Massacre in Parachinar: Over 100 Shia Community Members Killed, Maulana Javed Haider Zaidi Condemns Brutality

New Age Islam News Bureau

23 Nov 2024

·         Massacre in Parachinar: Over 100 Shia Community Members Killed, Maulana Javed Haider Zaidi Condemns Brutality

·         Can’t allow hate speech, demolition threats’: HC on Uttarkashi mosque row

·         Little hope in Gaza that arrest warrants will cool Israeli onslaught

·         Saudi authorities thwart attempts to smuggle Captagon pills

·         The rise in Islamophobia has left Bristol Muslim community with ‘low morale’

·         Apparently Americans believe that a majority of Americans are either Muslim or Jewish

·         DRC: PM in war-torn eastern provinces to assess unpopular state of siege measure

·         PM Anwar: Madani govt focusing on development, not trivial statements

·         Jamaat not in favour of banning AL

------

Pakistan

·         Twin blasts kill two including cop in Bajaur

·         Army chief resolute in dismantling terrorist networks, eradicating ‘illegal spectrum’

·         PTI sticks to Nov 24 march plan for Imran Khan's release

·         PM Shehbaz constitutes committee to 'resolve issues' with PPP

·         10 convicts in May 9 violent protests sentenced to jail, fined

·         Showdown looms as govt vows to resist PTI march

·         Protests sweep the country as Kurram toll rises to 43

·         Punjab governor says ‘won’t see’ Maryam now

·         Seven terrorists killed in Balochistan, KP: ISPR

·         PTI adamant on holding Nov 24 protest despite IHC order; section 144 enforced in Punjab

-----

India

·         Delhi: Police complaint filed against Islamic cleric for issuing 'fatwa' against BJP's Muslim supporters

·         Yati Narsinghanand calls on Hindus to read Hanuman Chalisa at Muslim conference

·         SC notice to Gyanvapi mosque panel on plea for survey of ‘shivling’ area

·         BJP minority body chief files complaint against Muslim religious leader Nomani

·         Sambhal mosque holds Friday prayers, forces, drones keep a watch

·         SC seeks Gyanvapi mosque management’s response on ASI survey

·         Amid the rhetoric of land jihad, concerns over land rights persist in Jharkhand

·         UP: Prayers held peacefully amid tight security after court plea claims mosque as ancient temple site

·         Did AR Rahman convert to Islam for Saira Banu

·         Tight security outside Sambhal's Shahi Jama Masjid for Friday prayers after court plea claims mosque as ancient temple site

------

Mideast

·         226 health workers killed in Lebanon since Oct. 7: WHO

·         Orchestra conductor mourns childhood home’s destruction in Israel’s southern Lebanon offensive

·         UN reports heavy clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah in south Lebanon

·         Israeli airstrike hits central Beirut, destroying buildings

·         Turkiye dismisses two opposition mayors over ‘terrorism’

·         4 Italian UN peacekeepers injured by rocket attack in Lebanon

·         UN warns some who fled to Syria risking lives to return to Lebanon

·         Israeli strikes batter Lebanon, killing five medics

·         Gaza ministry: hospitals to cut or stop services ‘within 48 hours’ over fuel shortages

·         Led by Ben Gvir, Thousands of Settlers Storm Ibrahimi Mosque in Al-Khalil

·         About 40,000 Palestinians perform Friday prayers at al-Aqsa Mosque

-----

Arab World

·         KSrelief continues humanitarian outreach in Jordan, Afghanistan and Lebanon

·         Saudi GEA chief named most influential personality of last decade at MENA Effie Awards

·         Gaming community in Saudi Arabia catches them all with Pokemon Go

·         Future cool: Understanding the Saudi national air conditioning replacement scheme

·         Saudi Orchestra dazzles audiences in Tokyo

·         Riyadh Design Law Treaty signed at intellectual property conference in Saudi Arabia

·         Environment minister opens international dates exhibition in Riyadh

·         Italian and Saudi flavors blend in embassy dinner and cooking competition

·         Jeddah chamber concludes Global Entrepreneurship Week forum

·         Saudi Artisanal Co. showcases artisanry at Banan 2024 exhibition

------

Europe

·         Putin says Russia will use new missile again in 'combat conditions'

·         Germany ‘examining’ Netanyahu arrest warrant

·         UK signals it would arrest Netanyahu

·         The week of rising stakes in the Ukraine war

·         Starmer 'determined' to keep Calais border checks

·         Spain fines budget airlines including Ryanair €179m

·         Putin announces mass production of Oreshnik missiles

-----

North America

·         Texas schools can now teach Bible-based reading lessons

·         CAIR Calls for Hate Crime Probe of Vandalism Targeting Muhammad Mosque #38 in South Carolina

·         Two men found guilty in smuggling deaths of family at US-Canada border

·         Trump nominates Bessent to lead US Treasury in flurry of announcements

·         Authorities investigating after Nazi symbol found spray-painted on Richland County mosque

·         Pete Hegseth’s Islam Problem

·         Who has joined Trump's team so far?

·         Pro-athlete burglaries may be linked to international crime ring

·         Trump's withdrawn attorney general pick will not return to Congress

-----

Africa

·         Friday Sermon: How Allah Almighty answers our prayers and supplications (Du’a), By Murtadha Gusau

·         Financial Crimes: EFCC Accuses Nigerian Banks Of Aiding Fraud

·         Waterfall City founded on Islamic law

·         Namaa Tamweel’s Home Projects Islamic micro loans booming

·         Thousands gather as Bawumia inaugurates new Walewale Central Mosque 

·         ‘I Am Unbothered About Those Criticizing’ – Wike

·         Recruitment: Oyo Announce Schedule For Computer Based Exam For 15,000 Candidates

·         Tinubu Writes Senate, Seeks Oluyede’s Confirmation As Chief Of Army Staff

·         Prominent Tanzanian opposition figure arrested

-----

Southeast Asia

·         MADANI leadership shapes new era of development and inclusive economy - Chief Secretary

·         Minority support and a Cabinet without Muslims

·         Sorry for any unpleasant stay in Malaysia, Tourism Minister Tiong tells tourists from China

·         Sultan Nazrin graces USAS 17th Convocation Ceremony

·         Missing elderly siblings found dead at home in Kulai

·         Suspect involved in Esha cyberbullying case questioned for alleged similar offence - police

·         PM to officiate 2TM Programme, National Convention on Public Service Reform today

·         IGP: Investigation into Faisal Halim's case ongoing

·         PM Anwar’s global outreach boosts Malaysia’s diplomatic and economic positioning

------

South Asia

·         Prof Yunus confident of finding common ground with Trump

·         Anderkilla Mosque to be developed on Masjid al-Nabawi model: Khalid

·         IEA supports media outlets, Mujahid

·         Haqqani kicks off project worth 71.5 mln Afghani in Khost

·         A self-reliant Afghanistan in interest of region, world

·         Acting Minister of Communications Attends Technology Exhibition in China

·         Afghanistan and Iran Discuss Strengthening Railway and Trade Cooperation

·         Plans Underway to Expand Afghanistan’s Tourism Sector, Says Deputy Minister of MoIC

·         Turkey detains 59 Afghan migrants

·         42 killed in attack on Shia pilgrims in Pakistan

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/shia-community-members-condemns-brutality/d/133801

------

Massacre in Parachinar: Over 100 Shia Community Members Killed, Maulana Javed Haider Zaidi Condemns Brutality

November 23, 2024

In a horrifying incident in Parachinar, Pakistan, more than 100 members of the Shia community have been brutally killed, sparking outrage and condemnation across the globe. 

Terming the perpetrators as the "progeny of Yazid," prominent Shia cleric Maulana Javed Haider Zaidi from Lucknow condemned the massacre, calling it a heinous attack on humanity. He stated that such atrocities go against the principles of Islam and threaten the foundation of a civilized society. 

"Islam preaches peace and brotherhood. Those who commit such acts are enemies of humanity and deserve the strongest condemnation," Maulana Zaidi said in his statement. 

The attack has drawn international attention, with human rights organizations expressing deep concern and demanding strict punishment for those responsible. The tragic event has left the Shia community and the world in shock, raising critical questions about the safety and rights of minority communities in Pakistan. 

Tensions remain high in Parachinar as families of the victims plead for justice. Local authorities and security agencies are under immense pressure to act swiftly and ensure that

justice is served.

-------

Can’t allow hate speech, demolition threats’: HC on Uttarkashi mosque row

Nov 22, 2024

Dehradun: Uttarakhand HC admitted a plea by minority organisation Alpsankhayak Seva Samiti (ASS) and directed Uttarkashi DM and SP to ensure stringent security around Jama Masjid, which right-wing groups claim is illegal.

"In an oral observation, HC said we are not a theocracy but a country governed by the rule of law and no one should indulge in hate speech and threats of destruction," petitioner's counsel Kartikeya Hari Gupta said.

The division bench of acting Chief Justice Manoj Tiwari and Justice Rakesh Thapliyal accepted the plea seeking court's intervention to prevent a mahapanchayat, called by right-wing groups on Dec 1, against Uttarkashi town's Jama Masjid.

The court also directed to list the plea as a fresh case on Nov 27, said Gupta.

HC directed the state to take explicit direction from the director general of police (DGP) to maintain law and order.

Gupta sought to produce the dedication deed, whereby the property in question (the mosque) was dedicated as a waqf asset. The ASS, through its president, Mushraf Ali, and another petitioner, Istiak Ahmed, contended that officers concerned failed to safeguard the liberty and property (mosque) of the Muslim community, and hence they approached the court.

On Sept 6, members of right-wing groups organised a rally in Uttarkashi town against the mosque alleging that it was illegally constructed on govt land and should be removed. A protest rally was again taken out on Nov 3, when at least four police officers were injured as cops tried to prevent the crowd from reaching the mosque. The police had to resort to lathicharge and hold flag marches to bring the situation under control.

Petitioners in the present case further claimed that in 1969, Istiak Ahmed's father, Yasim Beg, has purchased the said land after which a mosque was constructed on the plot. They further averred that in a 1987 UP gazette notification, it was registered as waqf property.

Source:indiatimes.com

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

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/uttarakhand-hc-protects-jama-masjid-amid-hate-speech-and-demolition-threats/articleshow/115575240.cms

---------

Little hope in Gaza that arrest warrants will cool Israeli onslaught

November 22, 2024

A Palestinian little girl queues for food in Deir Al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. (AP)

------------

GAZA: Gazans saw little hope on Friday that International Criminal Court arrest warrants for Israeli leaders would slow down the onslaught on the Palestinian territory, where medics said at least 21 people were killed in fresh Israeli military strikes.

In Gaza City in the north, an Israeli strike on a house in Shejaia killed eight people, medics said.

Three others were killed in a strike near a bakery, and a fisherman was killed as he set out to sea. In the central and southern areas, nine people were killed in three separate Israeli air strikes.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces deepened their incursion and bombardment of the northern edge of the enclave, their main offensive since early last month.

The military claims it aims to prevent Hamas fighters from waging attacks and regrouping there; residents say they fear the aim is to permanently depopulate a strip of territory as a buffer zone, which Israel denies.

Residents in the three besieged towns on the northern edge — Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun — said Israeli forces had blown up dozens of houses.

An Israeli strike hit the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya, one of three medical facilities barely operational in the area, injuring six medical staff, some critically, the Gaza health ministry said in a statement.

“The strike also destroyed the hospital’s main generator and punctured the water tanks, leaving the hospital without oxygen or water, which threatens the lives of patients and staff inside the hospital,” it added.

It said 85 wounded people, including children and women, were inside, eight in the ICU.

Gazans saw the ICC’s decision to seek the arrest of Israeli leaders for suspected war crimes as international recognition of the enclave’s plight. But those queuing for bread at a bakery in the southern city of Khan Younis were doubtful it would have any impact.

“The decision will not be implemented because America protects Israel, and it can veto anything. Israel will not be held accountable,” said Saber Abu Ghali as he waited for his turn in the crowd.

Saeed Abu Youssef, 75, said that even if justice arrived, it would be decades late: “We have been hearing decisions for more than 76 years that have not been implemented and haven’t done anything for us.” Israel launched its assault on Gaza after militants stormed across the border fence, killed 1,200 people, and seized more than 250 hostages on Oct. 7, 2023.

Since then, nearly 44,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, much of which has been laid to waste.

The court’s prosecutors said there were reasonable grounds to believe Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant were criminally responsible for acts including murder, persecution, and starvation as a weapon of war, as part of a “widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population of Gaza.”

Israeli politicians from across the political spectrum have denounced the ICC arrest warrants as biased and based on false evidence, and Israel says the court has no jurisdiction over the war.

Hamas hailed the arrest warrants as a first step toward justice.

Efforts by Arab mediators backed by the US to conclude a ceasefire deal have stalled.

Hamas wants a deal that ends the war, while Netanyahu has vowed the war can end only once Hamas is eradicated.

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2580407/middle-east

---------

Saudi authorities thwart attempts to smuggle Captagon pills

November 22, 2024

The pills were found hidden in vehicles trying to enter Saudi Arabia. (Supplied)

----------

RIYADH: The Saudi authorities have thwarted attempts to smuggle 313,906 Captagon pills at the Al-Haditha border crossing. The pills were found hidden in vehicles trying to enter the Kingdom.

According to officials, the discoveries were made during routine customs inspections using advanced security technologies and K-9 units, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The largest single haul was a find of 86,000 pills concealed in a vehicle’s roof compartment, with additional drugs found hidden under the smuggler’s clothing.

In a separate operation, customs officers discovered 65,116 pills hidden in a truck cabin’s refrigerator. A third vehicle was found carrying 52,907 pills in a modified floor compartment, while a fourth attempt involved 55,232 pills stashed in the fuel tank.

The final interception revealed 54,651 pills in a vehicle’s spare tire, demonstrating the increasingly creative methods used by drug traffickers.

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2580393/saudi-arabia

---------

The rise in Islamophobia has left Bristol Muslim community with ‘low morale’

ByYvonne Deeney

 23 NOV 2024

There is reported to be an increase in discrimination and abuse directed towards Muslims for displaying Pro-Palestine views (Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC)

------------

November's Islamophobia Awareness month comes after a record number of hate crimes against Muslims in the UK. We spoke to Muslims in Bristol who said they feel the morale is low among people in their community and that more work needs to be done to ensure Bristol is a welcoming city for everyone.

Recorded hate crimes towards Muslim communities rose 13 per cent this year across the UK. Tell MAMA, a national project which records and measures anti-Muslim incidents in the United Kingdom, reported an increase in discrimination and abuse directed towards Muslims for displaying Pro-Palestine views.

Sedef Ahmad who supports women across several mosques in Bristol and is part of Bristol’s Interfaith forum said that she has felt the need to focus on more wellbeing sessions this year. “We need to make people stronger emotionally to cope with some of the negativity around. I incorporate a lot of my work as a psychologist in the community.

“The morale is very low with a lot of people in the Muslim community. It’s not just overt, it may mean they don’t get called for a job interview or they may be treated unfairly without realising it," she said.

Advocacy organisation CAGE International released a report in January last year highlighting how people were targeted in their schools, universities and workplaces for supporting Palestine, with 209 out of the 214 cases involving Muslims. The report highlighted that government-led counter-terrorism programme Prevent was being weaponised against Muslims who displayed Pro-Palestine views.

Schoolchildren can be put on the Prevent database if teachers view them as 'being drawn into terroism". The controversial government-led programme was the subject of a United Nations report in August this year which led to calls from the UN and Amnesty International to suspend Prevent as a result of the negative impact it has on Muslim communities.

“I know people who have been really upset over the Prevent strategy because their children have been spoken to after saying something about Palestine at school. All of this has a knock on effect. It’s not always obvious and people don’t always want to talk about it,” added Sedef.

Aumairah Hassan has also come across parents in Bristol whose children have been recorded on the Prevent database for having pro-Palestine views. After the riots, she helped to organise self-defence classes for Muslim women and one of her friends encountered verbal abuse at the time while walking on the Bristol to Bath Railway path with her baby, which she encouraged her to report.

Aumairah who has been actively involved in Pro-Palestine protests in Bristol over the last year has said that she has encountered incidents of ‘Islamaphobic slurs’ and people being called terrorists for attending the marches. For Aumairah, these incidents alongside the summer riots have not occurred in a vacuum but are a direct result of the way the media and politicians have addressed the war in Gaza and the protests against it.

She said: “I think the dehumanisation of Palestinians is very much linked to the dehumanisation of Muslim communities here in the UK. It serves to justify what Israel is doing because they have always said, ‘we are fighting terrorists and we have to do what we are doing to protect ourselves’.

“Unfortunately the ripple effect of the Islamophobia and racism that Palestinians and Muslims experience in the Middle East definitely has an effect on Muslims elsewhere. The media have to be held accountable for their role in Islamophobia in the last year.

“Our government's support for a genocidal regime has provided fuel for Islamophobia. Peaceful protests were labelled hate marches.”

Sedef feels people in Bristol need to unite, not only around Islamophobia but all forms of racism and discrimination, for real progress to be made. For her, the issue is that while a lot of good work is being done in the city, more also needs to be done to bring together people from different backgrounds who are all impacted by wider issues such as the rise in the cost of living.

Source:bristolpost.co.uk

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

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/rise-islamophobia-left-bristol-muslim-9736721

---------

Apparently Americans believe that a majority of Americans are either Muslim or Jewish

NOVEMBER 22, 2024

This is an absolutely mind-blowing survey of 1,000 Americans, with their responses weighted to make the survey group reflect a nationally representative population.

Respondents were asked to estimate what percentage of their fellow Americans fell into various groups. The answers were . . . what’s the word I’m looking for here?

Some more numbers, with the actual figure followed by the estimated figure:

Are Black: 12%/41%

Are Vegan or Vegetarian: 5%/30%

Are Hispanic: 17%/39%

Here’s one for Erik.

Are members of a union: 4%/36%

Even more amazingly, these figures tended to get even less accurate when the responses were from members of the minority groups themselves!

Black Americans estimate that, on average, Black people make up 52% of the U.S. adult population; non-Black Americans estimate the proportion is roughly 39%, closer to the real figure of 12%. First-generation immigrants we surveyed estimate that first-generation immigrants account for 40% of U.S. adults, while non-immigrants guess it is around 31%, closer to the actual figure of 14%.

An analogous, though much less extreme, reverse effect was observed with estimates of the size of majoritarian groups, with people tending to underestimate the size of those.

So for example people estimated that 66% of the population owns a car, when the true figure is 88% and that 65% of the population has a high school degree, when the correct figure is 89%.

What’s going on here? One thing for sure is that enormous numbers of Americans are just wildly ignorant of even the most basic statistical realities regarding their world, although a lot of these people can probably name several Ariana Grande songs. Part of this no doubt is that fear of minority groups of various kinds makes majoritarian group members exaggerate the size of the former, but this doesn’t account for the tendency of minority group members to make the same mistakes, often in an even more pronounced way. (Note that the mistakes become only slightly less egregious if one uses the median rather than the mean estimates people make).

Another factor is suggested by the pollsters:

One recent meta-study suggests that when people are asked to make an estimation they are uncertain about, such as the size of a population, they tend to rescale their perceptions in a rational manner. When a person’s lived experience suggests an extreme value — such as a small proportion of people who are Jewish or a large proportion of people who are Christian — they often assume, reasonably, that their experiences are biased. In response, they adjust their prior estimate of a group’s size accordingly by shifting it closer to what they perceive to be the mean group size (that is, 50%). This can facilitate misestimation in surveys, such as ours, which don’t require people to make tradeoffs by constraining the sum of group proportions within a certain category to 100%.

This reasoning process — referred to as uncertainty-based rescaling — leads people to systematically overestimate the size of small values and underestimate the size of large values.

Well OK I guess . . . but how “rational” is it to rescale your perceptions to conclude that more than half of America is made up of Muslims and Jews? As Jonathan V. Last points out, wouldn’t you expect to see an extraordinarily different proportion of mosques and synagogues versus Christian churches, compared to the one that can be observed pretty much anywhere in America?

The re-election of Donald Trump to the presidency of the United States is truly a mystery that will never be solved.

Source:lawyersgunsmoneyblog.com

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

https://www.lawyersgunsmoneyblog.com/2024/11/apparently-americans-believe-that-a-majority-of-americans-are-either-muslim-or-jewish

--------

DRC: PM in war-torn eastern provinces to assess unpopular state of siege measure

3 November 2024

The head of government in the Democratic Republic of Congo kicked off Friday (Nov. 22) an assessment mission in the country's war-torn east. Judith Suminwa and an large delegation landed on Friday in Goma, the capital of the North-Kivu province.

North-Kivu and the neighbouring province of Ituri have been under the state of siege for 3 and a half years. The move decreed by President Felix Tshisekedi has since been criticized and its efficiency called into question.

As you know, the president ordered last year, measures aiming to ease the state of siege. It is true that all of those measures haven't been enforced. That is why it was all the more crucial for us to come here, to hold discussions with the province's key stakeholders so as to see if new elements have emerged. And if so, to work on how to enforce the measures that still haven't been enforced and see how to move beyond what has already been planned."

After leaving the international airport of Goma, the PM was greeted by crowds of protestors.

The youth had gathered in the provincial capital to voice their frustration over the enduring insecurity. They chanted slogans like "Down with the state of siege".

"The president of the Republic himself said he'd enforced the state of siege to restore the state's authority and chase down rebel groups. Since Goma remains encircled by rebel groups, we don’t see the use of the state of siege," Fiston says.

Previous evaluation missions have been conducted on the state of siege in the DRC's eastern regions.

In this displacement camp, residents witnessed first-hand a spiralling of violence and the territorial gains of rebel gourps

Since it was enforced, we haven't seen any significant improvement. All of us here, as residents, we suffer in these displacement camps. We ask that the state of siege be lifted. We have a military governor but we don't seen to what use," Sifa says.

During her visit, PM Judith Suminwa will reportedly meet MONUSCO representatives before traveling to the Ituri province. Over a hundred armed groups have been sowing terror in the region for decades.

Source:africanews.com

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

https://www.africanews.com/2024/11/22/drc-pm-in-war-torn-eastern-provinces-to-assess-unpopular-state-of-siege-measure/

---------

PM Anwar: Madani govt focusing on development, not trivial statements

23 Nov 2024

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 23 — The Madani government remains focused on initiatives to develop the country and will not entertain trivial statements that do not contribute to such efforts, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the government will continue to prioritise the national development agenda, strengthen the economy and ensure the well-being of the people.

“We are recognised not because of the Prime Minister but because this country is peaceful, driving growth and its team speaks in unison.

“When it comes to issues like Gaza and Palestine, our voice is heard. However, while the world acknowledges this, there are still confused voices (alleging that we are) supporting Israel,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister criticised certain parties for questioning the government’s efforts to implement programmes transparently and with integrity.

Citing the example of his recent overseas visits, he said the government invited private companies with potential or existing investments to join the delegation and cover their own costs.

“They joined the delegation and paid their own expenses. Is that wrong? In this country, if we indulge too much, those who steal, rob and plunder are celebrated.

“But when we try to run clean programmes, we are criticised,” he said, adding that companies involved in the delegation included Petronas, Proton and semiconductor firms.

Earlier, Anwar, along with Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, witnessed the signing of the “Deklarasi Kuala Lumpur-Tekad Bersama Perkhidmatan Awam Malaysia”.

The declaration, launched at the Two Years of Madani Government Programme (2TM) and the 2024 National Convention on Public Service Reform today, was signed by all state government administrations. It reflects the commitment of civil servants nationwide to fully support the public service reform agenda. — Bernama

Source:malaymail.com

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

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/11/23/pm-anwar-madani-govt-focusing-on-development-not-trivial-statements/157789

---------

Jamaat not in favour of banning AL

Nov 23, 2024

Referring to the Awami League, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami yesterday said the party is not in favour of banning any political organisation, including its rivals.

Secretary General Professor Mia Golam Parwar, at a programme in Meherpur, reiterated that Jamaat believes in the democratic process and dialogue with all political parties to solve national issues.

Commenting on the issue of banning political organisations, Parwar said Jamaat was banned four days before August 5. However, the Awami League and Chhatra League couldn't survive even four days after that. Due to widespread public outrage, Sheikh Hasina and her family were forced to flee the country.

He also said which party will attend the next election will be determined by the people of the country.

"The people will decide whether Awami League can contest the elections," he said.

He said election in the country should be held at a reasonable time, but only after carrying out key reforms to create a congenial environment for free and fair polls.

Parwar also said that Sheikh Hasina should be brought to justice through legal process.

Mubarak Hossain, Jamaat's central council member, and several central and district-level leaders, were also present at the meeting among others.

Source:thedailystar.net

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

https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/politics/news/jamaat-not-favour-banning-al-3759136

---------

 

Pakistan

 

Twin blasts kill two including cop in Bajaur

By Hasbanullah

November 23, 2024

BAJAUR: Twin blast in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's District Bajaur killed at least two people, including a cop, police told Geo News on Saturday.

Bajaur district police officer (DPO) confirmed the dual blasts, saying that both the explosions took place in Tehsil Mamund.

"The first bomb went off in the Irab area, killing a citizen, while the second exploded in Minakhor, in which the policeman was killed," the DPO.

Source:thenews.com.pk

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

https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1254153-twin-blasts-kill-two-including-cop-in-bajaur

---------

Army chief resolute in dismantling terrorist networks, eradicating ‘illegal spectrum’

 November 22, 2024

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Asim Munir on Friday reiterated the military’s firm resolve to dismantle hostile terrorist networks and eradicate the “illegal spectrum” undermining national security.

The country has lately witnessed a sharp uptick in the number of attacks targeting security forces, other law enforcement agencies, and security checkpoints, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with at least 55 security personnel being martyred in the first three weeks of November, according to a think tank.

At least 26 people, including 16 security personnel, lost their lives and 61 others were injured in a suicide bombing at a Quetta railway station earlier this month. The banned Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the blast, stating that its Majeed Brigade had carried out the attack.

Attacks escalated after the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan terrorist group broke a fragile ceasefire agreement with the government in 2022 and vowed to target security forces.

A press release from the military’s media wing said that Gen Munir visited Peshawar as a follow-up to the National Apex Committee meeting held on Tuesday and ahead of the Provincial Apex Committee meeting to be held soon.

Upon his arrival, the COAS was received by the Peshawar corps commander.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the army chief was thoroughly briefed on the prevailing security situation and the progress of ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the region. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and field commanders were also present.

“He reiterated the army’s firm resolve to dismantle hostile terrorist networks and eradicate the illegal spectrum undermining national security,” the ISPR said of the army chief.

It did not elaborate on what encompasses the illegal spectrum but past statements have referred to the “spectrum of illegal activities”.

The ISPR added that while paying tribute to martyrs, Gen Munir emphasised the unparalleled sacrifices being made in defence of the country, saying that they were a “cornerstone of national resilience” and highlighted the unwavering dedication of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies.

The COAS commended the troops’ high morale, operational readiness and unyielding commitment to effectively countering all manner of threats.

“Through synchronised and robust operations, [the] Pakistan Army in collaboration with law enforcement agencies will relentlessly hunt down the enemies of peace to ensure lasting stability and security,” he assured.

Highlighting the collective determination of the nation and the security forces to combat terrorism, the COAS stressed that thwarting the nefarious designs of inimical elements remained a top priority.

On Tuesday, the National Action Plan apex committee approved had approved a full-fled­ged military operation in Balo­ch­istan to target militancy and separatist movements.

The committee once again vowed to revitalise the National Counter-Terr­orism Authority under the vision of Azm-i-Istehkam to eradicate resurging terrorism.

The COAS had reiterated the Pakistan Army’s unwavering resolve to eliminate all threats to national security and support the government’s initiatives to ensure peace and stability.

The apex committee mee­ting had focused on “Rein­v­i­gorating Pakistan’s Cou­n­ter-Terrorism Camp­a­ign”, with participants being briefed on measures to counter terrorism, act­ion against efforts to stoke sub-nationalism, religious extremism and disinformation campaigns, among other issues.

The committee had highlighted the need for a unified political voice and a cohesive national narrative to address these multifaceted challenges effectively.

Source:dawn.com

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

https://www.dawn.com/news/1874112/army-chief-resolute-in-dismantling-terrorist-networks-eradicating-illegal-spectrum

----------

PTI sticks to Nov 24 march plan for Imran Khan's release

By Abubakar Saddiq

November 23, 2024

Just one day before the highly anticipated protest, the senior leadership of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has confirmed their decision to proceed with the planned march to Islamabad on Sunday, demanding the release of party founder Imran Khan, with top party leaders reaffirming that the protest will go ahead as scheduled.

The PTI's resolve comes days after the incarcerated party founder, who has been behind bars since August last year, earlier this month called for nationwide demonstrations against alleged rigging in the February 8 elections, the detention of party workers, and the passage of the contentious 26th Constitutional Amendment. He called on his supporters to march to Islamabad on the upcoming Sunday.

A crucial meeting of the central leadership of the PTI was held at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar late Friday.

Sources confirmed that the huddle, which included key party figures, had concluded its deliberations concerning the protest which the party termed as a "do-or-die" for Imran's release.

The PTI huddle reached consensus to proceed with the earlier decision of launching a protest on November 24.

Several senior party leaders attended the session, including former President Dr Arif Alvi, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Asad Qaiser, and Sheikh Waqas Akram, said the sources.

The sources also said that other prominent leaders from the party including KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur and the provincial government's spokesman Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif attended the meeting.

