Swedish Government Condemns ‘Islamophobic’ Quran Burning Outside Stockholm Mosque
New Age
Islam News Bureau
03 July 20123
The Swedish foreign ministry said that burning of any holy text is "disrespectful and offensive."
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Europe
• Eid Is No Longer A Celebration For Muslims
Alone But For All Of London
• Pope 'disgusted' by Qur'an burning in
Sweden
• Love triangles aren’t an option: Can
Russia and India stay friendly without upsetting their Chinese and American
partners?
--------
Arab World
• Madinah Welcomes Pilgrims to
Experience the Vibrant Essence of Islamic History and Spirituality
• Saudi Arabia summons Sweden's envoy to
protest Qur'an burning
• Pilgrims of Custodian of Two Holy
Mosques Guests Program Visit Historical Sites in Madinah
• Islamic Affairs Ministry Distributes
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Gift to Pilgrims
• Saudi Arabia, UAE shown interest to
invest in diverse sectors: Musadik
--------
Southeast Asia
• Saifuddin Nasution: Home Ministry to
cooperate with MACC in probe over alleged corrupt practices at KLIA
• New app helps visitors to 2 Muslim
cemeteries locate graves more easily
--------
South Asia
• Islamic Emirates to Allocate Budget
for Private Madrassas in the Future: PM Kabir
• Acting PM Kabir Praised Security
Forces Efforts to Maintaining People’s Security during Eid Days
• UN Announces New Strategic Framework
for Supporting People in Afghanistan
• Japan to Provide Academic Scholarships
for Afghan Students
• Over 4,000 Afghan Refugees Returned to
Country from Iran
• Saudi Hajj Minister Hails Afghan Best
Management for Hajj Ceremony
• 13 Criminal Arrests by Police in Kabul
--------
Mideast
• Iran-Egypt restoration of ties to
strengthen Muslim World: Supreme Leader's advisor
• HRH the Crown Prince and Prime
Minister condoles with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques
• Islamic body calls for collective push
to prevent desecration of Holy Quran
• Vigils in Aflah al-Sham denouncing
crime of burning copies of Qur'an in Sweden
• Tehran announces not to send its new ambassador
to Sweden because of insulting Holy Qur'an
• Vigils in Hajjah denouncing burning
copies of Holy Qur'an in Sweden
• How some vegan Muslims celebrate Eid
Al-Adha
• Higher Agricultural Committee calls
for boycotting Swedish products
• Organisation Of Islamic Cooperation Calls
For Actions To Prevent Quran Desecration
--------
North America
• Former White House Press Secretary
Claims Republicans Are Recruiting Muslims Against Transgender People
• Renton memorabilia mecca braces for
its second-ever All-Star rush
• Latest US mass shooting kills two,
wounds dozens in Baltimore
• US Congress demands more information
on probe into Malley’s suspension
---------
Africa
• Our Members Detained In Anambra Prisons
Without Trial — Miyetti Allah
• Isese: Why Ilorin Islamic Clerics Who
Visited Priestess’ Residence Are Wrong — Lawyers
--------
India
• CPI(M) In Kerala Trying To Turn UCC
Into Hindu-Muslim Issue For Political Gains: Congress
• UCC Will Help Muslims And Christians:
Kerala BJP State President K Annamalai
• AIMIM looks to make inroads in
Rajasthan, Owaisi says Muslim MLAs in state ‘silenced’
• Old Video From Thailand Shared As
Assault On Uyghur Muslim In China
--------
Pakistan
• Govt To Collect Haj Expenses In
Dollars Next Year: Talha
• Fast economic recovery Govt’s top
priority: Ahsan
• Pakistani, Japanese FMs meet in Tokyo
• PM to attend SCO meeting via video
link tomorrow
• Pakistan, Japan agree to deepen
bilateral ties in diverse fields
• Pakistan, Japan have full potential to
increase bilateral trade, investment: FM Bilawal
• 2 security personnel martyred, one
injured in Balor area, Balochistan
• Post Hajj transport operation for
80000 Govt Scheme’s Hujjaj begins
• Govt committed to put the country on
path of economic growth: Kiyani
• Militant attacks claim 389 lives in
six months
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL:
https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/swedish-islamophobic-quran-stockholm-mosque/d/130123
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Swedish Government Condemns ‘Islamophobic’ Quran Burning Outside Stockholm Mosque
The Swedish
foreign ministry said that burning of any holy text is "disrespectful and
offensive."
----
2 July 2023
STOCKHOLM, Sweden — Sweden’s government
on Sunday condemned the recent’s burning of a Quran outside Stockholm’s main
mosque, calling it an “Islamophobic” act, after an international Islamic body
called for measures to avoid future burnings.
“The Swedish government fully
understands that the Islamophobic acts committed by individuals at
demonstrations in Sweden can be offensive to Muslims,” the foreign ministry
said in a statement. “We strongly condemn these acts, which in no way reflect
the views of the Swedish government.”
The condemnation came in response to a
call for collective measures to avoid future Quran burnings from the
Saudi-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
The 57-member body met at its Jeddah
headquarters to respond to Wednesday’s incident, in which an Iraqi citizen
living in Sweden, SalwanMomika, 37, stomped on the Islamic holy book and set
several pages alight.
The OIC urged member states to “take
unified and collective measures to prevent the recurrence of incidents of
desecration of copies of the” Quran, according to a statement released after
the “extraordinary” meeting.
“The burning of the Quran, or any other
holy text, is an offensive and disrespectful act and a clear provocation.
Expressions of racism, xenophobia and related intolerance have no place in
Sweden or in Europe,” the Swedish foreign ministry said.
At the same time, the ministry added
that Sweden has a “constitutionally protected right to freedom of assembly,
expression and demonstration.”
Countries including Iraq, Kuwait, the
United Arab Emirates, and Morocco have summoned Swedish ambassadors in protest
at the Quran burning incident.
Swedish police had granted Momika a
permit in line with free speech protections, but authorities later said they
had opened an investigation over “agitation against and ethnic group,” noting
that Momika had burnt pages from the Islamic holy book very close to the
mosque.
Source: timesofisrael.com
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https://www.timesofisrael.com/swedish-government-condemns-islamophobic-quran-burning-outside-stockholm-mosque/
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Saudi Arabia Seeks Decisive Global
Action To Prevent Recurrence Of Qur’an Desecration
People hold
copies of the holy Qur’an while taking part in a protest in Islamabad,
Pakistan. (File/AFP)
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July 02, 2023
JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia strongly condemned
and denounced the despicable act of the Holy Qur’an burning in Sweden. The
Kingdom called on the international community to stand firmly against such
provocative practices as well as to take decisive measures to prevent their
recurrence.
Dr. Saleh Al-Suhaibani, permanent
representative of Saudi Arabia to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation
(OIC), made this call while chairing the emergency open meeting of the OIC
Executive Committee at the OIC headquarters here on Sunday to discuss the
Qur’an burning incident.
Presiding over the session, Dr.
Al-Suhaibani strongly denounced the act that was taken place on Wednesday, the
first day of Eid Al-Adha. The copy of the Holy Qur’an was burned by
SalwanMomika, an Iraqi refugee, in front of the Central Mosque in Stockholm,
capital of Sweden on June 28.
The OIC meeting was convened at the
request of Saudi Arabia, the current chair of the pan Islamic organization,
which groups 57 Muslim countries, to discuss the measures to be taken in the
wake of the Qur’an burning incident.
The OIC meeting denounced the act,
saying that the incident undermines mutual respect among people and global
efforts to foster tolerance and moderation. Addressing the session, OIC
Secretary General HisseinBrahim Taha called upon the member states to unite and
take collective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In his speech, Al-Suhaibani said that
the Kingdom voiced its strong condemnation and denunciation of these repeated
despicable acts, stressing that these abhorrent acts cannot be accepted under
any justification. These clearly incite hatred, exclusion and racism, and
violate divine laws and all decisions of the international charters calling for
harmony, peace, and rapprochement.
“This abdominal act happened at a time
when Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid Al-Adha in a beautiful way and
happy times that embody the most wonderful images of cohesion and cooperation
for the benefit of humanity, seeking peace and harmony, and at the same time
when the guests of God perform Hajj to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and
coexistence. It is unfortunate that such a repeated and hateful attempts, and
extreme and despicable acts were committed, for the fourth time in a row, under
the protection and authorization of the authorities of a country that is deemed
civilized,” he said while noting that this blatant incident targets Islam, and
provokes the feelings of millions of Muslims around the world.
These attempts to desecrate the Holy
Qur’an were committed under the false pretext of freedom of opinion and
expression, which contradicts the spirit of Articles 19 and 20 of the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as the
contradiction of the Action Plan agreed upon by international consensus in
accordance with Human Rights Council Resolution No. 16/18, which combats
incitement to hatred and discrimination on the basis of religion or belief, he
said.
The Saudi representative reaffirmed that
such acts directly contradict international efforts that aim to spread the
values of tolerance, moderation, and rejection of extremism, and undermine the
principles of mutual respect necessary for maintaining cordial relations
between peoples and states. In this regard, the Kingdom stressed the need to
take decisive measures by the international community and OIC to prevent the
recurrence of such practices that are outside human values and moral
principles. He said that such blatant actions will only lead to more fanaticism
and extremism, spreading hatred and violence, and sowing discord and evils at a
time when people are in dire need of acquaintance, rapprochement and harmony.
Al-Suhaibani reaffirmed the responsibility
of those countries to prevent the recurrence of calls for incitement and hate
crimes, and to stand firmly against these provocative practices. He also
underscored the need to uphold the common denominators of the values of
tolerance and peaceful coexistence among peoples, and the promotion of means of
dialogue among civilizations in accordance with the operative part of the
relevant United Nations resolutions, in particular the UN General Assembly
Resolution 66/167 in view of the fact that spreading such noble human values
and principles is the best way to confront hate speech, fanaticism and
extremism.
Al-Suhaibani expressed the hope of Saudi
Arabia that the OIC member states would help activate the role of the
Islamophobia Observatory and support it by all means to carry out its role
properly. He also urged the OIC offices of abroad to take the initiative, in
coordination with the permanent missions of the member states of the
organization, to work together in the same direction.
The representative called on the OIC
General Secretariat to speed up constructive engagement with all international
stakeholders and influential public opinion makers in the world in order to
combat the phenomenon of Islamophobia, and to address such blatant actions by formulating
an effective strategy aimed at creating an international environment conducive
to civilizational harmony and emanating from the organization’s 10-year plan.
He recalled the operative decisions of previous Islamic summits and ministerial
councils and the precious charter of the organization in this regard in
addition to working closely with regional and international organizations to
raise global awareness against the phenomenon of Islamophobia.
Al-Suhaibani urged to place the
desecration of the Holy Qur’an and Islamic symbols and sanctities in the
priorities of the agenda of the coordination meetings of foreign ministers that
will be held on the sidelines of the upcoming session of the United Nations
General Assembly in New York, as well as the upcoming Islamic Summit and
Ministerial Councils, with the aim of taking more effective measures to address
this negative phenomenon against Islam and Muslims.
Source: saudigazette.com.sa
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https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/633923/SAUDI-ARABIA/Saudi-Arabia-seeks-decisive-global-action-to-prevent-recurrence-of-Quran-desecration
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Eid al-Adha in Beijing: How Chinese
Muslims Interpret The Festival's Significance
Hundreds of
Muslims in Beijing's Changying Hui Township celebrated Eid al-Adha at the local
mosque.
------
03-Jul-2023
Hundreds of Muslims in Beijing's
Changying Hui Township celebrated Eid al-Adha at the local mosque. The festival
marks the completion of the Holy Pilgrimage of Hajj and commemorates Prophet
Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son for God. How do Chinese Muslims
interpret the festival's significance? Watch to find out.
Source: news.cgtn.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2023-07-03/Chinese-Muslims-in-Beijing-celebrate-Eid-al-Adha-at-local-mosque-1l8totNjVMA/index.html
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British Special Air Services Commandos
May Have Executed 80 Afghan Civilians – Lawyers
Photo: Fars News
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3 Jul, 2023
British Special Air Services (SAS)
troops may have killed dozens of unarmed civilians in Afghanistan as they
allegedly carried out a policy of eliminating “all fighting-age males” while
raiding homes between 2010 and 2013, lawyers for families of the victims have
told a UK investigative panel, the Guardian newspaper reported on Sunday.
