit also alleges a public pressure campaign by Parkland Mayor Rich Walker as well as the Parkland Chamber of Commerce and Joe Kaufman, the Republican candidate for Florida's 23rd congressional district.
Both Walker and Kaufman met with the hotel’s general manager on separate occasions to lobby for the event’s cancellation. Their contention was that SFMF was sympathetic to the terrorist group HAMAS and that the conference would include speakers advocating pro-HAMAS positions.
Kaufman wrote an article for the Middle East Forum, a think tank that has been criticized for anti-islamic rhetoric in the past, that drew attention to the event in late December 2023. He then began a petition to cancel the event, which sparked a series of emails to Walker’s office.
“As a local elected official, safety is my number one concern, and having received from my residents some concerns about the event itself, it was my obligation to go to the venue to express those concerns,” said Walker, “What that venue does with those concerns is up to them.”
Walker also added: “Given the same set of circumstances, I would do the same thing again.”
According to Kakli, Walker did not reach out to discuss whether or not the claims made by Parkland residents or Kaufman’s article were true.
Kaufman stands by his Middle East Forum article and said it was unrelated to the group’s religious identity.
“It's a 100 percent frivolous lawsuit. The groups are claiming that the shutdown of this conference was based on prejudice against the Muslim community,” said Kaufman, “And that's a total lie.”
Kaufman celebrated the event’s cancellation on X, formerly Twitter, on Jan 5, writing:
“I am happy to announce that my group, Kaufman Security, along with the Middle East Forum got this event feat#antiSemitic pro #Hamas speakers shut down. I want to thank everyone who helped out in this — made phone calls, sent emails, signed petitions.”
Kakli says that Kaufman’s efforts are nothing new.
“He has protested stuff that we do, wrote hit pieces against events that our community holds or individuals in our community,” he said. "I would say for at least 15 years, if not 20 years. This is nothing new.”
As for the conference, it was rescheduled and held at a later date. But Kakli said the group has had to be much more careful about posting details online.
“We have a location for this year, but we can’t tell people that,” he said, “How sad is that?”
The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Ft. Lauderdale.
Source:wlrn.org
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https://www.wlrn.org/law-justice/2024-09-30/muslim-organization-sues-parkland-mayor-others-for-discrimination
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California governor blocks landmark AI safety bill
October 1, 2024
João da Silva
The governor of California, Gavin Newsom, has blocked a landmark artificial intelligence (AI) safety bill, which had faced strong opposition from major technology companies.
The proposed legislation would have imposed some of the first regulations on AI in the US.
Mr Newsom said the bill could stifle innovation and prompt AI developers to move out of the state.
Senator Scott Wiener, who authored the bill, said the veto allows companies to continue developing an "extremely powerful technology" without any government oversight.
The bill would have required the most advanced AI models to undergo safety testing.
It would have forced developers to ensure their technology included a so-called "kill switch". This would allow organisations to isolate and effectively switch off an AI system if it became a threat.
It would also have made official oversight compulsory for the development of so-called "Frontier Models" - or the most powerful AI systems.
The bill "does not take into account whether an Al system is deployed in high-risk environments, involves critical decision-making or the use of sensitive data," Mr Newsom said in a statement.
"Instead, the bill applies stringent standards to even the most basic functions - so long as a large system deploys it," he added.
At the same time, Mr Newsom announced plans to protect the public from the risks of AI and asked leading experts to help develop safeguards for the technology.
Over the last few weeks, Mr Newsom has also signed 17 bills, including legislation aimed at cracking down on misinformation and so-called deep fakes, which include images, video, or audio content created using generative AI.
California is home to many of the world's largest and most advanced AI companies, including the ChatGPT maker, OpenAI.
The state's role as a hub for many of the world's largest tech firms means that any bill regulating the sector would have a major national and global impact on the industry.
Mr Wiener said the decision to veto the bill leaves AI companies with "no binding restrictions from US policy makers, particularly given Congress’s continuing paralysis around regulating the tech industry in any meaningful way."
Efforts by Congress to impose safeguards on AI have stalled.
OpenAI, Google and Meta were among several major tech firms that voiced opposition to the the bill and warned it would hinder the development of a crucial technology.
Wei Sun, a senior analyst at Counterpoint Research, said: "AI, as a general-purpose technology, is still in its early stages, so restricting the technology itself, as proposed, is premature.
"Instead, it would be more beneficial to regulate specific application scenarios that may cause harm in the future," she added.