The participants of the meeting were briefed about the latest developments in connection with the ongoing negotiations with the federal government, according to the sources.

All efforts to make a breakthrough ahead of the weekend's protest were frustrated as Imran sought his release from Adiala Jail by Friday as a precondition to call off the march but the government did not accept it, an informed source disclosed.

Furthermore, Barrister Gohar and Gandapur shared updates on their recent meetings with the PTI founder.

Ahead of the PTI's nationwide protest which they described as the "final call", the Punjab Home Department has requisitioned services of Pakistan Rangers Punjab in three districts of the province — Rawalpindi, Attock and Jhelum besides imposing Section 144 across the province for three days.

According to a letter sent to the Ministry of Interior, it has been recommended that two wings of Rangers be deployed in Rawalpindi and Attock and one company of Rangers in Jhelum.

A spokesperson for the provincial home department said that Rangers would be deployed in Rawalpindi and Attock from Friday, November 22, and stay there till further orders.

However, it has been recommended that Rangers be deployed in Jhelum from November 22 to 27. The decision to deploy Rangers was taken on the recommendation of the district administration, added the spokesperson.

Meantime, Islamabad has also imposed Section 144 for two months, banning gatherings of more than five people.

The federal capital is bracing for a potentially disruptive protest, with plans to seal off the city using shipping containers and enhanced security measures.

To counter the PTI’s demonstration, over 10,700 police personnel have been put on standby across Punjab.

This includes 3,500 officers from the Punjab Highway Patrol, 1,000 from the Special Protection Unit, and 1,200 from the Training Directorate.

Source:thenews.com.pk

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

https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1254086-pti-sticks-to-nov-24-march-plan-for-imran-khans-release

---------

PM Shehbaz constitutes committee to 'resolve issues' with PPP

By Web Desk

November 22, 2024

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a committee to resolve the issues between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) days after party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed dissatisfaction with the incumbent government.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the committee comprises Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, and Minister for Economic Affairs Ahmad Khan Cheema.

Other members include Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis Engineer Amir Muqam, Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah, Speaker of the Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmad Khan, Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Khawaja Saad Rafique, Jaffer Khan Mandokhel, and Bashir Ahmed Memon.

The prime minister has tasked the committee with the responsibility of "political cooperation and resolving issues after detailed consultations with the ally."

The committee will engage in discussions with the members designated by the Bilawal-led party to determine the future course of action, the statement added.

After the February 8 general elections, the PPP formed a government in Sindh and announced its support for PML-N in the formation of the government in Centre and Punjab but refused to accept the ministries.

Earlier this month, the PPP chairman expressed dissatisfaction with the federal government’s policies and governance style, alleging that PML-N was violating its agreement with his party.

Speaking to journalists, Bilawal voiced concerns over the lack of respect shown to his party and complained about the questionable politics being practised by their federal allies. He also expressed disappointment over the Centre’s persistent discrimination against Sindh, terming it a matter of grave concern for his party.

He said that as an ally the PPP supported the federal government morally and expected the latter to keep their end of the bargain as per the agreed terms.

Though Bilawal's outburst made headlines yet there is no threat to the regime, The News reported. All key PPP leaders know that despite their complaints against the PML-N, the party will not withdraw its support for the Shehbaz-led government, it added.

The PPP had recently set up a negotiation committee to resolve its differences with the federal government. The negotiating team includes senior leaders Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Naveed Qamar, Sherry Rehman, and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti and Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider are also part of the committee, which is tasked with presenting its findings to the CEC next month.Source:thenews.com.pk

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

https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1253945-pm-shehbaz-constitutes-committee-to-resolve-issues-with-ppp

----------

10 convicts in May 9 violent protests sentenced to jail, fined

By Arfa Feroz Zake

November 22, 2024

Ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's "do-or-die" nationwide protest scheduled for November 24, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad awarded jail terms and fines to 10 convicts in a May 9, 2023, riots' case on Friday.

A 15-page detailed verdict was issued by ATC judge Tahir Abbas Sipra, who heard a case related to May 9 protests led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) against the party founder Imran Khan’s arrest.

A total of 17 accused had been booked in First Information Report (FIR) 24/626.

Out of 17 nominated persons in the FIR, an accused was acquitted, whereas, six of them were declared absconders.

The ATC also issued perpetual non-bailable warrants for the absconders and ordered authorities to produce them before the court when arrested.

The convicts include four Afghan nationals —Daud Khan, Younas Khan, Ehsan Ullah, and Laal Agha— who were residing in different parts of Pakistan.

Six other convicts — Abid Mehmood, Ahsan Ayaz, Shaukat, Naeem Ullah, Zakir Ullah, and Matti Ullah — belong to Islamabad, Bajaur, and Rawalpindi.

The ATC sentenced the convicts to prison under various sections. Those convicts who secured bail were sentenced to one month in prison each and fined Rs1,000 under Section 341.

According to the verdict, each convict was jailed for three months and fined Rs1,000 under Section 186. They were also sentenced to an additional two years in prison and fined Rs20,000 each under Section 353. Additionally, they received a six-month jail term and a Rs3,000 fine each under Section 188.

The judge noted in the ruling that the prosecution failed to prove offences against the aforementioned accused under Sections 382 and 436.

The verdict also stated that the court had been informed of the nominated persons’ association with a political party; however, their affiliation was not mentioned in the complaints, which led to the acquittal of the accused under Sections 382 and 436.

This verdict came after the ATC declared Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur a proclaimed offender (PO) due to his continuous absence from hearings in a case lodged at the I-9 police station over vandalism and violation of Section 144 in the federal capital earlier today.

The Islamabad ATC’s order against Gandapur comes ahead of the PTI's protest in Islamabad which the party described as "final call", set to take place on Sunday despite strict federal government orders against it.

Last week, the federal government released "exclusive" CCTV footage of the May 9, 2023, violent protests, showing the alleged former ruling party's protesters vandalising and torching government and military installations.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, who played some video and audio messages of PTI leaders at a press conference in Islamabad, demanded that courts ensure “swift justice” following the “undeniable evidence” against the former ruling party.

The minister promised that all evidence, including CCTV footage, was secure and unalterable.

He emphasised the need for a swift resolution of pending cases to set a precedent and deter such incidents in the future.

Source:thenews.com.pk

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

https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1253941-10-convicts-in-may-9-violent-protests-sentenced-to-jail-fined

----------

Showdown looms as govt vows to resist PTI march

Mohammad Asghar | Mansoor Malik

November 23, 2024

• Major motorways in Punjab, KP closed for all traffic; highways and bridges along GT Road blocked

• Heavy security deployed to stymie planned demo

• Dozens arrested across Punjab, Section 144 imposed

• Ministers say IHC order will be fully enforced

• Imran, Aleema stand firm, ask people to come out

ISLAMABAD / LAHORE: As the PTI remained resolute in its plans for a major protest on Nov 24, despite an Islamabad High Court order, the government on Friday vowed to suppress the power show with full force, deploying massive security forces, enforcing a sweeping ban on gatherings, blocking highways and motorways and launching a crackdown on leaders and workers of the opposition party.

The National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) announced that six key motorways would be closed for all types of traffic “due to maintenance” from Friday night, advising travellers to avoid unnecessary travel during this period. According to a statement, the decision was taken following information that protesters are planning to create a law and order situation and damage public and private property on Nov 24.

The motorways closed to traffic are: M1 from Peshawar to Islamabad, M2 from Lahore to Islamabad, M3 from Lahore to Abdul Hakeem, M4 from Pindi Bhattian to Multan, M11 from Sialkot to Lahore, and M14 from Yarik to Hakla.

Meanwhile, local autho­ri­­ties blocked bridges over the Chenab and Jhelum rivers in Gujrat district to restrict PTI protesters’ movement towards Islam­abad. The closure caused significant inconvenience to commuters who found themselves stuck in long queues of trucks and other vehicles on both sides of the rivers. Heavy containers and trolleys were parked on both sides of the bridges.

Section 144, deployment

In light of PTI’s planned protest march in Islam­abad, the Punjab govern­ment on Friday banned all political assemblies, gatherings, sit-ins, rallies and other activities across the province from Nov 23 to 25.

The home department imposed Section 144 across the province following the recommendation of the Standing Committee of Cabinet on Law and Order, which reviewed the security situation in Punjab amidst the current wave of terrorism incidents.

The home department said a political party had announced protests and demonstrations across the province on Nov 24 (Sunday). “There is an apprehension that miscreants/mischief-mongers could take advantage of the said protest to carry out subversive/anti-state activities to fulfil their nefarious designs,” it added.

The Islamabad police devised a comprehensive security plan to counter the PTI protest, which includes blocking roads and key points with containers, deploying personnel, strike and arrest teams, and utilising digital surveillance.

According to capital police officials, the security plan involves the deployment of 6,325 capital police officers alongside 21,500 personnel from other forces — 5,000 Rangers, 5,500 FC personnel, 9,000 Punjab police, and 2,000 Sindh police. The goal is to ensure the safety of the public and maintain peace in the city.

Around 1,200 containers will be used to block entry points and roads in the capital.

Fifteen key points in Islamabad, including Kati Pahari, Nicholson Monument, Paswal, Fatehjang Road, Margalla Avenue, Faizabad and Barakahu, will be blocked with containers. Around 4,500 personnel will be deployed to secure these locations, with Rangers stationed at Chongi No 26. An additional 7,500 personnel will be available on standby.

Digital surveillance will be conducted with 3,259 cameras operated by the Safe City Authority Islamabad, along with aerial surveillance using drones.

The Rawalpindi administration deployed over 6,000 anti-riot police, assisted by Rangers, to maintain law and order during PTI’s planned protest on Nov 24. The city will be sealed off at 70 points with containers and barriers, and 65 police pickets will be established to enforce Section 144 and ensure security.

Entry and exit routes across Rawalpindi district, including Murree Road and pathways to Islamabad, will be blocked with containers and barriers at designated points. To ensure compliance with Section 144, 65 police pickets will be established throughout the city, and the Metro Bus service will remain suspended indefinitely from Saturday night.

Arrests, raids

On Friday, police also made dozens of arrests and raided the houses of PTI leaders and workers across Punjab. In Sahiwal, police arrested 30 individuals, including political workers, ticket holders, youth, social media activists, and district and tehsil office-bearers, from various locations to prevent them from participating in the PTI protest.

Among those arrested were NA-141 ticket holder Rana Amir Shahzad, president of the Youth Wing Sheikh Awais and GS Muazzam, ex-UC chairman Rana Muhammad Zafar, Jahan Khan, Ghulam Dastigir, Abrar Doger, Shaikh Tamoor, ex-UC chairman Malik Asger, Saqlain, Altaf Bahadar, Shahzad Jutt, Aqash, Muhammad Saleem, Usama Mushtaq, Zubair Ali, Ibrar Joya, Adnan, Mushtaq, Aloudin and Muhammad Younas.

Police sources said the arrested individuals were shifted to undisclosed locations.

In Gujranwala, a heavy contingent of police raided a press conference held by PTI’s district leader and former MNA Chaudhry Mehdi Hassan Bhatti, confiscating logo cameras, microphones and mobile phones from journalists.

Subsequently, a case was registered against PTI district leaders and 13 people, including eight journalists, under multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code.

The incident sparked a wave of anger and resentment among journalists across the district, who condemned the police action in strong terms and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the false case.

In Sargodha, police launched a crackdown on PTI activists and began closing all routes, besides the motorway to stop the movement of PTI supporters.

No permission

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in separate press conferences on Friday, categorically stated that the government would not permit PTI protesters to enter the federal capital for their rally and sit-in on Sunday.

Responding to criticism over sealing Islamabad and blocking main highways and motorways, the defence minister descri­bed these actions as a “lesser evil,” arguing that allowing protesters into the capital could have resulted in greater devastation.

“Yesterday, a court decision was issued, and we will enforce it with full force,” Mr Asif stated. He accused the PTI of planning a “third attack” on the capital after two prior incidents and suggested the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government should focus on combating terrorism instead.

Dismissing the possibility of backdoor negotiations between the government and PTI, he claimed that PTI leaders, including KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, were in contact with the establishment. “He [CM Gandapur] must have some channels; otherwise, he wouldn’t hold such significance. As a provincial chief minister, he has had conversations with the establishment. However, other PTI leaders like Barrister Gohar have no such contact,” he added.

Mr Asif also said CM Gandapur had attended an apex committee meeting under the National Action Plan and spent hours discussing political matters, including those related to PTI founder Imran Khan. He claimed that Mr Khan, who previously sought negotiations with the establishment, had now changed his statement claiming contacts with politicians. The minister denied any such contact or negotiations.

Mr Asif claimed that there are disputes within the PTI founder’s family over inheritance and accused Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi of attempting to claim political control.

Mohsin Naqvi also vowed to fully enforce the IHC order, alleging that PTI’s long march aimed to pressure the government to release Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned for over a year.

“No rally, march, or protest will be allowed in the federal capital due to the Belarusian president’s visit and the high court’s directives. We will enforce the orders 100 per cent, at any cost, as we are bound by law,” he asserted.

Denying any contact with Adiala Jail, where Imran Khan is incarcerated, the interior minister said the city administration had not received any formal application from the PTI to stage a protest.

He expressed regret over disruptions caused by such protests, but emphasised that no alternatives existed to maintain order.

“If they want to come and protest [in Islamabad], I will be the first to oppose any talks. If they wish to hold talks, it should be done in a proper manner. It is unacceptable to protest on one hand and simultaneously call for negotiations,” he said in response to a question about potential talks between the government and the PTI.

Imran stays firm

But the PTI has remained firm in its decision to hold a sit-in in the capital.

“The nation should focus on the November 24 protest. God willing, you will emerge victorious,” PTI founding chairman Imran Khan said in a message to the nation posted on X. Mr Khan emphasised that November 24 is a day for the nation to break free from slavery, as the rule of law, constitution, and human rights are being suspended in Pakistan.

Imran Khan’s sister, Aleema Khan, after holding a brief meeting with her brother in Adiala Jail, said the talk of withdrawing the Nov 24 call was misleading. She clarified that her brother had not withdrawn the protest call and stood by his decision.

Talking to reporters, she remarked, “These people are misleading you; you should not follow any of their words. This protest is your constitutional right. The illegal imprisonment of the founder of PTI must end.”

She said November 24 had become a crucial day. She said it was the final call, and the PTI founder had asked the entire nation to come out for their freedom and the independence of the judiciary. Aleema Khan said both she and her brother had been told to stop speaking, leave the country, and the cases would be “forgiven”.

Source:dawn.com

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

https://www.dawn.com/news/1874165/showdown-looms-as-govt-vows-to-resist-pti-march

---------

Protests sweep the country as Kurram toll rises to 43

Javed Hussain

 November 23, 2024

• Curfew imposed, mobile services suspended; schools, markets remain shut across Parachinar

• Senior official describes situation in region as ‘extremely tense’

• Protesters slam govt inability to protect citizens

KURRAM: The death toll from Thursday’s attack on passenger vehicles in Khyber Pakhtun­khwa’s Kurram district area rose to 43, authorities said on Friday as they imposed a curfew and suspended mobile service in the remote mountainous district.

Businesses, educational institutions and markets remained closed across Parachinar and surrounding areas in Kurram, a district near the Afghanistan border with a history of sectarian violence.

Thousands of people took to the streets in various cities on Friday.

Unmute

The convoy of around 200 vehicles, carrying Shia passengers between Peshawar and Parachi­nar, came under heavy gunfire in the densely populated Bagan town.

According to witnesses, the vehicles were ambushed from four sides. Muhammad, a 14-year-old survivor, told Dawn that the assault lasted around 30 minutes.

Authorities said that the victims included seven women and three children, with 16 others injured — 11 of whom are in critical condition.

Sajid Kazmi, a leader of Majlis-i-Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM), condemned the attack, accusing law enforcement agencies of negligence. He alleged that despite the convoy being escorted by police from Thal to Alizai, the forces failed to protect passengers. Mr Kazmi demanded the formation of a joint investigation team (JIT) to investigate the massacre.

Kurram Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud confirmed the death toll, adding that efforts were underway to restore normalcy. He told Dawn that a grand jirga would be convened to find a viable solution to the unrest.

Protests and funerals

The attack has sparked outrage across the district, with demonstrations held in various locations, including outside the Parachinar Press Club. Thousands of people participated in a sit-in in Parachinar, where protesters criticised the government’s failure to protect civilians.

Funerals for the victims, including journalist Janan Hussain, a member of the Parachinar Press Club, were held in their respective villages before Friday prayers. Mr Hussain had recently returned from Malaysia.

An administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the AFP news agency that mobile signals across the district had been shut down, describing the situation as “extremely tense”.

“A curfew has been imposed on the main road connecting Upper and Lower Kurram, and the bazaar remains completely closed, with all traffic suspended,” the official said. After the funerals, the youth gathered, chanted slogans against the government and marched toward a nearby security checkpoint, resident Muhammad Ali told the news agency.

A senior administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that “some broke CCTV cameras at the checkpoint… burned tyres and caused damage to property”, before the situation de-escalated.

Several hundred people also demonstrated in Lahore, according to AFP.

“We are tired of counting the bodies. How long will this bloodshed continue?” Khanum Nida Jafri, a 50-year-old religious scholar protesting, said. “We are demanding peace for our children and women. Are we asking too much?”

Hundreds also demonstrated in Karachi.

Sectarian violence

Thursday’s ambush is the latest in a series of sectarian clashes between Sunni and Shia tribes in Kurram. Previous clashes in July and September claimed dozens of lives and were resolved only after tribal councils brokered ceasefires.

The latest violence drew condemnation from officials and human rights groups. “The frequency of such incidents confirms the failure of the federal and provincial governments to protect the security of ordinary citizens,” the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said in a statement.

“We demand immediate and decisive steps from both governments to permanently break this cycle of violence,” it said.

‘She died in my arms’

Danish Turi, a survivor of the deadly ambush, described the attack as “horrifying”. He witnessed a vehicle ahead of his being struck by a rocket launcher, leaving the passengers and the vehicle in ruins, according to a BBC Urdu report.

Mr Turi, the chairman of Parac­hinar Youth Council, recounted the chilling moments when gunfire erupted on the road connecting Peshawar to Parachinar. Travelling in a passenger coach with mostly women onboard, he was seated in the front when the attackers struck.

“When we reached the Mandori area, the convoy from Peshawar to Parachinar arrived, and within moments, heavy firing started,” Mr Turi recalled, according to the report.

He and several other passengers sought refuge in a nearby stream surrounded by dense trees. “I was carrying an eight-year-old girl, trying to move her to safety when a bullet hit her. She died in my arms.”

Mr Turi said the “vehicle in front of us, a Fielder car, was hit by a rocket, causing a massive explosion. We were terrified, thinking any moment could be our last.”

He helped evacuate around 10 to 12 women to safety. “But I couldn’t save the innocent girl who passed away in my arms.”

Journalist’s life cut short

The family of Janan Hussain, a journalist from Parachinar who was among the victims, went through the anguish of searching for him throughout the day, only to receive his body late at night.

Mr Hussain had recently returned from a trip to Malaysia. Known for his charitable work with his organisation, Mr Hussain was also working on community-focused journalism.

His cousin, Rizwan Hussain, shared how Janan had informed his wife during the journey that he was on his way home. “We were hopeful he was safe, but then his body arrived at 11pm, plunging the family into grief.”

Ali Afzal, a fellow journalist, recalled that Janan Hussain “often talked about how far the world has progressed while we remain entangled in conflicts”.

Mr Afzal told BBC Urdu that Janan had sent him a video from Malaysia with beautiful views saying that people lived there “like they were in a paradise”. “We will get heaven only after death,” Janan said in the video.

The attack also claimed the life of Gulfam Hussain, a taxi driver who had travelled to Pesha­war to meet acquaintances. A father of five young children, Mr Hussain had planned to return to Parachinar with the convoy.

“We learned in the evening that Gulfam was among those injured in the attack. He later succumbed to his wounds,” said his uncle, Ali Ghulam.

Source:dawn.com

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

https://www.dawn.com/news/1874164/protests-sweep-the-country-as-kurram-toll-rises-to-43

---------

Punjab governor says ‘won’t see’ Maryam now

Amjad Mahmood

 November 23, 2024

LAHORE: In a fresh sign of relations between the two coalition partners hitting a new low, Punjab Governor Saleem Haider, who is affiliated with the PPP, on Friday complained that they were not being taken on board by the ruling PML-N in the decision-making process.

Governor Haider, who had earlier been venting out his anger through statements and by delaying the appointment of vice-chancellors to universities, this time expressed his frustration during a meeting with the participants of a security workshop being organised by the Islamabad-based National Defence University in the provincial capital.

“Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has become an empress. She never calls or consults me on issues of merit,” he claimed, while referring to the appointment of vice-chancellors.

“I won’t meet Maryam Nawaz now,” he declared.

Highlighting PPP’s support for the rulers, the governor said the PML-N government “will come to its knees” if PPP withdrew its support.

Alleging that merit is being violated in Punjab, he emphasised that as an ally, PPP should be consulted in all governance matters.

The governor pointed out that notwithstanding his constitutional office and protocol, he himself went to meet Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and tried to assure her that PPP would not create any problem for her.

“Over the past six months, I tried to contact her repeatedly by phone, but got zero response as she never consulted on any issue. So now I won’t meet her,” he said.

The governor said that the relationship between the two parties had reached a stalemate in Punjab and he had informed the PPP’s top leadership about the situation.

He recalled that the experience of forming a coalition with the PML-N was bitter in the past too. “Written agreements were reached and advisory committees were formed, but decisions were never implemented.”

Mr Haider said PPP expected that PML-N might have learned lessons from the past, adding that the current alliance was not out of love but of compulsion.

Meanwhile, PPP’s vice president in Punjab, Rana Farooq Saeed, told a press conference that he would demand the annulment of the alliance in the forthcoming meeting of the party’s central executive committee.

He said PPP members were opposed to any alliance with PML-N, because the party never fulfilled any promises. “How long will we drag along? Something needs to be done now.”

Flanked by Azizur Rehman Chan and Bushra Manzoor Maneka, he said PPP had maintained a tradition of taking on board all provinces in key decision-making, but PML-N was constructing a canal on River Indus without seeking consent of other federating units.

He said that PML-N must take its allies into confidence over economic reforms as one-sided decisions would not yield positive results.

Relations between the two parties went sour soon after the passage of the 26th Amendment. Recently, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari went public with complaints about PML-N.

Source:dawn.com

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

https://www.dawn.com/news/1874158/punjab-governor-says-wont-see-maryam-now

---------

Seven terrorists killed in Balochistan, KP: ISPR

Umer Farooq | Saleem Shahid

November 23, 2024

QUETTA / PESHAWAR: Seven terrorists were killed by security forces in operations across Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the military’s media wing claimed on Friday.

Four terrorists were killed in three separate operations in Balochistan between Wednesday and Friday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement said.

Two terrorists were gunned down in an operation conducted in Awaran district. The “high-value” targets were identified as Niaz alias Ghuman and Zareef alias Shah Jahan.

The other two terrorists were gunned down during operations in Dera Bugti and Kech districts.

The deceased terrorists were “wanted by the law enforcement agencies” for their involvement in attacks against security forces and civilians, the ISPR statement added.

Operation in KP

In KP, three terrorists were killed in an exchange of fire with security forces in Bannu district on Friday morning, the military’s media wing said.

The ISPR statement said an intelligence-based operation was carried out on the reported presence of militants in the area.

The forces “effectively engaged” the terrorists’ location during the operation and killed three of them. Two terrorists were also injured.

The statement added that weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the possession of terrorists, who were “actively involved” in attacks against security forces and civilians.

A sanitisation operation was being carried out to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area, the ISPR added.

Source:dawn.com

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

https://www.dawn.com/news/1874153/seven-terrorists-killed-in-balochistan-kp-ispr

----------

PTI adamant on holding Nov 24 protest despite IHC order; section 144 enforced in Punjab

Nadir Guramani

 November 22, 2024

PTI leaders on Friday remained adamant on going ahead with its planned power show on November 24 despite facing hurdles of bans on gatherings in Islamabad and Punjab, as well as a court order declaring its protest “unlawful”.

PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan has issued a “final call” for nationwide protests on November 24 (Sunday), denouncing what he described as the stolen mandate, the unjust arrests of people and the passage of the 26th amendment, which strengthened a “dictatorial regime”.

“The decision to hold a protest on November 24 is still confirmed,” said former PTI MNA Aliya Hamza Malik, who is on bail currently.

“The rest of the leaders are in a meeting with [Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin] Gandapur and some of them are in Adiala,” Malik told Dawn.com, referring to Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail where Imran is imprisoned.

“Yes, full on,” PTI leader Sayed Zulfi Bukhari replied to Dawn.com when asked if his party still planned to continue with the protest plans.

A statement posted on Imran’s X account today said Nov 24 was “the day to break free from slavery”.

“The rule of law, Constitution and human rights are suspended in Pakistan, forcing the nation to come out to protest and make sacrifices. The nation must decide whether to wear the yoke of slavery … or to wear the crown of freedom,” the statement said.

He said the people should remain focused on Sunday, expressing hope that it would be a successful protest.

Section 144 imposed in Punjab from Saturday-Monday

Ahead of the PTI’s protest, public gatherings have been banned in Islamabad for two more months and in Rawalpindi till November 26.

Today, a similar prohibition was announced across Punjab for three days from Saturday till Monday under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Section 144 is a legal provision that empowers district administrations to prohibit an assembly of four or more people in an area for a limited period. It is usually imposed to prevent potential disturbances, maintain law and order, and curb any activities that might escalate into violence.

According to a notification issued by the Punjab Home Department today, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, “all kinds of political assemblies, gatherings, sit-ins, rallies, demonstrations, jalsas, protests and such like other activities” were banned across the province.

The order stated: “There is an apprehension that miscreants/mischief mongers can take advantage of the said protest to carry out subversive/anti-state activities in order to fulfil their nefarious designs.”

It noted that the 18th meeting of the Standing Committee of Cabinet on Law and Order recommended the imposition of the said restrictions “in the backdrop of present wave of incidents of terrorism”.

The notification stated that the ban was aimed at ensuring the security of the people and installations/buildings against any potential terrorist or untoward activity“.

It termed the imposition of Section 144 as a “speedy remedy to prevent disturbance of public peace” and ensure “safety of lives and property of public, and tranquillity in the province of Punjab”.

Separately, the office of Lahore’s deputy inspector general of police requested the Ring Road Authority commandant to close the road from 8am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday due to the expected law and order situation because of the anticipated agitation, protest and gatherings in the city over the weekend.

“The miscreants and troublemakers may damage public and private property and escalate the law & order situation.

“The Lahore police is ensuring the safety & security of the general public and private/public property,” the request said.

PTI differs over status of negotiations

Meanwhile, PTI leaders seemed to differ over the status of any negotiations.

Speaking on DawnNews programme ‘Doosra Rukh’, PTI maverick Sher Afzal Marwat said there were no negotiations with the government at the moment, as the PTI’s demand for Imran’s release went unfulfilled.

“As far as I know, negotiations have been unsuccessful,” Marwat said. “In the meetings we’ve had, there doesn’t seem to be any remote possibility of negotiations. We’re focusing on preparations for the Nov 24 rally at the moment.”

He added that if the government did not want mass protests in Pakistan, then “they must release Imran Khan and our leadership in Kot Lakhpat Jail”.

He continued: “We’ve had negotiations with the relevant members of the government and the establishment. However, that chapter has closed because they will not release Imran Khan and they have filed new cases against him.”

Meanwhile, speaking on Geo News programme ‘Naya Pakistan’, senior PTI leader Raoof Hasan said negotiations were taking place “at a level higher than [Interior Minister Mohsin] Naqvi sahib” and “with those who matter”.

When informed that the interior minister had said that negotiations were not taking place a day prior, Hasan replied, “If Naqvi sahib doesn’t want to acknowledge it then that’s his decision.”

The former party spokesperson said that negotiations were still ongoing “with the concerned people”.

Source:dawn.com

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

https://www.dawn.com/news/1874077/pti-adamant-on-holding-nov-24-protest-despite-ihc-order-section-144-enforced-in-punjab

----------

 

India

Delhi: Police complaint filed against Islamic cleric for issuing 'fatwa' against BJP's Muslim supporters

Nov 22, 2024

New Delhi: A BJP leader has got a police complaint filed here against Islamic cleric Maulana Sajjad Nomani, alleging that he has issued a "fatwa" calling for the social boycott of Muslims supporting the BJP government at the Centre.BJP's Minority Morcha president Jamal Siddiqui got the complaint filed at the Tughlak Road police station. According to the complaint, Nomani, who resides in Lucknow and enjoys significant influence within the Muslim community, issued the controversial "fatwa" (decree) during the Maharashtra Assembly polls. Siddiqui has told police that in a widely-circulated video, Nomani reportedly said Muslims who support the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) should be shunned, denied greetings and subjected to a complete social boycott. Nomani has also allegedly said that such individuals should be considered outside the fold of Islam. In the video, the cleric has allegedly mocked the BJP's Muslim supporters, saying they should rename themselves as "Ghanshyam", signalling their exclusion from the co munitySiddiqui has claimed that this "fatwa" has led to severe consequences for Muslims associated with the saffron party, including threats, social isolation and abuses."After the fatwa, people have stopped talking to me during Friday prayers and at public places like Nizamuddin Dargah. I have faced abuses on social media and people are boycotting me," Siddiqui has said in his complaint.