London-based law firm Leigh Day
submitted fresh claims citing at least 30 suspicious incidents that resulted in
the deaths of more than 80 Afghans. A public inquiry into alleged war crimes by
UK forces in Afghanistan was launched in December, led by Lord Justice
Haddon-Cave, who issued a call for evidence from all interested parties in
March.
SAS soldiers allegedly targeted young
Afghan males encountered during their raids, “regardless of the threat they
posed.” One of the troops “personally killed” 35 Afghans during a six-month
deployment to the country, according to Leigh Day’s filing.
The killings were typically justified
based on claims that the Afghans were armed, but in some incidents, there were
more people shot dead than there were weapons found. Senior officers raised
concerns at the time that UK troops were showing “a casual disregard for life,”
lawyers for the Afghan families said, but military authorities responded with a
“wide ranging, multilayered and years-long cover-up.”
The raids of Afghan compounds were
carried out in search of Taliban fighters, often at night, during the UK’s
deployments to Helmand province, the Guardian said. Earlier reports suggested
that there may have been 54 people murdered by a single SAS unit, but lawyers
for the families now claim that more troops were involved over a longer period
of time than previously thought. The lawyers claimed to have found “credible
evidence of a widespread and systematic pattern of unlawful and extrajudicial
killings.”
An investigation by military police
ended in 2019, when UK defense officials said no evidence of criminal
wrongdoing had been found. However, the lawyers claimed that the special forces
headquarters deleted “an unknown quantity of data” shortly before police
arrived to examine possible evidence, despite having been ordered by investigators
not to erase any material stored on their servers.
Source: rt.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.rt.com/news/579109-uk-sas-afghanistan-war-crimes/
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Hazem Tahsin Bek, The Spiritual Leader Of The Yazidis Condemns Qur'an Desecration by an Iraqi Refugee in Sweden
Prince Hazem
Tahsin Bek, the spiritual leader of the Yazidis in Iraq
------
2023-07-02
Shafaq News/ Prince HazemTahsin Bek, the
spiritual leader of the Yazidis in Iraq and the world, on Sunday condemned the
irresponsible act of desecration of the Holy Qur'an carried out by an Iraqi
refugee, SalwanMumika, currently residing in Sweden.
The act has sparked outrage among
different faith communities worldwide.
In an official statement released
earlier today, the prince lambasted the provocative act, stressing its
incongruity with religious ethos, stating, "This provocative act has no
bearing on any religion, nor does it represent any faith or belief."
Prince TahsinBek said that the public
burning of the Holy Qur'an has inflamed sentiments of over two billion Muslims
worldwide, denouncing the act as an encroachment on their freedoms,
simultaneously fanning the flames of discord and instigating hate among people.
Asserting his categorical repudiation of
hate speech and any infringement on religious freedom and belief, the Yazidi
leader voiced his consternation for actions that undermine peaceful
coexistence, fraternal solidarity, and compromise the core tenets of social
cohesion.
The Prince urged religious scholars and
clergy to exercise restraint and stave off discord in the homeland, thereby
avoiding any actions that may have regrettable repercussions.
Source: shafaq.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://shafaq.com/en/Iraq-News/Yazidi-Prince-Condemns-Qur-an-Desecration-by-an-Iraqi-Refugee-in-Sweden
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Europe
Eid Is No Longer A Celebration For Muslims Alone But For All Of London
03-07-23
Eid is like Christmas for Muslims - but
we celebrate it twice a year! That was the best way I could describe Eid to my
friends when I was growing up. With the advent of interfaith Iftars, the
evening meal to close the fast, being held across London from the Natural
History Museum to the Tower of London, Eid al-Adha which celebrates the end of
the Muslim month of fasting, Ramadan, has ensured the first Eid has now become
a permanent fixture in the national calendar. One that is celebrated annually
through the Mayor of London’s “Eid in the Square” festival.
The second Eid, Eid al-Adha, for most
people has always been the lesser known of the two Eids. The preceding ten days
are sacred for Muslims. Many of whom fasted, and some British Muslims performed
the Hajj – the pilgrimage to Mecca. This year, Eid al-Adha finally became
mainstream when over a hundred thousand people in an open field at the Pyramid
Stage, Glastonbury, in chorus with the legend Yusuf Islam / Cat Stevens gave an
Eid blessing, saying, “peace be with you.”
Interestingly the prophetic tradition
encourages Muslims to perform Eid prayers in an open field and not in their
usual place of worship, their local Mosque. As the Eids move each year, as the
date is based on the lunar rather Gregorian calendar, this has meant Eid can be
celebrated outdoors in the summer sun, for at least the next few years, despite
the unpredictable British weather.
Eid is no longer a celebration for
Muslims alone, and this was clear by the number of “Eid in the Park” events
held across London. This has never been more important for British Muslim
communities, enabling first-time parents like me to take their young children
to these events, which include a place to pray, fairground rides and food
stalls.
The experiences in early childhood are
often the root cause of today’s hardest social challenges and the need for
young Muslims to identify with their faith in a positive and inclusive way
provides happy memories on which to build confident, integrated British
Muslims.
For many young Muslim parents, seeing
local families from all faiths and none joining them at these events makes the
occasion even more enriching, as we are celebrating as one community, the same
way Muslim families visit the lights on Regent Street at Christmas.Eid al-Adha
not only celebrates the end of the Hajj, but rather focuses on the sacrifices
made by Prophet Abraham. This is symbolised by those who can afford to give a
donation of meat, called Qurbani, to their family and people in need. This Eid
al-Adha, Islamic Relief, a UK Muslim charity partnered with North Paddington
Foodbank to provide Qurbani meat to over two hundred of the most vulnerable
households in Westminster.
The importance of sacrifice and
supporting your vulnerable neighbours is a key part of Eid al-Adha and another
example, how for many British Muslims, charity starts at home.
Harris Bokhari is the founder of youth
charity the Patchwork Foundation
Source: standard.co.uk
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https://www.standard.co.uk/comment/eid-aladha-no-longer-a-celebration-for-muslims-alone-but-for-all-of-london-b1091681.html
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Pope 'disgusted' by Qur'an burning in
Sweden
July 03, 2023
(ANSA) - ROME, JUL 3 - Pope Francis said
he "rejected and condemned" the authorization by Swedish authorities
of the burning of the Qur'an in Stockholm last week in an interview with United
Arab Emirates newspaper al-Ittihad published Monday.
"Any book considered holy should be
respected to respect those who believe in it," the pope told the editor
Hamad Al Kaabi.
"I feel angry and disgusted at these
actions," he continued.
"Freedom of speech should never be used
as a means to despise others and allowing that is rejected and condemned,"
said the pontiff.
The authorized Qur'an burning by an
Iraqi citizen living in Sweden outside a Stockholm mosque last Wednesday has
sparked an outcry and protests by Muslims around the world. (HANDLE).
Source: ansa.it
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.ansa.it/english/news/2023/07/03/pope-disgusted-by-quran-burning-in-sweden_683bb2f4-7ecb-416b-a350-bf05d91eac97.html
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Love triangles aren’t an option: Can
Russia and India stay friendly without upsetting their Chinese and American
partners?
3 Jul, 2023
When it comes to Russian-Indian
relations, despite the historical achievements and successes of recent years,
there have been many problems. They mainly relate to bilateral economic ties:
including low rates of trade and investment activity, too much focus on a
limited amount of key areas (military-technical cooperation, nuclear energy,
oil and gas sector), and a low awareness among private sector players regarding
each other’s markets.
These problems are surmountable.
Russia’s need for reliable foreign economic partners and its policy of
diversifying its economic ties creates the conditions for the two countries to
achieve a structural transformation of their relations. The presence of similar
strategies for overcoming global development imbalances, a common vision of
technological progress (including technology transfers and the establishment of
joint ventures), and joint investments in research and development – all these
steps will help the two countries not only honor their connected past, but also
look to the future together.
However, in recent decades, political
challenges have been added to the economic challenges of the especially
privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India: Moscow, in
particular, is concerned about the rapid uptick in relations between Washington
and New Delhi.
The comprehensive global strategic
partnership between India and the US is a logical outcome of the evolution of
Indian politics since the 1990s. At the time, the government of Prime Minister
Narasimha Rao began a gradual process of economic liberalisation. The country
was to become an attractive target for foreign investment, since there was not
enough financial capital domestically.
The ‘opening up’ of the Indian economy
to foreign investors has continued under his successor Narendra Modi – with the
‘Make in India’ initiative inviting foreign manufacturers to locate their
production facilities in the South Asian country. A kind of continuation of the
this has been the ‘Self-sufficient India’ (Aatmnitbhar Bharat) programme. On
the one hand, it is aimed at achieving technological sovereignty, and on the
other, it forces foreign manufacturers to localise their production.
Despite the increase in the gross
savings rate, India still needs foreign investment to accelerate industrial
development and provide jobs for its growing population – these problems are
considered existential in New Delhi. In this vein, the US has become a vital
partner – no other country has the amount of free capital that can satisfy
Indian ‘appetites’.
The economic interest of the countries
in each other has been superimposed by political factors. India’s defeat in the
Sino-Indian War of 1962 was a blow for New Delhi, from which the modern Indian
political elite has been unable to recover. The rapid economic development of
China, compounded by an accelerated military build-up, has intensified alarmist
sentiments in India.
New Delhi is especially concerned about
the development of the Chinese Navy. From India’s perspective, Beijing wants to
ensure dominance in the Indo-Pacific. In this context, cooperation with the
Americans is seen by the Indians as one of the few ways to neutralise the
threats to their security.
The Indo-American strategic partnership
is a long-term trend that no one, including Russia, will be able to reverse.
Moscow needs to realize that Indian political elites are expanding their
contacts with the Americans not because of pressure from Washington, but
because, in their opinion, cooperation with the US is in their national
interests. Attempts to convince them that they misunderstand their national
interests will not only not bring results, but also harm Russian-Indian
relations.
If such a perception becomes part of the
mainstream of Russian political discourse, Moscow has to expect from New Delhi
a similar attitude towards its “relations of comprehensive partnership and
strategic interaction of a new era” with Beijing.
Russia and China are neighbours with a
long history of bilateral relations. The political elites of the Russian
Federation and China have similar views on most current global and regional
problems, and economic cooperation between the countries is developing at a
rapid pace. At the same time, ‘partnership without forming an alliance’ is not
directed against third countries; it is calculated solely to satisfy the
national interests of Russia and China.
The strategic nature of relations, on
the one hand, is intuitive and does not need further explanation. On the other
hand, any strategic partnership is the result of long-term interaction; it is
shaped under the influence of unique factors and cannot be reduced to a common
denominator.
Both Russia and India are pursuing
independent foreign policy based on their national interests. The elites of
both countries will have to accept his, if they wish to maintain close ties
going forward.
This piece was originally published by
Valdai Discussion Club and edited by the RT team
Source: rt.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.rt.com/india/579042-india-russia-china-us/
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Arab World
Madinah Welcomes Pilgrims to Experience
the Vibrant Essence of Islamic History and Spirituality
02 Jul, 2023
The pilgrims arrive in Madinah after
performing their Hajj and Umrah rituals with ease and tranquility, amidst a
continuous system of service.
This sacred mosque is one of the most
important religious destinations in the city, as it houses the tomb of the
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Pilgrims feel joy and happiness as they
enter this beautiful and blessed mosque, where they can pray, recite the Quran,
and reflect in the presence of the beloved Prophet. Visiting the Mosque of the
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) after Hajj is a profound and spiritual
experience that strengthens the spiritual connections and provides pilgrims
with an opportunity for contemplation and connection with the great Islamic
history.
Madinah is a city of great historical
and religious significance located in the western region of Saudi Arabia. It
holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims worldwide as the second holiest
city in Islam, after Makkah.
The history of Madinah dates back to the
6th century AD when it was a small oasis settlement known as Yathrib. It gained
prominence in 622 AD when Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his
followers migrated from Makkah to escape persecution. This migration, known as
the Hijrah, marked the beginning of the Islamic calendar and the establishment
of the first Islamic state in Medina.
One of the most iconic landmarks in
Madinah is the Prophet's Mosque, also known as Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. It is the
final resting place of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and holds immense
spiritual significance for Muslims. The mosque has undergone significant
expansions over the centuries and can accommodate millions of worshippers
during the peak pilgrimage season.