Source:bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj9jwyr3kgeo
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Man charged in Trump assassination plot pleads not guilty
October 1, 2024
Mike Wendling
The man accused of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump at his Florida golf course has pleaded not guilty to the charges in a federal court.
Prosecutors say Ryan Routh, 58, was spotted with a rifle as he hid in the bushes near Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach earlier this month.
A Secret Service officer protecting the former president allegedly spotted his rifle barrel poking through a fence and opened fire. Routh fled and was later arrested on Interstate 95, a main highway through the state.
In addition to the attempted assassination of Trump, Routh has been charged with firearms offences and assaulting an officer.
On Monday, Routh appeared in court handcuffed and wearing a brownish prison jumpsuit, according to CBS News, the BBC’s US partner.
After each count was read to him, he shook his head in acknowledgment of the charges.
His attorneys entered a plea of not guilty and requested a trial by jury. The hearing lasted around five minutes.
If convicted, Routh faces a maximum sentence of life in prison on the assassination charge.
An earlier court filing showed that Routh had written a note months ago saying he intended to kill Trump.
In a pre-written letter addressed to "The World" and sent to an unnamed witness months earlier, Routh appears to pre-empt a failed assassination attempt on the former president.
"I tried my best and gave it all the gumption I could muster," the letter reads, with the offer of a cash reward to anyone "who can complete the job".
Routh has been held in prison in Florida since his arrest on 15 September.
He has a long criminal record, including a felony gun conviction for owning a fully automatic machine gun, and was barred from owning firearms as a result.
He was active in recruiting volunteers to fight in Ukraine’s war against Russia, and had a range of eclectic political views, although he was registered as a Democrat and made anti-Trump posts online.
Routh's alleged plot was the second attempt on Trump's life after Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old armed with an AR-style rifle, opened fire on the former president during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania in July.
Crooks was shot dead by counter-snipers.
The Secret Service, the government agency tasked with protecting the president and other politicians and their family members, came under heavy criticism for allowing a gunman to get so close to the former president.
Trump and his allies have complained about his Secret Service detail. On Monday the former president said that his protection had been scaled back, forcing him to hold an event in Wisconsin over the weekend inside, instead of outdoors in a venue with a larger capacity.
The Secret Service said it was shortstaffed due to the annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The agency is responsible for protecting foreign leaders during US visits, and more than 140 were expected at last week's UN meeting.
Source:bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj4dw7q71g7o
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Mexico counting dead from 'zombie storm' John
Vanessa Buschschlüter
September 30, 2024
At least 15 people have died in Mexico as a result of Hurricane John, the country's President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has confirmed.
The storm first made landfall a week ago as a category three hurricane on Mexico's Pacific coast, south-east of the resort of Acapulco.
It then weakened and dissipated over the mountains of Guerrero state before regaining strength over the waters of the Pacific and hitting the Mexican coast a second time, prompting meteorologists to describe it as a "zombie storm".
Its heavy rains triggered landslides and flooding, cutting off many residents and killing more than a dozen.
The term "zombie storm" was first used by meteorologists from the US National Weather Service in 2020 to describe a storm which dissipates only to regenerate again.
On Sunday, President López Obrador said the number of dead in Guerrero had reached at least 15, but local media have put the total death toll across the three worst-hit states at more than 20, with some saying it is as high as 29.
Meteorologists said that while Hurricane John blew over trees and damaged buildings, the days of torrential rains it caused proved more deadly.
Some places had almost a year's worth of rainfall over a matter of days.
In Oaxaca state, there were at least 80 landslides, some of which buried homes and their occupants. In some areas, entire communities were cut off as roads became impassable.
The resort of Acapulco, which is still struggling to recover from the impact of Hurricane Otis last year, was severely flooded.
City officials asked anyone who owned a boat to help rescue people trapped in flooded neighbourhoods.
Residents posted videos on social media of themselves wading through waters which reached their shoulders.
Some families climbed onto the roofs of their homes as the waters rose.
Officials said more than 5,000 people had to be evacuated and 3,800 had been sleeping in shelters.
Claudia Sheinbaum, who is due to be sworn in as Mexico's new president on Tuesday, said she would visit Guerrero state with her ministers on Wednesday to ensure that those affected received "all the necessary assistance".
Source:bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cden3j9d1r7o
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URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/love-vote-jihad-fadnavis-bjp/d/133335