He has also said that he is being followed and receiving death threats, making his life and that of other BJP workers increasingly difficult

The complainant has urged authorities to take strict action against Nomani for his statements. He has also attached a link to the video clip to his complaint 

Source:deccanherald.com

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

https://www.deccanherald.com/india/delhi/delhi-police-complaint-filed-against-islamic-cleric-for-issuing-fatwa-against-bjps-muslim-supporters-3287843

---------

Yati Narsinghanand calls on Hindus to read Hanuman Chalisa at Muslim conference

 22 November 2024

Ghaziabad (UP): Dasna temple priest Yati Narsinghanand on Friday urged the "Hindu community" to recite Hanuman Chalisa at a Muslim community gathering slated to take place in Delhnot repeat the "mistake" of the Shaheen Bagh movement and come together against the "Islamic Jihadists." A Muslim conference has been called by cleric Tauqeer Raza on the issue of the Waqf Amendment Bill at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on Sunday"If even now we do not oppose the Jihadis, then like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Kashmir, Afghanistan, Iran, Arab, we will lose everything and be finished off from India too," Yati Narsinghanand saidGhaziabad Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Mishra said since the matter pertained to Delhi, he would have no objection permitting Yati and his disciples to cross the border, if they are allowed in by the the national capital authorities. 

Source:deccanherald.com

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

https://www.deccanherald.com/india/uttar-pradesh/yati-narsinghanand-calls-on-hindus-to-read-hanuman-chalisa-at-muslim-conference-3288088

---------

 

SC notice to Gyanvapi mosque panel on plea for survey of ‘shivling’ area

November 23, 2024

GyanvapiOn May 16, 2022, during a court-ordered survey of the Gyanvapi premises, a structure found in the wazukhana (ablution pond) area was claimed to be a “shivling” by the Hindu side whereas the Muslim party claimed it to be a “fountain”.

The Supreme Court on Friday sought the response from the Gyanvapi mosque committee in Varanasi on a plea filed by the Hindu side for conducting an ASI survey of the sealed area of the mosque where a “shivling” was purportedly found in May, 2022.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan issued notice to the Committee of Management Anjuman Intezamia Masajid and sought its reply within two weeks on a plea filed by the Hindu side.

On May 16, 2022, during a court-ordered survey of the Gyanvapi premises, a structure found in the wazukhana (ablution pond) area was claimed to be a “shivling” by the Hindu side whereas the Muslim party claimed it to be a “fountain”.

Senior advocate Shyam Divan, along with advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, said they had filed an application to consolidate all suits and transfer it from Varanasi district court to the Allahabad High Court.

Senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, appearing for the mosque management committee, contended the appeal filed by Masjid committee questioning the maintainability of the suits as barred by the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act 1991 should be heard on an urgent basis.

Source:indianexpress.com

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

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/sc-notice-to-gyanvapi-mosque-panel-on-plea-for-survey-of-shivling-area-9685348/

---------

BJP minority body chief files complaint against Muslim religious leader Nomani

Nov 23, 2024

BJP Minority Morcha national president Jamal Siddiqui has filed a police complaint in Delhi against Islamic religious leader Maulana Sajjad Nomani, who issued a controversial fatwa ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections.

A video featuring Maulana Sajjad Nomani urging the Muslim community in Maharashtra to vote for the Congress-Sena-NCP alliance had gone viral.

Nomani said he believed that a BJP loss in Maharashtra could destabilise the central government. Reacting to the video, the Maharashtra government claimed that the Congress and its allies were trying to divide society out of fear of defeat.

The complaint also alleged that Nomani, through a fatwa, called for boycotting Muslim workers associated with the BJP and rejecting them from Islam. A video of the controversial fatwa has also been released.

Maulana Nomani gave a statement before the Maharashtra assembly elections in which he had said that social and religious relations with Muslims working with the BJP should be severed. He had also said that such people have discarded Islam and their "hookah-paani should be stopped".

The religious leader's statement stirred a political row with parties having divided opinions about the same. Keeping in mind the seriousness of the matter, Siddiqui wrote to Delhi Police demanding strict action against Maulana Nomani.

The complainant also maintained that due to this statement, there is a danger of division in society and the spread of religious disharmony, and appealed to the police to take immediate necessary steps.

Talking to India Today TV, Jamal Siddiqui said that after this statement of Maulana, Muslim workers associated with BJP are being socially boycotted.

"They (Muslims) are facing contempt and threats at mosques and other religious places. Influenced by this statement of Maulana, many people are abusing and making indecent comments on social media," Siddiqui said, claiming that he and other workers are also receiving death threats.

In his complaint, Siddiqui alleged that people of Muslim society are calling the officials of BJP Minority Front by the name Ghanshyam. Due to which, a situation of enmity is brewing. "Because in his fatwa, the Maulana has asked to call the Muslims working in the BJP by the name Ghanshyam. Due to such a fatwa, there is a danger of division in society and the spreading of religious disharmony, including the life and property of Muslims working in the BJP," he said.

Source:indiatoday.in

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

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/bjp-minority-body-chief-jamal-siddiqui-complaint-muslim-religious-leader-maulana-sajjad-nomani-2638548-2024-11-23

----------

Sambhal mosque holds Friday prayers, forces, drones keep a watch

by Amit Sharma

 November 23, 2024

Sambhal mosque Friday prayers, Chandausi mosque, sambhal district, uttar pradesh, Shahi Jama Masjid, court order, indian express, indian express latest news, communal violence in uttar pradesh, indian express newsSecurity personnel in Sambhal on Friday. PTI

Friday prayers were held at the Jama Masjid in Sambhal town amid a large deployment of police and paramilitary forces, three days after a survey was conducted at the sixteenth-century mosque on the orders of a court in the wake of claims that the structure was built at a site of an ancient Hindu temple.

Hundreds turned up at the mosque to offer prayers in the afternoon with the security personnel heavily barricading the roads and maintaining air surveillance through drone cameras.

Officials as well as the mosque management said they had not anticipated that the worshipers would turn out in such a large number. The mosque management made announcements on loudspeakers requesting people to refrain from entering the structure to offer prayers.

“Not an inch of place is left inside. You are requested to offer namaz in the mosques near your places of residence,” a voice on the loudspeaker said. Jafar Ali, a lawyer, said, “The turnout was unexpected. Earlier on Fridays, the gathering here used to be not more than 500-600. But today’s turnout was at least twice or thrice the capacity which can accommodate nearly 2,000 people. An equal number of people were stopped on the roads to avoid any trouble.”

Sambhal SP Krishna Kumar Bishnoi said, “We had taken every possible measure to ensure foolproof security in the wake of the court-ordered survey of the mosque. We held several rounds of talks with clerics and members of mosque committee. They assured to make regular announcements from their public address system. Multi-tier security rings were put in place.”

Sambhal District Magistrate Rajendra Pensiya said: “The matter will be heard on November 29 now. So, we thought the survey should be done as early as possible.”

Source:indianexpress.com/

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

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sambhal-mosque-holds-friday-prayers-forces-drones-keep-a-watch-9685330/

---------

SC seeks Gyanvapi mosque management’s response on ASI survey

Nov 22, 2024

New Delhi: Supreme Court on Friday sought Varanasi's Gyanvapi mosque management committee's response to a plea of the Hindu side for an ASI conducted scientific survey of the sealed area inside the mosque, where a court commissioner had purportedly discovered a huge ‘Shivling' which the Muslim side claimed was a fountain.

Archaeological Survey of India had carried out a survey of other areas of the Gyanvapi mosque, which Hindus claim to be built on the damaged structure of the original temple of Kashi Vishwanath. Muslims claim they have been in uninterrupted possession since the 17th century.

The Hindu side, through senior advocate Shyam Divan, said ASI survey of the area inside the mosque, which has been sealed on the orders of the SC since May 20, 2022, could not take place and pleaded that ASI be directed to conduct the survey using all possible scientific methods and submit a report to the SC.

The Hindu side's application, through advocate Vishnu S Jain, said the ASI survey report on other parts of the Gyanvapi mosque contained several photographs and material relating to the temple. "There is important material and evidence relating to the temple within the sealed area which could serve as important evidence in deciding the suits seeking right to worship within the mosque," it said.

Earlier, the SC had deferred scientific survey of the ‘Shivling' as even the Centre had said that such a survey, as ordered by the trial court in Varanasi and upheld by Allahabad HC, could be postponed.

Divan pointed out that several suits were pending for trial before the district judge and civil judge (senior division) in Varanasi and pleaded for their consolidation before the district judge, whom the SC had entrusted with the main suit, or before a three-judge bench of the HC.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan said it was for consolidation of the suits to avoid conflicting views. However, it said consolidation of suits before the HC would not be advisable as the HC should remain the appellate forum, which could re-appreciate evidence.

Appearing for the Gyanvapi mosque management, senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi said he was not against consolidation of the suits before the Varanasi district judge but argued that the SC must first decide whether the suits of the Hindu side were maintainable in view of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, that barred changing the character of religious structures as existing on Aug 15, 1947.

Justices Kant and Bhuyan said it would be proper to list all the pending matters together before the SC and decide the issues one by one by posting them for hearing on a weekly or fortnightly basis. It posted the next hearing on Dec 17.

Source:indiatimes.com

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

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/supreme-court-requests-gyanvapi-mosque-managements-response-to-asi-survey-plea/articleshow/115572467.cms

---------

Amid the rhetoric of land jihad, concerns over land rights persist in Jharkhand

22 November, 2024

A day before the second phase of polling in Jharkhand, an election video went viral on social media. The video, posted by the Bharatiya Janata Party’s official Twitter account, shows a large horde of Muslims, which included several children, moving into a middle-class house. At the entrance of the house is a flag of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha. The video portrays the horde as uncouth, running amok in the house—much to the horror of the family living there. At the end of the video, two men tell the owner of the house that “these people” had been brought in by his party. “Why should just our homes be ruined?” they ask. The video ends with a slogan asking people to vote for the BJP.

The video encapsulates and crystallises the BJP’s shrill poll pitch in Jharkhand, where polling concluded this Wednesday. After receiving complaints, the Election Commission of India ordered the BJP to take down the video, but it has been shared widely on social media.

Land has been an emotive issue in the state, with concerns pertaining to land acquisition or the dilution of laws relating to land ownership finding resonance in past elections. Over the course of its election campaign, the BJP has made the selling of Adivasi land by “middlemen” one of its main poll planks. Crucially, it has claimed that Bangladeshi infiltrators were the beneficiaries of land sales and called the process an instance of “land jihad.”

The BJP has pushed this rhetoric despite there being no evidence to suggest that the alleged land transfers, have been to Muslims hailing from Bangladesh. The narrative seems to have stemmed from a dispute between an Adivasi and a Muslim family in Pakur district, both of whom have had land records dating back to 1932. This dispute has been referenced by BJP leaders during the campaigning: while kicking off BJP’s poll campaign at Jharkhand on 20 September from Sahibganj, Amit Shah, the home minister, said, “In Pakur district, slogans are being raised asking Hindus and Adivasis to leave Jharkhand. Tell me, does this land belong to Adivasis or to Rohingya and Bangladeshi infiltrators?” Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs lodged a formal protest with India’s Deputy High Commissioner in Dhaka thereafter, expressing “serious reservations, deep hurt, and extreme displeasure.”

At the heart of BJP’s campaign is Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam’s chief minister, tasked with managing handling the election campaign along with Shivraj Singh Chouhan, a former chief minister of Madhya Pradesh. Sarma, who has been credited with BJP’s return to power in Chhattisgarh in 2023, has been using the Bangladeshi infiltrator narrative in his home state for several years.

The BJP has often used anti-Muslim rhetoric to consolidate the Hindu vote in regions that do not have an Adivasi-majority, such as north Chotanagpur. In Adivasi dominant areas, the party has departed from its traditional approach of pitting Hindu Adivasis against Christian Adivasis. This time around they have sought to paint Muslims as the diku—an outsider perceived as exploiting Jharkhand’s resources and people. This term has been used to refer to moneylenders, traders and administrators from Bihar or West Bengal as well as other dominant-caste groups from outside the state. The BJP has traditionally drawn support from many of these segments. It has also focussed on Christian missionaries, accusing them of engaging in forced and fraudulent conversions among Adivasis. By raising the bogey of infiltration, the BJP hopes to gain the Christian vote as well as prevent an Adivasi and Muslim consolidation, which hurt them in 2019.

Even as the fear mongering around land jihad was taking place in the state, the issues surrounding ownership and rights over land continued to persist in the state. In Khunti, which went to polls on 13 November and whose current MLA is from the BJP, I spoke to several Adivasi residents who were worried about the ghuspaitiye—infiltrator. “Bangladeshis are not ghuspaitiye. The real ghuspaitiye are Adivasis like us, who have become dalals,” Narayan Pahan, a local BJP member and a farmer told me. He explained that dalals—middlemen—were those who bought land from Adivasis and sold it to non-Adivasis at higher prices.

The Chhota Nagpur Tenancy Act of 1908, enacted after several uprisings in the region, provided not only for the creation and maintenance of land records but also created a special tenure category that ensured that land transfers did not take place to non-Adivasis. Over time, some amendments to the act made this possible, with requisite permissions.

In 2016, the BJP government, led by Raghubar Das, had introduced amendments in the state assembly to the CNT and another crucial land act in the state, the Santhal Paragana Tenancy Act. There were widespread protests against this move, which led to the incarceration of several protestors. The governor eventually declined to give her assent to the amendment bills. In October 2016, Abraham Munda, an Adivasi protestor, was killed in police firing in Khunti district. Hemant Soren and the JMM won the 2019 election on the promise of ensuring forest rights to Adivasis and withdrawing all cases registered during the protests.

Ranchi Sudhir Pal, an activist working on land issues, said that the emergence of middlemen was bound to happen with the dilution of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Act of 2013—LARR Act—brought in by the BJP government, led by Raghubar Das at the time, in Jharkhand. In 2016, he said, the Das government brought in several projects and a policy to create a land bank was made. “They are bypassing the CNT Act through this policy, which has removed the provision of consent of people affected by its implementation.” Jharkhand’s land bank holds 2.1 million acres of land and ever since its creation.

Vinod Singh, an MLA with the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation, said he had also urged Hemant Soren to repeal the land bank policy and amendments that Das had brought in. The amendments to the LARR Act had exempted restrictions of social-impact assessment for land acquisition. This also included scheduled areas under the fifth schedule of the Constitution, which provides safeguards to the cultural and economic interests of Scheduled Tribes. Over a dozen districts in Jharkhand fall under these areas. “The bill, now awaiting the Governor’s and the President’s consents, thus cuts deeply into the safeguards regarding land rights so far available under the CNT and SPT Acts. It brazenly overlooks the core concerns of the LARR Act, such as the provision of comprehensive and appropriate rehabilitation of all stakeholders in the land that is to be acquired and maintenance of the ecological balance,” a statement from CPI (ML)L said in 2017.

Dayamani Barla, founder of the Adivasi-Moolvasi Astitva Raksha Manch, a people’s movement that unites thousands of Adivasis, Dalits and farmers across Jharkhand, told me that in order to understand the issue one needs to understand the ownership patterns and structure of Adivasi land, which can be broadly divided into private land—called Khatiyani, where every family has records and rights over it—and land within the limits of the village, such as the river and the grazing ground, which are collectively owned by the village.

She said that Raghubar Das introduced a policy, without making any amendments, which effectively allowed collective land to be opened up for public use. “He got the plots identified and created land banks. This is in violation of the laws. Land is being acquired without any permission from gram sabha and affected people. The role of the village is being diminished. There were laws made to make tribal lands safe and with this policy they are giving lands to non-tribals. They are the ones who are bringing non-tribals here and changing the demography. So what of ghuspaitiye are they talking about?”

Renu Tikri, a member of the BJP in Ranchi, said that while her party was committed to upgrading the status of Adivasis, she had certain specific demands. “There were Khatiyan surveys in 1932 and in 1976. In both instances, some wrong names made it to the list. A similar thing happened in the1984 survey. These need to be corrected,” she said. In Jharkhand, two documents are central to the question of land rights for Adivasis. Khatiyan is a record of existing rights of the occupiers of the land, and contains details about the land’s boundaries. Raiyati status, which is subcategorised variously under the CNTA and the SPTA, denotes a person’s rights of ownership and possession over the land. Pahan and Tikri said that the BJP should strengthen the CNT Act and ensure that Adivasi land is sold only to Adivasis.

The JMM government, which won on the back of the widespread agitation against the proposed amendments, was expected to roll back the amendments but has failed to do so. “They had five years to do it,” Pal said.

When I asked Supriyo Bhattacharya, spokesperson for the JMM, why the land bank and acquisition policy of the former government had not been repealed, he told me it was due to “technical reasons”. “Repealing a law requires amendments and formalities. When we form government we will initiate that process,” he said.

Many Adivasis in Khunti are not able to work on their land due to a lack of clarity over boundaries and ownership. “I don’t know how much land we have today. My husband and I work as daily wage workers as we are not able to use our land, despite owning it,” Sweta Munda, a labourer from Khunti, told me.

Kali Charan Munda of the Congress won Khunti Lok Sabha seat this year with a thumping margin of nearly one and half lakh votes. The Congress was in alliance with the JMM during the parliamentary election. The alliance led in all the assembly segments of the seat, which had been won by the BJP since 2009.

Pal said that the rhetoric of land jihad was based on conjecture and is not backed by data. “The government has itself said in its affidavit to the high court and the Parliament that they have no documentation of ghuspaitiye. They are raising the issue in the Santhal region to weaken the JMM’s hold.” He added that the JMM enjoyed the support of miya and majhi—Muslims and Adivasis, which would be difficult to break, but that the rhetoric may find resonance with OBCs and other dominant castes in the regions. “There are cordial relations between Adivasis and Muslims,” Pal said. Adivasis comprise 26 percent and Muslims comprise 14.3 percent of the population of Jharkhand, according to the 2011 census. The vote from the sadans—non-Adivasi people, largely comprising OBCs—is expected to be a crucial factor in determining the outcome of the election, on 23 November.

Source:caravanmagazine.in

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

https://caravanmagazine.in/politics/land-jihad-jharkhand

----------

UP: Prayers held peacefully amid tight security after court plea claims mosque as ancient temple site

22.11.24

The Friday prayers were held peacefully as the police stepped up security, imposed prohibitory orders and conducted a flag march at the Jama Masjid here following claims that the Mughal-era mosque was originally the site of an ancient temple significant to the Hindu faith.

Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Vishnoi said that Friday prayers were conducted safely in Sambhal's Shahi Jama Masjid with the help of forces from seven police stations and tight security arrangements around the mosque.

The mosque was surveyed on Tuesday on the orders of a local court following a petition that claimed that a Harihar temple originally stood at the site.

The Central government, the Uttar Pradesh government, the Masjid Committee and the district magistrate of Sambhal have been made parties in the petition, said Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain, who is also the petitioner.

In view of the petition and subsequent survey, the police conducted a flag march in the area and warned people of strict action against anyone creating chaos over the issue, Vishnoi said earlier in the day.

"Clerics have been told to inform everyone that they should offer Namaz in their own mosques," he said, adding that social media was also being closely monitored.

District Magistrate Rajendra Pesia said that prohibitory orders have been imposed in the area preventing the gathering of more than five people.

Jain, who had filed the petition in the court for a survey of the mosque, has claimed that Mughal emperor Babar partly demolished the temple in 1529.

"The Harihar temple in Sambhal, we all know, is a central part of our faith. This is an ASI-protected area. There can be no encroachment of any kind in the ASI-protected area. There are many signs and symbols there which are of Hindu temple," he had said.

Vishnu Shankar Jain and his father Hari Shankar Jain have represented the Hindu side in many cases related to places of worship, including the Gyanvapi-Kashi Vishwanath dispute.

Gopal Sharma, the local lawyer of the Hindu side, told PTI that in the writ filed in the Civil Judge Senior Division, "we have also mentioned Babar Nama and Ain e Akbari books in which it is confirmed that we have Hari Har Mandir".

"Now the hearing of this case is on January 29 in which after the Advocate Commissioner's report comes, we will decide our further action as to what we have to do next. Further survey will be required but at present we are waiting for the Advocate Commissioner's report," he added.

Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq had objected to the developments.

"The Jama Masjid of Sambhal is historical and very old. The Supreme Court had given the order in 1991 that whatever religious places are there in whatever condition since 1947, they will remain at their places," he had said.

Source:telegraphindia.com

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

https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/friday-prayers-held-peacefully-amid-tight-security-in-sambhal-after-court-plea-claims-mosque-as-ancient-temple-site/cid/2065253

----------

Did AR Rahman convert to Islam for Saira Banu

Nov 22, 2024

The recent separation of music maestro AR Rahman and his wife, Saira Banu, after 29 years of marriage has shocked their fan base.

The news was confirmed via a joint statement by their lawyer, Vandana Shah on Tuesday.

Amid this, rumors have been doing the rounds online that Rahman's conversion to Islam was due to his marriage to Banu. However, these claims are baseless and far from the truth.

Conversion timeline

Rahman embraced Islam before meeting Banu

Rahman, born AS Dileep Kumar, embraced Islam at 23, long before he met and married Banu.

He was inspired by a deeply spiritual experience with a Sufi healer who treated his father during his last battle with cancer.

In a 2000 interview with Karan Thapar for BBC HARDtalk, Rahman clarified this aspect of his life journey saying, "There was a Sufi who treated him during his last days...and that's when we embraced another faith."

Name evolution

Rahman's name change was rooted in spirituality

Further, Rahman's decision to change his name was also driven by spiritual and personal reasons.

A Hindu astrologer suggested two names—Abdul Rahman and Abdul Rahim—of which he chose the former.

"I instantly loved the name Rahman. It was a Hindu astrologer who gave me my Muslim name," he shared in the same interview.

Later, his mother added "Allah Rakha" (AR) to his name after a dream, leading to the globally recognized moniker AR Rahman.

You're 66% through

Separation news

Rahman and Banu's separation announcement

On Wednesday, Rahman announced his separation from Banu on social media with the hashtag #arrsairabreakup.

In an emotional post, he had written, "We had hoped to reach the grand 30, but all things, it seems, carry an unseen end."

The couple has three children together- Khatija, Raheema, and Ameen.

Even as their personal lives are under scrutiny after the announcement, Rahman continues to focus on his career with upcoming projects like Chhaava and Lahore 1947 in his pipeline.

Source:newsbytesapp.com

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

https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/fact-check-ar-rahman-didn-t-convert-to-islam-for-wife/story

---------

Tight security outside Sambhal's Shahi Jama Masjid for Friday prayers after court plea claims mosque as ancient temple site

 22 November 202

Sambhal (UP): Police stepped up security, imposed prohibitory orders and conducted a flag march ahead of Friday prayers at Jama Masjid here following claims that the Mughal-era mosque was originally the site of an ancient temple significant to the Hindu faith.The mosque was surveyed on Tuesday on the orders of a local court following a petition that claimed that a Harihar temple originally stood at the site. The Central government, the Uttar Pradesh government, the Masjid Committee and the district magistrate of Sambhal have been made parties in the petition, Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain, who is also the petitioner, said on Tuesday. In view of the petition and subsequent survey, police conducted a flag march in the area and warned people of strict action against anyone creating chaos over the issue, Sambhal Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Vishnoi said"Clerics have been told to inform everyone that they should offer Namaz in their own mosques," he said, adding that social media was also bein  closely monitored. District Magistrate Rajendra Pesia said that prohibitory orders have been imposed in the area preventing the gathering of more than five peopleLawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain, who had filed the petition in court for a survey of the mosque, has claimed that Mughal emperor Babar partly demolished the temple in 1529. "The Harihar temple in Sambhal, we all know, is a central part of our faith. This is an ASI-protected area. There can be no encroachment of any kind in the ASI-protected area. There are many signs and symbols there which are of Hindu temple," he had said. Vishnu Shankar Jain and his father Hari Shankar Jain have represented the Hindu side in many cases related to places of worship, including the Gyanvapi-Kashi Vishwanath dispute. Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq had objected to the developments. "The Jama Masjid of Sambhal is historical and very old. The Supreme Court had given the order in 1991 that whatever religious places are there in whatever condition since 1947, they will remain at their places," he had said.

Source:deccanherald.com

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

https://www.deccanherald.com/india/uttar-pradesh/tight-security-outside-sambhals-shahi-

jama-masjid-for-friday-prayers-after-court-plea-claims-mosque-as-ancient-temple-site-3287265

---------

 

Mideast

 

226 health workers killed in Lebanon since Oct. 7: WHO

November 23, 2024

GENEVA: Nearly 230 health workers have been killed in Lebanon since the start of Israel’s war in Gaza following the Oct. 7 attacks last year, the World Health Organization said.

In total, the UN health agency said there had been 187 attacks on health care in Lebanon in the more than 13 months of cross-border fire between Israel and Hezbollah over the Gaza conflict.

Between Oct. 7, 2023 and Nov.18 this year, “we have 226 deaths and 199 injuries in total,” Abdinasir Abubakar, the WHO representative in Lebanon, said via video link from Beirut.

He said “almost 70 percent” of these had occurred since the tensions escalated into an all-out war in September.

Saying this was “an extremely worrying pattern,” he stressed that “depriving civilians of access to lifesaving care and targeting health providers is a breach of international humanitarian law.”

Abubakar said: “A hallmark of the conflict in Lebanon is how destructive it has been to health care,” highlighting that 47 percent of these attacks “have proven fatal to at least one health worker or patient” — the highest percentage of any active conflict today.

By comparison, Abubakar said that only 13.3 percent of attacks on health care globally had fatal outcomes during the same period, pointing to data from a range of conflict situations, including Ukraine, Sudan, and the occupied Palestinian territory.

He suggested the high percentage of fatal attacks on health care in Lebanon might be because “more ambulances have been targeted.”

“And whenever the ambulance is targeted, actually, then you will have three, four or five paramedics ... killed.”

The conflict has dealt a harsh blow to overall health care in Lebanon, which was already reeling from a string of dire crises in recent years.

The WHO warned that 15 of Lebanon’s 153 hospitals have ceased operating or are only partially functioning.

Hanan Balkhy, WHO’s regional director for the eastern Mediterranean region, stressed that “attacks on health care of this scale cripple a health system when those whose lives depend on it need it the most.”

“Beyond the loss of life, the death of health workers is a loss of years of investment and a crucial resource to a fragile country going forward.”

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2580411/middle-east

---------

Orchestra conductor mourns childhood home’s destruction in Israel’s southern Lebanon offensive

November 23, 2024

BEIRUT: Lubnan Baalbaki, the conductor of the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra, watched on his phone screen as an aerial camera pointed to a village in southern Lebanon. In seconds, multiple houses erupted into rubble, smoke filling the air. The camera panned right, revealing widespread devastation.

He zoomed in to confirm his fears: His family’s house in the border village of Odaisseh, where his parents are buried, was now in ruins.

“To see your house getting bombed and in a split second turned into ash, I don’t think there is description for it,” Baalbaki said.

The destruction of his childhood home in October came during Israel’s offensive in Lebanon. The aim, Israel says, is to debilitate the Hezbollah militant group, push it away from the border and end more than a year of Hezbollah fire into northern Israel.

The Israeli military has released videos of controlled detonations in areas along the border, saying it is targeting Hezbollah facilities and weapons.

But the bombardment has also wiped out entire residential neighborhoods or even villages. The World Bank in a recent report said over 99,000 housing units have been “fully or partially damaged” by the war in Lebanon.

Baalbaki’s family home in Odaisseh, designed by his late father, renowned Lebanese painter Abdel Hamid Baalbaki, held more than just personal memories. It held a collection of Abdel Hamid’s paintings, his art workshop and over 1,500 books. All were destroyed along with the house.

What cut even deeper, Baalbaki said, was the loss of the letters his parents exchanged during his father’s art studies in France. Only a few remain as digital photos.

“The language of passion and love they shared was filled with poetry,” Baalbaki said.

In a book of poems and photographs his father created for his wife following her sudden death in a car accident, the first page reads, “Dedication to Adeeba, the partner of my most precious days, the love bird that left its nest too soon.”

Abdel Hamid painstakingly designed his wife’s tombstone. Later, he was laid to rest beside her in the garden next to the house. For their son, watching his childhood home go up in smoke brought back the pain of losing them.

It was a moment he had feared for months.

Hezbollah began firing missiles into Israel on Oct. 8, 2023, in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza. Israel responded with airstrikes and shelling. For nearly a year, the conflict remained limited.

After the war dramatically escalated on Sept. 23 with intense Israeli airstrikes on southern and eastern Lebanon as well as Beirut’s southern suburbs, Baalbaki and his siblings frequently checked satellite images for updates on their village.

On Oct. 26, explosions in and around Odaisseh triggered an earthquake alert in northern Israel. That day, videos circulated online, one of which showed their home being obliterated.

Until a few days before that, the satellite images showed their house still standing.

Now, Baalbaki said, he is resolved to honor his father’s dream.

“The mourning phase started to turn to determination to rebuild this project,” he said.

When the war is over, he plans to rebuild the house as an art museum and cultural center.

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2580431/middle-east

---------

UN reports heavy clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah in south Lebanon

November 22, 2024

BEIRUT: Israeli troops fought fierce battles with Hezbollah fighters on Friday in different areas in south Lebanon, including a coastal town that is home to the headquarters of UN peacekeepers.

A spokesman for the UN peacekeeping force known as UNIFIL told The Associated Press that they are monitoring “heavy clashes” in the coastal town of Naqoura and the village of Chamaa to the northeast.