The Prophet's Mosque is not only a place
of worship but also a center of learning and enlightenment. It houses the Quba
Mosque, the first mosque built in Islam, and the Qiblatain Mosque, where the
direction of prayer was changed from Jerusalem to Makkah. Pilgrims and visitors
to the mosque can also explore the Rawdah, a small area within the mosque
believed to be a part of Paradise.
Apart from the Prophet's Mosque, Madinah
is also home to other significant historical sites. The Quba Mosque, as
mentioned earlier, is a must-visit for its historical importance. The Uhud
Mountain, located just outside the city, is where the Battle of Uhud took place
in 625 AD. This battle was a significant event in Islamic history and holds
great importance for Muslims.
The city's rich history and religious
significance attract millions of visitors and pilgrims from around the world.
The Saudi government has made significant efforts to improve infrastructure and
facilities to accommodate the increasing number of visitors. There are numerous
hotels, ranging from budget to luxury, that cater to the diverse needs of
travelers. Additionally, the city has a wide range of restaurants serving
traditional Arabian cuisine as well as international dishes.
Madinah is not only a place of religious
importance but also a center for education and knowledge. It is home to the
Islamic University of Madinah, which attracts students from various countries
who come to study Islamic sciences and Arabic language.
The city also offers a unique shopping
experience for visitors. The Central Dates Market is a popular destination
where one can find a wide variety of dates, a staple food in the Arabian
culture. The city's markets and shopping centers offer a range of traditional
handicrafts, perfumes, and clothing, allowing visitors to take a piece of
Medina's culture and heritage back home.
In recent years, the Saudi government
has launched several initiatives to enhance the visitor experience in
Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah. The Vision 2030 plan aims to further develop the
city's infrastructure, increase the number of hotels, and improve
transportation systems to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims and
tourists.
Madinah holds a special place in the
hearts of Muslims as a city of peace, spirituality, and historical
significance. It is a place where one can connect with the rich Islamic
heritage and experience the tranquility and serenity that permeates the city.
Whether it is for religious pilgrimage or to explore the city's history and
culture, a visit to Madinah is a truly transformative experience.
Source: alriyadhdaily.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
http://alriyadhdaily.com/article/b61529ec62e541899d861d9529f805ae
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Saudi Arabia summons Sweden's envoy to
protest Qur'an burning
July 03, 2023
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia on Sunday summoned
Sweden's envoy to Riyadh to inform her that the Kingdom unequivocally rejects
the burning of a copy of the Qur'an by an extremist outside a mosque in the
Swedish capital, Stockholm.
In a press statement, the Saudi Foreign
Ministry called for a halt to any act that runs counter to the international
efforts to promote values of tolerance and moderation.
On Thursday, the ministry condemned the
Qur'an burning, stressing that "these hateful and repeated acts cannot be
accepted with any justification, as they clearly incite hatred, exclusion, and
racism, and directly contradict international efforts seeking to spread the
values of tolerance, moderation, and rejection of extremism, and undermine the
necessary mutual respect for relations between peoples and states". — SG
Source: saudigazette.com.sa
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https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/633925/SAUDI-ARABIA/Saudi-Arabia-summons-Swedens-envoy-to-protest-Quran-burning
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Pilgrims of Custodian of Two Holy
Mosques Guests Program Visit Historical Sites in Madinah
02 Jul, 2023
Pilgrims who performed Hajj under the
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program for Hajj and Umrah today
visited historical sites in Madinah, including Jabal Ar-Rumat (Hill of
Archers), the Martyrs of Uhud Cemetery and Quba Mosque.
The visitors were given detailed
explanations about the Battle of Uhud, which took place between Muslims and
idolaters in the third Hijri year. They visited the site of the battle and
climbed the Hill of Archers, the place where archers stood in the Battle of Uhud.
At the Quba Mosque, the guests learned
about the history of the mosque and its importance to Islam.
The tour is part of a cultural program
that aims to enrich the cultural experience of visitors and pilgrims.
Source: alriyadhdaily.com
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http://alriyadhdaily.com/article/7c40beaea2b040a08ed3a10ddaa5a6d8
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Islamic Affairs Ministry Distributes
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Gift to Pilgrims Departing through Halat
Ammar Border Crossing
02 Jul, 2023
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah
and Guidance branch in Tabuk Region yesterday distributed Custodian of the Two
Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud’s gift to pilgrims leaving for
their countries through the Halat Ammar border crossing, in the form of copies
of the Holy Quran.
Departing pilgrims praised the Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia’s projects that help facilitate their performance of Hajj
throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.
Source: alriyadhdaily.com
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http://alriyadhdaily.com/article/a749af9addb9496abb24ac5854b7a485
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Saudi Arabia, UAE shown interest to
invest in diverse sectors: Musadik
July 03, 2023
Minister of State for Petroleum Dr
Musadiq Malik says Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates have shown keen
interest to invest in Pakistan's information technology, agriculture and mining
sectors.
In an interview with a private
television, he said Saudi Arabia will invest 24 billion dollars, and the UAE 22
billion dollars in these three sectors.
The Minister of State said the
government has recently constituted committees for one-window operations to
facilitate the investors.
Source: radio.gov.pk
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https://www.radio.gov.pk/03-07-2023/ksa-uae-shown-interest-to-invest-in-pakistans-diverse-sectors-musadiq
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Southeast Asia
Saifuddin Nasution: Home Ministry to
cooperate with MACC in probe over alleged corrupt practices at KLIA
Monday, 03 Jul 2023
SUNGAI PETANI, July 3 — The Home
Ministry (KDN) will fully cooperate with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption
Commission (MACC) to investigate allegations of corruption by immigration
officers in handling foreign tourists at the country’s entry points.
Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution
Ismail said the ministry had no objection to the investigation by the
commission.
“The Home Ministry will extend our
fullest cooperation to MACC,” he told reporters after launching the
national-level People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) 51st-anniversary celebration at
its northern region training centre in Bukit Selambau here.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri
Anwar Ibrahim revealed that the National Registration Department (JPN) and the
Immigration Department — both under the purview of the Home Ministry — are
being investigated for corruption and power abuse.
A news portal on Thursday reported that
a commotion occurred at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) when a
minister allegedly attempted to “rescue” a female Chinese national who was
denied entry into the country.
The minister was said to have barged
into the arrival hall without applying for a security pass.
Commenting on the KLIA incident,
Saifuddin said the inspection of visitors entering the country by Immigration
officers is a common practice, which is also a practice by immigration staff in
other countries.
He said there were cases of visitors
given the “Not To Land” notice, but the number was very small.
“For example, for visitors from China,
an average of only between 50 and 60 people are issued the NTL and there are
also from other countries, but the number is very small,” he added. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2023/07/03/saifuddin-nasution-home-ministry-to-cooperate-with-macc-in-probe-over-alleged-corrupt-practices-at-klia/77642
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New app helps visitors to 2 Muslim
cemeteries locate graves more easily
SINGAPORE – A former cemetery worker has
created a mobile app for visitors to easily find where their loved ones are
buried among the tens of thousands of graves in Lim Chu Kang and Jalan Bahar.
Users receive real-time directions to
the grave sites on Google Maps by keying the plot numbers into the app, instead
of having to refer to maps on signboards scattered around Muslim cemeteries
Pusara Abadi in Lim Chu Kang and Pusara Aman in Jalan Bahar.
The cemeteries are organised into more
than a dozen blocks, each containing thousands of burial sites. These are tough
to navigate as the blocks are not always located in sequence.
The graveyards stretch across the size
of around 10 football fields and can leave visitors confused and wandering
around in circles, said cemetery staff.
Mr Ramzul Ihsan, 36, said he spent more
than a year attaching the coordinates of more than 66,000 burial sites to a
digital map on his Kubur Search app. “Kubur” means cemetery in Malay.
To build the virtual map, he digitised
the cemetery maps found on signboards at the graveyards and then visited each
site to add the exact coordinates of each plot.
“Not all the graves have number plates
attached, and some older ones are just simple mounds, surrounded by weeds,”
said Mr Ramzul. “It can be hard to get your bearings.
“I had to walk around all the blocks to
make sure the plots are there and take the coordinates. It was a very manual
process. Then I made sure the plots aligned properly on the virtual map.”
The app does not require names or details
of the deceased to locate the plots and it does not collect personal data from
its users, said Mr Ramzul.
The plot number is issued when a person
is buried, and, if forgotten, can be obtained only by contacting the National
Environment Agency, which oversees the cemeteries.
Mr Ramzul worked in the two cemeteries
for around three years, building tombstones and cleaning graves until a back
injury in 2022 forced him to leave.
He now works from home, developing the
app and providing 3D-printing and laser-cutting services. He studied
electronics engineering in school and learnt app development through online
courses.
Listed on the crowdfunding site
Kickstarter in June, Kubur Search is $200 into its $3,000 target, which Mr
Ramzul said will be used to cover the app’s operating costs when it is launched
on July 31.
The app is being used by his friends and
former colleagues at the cemeteries ahead of its launch.
If Kubur Search is a hit, he will
consider advertising to earn income from the project, and expand the service to
other large cemeteries, including Chinese cemeteries nearby. He will also offer
a service to search for plots not on the map.
While the app will not fix the most
common issue of visitors showing up without the plot number in the first place,
Madam Jameela Bee, director of Jasa Budi Muslim Casket, which helps to conduct
funerals, said the app can help first-timers who visit the cemeteries. “It’s
not easy for them to navigate the cemeteries.”
At least five visitors ask for
directions to specific plots each day, said Mr RosmanMustapa, who sells flowers
at the entrance of the cemetery in Lim Chu Kang.
The sections share similar names and
plot numbers are repeated across each block.
“They ask me where is the section, but
sometimes I also don’t know how to help them. Sometimes people walk very far,
but then realise they are in the wrong area.”
Each time he visits his parents’ grave,
Mr Jamal Ahmad, 61, directs the cab driver to the road nearest to the burial
site, which he has committed to memory since he attended his mother’s funeral
in 2014.
“I don’t know the exact plot number, so
I rely entirely on memory,” said Mr Jamal, who works in the services industry.
“But an app would be helpful because I
cannot imagine how to direct any member of the family or visitor to the site if
I’m not there to guide them.”
Source: straitstimes.com
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https://www.straitstimes.com/tech/ex-cemetery-worker-builds-app-to-help-visitors-find-muslim-burial-sites-in-lim-chu-kang-jalan-bahar
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South Asia
Islamic Emirates to Allocate Budget for
Private Madrassas in the Future: PM Kabir
2023-07-03
KABUL (BNA) Acting Prime Minister of IEA
Mawlavi Abdul Kabir in a meeting with a number of teachers and officials of
various madrassas in Kabul said that the Islamic Emirate will allocate funds to
strengthen private madrassas in addition to public madrassas in the future.
Acting Prime Minister of IEA Mawlavi
Abdul Kabir met with a number of professors and officials of various madrassas
in Kabul province, a statement released by his office.
In the meeting, the aforementioned
scholars said that there have been positive changes in the activities of
religious madrassas in Kabul, and in addition to the complete religious
curriculum, modern education has also been started for students.
They shared their suggestions to improve
the mentioned madrassas as much as possible with Acting Prime Minister.
In the future, the Islamic Emirate will
allocate funds to strengthen private madrassas in addition to public madrassas,
said Acting Prime Minister.
In the end, Mawlavi Abdul Kabir asked
all private madrassas to adapt their curriculum in coordination with the
Ministry of Education.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
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https://bakhtarnews.af/en/islamic-emirates-to-allocate-budget-for-private-madrassas-in-the-future-pm-kabir/
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Acting PM Kabir Praised Security Forces
Efforts to Maintaining People’s Security during Eid Days
2023-07-03
KABUL (BNA) Acting Prime Minister,
Mawlavi Abdul Kabir praised the efforts of officials and security forces for
maintaining the security of people during Eid days.
Acting Prime Minister of the Islamic
Emirate of Afghanistan, Mawlavi Abdul Kabir, separately met with Mawlavi Abdul
Haq Wasiq, the general director of intelligence, and Sheikh Noorullah Munir,
head of Central Dar-ul-Ifta, a statement said released by Arg.