UNIFIL’s headquarters are located in Naqoura in Lebanon’s southern edge close to the border with Israel.

“We are aware of heavy shelling in the vicinity of our bases,” UNIFIL spokesman Andrea Tenenti said. Asked if the peacekeepers and staff at the headquarters are safe, Tenenti said: “Yes for the moment.”

Several UNIFIL posts have been hit since Israel began its ground invasion of Lebanon on Oct. 1, leaving a number of peacekeepers wounded.

The fighting came a day after the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister and a Hamas military leader, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity over their 13-month war in Gaza and the October 2023 attack on Israel respectively.

The warrant marked the first time that a sitting leader of a major Western ally has been accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity by a global court of justice.

Israel’s war has caused heavy destruction across Gaza, decimated parts of the territory and driven almost the entire population of 2.3 million people from their homes, leaving most dependent on aid to survive.

Israel launched its war in Gaza after Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting another 250. Around 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead.

Israel has also launched airstrikes against Lebanon after the Hezbollah militant group began firing rockets, drones and missiles into Israel the day after Hamas’ attack last October. A full-blown war erupted in September after nearly a year of lower-level conflict.

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2580351/middle-east

---------

Israeli airstrike hits central Beirut, destroying buildings

November 23, 2024

BEIRUT: A powerful Israeli airstrike targeted central Beirut on Saturday, security sources said, shaking the Lebanese capital as Israel pressed its offensive against the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.

At least four people were killed and 33 wounded in the attack in Beirut’s Basta neighborhood, Hezbollah’s Al-Manar broadcaster reported, citing the health ministry.

Lebanon’s National News Agency said early on Saturday that the attack resulted in a large number of fatalities and injuries and destroyed an eight-story building. Footage broadcast by Lebanon’s Al-Jadeed station showed at least one destroyed building and several others badly damaged around it.

The blasts shook the capital around 4 a.m. (0200 GMT), Reuters witnesses said. Security sources said at least four bombs were dropped in the attack.

It marked the fourth Israeli airstrike this week targeting a central area of Beirut, where the bulk of Israel’s attacks have targeted the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs. On Sunday an Israeli airstrike killed a Hezbollah media official in the Ras Al-Nabaa district of central Beirut.

Israel launched a major offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon in September, following nearly a year of cross-border hostilities ignited by the Gaza war, pounding wide areas of Lebanon with airstrikes and sending troops into the south.

The conflict began when Hezbollah opened fire in solidarity with its Palestinian ally Hamas after it launched the Oct. 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel.

A US mediator traveled to Lebanon and Israel this week in an effort to secure a ceasefire. The envoy, Amos Hochstein, indicated progress had been made after meetings in Beirut on Tuesday and Wednesday, before going to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz.

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2580419/middle-east

----------

Turkiye dismisses two opposition mayors over ‘terrorism’

November 22, 2024

ISTANBUL: Two opposition mayors in eastern Turkiye have been removed from office after being convicted of “terrorism” for belonging to a banned Kurdish militant group, the interior minister said on Friday.

The mayors of Tunceli and Ovacik were each sentenced to six years and three months in prison this week for membership of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which has waged a guerilla insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984.

Both were replaced by state-appointed administrators, the interior ministry said in a statement, in the latest ousting of politicians associated with Turkiye’s Kurdish minority.

Tunceli’s deposed mayor Cevdet Konak, is a member of Turkiye’s main pro-Kurdish party.

The Peoples’ Equality and Democracy party is regularly targeted by the authorities which accuse it of having links to the PKK, which is classified as a terrorist group by Ankara and its Western allies.

Ovacik’s deposed mayor Mustafa Sarigul is affiliated with the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), which came out on top in local elections held at the end of March.

Both Konak and Sarigul told local press on Thursday that the accusations against them were unfounded.

Angry protesters gathered Friday evening in front of Tunceli city hall, where some people tried to force their way through a police cordon, according to images published by several local media groups.

In late October and early November, the pro-Kurdish mayors of three towns in Turkiye’s Kurdish-majority southeast, as well the CHP mayor of Istanbul’s most populous district, were likewise dismissed on “terrorism” charges.

Their dismissals sparked protests and were condemned by the Council of Europe and human rights organizations.

Konak’s party condemned late Friday the dismissal of both mayors, saying that “the government is slowly destroying the will of the people.”

Meanwhile, CHP party leader Ozgur Ozel denounced the “theft of the will of the nation.”

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2580405/middle-east

----------

4 Italian UN peacekeepers injured by rocket attack in Lebanon

NAJIA HOUSSARI

November 22, 2024

BEIRUT: At least five medical workers were reported dead on Friday as Israeli forces continued to pound targets in southern Lebanon and the outskirts of Beirut.

The attacks intensified after US envoy Amos Hochstein left Tel Aviv on Thursday evening and returned to Washington after discussions with Israeli authorities. This followed his talks with Lebanese officials on Tuesday and Wednesday about a proposed diplomatic solution to the conflict in Lebanon between the Israeli army and Hezbollah, which marked its 52nd day on Friday. Hochstein did not disclose the outcome of the discussions.

On Friday, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon’s Italian unit reported that four of its soldiers were injured when two rockets struck their headquarters in the western sector, in Shamaa. Tasked with monitoring the Blue Line that separates Lebanon from Israel, UNIFIL’s 10,000 peacekeepers have repeatedly come under fire during the conflict.

Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, expressed her “deep indignation and concern” over “new attacks suffered by the Italian headquarters of UNIFIL in southern Lebanon.” She said “these attacks are unacceptable” and called on “the parties on the ground to guarantee, at all times, the safety of UNIFIL soldiers and to collaborate to identify those responsible quickly.”

UNIFIL said “two 122 mm rockets struck the Sector West headquarters” in Shamaa, about 5 kilometers from the Israeli border. The area has been a battleground for about a week. The injuries to the peacekeepers were not life-threatening and they were receiving treatment at the base’s hospital.

“UNIFIL strongly urges combating parties to avoid fighting next to its positions,” the force added.

Hezbollah said its fighters targeted Israeli troops in Shamaa with a salvo of rockets to prevent them from occupying the area. Israeli forces had advanced into the area over the previous two days and attempted further incursions toward the coastal town of Bayada, between Naqoura and Tyre.

Italy’s defense minister, Guido Crosetto, said he had contacted his Lebanese counterpart “reiterating that the Italian contingent of UNIFIL remains in southern Lebanon to offer a window of opportunity for peace, and cannot become hostage to attacks by militias.”

Also on Friday, the Israeli army carried out airstrikes on Beirut’s suburbs, targeting buildings in Ain Al-Remmaneh, a predominantly Christian area adjacent to Chiyah.

Israeli forces also continued their attempts to advance into southern towns. A force entered Deir Mimas, beyond the border town of Kfarkela, where it ordered eight families still residing there to remain in their homes.

Deir Mimas is in the Marjayoun district of Nabatiyeh Governorate, about 90 kilometers from Beirut. Its mayor, George Nakad, confirmed “the incursion” and said soldiers had entered it from Kfarkela, through olive fields.

Photos circulating on social media appeared to show Israeli tanks crossing the Litani road at the Qlayaa-Deir Mimas-Burj Al-Molouk triangle, supported by aerial cover and airstrikes on southern regions.

Elsewhere, Hezbollah said it targeted an Israeli Merkava tank with a guided missile south of the town of Khiam, which the Israeli army entered on Thursday. The tank was destroyed and its crew killed or injured, it added.

Israel on Friday intensified its reconnaissance flights over Lebanese regions exposed to airstrikes. Before 7 a.m., Israeli evacuation warnings circulated on social media ahead of strikes on parts of Hadath, Haret Hreik and Kafaat in the southern suburbs of Beirut.

About 30 minutes later, airstrikes hit residential buildings, one of which was located near the Lebanese University campus. Thick black smoke blanketed the area and the smell of gunpowder and other substances spread through neighborhoods, with reports of breathing problems and eye irritation.

Less than four hours later, Israeli forces issued a warning to residents of the Chiyah and Ain Al-Remaneh areas, and then targeted two residential buildings that also housed a medical laboratory, a gym, hair salons, beauty clinics, and clothes and fishing-tackle shops. One building was destroyed, the other cut in half.

The Israeli warnings sparked mass hysteria and displacement of the local population in Ain Al-Remaneh. Residents of Chiyah joined the exodus. Clashes were reported among the crowds after some blamed Hezbollah for the conflict. Six Israeli raids on the areas had taken place as of noon on Friday. The previous day, parts of the southern suburbs were hit intermittently by more than 10 Israeli air attacks.

In southern Lebanon, meanwhile, Israeli forces once again targeted ambulances belonging to Hezbollah’s Islamic Health Organization, which they said were were being used to “transport militants or weapons.” An attack on one of the organization’s ambulances at Deir Qanun junction, Ras Al-Ain, killed the paramedics inside.

The Lebanese Ministry of Health said Israel forces were targeting paramedics and medical facilities in the south in violation of international laws and norms and humanitarian laws.

Israel also targeted villages in the deep south, including Ghaziyeh and areas in the vicinity of Sidon, with heavy attacks that reportedly resulted in casualties and great destruction.

Meanwhile, search operations continued to find bodies under the rubble of houses and other buildings damaged or destroyed by Israeli attacks. Raids on southern villages, including Kafr Rumman, have resulted in seven confirmed deaths and one injury.

Four bodies were found under the rubble in Arabsalim. In Bekaa, several members of one family, including women and children, were killed by Israeli attacks on the village of Flawiye on Thursday. One person was reported missing. Eleven people from several families, including infants, were killed in attacks on Nabha.

Attacks on targets in northern Bekaa reached a peak on Thursday night, with 18 raids that killed 17 people in Baalbek, Maqneh, Younine, Beit Mchik, Brital and Hosh Al-Rafika.

Lebanese residents in areas stretching from Beirut to the Bekaa Valley and northern regions were alarmed on Friday morning by suspicious calls urging them to evacuate their homes. The calls sparked panic for a second consecutive day among people in several areas, including hotel guests in Beirut's Raouche district, residents of villages in Zgharta, and people in the village of Bebnine in Akkar, in the far north of the country

Others who received calls included residents of Beirut and its northern and eastern suburbs, including Furn El-Chebbak, Dekwaneh, Mar Roukoz, Burj Abi Haidar, Basta, Ras El-Nabeh, Bchamoun, Choueifat, and as far as Jbeil.

Hezbollah on Friday reaffirmed its ability to maintain its attacking threat and said it had targeted several locations in northern Israel. They included the settlement of Kiryat Shmona, the Haifa technical base about 35 kilometers from the border, and an Israeli early-warning and intelligence center linked to the 210th Golan Division on the summit of Mount Hermon in the occupied Syrian Golan. The Dovev barracks and a gathering of Israeli forces in the Manara settlement were also attacked.

Across Lebanon on Friday, national flags were raised at official institutions to mark the 81st anniversary of the country’s independence. In hundreds of shelters, children from displaced families sang the Lebanese national anthem, and some young people symbolically hoisted flags over the rubble in areas ravaged by recent attacks.

The speaker of the Lebanese parliament, Nabih Berri, described this year’s anniversary of independence as “a somber occasion, yet a reminder of the daily challenge to persevere, to uphold national unity, and to protect every inch of our homeland — south, north, east and sea — without surrender or despair.”

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2580386/middle-east

---------

UN warns some who fled to Syria risking lives to return to Lebanon

November 22, 2024

GENEVA: The UN voiced concern Friday that conditions were so dire in Syria that some Lebanese residents who had fled there seeking refuge from the Israel-Hezbollah war were opting to return to Lebanon.

There are “Lebanese families who are beginning to take the very difficult and potentially life-threatening decision to return to Lebanon,” said Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, the United Nations refugee agency’s representative in Syria.

“These are very, very small numbers, but for us, even small numbers are worrying signals,” he told reporters in Geneva via video link from the Syrian-Lebanese border.

The UNHCR estimates that around 560,000 people have fled into Syria from neighboring Lebanon since late September, when months of cross-border fire between Israel and Hezbollah over the war in Gaza escalated into all-out war.

Lebanese authorities put the number even higher, at more than 610,000.

Vargas Llosa said that around 65 percent of those crossing into Syria — itself torn apart by 13 years of civil war — were Syrian nationals who had sought refuge in Lebanon from that conflict.

He pointed out that from 2017 up to September 23 this year, around 400,000 Syrians had returned to their country from Lebanon.

“We have had more or less the same number... in a period of seven to eight weeks,” he said, adding that some 150,000 Lebanese had also arrived in Syria during that period.

He hailed the “exemplary” and “extraordinary display of generosity” shown toward those arriving by communities across Syria, “whose infrastructure is destroyed, whose economy is destroyed.”

But he warned that given Syria’s own “catastrophic economic situation... it is unclear for how long this generosity will last.”

Worrying signs were already emerging, he said, pointing to the admittedly small numbers of people who were opting to return to Lebanon despite the risks.

UNHCR said that “on average up to 50 Lebanese individuals per day” were crossing back into Lebanon.

They were leaving because they thought “the conditions in Syria are appalling, and that they may be better off in Lebanon, in spite of the bombings,” Vargas Llosa said.

Back in Lebanon, they might have better support systems, easier access to services and even the ability to generate a little income, he said.

He warned that “unless there is a real injection of international support... this number of Lebanese choosing to return home to these extraordinarily difficult circumstances may grow in the coming weeks and months.”

“This would be extremely worrying.”

There were even some Syrian returnees who were opting to once again cross back into Lebanon, “primarily because of the extraordinarily dire economic conditions here in Syria,” Vargas Llosa said.

In the meantime, he said that there had recently been “an important decrease in the pace of arrivals” into Syria, from a peak of 10,000-15,000 per day to an average now of about 2,000.

Vargas Llosa charged that this was likely linked to Israel’s repeated bombings of border crossings.

“Syrians and Lebanese are very scared of using these escape routes,” he said, appealing to the Israeli military to “immediately stop these unacceptable attacks.”

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2580384/middle-east

---------

Israeli strikes batter Lebanon, killing five medics

November 22, 2024

BEIRUT: Israeli strikes battered southern Lebanon and the outskirts of the capital Beirut on Friday, killing at least five medics, as ground troops clashed with Hezbollah fighters in the south.

Israel has pushed on with its intense military campaign against the Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah, tempering hopes that efforts by a US envoy could lead to an imminent ceasefire.

US mediator Amos Hochstein said earlier this week in Beirut that a truce was “within our grasp.” He traveled on to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz before returning to Washington, according to the news outlet Axios.

His trip aimed to end more than a year of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah along Lebanon’s southern border, which escalated dramatically when Israel ramped up its strikes in late September and sent ground troops into Lebanon on Oct. 1.

Israeli troops have fought Hezbollah in a strip of towns all along the border and this week pushed deeper to the edges of Khiyam, a town some six km (four miles) from the border. Hezbollah said it had fired rockets at Israeli troops east of Khiyam at least four times on Friday.

Lebanese security sources told Reuters that Israeli troops had also advanced in a string of villages to the west as well. They said Israel was most likely trying to isolate Khiyam ahead of a major attack on the town.

Israeli strikes on two other villages in southern Lebanon killed a total of five medics from a rescue force affiliated with Hezbollah, the Lebanese health ministry said.

The more than 3,500 people killed by Israeli strikes over the last year include more than 200 medics, the health ministry said.

Israel says its aim is to secure the return home of tens of thousands of people evacuated from Israel’s north due to rocket attacks by Hezbollah, which began firing across the border in support of Hamas at the start of the Gaza war in October 2023.

Israel also mounted more strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, a once densely populated stronghold of Hezbollah.

It issued evacuation orders on the social media platform X for several buildings in the area on Friday. Reuters footage showed one of the strikes appearing to pierce the center of a multi-story building, sending the whole structure toppling in a massive cloud of smoke.

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2580353/middle-east

---------

Gaza ministry: hospitals to cut or stop services ‘within 48 hours’ over fuel shortages

November 22, 2024

GAZA: The Hamas government’s health ministry warned Friday all hospitals in Gaza would have to stop or reduce services “within 48 hours” for lack of fuel, blaming Israel for blocking its entry.

“We raise an urgent warning as all hospitals in Gaza Strip will stop working or reduce their services within 48 hours due to the occupation’s (Israel’s) obstruction of fuel entry,” Marwan Al-Hams, director of Gaza’s field hospitals, said during a press conference.

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2580346/middle-east

---------

Led by Ben Gvir, Thousands of Settlers Storm Ibrahimi Mosque in Al-Khalil

22 Nov 2024

Thousands of settlers, including the so-called Minister of National Security in the government of the extremist Zionist enemy Itamar Ben Gvir, stormed the Ibrahimi Mosque in Al-Khalil on Friday evening.

Ben-Gvir and the Zionist settlers performed Talmudic rituals inside the Cave of the Patriarchs.

The Palestinian news agency said that the Zionist enemy forces closed this afternoon, the Ibrahimi Mosque to Muslim worshipers, and opened it to settlers under the pretext of Jewish holidays.

The enemy forces also closed the Old City and imposed a curfew in several neighborhoods, including in preparation for the incursion of settlers who stormed the streets of the town by thousands and the closed areas in the city of Hebron and the vicinity of the Haram, through the streets of Haret Jaber, Wad al-Husayn and al-Salaymeh.

The director of the Ibrahimi Mosque, Moataz Abu Sneineh, said that enemy forces forced the employees of the Tomb of the Patriarchs and endowments to leave it, in preparation for the settlers storming the compound and its courtyards.

He pointed out that the Zionist enemy announced the closure of the sanctuary by the afternoon prayer until Saturday evening, tightened its measures at military checkpoints and gates of the sanctuary, and prevented many citizens from praying in the sanctuary.

The enemy has exceeded the number of days in which settlers desecrate the Haram to 12 days this year, he said, denouncing the settlers' desecration of the Haram and its courtyards with noisy parties.

The Ibrahimi Mosque is located in the Old City of Hebron, which is controlled by the Zionist enemy and is forcibly inhabited by about 400 settlers guarded by about 1,500 enemy soldiers, amid the spread of dozens of military checkpoints.

Since 1994, Israel has divided the Ibrahimi Mosque by 63 percent for Jews and 37 percent for Muslims, following a massacre by a settler that killed 29 worshippers.

Source:saba.ye

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

https://www.saba.ye/en/news3400398.htm

---------

About 40,000 Palestinians perform Friday prayers at al-Aqsa Mosque

22 Nov 2024

Thousands of Palestinian citizens performed Friday prayers at al-Aqsa Mosque, in light of the strict military measures imposed by the Zionist enemy authorities on access to the mosque.

The Islamic Endowments Department in al-Quds estimated that about 40,000 worshipers performed Friday prayers at al-Aqsa Mosque.

The Palestinian News Agency reported that the enemy forces obstructed the worshipers' access to al-Aqsa Mosque to perform the prayer, checked their identities, and arrested a number of young men and prevented them from entering the mosque.

It added that the Zionist enemy forces stormed the Dome of the Rock courtyard in al-Aqsa Mosque coinciding with the Friday sermon.

The enemy forces continue to impose strict restrictions on the entry of worshipers to al-Aqsa Mosque, especially during Fridays.

The Zionist enemy authorities prevent thousands of citizens from the West Bank governorates from reaching al-Quds to perform prayers at al-Aqsa Mosque, as they require the issuance of special permits to cross their military checkpoints surrounding al-Quds.

Source:saba.ye

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

https://www.saba.ye/en/news3400246.htm

---------

 

Arab World

 

KSrelief continues humanitarian outreach in Jordan, Afghanistan and Lebanon

November 23, 2024

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) continues its humanitarian activities in Jordan, Afghanistan and Lebanon with the provision of medical services and distribution of basic needs to individuals.

At Jordan’s Zaatri Camp, the Saudi aid agency provided medical services to 2,738 patients during the second week of November. General practitioners treated 657 patients, internists saw 125 patients dealing with diabetes, hypertension and asthma.

The pediatric clinic examined 270 children, while the emergency department attended to 297 patients. Meanwhile, dentists attended to 183 patients

The gynecology clinic served 182 women while ear, nose, and throat doctors clinic treated 57 patients for conditions such as sinusitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and otitis media.

The ophthalmology clinic assisted 51 patients and provided them with medications. The cardiology clinic received 27 patients, and the diagnostic radiology clinic conducted examinations for 25 patients.

Other medical services provided also included laboratory tests, x-rays and vaccinations.

In Afghanistan, 200 shelter kits and 200 tents have been handed out for the benefit of 1,200 individuals as part of a project for returnees from Pakistan to Afghanistan and those affected by flooding.

In Lebanon, KSrelief distributed 530 purchase coupons to orphans and people with disabilities in Akkar region, Beirut, central and western Bekaa and Armoun.

The coupons allow recipients to buy winter clothing of their choice from approved stores.

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2580429/saudi-arabia

---------

Saudi GEA chief named most influential personality of last decade at MENA Effie Awards

November 22, 2024

RIYADH: The head of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority was named the most influential personality of the last decade at the MENA Effie Awards ceremony in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event, which was held on Thursday as part of this year’s Riyadh Season calendar, honored Turki Alalshikh’s contribution to the Kingdom’s entertainment sector and its emergence as a global hub for world-class events, the SPA added.

Alalshikh thanked Saudi Arabia’s leadership for their support in his acceptance speech, attributing the achievement to the “collaborative efforts of the nation’s people.”

He added that the recognition was a nod to the Kingdom’s growing global stature in the entertainment sector.

The 15th year of the MENA Effie Awards, which were hosted in Saudi Arabia for the first time, celebrated innovation and excellence in the marketing and advertising sectors across the Middle East and North Africa.

This latest accolade followed Alalshikh’s recent distinction as one of the 50 most influential figures in the world of boxing and mixed martial arts, awarded by the British online newspaper The Independent earlier this year.

Under Alalshikh’s leadership, the GEA has transformed the Kingdom’s entertainment sector, with Riyadh Season becoming a flagship event attracting millions of visitors each year.

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2580394/saudi-arabia

---------

Gaming community in Saudi Arabia catches them all with Pokemon Go

SULAFA ALKHUNAIZI

November 22, 2024

RIYADH: The official launch of Pokemon Go in Saudi Arabia has brought together a community of gamers who have embraced their inner child while competing and connecting in a world of nostalgic adventure.

Pokemon Go is an augmented reality game that creates an immersive experience of a world where human beings co-exist with colorful creatures with otherworldly superpowers, known as Pokemon.

The game, launched internationally in 2016, uses GPS to track movement and invites players to travel to real-world locations to catch Pokemon and battle with others.

A local gaming group, “Pokemon Go Saudi,” has created a lively community with members from Riyadh and the Eastern Province who have a shared love of the game.

Maan Al-Qurashi, one of the community leaders at Pokemon Go Saudi, told Arab News that the game holds a special place in his heart because he has played different versions for more than 20 years.

“Pokemon accompanied me in all stages of my life, from childhood to teenager, and still is a part of my daily life after marriage. Hopefully, I will pass down the same passion to my kids.”

Al-Qurashi said Pokemon Go Saudi began with 10 members in 2017, after the international launch of the game.

Today, the community comprises a diverse group of 500 members from all age groups who have made lasting friendships with their Pokemon partners. As a team, they go on adventures, train to improve their skills, and battle in friendly competitions.

Al-Qurashi said that it is more than a game. It is a community that fosters growth and friendship.

“Multiple in-person activities and relationships have been linked to Pokemon Go. For example, the daily routine is not only going to work and staying with family, it includes playing Pokemon Go even if it’s for a few minutes during the day or an hour or so.”

Last week, more than 5,000 Pokemon Go fans gathered at Boulevard City to celebrate the official launch of the Saudi application. Omar Tellez, vice president at Niantic, said that the event was the largest Pokemon Go event of its kind in the region to date.

“Seeing the joy of the thousands of attendees, of all ages, has been such a delight. The success of today’s event is a testament to the popularity of Pokemon Go here in the Kingdom. The community has really responded.”

Fans from more than 20 countries around the globe registered at the event.

“It’s been incredible to see them unite to catch some of their favorite Pokemon and enjoy their time together in person. That’s what our game is all about.

“We have loved seeing their passion and excitement firsthand – whether through cheering on their teams during the PvP battles, or celebrating that iconic button-press moment — or join forces to catch Mewtwo as the legendary Pokemon took over the Boulevard Screens. The atmosphere was truly something special,” Tellez said.

Saudi Arabia is experiencing incredible growth in gaming with more than 67 percent of the population — more than 23.5 million people — being passionate gamers, Tellez said.

“We are excited to welcome many of them into our global trainers community, and we know this event is just the start of our adventure together as we create new experiences and ways for them to connect here in KSA.”

Today, more than 100 million people play Pokemon Go every year in more than 150 countries and regions, making for more than a billion downloads. Trainers have walked more than 8 billion kilometers collectively while playing the game.

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2580388/saudi-arabia

---------

Future cool: Understanding the Saudi national air conditioning replacement scheme

November 22, 2024

RIYADH: The National Center for Waste Management, also known as MWAN, in collaboration with the Saudi Energy Efficiency Center, announced on Thursday the launch of the third phase of the Replace initiative to dispose of old window air conditioners nationwide.

This scheme aims to enhance energy efficiency by replacing 250,000 old window air conditioners that do not meet environmental standards and turning them into recyclable materials during a period that extends until the end of December next year.

The initiative builds on the successes of the first and second phases of the scheme — in which 88,000 window air conditioners were recycled, reducing waste and transforming it into reusable raw materials — and aims to achieve the goals of sustainable development and environmental preservation.

The implementation of the initiative in its third phase will be expanded to include all regions of the Kingdom, in cooperation with the private sector, ensuring the continuity of the initiative and maximizing its positive impact.

MWAN plays a key role in supporting efforts and regulating the sector by supervising the private sector in achieving recycling operations and utilizing the resulting raw materials.

This contributes to building a sustainable economy, enhancing sector regulation and increasing the efficiency of using natural resources.

MWAN works through these endeavors to reduce waste production and promote the adoption of the circular economy, in addition to managing waste in a sustainable way.

It focuses on transforming environmental challenges into economic opportunities that reflect its pioneering role.

This is in addition to building effective partnerships with the private sector to ensure the continuity of these efforts and achieve a positive impact on the environment, economy, and society.

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2580398/saudi-arabia

---------

Saudi Orchestra dazzles audiences in Tokyo

November 22, 2024

TOKYO: The Saudi National Orchestra and Choir gave a finale performance on Friday at the Tokyo Opera City Theater of its “Masterpieces of the Saudi Orchestra” concert, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Tokyo show marked the fifth leg of the Saudi Orchestra’s global run, following critically acclaimed performances in Paris, Mexico City, New York City, and London.

Hosted with the support of Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Saudi minister of culture and chairman of the board of directors of the Saudi Music Authority, the event showcased a blend of the Kingdom’s rich musical heritage and Japan’s renowned musical traditions, SPA added.

The concert featured 100 musicians and performers, and attracted an audience of officials, business leaders, media professionals, and music enthusiasts.

Paul Pacifico, CEO of the Saudi Music Authority, praised the global impact of the Masterpieces of the Saudi Orchestra performances in his address at the event.

He said the concerts had introduced Saudi musical heritage to the world and represented a step toward sharing the Kingdom’s diverse traditions on an international stage.

The evening featured a performance by the Japanese Imperial Orchestra, presenting ancient Japanese court music with a history spanning over 1,300 years.

The Saudi National Orchestra and Choir also performed an anime medley infused with Saudi musical motifs, followed by a performance of the theme of AlUla, composed by celebrated artist Omar Khairat.

The concert culminated in a collaboration between the Saudi Orchestra and the Tokyo University of Music Orchestra Academy, alongside Japanese artist Hotai.

The Saudi Music Authority said it has plans to continue the tour in new destinations in the coming years.

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2580382/saudi-arabia

--------

Riyadh Design Law Treaty signed at intellectual property conference in Saudi Arabia

November 22, 2024

RIYADH: Member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization officially adopted the Riyadh Design Law Treaty on Friday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The treaty, which aims to enhance designers’ rights and unify design registration procedures, was finalized at the Diplomatic Conference to Conclude and Adopt a Design Law Treaty at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, which finished on Friday.

By establishing a robust legal framework, the Riyadh treaty is set to bolster innovation and creativity across multiple industries worldwide, the SPA added.

Abdulaziz Al-Suwailem, the CEO of the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property, spoke of the significance of the treaty’s adoption.

He said: “The name Riyadh treaty reflects Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role as a bridge between cultures and a hub for supporting global initiatives.

“Adopting this treaty is a historic achievement highlighting Saudi Arabia’s cooperation and contribution to the international intellectual property framework. It opens new avenues for collaboration among member states.

“This treaty will lay the foundation for vital legal frameworks that benefit designers and bolster innovation and creativity worldwide.”

The event, which was hosted by the SAIP, gathered high-level representatives and decision-makers from the WIPO’s 193 member states.

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2580375/saudi-arabia

----------

Environment minister opens international dates exhibition in Riyadh

HEBSHI ALSHAMMARI

November 22, 2024

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s environment minister has opened an exhibition in Riyadh which showcases a range of date products and their history.

Abdulrahman Al-Fadli, the Saudi minister of environment, water and agriculture, officially opened the International Dates Conference and Exhibition 2024, organized by the National Center for Palms and Dates. It runs until Nov. 28 with about 100 local and international entities participating.

It is a “global platform to showcase Saudi dates, drive innovation in their processing industries, and enhance their global export potential,” according to organizers.