The Director of Intelligence shared
details about the missions and successes of the department with the Acting
Prime Minister, adding that recently the forces and intelligence staff have
made significant progress in many areas.
Better coordination between intelligence
and other security bodies is granted and they work together to conduct security
and intelligence plans, Wasiq added.
For his part, Mawlavi Kabir, Deputy
Prime Minister, hailed the efforts of officials and staff of security organs on
ensuring the safe security of people during Eid days.
Meanwhile, in a separate meeting, Sheikh
Noorullah Munir, the head of Central Dar ul-Ifta, said: “Work has been done on
hundreds of important issues. He assured that experts and professionals are
working on relevant issues in the light of Sharia.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
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https://bakhtarnews.af/en/acting-pm-kabir-praised-security-forces-efforts-to-maintaining-peoples-security-during-eid-days/
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UN Announces New Strategic Framework for
Supporting People in Afghanistan
July 3, 2023
The United Nations in Afghanistan on
Monday released its Strategic Framework for Afghanistan for the period
2023-2025, outlining the UN’s approach to addressing basic human needs in the
country.
The UN’s new strategic Framework
prioritizes the needs and rights of those most vulnerable, including women and
girls, children and youth, internally displaced persons, returnees, refugees,
and ethnic and religious minorities, the statement said.
“Our Strategic Framework is a robust offer of
assistance to the people of Afghanistan to address their basic human needs and
complement the ongoing delivery of lifesaving humanitarian assistance,” said
the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan, Roza
Otunbayeva.
According to the statement, the UN
Strategic Framework was developed in close consultations with Member States,
partners, and stakeholders.
The New Strategic Framework has three
complementary and mutually reinforcing joint priorities to support the basic
human needs of the Afghan people:
Sustained Essential Services in crucial
sectors such as health, nutrition, education, employment, water, sanitation,
hygiene, social protection, and protection that are accessible to all,
affordable, and can be delivered free from all forms of discrimination.
Economic Opportunities and Resilient
Livelihoods through creating an enabling environment that facilitates economic
growth and provides decent work opportunities, especially for excluded groups
such as women.
Social Cohesion, Inclusion, Gender
Equality, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law – as prerequisites for sustainable
development and peace in Afghanistan – strengthening civil society engagement
and advocacy for alignment of Afghanistan’s normative and legal frameworks with
international human rights instruments.
“The United Nations and its partners
recognize that humanitarian aid alone will not be enough to sustainably address
the large-scale and increasing human suffering of the Afghan people in the
medium and long term,” said the Deputy Special Representative of the
Secretary-General and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim, Daniel
Endres.
Providing moral support in response to the
increasingly oppressive environment affecting all Afghans, particularly women
and girls, is a specific priority of the UN Strategic Framework.
The ban on Afghan women working for the
UN is an addition to earlier restrictions imposed on Afghan women and girls by
the de facto authorities, including bans on women working for NGOs and other
diplomatic organizations, bans on girls enrolling in secondary and tertiary
institutions, and bans on women and girls entering public parks, baths, and
gyms.
The restriction on Afghan women adds to
the dire humanitarian crisis in the country and paralyzes half of the society,
women.
These and other edicts limit women and
girls’ physical movement and participation in economic, social and public life.
“Whether the UN can fully implement this
framework will depend on actions by the de facto authorities and donor
support,” said Mr Endres.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/un-announces-new-strategic-framework-for-supporting-people-in-afghanistan/
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Japan to Provide Academic Scholarships
for Afghan Students
July 3, 2023
The Embassy of Japan in Kabul announced
it will provide scholarships at master and doctorate levels for Afghan students
amid restrictions on women and girls’ education by the Islamic Emirate of
Afghanistan.
On Sunday, July 2, the Japanese Embassy
on Twitter announced that Tokyo will provide academic opportunities for Afghan
students in Japan starting in 2024 at the doctorate and master-level programs.
The Embassy said the selection process
with soon start in cooperation with the Aga Khan Foundation.
Previously, Taliban’s Acting Minister of
Higher Education Nada Mohammad Nadim in meeting with Japan’s Ambassador to
Afghanistan Okada Takashi called for increased cooperation of Tokyo in
providing academic scholarships and learning opportunities for Afghan students.
Meanwhile, the Taliban’s governor for
central Bamyan province Mullah Abdullah Sarhadi met with Ambassador Takashi in
the past week and asked for academic scholarship programs for Afghan students.
The Japanese scholarship scheme
announcement comes for Afghan students in 2024, while Afghanistan’s de facto
authorities have completely bared female students above grade six from
attending schools and universities for the past nearly two years.
The gender-based discrimination has
sparked massive condemnations by international organizations and world
governments, whereas, the Taliban-run administration has its own priorities and
policies regarding the country’s internal matters.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/japan-to-provide-academic-scholarships-for-afghan-students/
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Over 4,000 Afghan Refugees Returned to
Country from Iran
July 3, 2023
According to Iranian border official
ParwizQasimzada, these Afghan migrants were arrested and returned to
Afghanistan due to the reasons for illegal entry and stay and the expiration
date of their passports.
Qasimzada further added in order to
enter, stay and exit Iran, foreign nationals will have to use legal channels.
He stressed that those foreign nationals who are illegally entering Iran will
face legal action from the border guards.
Previously, the head of refugees in
Iran’s Razavi Khorasan province had said over the past year, nearly 90,000
Afghan refugees were returned to Afghanistan through the Dogharun border.
Since the return of the Taliban to power
in August 2021, millions of vulnerable Afghan families migrated to the
neighboring countries including Iran and Pakistan.
Earlier, Ali Kazimi, Deputy Justice
Minister of Iran had said that roughly 63% of refugees in the country are from
Afghanistan.
The International Organization for
Migration in its latest report highlighted that 3.6 million Afghans migrated to
the neighboring countries in the past two years, 70% of them to Iran, 18% to
Pakistan, 11% to Turkey, and 2% to other countries.
This comes as the Islamic Regime of Iran
has forcefully deported thousands of Afghans to the country over the past
months.
Taliban officials have repeatedly
reported the return of Afghan nationals from Iran in the past months. It is
believed that some of these refugees willingly and others forcefully returned
to Afghanistan.
Source: khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/over-4000-afghan-refugees-returned-to-country-from-iran/
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Saudi Hajj Minister Hails Afghan Best
Management for Hajj Ceremony
2023-07-02
KABUL (BNA) Acting Minister of Hajj and
Religious of the Islamic Emirate, Sheikh Dr. Mawlavi Noor Mohammad Saqib
participated in the closing ceremony of the Hajj rituals which was organized by
the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia.
The Ministry of Hajj and Religious
announced this news that the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia, after
the successful completion of the Hajj rituals, participated in a special
meeting in which the heads of delegations of Islamic countries were present.
In the meeting, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan-
al-Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia, praised the Acting
Minister of Hajj and Religious of Afghanistan for preparing with the good
management of Afghan pilgrims.
In turn, Minister Saqib praised the
Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia for providing better services to
Afghan pilgrims in Mecca and Medina.
Meanwhile, the Acting Minister of Hajj
and Religious of the Islamic Emirate, in a special meeting with the Minister of
Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia, exchanged views about the Hajj process in the
coming year and creating more facilities for it.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
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https://bakhtarnews.af/en/saudi-hajj-minister-hails-afghan-best-management-for-hajj-ceremony/
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13 Criminal Arrests by Police in Kabul
2023-07-02
KABUL (BNA) Kabul police arrested
thirteen people on charges of robbery and the keeping of illegal weapons.
Kabul police headquarters by publishing
a statement today, Sunday said that police officers of the 10th District of
Kabul arrested thirteen people on charges of robbery and keeping of illegal
weapons.
Among these, five people have been
arrested on charges of house robbery, two on charges of stealing mobile phones
and money, one on charges of keeping illegal weapons, and five others on
charges of other crimes.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
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https://bakhtarnews.af/en/13-criminal-arrests-by-police-in-kabul/
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Mideast
Iran-Egypt restoration of ties to
strengthen Muslim World: Supreme Leader's advisor
1373725
"The strategic relations between
Iran, China, and Russia are gradually taking shape," Velayati told
Aljazeera television network in an exclusive interview.
He also said that the resumption will
probably lead to a new regional balance with the participation of Saudi Arabia.
Stating that Iran's relations with
Russia are strategic, the Iranian official added that differences in some
issues do not have a negative impact on them.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Velayati
referred to Tehran-Baku relations and expressed hope that the officials of the
Republic of Azerbaijan are aware of the depth of the fraternal relations
between the two countries.
"We do not accept any tension in
the relations between Tehran and Baku," he said.
Source: ilna.ir
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https://www.ilna.ir/Section-politics-3/1373725-iran-egypt-restoration-of-ties-to-strengthen-muslim-world-supreme-leader-advisor
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HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister
condoles with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques
03 Jul 2023
Manama, July 3 (BNA): His Royal Highness
Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today
sent a cable of condolences to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King
Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, following the passing of His Royal Highness
Prince Talal bin Mansour bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister sent a
similar cable to the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Source: bna.bh
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https://www.bna.bh/en/news?cms=q8FmFJgiscL2fwIzON1%2bDhcYDWwbY5cp0kT8wjgnlEI%3d
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Islamic body calls for collective push
to prevent desecration of Holy Quran
The Saudi-based Organisation of Islamic
Cooperation (OIC) on Sunday called for collective measures to avoid future Holy
Quran burnings, days after a copy of the Holy Book was torched outside a
Stockholm mosque.
The 57-member body met at its Jeddah
headquarters to respond to Wednesday's incident in which an Iraqi citizen
living in Sweden, SalwanMomika, 37, stomped on the Holy Book and set several
pages alight.
It coincided with the start of the Eid
Al Adha holiday and the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia,
sparking anger across the Muslim world.
On Sunday, the OIC urged member states
to "take unified and collective measures to prevent the recurrence of
incidents of desecration of copies of the" Holy Quran, according a
statement released after the "extraordinary" meeting.
The body's secretary general,
HisseinBrahim Taha, "stressed the need to send a clear message that acts
of desecration" of the Holy Quran are "not mere ordinary Islamophobia
incidents," the statement said.
"We must send constant reminders to
the international community regarding the urgent application of international
law, which clearly prohibits any advocacy of religious hatred."
Taha condemned Momika's Quran burning as
"a despicable act," echoing widespread denunciations that have
included demonstrations near the Swedish embassy in Iraq's capital.
Countries including the UAE, Iraq,
Kuwait and Morocco have summoned Swedish ambassadors in protest.
On Sunday, Iran's Foreign Minister
Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said Iran is holding off sending its new ambassador to
Sweden, HojjatollahFaghani, over the burning of the Holy Quran outside a mosque
in Stockholm.
Swedish police had granted Momika a
permit in line with free speech protections, but authorities later said they
had opened an investigation over "agitation."
Source: gulftoday.ae
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https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2023/07/02/islamic-body-calls-for-collective-push-to-prevent-desecration-of-holy-quran
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Vigils in Aflah al-Sham denouncing crime
of burning copies of Qur'an in Sweden
[02/July/2023]
HAJJAH July 02. 2023 (Saba)-Two vigils
were organized Today in Aflah al-Sham district in Hajjah province, condemning
the crime of burning Holy Qur'an in Sweden.
The participants in the two vigils
denounced the Swedish authorities for allowing extremists to burn copies of
Noble Qur’an, blaming the authorities for this flagrant violation.
They considered this step to be
aggressive, behind which the Zionist lobby stands, to target the sanctities of
Islam and provoke the feelings of Muslims, as it was carried out in conjunction
with the performance of Hajj.
The statement of the two stands called
on the Swedish authorities to punish the perpetrators of this crime, and not to
repeat any offense to Islamic sanctities.
Source: saba.ye
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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3249593.htm
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Tehran announces not to send its new
ambassador to Sweden because of insulting Holy Qur'an
[02/July/2023]
TEHRAN July 02. 2023 (Saba)-Iranian
Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian announced today, Sunday, that despite
the completion of administrative procedures, the process of sending the new
ambassador to Sweden has now stopped due to the government of this country
allowing insults to the Holy Qur'an.
He added: Despite the end of the
administrative procedures, the process of sending the ambassador to Sweden was
halted due to the move of the government of this country to issue a license to
offend the Holy Qur'an.
An informed source in the Iranian
Foreign Ministry told IRNA that despite the completion of administrative
procedures to send a new ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Sweden,
the Foreign Ministry does not have a plan at the present time to send the new
ambassador because of the insult to the Holy Quran in this country.
Source: saba.ye
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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3249578.htm
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Vigils in Hajjah denouncing burning
copies of Holy Qur'an in Sweden
[02/July/2023]
HAJJAH July 02. 2023 (Saba)-A vigil was
held in the center of Hajjah province to denounce burning copies of the Holy
Qur'an in Sweden.
The participants in the vigil denounced
the Swedish authorities' permission for extremists to burn copies of Holy
Qur'an, considering this a war against Islam and Muslims.
They demanded that the perpetrators of
the crime be punished to ensure that the offense against Islamic sanctities,
particularly the Holy Qur'an, is not repeated.
A statement issued by the stand called
on Islamic nation peoples to go out in angry demonstrations and vigils in
defense of Islam and its sanctities.
It stressed the importance of activating
the economic boycott of Swedish goods and products in the face of the serious
violation that affects the most important Islamic sanctities.
Source: saba.ye
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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3249565.htm
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How some vegan Muslims celebrate Eid
Al-Adha
KUWAIT: For many, Eid Al-Adha represents
a special occasion to get together with family and relatives around feasts and
barbecue parties with dishes in which meat is the main ingredient, after the
ritual slaughter of sheep, goats or cows. However, vegans, who abstain from
consuming animal products, try to approach Eid Al-Adha differently. For
Muhammad Rassem, the days of Eid Al-Adha are the toughest among all days of the
year, but he chooses to focus on the religious and cultural aspects while
abstaining from consuming meat.
“I celebrate Eid and pray while enjoying
the religious and traditional parts, but to avoid the slaughter ritual, I
sometimes try to spend Eid in a chalet away from the hustle and bustle of the
city until the days of Eid are over,” he said. On the other hand, Abdullah Wael
told Kuwait Times the rituals associated with Eid Al-Adha do not bother him. “I
understand that this is a religious ritual, and I have never had any problems
with my family or my surroundings,” he noted. During the days of Eid, he
prefers not to attend the rituals of sacrifice and wakes up late.
Later, he visits his family to
congratulate them on Eid and spends some time with them, then returns home
without sharing any food. Some vegans celebrate Eid by preparing plant-based
meals. “Sharing vegan meals can help vegans to be involved in the community
rather than being hated by everyone. It makes it easy for me to enjoy the Eid
atmosphere while avoiding animal products,” Rima Abu Qaoud said. Qaoud used the
occasion of Eid al-Adha to promote compassion towards animals, but still
participated in all the rituals, including attending the slaughtering of sheep,
pointing out this occasion has religious and historical symbolism for Muslims.
“My being a vegetarian and not eating
meat does not contradict in any way with Eid,” she said. Mohamed Chibani said
the past two years were among the best due to the strict precautionary measures
imposed because of COVID on everyone, which prevented the slaughter of animals.
“The number of people eating meat has increased recently in the Middle East,
which has environmental repercussions due to greenhouse gas emissions, usually
by food industries and livestock farms, resulting in climate changes that we
suffer from. It was one of the reasons that drove me to become a vegan,” he
explained.
Source: kuwaittimes.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.kuwaittimes.com/how-some-vegan-muslims-celebrate-eid-al-adha/
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Higher Agricultural Committee calls for
boycotting Swedish products
[02/July/2023]
SANA'A July 02. 2023 (Saba)-The Higher
Agricultural and Fisheries Committee called on Arab and Islamic peoples to
boycott Swedish products.
The committee stated in a statement - a
copy of which was received by the Yemeni News Agency (Saba) - that the boycott
of Swedish goods is a victory for the Noble Qur’an in the face of the Zionist
onslaught against Islam.
The statement pointed out that the call
for a boycott comes after repeated violations and provocations of Muslims
around the world under the false banner of freedom of opinion and expression,
stressing the importance of taking the necessary measures, foremost of which is
the economic boycott and the ban on importing goods from Sweden.
It pointed out that freedom of opinion
and false democracy claimed by Western countries have no regard, especially
when it comes to peoples' religions and beliefs.
The statement called for the preparation
of a comprehensive awareness plan on the concept of boycott and its positive
impact on the nation and its direct and painful impact on every country that
offends Islam and its sanctities.
Source: saba.ye
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3249555.htm
--------
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation
calls for actions to prevent Quran desecration
03/07/2023
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation,
an Islamic grouping of 57 states, said on Sunday collective measures are needed
to prevent acts of desecration to the Quran and international law should be
used to stop religious hatred after the holy book was burned in a protest in
Sweden.
The statement by the OIC, most of whose
members have a Muslim-majority population, was issued after an extraordinary
meeting in Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah called to discuss Wednesday’s incident.
“We must send constant reminders to the
international community regarding the urgent application of international law,
which clearly prohibits any advocacy of religious hatred,” OIC
Secretary-General HisseinBrahim Taha said.
An Iraqi refugee in Sweden tore up and
burned a Quran outside Stockholm’s central mosque on Wednesday, the first day
of the Muslim Eid al-Adha holidays. The act angered OIC member Turkey whose
backing Sweden needs to gain entry to the NATO military alliance.
Swedish police had granted permission
for a protest to take place. But after the burning, police charged the man who
carried it out with agitation against an ethnic or national group.
The incident has triggered protests by
Arab, Iranian, and Turkish governments as well as large demonstrations in
Baghdad in front of the Swedish Embassy. It has also been condemned by the
United States.
Turkey in late January suspended talks
with Sweden on its NATO application after a Danish far-right politician burned
a copy of the Quran near the Turkish embassy in Stockholm.
Source: thearabweekly.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://thearabweekly.com/organisation-islamic-cooperation-calls-actions-prevent-quran-desecration
--------
North America
Former White House Press Secretary
Claims Republicans Are Recruiting Muslims Against Transgender People
July 02, 2023
Former White House press secretary Jen
Psaki claimed Republicans are recruiting Muslims against transgender people in
her Sunday episode of MSNBC’s “Inside with Jen Psaki.”
Psaki claimed Republicans are using
former President Richard Nixon’s “Southern Strategy” method by turning Muslim
Americans against transgender people and, in turn, winning their vote.
“Now, decades later, the right-wing is
reviving that same playbook,” Psaki said. “This time, with Muslim Americans and
trans people. Hear me out here, the GOP is trying to recruit Muslim Americans,
a community that makes up less than two percent of the U.S. population against
another tiny marginalized group of Americans — transgender people.”
She further claimed the Republican Party
and alleged “conspiracy theorists” have made Muslims “public enemy number one”
for several years until deciding to “shift their fear mongering” toward
transgender people. (RELATED: Psaki Starts Crying Over Leaders She Claims
‘Bully’ LGBTQ Kids)
“Who better to go after the new enemy
than the old enemy?” she continued, before playing 2015 footage of Fox News’
Laura Ingraham saying Muslims coming to the U.S. could be radicalized. “Now, if
you can believe it, Laura Ingraham rallying Muslims against books in schools
with LGBTQ+ themes.”
Psaki referenced a Muslim community in
Dearborn, Michigan who called for the ban of sexually explicit books from their
local school district. A school board meeting was canceled as Muslims protested
the books by holding up signs reading, “Homosexuality Big Sin” and “Keep Your
Dirty Books In The Closet.”
The school is reviewing six books in its
library, including “This Book Is Gay,” a book that gives the “ins and outs of
gay sex,” and “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” a descriptive memoir of a queer, black
boy.
The former press secretary compared
former President Donald Trump to former Alabama governor and segregationist
George Wallace. She played a video of Trump saying in a June 10 speech “people
go crazy” when he starts talking about transgender people.
“So what you just heard in that video,
that sounds an awful lot like, and reminiscent of what George Wallace, a
staunch segregationist, once told a newspaper editor, ‘You know, I tried to
talk about good roads and good schools and all these things that have been part
of my career, and nobody listened. And then I began talking about n******, and
they stomped the floor.'”
“So, let’s be clear. This is the same
old GOP playbook. Another cynical ploy to tear at the fabric of society and
damage the idea that out of any, we are one,” Psaki concluded.
Source: dailycaller.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://dailycaller.com/2023/07/02/jen-psaki-republicans-muslims-transgender-people-msnbc/
--------
Renton memorabilia mecca braces for its
second-ever All-Star rush
July 2, 2023 a
When baseball’s faithful pour into
Seattle for All-Star Week, which kicks off Friday, many will make the usual
side trips — Space Needle, Pike Place Market and maybe the Underground Tour.
But if Seattle’s All-Star history is any
guide, more than a few will find their way to a Renton mini-mall and an overstuffed
sports reliquary known as DJ’s Sportscards.
The last time the All-Star circus came
to Seattle, in 2001, Don Joss’ labyrinth of trading cards, bobbleheads,
autographed balls and other memorabilia was a mob scene. The Mariners were on
fire with a 63-24 record and four starters on the American League All-Star
roster.
“Their cards were selling like crazy,
especially Ichiro because he was a rookie that year,” says Joss, 52.
A repeat would be nice, especially given
the uncertain climate for shops like his, which have endured booms, busts,
online competition and now price inflation that Joss fears is making some
customers balk.
Still, Joss, who is moving to a bigger
space nearby in July, has high hopes for his business amid the All-Star
festivities.
True, the Mariners themselves won’t be
quite the draw this time, with their sorry record and zero All-Star starters.
But Joss, who has traded sports
memorabilia since he was a junior at Renton’s Hazen High School, is preparing
for a big turnout, with added staff and promotional giveaways — because
collectors of sports memorabilia aren’t like ordinary sports fans.
For starters, collectors don’t just
treasure established stars on the hottest teams. They obsess about finding
stars-to-be — prospects whose rookie-season cards on a struggling squad might
be the next Topps 1952 Mickey Mantle and command millions at auction.
So the fans who flood the dozen-or-so
Seattle-area card shops in the next two weeks will go for current Mariners
headliners like Julio Rodriguez and Cal Raleigh, and rookie Bryce Miller. But
they’ll also seek pre-rookies like Harry Ford, catcher on the M’s Everett farm
club, the AquaSox, “who’s already got trading cards, and people snap them up,”
Joss says.
And collectors collect not only cards
but card-shop stops.
When traveling for business or pleasure,
many collectors will scout out local card shops, and Joss expects a surge in
out-of-towners as the first All-Star festivities kick off Friday.
“I literally have people come see me
before they go to their hotel,” he says.
Jake Johnson understands that
calculating focus. The Salem, Ore., man was in town with his wife Rocio and son
Jaden for a couple of M’s games and stopped by DJ’s after hearing about it for
several years.
Whenever you have a chance to visit a
new shop, “you want to come down and check everything out and see if there’s
anything new,” says Johnson, who thinks the All-Star Game will “absolutely” be
an occasion to add to the bobblehead collection in his man cave.
****
There is, arguably, a natural affinity
between sports collectors and the All-Star Game.
The game appeals to die-hard baseball
fans who are deeply loyal to their teams but maybe even more so to baseball
itself, the institution, with its history and statistics and long, long tail of
promotional artifacts.
For such aficionados, shops like DJ’s
are hog heaven — if hogs wanted to wallow in a giant pool of every conceivable
sports collectible.
There are bobbleheads and team posters;
individually encased autographed baseballs (Steve Garvey just $39.95); stacks
of coffee table sports books and Sports Illustrated magazines; crates of
sports-themed vinyl records (“Great Gridiron Marches and Other Favorites”);
even mint-condition Wheaties boxes with ’80s-era sports stars on the front and
the cereal still inside for $5 or $10.
But the main attraction is the sports
cards.
Joss has at least a million of them in
the shop and another 4 million in storage. He carries cards for all the major
sports — even mixed martial arts and hydroplane racing — in package formats
ranging from curated singles to retail packs in their original wrappers
(brittle ribbon of gum included) to complete Topps 600-card sets. Vintages run
from the late 1880s up to yesterday’s new card shipment.
Prices run the gamut. Joss’ most
expensive sale was an autographed pre-rookie Mike Trout for $15,000. But
collectors will also find substantially more affordable items, from a
late-career Willie Mays for $25 to Hall of Famers in the four-for-$1 boxes to
bins of loose cards that Joss and his staff just give away. “Nobody’s priced
out,” he says.