The exhibition aims to enhance the competitiveness of Saudi products, contributing to the development of the palm and dates sector as a key pillar in driving economic growth.

Visitors can taste date varieties from the different regions of the Kingdom, including Al-Ahsa, Al-Qassim, AlUla, and Al-Jouf.

The exhibition also includes a variety of entertainment activities such as folklore shows, regional poetry, and cooking competitions.

On the sidelines of the opening ceremony, a carbonated sugar-sweetened date drink was launched by Al-Madinah Heritage Company, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund.

The exhibition also features a museum which takes visitors on a journey through time to explore the history of palm trees and dates over 1,000 years.

he museum showcases manuscripts and agricultural tools that highlight the significance of dates in daily life and literary culture.

It also houses archaeological collections showing the different uses of palm trees through the ages, including as tools.

In addition, there is a live cooking area that brings together local and international chefs to present a range of date-based dishes.

Al-Fadli, along with several officials and foreign delegations, toured the exhibition’s pavilions and explored a range of date-based products, such as juices, baked goods, and date chocolate.

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2580371/saudi-arabia

---------

Italian and Saudi flavors blend in embassy dinner and cooking competition

TAMARA ABOALSAUD AND SULAFA ALKHUNAIZI

November 22, 2024

RIYADH: A group of 15 Saudi and Italian chefs created a seven-course dinner titled “Italy meets KSA,” combining both cuisines at Ritz Carlton’s Azzuro Restaurant.

Daniele Chiari, Italian chef and head of Dinner Incredible, the hosts of the event, told Arab News: “Tonight’s event in Riyadh is inspired by the shared love for storytelling and culture through cuisine. As a chef, I see food as a universal language that connects people, and Saudi Arabia’s culinary traditions are incredibly rich and diverse, just like Italy’s.”

The event featured a culinary risotto competition between top Saudi chefs, which was won by Omar AlKhaldi, who received a scholarship fund from ALMA, the School of Italian Culinary Arts.

The event also had a display of fresh mozzarella cheese for tasting, made in the Kingdom by Sana cheese company, which specializes in Italian cheeses.

“This evening, we aim to create a bridge between these two cultures, highlighting how local Saudi ingredients and techniques can harmonize beautifully with Italian culinary artistry,” Chiari said.

The evening concluded with a seven-course tasting dinner highlighting Italian and Saudi flavors. The menu included a pumpkin tart, cream of beans soup with shredded camel meat, a Red Sea grouper served with truffle, and a Saudi-coffee twist on the famous tiramisu.

Highlighting similarities between Italian and Saudi cultures that can be sensed in their cuisines, Chiari said: “Both Italy and Saudi Arabia place great importance on hospitality, family, and the tradition of sharing meals. In terms of food, there’s a deep respect for natural, high-quality ingredients in both cuisines. Just as Italians value simplicity and the authentic taste of their produce, Saudis take pride in the purity and flavor of their spices, grains, and meats.”

Chiari spoke about the ability of food to cross international borders and connect communities.

“Food is one of the most powerful ways to build connections and foster understanding between cultures. It transcends language, politics, and borders, allowing people to experience something deeply personal yet universally relatable. By crossing international borders through food, we’re not just sharing recipes — we’re sharing history, values, and creativity.”

The competition was organized by the Italian Embassy in Riyadh, the Italian Trade Agency, and ALMA, the School of Italian Culinary Arts, in collaboration with Sitaf and the Royal Protocol.

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2580369/saudi-arabia

---------

Jeddah chamber concludes Global Entrepreneurship Week forum

November 22, 2024

JEDDAH: The Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Friday concluded the Global Entrepreneurship Week forum.

The two-day event held at the chamber’s headquarters featured the participation of strategic partners such as King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship, Monshaat, the Social Development Bank, the Entrepreneurship National Committee, and other private entities.

The forum emerged from the chamber’s keenness to participate in supporting and motivating more individuals to enter the world of entrepreneurship and to spread the innovation culture among local community members.

Participants established their pavilions where they displayed the latest technologies and sustainable solutions reflecting the development of the entrepreneurial sector, one of the most prominent development pillars in the Kingdom.

At the end of the forum, participants were given the opportunity to establish partnerships and agree contracts with local and international companies, the aim being to promote economic growth throughout the Kingdom in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2580379/saudi-arabia

---------

Saudi Artisanal Co. showcases artisanry at Banan 2024 exhibition

November 22, 2024

RIYADH: The Saudi Artisanal Co. is showcasing a variety of handicrafts that reflect authentic Saudi heritage in an effort to support artisans during the Saudi International Handicrafts Week Exhibition, or Banan, taking place in Riyadh from Nov. 23 to 29.

The exhibition, organized by the Heritage Commission and in its second edition, brings together more than 500 local and international artisans from over 20 countries.

It offers a distinctive cultural experience through interactive events that promote handicrafts and cultural heritage, focusing on supporting artisans locally and internationally.

The Saudi Artisanal Co. will display diverse collections of handicrafts reflecting national heritage with the aim of fostering innovation and expanding the reach of Saudi artisanry in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.

Source:arabnews.com

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

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2580370/saudi-arabia

---------

 

Europe

 

Putin says Russia will use new missile again in 'combat conditions'

23 NOV 2024

Ruth Comerford

Russia has a stock of powerful new missiles "ready to be used", President Vladimir Putin has said, a day after his country fired a new ballistic missile at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro.

In an unscheduled TV address, the Russian leader said the Oreshnik missile could not be intercepted and promised to carry out more tests, including in "combat conditions".

Russia's use of the Oreshnik capped a week of escalation in the war that also saw Ukraine fire US and British missiles into Russia for the first time.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for world leaders to give a "serious response" so that Putin "feels the real consequences of his actions".

His country was asking Western partners for updated air defence systems, he added.

According to news agency Interfax-Ukraine, Kyiv is seeking to obtain the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), or to upgrade its Patriot anti-ballistic missile defence systems.

In Friday's address Putin said the Oreshnik hypersonic missiles flew at 10 times the speed of sound and ordered them to be put into production. He had earlier said that use of the missile was a response to Ukraine's use of Storm Shadow and Atacms missiles.

Thursday's strike on Dnipro was described as unusual by eyewitnesses and triggered explosions which went on for three hours.

The attack included a strike by a missile so powerful that in the aftermath Ukrainian officials said it resembled an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

Justin Crump, CEO and founder of the risk advisory company Sibylline, told the BBC that Moscow likely used the strike as a warning, noting that the missile - which is faster and more advanced that others in its arsenal - has the capacity to seriously challenge Ukraine's air defences.

This week's escalation has also prompted several warnings from other world leaders about the direction of the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the war was entering a decisive stage - with a real risk of global conflict.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban meanwhile said the West should take Vladimir Putin's warnings "at face value" because Russia "bases its policies primarily on military power".

And North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un warned "never before" had the threat of a nuclear war been greater and accused the US of having an "aggressive and hostile" policy towards Pyongyang.

North Korea has sent thousands of troops to fight on Russia's side and Ukrainian forces have reported clashes with them in Russia's Kursk region, where Ukrainian troops are occupying some territory.

US President Biden has said he gave Ukraine permission to use longer-range Atacms missiles against targets inside Russia as a response to Moscow's use of North Korean troops.

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Both countries are now trying to secure a battlefield advantage before Donald Trump becomes US president in January.

Trump has vowed to end the war within hours but has not provided details as to how.

In his nightly address, Zelensky also criticised China for its response to Moscow's new missile after China's foreign ministry said all parties should "remain calm and exercise restraint".

"From Russia, this is a mockery of the position of states such as China, states of the Global South, some leaders who call for restraint every time," he said.

He also criticised the Ukrainian parliament for postponing a session on Friday over security concerns following the attack on Dnipro.

In a post on Telegram, he said unless an air raid signal sounded everyone should work as normal - and not take Russian threats as "permission to have a day off".

"The siren sounds - we go to shelter. When there is no siren - we work and serve. There is no other way in war," he said.

Source:bbc.com

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

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx28dzvxjyjo

---------

Germany ‘examining’ Netanyahu arrest warrant

23 Nov, 2024

Berlin is still determining whether to abide by its obligations to the International Criminal Court (ICC), with German officials reportedly expressing relief that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not planning to visit the country in the foreseeable future.

The Hague-based ICC announced on Thursday that it is seeking Netanyahu on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the Gaza conflict. Israel and its allies, including the US, have condemned the move, although some countries have said they would comply with the warrant.

“We adhere to the law at the national, European, and international levels,” Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated on Friday. “That is why we are examining exactly what this means for us regarding its international application.”

Germany is a signatory of the Rome Statute and recognizes the ICC’s authority, but Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s spokesman indicated that Berlin is unlikely to comply with the warrant due to its “historical responsibility” to Israel.

“On one hand, there is the importance of the International Criminal Court, which we strongly support; on the other hand, there is our historical responsibility,” government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said.

Netanyahu last visited Germany in March 2023, and another state visit is not expected in the near future, “government politicians stressed, almost with relief,” Deutsche Welle wrote on Friday.

While Israel is not a signatory to the Rome Statute, the court has jurisdiction over the West Bank and Gaza, which are considered occupied Palestinian territories under international law. The court’s jurisdiction is recognized by 123 countries, and Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant could face arrest if they travel to any of those nations.

Israel “rejects with disgust the absurd and false actions leveled against it by the ICC,” Netanyahu’s office stated.

The US “fundamentally rejects” the decision and is “deeply concerned” by the “troubling process errors” that led to it, a spokesperson for the National Security Council said on Thursday.

The EU has indicated that it will honor the ICC’s decision regarding the Israeli officials, with the bloc’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, describing the court’s warrants as non-political and calling on member states to respect and implement them.

So far, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Belgium, and Norway have announced that they would comply with the ICC warrant.

France has deemed the warrant legitimate but said that arresting the Israeli leader would be “legally complex.”

London has indicated that it would “comply with its legal obligations,” though it pointed out that domestic procedures linked to ICC arrest warrants have never been used by the UK, as no one wanted by the court has ever visited the country.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has invited Netanyahu to visit Budapest and said the ICC warrant “will have no effect” in the EU and NATO member states.

Source:rt.com

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

https://www.rt.com/news/608082-germany-netanyahu-arrest-warrant/

---------

UK signals it would arrest Netanyahu

22 Nov, 2024

Britain would most likely honor the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he came to visit, a spokesman for 10 Downing Street has said.

The Hague-based ICC announced on Thursday it was seeking Netanyahu on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in connection with the Gaza conflict. Israel and the US have denounced the move.

“The UK will always comply with its legal obligations as set out by domestic law, and indeed international law,” a spokesman for Prime Minister Keir Starmer told British media on Friday.

However, he added that domestic procedures linked to ICC arrest warrants have never been used by the UK, because no one wanted by the court has ever visited the country.

Earlier in the day, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said it “wouldn’t be appropriate” for her to comment on the warrant, as the ICC is an independent institution.

“We’ve always respected the importance of international law, but in the majority of the cases that they pursue, they don’t become part of the British legal process,” she told Sky News. “What I can say is that obviously, the UK government’s position remains that we believe the focus should be on getting a ceasefire in Gaza.”

Emily Thornberry, the Labour MP who chairs the Foreign Affairs Committee, was more direct when she spoke to the outlet, however.

“If Netanyahu comes to Britain, our obligation under the Rome Convention would be to arrest him under the warrant from the ICC,” said Thornberry. “Not really a question of should, we are required to because we are members of the ICC.”

Israel “rejects with disgust the absurd and false actions leveled against it by ICC,” Netanyahu’s office has said. The US “fundamentally rejects” the decision and is “deeply concerned” by the “troubling process errors” that led to it, a spokesperson for the National Security Council said on Thursday.

So far, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Belgium, and Norway have announced they would comply with the ICC warrant, while France has said the warrant is legitimate but actually arresting the Israeli leader would be “legally complex.”

Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has invited Netanyahu to visit Budapest and said the ICC warrant “will have no effect” in the EU and NATO member state.

Source:rt.com

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

https://www.rt.com/news/608076-uk-netanyahu-icc-arrest-warrant/

---------

The week of rising stakes in the Ukraine war

23 NOV 2024

The stakes have never been higher in the Ukraine-Russia war.

In the week that saw the conflict pass its 1000th day, Western powers substantially boosted Ukraine's military arsenal - and the Kremlin made its loudest threats yet of a nuclear strike.

Here is how the last week played out - and what it means.

The West bolsters Ukraine

Late on Sunday night, reports emerged that outgoing US President Joe Biden had given Ukraine permission to use longer-range ATACMS missiles to strike targets inside Russia.

The move marked a major policy change by Washington - which for months had refused Ukraine’s requests to use the missiles beyond its own borders.

After the decision was leaked to the press, a volley of ATACMS missiles were fired by Ukraine into Russia’s Bryansk region.

The Kremlin said six were fired, with five intercepted, while anonymous US officials claimed it was eight, with two intercepted.

Whatever the specifics, this was a landmark moment: American-made missiles had struck Russian soil for the first time in this war.

Then on Wednesday, Ukraine launched UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles at targets in Russia’s Kursk region - where Ukrainian troops have seized a roughly 600-sq km (232 sq mile) patch of Russian territory.

Later in the week, Biden added the final element of a ramped-up weapons arsenal to Ukraine by approving the use of anti-personnel landmines.

Simple, controversial, but highly-effective, landmines are a crucial part of Ukraine’s defences on the eastern frontline - and it is hoped their use could help slow Russia's advance.

With three swift decisions, over a few seismic days, the West signalled to the world that its support for Ukraine was not about to vanish.

Russia raises nuclear stakes

If Ukraine’s western allies raised the stakes this week - so too did Moscow.

On Tuesday, the 1000th day of the war, Putin pushed through changes to Russia's nuclear doctrine, lowering the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons.

The doctrine now says an attack from a non-nuclear state, if backed by a nuclear power, will be treated as a joint assault on Russia.

The Kremlin then took its response a step further by deploying a new type of missile - "Oreshnik" - to strike the Ukrainian city of Dnipro.

Putin claimed it travelled at 10 times the speed of sound - and that there are "no ways of counteracting this weapon".

Most observers agree the strike was designed to send a warning: that Russia could, if it chose, use the new missile to deliver a nuclear weapon.

Such posturing would once have caused serious concern in the West. Now, not so much.

Since the start of the conflict nearly three years ago, Putin has repeatedly laid out nuclear "red lines’" which the West has repeatedly crossed. It seems many have become used to Russia’s nuclear “sabre-rattling”.

And why else do Western leaders feel ready to gamble with Russia’s nuclear threats? China.

Beijing has become a vital partner for Moscow in its efforts to soften the impact of sanctions imposed by the US and other countries.

China, the West believes, would react with horror at the use of nuclear weapons - thus discouraging Putin from making true on his threats.

What we know about Russia's Oreshnik missile

A global conflict?

In a rare televised address on Thursday evening, the Russian president warned that the war had "acquired elements of a global character".

That assessment was echoed by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who said "the threat is serious and real when it comes to global conflict".

The US and UK are now more deeply involved than ever - while the deployment of North Korean troops to fight alongside Russia saw another nuclear power enter the war.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said on Thursday that "never before" has the threat of a nuclear war been greater, blaming the US for its "aggressive and hostile" policy towards Pyongyang.

Biden out, Trump in

So, why are we seeing these developments now?

The likely reason is the impending arrival of US President-elect Donald Trump, who will officially enter the White House on 20 January.

While on the campaign trail, Trump vowed to end the war within “24 hours”.

Those around him, like Vice President-elect JD Vance, have signalled that will mean compromises for Ukraine, likely in the form of giving up territory in the Donbas and Crimea.

That goes against the apparent stance of the Biden administration - whose decisions this week point to a desire to get as much aid through the door as possible before Trump enters office.

But some are more bullish about Ukraine’s prospects with Trump in power.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said himself Kyiv would like to end the war through “diplomatic means” in 2025.

Former Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba told the BBC this week: “President Trump will undoubtedly be driven by one goal, to project his strength, his leadership... And show that he is capable of fixing problems which his predecessor failed to fix.”

“As much as the fall of Afghanistan inflicted a severe wound on the foreign policy reputation of the Biden administration, if the scenario you mentioned is to be entertained by President Trump, Ukraine will become his Afghanistan, with equal consequences."

“And I don’t think this is what he’s looking for.”

This week's developments may not be the start of the war escalating out of control - but the start of a tussle for the strongest negotiating position in potential future talks to end it.

Source:bbc.com

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

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgxly3nzwpo

---------

Starmer 'determined' to keep Calais border checks

Michael Keohan

23 NOV 2024

Sir Keir Starmer has said he is "determined" British border checks in Calais will continue.

A coalition of French mayors has called for an end to a deal that allows UK immigration checks to be carried out before crossing the English Channel.

The prime minister said he would be "taking this up with the French authorities".

Sir Keir told BBC Radio Kent: "We need those checks to be carried out there.

"I'm taking this up with the French authorities because it's a very important provision. I am concerned about that and determined to make sure that we get the checks where we need them."

The prime minister also tackled the issue of small boat crossings.

With crossings close to exceeding 20,000 since Labour took power in the July elections, he said: "We need to break the gangs.

"Before I was a politician I was the chief prosecutor... and we took down gangs that were involved in terrorism, guns and drugs, and do not accept that the only gangs that can't be broken are these gangs."

Source:bbc.com

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

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce8ymm70035o

---------

Spain fines budget airlines including Ryanair €179m

23 NOV 2024

Ruth Comerford

Spain has fined five budget airlines a total of €179m (£149m) for "abusive practices" including charging for hand luggage.

Ryanair has been given the largest fine of €108m (£90m), followed by EasyJet's penalty of €29m (£24m).

Vueling, Norwegian and Volotea were issued with sanctions by Spain's Consumer Rights Ministry on Friday.

The ministry said it plans to ban practices such as charging extra for carry-on hand luggage and reserving seats for children.

The fines are the biggest sanction issued by the ministry, and follow an investigation into the budget airline industry.

The ministry said it had upheld fines that were first announced in May after dismissing appeals lodged by the companies.

Vueling, the budget arm of British Airways owner IAG, has been fined €39m (£32m), while Norwegian Airlines and Volotea have been fined €1.6m (£1.3m) and €1.2m (£1m) respectively.

The fines were issued because the airlines were found to have provided misleading information and were not transparent with prices, "which hinders consumers' ability to compare offers" and make informed decisions, the ministry said.

Ryanair was accused of violating a range of consumer rights, including charging for larger carry-on luggage, seat selection, and asking for "a disproportionate amount" to print boarding passes at terminals.

Each fine was calculated based on the "illicit profit" obtained by each airline from these practices.

Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary said the fines were "illegal" and "baseless", adding that he will appeal the case and take it to the EU courts.

"Ryanair has for many years used bag fees and airport check-in fees to change passenger behaviour and we pass on these cost savings in the form of lower fares to consumers," he said.

Easyjet and Norwegian said they would also appeal the decision.

The Spanish airline industry watchdog, ALA, plans a further appeal and has called the ministry's decision "nonsense", arguing the fine infringes EU free market rules.

But Andrés Barragán, secretary general for consumer affairs and gambling at the ministry, defended the fines, saying the government's decision was based on Spanish and EU law.

"It is an abuse to charge €20 for just printing the boarding card in the airport, [it's] something no one wants," he told the BBC's World Business Report programme.

"This is a problem consumers are facing not only in Spain but in other EU countries."

Consumer rights association Facua, which has campaigned against the fees for six years, said the decision was "historic".

Source:bbc.com

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

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8jy2dpv722o

---------

Putin announces mass production of Oreshnik missiles

22 Nov, 2024

Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed on Friday the decision to begin serial production of the new Oreshnik ballistic missile system.

The announcement came after the system was used in combat for the first time earlier this week in Ukraine.

Speaking during a meeting at the Kremlin with the leadership of the Defense Ministry and defense industry representatives, Putin outlined that the Oreshnik missile system, one of Russia’s latest military advancements, is not a modernization of an old Soviet weapon.

Instead, it is a new development based on cutting-edge hypersonic technology and modern materials. “It is the result of work done in the conditions of New Russia,” Putin said, highlighting that the system was created to meet contemporary defense needs.

Putin confirmed that several Oreshnik systems are currently undergoing testing in Russia, and that the decision to embark on mass production had already been articulated. “You can assume that the decision on production has been made. In fact, it is organized,” he added. More of the missile systems are expected to be delivered to Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces in the coming months.

The first combat use of the Oreshnik missile took place on Thursday, when it was used to strike a Ukrainian defense facility in Dnepropetrovsk. The target was Yuzhmash, one of Ukraine’s largest defense-industrial facilities inherited from the USSR that produces missile equipment and other weapons.

Putin said the use of the missile was in response to Kiev’s attacks inside Russia with Western-supplied long-range weapons such as American ATACMS and British Storm Shadow missiles.

The Oreshnik is described as a medium-range, hypersonic weapon designed for high precision strikes. According to the Defense Ministry, “all warheads” of the missile “reached the target” during this week's deployment.

The president praised the missile’s successful test and combat deployment, expressing admiration for the speed at which the system had been developed.

Putin also emphasized the importance of continuing testing and increasing production rates. “I congratulate the military on the successful tests and support the adoption of the system,” he said.

Source:rt.com

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

https://www.rt.com/russia/608072-putin-mass-production-oreshnik/

----------

 

North America

 

Texas schools can now teach Bible-based reading lessons

November 23, 2024

The Texas State Board of Education on Friday approved a controversial, Bible-infused curriculum for public school students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

Texas schools will not be required to use "BlueBonnet" curriculum, which includes lessons from the books of Genesis and Psalms, as well as the New Testament, but will receive extra funding if they do.

The board's narrow vote of 8 to 7 marks the latest move by Republicans to incorporate Christian teachings into schools nationwide. Four Democrats and three Republicans voted against using the curriculum.

The vote was only for adding the curriculum to English Language Arts and Reading, but the board is considering using it in other areas.

“The materials contain an unwelcome and unnecessary quantity of Bible references,” the Texas American Federation of Teachers said in a written statement released on 15 November. “Not only do these materials violate the separation of church and state and the academic freedom of our classroom, but also the sanctity of the teaching profession.”

The curriculum will be used in classrooms from August 2025.

School districts can design their own lesson plans and are not forced to adopt the curriculum, but will receive a funding incentive of $40 per student to buy learning materials if they do.

Similar efforts are being made in other US, Republican-dominated states.

In Louisiana, a law requiring all state schools to display the Ten Commandments has been temporarily blocked by a federal court following legal action from a parent group.

Top education officials in Oklahoma ordered public schools in June to incorporate Bible lessons in teaching students in grades five through twelve. Parents, students and teachers have filed a lawsuit with the Oklahoma Supreme Court to prevent Bible purchases.

More recently, the lead education official in Oklahoma, Superintendent Ryan Walters, announced the state had purchased 500 copies of the Bible published by President-elect Donald Trump for some high school classes focused on the US government. He said the books included other "foundational documents" for the country, namely the Declaration of Independence.

Superintendent Walters has also required schools to show students a video of him praying for Trump, although some school districts refused, according to media reports.

Source:bbc.com

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

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0mzyexv018o

---------

CAIR Calls for Hate Crime Probe of Vandalism Targeting Muhammad Mosque #38 in South Carolina

November 22, 2024

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on state and federal law enforcement authorities to investigate apparently bias-motivated vandalism targeting a South Carolina house of worship as a hate crime.

Muhammad Mosque #38 in Columbia, South Carolina, was painted with red crosses and a message reading “get out.” A symbol drawn on the sidewalk outside the mosque resembles a crude Nazi swastika.

In a statement, CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper said:

“We condemn any attack on a house of worship and urge state and federal law enforcement authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice. This troubling incident must be investigated as a possible hate crime.

“Unfortunately, we are witnessing a rise in bigotry targeting all minority communities nationwide. Political and religious leaders must speak out against the hate-filled ideologies that inevitably result in such acts of bigotry.”

Hooper asked houses of worship to utilize CAIR’s Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety guide, which contains security advice applicable to institutions of all faiths.

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

La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.           

Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | TikTok | Website | YouTube  

Do you like reading CAIR press releases and taking part in our action alerts? You can help contribute to CAIR’s work of defending civil rights and empowering American Muslims across the country by making a one-time contribution or becoming a monthly donor. Supporters like you make CAIR’s advocacy work possible and defeating Islamophobia an achievable goal. Click here to donate to CAIR.                  

You are receiving this email due to your interest selection from commercial media databases. If you would like to join CAIR’s media list, please sign up here: https://action.cair.com/a/newsletters — For more information, email: info@cair.com, CC ihooper@cair.com 

Source:cair.com

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

https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-calls-for-hate-crime-probe-of-vandalism-targeting-muhammad-mosque-38-in-south-carolina/

---------

Two men found guilty in smuggling deaths of family at US-Canada border

November 23, 2024

Nadine Yousif

A Minnesota jury has found two men guilty of helping smuggle an Indian family from Canada to the US in January 2022, leading to their deaths.

Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel and Steve Anthony Shand were found guilty on all counts of human trafficking, criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

Both had pleaded not guilty to the charges in relation to the death of the Patel family, whose bodies were found frozen in a Manitoba field by Canadian authorities 12m (39ft) from the US border.

The trial has shed light on human smuggling operations that help foreign nationals move to North America unlawfully.

The jury presented the verdict in a Minnesota court on Friday after a few hours of deliberation.

The two men will be sentenced at a later date. They each face as long as 55 years in prison.

The trial, which began on Monday, included testimony from another convicted migrant smuggler and a survivor from the same group that the Patel family was traveling with.

The jurors were also shown text messages sent between the two accused in the weeks leading up to the day the Patel family died. They discussed travel logistics for the migrants, as well as the freezing temperatures on the day of the fatal trip.

The bodies of Vaishaliben Patel, her husband Jagdish and their two young children, 11-year-old Vihangi and three-year-old Dharmik, were found by Canadian police in January 2022.

Authorities believe that the family - who had travelled on visitor visas from their home village in western India to Toronto, Canada - were trying to cross into the US when they were caught in the blinding blizzard and temperatures as low as -35C (-31F).

Prosecutors said they had become separated from a larger group of people being smuggled across the border.

Authorities said Patel (the accused, who is not related to the deceased family) was a key organizer of the operation, while Shand was arrested for planning to pick up the family and other migrants once they crossed into the US.

In closing arguments, assistant US attorney Michael McBride argued that while the Patels were "slowly dying in the freezing cold, Steve Shand sat in his warm van and did nothing to help".

Meanwhile, Mr McBride said "Harshkumar Patel texted from sunny Florida and did nothing to help."

"For weeks, they knew the cold would kill, but they decided their profit was more important than these human lives," he told the court.

Lawyers for Shand argued that he was recruited by Patel and was "an unknowing participant" in the smuggling enterprise, and said that their client "did not agree to participate in any crime."

The defence also urged the jury to be critical of testimony they heard from witnesses, and to factor in whether others were culpable and to what degree in the Patels' death.

The trial exposed the workings of a complex, international network that sought to illegally funnel immigrants into the United States through Canada at great risk to would-be migrants and great profit to smugglers.

Among the witnesses was Rajinder Pal Singh, a convicted human smuggler who helped move people across the US-Canada border between British Columbia and Washington state.

Singh testified that the Patel family was in touch with another alleged smuggler, Fenil Patel, who lives in Toronto and was charged by Indian police for the family's death.

He said Fenil Patel (unrelated to the family) had arranged for the family to get Canadian visas so they could illegally cross into the US.

Another witness was 23-year-old Yash Patel (also unrelated to the deceased family), who was was travelling with the Patel family to the US.

He testified he and the other migrants were dropped off in the middle of a blizzard in Manitoba and had to walk until they saw another car.

He said it did not take long before the group got separated.

"I was very scared," Yash Patel told the Minnesota court. "I wanted to have help from somebody, but there was no one who could come and help me."

Source:bbc.com

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

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2e72yxxyzmo

---------

Trump nominates Bessent to lead US Treasury in flurry of announcements

November 23, 2024

Donald Trump has nominated Scott Bessent to lead the US Treasury Department, a post with wide oversight of tax policy, public debt, international finance and sanctions.

The selection ends what has proven to be one of the more protracted decisions for the president-elect as he assembles his team for a second term.

Bessent, a Wall Street financier who once worked for George Soros, was an early backer of Trump's 2024 bid and brings a relatively conventional resume to the role.

The 62-year-old's nomination on Friday evening kicked-off a series of cabinet announcements and White House appointments that leaves Trump's top team almost complete ahead of his return to the presidency in January.

"Scott is widely respected as one of the World’s foremost International Investors and Geopolitical and Economic Strategists," Trump said in his announcement on Truth Social.

"[He] has long been a strong advocate of the America First Agenda," he said, adding that Bessent would "support my Policies that will drive US Competitiveness, and stop unfair Trade imbalances."

On the campaign trail, Bessent told voters that Trump would usher in a "new golden age with de-regulation, low-cost energy, [and] low taxes".

A Friday flurry

Trump also nominated Republican Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer for US Labor Secretary on Friday, saying she would help to "grow wages and improve working conditions [and] bring back our manufacturing jobs".

The representative from Oregon, 56, won strong trade union support but narrowly lost her bid for re-election earlier this month, meaning her nomination will not affect the Republican majority in the House come January.

He then made another cabinet nomination moments later, announcing Scott Turner as his pick to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The NFL veteran and motivational speaker previously served in the Texas House of Representatives.