Most of Joss’ vintage stock comes from
collectors, or their heirs, looking to downsize or raise some cash. Joss is no
shy buyer — he once paid $35,000 for a basement full of unopened sets, including
sets with Upper Deck’s Ken Griffey Jr. rookie season card.
But a more typical deal involves
someone’s prized childhood collection that often isn’t quite such a prize.
Cards will be creased, have rough
corners or, frequently, be from eras that produced a lot of lower-value
product.
During a break from sales, Joss steps
out to the parking lot to appraise a cardboard box full of baseball cards. The
seller, Gregg Cameron, says he collected most of them in the 1980s and 1990s
when the card industry was booming.
But that’s the problem, Joss explains.
That same boom also flooded the card
market, which created vast swathes of inventory that never gained much value.
“That’s probably worth about 100 bucks
to me,” Joss says, gently, after looking through the box. And “a lot of that
I’m going to give away,” he adds before suggesting Cameron might be better off
putting it all on Craigslist for a few hundred dollars. Cameron says he’ll
think about it and heads off.
It’s a bit of an All-Star moment, in a
way. Joss credits the 2001 All-Star Game in Seattle for helping rebuild
interest in sports cards after the 1990s doldrums.
The game “really picked things up,” Joss
says. “It’d be hard to know how much was the All-Star Game and how much was
Ichiro and a 116-game-win season — but all that combined for a great lift at a
time when the hobby was still kind of struggling.”
Twenty-two years later, Joss thinks the
hobby could use another lift.
Even before COVID-19, brick-and-mortar
card shops faced stiff competition from online sellers; even some of the big
card makers now sell directly to collectors, Joss says.
Shops have fought back, expanding into
nonsport collectibles and holding in-store activities. DJ’s contains multitudes
of Pokémon and Lego items and holds professional athlete autograph sessions,
some of which have supported charities that have helped Joss and his wife, Amy,
adopt numerous children in need.
The pandemic brought some relief. Sales
jumped as stuck-at-home collectors rediscovered their old specimens just as
card makers were struggling to produce new ones. The boom was one reason Joss
is upgrading to a larger store on nearby Union Avenue, which will open July 10,
one day before the All-Star Game. The current store’s last day is July 8.
But the pandemic boom also pushed up
prices on new cards, and they remain so elevated that Joss worries it may blunt
the zeal of returning fans.
Meanwhile, even as supplies of new cards
have stabilized, supplies of older items are more complicated. Joss sees more
people trying to sell vintage sports cards that appear to be stolen. “It’s
definitely getting worse,” he says.
Noncard memorabilia has also become more
challenging.
Back in the day, collectors who kept an
eye on stadium dumpsters often turned up treasures like broken bats, foul
balls, signage — in one case, a dark blue Mariners’ 1995 AL West title banner
salvaged from the Kingdome before it was imploded. It now hangs in Joss’ shop
near the flat-screen TV showing M’s reruns.
These days, Joss says, stadiums are much
savvier about keeping things like that to sell themselves. “There’s still
plenty of supply,” he says. “You’re just not going to get it for free.”
****
With the game a ways away, it’s not
clear what kind of an All-Star bump shops like Joss’ might see, or whether it
truly won’t matter, sales-wise, that the Mariners may barely avoid sharing the
basement with all those old Griffey and Ichiro cards.
But on this particular day, the signs
look modestly hopeful. The shop is getting steadily busier as the afternoon
wears on, including with first-time customers.
Near a shelf by the 1995 Mariners
banner, Kevin Garren, 64, was looking at Kraken cards and rekindling an old
enthusiasm.
The retired electrician had been an avid
card collector until the 1990s, “when they flooded the market.” But a few weeks
ago, Garren stumbled across a card show in a local mall and decided to try DJ’s
— “and now I’m reeled right back in.”
Paul Roberts: proberts@seattletimes.com;
on Twitter: @Pauledroberts.
Source: seattletimes.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.seattletimes.com/business/renton-memorabilia-mecca-braces-for-its-second-ever-all-star-rush/
--------
Latest US mass shooting kills two,
wounds dozens in Baltimore
Sunday, 02 July 2023
Another US mass shooting in the
northeastern city of Baltimore has killed at least two people and wounded
dozens -- three critically – at an apartment block.
An 18-year-old female was pronounced
dead at the scene and a 20-year-old male was pronounced dead after being taken
to a local hospital, local police authorities declared Sunday.
According to police officials, three of
those wounded were in critical condition with eight others transported from the
scene to area hospitals. They further stated that 20 more shooting victims
walked to other hospitals for treatment.
Baltimore police department said the
”mass-shooting incident” began in early hours of Sunday as hundreds of people were gathered in the area for an
event called "Brooklyn Day," adding that witnesses reported hearing
20 to 30 shots fired.
Although shootings across the US are
quite common due to its laws allowing the purchase and carrying guns, mass
shootings and the use of machine guns have become a growing concern in the
country.
US lawmakers, however, have done very
little to enact laws to control the sale of arms and the growing gun violence.
Source: presstv.ir
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2023/07/02/706316/Latest-US-mass-shooting-kills-2-wounds-dozens-in-Baltimore
--------
US Congress demands more information on
probe into Malley’s suspension
Saturday, 01 July 2023
The chairman of the US House Committee
on Foreign Affairs has called on the State Department to provide more
information about a decision to place US special envoy on Iran Robert Malley on
leave amid an investigation into his handling of classified documents.
“These reports raise serious concerns
both regarding Malley’s conduct and whether the State Department misled
Congress and the American public,” Michael McCaul wrote in a letter to
Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
McCaul called Malley’s security
clearance suspension “troubling” and blasted the State Department for
stonewalling the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s past “efforts to conduct
oversight.”
“While the suspension of special envoy
Malley’s clearance is independently troubling, our concern is compounded by the
State Department’s failure to respond to the committee’s efforts to conduct
oversight of its negotiations with and policy toward Iran. Since April 11,
2023, the committee has repeatedly requested [Malley’s] testimony, which the
department has not fulfilled, despite [his] numerous press engagements dating
back to May 30, 2023,” McCaul said.
The Texas Republican further asserted
that “at no point did the department indicate that Malley’s security clearance
was suspended or under review, or that he was being investigated for potential
misconduct” when the department rebuffed efforts to get him to testify.
“The department’s failure to inform
Congress of this matter demonstrates at best a lack of candor, and at worst
represents deliberate and potentially unlawful misinformation,” McCaul wrote to
Blinken.
The House Foreign Affairs Committee
chairman then demanded the State Department provide his panel with a “full” and
“transparent” accounting of the circumstances surrounding Malley’s clearance
suspension and investigation by July 11.
Malley announced earlier that his
security clearance was under review, but hoped that the investigation would be
resolved “favorably and soon”. “In the meantime, I am on leave,” he said.
A US official familiar with the matter
also said Malley was placed on unpaid leave on Thursday afternoon. Another
source said that his security clearance was suspended amid a State Department
diplomatic security investigation into the possible mishandling of classified
information.
The US official told CNN that Malley
remained on the job for a period of time following the State Department
investigation, but was not allowed to access classified information.
Two sources familiar with the matter
also confirmed that the State Department investigation identified an issue with
Malley’s security clearance.
Earlier, State Department spokesman Matt
Miller said Malley was on leave but did not say why or for how long. He added
that Abram Paley was filling in on an acting basis.
Appointed soon after US President Joe Biden
took office in 2021, Malley had the task of trying to revive the 2015 Iran
nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
(JCPOA), after former president Donald Trump’s decision in 2018 to abandon the
pact and re-impose US sanctions on Tehran.
He was a member of the US team
negotiating the JCPOA with Iran under former US president, Barack Obama.
Iran showed to the world the peaceful
nature of its nuclear program by signing the JCPOA with six world states —
namely the United States, Germany, France, Britain, Russia and China.
However, former US president Donald
Trump pulled out of the UN-endorsed agreement in May 2018 and imposed what he
called “maximum pressure” sanctions against Iran.
Multilateral diplomatic efforts to
revive the JCPOA have been stalled since last August, with Iran blaming the
United States for failing to guarantee that it will not leave the deal again.
Iran has repeatedly announced that the
JCPOA revival is possible if the US and the European signatories to the
agreement have the will to reach that aim, warning that the opportunity will
not last forever.
Source: presstv.ir
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2023/07/01/706235/US-Congress-demands-more-info-probe-Malley-suspension
--------
Africa
Our members detained in Anambra prisons
without trial — Miyetti Allah
2nd July 2023
The Zonal Chairman of Miyetti Allah
Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, South-East Chapter,
AlhajiGidadoSiddikki, has claimed that its members are being detained without
trial at different correctional centres in Anambra State.
Siddikki also alleged that some of its
members have been labelled as kidnappers, armed robbers and clamped into
detention by the police for over five years without trial.
He stated these while briefing
journalists in Awka on Sunday, just as he appealed to the Anambra State
government through the Ministry of Justice and the prison authority in the
state, to look into the matter, with a view to putting an end to the
development.
He said, “The leadership of MACBAN in
the zone is currently sad about the way herdsmen are been dehumanised and
labelled kidnappers and armed robbers in the region.
“We are here for our business, of which
we are all aware that it is the ranching of cows in the bushes and not for
criminal activities.
“So many of our people have been in the
prison yards for more than five years without the state government looking into
their case file or giving them a trial. All this hatred is caused by some
disgruntled elements living with the Igbo who do not like Fulani in the
religion.
“Wherever they see a Fulani man, because
of the hatred, they will report him to any nearest police station via a weighty
allegation, whether he committed the offence or not, and the Police will arrest
him, charge him to court, and afterwards, the herder will be dumped inside the
prison yards and their file kept in court custody without trial.
“That is why, on behalf of MACBAN South
East, I am appealing to the Anambra State government, through the Ministry of
Justice and the Prison Authority in the state, to look into the matter, so that
our people that are in prison custody will either be freed or sentenced
according to the law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, after trial.
“The association stands on its position
that any Fulani herder who is caught in any criminal act in the course of
discharging his legitimate business will be dealt with in accordance with the
laws of the association.
“MACBAN, under my watch in the South
East, will continue to support the social-economic development of the region.”
Efforts to get the reaction of the
Anambra state government through the press secretary to the governor, Christian
Aburime, proved abortive as he referred our correspondent to the state Attorney
General/Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Chika Ifemeje.
But Ifemeje, on her part, did not also
respond to several calls and messages to her telephone on the development.
However, when contacted on the
telephone, the Public Relations Officer of Prisons Service in the state, Mr
Frank Kez, denied the allegations by the Miyetti Allah group.
Kez said, “It is not true. The group
should get their facts right before going to the press. We are not the ones to
give the facts. If their members are being detained without going to court or
without trial, they should approach the courts to complain, that is the proper
thing to do.
“There are no issues like that, we don’t
have any persons that have not been tried in custody, so anyone or group that
feels they are not getting what they want from the court should seek legal
redress.
“We don’t have any persons called
Miyetti Allah or herdsmen in our custody. It is not a name of a person, the
people in the custody bear names, the group should mention the names of their
members in our custody.”
Also reacting, the state police
spokesman, DSP TochukwuIkenga, said, “It is not true. The police don’t have the
capacity to detain someone for over five years without trial as alleged.”
Source: punchng.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://punchng.com/our-members-detained-in-anambra-prisons-without-trial-miyetti-allah/
--------
Isese: Why Ilorin Islamic clerics who
visited priestess’ residence are wrong — Lawyers
2nd July 2023
Lawyers across various strata have
weighed in on the visit of some Islamic clerics to the residence of an Osun
traditional priestess, YeyeAjesikemiOlokun, for wanting to hold an Egbe
festival in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
The PUNCH had earlier reported that the
entourage were members of a Muslim group known as Majlisu Shabab-l-Ulamah
Society.
The group noted that the Emir of Ilorin,
Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, had sent them to convey a warning to the priestess to
desist from holding the festival scheduled from July 22 to July 24, 2023, on
Secondary School Road, Oke Andi in Ilorin.
Speaking with our correspondent in a
telephone interview, a UK-based Rights lawyer, MorakinyoOlasupo, said the
clerics had trampled upon the freedom of thought, conscience and religion of
the traditional worshipper as entrenched in Chapter 4, Section 38 of the 1999
Constitution with their threat.
“Their action can lead to legal
injunction, it is wrong to have threatened anyone from practising their
religion. The Emir they claim to have gotten directives from is not identified
by the constitution.
“They are not law enforcement agents and
should not carry out such actions,” he added.
Speaking further, Olasupo said the right
to religion is not absolute; it is only a qualified one, while citing Section
45 of the constitution, adding, “If the law will affect the public, the state
government could come up with a law to challenge it with a counter-Act to avert
chaos that will affect public safety.”
The UK-based law faulted the action of
the clerics, saying that they should have consulted the state government to
seek redress for the planned festival if they were not in agreement with it.
Unlike Olasupo, a senior lawyer who
specialises in Human Rights and Public Interest, InibeheEffiong, said no state
or society can be attributed to a particular religion in Nigeria.
He stressed that whether the festival
will affect other people’s peace should be a matter that the law enforcement
agents should see to not the public judging that there may be.
He maintained that the domination of a
religious sect in a region does not infer the illegality of other religions
practised by others there, adding that “it is inconsequential”.
“The right to freedom of religion is not
exclusive to Muslims or Christians. No religion was mentioned in the
Constitution. It is not for adherents of other religions to determine which one
is superior.
“Section 10 of the constitution makes it
more clear that the government of the federation or state shall not recognise
any religion as the state religion. So the section recognises two basic
principles — a peculiarity of the Nigerian state and plurality of religion, so
the priestess has the right to practise her religion, not leaving the fact that
the African religion predates both Islam and Christianity.
“It is pure harassment to stop her; she
should seek legal redress. The police should, given their threat, give them the
security to manifest their faith,” Effiong noted.
Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer
of the Ilorin Emirate Development Union, Usman Jagunma, said that the intention
of the clerics was not to stop her from practising her religion but to cease
holding elaborate events that affect the doctrines of the Ilorin community.
He, however, added that the event could
have been held in any part of Kwara State aside from the five core Ilorin local
government areas identified as Ilorin Emirate, including Ilorin East, Ilorin
West, Asa, Ilorin South and Moro.
“These Ilorin Emirate LGs are mostly
dominated by 90 per cent Muslims and would not allow such religion to be
practised in their vicinity except that there will be a public outcry that
could lead to the breakdown of law and order.
“There are other places dominated by
Christians too, especially some wards in Moro LG.
“The said woman has been there for
years; she even bought land and built a house in the area and has not been
stopped from practising her religion, but making it prominent to the extent of doing
an elaborate event to celebrate her deities is looking to stir uproar in our
community,” he stressed.
Jagunma affirmed the clerics being sent
by the Emir because no one in the community would accept that while justifying
their visitation to the priestess.
He further appealed to the state
government to look into the matter to avoid a breakdown of law and order.
Source: punchng.com
Please
click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://punchng.com/isese-why-ilorin-islamic-clerics-who-visited-priestess-residence-are-wrong-lawyers/
--------
India
CPI(M) in Kerala trying to turn UCC into
Hindu-Muslim issue for political gains: Congress
03.07.23
Upset over the overtures by the ruling
CPI(M) in Kerala to Congress' key ally IUML in connection with the Uniform
Civil Code (UCC), the grand old party on Monday alleged the Left party was
trying to turn it into a Hindu versus Muslim issue for gaining political
mileage.
A day after CPI(M) state secretary M V
Govindan reached out to Muslim organisations in the state, including IUML, for
discussions on the UCC issue, the Congress claimed that the Left party was
"walking the same path" as the BJP which was allegedly trying to
create communal unrest and divide the people by pushing for implementation of
the UCC.
AICC general secretary K C Venugopal
said that his party was in agreement with the 2018 finding of the Law
Commission that UCC was "unnecessary and not desirable".
"However, in our state (Kerala),
some are trying to turn it into a Hindu versus Muslim issue and the CPI(M) is
championing such efforts. They are saying it is a Hindu-Muslim issue. It is not
something that would affect only one particular religion, it will affect the
entire nation," he said.
Venugopal, also a Rajya Sabha MP, said
that Congress was taking at face value the obvious concerns and apprehensions
of its ally Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and the Muslim community and the
party's stand on UCC would be made clear in the coming Parliamentary session.
Speaking along similar lines, Leader of
Opposition (LoP) in the state Assembly V D Satheesan said, "The BJP is
trying to turn it into a Hindu-Muslim issue and create communal strife to gain
political mileage out of it and the CPI(M) is adopting the same path in Kerala."
He also cautioned against answering the CPI(M) call for protests or agitations
against the UCC, saying that the Left party was yet to withdraw allegedly false
cases lodged against those who particpated in the anti-CAA protests in the
state.
Satheesan said the Congress and the
opposition UDF led by it had on several occasions in the Assembly demanded that
the cases against the CAA protestors be withdrawn and the government had
assured it would do so.
"Till date not even one case has
been withdrawn and those involved are walking in and out of courts. So I would
request CPI(M) to first withdraw those cases before starting any protests or
agitations against UCC," he said.
The LoP alleged that there was every
possibility that the CPI(M) would lodge cases against those protesting against
the UCC as the Left party has "double standards".
"On one side they will support
protests, on the other they will lodge cases against protestors to appease the
other side. Therefore, they have double standards. Their stand is not sincere,"
Satheesan contended.
Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC)
chief K Sudhakaran, meanwhile, said that he was waiting for the national
leadership's decision on the UCC.
On being asked about CPI(M) state
secretary M V Govindan's remark a day ago that IUML can also join the seminar
that would be organised by the Left party, Sudhakaran told reporters in Kochi
that the statement deserves no response.
"What connection does he have with
IUML? Did IUML say it will go with CPI(M)? You will have to ask him (Govindan)
what was the intention behind his statement," the KPCC chief said.
The CPI(M) state secretary on Sunday at
a press conference held in Thiruvanathapuram had said that the Left party would
be organising a seminar with regard to the UCC issue and would invite all
parties which are not communal.
Govindan had also said that even
Congress-ally IUML can attend the seminar, but added that the grand old party
would not be invited as it did not have a "coherent stand" on the
issue.
Source: telegraphindia.com
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https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/cpim-in-kerala-trying-to-turn-uniform-civil-code-into-hindu-muslim-issue-for-political-gains-congress/cid/1949426
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UCC Will Help Muslims And Christians:
Kerala BJP State President K Annamalai
03rd July 2023
KANNIYAKUMARI: Muslims and Christians will be the first and
second beneficiaries if Uniform Civil Code (UCC) comes into effect, said BJP
state president K Annamalai on Sunday. Addressing ‘Kumari Sangamam’, a
gathering of party supporters at Nagaraja Temple Ground in Nagercoil, he said,
“Soon, the BJP will win over 400 LS seats and form the government again. I hope
a BJP MP from Kanniyakumari would find a place in the cabinet then.”
“Before 2014, over 80 Rameswaram
fishermen were shot at while fishing. But after the BJP formed the government
at the Centre, no fisherman has been shot at. The Centre even created a
separate ministry for fisheries. So, our PM Narendra Modi is the father of fishermen.
On the other hand, the DMK, which promised to construct two lakh houses for the
fisherfolk in its election manifesto, has not kept its word. Similarly, the
promised IT park and rubber park also remain non-starters,” he further said.
Source: newindianexpress.com
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https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2023/jul/03/ucc-will-help-muslims-and-christians-bjp-state-president-k-annamalai-2590888.html
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AIMIM looks to make inroads in
Rajasthan, Owaisi says Muslim MLAs in state ‘silenced’
Jul 2, 2023
Jaykishan Sharma
By Jaykishan Sharma: With an eye on
Rajasthan Assembly polls, scheduled to be held later this year, All India
Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi addressed a public
meeting in Jaipur on Sunday. Asaduddin Owaisi claimed that the Muslims in
Rajasthan are comparatively “weaker” as compared to other states.
Owaisi said that the nine Muslim MLAs in
Rajasthan have been “silenced” by Chief Minister and Congress leader Ashok
Gehlot. “In Rajasthan, these nine Muslim MLAs are not leaders but are nine
gems. Ashok Gehlot has put a lock on their mouths,” Owaisi said.
The AIMIM chief alleged unfair and
biased treatment towards members of the Muslim community.
“Nasir and Junaid were burned in
Bharatpur, but the Chief Minister of this state barely made it there. Kanhaiya
Lal’s death is condemned but what about those who killed Nasir and Junaid? Rs
50 lakh compensation was provided for Kanhaiya's death, but only Rs 15 lakh for
Nasir and Junaid,” Owaisi said.
There are nine Muslim MLAs in Rajasthan,
but no one raises their voice, the AIMIM chief said in Jaipur.
Lashing out at the grand old party which
is in power in Rajasthan, Owaisi said, “Congress can only betray the Muslims.”
Owaisi called for a survey of Muslim
OBCs in Rajasthan and sought reservations from the state government for members
of the Muslim community.
OWAISI ON AJIT PAWAR COUP
AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi on
Sunday took a jibe at opposition parties, saying that those invited to the
Opposition meeting ends up joining hands with the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Owaisi’s remark came hours after senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar along with eight
other party MLAs were sworn in as ministers in the Eknath Shinde-led
Maharashtra government.
Last month, 17 parties took part in the
meeting convened in Patna by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on to chalk out
a joint strategy ahead of next year's Lok Sabha polls. Owaisi said that his
party did not receive an invitation to the meeting.
“The Opposition meeting took place in
Patna. The person that Sharad Pawar brought to the meeting, Praful Patel, has
now joined hands with the BJP,” Owaisi said on Sunday.
“What kind of Opposition unity is this?
Whoever is called ends up joining BJP. And they accuse us (AIMIM) of being B
team. We were not called to the Opposition meeting,” he said.
He further lashed out at the opposition
parties and said, “Four of our MLAs were brought by Congress, RJD, and Nitish
Kumar in Bihar. When they (the opposition parties) do it, it is good, and if
someone else does it then it is wrong?”
Source: indiatoday.in
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https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/aimim-looks-to-make-inroads-in-rajasthan-owaisi-says-muslim-mlas-in-state-silenced-2400933-2023-07-02
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Old Video From Thailand Shared As
Assault On Uyghur Muslim In China
2 July 2023
An old video from Thailand has recently
gone viral on social media with a false claim that it shows a Uyghur Muslim
being thrashed for offering namaz at a public place in China.
BOOM found that the video shows an
incident from Thailand from 2020 when an employee of a debt company was beaten
up by his senior for allegedly mishandling the customer's money.
The 21-second long video shows
disturbing visuals of a man sitting on his knees and getting kicked by another
man. The assaulter later, lifts the victim up from the ground and continues to
attack him by kicking repeatedly on his face.
The video is being shared with a Hindi
caption that translates to, "Prayers and religious practices are not
allowed in public places in China. A Uyghur Muslim was brutally thrashed by a
man from another community while offering namaz in a public place in China.)
The same video is viral with a caption
in English saying, "In China, one Abdullah tried to offer Namaz in an
institute, the teacher reminded him on seeing 72. Cheers In India, Muslims
offer Namaz wherever they want, in temples, in trains, on roads, yet today
Muslims are not safe in India, aren't they Jihadis? jokes."
Fact Check BOOM ran a reverse image
search on the keyframes from the viral video and found a tweet from September
20, 2022, carrying a screengrab from the viral video. The Indonesian caption
with the image mentioned that the incident took place in Thailand where the
assault happened over a payment issue.
Click here to view the tweet. Taking a
cue from this, we ran a related keyword search and found a Thai news report
published on December 4, 2020. The report states that the visuals show a senior
employee of a company's debt collection group beating his subordinate and
accusing him of cheating in front of other employees. The victim said that
several such incidents in the past also took place related to the debt
collection.
Another report by Daily News Thailand
from December 2, 2020, about the incident also states that the incident
occurred in Thailand in 2020 because the employee of a lending company got
beaten for allegedly mishandling the customer's money.
Though, this video does not show torture
on a Uyghur Muslim in China, we found several news articles reporting about the
violence on the community in the country. Read one such report here. Also
Read:Video Of Protests In Israeli-occupied Syrian Golan Heights Peddled As
Manipur
Source: boomlive.in
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.boomlive.in/fact-check/muslim-namaz-china-uyghur-muslims-public-place-beating-thrashing-video-viral-fact-check-22415
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Pakistan
Govt to collect Haj expenses in dollars
next year: Talha
July 03, 2023
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for
Religious Affairs Talha Mehmood on Sunday announced to collect all expenses of
Haj in US dollars from next year. He congratulated the 160,000 Pakistani
pilgrims on performing Haj.
Praising the efforts of Saudi Crown
Prince Muhammad bin Salman, Talha said no untoward incident was reported during
Haj 2023 in Jamarat and most of the pilgrims seemed satisfied with the
arrangements.
Addressing a post-Haj press conference,
Talha said he had brought the Haj quota to over 179,000 for the 2024 Haj. Next
year, the Haj expenses would be collected in US dollars not in Pakistani
rupees, he said.
The minister said the Saudi government
made excellent arrangements on the occasion of Haj and he himself visited
hotels of Pakistani Hajis. The Pakistani mission provided maximum assistance to
Pakistanis during Haj.
Senator Talha said he was offered to
perform Haj as a guest of state but he preferred to perform Haj as a common
man. He had discussed the problems of Haj pilgrims with the Saudi minister, who
ensured him of solving the problems in future.
The religious minister said that he did
not allow anyone to perform free-of-cost Haj and will not allow it in future
too. He said he had paid his Haj expenses as a minister and remained with other
Pakistani Hajis and performed Haj.
While answering a question, Talha said
he had no knowledge how many people performed Haj with President Arif Alvi as
the president’s Haj had nothing to do with his ministry.
Source: thenews.com.pk
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1086434-govt-to-collect-haj-expenses-in-dollars-next-year-talha
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Fast economic recovery Govt’s top
priority: Ahsan
July 03, 2023
File photo
Minister for Planning and Development
Ahsan Iqbal said that quick economic recovery is the top priority of the
present government.
Talking to a private channel, he said
the country is now on the right track after its agreement with the IMF and this
'Stands by Arrangement' will be helpful in the economic turnaround of Pakistan.
He said signing of a staff-level
agreement with IMF is a great success of government policy and measures.
The Minister said the government has
taken some unpopular and strict decisions to save the country from the risk of
default.
He said the youth are the greatest asset
of any country and a stable economy is directly linked with their bright
future.
Source: radio.gov.pk
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https://www.radio.gov.pk/03-07-2023/economic-recovery-on-fast-track-govts-top-priority-ahsan
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Pakistani, Japanese FMs meet in Tokyo
July 03, 2023
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
held a meeting with his Japanese counterpart Hayashi Yoshimasa in Tokyo on
Monday.
The meeting was held in a cordial
environment.
Both the Ministers appreciated the
irritant free bilateral relations while expressing readiness to engage further.
Source: radio.gov.pk
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.radio.gov.pk/03-07-2023/pakistani-japanese-fms-meet-in-tokyo
--------
PM to attend SCO meeting via video link
tomorrow
July 03, 2023
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif
will participate in the 23rd Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of States in
videoconference format on Tuesday.
Invitation to the Prime Minister to
attend the meeting has been given by Indian Prime Minister in his capacity as
the current Chair of the SCO.
During the meeting, the leaders will
deliberate on important global and regional issues and chart the future
direction of cooperation among SCO member states.
This year, the SCO Council of Heads of
States will also welcome Iran as a new member of the organization.
The Prime Minister's participation in
the meeting illustrates the high importance that Pakistan attaches to the SCO,
as an important forum for regional security and prosperity, and enhanced
engagement with the region.
Source: radio.gov.pk
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https://www.radio.gov.pk/03-07-2023/pm-to-attend-sco-meeting-via-video-conference-tomorrow
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Pakistan, Japan agree to deepen
bilateral ties in diverse fields
July 03, 2023
Pakistan and Japan have agreed to
further deepen their bilateral cooperation in diverse fields including trade,
investment and Information Technology.
This was stated by Foreign Minister
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari at a joint press conference along with his Japanese
counterpart Hayashi Yoshimasa in Tokyo today.
He said the two sides also agreed to
enhance cooperation in mutually beneficial people to people contact, human
resource development, tourism and agriculture sectors.
The Foreign Minister said Pakistan and
Japan have further agreed to explore avenues for working together on targeted
programs in domains of solarization, desalination, water purification and
rebuilding of housing structure in the flood affected areas of Pakistan.
The two sides agreed to conduct language
skills assessment tests for Japanese language in Pakistan to facilitate export
of skilled workforce.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said we have also
deliberated on scores of joint ventures by Japanese enterprise in Pakistan.
He said Pakistan and Japan have cordial
relations and are longstanding friends and share special bond, based on deep
rooted linkages that go far in history and time. He said people of Pakistan
carry deep sentiments of warmth and affection for Japan and its people.
The Foreign Minister said Pakistan
attaches high importance to its relationship with Japan as both countries have
also stood with each other in times of need.
On the occasion, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
expressed his gratitude to his Japanese counterpart for hosting him and his
delegation.
Source: radio.gov.pk
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https://www.radio.gov.pk/03-07-2023/pakistan-japan-agree-to-deepen-bilateral-cooperation-in-diverse-fields
--------
Pakistan, Japan have full potential to
increase bilateral trade, investment: FM Bilawal
July 02, 2023
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
says Pakistan and Japan have the potential to increase bilateral trade in
diverse sectors for mutual benefit.
He was speaking at a function organized
by the Pakistani diaspora in Tokyo today (Sunday).
The Foreign Minister said both countries
can benefit from investment in agriculture and livestock.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said incumbent
government is working on economic diplomacy to bring prosperity in the country.
He said Pakistan can learn from Japan's
advancement in Information Technology and other fields.
The Foreign Minister said during his
meeting with Japanese leadership and entrepreneurs, he will urge them to
enhance trade and investment in Pakistan.
He said Pakistan has over sixty five
percent populations of youth and we can exploit this human resource through
skills based education and training.
The Foreign Minister urged Pakistani
overseas particularly businessmen to play their role for increase in trade
between two countries and also strengthening of bilateral relations.
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
interacted with a number of Japanese business executives and representatives of
Japan International Cooperation Agency and Japan External Trade Organization in
Tokyo on Sunday.
During the meetings, the matters related
to bilateral cooperation in trade and investment came under discussion.
Source: radio.gov.pk
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https://www.radio.gov.pk/02-07-2023/pakistan-sees-high-trade-volumes-with-japan-in-future-bilawal
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2 security personnel martyred, one
injured in Balor area, Balochistan
July 03, 2023
Two security personnel, including an
officer, have embraced martyrdom while another soldier has been injured during
an exchange of fire with terrorists at Balor area in Balochistan.
According to ISPR, a combat patrol of
security forces was initiated in general areas of Balor, after credible
intelligence with respect to move of a group of terrorists in Hoshab area. The
group was linked with firing incidents on security forces and civilians besides
planting improvised explosive devices
While establishment of blocking
positions to cut the escape routes was underway, a party of terrorists tried to
ambush the closing in patrol and opened fire onto security forces.
As a result of heavy exchange of fire,
two brave sons of the nation Major Saqib Hussain and Naik Baqir Ali embraced
martyrdom while another soldier was injured.
Source: radio.gov.pk
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https://www.radio.gov.pk/03-07-2023/2-security-personnel-martyr-one-injured-in-balor-area-balochistan
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Post Hajj transport operation for 80000
Govt Scheme’s Hujjaj begins
July 02, 2023
The post-hajj flight operation to
transport over 80000 Hujjaj of government scheme has started.
Radio Pakistan’s correspondent Javed
Iqbal reports from Jeddah that the first two flights of the operation have
departed from Jeddah airport to Pakistan.
Four airlines including Pakistan
International Airlines, Airblue, Serene Air, and Saudi Airlines will work
together to facilitate the safe return of Pakistani hujjaj.
A total of four flights will depart from
Jeddah today (Sunday).
Minister for Religious Affairs Talha
Mahmood has also departed for Islamabad International Airport in today’s
flight.
Officials of religious affairs and
interfaith harmony, the Civil Aviation Authority, and the airlines concerned
will welcome the returning hujjaj while five liters of Aab-e-ZamZam would be
provided to pilgrims upon their arrival at the Pakistan airports.
Besides, the departure of pilgrims from
Makkah to Madinah will also begin from today while the first Hajj flight
operation from Madinah to Pakistan will start on Wednesday.
A total of 38,000 pilgrims will be sent
to Madinah while the last hajj flight from Madinah will reach home on second of
next month.
Meanwhile, under the Regular Hajj
Scheme, the first Hajj flight carrying 329 Hujjaj from Jeddah arrived in Lahore
today.
On this occasion, a five-liter bottle of
Aab-e-Zamzam per head was provided to Hujjaj at the airport.
Two PIA Hajj flights arrived at Jinnah
Airport Karachi carrying over six hundred Hujjaj.
The Sindh Governor Kamran Khan
Tessorirecieved the Hujjaj at the airport.
Source: radio.gov.pk
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https://www.radio.gov.pk/02-07-2023/post-hajj-transport-operation-for-80000-govt-schemes-hujjaj-begins
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Govt committed to put the country on
path of economic growth: Kiyani
July 02, 2023
Prime Minister's Coordinator for Economy
and Energy Bilal Azhar Kayani says despite all conspiracies government is
committed to guide the country on path of economic growth and prosperity.
In a statement on Sunday, he said PTI
government brought the country on verge of bankruptcy but our government saved
it from default.
He said more than 20 million people were
pushed below the poverty line whereas six million were left unemployed during
the four years' government of PTI.
Source: radio.gov.pk
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https://www.radio.gov.pk/02-07-2023/govt-committed-to-put-the-country-on-path-of-economic-growth-kiyani
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Militant attacks claim 389 lives in six
months
July 3, 2023
IkramJunaidi
ISLAMABAD: The first half of the current
year has witnessed a steady and alarming rise in terror and suicide attacks
claiming the lives of 389 people across the country, according to a report
released by think tank Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies
(PICSS).
The report reveals that a total of 271
attacks occurred during the period under review, claiming 389 lives and
injuring 656 others. The same period last year witnessed 151 attacks, causing
293 deaths and 487 injuries. The figures represent a staggering 79 per cent
increase in militant attacks during the first half of 2023 compared to the
corresponding period last year.
The second half of 2022 recorded 228
attacks, resulting in 246 fatalities and 349 injuries. Thus, the first six
months of 2023 witnessed an 18pc rise in attacks compared to the second half of
2022, accompanied by a 58pc increase in fatalities and 88pc in injuries.
Security forces have also stepped up
their response to terrorism, killing at least 236 militants.
KP most affected province, Sindh sees
slight decline in attacks, says report
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa emerged as the most
affected province during the first half of this year with 174 reported militant
attacks, claiming 266 lives and injuring 463 others.
The PICSS data shows a 51pc rise in
terror attacks in tribal districts of KP during the first half of 2023 compared
to the same period in 2022, though there was a 10pc and 15pc decline in
fatalities compared to the first and second half of last year, respectively.
Mainland KP experienced a striking 108pc
rise in terror incidents during the first six months of 2023 compared to the
corresponding period last year and a 25pc increase compared to the second half
of 2022.
Balochistan reported 75 terror incidents
in the first half of 2023, resulting in 100 deaths and 163 injuries. The data
reveals a 103pc increase in terror attacks compared to the same period in the
previous year, and a 14pc rise compared to the last six months of 2022.
Fatalities in Balochistan rose by 61pc and 64pc in the first six months of the
current year compared to the first and second half of 2022, respectively.
Sindh experienced a slight decline in
terror incidents, with 13 reported attacks in the first six months of 2023,
resulting in 19 deaths and the same number of injuries.
Fatalities in Sindh rose by 27pc
compared to the first half of the previous year, while a 171pc increase was
observed compared to the last six months of 2022.
Punjab has witnessed a significant rise
in terror-related incidents during the first six months of 2023, with eight
reported attacks, resulting in six deaths and 10 injuries.
A concerning surge in suicide attacks
has also been observed during the first half of 2023, with 13 such attacks
resulting in 142 deaths and 309 injuries. In comparison, only five suicide
attacks were reported during the corresponding period of the previous year,
causing 77 deaths and 225 injuries.
Source: dawn.com
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click the following URL to read the full text of the original
https://www.dawn.com/news/1762682/militant-attacks-claim-389-lives-in-six-months
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URL:
https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/swedish-islamophobic-quran-stockholm-mosque/d/130123