Trump also announced a series of senior health picks, giving his backing to Fox News contributor Dr Janette Nesheiwat as Surgeon General and former Florida Congressman Dr Dave Weldon as Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

He selected Russell Vought as director of the US Office of Management and Budget, which helps decide policy priorities and how they should be funded.

Vought, who played a role in Project 2025 - a "wish list" for a second Trump presidency by the conservative Heritage Foundation - held the same position during Trump's first term.

The president-elect also announced White House roles for Alex Wong and Sebastian Gorka who also served during Trump's first term.

How will Bessent lead US Treasury?

If his nomination to lead the Treasury department is confirmed by the Senate, Bessent would almost immediately be plunged into the fight in Washington over extending the tax cuts from Trump's first term.

Trump has also called for controversial changes to trade policy, proposing sweeping tariffs on all goods coming into the country.

Such ideas have been met with alarm in traditional economic and corporate circles.

In an interview with Fox News shortly before the election, Bessent said ensuring the tax cuts do not expire as planned at the end of next year would be his top priority, if he ended up in the administration.

"If it doesn’t happen, this will be the largest tax increase in US history," he warned.

For other posts, Trump has been willing to back candidates with minimal experience in favour of loyalty and apparent conviction in his pledges.

But he has appeared more hesitant to buck convention at the Treasury Department, which serves as a key liaison between the White House and Wall Street and has critical functions that include collecting taxes, supervising banks, wielding sanctions and handling US government debt.

In his announcement, Trump said Bessent would “help curb the unsustainable path of Federal Debt”. That issue has long been a priority for traditional Republicans, but financial markets see an increase in debt as a risk in a second Trump term.

Bessent, a native of South Carolina, made his name in the 1990s betting against the British pound and Japanese yen while working for Soros, a major Democratic donor.

In 2015, he started his own fund, Key Square Capital Management, which is known for making investments based on big-picture economic policy.

He and his husband, a former New York City prosecutor, married in 2011 and have two children. He is known for philanthropy in South Carolina, where his family has deep roots.

Bessent has defended tariffs - a capstone of Trump's protectionist agenda - arguing that opposition to them is rooted in political ideology and not "considered economic thought".

But he has also characterised Trump’s support for such border taxes as a negotiating tool, suggesting the president-elect isn’t necessarily committed to aggressively raising duties.

That stance makes him more moderate than others whose names were floated for the treasury role.

However, Bessent has been a strong proponent of Trump’s embrace of the crypto industry. Such support would make him the first treasury secretary to openly champion cryptocurrency, sending a clear signal that Trump is serious about establishing the US as the "crypto capital of the planet".

Source:bbc.com

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

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj3mv6l1ypyo

---------

Authorities investigating after Nazi symbol found spray-painted on Richland County mosque

Nov. 23, 2024

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) said they are investigating vandalism at a mosque on Farrow Road.

Deputies said they responded to Muhammed Mosque on Farrow Road and found it had been spray-painted.

RCSD said one of the spray-painted symbols was a swastika, the former insignia for the Nazi party known to represent antisemitism, white supremacy and hate. The words “get out” were also found at the mosque.

Muhammed Mosque presents the signature white crescent-moon and star symbol against a red background known to be the emblem of the Nation of Islam, a religious organization not to be conflated with mainstream Islam.

Ibrahim Hooper, the National Communications Director for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said while they are not associated with this mosque, they still condemn the vandalism.

“We condemn any attack on a house of worship and urge state and federal law enforcement authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice,” Hooper said. “This troubling incident must be investigated as a possible hate crime.”

It is unclear at this time who is behind the vandalism, but RCSD has notified all mosques and synagogues in the surrounding area.

They have also deployed additional road units at religious sites in Richland County.

Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to call RCSD at (803) 576-3000 or submit a tip through Crime Stoppers.

“Unfortunately, we are witnessing a rise in bigotry targeting all minority communities nationwide,” Hooper said. “Political and religious leaders must speak out against the hate-filled ideologies that inevitably result in such acts of bigotry.”

Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.

Source:wistv.com

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

https://www.wistv.com/2024/11/22/authorities-investigating-after-nazi-symbol-found-spray-painted-richland-county-mosque/

---------

Pete Hegseth’s Islam Problem

NOV 23, 2024

Fox News personality Pete Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for secretary of defense, may be regretting his decision to attend a 2017 conference held by the California Federation of Republican Women. His sexual encounter with one of those Republican women (which happened, as the Wall Street Journal notes, while he was “in the midst of getting a divorce from his second wife after fathering a child with a producer at the network”) led to a sexual assault allegation, and a subsequent hush-money payment, that have together complicated his path to the Pentagon.

But maybe Hegseth should consider this scandal a blessing. If it weren’t for the questions being raised about past sexual transgressions, more attention might be paid to questions that bear more directly on his qualifications to head the Defense Department. There’s the lack of managerial experience in a man who aspires to run the world’s largest military. There’s the fact that he has repeatedly spoken up in defense of US servicemen who had committed vicious war crimes. And then there’s the thing that has gotten the least attention of all but may be the most important of all: Hegseth’s warped views about Islam—views that, if he becomes secretary of defense, could exacerbate conflicts and even create new ones.

In his 2020 book American Crusade, Hegseth argues that Islam “has been at war with its enemies—meaning all ‘infidels’—since it was founded, and it will never stop.” In truth, the Islamic empires of the past—from the seventh century through the early twentieth century—typically included large populations of non-Muslims who practiced their religions in peace, in keeping with Islamic doctrine, so long as they paid a special tax called a jizya. This may not sound progressive by modern standards, but if you compare, say, the treatment of Spanish Jews under Islamic rule to their treatment under subsequent Christian rule, you’ll see that things could have been much worse.

And as for Hegseth’s claim that “all modern Muslim countries are either formal or de facto no-go zones for practicing Christians and Jews”—well, somehow NZN managing editor Connor Echols, a practicing Christian, managed to live in Jordan for a year recently without issue. He even attended church there!

Hegseth seems to see much of the world’s turmoil as a single great struggle between Islam and the West—a struggle, indeed, that extends into the West. He laments high birth rates in western Muslim communities and argues that Islamists, who he says dominate Islam, hope to “seed the West with as many Muslims as possible” in order to gradually conquer more territory.

If Hegseth becomes secretary of defense, his day-to-day work will be colored by his ideas about Islam. Roughly 40,000 US soldiers are stationed in the Middle East, and the vast majority of them are in Muslim-majority countries. Hegseth’s job would involve important meetings with foreign military leaders, and many of them would be Muslim. (And NATO member Turkey is led by Islamist Recep Tayyip Erdogan.) If Hegseth’s expressed views about Islam are sincere, he’ll have trouble viewing the people he’s meeting with as rational actors. And even if they’re not sincere, they’ll be known to, and not welcomed by, those people.

There’s a deeper clash between Hegseth’s worldview and his ability to serve American interests. Wisely advising a president on the deployment of force requires a sound understanding of conflict and its causes. If you trace all conflicts involving Muslim nations and non-state groups to some imagined eternal essence of Islam, you’ll miss a lot of important causal factors. Like, for example: grievances over past dispossession and enduring oppression (as with Palestinian Muslims and Christians, whose shared views on Israel, and America’s military support of Israel, must baffle Hegseth); or nationalist reactions against foreign military occupation (as with some attacks on US troops in Iraq); or national security calculations (as with Iran’s support of some attacks on US troops in Iraq).

And as for the home front: Most “Jihadist” terrorism on US soil has been motivated not by the fact that America is a Christian-majority nation but by the perception that the American military has spent much of the past two decades conducting a war on Islam—a perception articulated explicitly and repeatedly by the terrorists themselves in justifying their crimes. It would be bad enough to have a secretary of defense who doesn’t understand this perception. With Hegseth we’d have a secretary of defense whose stated views on Islam feed the perception.

It’s possible that when George W. Bush, in the days after 9/11, called America’s coming war on terrorism a “crusade,” he wasn’t fully aware of the unfortunate historical resonance of that word. But when Hegseth chose to call his book “American Crusade,” he was quite aware of the reference to Medieval wars between Christendom and Islamic empires. He writes, “Our present moment is much like the 11th Century. We don’t want to fight, but, like our fellow Christians one thousand years ago, we must.” He advises readers to “Arm yourself—metaphorically, intellectually, physically… Our fight is not with guns. Yet.”

No, not yet. Then again, Pete Hegseth isn’t secretary of defense. Yet.

Echo chambers are good, actually. So argues James Marriott, a columnist at The Times of London, in a piece that applauds the ongoing exodus of liberals from X (aka Twitter) to rival social media site Bluesky. “Online rage” he writes, “results from people seeing too much of their maddest political opponents.”

On the other hand, there’s value in trying to understand the perspective of your ideological adversaries—and X, for the time being at least, is a place where both liberals and conservatives can do that. As Jemima Kelly of The Financial Times writes, “[W]hile it will always be much messier and more maddening than we might like, I believe such a place is preferable to a series of siloed echo chambers.”

We at NZN, faced with these two views—and the corresponding choice of whether to move from X to Bluesky—chose not to choose. We’re staying at X—where you’ll continue to find the accounts for both the NonZero Newsletter and the NonZero podcast—but we’re also opening a second social media front on Bluesky. There, in a masterstroke of brand unification, we’re consolidating newsletter and podcast into a single NonZero account. We encourage you to follow it if you’re exploring Bluesky.

Also, we had our proprietary large language model scour Bluesky for the personal accounts we think you’d find most interesting, and here they are: Robert Wright and Connor Echols. Our LLM predicted that you would also enjoy the Bluesky accounts of Andrew Day and Clark McGillis should they come into existence. We’ll let you know when they do.

As Trump selects nominees for top government positions, NonZero brings you a few updates, followed by a chance to put your forecasting skills to the test:

—Trump’s choice for energy secretary is Republican donor Chris Wright, a fracking executive who last year said that “there is no climate crisis, and we’re not in the midst of an energy transition.”

—Trump tapped Linda McMahon, a former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (who has stepped into the ring herself!), as education secretary. During a 2010 race for the US Senate, McMahon had to retract the claim that she had a bachelor’s degree in education. Her real major was French.

—Trump named Brendan Carr as the next chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. Carr, who has become a staunch ally of Elon Musk, has called for Starlink, a Musk-owned company, to be included in a multi-billion-dollar government program of broadband expansion. He has also said he plans to give close scrutiny to X rival Facebook and other members of what he calls the “censorship cartel.”

—Even after this week’s spate of picks, Trump’s most controversial nominees are still Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Pete Hegseth for secretary of defense. (Matt Gaetz—Trump’s nominee for attorney general—withdrew from consideration amid allegations involving illegal drugs and sex with a teenager who was paid for her services.)

NZN readers, we turn to you: What are the chances that the Senate rejects at least one of these cabinet-level nominees? Head over to NonZero’s Metaculus community to submit your forecast.

The US amped up military support for Ukraine in two ways this week, and one of them was deemed escalatory by Russian President Putin, who responded with a kind of counter-escalation.

First, President Biden authorized Ukraine to strike deep into Russian territory with US-supplied long-range missiles—which Ukraine did on Tuesday. Then Putin amended Russia’s nuclear doctrine, lowering the threshold for the use of nukes. Under the new guidelines, nuclear retaliation is possible when any nation supported by a nuclear power attacks Russia with conventional weapons.

Then, as if to drive the point home, Russia, for the first time ever, hit Ukraine with a multiple-warhead ballistic missile—a missile designed to accommodate nuclear warheads. After the strike, Putin raised the prospect of also striking US or British targets. (Britain had followed Biden’s lead by authorizing Ukraine to use its air-launched Storm Shadow missiles against targets in Russia, which Ukraine promptly did.) Russia, Putin said, has the right to strike “military facilities of those countries that allow their weapons to be used against our facilities.” He had previously warned that if Biden crossed the threshold he crossed this week, the West and NATO would be in direct conflict.

The US also announced this week that it will send anti-personnel landmines to Ukraine. The move reverses a policy laid down by Biden in 2022, when he revived an Obama-era ban on using or transferring such mines outside the Korean peninsula. In 2020 Biden had called then-President Trump’s reversal of the Obama ban “reckless,” saying “it will put more civilians at risk of being injured by unexploded mines, and is unnecessary from a military perspective.” More than 160 countries have signed the Ottawa Treaty, which bans anti-personnel mines, but the US and Russia have not.

Both US moves came amid growing Russian success on the battlefield, and growing fears that a breakthrough somewhere along Ukraine’s front line could lead to rapid Russian gains. The moves also came amid signs that the Ukrainian people are increasingly supportive of a peace deal even if that leaves Russia in control of some Ukrainian territory. A recent Gallup poll found that, for the first time, more than 50 percent of Ukrainians want their government to “negotiate an ending to the war as soon as possible.”

AI updates—medical edition:

—Should doctors use large language models as diagnostic aids? A study designed to answer that question wound up raising a different question: Should large language models use doctors as diagnostic aids?

Source:substack.com

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

https://nonzero.substack.com/p/pete-hegseths-islam-problem

---------

Who has joined Trump's team so far?

November 23, 2024

The new team entrusted with delivering Donald Trump's agenda is taking shape, with several contentious hires in his proposed administration.

Ahead of his return to the White House on 20 January 2025, the president-elect has named Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host and military veteran, as his pick for defence secretary. And he wants Robert F Kennedy Jr to be health secretary.

Marco Rubio could be the next secretary of state. And billionaire supporter Elon Musk will play a role in cost-cutting.

Here is a closer look at the posts he has named replacements for, and the names in the mix for the top jobs yet to be filled.

We will start with the cabinet roles, which require approval from the US Senate. If four Republican senators and all the Democrats disagree to any individual then that nomination will fail.

Secretary of state - Marco Rubio

Florida Senator Marco Rubio has been picked for US secretary of state - the president's main adviser on foreign affairs, who acts as America's top diplomat when representing the country overseas.

Rubio, 53, takes a hawkish view of China. He opposed Trump in the 2016 Republican primary but has since mended fences.

He has long been courting the job of the nation's top diplomat and if approved, he will be the first Latino secretary of state in US history.

Defence secretary - Pete Hegseth

Pete Hegseth, a military veteran and Fox News host who has never held political office, has been nominated to be the next defence secretary.

His appointment is one of the most highly anticipated in Trump's cabinet as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza rage on. "Nobody fights harder for the troops," Trump said.

After Hegseth's appointment, it emerged that he was investigated in 2017 for an alleged sexual assault. He was never arrested or charged and denies the allegation.

His lawyer also confirmed that he had paid a woman in the same year to stay quiet about an assault claim that he feared would cost him his job at Fox. Again, he denied any wrongdoing.

Attorney general - Pam Bondi

Trump's first pick for attorney general, former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz, withdrew from consideration for the role Thursday after a week of controversy over a congressional investigation into sexual misconduct and drug allegations against him.

Gaetz denied all of the claims, but said he wanted to avoid a "needlessly protracted Washington scuffle."

About six hours after Gaetz withdrew, Trump named Pam Bondi, a former Florida attorney general, as his successor.

"Pam was a prosecutor for nearly 20 years, where she was very tough on Violent Criminals, and made the streets safe for Florida Families," Trump wrote.

Bondi served during Trump's first administration as a member of the Opioid and Drug Abuse Commission. And she was on his defence team during his first impeachment trial.

Department of the interior - Doug Burgum

Trump announced during a speech at Mar-a-Lago that he would ask Doug Burgum, the governor of North Dakota, to lead the Department of the Interior.

A software entrepreneur who sold his small company to Microsoft in 2001, Burgum briefly ran in the 2024 Republican primary before dropping out, endorsing Trump and quickly impressing him with his low-drama persona and sizeable wealth.

If confirmed, Burgum will oversee an agency that is responsible for the management and conservation of federal lands and natural resources.

Health and human services - Robert F Kennedy Jr

RFK Jr, as he is known, an environmental lawyer, vaccine sceptic and the nephew of former President John F Kennedy, is Trump's pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.

Despite having no medical qualifications, Kennedy, 70, would have broad remit over US federal health agencies - including those that oversee approval of vaccines and pharmaceuticals.

There has been speculation about his inability to pass a background check for security clearance due to past controversies, including dumping a bear carcass in New York's Central Park.

Some of Kennedy’s own stated aims for government are bound up with misinformation - and many medical experts have expressed serious concerns about his nomination, citing his views on vaccines and other health matters.

On other matters he has more support, for example in scrutinising the processing of food and the use of additives.

Veterans' affairs - Doug Collins

Former Georgia congressman Doug Collins has been chosen to lead the US Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Collins was a Trump loyalist when he served in Congress from 2013-21. He was an outspoken advocate for the president-elect during both impeachment hearings.

An Iraq war veteran who now serves as a chaplain in the US Air Force Reserve, Collins left Congress for an unsuccessful bid for the Senate in his home state of Georgia.

Homeland security - Kristi Noem

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has been nominated for the key role of overseeing US security, including its borders, cyber-threats, terrorism and emergency response.

The agency has a $62bn (£48bn) budget and employs thousands of people. It incorporates a wide variety of agencies under its umbrella, ranging from Customs and Border Protection to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Transportation secretary - Sean Duffy

Former congressman and Fox Business host Sean Duffy has been selected to lead the Department of Transportation.

If confirmed by senators, he will take charge of aviation, automotive, rail, transit and other transportation policies at the transport department, with a roughly $110bn annual budget.

In the role, the incoming secretary can expect to face a number of safety-related aviation issues, including the continued problems at Boeing, as the troubled manufacturer addresses a series of safety and quality issues.

Energy secretary - Chris Wright

Oil and gas industry executive Chris Wright will lead the Department of Energy, where he is expected to fulfill Trump's campaign promise to "drill, baby, drill" and maximise US energy production.

Wright, the founder-CEO of Liberty Energy, has called climate activists alarmist and likened Democrats' push for renewables to Soviet-style communism.

In a video posted to his LinkedIn profile last year, he said: "There is no climate crisis, and we're not in the midst of an energy transition either."

Commerce secretary - Howard Lutnick

Howard Lutnick, the co-chair of Trump's transition team and chief executive of financial firm Cantor Fitzgerald, has been picked to lead the US commerce department.

Trump said Lutnick would spearhead the administration's "tariff and trade agenda".

Lutnick had also been in the running for treasury secretary, a more high-profile role.

Education secretary - Linda McMahon

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) co-founder and Trump transition co-chair, Linda McMahon, has been appointed as Trump's nominee for education secretary.

A long-time Trump ally, McMahon led the Small Business Administration during Trump's first presidency and donated millions of dollars to his presidential campaign.

Trump has criticised the Department of Education, and has promised to close the agency down - a job McMahon could be tasked with.

In his statement announcing her nomination, Trump said McMahon would "spearhead" the effort to "send Education BACK TO THE STATES", in reference to the pledge.

Treasury secretary - Scott Bessent

Scott Bessent has been nominated to lead the US Treasury Department, a post with wide oversight of tax policy, public debt, international finance and sanctions.

The selection ends what has proven to be one of the more protracted decisions for the president-elect as he assembles his team for a second term.

Bessent, a Wall Street financier who once worked for liberal billionaire George Soros, was an early backer of Trump's 2024 bid and would bring a relatively conventional resume to the role.

On the campaign trail, Bessent told voters that Trump would usher in a "new golden age with de-regulation, low-cost energy, [and] low taxes".

"[He] has long been a strong advocate of the America First Agenda," Trump said, adding that Bessent would "support my Policies that will drive US Competitiveness, and stop unfair Trade imbalances."

Office of Management and Budget - Russell Vought

Russell Vought has been selected to lead the Office of Management and Budget, a post he held during Trump's first term.

Vought previously served as the director of the agency, which helps craft the president's budget, acts as the central regulatory gatekeeper and executes the president's agenda across the government.

He also authored a key chapter in Project 2025, a 900-page conservative wish-list that sought to expand presidential power and impose an ultra-conservative social vision.

Vought served as the Republican National Committee’s 2024 platform policy director.

"He did an excellent job serving in this role in my First Term," Trump said in announcing Vought. "We cut four Regulations for every new Regulation, and it was a Great Success!"

Labour secretary - Lori Chavez-DeRemer

Lori Chavez-DeRemer has been selected by Trump to lead the US Department of Labor - which oversees worker health and safety, workforce laws and administers unemployment and workers compensation.

Chavez-DeRemer has been serving in the US Congress since 2023 but lost a re-election bid in Oregon in the November election, despite winning strong trade union support.

Housing secretary - Scott Turner

Scott Turner, an NFL veteran and motivational speaker, has been chosen to lead the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The department oversees America's housing needs, enforces laws, prevents discrimination and provides assistance to those in need, through both low-income housing and helping Americans avoid foreclosure.

Turner served as the executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump's first term. He previously served in the Texas legislature.

Outside the 15 department heads who make up the core of the cabinet, there are several other roles that are often given cabinet-rank, like the FBI director and the head of the Environment Protection Agency (EPA). These roles will also require the nominees to be confirmed by the Senate.

However, there will be other key roles in the Trump administration that will not require Senate confirmation and the people filling these roles - like Elon Musk - will not have to be vetted in the same way.

Source:bbc.com

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

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx24gze60yzo

--------

Pro-athlete burglaries may be linked to international crime ring

November 23, 2024

Madeline Halpert

An international crime ring may be behind burglaries targeting the homes of professional athletes across the US, although experts caution that local groups could also be responsible.

In recent weeks, several NFL players and an NBA player have been robbed while traveling for games, including Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce and his teammate Patrick Mahomes.

The FBI is investigating whether the burglaries could be connected to a transnational crime operation with links to South America, a source familiar with the investigation told the BBC's US partner CBS News.

"It's a transnational crime ring, and over the last three weeks, they've focused on NBA and NFL players, and it's all over the country," a source familiar with the situation told NFL.com.

But Michael Tabman, a former FBI special agent, said there could be a simpler explanation.

"It could be possible that you have some capable burglars in Kansas City who maybe have some inside information," he said. "And you'll notice, when a crime starts getting covered a lot, it starts popping up elsewhere, so like a copycat."

The BBC has contacted the FBI and Kansas City police for comment.

The burglaries have been taking place across the country. Kelce's home was robbed on 7 October as he was starting a game against the New Orleans Saints. Officials said $20,000 (£15,900) in cash was stolen from his $6m home.

A burglary was also discovered at Dallas Cowboys player Linval Joseph’s home on Monday, while Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis was robbed earlier this month.

The athletes make for easy targets in part because they have valuable belongings and public schedules, security experts said.

"In any professional football event, for instance, there's 106 players, 53 on each team, that are not going to be home, not including coaches. And some of those players may have very lucrative contracts and live in nice places," said former FBI agent Jeff Lanza.

The NFL has been warning players about the crimes, sending a memo this week which said "organised and skilled groups" appeared to be targeting them. The memo said the groups were tracking the players' whereabouts on social media and through public records.

It said criminals had been conducting surveillance by posing as joggers, maintenance workers or delivery people, eventually gaining access to the homes through side doors or even scaling walls to get through windows and balconies.

Those details suggests the criminals have some level of sophistication, Mr Lanza said.

"You'd have to have people that would maybe do some surveillance to see the comings and goings of the potential targets, that no one else is home, maybe people to understand if there's an alarm system that's been employed," he said.

Mr Lanza said the FBI's involvement in the investigation - which would normally be handled by local officials - suggests the crimes are "more orchestrated and organised and tied to a bigger organisation".

But other explanations are also likely, he said.

"It could be some punks that just know the Chiefs are playing that day and that Patrick Mahomes and Kelce are going to be at the stadium, along with their families, because they show them on TV," he said.

Mr Tabman, meanwhile, said law enforcement are likely to catch whoever is behind the thefts, especially if they are able to track down items that were stolen and are being sold.

Police have already found a watch stolen from Kelce's Missouri home, ABC News reported.

“You'll pull on that one thread that will make this unravel," Mr Tabman said. "It won't happen tomorrow, but I believe there's a very good chance that the FBI, in co-operation with local law enforcement, will be able to break the case."

Source:bbc.com

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

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgk1644j5y5o

---------

Trump's withdrawn attorney general pick will not return to Congress

November 23, 2024

Matt Gaetz, who withdrew from consideration as attorney general in Donald Trump’s cabinet over ethics allegations, says he will not return to his seat in the US House of Representatives.

Gaetz told a conservative radio host: “I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch.”

A staunch Trump ally and leader of a hard-right faction in the House, Gaetz resigned his seat shortly after being picked by the president-elect to lead the Department of Justice.

But after eight days of scrutiny and growing uncertainty that he would be able to get through the US Senate's confirmation process, he withdrew his nomination on Thursday.

Prior to being chosen by Trump to serve as America's top law enforcement official, Gaetz won re-election in his House district in north-west Florida.

That meant, despite his resignation, he could have chosen to retake his seat when a new Congress is formed in January.

But he told Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and radio host, that he would not return to the House.

“There are a number of fantastic Floridians who stepped up to run for my seat, people who have inspired with their heroism, with their public service,” Gaetz said. “And I’m actually excited to see north-west Florida go to new heights and have great representation.

“I think that eight years is probably enough time in the United States Congress,” he said.

Gaetz, 42, has been the subject of allegations of human trafficking, illegal drug use and paying for sex, including with a 17-year-old. He denies the allegations, and a Department of Justice investigation did not result in any criminal charges.

However, a separate House of Representative ethics investigation was ongoing until he resigned from the chamber.

On Wednesday the House ethics committee deadlocked on a vote on whether to release its report on Gaetz. House ethics investigations generally end if a representative resigns or is voted out of their seat.

If Gaetz had chosen to rejoin the House, however, he may have faced having the investigation re-opened.

In recent days, US media outlets have reported that Gaetz made electronic payments to women using the Venmo app, allegedly in exchange for sex.

The rise and fall of Matt Gaetz in eight wild days

Gaetz said: “If the things that the House Ethics report [said] were true, I would be under indictment and probably in a prison cell.

“But of course, they're false, because when you test them against other records, when you test them against other testimony, it all falls apart very quickly.”

The BBC News has not confirmed the veracity of the report or the allegations that it contains.

Trump selected Gaetz to serve as attorney general for his desire to make changes at the justice department - which had also investigated the Florida congressman for several years.

The president-elect claims he has been unfairly treated by the US legal establishment and said that Gaetz would end the “weaponization” of the judicial system.

But critics charged that Gaetz would use his post to pursue Trump's personal vendettas. He also faced scepticism from moderate Republican senators and Democrats.

The fact that many members of his own party openly dislike Gaetz - due in part to his successful effort in ousting Republican Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy in 2023 among other political stunts - made his pathway to confirmation even more difficult.

In his place, Trump has said he intends to nominate former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as attorney general.

Who is Pam Bondi?

On Friday, Florida’s governor Ron DeSantis set out the timeline for the special election to fill the vacancy in the state’s 1st district, where Gaetz won two-thirds of the vote in the election earlier this month.

Party primaries will be held on 28 January with the general election held on 1 April 2025.

At least six Republicans and one Democrat have said they will enter the race, according to local news reports.

Source:bbc.com

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

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj0jgle8qnyo

---------

 

Africa

 

Friday Sermon: How Allah Almighty answers our prayers and supplications (Du’a), By Murtadha Gusau

 November 22, 2024

ByMurtadha Gusau

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his family and companions.

Dear brothers and sisters! Supplication (Du’a) is an act of worship that brings the servant closer to Allah, the Most High. Through it, the servant realises the meaning of servitude, neediness, and dependence, while simultaneously invoking the divine nature, power, and richness of Allah, the Most High. Feeling one’s inadequacy and recognising the Creator’s abundance are the fruits of this worship, and indeed the desired outcome of all acts of worship. That is why the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:

“Supplication (Du’a) is worship.” [Reported by Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi]

It is also reported:

“Supplication (Du’a) is the essence of worship.” [Reported by At-Tirmidhi]

This is because through supplication (Du’a), the essence of worship is manifested in the servant’s need and helplessness, and in the richness and power of the Lord.

Allah Almighty has promised to answer the supplications of those who call upon Him, as He the Almighty said:

“And when My servants question you concerning Me, then surely I am near. I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he cried unto Me. So let them hear My call and let them trust in Me, in order that they may be led aright.” [Al-Baqarah, 186]

He also said:

“And your Lord had said: Pray unto Me and I will hear your prayer. Lo! those who scorn My service, they will enter hell, disgraced.” [Ghafir, 60]

However, this divine promise is not unconditional and unrestricted. In the noble Sunnah, there are specific conditions and limitations associated with it. Examples of such conditions include consuming what is unlawful (haram), hastiness, supplicating with sin, severing family ties, or while absent minded, and here is their explanation:

Consuming what is unlawful (haram) prevents the supplicant from receiving a response. Therefore, one must be careful to consume what is lawful (halal). The Prophet Muhammad (Peace peace be upon him) mentioned:

“A man who undertakes a long journey and is disheveled and dusty, raising his hands to the sky, saying, ‘O Lord, O Lord,’ while his food is unlawful (haram), his drink is unlawful, his clothing is unlawful, and he has been nourished with the unlawful. So how can he be answered [by Allah]?” [Reported by Muslim]

Furthermore, the supplicant should not hasten and become impatient if the response does not come immediately. Saying, “I supplicated to Allah, but He did not answer my supplication,” reflects a lack of etiquette with Allah, the Most High, and indicates weakness in faith. Regarding this, the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:

“The supplication of one of you will be answered as long as he does not hasten and say, ‘I supplicated, but I received no answer.'” [Reported by Bukhari and Muslim]

Similarly, the supplication of a Muslim is not rejected as long as it does not involve sin or severing family ties. This is indicated by the saying of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him):

“The supplication (Du’a) of a servant will continue to be answered as long as he does not supplicate for something sinful, or for the severing of family ties.” [Reported by Bukhari and Muslim]

The supplicant must have certainty that Allah will answer his supplication. This requires a heedful heart while supplicating along with complete trust in Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:

“Supplicate to Allah while being certain of a response, and know that Allah does not answer a supplication from a heart that is heedless and distracted.” [Reported by Ahmad and At-Tirmidhi]

Therefore, heedlessness and distraction deprive the servant of a response to his supplication.

In addition, there are etiquettes for supplication (Du’a) that a supplicant should adorn him/herself with:

The servant should ask his Lord using comprehensive phrases of supplication, such as: “O Allah, I ask You for forgiveness and well-being, O Allah, forgive me and have mercy on me, and pardon me, and elevate me. O Allah, I ask You for piety, guidance, chastity, and sufficiency,’ and so on. This is based on the narration of our beloved mother, Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), who said:

“The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) used to prefer comprehensive supplications and would leave aside others.” [Reported by Abu Dawud with a good chain of narration]

Furthermore, one should begin the supplication by praising Allah and sending blessings upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), and conclude it with sending blessings upon the Messenger of Allah. It is mentioned in the commentary of Ibn Abidin:

“Al-Baji reported from Ibn Abbas: When you supplicate to Allah, make sure to include sending blessings upon the Prophet (Peace be upon him) in your supplication, for sending blessings upon him is accepted. Indeed, Allah, may He be glorified, is more generous than to accept some and reject some.”

The servant should seize the blessed times in which the response to supplication is hoped for and more assured. These include the last third of the night, after the obligatory prayers, on Friday, at the time of breaking the fast, and during prostration in prayer. This is understood from the saying of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him):

“The closest that a servant is to his Lord is when he is in prostration, so increase your supplications.” [Reported by Muslim]

It was said to the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him):

“Which supplication (Du’a) is most heard?’ He replied: ‘During the last part of the night and after the obligatory prayers.” [Reported by At-Tirmidhi, who said: a good hadith]

A person should not supplicate against himself, against his wealth, against his children, against his leaders or against his country, as the time of acceptance of supplication may coincide, and what he supplicated for may happen. Then, he would regret it severely and lament his action. The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said:

“Do not supplicate against yourselves, your children, or your wealth, as there may be a time when Allah answers prayers and He grants you what you asked for.” [Reported by Muslim]

It is recommended to raise the hands during supplication (Du’a), whether in prayer or outside of it, due to what has been established from the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) in more than thirty authentic hadiths in the Sunnah, including:

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) once made ablution (wudu) with water and then raised his hands, saying:

“O Allah, forgive Ubaid Abi Amir.”

I saw the whiteness of his armpits. Then he said:

“O Allah, on the Day of Resurrection, place him above many of Your creatures from among the people.” [Reported by Bukhari and Muslim]

In addition, the saying of the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him):

“Indeed, your Lord is Modest (shy) and Generous. He is too Modest (shy) to let His servant raise his hands to Him and then let him return them empty (unanswered).” [Reported by Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi]

As for what the two Sheikhs (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) narrated, that “the Prophet (Peace be upon him) would not raise his hands in any supplication except during prayers for rain (istisqa), and indeed he would raise them until the whiteness of his armpits was visible,” it can be understood that he did not perform the extensive raising of hands witnessed by the narrator of the hadith except during prayers for rain. Alternatively, it could be that the narrator himself only witnessed this action during that particular event, but others saw him raising his hands in supplication. In such cases, the narrations that affirm the action take precedence over those that negate it.

Moreover, it is permissible to supplicate for a long life, as the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) prayed for Anas Ibn Malik. Anas reported:

“The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) supplicated for me, saying: ‘O Allah, increase his wealth, his children, and prolong his life.” [Al-Muwatta]

Some Islamic scholars have restricted the recommendation of supplicating for a long life to those whose long life would benefit the Ummah. However, if their benefit is limited to themselves, then the recommendation is lessened. As for others, the matter may even reach the level of disapproval or prohibition if it goes against these two categories.

It is well-known that the lifespan of a person cannot be brought forward or delayed, and their lifespan neither increases nor decreases. However, the benefit of supplicating for a long life becomes apparent in that Allah, the Most High, may have ordained that someone’s lifespan be forty years. If they supplicate for themselves or someone else supplicates for them for a longer life, they may be granted an extension, perhaps until they reach fifty. Supplication is one of the means among the various religious causes, and it does not contradict belief in predestination and divine decree.

It is permissible to supplicate for the removal of epidemics, illnesses, insecurity, poverty and calamities, as it may be among the means to alleviate afflictions and achieve well-being and safety. There are numerous narrations emphasising seeking refuge from insanity, leprosy, severe illnesses, reprehensible behaviours, desires, and harmful things. Such supplications demonstrate humility and submission to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, and they do not contradict belief in predestination and divine decree.

In conclusion, the response to supplication can take various forms:

The requested outcome is granted exactly as requested, the response is better than what was asked for, the supplication is saved for the Day of Judgment, where it serves as a source of reward for the supplicant or the supplication serves as an expiation for the supplicant’s sins.

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. May the peace, blessings and salutations of Allah be upon our noble Messenger, Muhammad (Peace be upon him), and upon his family, his Companions and his true followers.

Source:premiumtimesng.com

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

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/opinion/755939-friday-sermon-how-allah-almighty-answers-our-prayers-and-supplications-dua-by-murtadha-gusau.html

---------

Financial Crimes: EFCC Accuses Nigerian Banks Of Aiding Fraud

22 November 2024

By Justina Otio

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stated that some Nigerian banks have become conduits  of financial crimes.

The Commission urged the financial institutions not to make themselves available as instruments of fraud.

The EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede issued the warning on Friday when the management team of Moniepoint, led by its founder and Group CEO, Tosin Eniolorunda paid a courtesy visit to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Michael Nzekwe, the EFCC boss advised Nigerian banks to turn a new leaf for the sake of the growth of the country.

“There’s hardly any financial crime that would not go through the financial institutions. Money laundering is a major issue and you find out also that the perpetrators go through the banks. Nigeria will be the greatest beneficiary when we do the right thing,” he said.

Addressing the Moniepoint delegation , Olukoyede said, “Try as much as possible on your own to avoid any form of connivance and don’t be a channel for money laundering.

“Don’t be a tool. Don’t make your system porous. You are a major stakeholder when it comes to the fight against corruption. We are open and would assist, however we can. No one is above the law,” he said.

Olukoyede observed that there was a high level of poor internal control by fintechs at the level of the unbanked, the under-served and the middle class population spectrum.

He said, “There’s quite a whole lot of fraud that goes around that particular level, so the issue of KYC (Know Your Customer) is very important, especially because of the issue of how fintechs open tier-one accounts, sometimes without attention to KYC.

“And people take advantage of this and are quick to commit fraud through this negligence. So, that’s one area you have to also look at to see how you can improve on your KYC.

“Increasing your level of collaboration with the EFCC would mean to see yourselves as stakeholders in the fight against corruption.

“We would like you to be able to respond to us when we make inquiries and when we make requests.”

Source:naijanews.com

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

https://www.naijanews.com/2024/11/22/financial-crimes-efcc-accuses-nigerian-banks-of-aiding-fraud/

---------

Waterfall City founded on Islamic law

22 NOVEMBER 2024

Waterfall City is one of the largest property developments in South Africa, housing thousands of people and various real estate projects. But few people know about the rich history that lies beneath the surface of this city. Its innovative leasing system is a first for the South African real estate market.

In 1850, Waterval was established as a farm of 3  400 hectares. Peter McDonald, a land surveyor, named this farm Waterval after the small waterfall found there. Johann FB Rissik, the surveyor general at the time, signed off Peter’s land survey plan and the farm was registered in 1888. As was done back then, Paul Kruger, the president of the South African Republic, signed the original title deed in 1889.

When looking back at the history of Johannesburg, we know that gold was first discovered in 1884 and some was found near the Jukskei River that ran through Waterval farm, so people assumed gold was everywhere. It was in 1886 that the main gold reef was found at Randjeslaagte, today’s central Johannesburg.

Where Waterval farm was is now Midrand, situated between Pretoria and Johannesburg, and on it is the expansive, multibillion-rand Waterfall City development.

The first owner of this land was a Miss Pimond. She sold the farm to the Gibson brothers, who arrived in South Africa from Britain circa 1871. They were the first title-deed owners of this farm. Their main line of work was operating a Red Star Line stagecoach business.

The Gibson brothers had ox wagons and bred cattle on the farm for their transport business. They created a pit stop between Johannesburg and Pretoria and aptly named it Halfway House — the same name used today.

In 1934, Moosa Ismail Mia purchased the farm from the deceased estate of John Alexander Gibson for £16  000. Mia was born in India in 1876 and moved to the Transvaal in 1904. He registered the development under Witwatersrand Estates Limited, a company established to navigate the Union of South Africa’s land ownership restrictions. Many will be familiar with this farm’s nickname — “Mia’s farm”.

Mia and his four sons, Mohamed, Ahmed, Mahmood and Yusuf, built a school (the Waterval Islamic Institute), hostels, homes for the Mia family members, and a small mosque on this farm.

The institute was established in 1940 and was one of the first formal Muslim educational institutions in the Transvaal. It produced prominent scholars, ran its own printing press known as “The Shed,” and is well known for its strong role in institutionalising Islam in South Africa.

The Mia family used this land as a working farm. They bred cattle and sheep, and they grew crops such as maize. It was only in 1985 that they considered developing this excellently located, valuable piece of land.

Werner van Rhyn was the brainchild with a vision for the mixed-use Waterfall City. He approached the Mia family and a partnership was born. The Mia Family and real estate investment trust Attacq got to work.

Planning for the Waterfall City precinct began in 1996. Other property companies such as Balwin Properties have subsequently added value to the area.

This city-within-a-city, along with its beautifully maintained roads and manicured gardens, has attracted huge investment over the past few years. It is home to multiple residential, retail and commercial developments, including hospitals, hotels, corporate headquarters such as PwC, and one of the largest shopping centres in South Africa — the Mall of Africa.

Many schools are setting up in the area. These include Curro Castle, Reddam, Reddam House Waterfall Early Learning School, Curro Waterfall Primary School, Reddam House Preparatory School, Curro Waterfall High School, Reddam House College and Stadio School of Education.

This development is still owned by Waterfall Islamic Institute (WIC), founded by the Mia family. The WIC is a 22% shareholder in Atterbury Investment Holdings.

Today, the farm has reduced in size to 2  200 hectares after the government expropriated some of it. Parts of the farm were divided into smaller sections to accommodate the development of Eskom’s Megawatt Park, the Buccleuch Interchange and the Allandale Interchange.

Because of the Islamic faith of the Mia family, this specific piece of land cannot be sold or transferred. It’s known in Islamic law as a waqf. A waqf, or Islamic endowment, is an asset dedicated by Allah to assist the poor and needy. This includes buildings or land donated for charitable purposes, with no intention of reclaiming the assets.

With the above being said, this land can be leased. The profits from the leases must be used for public good, such as for charities and community initiatives.

All properties in the Waterfall City precinct are under leasehold ownership. Balwin Properties’ Munyaka development, valued at more than R10  billion with a planned 5  020 apartments, will also follow the unique lease ownership structure.

This structure consists of 99-year leasehold agreements. As a buyer of an apartment, you will enter into a long-term 99-year lease with the Islamic Trust, the landowner.

The lease agreements are registered at the deeds office, and they are renewable after the 99-year period with an infinite number of extensions.

Lessees are allowed to finance their lease agreements through banks. Interestingly, bank financing for these leases was a groundbreaking deal upon the inception of the Waterfall City project.

You can sell your property at any time during the 99-year lease, and the new owner will receive a new 99-year lease.

Furthermore, the lease cannot be cancelled.

Here’s what is interesting about the Munyaka development. When you sell your apartment, you would pay an agent commission (which they have capped at 5%). You will also be liable to pay 3% plus VAT of the total sales price to the Islamic Trust.

If your 99-year lease period expires, you can renew your lease agreement with the Islamic Trust and pay it 3% plus VAT and 0.5% to the residents association based on the current market value of your apartment.

In the event of death or divorce, the Islamic Trust does not require you to pay the 3.5% plus VAT. And if you inherit the apartment after someone’s death, you can continue ownership for the remainder of the 99-year lease without paying the 3.5% plus VAT.

This means that during any of the above, there will be no transfer duties applicable at any stage — unless the law changes. Transfer fees can be exorbitant, so this is appealing to investors.

Perhaps the player at a disadvantage in this situation is the South African Revenue Service. Because no transfer fees have ever been (or will ever be) paid, will they not miss out on substantial transfer duty revenues for many years to come?

More importantly, getting banks to fund these projects with leases and having title deeds issued could change the game for unlocking the potential of homelands and areas under traditional ownership in South Africa. Banks treat these lease agreements as bondable assets, and that is great.

This also has the potential to be a viable model for land owned by state-owned enterprises such as Prasa. This entity is mandated to capture the value of land to subsidise transport operations. Instead of selling the land and losing out on future gains, why not implement a lease structure similar to Waterfall City’s?

The same goes for sporting facilities such as stadiums. There could be an opportunity to develop surrounding land, thus ensuring long-term revenue for the sport and sporting facilities that are costly to maintain every month.

One final thought when it comes to Islamic landlords and a waqf. Islamic landlords must adhere to the conditions of the religious endowment. Violating these conditions includes businesses that sell pork, alcohol, gambling or prostitution.

Islamic landlords tell me in my capacity as the principal commercial property broker at Ask Ash that they will not lease their properties to churches, casinos, pubs, bottle stores and gambling institutions, so I am familiar with Islamic law.

At first, the idea of a smart city built on waqf land sounded contradictory. What about restaurants that sell alcohol operating on Waterfall City land? And what if a tenant owns an online sports betting business and works from home in Waterfall City? Does this city built on waqf land challenge Islamic law?

My original thought was that the direct rental income from the restaurant becomes a conflict of interest for the landlord’s primary business. If the Islamic landlord benefits directly, that is a breach of the waqf.

I now understand that in the case of Waterfall City, the Islamic owner is not benefiting directly from the lease agreement between the lessee and their subtenants. The terms and conditions of the waqf are not breached as a result of the 99-year lease structure that has been put in place. In this manner the owner does not become party to, and thus accountable for, participating and benefiting from prohibited activity.

Source:mg.co.za

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

https://mg.co.za/thought-leader/opinion/2024-11-22-waterfall-city-founded-on-islamic-law/

--------

Namaa Tamweel’s Home Projects Islamic micro loans booming

November 22, 2024

bySami Zaptia

Libya’s Assaray Trade and Investment Bank’s (ATIB) micro and SME Islamic financing arm, Namaa Tamweel, says its Home Projects financing is booming having become very popular.

The loan offer enables cottage industries to increase production and quality, by improving the efficiency and speed of production, improve income, and expand their customer base by buying equipment or materials to improve home businesses

The package offers financing up to LD 18,000, with flexible repayment of up to 24 months.‎

‎In October, Namaa Tamweel celebrated five years of its establishment and ‘‘success and development through continued support of small and micro enterprises, to realize business visions and build a stronger economy’’.

During these five years it reports it was able to finance more than 200 projects and invest LD 7 million. It announced that it will soon be offering SME loans in Sebha too.

On 20 November, as part of the Global Entrepreneurship Week 2024 (GEW 2024), Namaa Tamweel held a live Q&A session on SME loans.

Namaa Tamweel offers various SME and micro startup/business loans, including for students, video/photographers, the redecoration of a business location, chefs/food businesses etc.

Source:libyaherald.com

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

https://libyaherald.com/2024/11/namaa-tamweels-home-projects-islamic-micro-loans-booming/

---------

Thousands gather as Bawumia inaugurates new Walewale Central Mosque 

Nov - 22 - 2024

Thousands of Muslims from Walewale and neighbouring communities joined Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Presidential Candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for Jummah prayers and the inauguration of the newly constructed Walewale Central Mosque. 

The event marked a historic moment for the community, as the ultra-modern mosque—facilitated by Dr Bawumia—opened its doors for the first time, replacing the old central mosque that had served residents for decades. 

Dr. Bawumia, joined by Imams and traditional rulers, officially commissioned the mosque by cutting the sod and inspecting the facility before leading the congregation for the Friday prayers. 

In a show of overwhelming enthusiasm, the mosque quickly filled to capacity, with hundreds of worshippers praying outside due to limited space. 

Special prayers were offered for the Vice President, acknowledging his benevolence and dedication to the community. Many attendees also prayed for his victory in next month’s presidential election. 

Modern facilities for a growing population 

The new mosque boasts amenities, including separate prayer sections for men and women, an ablution area, and offices for the Imam. The expanded structure was designed to accommodate Walewale’s growing Muslim population, providing a much-needed upgrade for the community. 

Dr. Bawumia’s long-standing support for the Zongo and Muslim communities has been documented, with initiatives such as the funding of mosques and schools across the country. 

Although a devout Muslim, Dr Bawumia has also extended his support to Ghana’s Christian communities, contributing to the construction and renovation of chapels and schools, as well as other faith-based initiatives.

Source:graphic.com.gh

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

https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/politics/thousands-gather-as-bawumia-inaugurates-new-walewale-central-mosque.html

--------

‘I Am Unbothered About Those Criticizing’ – Wike

22 November 2024

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Nyesom Wike, has said he is unbothered about criticisms from some aggrieved partisans but is focused on delivering projects approved by President Bola Tinubu.

Naija News reports that Wike made this known on Friday after inspecting five ongoing projects, including three roads, a flyover bridge and the Judges’ Quarters in Abuja.

Wike stated that if he was idle as a minister, some people would have been castigating him and if given the opportunity, they would not do anything.

He said; “Who are those criticizing? I don’t think of that. I am not bothered. Once you have a presidential approval to go ahead, and by the backing of the National Assembly, what is my business with those who are criticizing? Those are people who, even when you give them the opportunity, they cannot do anything.

“So, forget about those criticisms. If you had not done it, they are still the ones who would complain that the environment within which our Judges and Justices are working is not conducive.

“Now you are trying to provide an environment that will make them (Judges) work well, they will say, oh, it is for another reason. So you don’t bother yourself. Now move on and do your work. I am not bothered about the so-called criticisms. It does not exist where I am”.

Wike who expressed delight that the several ongoing projects in the territory have provided employment for many youths, said Tinubu’s administration would continue to create opportunities for youths to be employed.

He added, “Creation of employment is one of the priority areas of this Tinubu administration – the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Creation of employment is a top priority and employment is not necessarily where you are employed by government but, when you create an opportunity where youths can find a place to work for their own living.

“Look at the number of youths. Look at all the roads we have gone to and look at the number of people who are employed. I feel happy at least we have been able to engage youths. Nothing can make you more comfortable when you see your youths engaged. You can imagine if these jobs were not there, what these number of youths would be doing by now.

“One is very happy that we are approaching the opportunity that has given employment to our youths.”

Source:naijanews.com

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

https://www.naijanews.com/2024/11/22/i-am-unbothered-about-those-criticizing-wike/

---------

Recruitment: Oyo Announce Schedule For Computer Based Exam For 15,000 Candidates

22 November 2024

By Richard Ogunsile

Governor Seyi Makinde‘s government of Oyo State has announced that approximately fifteen thousand (15,000) candidates are set to participate in the upcoming Computer-Based Test for recruitment into various positions within the civil service.

The Chairman of the Oyo State Civil Service Commission, Kamoru Abiodun Aderibigbe, disclosed details of the exercise to journalists today at his office in Ibadan.

He indicated that the examination is scheduled to take place from Monday, November 25, 2024, to Thursday, November 28, 2024.

The Chairman noted that Governor Makinde has approved the recruitment of around Nine Hundred (900) Officers across more than 60 Cadres within the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the Civil Service.

Additionally, Aderibigbe mentioned that out of a total of Twenty-Two Thousand Two Hundred Thirty-Five (22,235) applications received by the Commission, fifteen thousand candidates had been deemed qualified to participate in the CBT.

He emphasized that this recruitment initiative is unprecedented in the history of Oyo State, as there has not been a similar recruitment effort in the past two decades, which has typically been conducted on a cadre basis.

“For instance, the present administration had recruited 60 Environmental Health personnel in 2020, 692 Education Officers, and 30 state Counsel in the same year, while 19 officers were recently recruited for the Ministry of Lands.

“As for the ongoing process, 22,235 applications were successfully submitted into the State government job portal, out of which roughly 15,00,0, which is about 67%, were qualified for recruitment into the cadres for which they have applied in line with the scheme of service and the parameters stated in our Tribune advertisement of 7th October 2024,” a press release made available to newsmen via Prince Dotun Oyelade, the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, quoted Aderibigbe saying.

Alh. Aderibigbe indicated that similar groups have been organized to convene at the same location, emphasizing that applicants have been categorized into two distinct groups for the purpose of competency assessment.

Individuals applying for positions as Education Officers, Environmental Health personnel, Social Welfare, and Youth will undertake their Computer-Based Test (CBT) at the Arch. Bamidele Samson CBT Center, located opposite UCH, on Monday, November 25th, and Tuesday, November 26th. Meanwhile, other candidates will complete their assessments at the Distance Learning CBT Center in Ajibode, Ibadan, on Thursday, November 28th, 2024.

He mentioned that invitations are currently being dispatched to successful candidates and encouraged those who have not yet received an invitation to check the Oyo State Government portal to confirm their eligibility based on the criteria outlined in the announcement.

Aderibigbe urged applicants to arrive at the examination centre at the specified time indicated on their individual invitation slips and bring a printed copy of both their application form and invitation slip.

In expressing gratitude to Governor Makinde for the exceptional opportunity to elevate numerous youths from poverty to prosperity through the employment of thousands, Aderibigbe urged applicants to represent the State positively.

Source:naijanews.com

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

https://www.naijanews.com/2024/11/22/recruitment-oyo-announce-schedule-for-computer-based-exam-for-15000-candidates/

---------

Tinubu Writes Senate, Seeks Oluyede’s Confirmation As Chief Of Army Staff

 22 November 2024

President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Senate to confirm Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede’s appointment as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.

Naija News reports that the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayou Onanuga, made this known in a statement on Friday.

Tinubu stated that the move is in line with the law of the country following the demise of late COAS, Taoreed Lagbaja.

The statement reads, “President Bola Tinubu has sent a letter to the Senate seeking confirmation of Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as substantive Chief of Army Staff.

“In the letter sent today, President Tinubu seeks Oluyede’s confirmation in accordance with the provision of Section 218(2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended and Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act.

“President Tinubu appointed Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff on October 30 following the illness of Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja. General Lagbaja, however, died on 5 November.

“President Tinubu is confident about the leadership qualities, professional integrity, and experience of Lt. General Oluyede to lead and inspire the army to ensure national security and stability.

“Before he was appointed Acting Chief of Army Staff, Oluyede, a member of the 39th Regular Course, like his predecessor, served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna.

“He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987. He rose to Major-General in September 2020.

“Since his commissioning as an officer, Oluyede has held many command positions. He was Platoon Commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer in the Guards Brigade, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.

“General Oluyede participated in several operations, including the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East theatre of operations, where he commanded 27 Task Force Brigade.

“For his meritorious service in various fields of operations, he has earned many honours, including the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, Passing the Staff Course, and Membership in the National Institute.

“Others are the Field Command Medal, the Field Command Medal of Honour, and the Field Training Medal.

“Oluyede also received the coveted Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award. He is married and has three children.”

Source:naijanews.com

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

https://www.naijanews.com/2024/11/22/tinubu-writes-senate-seeks-oluyedes-confirmation-as-chief-of-army-staff/

---------

Prominent Tanzanian opposition figure arrested

 23 November 2024

One of Tanzania's most prominent opposition figures has been arrested.

Freeman Mbowe, the Chadema party chairman, and other opposition leaders have been detained in south-western Tanzania.

According to reports published on Friday (No. 22), the politicians have been questionned for allegedly violating local authorities’ election campaign regulations.

However, the opposition party’s director of communications has rebuffed the police's version denouncing a manoeuvre to undermine Chadema's campaign.

The Citizen Tanzania media house cited JohnMrama's statement.

The partyprotested this week that many of its candidates were "unfairly" disqualified from running in the November 27 polls.

In September, Mbowe and his deputy Tundu Lissu — as well as other opposition figures — were briefly detained after riot police prevented a mass rally in Dar es Salaam.

The arrest show a tense political landscape ahad of the presidential election due in late 2025.

Source:africanews.com

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

https://www.africanews.com/2024/11/22/prominent-tanzanian-opposition-figure-arrested/

---------

 

Southeast Asia

 

MADANI leadership shapes new era of development and inclusive economy - Chief Secretary

BERNAMA

23-11- 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: The MADANI leadership has witnessed the formation of a new era of inclusivity, integrity, and productive national development, further strengthening Malaysia’s economic and social performance, said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

He described the MADANI Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar as excellent in various aspects of national development in the past two years.

“This achievement is a manifestation of the government’s commitment to raising the standard of living of the people and improving the country’s profile at the international level,“ he said at the inauguration ceremony of the Two-Year Celebration of the MADANI Government and the 2024 National Convention on Public Service Reform.

Shamsul Azri noted that the efforts and approach to utilise technology and artificial intelligence (AI) under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was praised by the giant technology company, Google. Vice president of Google Karan Bhatia had praised the government’ efforts in AI, describing it as bold.

“This benefits the country because Google agrees and dares to make investments in Malaysia amounting to US$2 billion,“ the chief secretary said.

He also touched on the efforts of the Prime Minister’s visit to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Peru and Brazil which increased global cooperation and was able to increase investment and trade. “What is the benefit to the people? Investment creates new jobs, especially highly skilled ones, thus increasing workers’ wages. Local businesses will feel the spillover effect in the form of business opportunities,“ he said.

The chief secretary also took note of the country’s economic performance.

Under Budget 2025, the gross domestic product (GDP) growth is projected to be between 4.8 and 5.3 per cent with an expected fiscal deficit of 3.8 per cent, inflation rate of 1.9 per cent and unemployment rate of 3.2 percent. “These are good numbers, reflecting the government’s determination towards a more efficient administration,“ he added.

Moving forward, he said Malaysia is on the right track in realising the vision of becoming a developed and inclusive country in line with the goals the MADANI Economy.

Source:thesun.my

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

https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/madani-leadership-shapes-new-era-of-development-and-inclusive-economy-chief-secretary-NC13330629

---------

Minority support and a Cabinet without Muslims

23 November 2024

As many observed before, the November 14 Parliamentary election has produced many firsts. The National People’s Power (NPP) led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been credited for all of them.

A political party winning the highest number of seats at district level with and without bonus seats, a party winning majority seats in the greatest number of districts, a party winning highest number of national list slots (18), a single party winning two-thirds of seats in Parliament (159 seats) under the PR system, highest number of women (21) being elected to Parliament, a party electing the highest number of women (19) and least number of former MPs returning to Parliament are among those records.

A Sinhalese dominated party winning four out of five districts dominated by Tamils and Muslims is also an incredible feat. In fact, it is an issue that should be investigated by the students of political science. This seems to be a part of the NPP wave that swept the country with a fresh vigor since the conclusion of the Presidential election two months ago.

The NPP which polled 5.7 million votes at the September 21 Presidential election had increased its vote bank up to 6.9 votes at the General Election, especially during a period when the voter-turnout had declined from 79 percent to 68 percent.  This indicates that a large number of those who voted for the other parties at the Presidential election have shifted their allegiance to the NPP at the General Election while another section of them had abstained from using their franchise.

The change of allegiance by Tamils and Muslims in the North and the East has bewildered many. As we mentioned last week, Jaffna District, especially the Jaffna electorate is the epicenter of Tamil nationalism and the stronghold of the Illankai Thamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK) which was onetime called the Federal Party has fallen to the NPP.

Similarly, in the Vanni district where the Tamil Eelam war was fought finally and for the most part. Besides, almost all Muslim electorates in the east including Kalmunai, the heart of Sri Lankan Muslim nationalism and the stronghold of the SLMC, the main Muslim political party also comfortably won by the NPP. As we pointed out in this column last week, the NPP achieved this extraordinary and historic feat while rejecting the prime demands of the Tamil leaders such as a federal mode of government, the merger of the Northern and Eastern Provinces and the full implementation of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.  Also, this happened at a time when Tamil social media was running a massive campaign against the JVP for its part to de-merge the said two provinces by way of a lawsuit in the Supreme Court in 2006.

Racist politics

Many people in the southern part of Sri Lanka claim that the Tamil and Muslim people have given up “racist politics.” However, the writer is reluctant to accept it as the current sweeping mind change among Tamils and Muslims have emerged within two months within which only a miracle can exterminate racism from a community. A consistent and years-long educational and propaganda programme would only be able to do so. 

On the other hand, racism in not a monopoly of a particular community in Sri Lanka. Federalism is considered by a majority of Sinhalese as a separatist demand while even the Supreme Court has rejected that argument. Similarly, a majority of Tamils demand the merger of Northern and Eastern Provinces knowing well that over 65 percent of population in the Eastern Province is against that demand.

Besides, this is not the first time Tamils have voted en masse to Sinhalese parties. They did so in 1982 in support of UNP and the SLFP, in 1994 in support of Chandrika Kumaratunga in spite of the LTTE ruling the roost in the north and the east. The most fascinating event in this regard was their support in 2010 to the war-winning army commander Sarath Fonseka who deserves the highest credit for the decimation of the LTTE leadership seven months before. They also supported Maithripala Sirisena in 2015 and Sajith Premadasa in 2019 and two months ago.

It is true that they did so under the guidance of the main Tamil party of the day, but it was only last week that they considerably defied the persuasions of their leaders. The trending effect of the Presidential election, the way the NPP leaders handled the issues subsequently and the disproval of fear psychosis on the aftermath of a NPP victory created by the Opposition leaders, especially Ranil Wickremesinghe ultimately contributed to the NPP’s leap forward at the general election.

Newfound love

Can the NPP sustain this newfound love on the part of the minorities in a country where relationships between ethnic groups are fragile and complex? Definitely it would be challenging for the party. Concerns are being already expressed among the Muslims over the non-appointment of members of their community to the Cabinet while many Muslims including Deputy Speaker Rizvie Salih are justifying the government decision.

Many Muslim supporters of the government question the credentials and the services that Muslim ministers appointed by the past government delivered to the Muslim community. Some of them compared the qualifications of the Muslim MPs of the NPP government with academic as well as professional qualifications of majority of members of current Cabinet and the decades-long dedication of some others who had even survived the bloodbath by the Jayewardene- Premadasa governments in the late eighties.

In fact, these portfolios are not and should not be treats, means of gratitude for votes, bribes or show of solidarity towards a community, region, class, university or a school. In today’s context, they are serious responsibilities to salvage a country from an unprecedented economic crisis while another more serious crisis is looming ahead. Yet, one should not be blind to the necessity for the flow of knowledge on linguistic, religious and cultural needs and behavioral patterns of various social groups towards policy-makers. We call it inclusivity and ethnic and gender balance. We can cite a simple example to prove the point. Even some leaders of the JVP during the height of the anti-Muslim propaganda bombardment in 2019 described the “Abaya” worn by Muslim women as a manifestation of extremism. However, Abaya clad Muslim women who voted for the NPP this time have proved it wrong.  

Source:dailymirror.lk

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

https://www.dailymirror.lk/opinion/Minority-support-and-a-Cabinet-without-Muslims/172-296612

---------

Sorry for any unpleasant stay in Malaysia, Tourism Minister Tiong tells tourists from China

23 Nov 2024

By Malay Mail

SHANGHAI, Nov 23 — Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing reportedly apologised to tourists from China over the country’s shortcomings.

Speaking at the China International Travel Mart (CITM) in Shanghai, Tiong said several Chinese tourists have complained of “unpleasantness” while travelling in Malaysia.

“For our shortcomings, I deeply apologise and extend Malaysia’s sincere apologies to Chinese tourists,” he was quoted saying by Malaysiakini.

“We will continue to maintain close communication with relevant parties to enhance the tourism service platforms further and improve the visitor experience.

“At the same time, we also pledge to prioritise the safety of tourists and provide each traveller with a safer and more comfortable travel experience through comprehensive measures,” he added.

It is uncertain what he was referring to, as he reportedly did not elaborate on this.

Tiong also said that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is very concerned with the matter, and relevant authorities have been directed to improve safety measures, and ensure a pleasant and memorable experience for tourists.

The number of Chinese tourists in Malaysia has surged with Malaysia’s relaxed visa regulations, as it is now easier for Chinese visitors to enter the country without additional paperwork.

Tourism Malaysia has set an ambitious target of 5 million Chinese visitors for 2025.

China is crazy about Malaysia’s durians, with the export value expected to rise to a record RM1.8 billion by 2030.

The state of Melaka has also tapped popular actress Fan Bingbing as a tourism ambassador, resulting in tourist arrivals exceeding its initial target at nearly 10 million as of September.

Source:malaymail.com

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

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/11/23/sorry-for-any-unpleasant-stay-in-malaysia-tourism-minister-tiong-tells-tourists-from-china/157744

---------

 

Sultan Nazrin graces USAS 17th Convocation Ceremony

BERNAMA

23-11- 2024

KUALA KANGSAR: The Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah today graced the Universiti Sultan Azlan Shah (USAS) 17th Convocation Ceremony at Dewan Jubli Perak here.

His Royal Highness was accompanied by Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and USAS vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Wan Sabri Wan Yusof.

Also present was state Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Khairudin Abu Hanipah.

Sultan Nazrin, who is also USAS Chancellor, later presented Doctor of Philosophy and Master’s degrees from the Faculty of Management and Information Technology (FPTM), as well as Doctor of Philosophy, Master’s degrees and Postgraduate Diplomas from the Faculty of Islamic Studies and Social Science (FPISS) to the graduates.

The Ruler also presented five academic excellence awards, namely the Tuanku Chancellor’s Award to Siti Nurzulaikha Zulkifli, 24; the Perak Menteri Besar’s Award to Nur Mashitah Awang Kecil, 25; the USAS Vice-Chancellor’s Award to Humaira Mohd Hussin, 22; the FPISS Best Student Award to Sakinah Dhaniah Mohamad Tarmizi, 24, and Nur Zulaikha Zulkipli; and the FPTM Best Student Award to Shahirah Shamsudin, 23, and Nor Aquilla Annisya Nor Azmi, 21.

Earlier in his speech, Wan Sabri said the two-day convocation ceremony starting today would award degrees and diplomas to 1,798 graduates.

He also highlighted that USAS is celebrating its Silver Jubilee this year, marking 25 years of challenges, successes and transformation.

“Today’s convocation ceremony marks the achievement of 14,045 graduates since the first convocation in 2002,” he said.

Meanwhile, Wan Sabri stressed that addressing the shortage and crisis of values was a significant challenge that requires serious attention from all quarters.

“The role of education is vital in shaping the morals and values of individuals. Therefore, as an educational institution, we must ensure that values such as integrity, responsibility, honesty and mutual respect are ingrained in formal education.

“Our graduates are the future leaders, and we must ensure they have a strong foundation in values,” he said.

Source:thesun.my

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

https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/sultan-nazrin-graces-usas-17th-convocation-ceremony-HC13330601

---------

Missing elderly siblings found dead at home in Kulai

23-11- 2024

PETALING JAYA: Police discovered two elderly siblings dead in their Taman Mewah home in Kulai, Johor yesterday after a neighbor reported a foul smell from the property.

Kulai district police chief Superintendent Tan Seng Lee said the deceased, a 65-year-old man and his 67-year-old sister, were found locked inside their house when authorities arrived, according to Malaysia Gazette.

“Initial investigations indicate no criminal elements are involved, and the case has been classified as sudden death for now,“ he said

Kulai Fire and Rescue station operations commander, Senior Fire Officer 1 Fauzi Che Deris, said emergency services responded at 12:37pm where six personnel with a Fire Rescue Tender and Emergency Medical Services unit were dispatched.

“Medical officers from the Ministry of Health (MOH) confirmed both victims had passed away,“ he said, adding that the operation concluded at 1:58pm.

The siblings have been reported missing for several days before the discovery.

Source:thesun.my

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

https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/missing-elderly-siblings-found-dead-at-home-in-kulai-DC13330461

----------

Suspect involved in Esha cyberbullying case questioned for alleged similar offence - police

23-11- 2024

PETALING JAYA: One of the individuals arrested and charged for the cyberbullying of social media influencer Rajeswary Appahu, also known as Esha, was summoned by the police last Sunday (November 17) over a similar allegation.

Cheras police chief ACP Aidil Bolhassan confirmed that the police questioned the individual over the alleged cyberbullying of another woman.

The 36-year-old suspect was then released on police bail, according to The Star.

Aidil said that investigations are underway.

The suspect was detained by the police after a report was lodged by a woman, S. Hemalatha, said to be Rajeswary’s close friend.

Rajeswary, 29, also known as Esha on short video platform TikTok, had committed suicide on July 5 due to the cyberbullying endured.

The 40-year-old woman lodged the report on September 9 at the Bukit Jalil police station, claiming that she was being cyberbullied on TikTok alongside Rajeswary between late June and early July.

According to Hemalatha’s police report, she claimed that the alleged cyberbullying she went through resulted in “depression and mental stress”, as quoted.

The broadcast journalist said the two individuals allegedly “tarnished her image and reputation”, as quoted and threatened her with physical harm.

Hemalatha, in her report, listed two individuals, a man and woman, who were arrested and charged for cyberbullying Rajeswary, as the alleged perpetrators.

The man is serving a two-year prison sentence concurrently while the woman received a RM100 fine. The RM100 fine imposed on the woman triggered public and political backlash.

Citing sources, The Star reported that one of the suspects is being investigated for criminal intimidation under Section 506 of the Penal Code and insulting the modesty of an individual under Section 509 of the Penal Code.

Former Executive Director of Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) Ivy Josiah hopes the suspect will be appropriately charged and dealth with and believes the suspect needs “mandatory rehabilitation”, as quoted.

“She should receive the maximum penalty that the law allows, and the bench should also impose additional punishment such as community service,” she was quoted as saying.

Following Rajeswary’s case, the government has taken steps to curb cyberbullying in the country through the tabling of the Online Safety Bill in Parliament.

Source:thesun.my

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

https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/suspect-involved-in-esha-cyberbullying-case-questioned-for-alleged-similar-offence-police-HC13330117

---------

PM to officiate 2TM Programme, National Convention on Public Service Reform today

BERNAMA

23-11- 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to officiate the Two Years of MADANI Government (2TM) Programme and the 2024 National Convention on Public Service Reform in the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today.

According to the event programme, Anwar will officiate the programme and convention, themed ‘MADANI di Hati, Rakyat Disantuni’ at 11 am, followed by a town hall session and Deklarasi Kuala Lumpur - Tekad Bersama Perkhidmatan Awam Malaysia.

Both deputy prime ministers, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, as well as Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, will also be in attendance.

The two-day 2024 National Convention on Public Service Reform that began today involves several discussion sessions from government and private representatives, along with academics, and covers a variety of topics, including governance reform in the public service.

Exhibition booths from all ministries will also be a highlight, including the Royal Malaysian Police’s (PDRM) 60 per cent discounted summons payment counters, swapping old, damaged or uncertified helmets and al-Qurans for new copies.

Other activities include the MADANI Sale, a career carnival and a Technical and Vocational Education and Training carnival, health checks, Malaysian Armed Forces veteran services counter, e-sports activities, briefings on the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), along with pocket talks and kahoot quizzes.

The three-day 2TM Programme began yesterday, while the Chief Secretary is slated to officiate the close of the 2024 National Convention on Public Service Reform on Sunday.

Source:thesun.my

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

https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/pm-to-officiate-2tm-programme-national-convention-on-public-service-reform-today-DD13329857

---------

IGP: Investigation into Faisal Halim's case ongoing

23 Nov 2024

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 23 — Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the investigation into the acid attack on Selangor FC’s key player Muhammad Faisal Abdul Halim or Faisal Halim is still ongoing.

He said the police are still actively conducting investigations to find new leads in the case and so far, 23 individuals have been questioned in addition to three men being detained.

“The results of the forensic analysis of their mobile phones found no evidence or conversations indicating their involvement in the case,” he said when contacted by Bernama here today.

“Checks on their bank accounts also did not find any suspicious money transactions or payments.”

Yesterday, Selangor Youth, Sports and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Mohd Najwan Halimi was reported to have said the state government has not yet received any feedback from the police regarding the developments in the investigation involving Faisal Halim.

Mohd Najwan said his team is still waiting for the relevant information to be disclosed following an emergency motion condemning extreme actions and violence against athletes, which was unanimously approved at the recent Selangor State Assembly session.

Commenting further, Razarudin said that the police investigation into the motorcycle licence plate used by the suspect in the case was found it to be fake.

“The police also released a composite sketch of the suspect to seek assistance and information from the public. Members of the public with information regarding this incident are urged to come forward and relay it to the police,” he also said.

On May 5, the 26-year-old top scorer of the 2023 Asian Cup became a victim of an acid attack at a shopping mall in Kota Damansara, causing him to suffer fourth-degree burns on several parts of his body. — Bernama

Source:malaymail.com

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

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/11/23/igp-investigation-into-faisal-halims-case-ongoing/157785#google_vignette

---------

PM Anwar’s global outreach boosts Malaysia’s diplomatic and economic positioning

23 Nov 2024

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 23 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent diplomatic engagements in Egypt, Brazil and other global platforms have positioned Malaysia as a key player in balancing ties between the Global South and Western powers,

Universiti Malaya (UM) Security and International Relations analyst Collins Chong Yew Keat said Malaysia’s foreign policy, rooted in its non-aligned stance, is gaining momentum as the country expands its economic and diplomatic horizons.

“Malaysia has always been staunch in its stance on the foreign policy approach of non-alignment and has been free to dictate orientations and approaches in foreign policy direction.

“The orientation of late with the recent momentum has been quite clear, with efforts to increase fallback capacity and options with trade and economic diversification in a greater focus and courting of the Global South, while trying to maintain current economic, defence ties and capacities with the West,” he told Bernama when contacted.

Anwar concluded his 11-day international tour, which included participation in multilateral platforms such as the Arab and Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week (AELW) in Lima, Peru; and the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

During Anwar’s visits to the Middle East and Latin America, Chong pointed out that Malaysia continued its push to play a larger role beyond conventional Asean-centric mode.

“The overtures to and the trips to the Middle East and Latin America are seen as a continuation of Malaysia’s efforts to play a bigger role at the wider arena beyond the scope and limitations of regional power settings,” he added.

The engagements also align with the Madani framework, which seeks to integrate Malaysia’s economic transition with societal advancement.

“These overtures are part of the overall momentum to increase the parallel focus in advancing the economic transition of Malaysia with the new focus on digital economy, energy transition, and the role as a power balancer and stabiliser,” the analyst said, adding that Malaysia’s efforts aim to position the nation as a hub for investments and high-technology industries.

On Asean’s leadership, Chong specifically highlighted that the outcomes of Malaysia’s recent meetings are expected to give the country greater diplomatic leverage.

“New agenda setting of new causes and the affirmative, constructive, and practical action plans and policies being pledged and undertaken will be critical in ensuring that Malaysia is not only seen as the vocal and emerging power in bringing to light the strategic regional and global challenges and issues but being both pragmatic and bold in designing new approaches and solutions to both global and regional issues,” he said.

This approach, the analyst noted, involves portraying the Asean perspective while expanding partnerships with regions such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (CC) and the European Union (EU).

“This has been done with the courting of the GCC in further expanding the role and reach of Asean at the wider level, apart from the traditional ties with the EU and other established powers,” the analyst added.

Concurring with Chong, the Deputy Executive Director of Asia-Europe Institute (AEI) at Universiti Malaya, Associate Professor Dr Roy Anthony Rogers, said the Prime Minister’s recent official visits to several key nations and participation in major international summits signal Malaysia’s readiness to solidify its presence on the global stage.

He dubbed the move as a “shuttle diplomacy” to strengthen Malaysia’s bilateral and multilateral engagements, marking a proactive approach to advancing national interests.

“Anwar has adopted the shuttle diplomacy to enhance Malaysia’s national interest bilaterally by visiting the relevant countries and reaffirms our commitment to multilateralism by participating in the Apec and G20 Summits,” he told Bernama.

Roy Anthony said the Prime Minister’s initiatives are also seen as groundwork for Malaysia’s chairmanship of Asean in 2025.

“The visits definitely help in promoting Malaysia’s interest that includes economic and business, diplomacy, voice heard and Malaysia as the Chair of Asean in 2025,” he said. — Bernama

Source:malaymail.com

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

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/11/23/pm-anwars-global-outreach-boosts-malaysias-diplomatic-and-economic-positioning/157740

---------

 

South Asia

 

Prof Yunus confident of finding common ground with Trump

Nov 22, 2024

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus is "confident" that he can find "common ground" with President-elect Donald Trump despite their divergent worldviews, reports TIME Magazine.

"Trump is a businessman; we are in business," TIME quoted Prof Yunus as saying.

"We are not asking for free money to help us out of some crisis; we want a business partner," he said.

Reassuring global firms that Bangladesh remains open for business with a top priority, he said still the glacial pace of reform means doubts fester, according to the TIME.

On October 31, Trump posted on X to condemn the "barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities who are getting attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh, which remains in a total state of chaos."

Compounding matters, Prof Yunus has his own baggage with Trump, owing to his close friendship with Hillary Clinton, publicly lamenting her 2016 election defeat: "Trump's win has hit us so hard that this morning I could hardly speak. I lost all strength."

As protesters encircled her official residence in Dhaka, former PM Sheikh Hasina fled in a military helicopter to India, where she and her cabal of key advisers continued to rail against her ouster.

Prof Yunus revealed that he would be seeking Hasina's extradition after prosecutors issued a warrant for her part in the violence, though few believe Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would comply.

"Not only is she being hosted by India, the worst part is that she's talking, which causes a lot of problems for us. It makes people very unhappy to hear that voice. So, this is something that we have to resolve," Yunus said.

Prof Yunus tells TIME that the young minds are full of ideas and ambitions and aspirations. "They depicted their future in those murals, and it's something much greater than Bangladesh has ever seen."

Source:thedailystar.net

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

https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/diplomacy/news/prof-yunus-confident-finding-common-ground-trump-3759246

----------

Anderkilla Mosque to be developed on Masjid al-Nabawi model: Khalid

 22 Nov 2024

DHAKA, Nov 22, 2024 (BSS)- Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain today said Anderkilla Shahi Jame Mosque in Chattogram will be developed as an iconic mosque on the model of the Masjid al-Nabawi, the mosque of the Prophet.

“Anderkilla Shahi Jame Mosque as a unique example of Mughal architecture. It will be developed as an iconic mosque in line with the aspirations of the local Muslim community”, he told journalists after visiting the mosque this afternoon.

The adviser said the work of the project will commence initially with a sum of Taka 10 crore, donated by the Kuwait Charity Fund which has already been deposited to the ministry's fund.

If additional funds are required, it will be sourced from the Islamic Foundation and the ministry's budget, he added.

The design would be finalized by December this year and the foundation stone of the development work of this mosque will be laid in January, said the adviser.

Regarding the mosque’s design, the adviser said, “Plans will ensure the space to be optimized to accommodate a large number of worshippers and the final decision regarding the preservation of the mosque's original structure will be made after discussions with experts from the archaeological department”.

“The mosque is approximately 400 years old which is considered as a historical archaeological site”, he added.

The Directorate of Architecture has already been asked to prepare the design, he said, adding, “The Directorate has already completed the soil test and digital survey”.

Islamic Foundation Divisional Director Borhan Uddin Md Abu Ahsan, Imam Training Academy Deputy Director Md Ashrafuzzaman, Anderkilla Shahi Jame Mosque Khatib Maulana Syed Md Anwar Hossain Taher Jaberi Al-Madani, Mosque Imam Maulana Md Anwarul Haque and Musalli Parishad President Salahuddin Kasem Khan, among others, were present.

Source:bssnews.net

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

https://www.bssnews.net/news/225510

---------

 

IEA supports media outlets, Mujahid

November 23, 2024

KABUL: The spokesman of the Islamic Emirate Zabihullah Mujahid said that the current government has always been committed to supporting media outlets and they can operate within the framework of Islamic Sharia and national interests. Celebrating World Television Day he said: “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan supports the media in general. Media can operate within the framework of Islamic Sharia and national interests.”The United Nations General Assembly named November 21 as World Television Day in 1996. Since the takeover of the Islamic Emirate, a number of national and local televisions, were shut down due to economic problems and most of them resumed their operation again.Currently, more than 370 audio visual and print media are active in the country.Contrary to some propaganda about the shutting down of media outlets in the country, the officials of the Islamic Emirate have repeatedly said that the current system has always been committed to supporting the media outlets operating under Islamic principles and national values. The Kabul Times

Source:thekabultimes.com

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

https://thekabultimes.com/iea-supports-media-outlets-mujahid/

---------

Haqqani kicks off project worth 71.5 mln Afghani in Khost

November 23, 2024

KABUL: The acting Minister of Interior Affairs, Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani, during his visit to Khost, inaugurated construction work on a new building worth 71.5 million Afghani for the provincial headquarters, the ministry said in a statement the other day. Addressing a ceremony on this occasion, Haqqani expressed satisfaction with the progress of numerous vital projects across the country within a short time frame and added the implementation of the welfare projects lead to the country’s development and prosperity soon. “Under the Islamic Shariabased system, everyone’s rights are safeguarded, justice is ensured, and no compromises are made regarding the na tion’s sovereignty,” the statement quoted him as saying. In addition to implementing the development projects, most of the focus should be made on winning people’s hearts and earning their trust nationwide, he said, adding the current Islamic system has been committed to working toward providing the people with sure security, essential services, and facilities. The three-story building for the provincial police headquarters includes 30 rooms on each floor, a large conference hall, and essential amenities. It will be completed within 15 months and provide employment opportunities for scores of people. The Kabul Times

Source:thekabultimes.com

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

https://thekabultimes.com/haqqani-kicks-off-project-worth-71-5-mln-afghani-in-khost/

---------

A self-reliant Afghanistan in interest of region, world

November 23, 2024

Despite all challeng es and formidable obstacles, Afghanistan’s economy has stabilized, and the country is stepping towards the right direction. With all the efforts and progress that have been made in the past three years, there is still much work to be done to make the country self-reliant, which is in the interest of the world and region. The freezing of Afghanistan’s assets and sanctions have somehow slowed the country’s economic growth. In his most recent remarks, the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Beradar, has said that the Islamic Emirate has made effective efforts to improve the country’s economic situation by initiating major projects in the country. According to Mullah Beradar, trade with neighboring countries and the world has been expanded, progress made in the industrial sector and foundations laid for a self-reliant economy, but the freezing of Afghanistan’s national assets and the economic sanctions are the issues that have hindered the country’s economic growth. He insisted that a self-reliant Afghanistan was in the interest of the region and the world at large. Previously, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, had said that they had to learn from the past, adding that they should make the country selfreliant. “This is our duty. We do this so that our children can get rid of problems,” Stanikzai said, stressing on the expansion of relations with countries and the need to have strong diplomacy. Efforts are underway in order to make Afghanistan selfreliant. To accelerate the selfreliance programs, the Islamic Emirate has been digging one of the largest irrigation canals in Asia, a project that aims to revitalize long-parched plains in northern Afghanistan. Besides, the Islamic Emirate has attracted millions of dollars in mining investments in an effort to finally capitalize on the country’s untapped wealth of natural resources. On the other hand, with its economic-oriented policies, the Islamic Emirate has maintained good trade and economic relations with countries in the world and region to make Afghanistan self-reliant. With all the efforts and progress that have been made in the past three years, there is still much work to be done to make the country self-reliant. It is the duty of each Afghan to give hands and support the Islamic Emirate to accelerate all those programs that can make the country self-reliant. The Islamic Emirate is fully committed to establishing self-sufficiency and making Afghanistan self-reliant. With the re-establishment of the Islamic Emirate and the improvement of the overall security situation across Afghanistan, efforts have been continuously made to launch infrastructure and natural-resource development projects to make the country stand on its feet and become a self-reliant country in the region. Jawed Hussain

Source:thekabultimes.com

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

https://thekabultimes.com/a-self-reliant-afghanistan-in-interest-of-region-world/

---------

Acting Minister of Communications Attends Technology Exhibition in China

2024-11-23

KABUL(BNA): Mawlawi Najibullah Hayat Haqqani, Acting Minister of Communications and Information Technology, accompanied by his delegation, visited a technology exhibition in China showcasing a variety of technological advancements.

According to a statement from the Ministry, Mawlawi Hayat Haqqani and his team, who attended the International Internet Conference, explored the exhibition on the third day of the event. The exhibition, which featured participation from ministers of several countries, provided insights into the latest technology, equipment, and tools. Representatives from the host country, China, presented detailed information on the showcased products.

In his speech at the conference, the Acting Minister emphasized the critical role of the internet and technology in today’s world. He highlighted the importance of cooperation between developed and developing countries to ensure better access to technology and infrastructure. He also underlined the necessity for responsible use of artificial intelligence and called for efforts to alleviate the digital isolation faced by less developed nations.

The International Internet Conference, held in Wuzhen, China, from November 19 to 22, 2024, displayed a wide range of technology-related advancements, focusing on the future of global digital connectivity.

Source:bakhtarnews.af

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

https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/acting-minister-of-communications-attends-technology-exhibition-in-china/

---------

 

Afghanistan and Iran Discuss Strengthening Railway and Trade Cooperation

2024-11-23

KABUL(BNA): The Deputy Minister for Railways of the Ministry of Public Works, Mawlawi Mohammad Ishaq Sahibzada, held productive meetings in Iran with the Governor of Mashhad and several Iranian and Afghan business representatives. These discussions took place at the Khorasan Razavi Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture.

According to the Ministry’s media office, the meeting with the Governor of Mashhad focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in railway transportation, increasing trade exchanges, and addressing logistical challenges. The Governor welcomed the initiative to expand collaborations and assured full support in areas such as customs facilitation and commissariat operations, reflecting Iran’s commitment to fostering regional economic ties.

Furthermore, a joint session at the Khorasan Razavi Chamber of Commerce brought together Afghan and Iranian traders to discuss trade and transport opportunities, address existing challenges, and explore strategies to attract investments. Emphasis was placed on raising the volume of transit activities and strengthening the commercial linkages between the two nations.

During these discussions, Mawlawi Sahibzada reiterated Afghanistan’s commitment to supporting business communities and stressed the importance of providing additional facilities to bolster trade and transport activities.

In conclusion, both Afghan and Iranian officials highlighted the strategic importance of expanding their railway networks and establishing joint economic corridors. These initiatives are expected to significantly enhance trade connectivity and regional cooperation.

Source:bakhtarnews.af

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

https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/afghanistan-and-iran-discuss-strengthening-railway-and-trade-cooperation/

---------

Plans Underway to Expand Afghanistan’s Tourism Sector, Says Deputy Minister of MoIC

2024-11-23

KABUL(BNA): The Deputy Minister of Information and Culture has announced efforts to expand the tourism sector across Afghanistan, emphasizing its importance during a coordination meeting with the Union of Tourism Companies.

According to Bakhtar Agency, the meeting, chaired by Mawlawi Qudratullah Jamal, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Finance, and Administration at the Ministry of Information and Culture, was aimed at addressing challenges and creating facilities for tourism companies.

Meanwhile, representatives of the Union of Tourism Companies shared their concerns and suggestions with ministry officials.

Mawlawi Qudratullah Jamal reiterated the ministry’s commitment to promoting the tourism industry nationwide, ensuring its operations are standardized and digitized, and providing the necessary support to tourism companies.

He also highlighted the significant role of tourism companies in attracting foreign tourists to Afghanistan, which is vital for the sector’s growth.

Source:bakhtarnews.af

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

https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/plans-underway-to-expand-afghanistans-tourism-sector-says-deputy-minister-of-moic/

---------

Turkey detains 59 Afghan migrants

By Fidel Rahmati

November 22, 2024

Following the detention of undocumented migrants in Turkey, local media reported the arrest of 59 Afghan migrants within the country. Among those detained was one individual from Pakistan.

According to Turkish media, these individuals were arrested by police in the Dogubayazit district of Ağrı Province while being transported from one location to another in a vehicle.

Turkish police stated that the arrests occurred precisely during the migrants’ movement and confirmed that four others were also detained on charges of human trafficking.

The detention of Afghan migrants in Turkey is not a new phenomenon. Turkish authorities have previously arrested undocumented Afghan migrants from various parts of the country and subsequently transferred them to deportation centers.

This comes as many Afghan youths, driven by poverty and unemployment in their homeland, are compelled to undertake perilous journeys of illegal migration.

The continued arrest of Afghan migrants highlights the urgent need for coordinated international efforts to address the root causes of migration. Economic instability and security challenges in Afghanistan remain critical factors pushing individuals to seek refuge abroad.

To ensure humane treatment of migrants, governments and international organizations must strengthen measures to provide legal pathways for migration, create opportunities within Afghanistan, and combat the exploitation of migrants by human traffickers.

Source:khaama.com

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

https://www.khaama.com/turkey-detains-59-afghan-migrants/

----------

42 killed in attack on Shia pilgrims in Pakistan

By Fidel Rahmati

November 22, 2024

Local officials in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have announced that the death toll from the deadly attack on a convoy of Shia pilgrims in the Kurram region has risen to 42.

Aftab Aslam, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Minister of Law, described the attack as “terrorist” in nature and stated that no local group was involved in the incident.

On Thursday, November 21, police reported that an armed attack on a convoy of vehicles carrying Shia pilgrims in the Char Khel and Mandori areas of Kurram Agency, Pakistan, left at least 38 people dead, including six women.

Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police also confirmed that three women and 11 others were injured in the attack.

According to the police, the Shia convoy was attacked while traveling from the Shia-majority area of Parachinar to Peshawar. Armed assailants, reportedly using the surrounding mountains for cover, opened fire on the convoy for about an hour.

Senior Pakistani officials, including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and several local leaders, have strongly condemned the attack.

The incident highlights the growing threat of terrorism in Pakistan and the increasing vulnerability of minority communities. Such attacks not only cause devastating loss of life but also deepen the sectarian divide, further destabilizing an already fragile region.

To prevent future tragedies, it is imperative for authorities to strengthen security measures, particularly for religious minorities. A unified approach involving both local leadership and national stakeholders is essential to combat the rise of terrorism and promote harmony in conflict-prone areas like Kurram.

Source:khaama.com

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

https://www.khaama.com/42-killed-in-attack-on-shia-pilgrims-in-pakistan/

---------

 

URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/shia-community-members-condemns-brutality/d/133801

New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism