Nigerian Air Force Strikes Kill Scores Of Boko Haram Terrorists In Borno
New Age Islam News Bureau
29 Oct 2024
Jharkand Chif Minister Hemant Soren.(Photo/ANI)
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Africa
· Home Affairs issues first-ever certificates recognising Muslim marriages
· NSA Raises Alarm Over Rising Cybersecurity Threats To Nigeria’s Critical Sector
· COAS tasks Islamic Directorate on moral, spiritual guidance for troops
· Tinubu Summons Power Minister, NSA Over Blackout In The North, Issues Directive
· It’s Not Bandits – CDS Musa Reveals Why The North Has Been In Darkness For Several Days
· FCT Arrests 34 Beggars, Scavengers, Discloses Next Step
· UNICEF calls for urgent action on Sudan’s “forgotten crisis”
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India
· All 3 militants, who attacked Army ambulance in Jammu’s Battal area, killed in 24-hour operation
· Delhi HC adjourns Sharjeel Imam’s plea to quash chargesheet, notes prosecutor was absent on ‘4-5 occasions’
· "Tribals affected by love jihad, land jihad and government still silent on issues": Sita Soren slams JMM
· Muslims, Sikhs plan group for minority and dalit rights
· Delhi High Court Confirms No Stay On Activist Sharjeel Imam's Sedition Trial
· Diwali celebrations: Muslim poets in Bikaner recite Urdu version of Ramayana
· Himanta Biswa Sarma claims Muslim population hike in Jharkhand
· Shia board protests BJP MLA’s ‘trespass’ in Jaipur Imambara
· Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah administers integrity pledge to ministers, officials
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Arab World
· Saudi, Iranian foreign ministers discuss need to avoid destabilizing region
· Thousands treated under KSrelief volunteer medical program
· Saudi aid agency distributes thousands of food parcels globally
· UN climate chief calls for more ambitious plans to prevent climate change
· Riyadh hosts Global Corporate Social Responsibility Forum
· Jazani jasmine oil: sweet scent of success
· Saudi tourism facilities face penalties for non-compliance, ministry warns
· ZATCA foils smuggling attempt of over 2.4 million Captagon pills at Jeddah Islamic Port
· When is Ramadan 2025 expected to begin in UAE?
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Mideast
· Israel to pursue new talks on Gaza hostage deal
· War monitor says two dead in Israel strike on Syria-Lebanon border village
· US warns humanitarian assistance not getting to people who need it in north Gaza
· Iran executes Iranian-German national after terrorism conviction
· As Israel strikes deeper into Lebanon, fear rises in communities where the displaced took refuge
· Iraq opens arms to Lebanese fleeing Israeli attacks
· CIA boss floats 28-day Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal, Axios reports
· Israel, Iran trade charges of endangering Mideast peace
· Israel strike on Lebanon-Syria crossing hampers key escape route
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North America
· Rick Steves: Granada a delightful mix of Muslim and Christian past
· Meet Trump's key Muslim ally on Michigan mission
· Jewish body takes Islamic preacher to court over antisemitic speeches
· Backlash after comedian at Trump rally calls Puerto Rico 'island of garbage'
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Southeast Asia
· Iran Ambassador Urges Indonesia to Unite Islamic Nations Against Israeli Aggression
· Malaysia’s BRICS partner status to contribute to economic growth, export gains – Tengku Zafrul
· OJK Issues 3 Guidelines for Sharia Banking Products
· A Thai court drops a case over the deaths of Muslim protesters in 2004
· Shift in urban planning, development needed - Fadillah
· Govt plans to amend Land Acquisition Act to protect national assets, public interests - PM
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South Asia
· Homemaker murdered in Mirpur DOHS
· ‘Breaching discipline’: 75 students of Ctg medical college suspended
· Teen gangs, top criminals behind mugging surge
· Humanitarian Relief Reaches Flood-Affected Families in Ghor
· Afghan-Trans Railway Set to Enhance Regional Transit, Says Uzbek Transport Minister
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Europe
· CNN guest thrown off air after telling Muslim journalist: ‘I hope your beeper doesn’t go off’
· UK anti-Islam activist 'Tommy Robinson' jailed for breaching injunction
· Chemical scare at Mosque after substance sent in the post
· Giorgio Armani unveils a 12-storey temple to his stylish universe in New York City
· Nato says North Korean troops deployed to Russia's Kursk region
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Pakistan
· Pakistan once again seeks Russia's support to become BRICS member
· 16 booked for abducting rape victim after court hearing in Narowal
· SC adopts Justice Mansoor Ali Shah’s plan to address case backlog
· Amid talk of another ‘tweak’, JUI-F calls meeting of top leaders
· Demand for fresh elections ‘absolutely legitimate’: Omar Ayub
· PTI decides to join body that will pick judges
· Pakistan committed to improving early warning mechanisms: NDMA chief
· Govt taking action against illegal demolition of heritage buildings, Sindh Assembly told
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/nigerian-force-strikes-boko-haram-terrorists/d/133577
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These people stir up Hindu-Muslim tensions": Hemant Soren slams BJP ahead of Jharkhand polls
Oct 29, 2024
Jharkand Chif Minister Hemant Soren.(Photo/ANI)
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Deoghar (Jharkhand) [India], October 29 (ANI): Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren (/topic/hemant-soren) criticised the BJP (/topic/bjp) on Monday for allegedly encouraging and widening division in society and failing to support marginalised groups. In response to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma (/topic/himanta-biswa-sarma)'s comments, Soren called on BJP (/topic/bjp) leaders to question their Prime Minister's leadership and accountability regarding border security and alleged infiltration from Bangladesh. "Keep in mind that these people (BJP (/topic/bjp)) stir up Hindu-Muslim tensions; they incite fights among brothers and create divisions in households. Today, I want to ask these BJP (/topic/bjp) leaders to question their Prime Minister. When he wasn't in power, which book did he refer to in order to govern? He declared that the Constitution must run the country, and after the riots between Hindus and Muslims, who is responsible for infiltrators coming from Bangladesh?" Soren said. He then underl ined that India belongs to its people and questioned the control of the border. "When we talk about Bangladesh, we have to ask who has control at the border--it's in the hands of the central government, the BSF, and the state government. Under what circumstances does the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh get permission? What kind of government allows this? We do not need any propaganda from anyone," he added. Soren further slammed the BJP (/topic/bjp), and said, "Today, they do not have money to support farmers, labourers, the poor, the elderly, students, or women, but they have enough to waive the debts of their billionaire friends." He highlighted the Jharkhand government's efforts to support the poor by waiving electricity dues and providing 24-hour electricity where it was previously unavailable. "If we begin to discuss these matters, they will suppress our plans and waste time," he added. Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma (/topic/himantabiswa-sarma) had earlier lashed out at the Jharkhand government over the issue of infiltration, alleging that it could turn the state into "miniBangladesh." He further claimed that infiltrators are disrupting Jharkhand's culture and 'Adivasi asmita' (Adivasi identity), warning that if this trend continues, the tribal state could experience a significant demographic shift. He also stressed the BJP (/topic/bjp)'s promise of implementing the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state if it returns to power. Speaking to ANI on Monday, Himanta Sarma said, "The infiltrators are causing a huge disturbance in Jharkhand's culture and 'Adivasi asmita.' If this continues, Jharkhand will see a demographic change, and it will become a mini-Bangladesh. Santhal Pargana is in line to become miniBangladesh." Elaborating on the party's promises for the polls, he said, "I have made three announcements: when we form the government, NRC will be implemented, and we will throw out infiltrators. Second, if an immigrant has lured and married a tribal girl, their children wil l not be entitled to the benefits of Scheduled Tribes. Third, if an immigrant marries a tribal girl, we will ensure that the girl does not contest the elections for the head of the tribe. This gives the immigrant an undue and indirect advantage to rule." The Assam CM (/topic/assam-cm) also attacked Congress' Jamtara candidate and Jharkhand Minister Irfan Ansari, stating that the leaderwill be 'jailed' for his derogatory remarks against BJP (/topic/bjp)'s Sita Soren. He further said, "We see people like Irfan Ansari and Alamgir Alaminfluencing the Santhal Pargana region. They are the wealthiest. The government is protecting people like Irfan Ansari. He (Irfan Ansari) will have to go to jail for the foul language he has used against Sita Soren." Sarma accused the Hemant Soren (/topic/hemant-soren)-led state government of letting "intruders" enter the state, emphasising that the main priority is to remove infiltrators from Santhal Pargana. He also claimed that in Santhal Pargana, the tribal population is decreas ing, and the population of the Muslim community is increasing." "I ignited fire against infiltrators. Lord Hanuman had also set fire in Lanka. We have to set fire against infiltrators and make Jharkhand agolden land. Not every Muslim is an infiltrator, but how is the population of Muslims increasing every five years? Is a family giving birth to 10-12 children? If families are not giving birth to so many children, then definitely people are coming from outside. This is simple mathematics. We will win the elections, but that is not the main priority; it is to throw out infiltrators from Santhal Pargana and seek justice for women," the Assam CM (/topic/assam-cm) added. Earlier, BJP (/topic/bjp) MP Nishikant Dubey alleged that neither the Congress nor the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha is concerned about the tribals due to vote bank politics. He claimed that Bangladeshi infiltrators are behind the 11 percent rise in the Muslim population in Santhal Pargana and added that the BJP (/topic/bjp) will not sit peacefully until Bangladeshi infiltrators are sent back. Elections are being held for 81 seats in the Jharkhand Assembly in two phases on November 13 and November 20, with the counting of votes scheduled for November 23. A total of 2.60 crore voters are eligible to cast their votes in Jharkhand, including 1.31 crore male voters and 1.29 crore female voters. The state has 11.84 lakh first-time voters and 66.84 lakh young voters.(ANI)
Source:aninews.in
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https://www.aninews.in/news/national/politics/these-people-stir-up-hindu-muslim-tensions-hemant-soren-slams-bjp-ahead-of-jharkhand-polls20241029091657/
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World must do more to ensure Middle East security, Saudi minister tells Mediterranean Union
October 29, 2024
The Saudi deputy foreign minister, Waleed Elkhereiji, spoke at the Union for the Mediterranean’s ninth Regional Forum in Barcelona on Monday about the importance of efforts to enhance regional security. (SPA)
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BARCELONA: The Saudi deputy foreign minister, Waleed Elkhereiji, spoke at the Union for the Mediterranean’s ninth Regional Forum in Barcelona on Monday about the importance of efforts to enhance regional security, at a time when decisive and practical international action is required to halt a continuous cycle of violence and destruction.
He said the region is at a critical crossroads as a result of Israeli aggression in Gaza and Lebanon, which presents the international community with two options: to act effectively in support of international law and to reinforce the need for a two-state solution to the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict, or to risk further escalations and deeper suffering that undermines the credibility of international efforts to maintain peace and security in the region.
Elkhereiji highlighted the severe nature of the humanitarian crises in Palestine and Lebanon, which he said were unbearable. He condemned Israel’s systematic targeting and forced displacement of innocent civilians, and the deliberate destruction of buildings and infrastructure, as blatant violations of international humanitarian law that continue to take place without any accountability or punishment.
He reiterated the strong condemnation by authorities in the Kingdom of attacks by Israeli forces against civilians and employees of the UN and other organizations, including the UN Relief and Works Agency and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon.
He said Saudi Arabia rejects any expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank, or actions by Israel that affect the legal and historical status of Jerusalem, and calls for an end to such activity to avoid prolonging the cycle of violence and destruction.
The minister said verbal condemnation is no longer sufficient in efforts to deter further violence, as he called for bolder and more decisive action from the international community. To that end, he said the Kingdom looks forward to hosting the first high-level meeting of the Global Coalition for the Two-State Solution in Riyadh on Oct. 30.
Elkhereiji said securing the implementation of a two-state solution is a collective international responsibility and offers the only viable path to a lasting peace, through recognition of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and an independent state.
This, he added, is a fundamental condition for ensuring stability in the region. He said the Kingdom remains committed to working with its partners to ensure such a solution does not remain a distant aspiration but becomes a tangible reality in the near future.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2577157/saudi-arabia
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Outcry as Israel bans main UN Palestinian aid agency
October 29, 2024
United Nations and Red Crescent workers prepare the aid for distribution to Palestinians at UNRWA warehouse in Deir Al-Balah, Gaza Strip. (AP/File)
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BERLIN: Israel’s parliament on Monday approved a bill banning the main UN aid agency for the war-devastated Gaza Strip, sparking international outcry.
Despite objections from the United States and warnings from the UN Security Council, Israeli lawmakers overwhelmingly passed the bill banning the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, from working in Israel and occupied east Jerusalem.
Israel strictly controls all humanitarian aid shipments to Gaza, and lawmakers also passed a measure prohibiting Israeli officials from working with UNRWA and its employees.
UNRWA has provided essential aid, schooling, health care and assistance across the Palestinian territories and to Palestinian refugees elsewhere for more than seven decades.
“There is a deep connection between the terrorist organization (Hamas) and UNRWA, and Israel cannot put up with it,” Yuli Edelstein, one of the lawmakers who sponsored the bill, said in parliament as he presented the proposal.
Palestinian militant group Hamas, locked in conflict with Israel in Gaza, called the bill an act of “Zionist aggression” toward Palestinians, while its ally Islamic Jihad described the ban as “an escalation in the genocide.”
Even several of Israel’s staunch Western allies voiced disquiet at the ban, with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer saying Britain was “gravely concerned.”
Germany — which has been a staunch defender of Israel’s security — warned it would “effectively make UNRWA’s work in Gaza, the West Bank and east Jerusalem impossible... jeopardizing vital humanitarian aid for millions of people.”
UN chief Antonio Guterres said the Israeli law could have “devastating consequences” if implemented and “would likely prevent UNRWA from continuing its essential work.”
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini warned that the vote “sets a dangerous precedent.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on social media that Israel was “ready” to continue providing aid to Gaza “in a way that does not threaten Israel’s security.”
The ban comes as fighting rages in Gaza and Lebanon, where a second full-scale front opened last month.
Earlier Monday, Netanyahu’s office said Mossad intelligence chief David Barnea had met US and Qatari mediators in Doha, where they agreed they should talk to Hamas about a deal to free Israelis seized in last year’s October 7 attack by Palestinian militants.
“In the coming days, discussions will continue between the mediators and Hamas to assess the feasibility of talks and to further efforts to promote a deal,” Netanyahu’s office said.
The statement came two days after Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi proposed a two-day truce and limited hostage-prisoner exchange that he said could lead to a permanent ceasefire.
But Netanyahu later said he had not received the Egyptian proposal.
Asked about the possibility of a Gaza ceasefire, US President Joe Biden said: “We need a ceasefire. We should end this war. It should end, it should end, it should end.”
After the October 7 attack, the bloodiest in Israel’s history, the military launched a massive offensive in Gaza to root out Hamas.
Israel has killed the Islamist group’s top leadership, but the war has left tens of thousands of Palestinians dead and driven almost all Gazans from their homes, reducing much of the territory’s infrastructure to rubble.
Source:arabnews.com
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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2577150/middle-east
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Support for Trump Is ‘Emblematic of a New Shift Happening in the Muslim Community’: Author and Muslim Reform Movement Co-founder
October 28, 2024
Over the weekend, former President Donald Trump picked up the endorsement of Muslim political and religious leaders in Michigan. To gain insights into this shift, NTD spoke with Asra Nomani, co-founder of the Muslim Reform Movement and author of “Woke Army: The Red-Green Alliance That Is Destroying America’s Freedom.”
Source:ntd.com
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https://www.ntd.com/support-for-trump-is-emblematic-of-a-new-shift-happening-in-the-muslim-community-author-and-muslim-reform-movement-co-founder_1025593.html
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Nigerian Air Force Strikes Kill Scores Of Boko Haram Terrorists In Borno
29 October 2024
By Enioluwa Adeniyi
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in a recent operation, conducted successful air strikes in Borno State, killing scores of Boko Haram terrorists across multiple locations, including a significant strike on a known gathering site at Bula Marwa.
According to a statement released on Monday by Air Force spokesperson, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, intelligence reports indicated that Bula Marwa served as a high-level meeting point for Boko Haram leaders.
Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions detected heightened activity at the location, with reports of increased movement, including an influx of motorcycles and gatherings of combatants.
The NAF quickly mobilized fighter jets to the site, where the jets targeted and bombed the area, resulting in substantial casualties among the terrorist ranks.
Akinboyewa said, “Air strikes killed scores of Boko Haram terrorists at two key locations in Bula Marwa, Borno State.
“Having identified Bula Marwa as a high-level meeting site for Boko Haram’s notorious figures, ISR missions further confirmed heightened terrorist activity, revealing an influx of motorcycles and gatherings of combatants across the site.
“Consequently, NAF fighter jets were dispatched to the location for an air interdiction mission. On arrival, ISR footage captured suspected terrorists assembling at a rendezvous point on 12 motorcycles.
“The motorcycles were then traced to a primary meeting location where additional terrorists had been waiting. Accordingly, the first airstrike was executed, effectively engaging the target area.
“Moments later, ISR aircraft loitering in the vicinity observed several terrorists returning to assess the damage and evacuate their wounded combatants. In response, NAF air assets conducted follow-up strikes, neutralising additional terrorists.”
He stated that, building on the success of the initial mission, additional ISR was conducted in the area the same day, identifying another group of terrorists gathering under a large tree at a second meeting site.
Akinboyewa said, “Upon verification, NAF air assets launched a precision airstrike on this location, achieving a direct hit and neutralising numerous terrorists.
“These air operations struck a significant blow to planned terrorist activities, taking out multiple fighters and demolishing their motorcycles, thereby crippling their ability to launch ambushes or other hostile actions.
“This impactful strike highlights the ongoing contributions of the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai to rid northeastern Nigeria of terrorist activities.
“The NAF remains committed to executing its mission with relentless precision, whether in joint or independent operations, to bring an end to terrorism as well as all other threats to the sovereignty and security of our great nation.”
Source:naijanews.com
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https://www.naijanews.com/2024/10/29/nigerian-air-force-strikes-kill-scores-of-boko-haram-terrorists-in-borno/
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PM Anwar: Malaysia to uphold support for Palestine while strengthening international relations
29 Oct 2024
Medics evacuate injured people and cancer patients from the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip on October 28, 2024, to al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City in a joint World Health Organisation and Palestinian Red Crescent initiative. — AFP pic
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PUTRAJAYA, Oct 29 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says Malaysia will continue to foster good relations with all nations to enhance investment in the country while steadfastly upholding its support for Palestine.
Speaking at the Malaysia MADANI Scholars Forum Series 2 here last night, Anwar said Malaysia’s positive ties with other countries were part of a strategy to strengthen internal resilience to safeguard national interests, security, and the country’s future.
“I know our stance on Gaza, but we must also consider our national interests.
“That’s why I mentioned in the Cabinet meeting that, regarding Gaza, we still express our position strongly, be it in front of Biden (United States President Joe Biden) or Blinken (U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken), as I believe they (Israel) have breached all humanitarian considerations,” he said.
Anwar, who is also finance minister, added that currently, the nations boldly voicing and acting against Israel’s continued atrocities against the Palestinians, were Turkiye and Iran.
“We speak out, but we forget that without internal strength, we can achieve nothing. Therefore, we must also build internal resilience,” he said.
Anwar remarked that Israel’s ongoing invasion and atrocities against Palestinians had escalated to an extreme and inhumane level, resulting in the deaths of innocent women and children.
“Disgusting, I see children being killed every day. This is morally bankrupt, which is why I say there is no compassion, no humanity,” he said. — Bernama
Source:malaymail.com
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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/10/29/pm-anwar-malaysia-to-uphold-support-for-palestine-while-strengthening-international-relations/155160
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SCO support peaceful and inclusive government in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati
October 28, 2024
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has emphasized the importance of Afghanistan in ensuring security, peace, and stability in the region, stating that a terrorism-free Afghanistan would benefit all parties involved.
Zhang Ming, the Secretary-General of the organization, stated in an interview on Monday, October 28 that peace and stability in the region are closely tied to peace and stability in Afghanistan. From this perspective, the issue of Afghanistan holds significant regional importance.
He also called for the establishment of an inclusive government in Afghanistan, one that, according to him, should include the participation of all political representatives of the people.
The Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization further clarified that, “We wish for Afghanistan to become a country free from terrorism, war, and drugs.”
Regarding the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan, Mr. Ming expressed hope that, in the future, a government would be established in Afghanistan with broad participation from all political, ethnic, and religious groups.
The statements from the SCO underscore the critical importance of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan for regional security and cooperation. The organization’s call for inclusivity highlights the ongoing international concerns about political representation and governance in Afghanistan.
As regional stakeholders continue to engage with Afghanistan, the international community’s hope remains that an inclusive political framework and a focus on eradicating terrorism and drug-related issues will pave the way for lasting peace and stability in the region.
This approach aims to foster a more secure and prosperous future for Afghanistan and its neighbors.
Source:khaama.com
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https://www.khaama.com/sco-support-peaceful-and-inclusive-government-in-afghanistan/
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Gateshead mentally ill man tried to murder Imam after being barred from mosque
28 OCT 2024
ByRob Kennedy
A mentally ill man tried to murder an Iman at a Tyneside mosque after being barred for causing offence by claiming he was a prophet.
Al Abduldayem had begun attending the mosque on Coatsworth Road, Gateshead, in 2019 or 2020 and became a regular worshipper there and to begin with caused no problems. However in 2021 he told the Imam he was a prophet, a delusion sparked by a his paranoid schizophrenia.
Passing sentence at Newcastle Crown Court, Judge Paul Sloan KC told him: "Such a claim can cause very great offence. It's one of the greatest sins in the Islamic religion to make such a declaration, the Koran making clear Muhammad was the last prophet."
The Imam and co-Imam patiently explained his claim was potentially blasphemous but Abduldayem continued to repeat the assertion. Due to the fact he was causing upset to those attending the mosque, he was barred. However he was not prepared to accept that and there were occasions when he had to be removed.
On September 4 2022, by which time he was acutely mentally unwell, he attended the mosque with large knife, with a 16cm blade, in the pocket of a rucksack. He found he was unable to gain access to the mosque as the keypad combination number had been changed.
He was loitering outside when, shortly before 1pm, the Imam arrived. Abduldayem remained in front of the door, blocking his entrance and refused to move and demanded to know why he was not allowed in and the situation was explained to him again.
The Imam ended up phoning the police and Abduldayem tried to grab the phone from him and the Imam pushed him back. Judge Sloan said: "You reached behind you, took hold of and produced the knife from the pocket of the rucksack and made determined efforts to stab the Imam, swinging the knife with considerable force towards his body on more than one occasion."
The second victim tried to take hold of the attacker but he shrugged him off and swung the blade towards his upper body. Judge Sloan said if the victims had not moved backwards as he swung the knife, they could have been caused serious if not fatal injuries.
Abduldayem then focused his attention back on the Imam, cornering him against some railings. However he was overpowered, although he would not release his grip on the weapon. It was only when a member of the public intervened that the knife was prised from his grip. The man suffered a minor cut to his hand in the process.
The Imam said in a victim impact statement: "This incident has made me feel very scared for my own personal safety and for the community."
He added: "It was through my role as an Imam I first encountered him. It was clear to me he had personality issues. His behaviour at times was inappropriate inside the mosque but I showed him the same kindness and patience as all the other worshippers.
"I went out of my way to help him. I would sit with him and show him guidance and spiritual encouragement. I wanted him to be the best version of himself.
"I have never spoken to him in anything other than a kind and mild-mannered way. Even when his behaviour affected other worshippers it was with genuine care and concern I dealt with him.
"I'm still struggling to understand why he felt so angry with me that he felt the only solution was to arm himself with a knife and kill me. All I ever showed him was courtesy and tolerance."
He said he had thought about the consequences for his wife and children had the knife been two inches closer and killed him. He added that he is now more wary and suspicious of people and looks at the hands of those approaching him to see what is in them.
The second victim said: "I feel shocked and I'm still trying to process these events. I'm trying not to think about the fact I could have lost my life. I acted to protect the Imam and the community."
When interviewed by police, Abduldayem said he intended to attack the Imam with the knife and admitted trying to stab both victims. The court heard he has no previous convictions but was cautioned for assault in February 2022.
The 35-year-old, of Saltwell Road, Gateshead, was found guilty after a trial of attempted murder or the Imam and attempting to cause GBH with intent of the second victim. He admitted having a bladed article.
The court heard Abduldayem has paranoid schizophrenia and was acutely unwell and psychotic at the time of the attack and had been hearing voices. His claim to be prophet was a product of his illness, of which he was not aware.
He was born in Sudan and got a degree in economics before fleeing the war in his homeland and entering the UK illegally. He applied for asylum but it was rejected, which coincided with a deterioration in his mental health.
Abduldayem was sentenced to a hospital order with a restriction, meaning he will be held in a secure hospital order.
Source:chroniclelive.co.uk
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https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/gateshead-mentally-ill-man-tried-30248166
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Gun attack leaves five dead at dam site in Balochistan's Panjgur
By Shahab Umer
October 29, 2024
PANJGUR: At least five people were killed on Tuesday after unknown gunmen opened fire at the site of a dam in Panjgur — a district in Balochistan, said the spokesperson of the Balochistan government.
Those killed in the attack were deployed for the maintenance of the dam in the Paroom tehsil.
The gun attack has also left two people injured, said the spokesperson.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1245156-gun-attack-leaves-five-dead-at-dam-site-in-balochistans-panjgur
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Africa
Home Affairs issues first-ever certificates recognising Muslim marriages
28 Oct 2024
After changes were made to the department’s internal systems, Home Affairs has granted the first batch of 33 marriage certificates for Muslim marriages for the first time in the South African history.
“Members of the Islamic faith community have made extraordinary contributions to South Africa’s history for more than 350 years,” said Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber.
“While it comes hundreds of years later than it should have, it is a personal honour for me to preside as Minister over the granting of marriage certificates recognising Muslim marriages.
“This is a major step towards enhancing the dignity of this faith community and reflects the ongoing commitment of Home Affairs to deliver dignity to all our valued clients. It is also an expression of nation building, and a celebration of South Africa’s unity in diversity,” Schreiber said.
He said Home Affairs stands ready to assist all clients who similarly wish to have a Muslim marriage formally recognised.
"Additionally, we have enabled our systems to retroactively recognise Muslim marriages. At a fee of R20, clients can request a reprint of their marriage certificate specifying that they wish to change the wording to reflect that it is a Muslim marriage,” the Minister said.
Divorce Amendment Act
In May, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law the Divorce Amendment Bill, which amends the Divorce Act of 1979 to recognise Muslim marriages and safeguard the interests of Muslim women and children of Muslim marriages in the event that marriages are dissolved.
The amended legislation addressed shortcomings in the Divorce Act of 1979, which differentiated between people married in terms of the Marriage Act and people married according to Muslim rites, especially women.
The amendments enacted by the President provided for a definition of a Muslim marriage in the Divorce Act of 1979; the protection and safeguarding of the interests of dependent and minor children of a Muslim marriage; the redistribution of assets on the dissolution of a Muslim marriage and forfeiture of patrimonial benefits of a Muslim marriage, according to a statement issued by The Presidency at the time.
It said the new legislation was a response to an earlier Constitutional Court judgment that recognised the need for and importance of protecting Muslim women and children of Muslim marriages, particularly when a Muslim marriage is dissolved.
Source:bizcommunity.com
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https://www.bizcommunity.com/article/home-affairs-issues-first-ever-certificates-recognising-muslim-marriages-252067a
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NSA Raises Alarm Over Rising Cybersecurity Threats To Nigeria’s Critical Sector
29 October 2024
By Justina Otio
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has said that the telecommunication system of the country is currently witnessing a lot of attacks.
He stated this on Monday at the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre’s workshop for policymakers and sector regulators on critical national information infrastructure protection and resilience in Abuja.
Naija News reports that there have been vandalism of electrical installations across the country, which has thrown the northern region into total blackout for more than a week.
Speaking at the workshop, the NSA lamented that this, and other attacks on the military networks, national database and digital system, among others, have had a ripple effect on the nation’s economy
He said, “We are now confronted with heightened threats of attacks on our telecommunications systems, banking platforms, power and energy grids, military networks, transportation systems, national databases, elections, digital systems, and other critical assets.
“We are also confronted with threats of online financial scams and fraud perpetuated by nefarious individuals and groups within and outside the country, which is persistently denting our economy and indeed our international image.”
He called for the protection of vital national assets of the country.
Ribadu said, “Therefore, the protection of these assets is a major priority and vital national exigency for all of us.
“As our adoption of technology is increasing across the country, so is the increase in cyber threats and risk to our critical national information infrastructure.”
Source:naijanews.com
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COAS tasks Islamic Directorate on moral, spiritual guidance for troops
By Favour Lashem -
October 28, 2024
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has tasked the Directorate of Islamic Affair to continue to provide moral guidance, emotional support, and foster resilience among troops to enhance their performances on the field.
Lagbaja, represented by the Chief of Transformation and Innovation, Maj -Gen. Zakari Abubakar, made the call at the opening of the Annual Training Week/Conference of the Directorate on Monday in Abuja.
The theme of the event is, “Enhancing Nigerian Army Personnel Effective Performance Through Authentic Islamic Teachings on Warrior Ethos Within a Joint Environment.”
He said the desire to strengthen effective religious and spiritual training in the army was ideally suited to enhance performance and effectiveness in joint operations, adding that spiritually grounded personnel were well coordinated and disciplined officers and men in the field.
The COAS said the spiritual leaders in the army were expected to help uplift the morale of troops and equip them with the required tools that would enhance their spiritual virtues.
“I believe you all are aware of the changing character of warfare and contemporary security challenges facing our beloved nation and the world at large.
“As an Institution, you are expected to support the government efforts towards fighting insecurity and violent extremism using diverse methods to sustain the successes so far achieved by the army in the current fight against banditry and insurgency.
“This reinforces the need for us to be better prepared with new ideas to effectively analyse information in support of combat troops, a role in which Imams play a crucial part.
“By providing moral guidance, emotional support, and fostering resilience, Imams help troops process experiences and maintain mental and spiritual readiness, thereby enhancing overall mission effectiveness during operations,” he said.
The Director of Islamic Affairs Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Usman Musa, said the training would serve as a catalyst for the realistic efforts of the directorate in playing its role of spiritual leadership.
Musa said the directorate had continued to impart authentic islamic teachings on the spiritual dimension of being a soldier and the need to defend the nation, people, their properties, dignity and honour at all times.
This, according to him, will in no small measure bring out the best in the troops in all theatre of operations.
He said that training had remained the bedrock of the army, adding that the directorate had sustained its efforts in line with world best practices, to have well-informed, highly intellectual and decent Imams. (NAN)
Source:newsdiaryonline.com
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Tinubu Summons Power Minister, NSA Over Blackout In The North, Issues Directive
28 October 2024
By Oladipo Abiola
President Bola Tinubu on Monday summoned the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, over the blackout affecting the northern part of Nigeria for several days.
During the meeting with the Minister and NSA, President Tinubu lamented the disruption to power supply in the North and its attendant effects on the socio-economic life in the region.
He also said the government would not allow the willful damage of public utilities to continue.
According to a statement issued after the meeting and made available to Naija News by the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President has ordered an urgent and long-term restoration of electricity in the north.
Onanuga explained that Adelabu briefed the President on efforts made by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to repair the damaged Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed concern over the blackout in the northern region of Nigeria in the last week. He is now leading efforts to end the disruption that has paralysed social and economic activities, summoning the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
“The President has directed the Minister of Power and relevant agencies to speed up the pace of work to restore electricity to all the affected states in the North.
“President Tinubu is saddened by the reports of vandalism and wilful destruction of power infrastructure and other public assets that caused the unfortunate blackout.
“In a meeting with the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, who briefed on efforts made by the Transmission Company of Nigeria to repair the damaged Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines, the President directed a long-term solution to the problem.
“President Tinubu charged TCN engineers not to relent in bringing immediate relief to the people who need electricity to sustain their social and economic activities.”
Onanuga disclosed that to ensure a speedy resolution, President Tinubu has ordered the National Security Adviser to work with the Army and Air Force to deploy adequate security personnel, including aerial cover, to protect the engineers who are fixing the damaged transmission line.
“To ensure that restoration work continues unhindered, President Tinubu also directed the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to work with the Army and Air Force to deploy adequate security personnel, including aerial cover, to protect the engineers who are fixing the damaged transmission line.
“President Tinubu implores traditional rulers, community leaders, and other leaders of thought to work with security agencies to protect public assets and infrastructure.
“He said the government will no longer condone deliberate sabotage and destruction of public utilities,” Onanuga added.
Source:naijanews.com
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It’s Not Bandits – CDS Musa Reveals Why The North Has Been In Darkness For Several Days
28 October 2024
By Oladipo Abiola
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has dismissed claims that insecurity and bandits are responsible for the inability of electrical personnel to restore power to the northern part of the country.
Speaking on Monday after a meeting in Kaduna with Northern Governors and traditional rulers from the region, General Musa dismissed claims that bandits control parts of the transmission infrastructure.
He submitted that the thick forest in the area and the need to create access are responsible for the delay, dismissing reports that criminal elements are in control of the area.
“There is no way that anybody is in control. If you look at it, I’m sure you saw the pictures, some of those areas are supposed to have cleared views so that patrols can be taking place. But because of the shops and the forest is fully forested, it makes it extremely difficult.
“But actions have been taken with the troops. We clear those areas so that repairs can be taken, and then there will be monitoring, which is critical,” Musa said.
Regarding the insecurity in the country, General Musa revealed that military operations have intensified, and Nigeria will be peaceful.
He commended the commitment of the security forces and cautioned locals against supporting the criminals.
“We appreciate them as commanders. We appreciate them. Nigerians appreciate what they are doing. The sacrifice they are making, they should remain focused.
“We want them to be disciplined, to understand that we are here to protect Nigeria and Nigerians. None of them should do any action that will infringe on the rights of every Nigerian. We will not take that lightly. And that’s why it’s important. And then to continue to call on Nigerians to continue to give us support, to also advise those ones that think they can trade, provide logistics, provide money, food and all these things to the criminals.
“They should stop. Actions are taken. We have intensified all our operations all over the country. Nigeria will be peaceful. We need all Nigerians to work together,” he said.
Source:naijanews.com
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FCT Arrests 34 Beggars, Scavengers, Discloses Next Step
28 October 2024
By Justina Otio
A joint detachment of security personnel on Monday have rounded up 34 persons, made up of 15 beggars and 19 scavengers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This development is coming after the deadline given by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.
The Administration disclosed that those rounded up would be taken to its rehabilitation centre for vocational training, while those who are unwilling to learn any skill will be taken back to their various states.
The operations drew personnel from the Police, Military, Department of State Services (DSS) Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other paramilitary agencies.
Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Olatunji Disu who described the operation as “a national assignment”, also addressed the operatives along with other heads of security agencies, directing that officers involved in the enforcement must be professional, but uncompromising in carrying out the Ministerial orders.
He said, “This operation will last for the first two weeks. We will come back and assess our achievements, then we will go back if there is a need for us to continue it”.
On his part, Director of Security in the FCT Administration, Adamu Gwary said the operations would be conducted day and night in order to achieve the desired results.
Represented by Dr Peter Olumuji, the director said the first day of operations had four groups. “We have the metro, which is the city centre. We have the airport road that covers the entire airport road from city gates up to Bill Clinton road. We also have the Kubwa axis that covers the Kubwa, Gwarinpa up to Dei Dei. And we have the last group that covers Asokoro, AYA, Nyanya, Karu, and Jikwoyi. All these will be carried out simultaneously”.
He disclosed that while no beggar was arrested in the city centre because they had all gone into hiding, the operations successfully arrested 15 beggars and 19 scavengers in other locations.
Source:naijanews.com
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UNICEF calls for urgent action on Sudan’s “forgotten crisis”
29 October 2024
UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Ted Chaiban has urgently appealed for global attention to Sudan, calling it “the largest displacement crisis in the world.”
He emphasized that "the crisis is forgotten and cannot be forgotten," warning that without intervention, “many will die.” Chaiban insisted that Sudan “needs the same level of attention as Gaza and Lebanon.”
The conflict, ongoing since April 2023 between Sudan’s military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has uprooted over 14 million people and left 8.5 million in severe food insecurity, with 775,000 facing famine-like conditions. Chaiban stated, “We’ve never in a generation seen these types of numbers.”
He noted the alarming scale of disease outbreaks, including cholera, which has caused over 700 deaths. "UNICEF is on the ground working day and night," Chaiban added, "*but we can do more if we have the necessary access and presence.*"
The RSF has intensified attacks, especially in Gezira province, where recent assaults have resulted in dozens of casualties and extensive damage to property. The UN describes atrocities in Darfur, including mass rapes and ethnic violence by the RSF, as potential war crimes.
Source:africanews.com
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India
All 3 militants, who attacked Army ambulance in Jammu’s Battal area, killed in 24-hour operation
by Arun Sharma
October 29, 2024
All the three militants who attacked an Army ambulance in the Battal area of Jammu’s Khour town on Tuesday morning were killed by security forces following a 24-hour-long operation.
“After round the clock surveillance through out the night, an intense firefight unfolded today morning resulting in a significant victory for our forces,” said the White Knight Corps on its X handle. “Relentless operations and tactical excellence has led to the elimination of three terrorists.”
Though the identity of the slain militants is yet to be established, security forces and police believe they owed allegiance to the Jaish-e-Mohammad.
Searches are going on in the area. According to sources, the militants appeared to have infiltrated the area by crossing the Manawar Tawi river from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the early hours of Monday. They were first spotted by some village children who visited a temple, the sources said, adding that the militants then began firing at an Army ambulance passing by.
The incident comes amid a spate of terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir a few days after the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference government swept to power. Two soldiers and two civilian porters working with the Army were killed and three soldiers injured in a militant attack near the Line of Control in the Gulmarg sector last week.
Before that, a militant attack at a campsite in Gagangir, Ganderbal district, left seven employees—including a local doctor—from APCO Infratech dead.
This the first attack in Battal in seven years. In January 2017, militants allegedly entered a camp of the General Reserve Engineer Force there and killed three workers in their sleep.
Source:indianexpress.com
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Delhi HC adjourns Sharjeel Imam’s plea to quash chargesheet, notes prosecutor was absent on ‘4-5 occasions’
by Sohini Ghosh
October 29, 2024
At the request of the prosecution, the Delhi High Court on Monday adjourned Sharjeel Imam’s plea to quash a supplementary chargesheet accusing him of waging war against the state and promoting enmity over a 2019 speech at Jamia Millia Islamia, even as it noted the prosecution had not appeared before the court on the “last 4-5 occasions”.
The case stems from an FIR lodged at the New Friends Colony police station following an incident of rioting at the central university and Mata Mandir Marg on December 15, 2019. Imam was arrested in the case on February 17, 2021.
Additionally an FIR was registered at the interstate cell of the Crime Branch on January 25, 2020, against Imam for having delivered two speeches during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act—including the one at Jamia on December 13, 2019—under Indian Penal Code sections 124A (waging war against the state), 153A (promoting communal enmity) and other offences.
Despite the latter FIR, Imam was booked for the same offences in a supplementary chargesheet filed in relation to the 2019 FIR. He has argued in his petition that there cannot be multiple proceedings on the same incident against a person.
“For the last 4-5 occasions he (prosecutor) is not present,” Justice Manoj Ohri remarked orally while posting the matter for consideration on February 28, 2025.
Meanwhile, Justice Ohri clarified that the trial court was at liberty to proceed with the framing of charges in the case. “If charges are framed, then what?… There is no stay, the trial would proceed… If the trial court comes to a conclusion that enough material is there, then it will frame charges,” he remarked.
Source:indianexpress.com
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"Tribals affected by love jihad, land jihad and government still silent on issues": Sita Soren slams JMM
Oct 28, 2024
Ranchi (Jharkhand (/topic/jharkhand)) [India], October 28 (ANI): In an interview with ANI on Monday, a BJP (/topic/bjp) candidate expressed confidence in winning the election, citing the support and love received from the constituency. BJP (/topic/bjp) candidate from Jamtara assembly (/topic/jamtara-assembly) seat Sita Soren files nomination on Monday. "The way I received the love in the constituency, probably if the ticket would have been given to another candidate - the people wouldn't have this much excited. I am getting ample support from the people. Irfan Ansari, who later became the minister - people are terror-stricken by him and they need change, especially the tribal (/topic/tribal) people... All the people from the community are standing firm with me and there is no competition here..." she said. BJP (/topic/bjp) candidate Sita Soren, further hit out at Congress leader Irfan Ansari and demanded to expel him from the party, accusing him of humiliating the tribal (/topic/tribal) women and the community. "The way he oppresses and demeans all women has become a habit for him and he included me in this behavior as well The derogatory remarks he made are not only offensive to me but to women across all communities. Protests were held against him even outside his residence Such a legislator should be expelled from his party I cannot understand how he was even given a ticket" she said. Seeta soren a prominent tribal (/topic/tribal) leader and the daughter-inlaw of Shibu Soren voiced her determination to protect her community and address their grievances "The issues here are well-known. People are exhausted by the intimidation of the INDIA alliance MLA, Irfan Ansari, and they seek change, especially the tribal (/topic/tribal) communities, who have been compelled to vote under pressure. For a long time, tribal (/topic/tribal) women have been used politically, but now I, a tribal (/topic/tribal) woman from an activist family, am here to stand with them. My father-inlaw, Shibu Soren, started the movement from Jamta ra itself. This is our land, our place, which had been occupied temporarily," she said. In addition, Soren expressed her concerns about the demographic shifts in the Jharkhand (/topic/jharkhand), attributing them to government neglect to persisting issues. 'The government has been silent on this issue, despite our repeated queries. It's their responsibility to address the concerns of our community, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like 'Love Jihad' and 'Land Jihad.' The government's inaction has emboldened those who seek to exploit and manipulate our people. If we want to protect the rights and dignity of our tribal (/topic/tribal)s, we need to demand action from our leaders. It's time for the government to take concrete steps to address these issues and ensure justice for our community. Otherwise, the equity of the tribal (/topic/tribal)s would be erased. If we want to save the tribal (/topic/tribal)s, then it is necessary to bring BJP (/topic/bjp)." Meanwhile, Elections are being held on 81 seats of the Jharkhand (/topic/jharkhand) assembly in two phases on November 13 and November 20. A total of 2.60 crore voters are eligible to cast votes in Jharkhand (/topic/jharkhand) and there are 1.31 crore male and 1.29 crore female voters. The state has 11.84 lakh first-time voters and there are 66.84 lakh young voters. (ANI)
Source:aninews.in
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Muslims, Sikhs plan group for minority and dalit rights
Oct 29, 2024
Chandigarh: People from Muslim and Sikh communities, and members of local groups, came together for a meeting at Kendri Sri Guru Singh Sabha complex here on Monday to float a platform for implementation of constitutional rights of minorities and dalits. The participants postponed the finalisation of the charter and name of the platform to the next meeting. The participants were unanimous on the point that majoritarianism in the country’s governance had come to stay, leaving a narrowed space for minorities and lower strata of society. A statement issued by Kendri Sri Guru Singh Sabha mentioned that nearly 50 Muslim activists from Bhopal, Jammu, Maharashtra, Patna, Saharanpur, Pune, Hyderabad, Manipur, Haryana and Delhi joined the meeting with Sikh thinkers from Punjab and Chandigarh. The speakers claimed that the present situation had come to such a pass that fundamental rights guaranteed to minorities and dalits were being nonchalantly denied. TNN
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Source:timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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Delhi High Court Confirms No Stay On Activist Sharjeel Imam's Sedition Trial
October 28, 2024
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Monday told Sharjeel Imam -- an accused in the 2020 northeast Delhi riots case -- that it has not stayed the trial proceedings in the sedition case linked to his alleged inflammatory speeches at Aligarh Muslim University and Jamia area against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
"There is no stay, the trial would obviously proceed. If the trial court comes to a conclusion that enough material exists, it will proceed to frame charges," clarified the Bench of Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri when Imam's counsel pointed out that the trial court had proceeded to frame charges against his client.
The Delhi High Court was hearing Imam's plea seeking quashing of sedition and hate speech charges against him under Sections 124A and 153A of the now-repealed Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The matter was deferred after an adjournment was sought on behalf of Delhi Police.
Last week, the Supreme Court refused to entertain a plea filed by Sharjeel Imam seeking bail in an alleged larger conspiracy behind the 2020 Delhi riots.
It said that Imam, accused under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), should not have moved a writ petition directly before the apex court when his bail plea is pending adjudication before the Delhi High Court. However, the top court asked the Delhi High Court to hear Imam's bail plea on the date fixed and decide it expeditiously.
In his appeal filed before the Delhi HC, the former Jawaharlal Nehru University student and activist has challenged the trial court order, which had previously denied him bail, following his arrest in August 2020 in connection with the case. He has been in custody since January 2020, facing multiple FIRs related to the violence.
According to the police, Imam made the alleged inflammatory speeches in Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi on December 13, 2019, and in Aligarh Muslim University, Uttar Pradesh on January 16, 2020.
JNU scholars and activists Imam and Umar Khalid are among the nearly dozen people reportedly involved in the alleged larger conspiracy linked to the Delhi riots of 2020, as per the Delhi Police. Imam and Khalid are facing charges in connection with making inflammatory speeches which allegedly fuelled the violence, as per the police.
The riots broke out in the national capital in February 2020 as clashes between the anti-CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) and pro-CAA protesters took a violent turn. The mayhem saw more than 50 people lose their lives, besides leaving over 700 people injured.
The Delhi High Court, on May 29, granted statutory bail to Sharjeel Imam in a sedition case. However, he continued to remain in jail due to his involvement in the larger conspiracy case.
Source:ndtv.com
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Diwali celebrations: Muslim poets in Bikaner recite Urdu version of Ramayana
28.10.24
In a unique event leading up to Diwali that has been fostering goodwill for over a decade, Muslim poets in Bikaner recite an Urdu version of the Hindu epic Ramayana that was composed 89 years ago.
Dr Ziya Ul Hasan Quadri, an Urdu teacher and poet, who along with two other Muslim poets recited the Urdu Ramayana at a function on Sunday said that the objective of the event is to give a positive message of harmony and brotherhood.
"Paryatan Lekhak Sangh" and "Mehfil-e-Adab" jointly organise the event 'Urdu Ramayan Vaachan' every year in Bikaner since 2012.
Quadri said that the couplets vividly describe scenes from Ramayan like Lord Ram's exile, victory against Ravan and his return to Ayodhya, capturing the emotions d epicted in the epic which is greatly appreciated by audiences in the city.
Maulvi Badshah Hussain Rana Lakhnavi of Bikaner composed the poetic version of Ramayana in Urdu language in 1935 for a competition organised by the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) on the birth anniversary of Tulsidas.
It won the gold medal following which the erstwhile ruler of Bikaner, Maharaja Ganga Singh, organised a ceremony to listen to Rana Lakhnavi's version.
Tej Bahadur Sapru presented the gold medal to Rana Lakhnavi on behalf of the BHU in this programme.
The poets, who take part in the recitation in Rajasthan's Bikaner before Diwali, now want to take the practice at the national level and plan to organise the recitation programme in the national capital next year.
"Things have drastically changed from the time when it was composed. Today, communal harmony is under threat. Lord Rama is revered by all and belongs to all, but today he has been limited which is disappointing," Quadri said.
He said that Muslim poets recite the Urdu Ramayan and the audience comprises of both Hindus and Muslims.
Quadri said that initially, the event used to be organised in the open but later the venue changed and now it is held in a hotel so that things are well arranged.
He said that Maulvi Badshah Hussain Rana Lakhnavi worked for Maharaja Ganga Singh from 1913 to 1919, during which he translated orders issued by the Mughal rulers from Persian to Urdu. In 1920, he was appointed as the teacher at Dungar College by Ganga Singh.\
Source:telegraphindia.com
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Himanta Biswa Sarma claims Muslim population hike in Jharkhand
Oct 28, 2024
By Tanya Shrivastava
Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Bharatiya Janata Party's co-in-charge for the Jharkhand assembly elections, has expressed concerns over an alleged increase in the Muslim population in Jharkhand.
He blamed infiltration for the rise, which he believes is causing a decline in the tribal population.
"I ignited fire against infiltrators. Lord Hanuman had also set fire in Lanka," he said.
Population debate
Sarma questions reasons behind population increase
Questioning why the Muslim population was rising, Sarma said it couldn't be just because families were big.
"Not every Muslim is an infiltrator but how is the population of Muslims increasing every 5 years? Is a family giving birth to 10-12 children?" he asked.
He said the BJP's priority was to remove infiltrators from Santhal Pargana and ensure justice for women.
NRC proposal
Sarma proposes NRC implementation in Santhal Pargana
Sarma also revealed plans to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Santhal Pargana, if the BJP comes to power after elections.
He cited an internal letter of Jharkhand government which said intruders get training at Madrasas and get Aadhar cards.
The assembly elections in Jharkhand will be held on November 13 and November 20.
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Population concern
BJP MP Dubey echoes Sarma's concerns
BJP MP from Godda, Nishikant Dubey, also echoed Sarma's concerns about the rising Muslim population in Jharkhand, dubbing it a "national issue."
Dubey claimed that 11% of Muslims in Santhal Pargana are "Bangladeshi infiltrators."
He said since 1951, the Muslim population has increased from 9% to 24% nationwide, with a significant rise in Santhal Pargana.
Political criticism
Dubey criticizes Congress and JMM for ignoring issue
Dubey slammed the Congress and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) for overlooking this matter because of vote bank politics.
He also alleged that several women contesting Lok Sabha Elections under Adivasi quota were married to Muslim men.
Dubey accused Congress and JMM of conspiring to merge Santhal Pargana with Bangladesh for electoral gains.
Source:newsbytesapp.com
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Shia board protests BJP MLA’s ‘trespass’ in Jaipur Imambara
Oct 28, 2024
JAIPUR: All India Shia Personal Law Board (AISPLB) has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in a reported trespassing incident involving Hawa Mahal MLA Balmukundacharya at the Imambara in Jaipur's Bada Badanpura area.
AISPLB general secretary Maulana Yasoob Abbas arrived in Jaipur on Sunday to meet community members and address concerns regarding the incident, which allegedly took place on Oct 22.
At a press conference held at the Imambara on Sunday, Maulana Abbas said Balmukundacharya reportedly entered the premises without permission and while wearing shoes, allegedly in search of Hindu idols, and behaved inappropriately with worshippers, including women.
"This incident not only violates the sanctity of our religious spaces but also threatens communal harmony," Abbas emphasised. He issued a warning to the MLA against further trespassing, saying it would be perceived as a provocation to the community.
"It is a matter of shame that the police have not filed a complaint, which goes against the spirit of PM Modi's ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vishwas'," Abbas added.
Abbas also revealed that a delegation from Lucknow met with defence minister and local MP Rajnath Singh, who assured them that he would raise the issue with Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma.
Community leader Maimuna Nargis called on deputy CM Diya Kumari to uphold the dignity of women, reminding her of the legacy of her ancestors who ruled Jaipur. "Kumari ji was very vocal about crime against women under the Congress govt, but she is silent about incidents in places historically protected by her forefathers. If she cannot stand up on this matter, she risks demeaning her family's legacy," said Nargis.
The delegation plans to meet the chief minister to demand strict action against the MLA, accusing him of repeatedly disrupting social harmony and targeting the Shia community.
Source:indiatimes.com
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Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah administers integrity pledge to ministers, officials
28.10.24
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday administered the integrity pledge to ministers and officials in the secretariat, reinforcing the commitment of the Union Territory government to integrity and transparency in public service.
The pledge ceremony took place in the Civil Secretariat here and was attended by several ministers and Administrative Secretaries along with departmental officers.
The officers stationed at Jammu joined through video conference from the Civil Secretariat there, while Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Heads of Departments, and hundreds of schools participated from their district headquarters, ensuring widespread engagement across the region, an official spokesperson said.
The departments also organised similar pledge-taking ceremonies for their employees, further demonstrating their commitment to uphold integrity at all levels of public service.
"As we mark Vigilance Awareness Week from October 28 to November 3, I take great pride in reaffirming our unwavering commitment to a corruption-free Jammu and Kashmir. Eradicating corruption is more than a priority; it is a mission that drives us to introduce bold reforms, strengthen oversight, and empower citizens," Abdullah said.
"Our goal is to build a governance model where every resource is utilized for the public good," he added.
He emphasised the relevance of this year's theme -- 'Culture of Integrity for Nation's Prosperity'.
"Integrity is the cornerstone of any successful nation, and its impact on growth, welfare and progress is undeniable. Upon stepping into office, our newly elected government has made a firm pledge to create a governance system rooted in integrity, fairness, and honesty," the chief minister said.
"Our mission is simple yet profound: to serve with honour and ensure that every decision benefits the people we represent," he added.
He urged all participants to engage actively in the initiatives organised during this week.
Source:telegraphindia.com
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Arab World
Saudi, Iranian foreign ministers discuss need to avoid destabilizing region
October 28, 2024
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Iranian counterpart discussed the importance of avoiding anything that could destabilize the security and stability of the region on Monday.
During a phone call with Abbas Araghchi, Prince Faisal discussed the latest developments in the region and the repercussions of an escalation.
The two ministers also reviewed Saudi-Iranian relations, Saudi Press Agency said.
The call comes after Israel struck Iranian military sites on Saturday in response to Tehran’s October 1 missile attack, itself retaliation for the killing of Iran-backed militant leaders and a Revolutionary Guards commander.
Source:arabnews.com
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Thousands treated under KSrelief volunteer medical program
October 29, 2024
RIYADH: Thousands have recently benefitted from the volunteer medical services provided by the Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief in Yemen and Mauritania, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
In September, mobile clinics in the Haradh district of Yemen’s Hajjah governorate provided medical services more than 2,000 people.
Among those treated were 732 patients who received preventive care for epidemic diseases.
The emergency clinic treated 391 patients, while 314 individuals received treatment in the internal medicine clinic.
Medical staffers in the Al-Gharza area treated 884, 631, 532 and 35 people in the emergency, internal medicine, infectious diseases, and surgery and dressing clinics and departments, respectively.
Additionally, the nursing services department treated 588 patients, medicines were dispensed to 2,047 individuals, and the awareness and education clinic assisted eight individuals.
Eight waste-disposal activities were also carried out.
Also, 19 patients benefited from reproductive health services, and eight individuals participated in awareness and education sessions.
In terms of ancillary services, 712 people received nursing care, 1,399 individuals were provided with medication, 72 patients received care in the surgery and dressing clinic, and eight waste-disposal activities were completed.
In addition, 321 specialized operations were carried out in Nema, Mauritania from Oct. 9 to 16.
The medical team members, who are a part of the Saudi Noor volunteer program to combat vision-related conditions, screened 3,150 individuals and provided spectacles for 825 during the period.
Source:arabnews.com
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Saudi aid agency distributes thousands of food parcels globally
October 29, 2024
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has continued to distribute food aid to thousands of vulnerable people across the globe, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The agency recently distributed 916 food aid parcels and 916 hygiene kits in the Idlib region of Syria, benefiting 5,496 individuals.
And in Syria’s Aleppo a further 517 food parcels and 517 health kits were delivered, benefitting 3,102 people.
In South Sudan 2,000 displaced families in the Equatorial region received food aid.
And a further 2,387 food aid packages were distributed in the Batken region of Kyrgyzstan, reaching 113,935 people as a part of the 2024 food aid initiative for vulnerable families in the country.
Source:arabnews.com
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UN climate chief calls for more ambitious plans to prevent climate change
HAIFA ALSHAMMARI
October 28, 2024
RIYADH: Even if the national climate plans of countries worldwide are successful, carbon emission levels will cause catastrophic effects by 2030, according to the UN’s climate chief.
Current plans would result in emissions of 51.5 gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2030 — only a 2.6 percent reduction on 2019 levels.
These emissions would lead to severe human and economic consequences worldwide, according to a statement issued on Monday by Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has indicated that emissions must be reduced by 43 percent by 2030 and by 60 percent by 2035 compared to 2019 levels to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and avoid the worst impacts of climate change.
Stiell stressed the urgent need for a transformative shift away from inadequate climate action, calling for more ambitious national climate plans from all nations by next year.
The report highlights that existing international climate plans are significantly insufficient to prevent global warming from devastating economies and disrupting lives worldwide.
If countries adopt more ambitious plans, they can not only avoid climate disasters but also drive transformation toward prosperity and well-being, according to the report.
Further, the report highlights that stronger climate strategies are essential for investment, fostering economic growth, creating jobs, reducing pollution, enhancing public health and ensuring secure as well as affordable clean energy.
As nations work on their new nationally determined contributions for next year, the report shows only minimal progress compared to the urgent changes needed.
Furthermore, the statement said that the upcoming national climate plans must represent a significant increase in ambition.
While these plans are tailored to each nation, they should meet the ABC test, meaning that they must set ambitious, economy-wide emissions targets that encompass all greenhouse gases and keep the goal of 1.5 degrees Celsius within reach, and must cover specific sectors and pollutants.
The statement also focused on the necessity for the new NDCs to be credible and supported by regulations, laws and funding to ensure the realization of their objectives. They should outline adaptation priorities and investments to safeguard vital sectors, infrastructure and communities from climate impacts, aligning with National Adaptation Plan processes.
In addition, plans should extend to 2035, featuring stronger goals for 2030 to enable the deep emissions reductions necessary this decade.
Recognizing the importance of these new plans, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change will host a series of events next year to help countries deliver their NDCs as well as engage the global community in discussions about these efforts, as further details will be discussed during COP 29.
Source:arabnews.com
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Riyadh hosts Global Corporate Social Responsibility Forum
October 28, 2024
RIYADH: The first Global Corporate Social Responsibility Forum launched in Riyadh on Monday, organized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, and boasting the theme “From Commitment to Impact.”
Minister Ahmad Al-Rajhi said the forum aimed to be a global platform for dialogue on social responsibility, facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering private sector involvement in sustainable development to establish a global model for public-private partnerships.
Al-Rajhi spoke of the evolution of social responsibility, emphasizing innovative practices, sustainable digitization, technology, and circular economy integration.
He also looked at the development of individuals and communities in a balanced manner with their environment, and how the private sector has become important in making the world a better place today.
Al-Rajhi emphasized that the Kingdom’s achievements in social responsibility were “an inspiring story of transformation and empowerment,” as the Kingdom paid attention to empowering social responsibility and setting it as a strategic goal in Saudi Vision 2030, which aimed to “enhance companies’ fulfillment of social responsibility.”
Saudi Arabia has implemented tools for corporate social responsibility, including a Social Responsibility Committee, a national platform for transparency, Social Responsibility Day on March 23, and a national social responsibility index.
Al-Rajhi said that these efforts had led to a notable rise in corporate contributions to social spending, which grew from 1.19 percent in 2019 to 4.15 percent by the end of 2023, with active programs rising from 30 percent to 65 percent among major companies.
The Kingdom’s global social responsibility ranking improved from 41st in 2021 to 16th in the 2024 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook, and aims at being among the top countries by 2030.
The forum brings together leaders from various sectors to discuss growth opportunities, promote innovation, foster partnerships, and advance international collaboration in social responsibility.
Source:arabnews.com
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Jazani jasmine oil: sweet scent of success
October 28, 2024
RIYADH: The Jazan Agricultural Research Center, in collaboration with the Jasmine and Aromatic Plants Association and Jazan University, has extracted oil from the region’s renowned jasmine flowers, a significant breakthrough for the Kingdom’s aromatic oils industry, according to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.
Jasmine is a fragrant flower with cultural significance and a symbolic meaning of happiness and joy. It is often featured in local poetry, songs and folklore, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
This groundbreaking achievement is expected to elevate Saudi Arabia’s position in the global market for aromatic oils and contribute to the Kingdom’s economic diversification efforts, the ministry said.
The ministry detailed the process involved in extracting the precious oil — jasmine flowers were carefully soaked in a hexane solution for 24 hours before being subjected to advanced extraction techniques.
Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of unique aromatic compounds, notably phenethyl alcohol, a key component in renowned rose oils such as those of Taif and Istanbul.
A key differentiator of Jazani jasmine oil is its significantly lower vinyl acetate content, a compound with restricted international use due to health concerns, the SPA report explained. This superior quality positions the Saudi product as a compelling alternative to Indian and Egyptian jasmine oils.
The extraction of jasmine oil opens new avenues for its application in the food and fragrance industries. This milestone aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030 objective to promote economic diversification and agricultural innovation.
Jazan has more than 1,000 jasmine farms, with about 500,000 jasmine trees producing about 600 tonnes of flowers each year.
Jasmine plants are commonly used to decorate homes, a tradition passed down through generations, with many women in Jazan growing them in their gardens.
Farmers carefully cultivate jasmine, starting with cuttings in the spring when it is cooler. These cuttings are nurtured in wooden frames. Jasmine can grow up to three meters tall, with evergreen leaves and fragrant white flowers.
There are various types of jasmine, each with unique characteristics. Some are known for their large buds and distinctive colours, while others feature long, pure white buds and strong fragrances.
Furthermore, efforts to enhance jasmine cultivation and the production of other aromatic plants are seen as significant steps toward boosting agricultural tourism, creating job opportunities for local youth, and establishing the region as a center for high-quality aromatic products.
The Jasmine and Aromatic Plants Association was established in 2022 to support farmers. Its goals are to help develop products, tackle farmers’ challenges, provide resources and organize festivals.
The ministry has shown strong interest in cultivating jasmine in the region, SPA noted. It aims to shift the industry from traditional cultivation and marketing to manufacturing and export — the area’s fertile soil and favourable climate offer ideal conditions for growing jasmine.
The profits from jasmine and aromatic plants have inspired many young people in the region to create online platforms and markets to promote their products both locally and internationally, improving accessibility.
Source:arabnews.com
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Saudi tourism facilities face penalties for non-compliance, ministry warns
October 28, 2024
RIYADH: The Ministry of Tourism urged investors and tourism companies to obtain licenses before attempting to run tourism facilities, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The ministry announced financial penalties for those who operate venues without a license, with fines doubled for repeat violations.
According to the ministry, during recent inspections of licensed facilities, it discovered a lack of conformity of promotional material to regulations and failure to display contact information for duty managers in the reception area, among other issues.
Additionally, the ministry said it found instances of invalid licenses for some government partners in the tourism sector and failure to maintain cleanliness or carry out maintenance at a number of facilities.
The ministry launched a campaign to encourage hospitality facilities to adhere to licensing and classification standards and ensure compliance with the requirements and conditions.
It also called on users of hospitality facilities to submit inquiries and comments about the services provided to them by contacting the unified tourism center at 930 or through the ministry’s official channels on social media platforms.
Source:arabnews.com
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ZATCA foils smuggling attempt of over 2.4 million Captagon pills at Jeddah Islamic Port
October 28, 2024
JEDDAH — The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) thwarted an attempt to smuggle 2,414,489 Captagon pills at Jeddah Islamic Port. The drugs were found concealed within a consignment arriving in the Kingdom.
ZATCA collaborated with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control, resulting in the arrest of six individuals who were set to receive the consignment.
ZATCA reiterated its commitment to intensifying customs control over the Kingdom's imports and exports, emphasizing its vigilance in thwarting smuggling attempts to ensure community safety. The authority urged the public to assist in combating smuggling by reporting suspicious activities through its dedicated security number, 1910, via email at 1910@zatca.gov.sa, or through the international number +966114208417. Reports received will be treated with utmost confidentiality, and informants may receive a financial reward if their tips prove accurate.
Source:saudigazette.com.sa
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When is Ramadan 2025 expected to begin in UAE?
October 28, 2024
Dubai: The countdown to Ramadan has officially begun, with only four months remaining until the holy month of fasting.
The Emirates Astronomy Society announced that the crescent moon signaling the beginning of Jumada Al Awwal, the fifth month in the Islamic calendar that helps forecast Ramadan’s dates, will be visible on November 3, 2024.
The crescent, expected to appear shortly after sunset, plays a key role in predicting the start of Ramadan.
According to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society, Ramadan will most likely begin on March 1, 2025.
The precise timing, however, will ultimately depend on the final moon sighting, traditionally conducted by the moon-sighting committee.
Source:gulfnews.com
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Mideast
Israel to pursue new talks on Gaza hostage deal
October 28, 2024
JERUSALEM: Israel said Monday it had discussed with international mediators the outline of proposed talks with Hamas on a deal to release Israeli hostages held in Gaza, as its forces pounded both Lebanon and the Palestinian territory.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Mossad intelligence chief David Barnea had met US and Qatari officials in Doha and agreed they should talk to Hamas about a deal to free Israelis seized in last year’s October 7 attack.
The statement came two days after Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi proposed a two-day truce and limited hostage-prisoner exchange that, he said, could lead to a permanent ceasefire.
“During the meeting, the parties discussed a new unified framework that combines previous proposals and also takes into account key issues and recent developments in the region,” Netanyahu’s office said.
“In the coming days, discussions will continue between the mediators and Hamas to assess the feasibility of talks and to further efforts to promote a deal.”
US President Joe Biden, asked about the possibility of a ceasefire just over a year after Hamas’s cross-border attack triggered the Gaza war which has spread to Lebanon and threatened to draw in Iran, said he would talk to Israel immediately to push for a ceasefire.
“My staff is talking to them right now,” Biden said, after casting an early ballot in the race for his successor. “We need a ceasefire. We should end this war. It should end, it should end, it should end.”
The United States is Israel’s top military supplier and a mediator in the Doha talks. Biden has stood by the country’s right to defend itself despite international outrage at the mounting death toll in both Gaza and Lebanon, where for the past month it has engaged in a ground and air war against the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.
Source:arabnews.com
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War monitor says two dead in Israel strike on Syria-Lebanon border village
October 29, 2024
DAMASCUS: A Syrian war monitor said Tuesday that two people were killed in an Israeli strike near Syria’s border with Lebanon, the second strike in less than a week near a key land crossing.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Israeli warplanes “attacked vehicles near Al-Nazariya Village in Al-Qaseer countryside” along the border with Lebanon, adding that “two people inside the vehicles were killed.”
The NGO said the area lies on a smuggling and transportation route between Lebanon and Syria.
The attack comes less than a week after Israel’s military confirmed a similar strike on the nearby Jousieh crossing, claiming it was being used by Hezbollah to transfer weapons.
Lebanese and United Nations officials warned that strike had jeopardized the main escape route for people fleeing the conflict in Lebanon in search of refuge in Syria.
Israel had previously struck the Masnaa crossing further south, leaving it unusable.
Israel has been at war with Hezbollah in Lebanon since late last month, in a bid to secure its northern border after nearly a year of cross-border fire from the Iran-backed armed group.
Nearly 500,000 people have fled to Syria since Israel launched an intense air campaign mainly on Hezbollah bastions in Lebanon in late September, Lebanese official figures show.
Source:arabnews.com
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US warns humanitarian assistance not getting to people who need it in north Gaza
October 29, 2024
WASHINGTON: The US State Department warned on Monday that humanitarian assistance was not getting to people that need it in Jabalia in northern Gaza, which spokesperson Matthew Miller said the US does not accept.
“That’s one of our assessments, is that the food and water and medicine that needs to get to people in Jabalia, they aren’t getting it right now. And we want to see that change,” Miller said.
The Palestinian Civil Emergency Service said around 100,000 people were marooned in Jabalia, Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun without medical or food supplies. Reuters could not verify the number independently.
The emergency service said its operations had come to a halt because of the three-week Israeli assault into the north, an area where the military said it had wiped out Hamas combat forces earlier in the year-long war.
Israeli forces began the recent operation in the north with the declared aim of preventing Hamas from regrouping. The operation has intensified since the killing of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar over a week ago.
Miller said Washington would clearly reject any effort to create a siege, starve civilians or wall northern Gaza off from the rest of the enclave.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken raised with Israel a so-called “generals plan,” published by retired military commanders and floated by some parliament members this month, suggesting Palestinian civilians would be instructed to evacuate northern Gaza, which would then be declared a closed military zone.
Israel told the US they are not carrying out the plan, Miller said.
But he warned that Israel was not meeting all of the conditions laid out in a letter the US sent to Israel earlier this month urging it to take steps in 30 days to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza or face potential restrictions on US military aid, according to US officials.
“They have not fully implemented all of the changes that we called for in that letter,” he said, adding that the US would wait until the expiration of the 30 days before offering a final assessment.
The Israeli parliament passed a law on Monday to ban UN relief agency UNRWA from operating inside the country. Miller, before the passage of the law, said the US has made it clear to Israel it is deeply concerned by the legislation, as UNRWA has an irreplaceable role in delivering humanitarian assistance in Gaza.
Source:arabnews.com
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Iran executes Iranian-German national after terrorism conviction
October 28, 2024
Iran executed Iranian-German national Jamshid Sharmahd after he was convicted of carrying out terrorist attacks, Iranian state media said on Monday.
Sharmahd, who also holds US residency, was sentenced to death in 2023 on charges of “corruption on earth,” a capital offense under Iran’s Islamic laws.
He was accused by Iran of heading a pro-monarchist group accused of a deadly 2008 bombing and planning other attacks in the country.
Sharmahd’s arrest was announced in 2020 in an intelligence ministry statement that described him as “the ringleader of the terrorist Tondar group, who directed armed and terrorist acts in Iran from America.”
Based in Los Angeles, the little-known Kingdom Assembly of Iran, or Tondar, says it seeks to restore the Iranian monarchy that was overthrown by the 1979 Islamic revolution. It runs pro-Iranian opposition radio and television stations abroad.
“The execution of the death sentence against our fellow citizen Jamshid Sharmahd is a heinous crime,” the leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Germany, Friedrich Merz, told Reuters on Monday.
The opposition leader asked the German government to respond decisively, saying that the approach of “quiet diplomacy” had failed.
“Relations with Iran should be put to the test in view of the state-sponsored killing of a German citizen,” Merz said. “The Iranian ambassador must be expelled.”
Source:arabnews.com
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As Israel strikes deeper into Lebanon, fear rises in communities where the displaced took refuge
October 29, 2024
AITO: Dany Alwan stood shaking as rescue workers pulled remains from piles of rubble where his brother’s building once stood.
An Israeli airstrike destroyed the three-story residential building in the quiet Christian village of Aito a day before. His brother, Elie, had rented out its apartments to a friend who’d fled here with relatives from their hometown in southern Lebanon under Israeli bombardment.
Things were fine for a few weeks. But that day, minutes after visitors arrived and entered the building, it was struck. Almost two dozen people were killed, half of them women and children. Israel said it targeted a Hezbollah official, as it has insisted in other strikes with high civilian death tolls.
This strike - in northern Lebanon, deep in Christian heartland - was particularly unusual. Israel has concentrated its bombardment mostly in the country’s south and east and in Beirut’s southern suburbs -Shiite-majority areas where the Hezbollah militant group has a strong presence.
Strikes in the traditionally “safe” areas where many displaced families have fled are raising fears among local residents. Many feel they have to choose between helping compatriots and protecting themselves.
“We can’t welcome people anymore,” Alwan said as rescue teams combed through the rubble in Aito. “The situation is very critical in the village, and this is the first time something like this has happened to us.”
Aito is in the Zgharta province, which is split between Christian factions who are supporters and critics of Hezbollah.
Some Christian legislators critical of Hezbollah have warned of the security risks that could come with hosting displaced people, mostly from the Shia Muslim community. They worry that many may have familial and social ties to Hezbollah, which in addition to its armed wing has civilian services across southern and eastern Lebanon.
Some also worry that long-term displacement could create demographic changes and weaken the Christian share in Lebanon’s fragile sectarian power-sharing system. The tiny country has a troubled history of sectarian strife and violence, most notably in a 15-year civil war that ended in 1990.
Lebanon for decades has struggled to navigate tensions and political gridlock within its sectarian power-sharing government system. Parliament is deeply divided among factions that back and oppose Hezbollah and has been without a president for almost two years.
When Hezbollah fired rockets at northern Israel in solidarity with Palestinian ally Hamas in the war-torn Gaza Strip, the move was met with mixed feelings. Critics say it was a miscalculation that has brought the widespread devastation of Gaza here.
After nearly a year of low-level fighting, the Israeli military escalated its attacks against Hezbollah a month ago, launching daily aerial bombardments and a ground invasion. Most of Lebanon’s estimated 1.2 million displaced people fled over the past month.
In late September, traffic jams stretching for miles clogged streets leading to Beirut as people left, some with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
For many, the violence has moved them to help their fellow residents, cutting across sectarian lines.
Michella Sfeir, who was safe in the north, said she wanted to take action after seeing a picture of a driver pouring water from his bottle into a nearby driver’s empty one.
“The first thing you can think of is: How can I help immediately?” she said.
She now helps prepare meals at a women’s art center that’s become a community kitchen and donation dropoff center for blankets, clothes, and supplies in Aqaibe, a seaside town just north of Beirut. Displaced women who found shelter in surrounding neighborhoods regularly visit, while some people involved in other initiatives help deliver the hot meals to shelters around dinnertime.
“We get lots of questions like, ‘When you go to give the help, is there a member of Hezbollah waiting for you at the door?’” Sfeir said, citing blowback in the community from people who perceive the displaced as Hezbollah members, supporters and relatives.
“Some people ... would ask us ‘Why are you helping them? They don’t deserve it; this is because of them.’”
Though northern coastal cities such as Byblos and Batroun with pristine beaches and ancient ruins have not felt the direct pain of the conflict, anxiety is rising in surrounding areas.
On one coastal road - the busy Jounieh highway - an Israeli drone struck a car earlier this month, killing a man and his wife.
Such rare but increasing Israeli strikes have rattled residents in the north. Many feel torn: Should they risk their security by hosting displaced people, or compromise their morals and turn them away?
Zeinab Rihan fled north with family and relatives from the southern Nabatiyeh province when they couldn’t bear the airstrikes approaching closer to their homes.
But, Rihan said, they found many landlords quoting outlandish rent figures in an apparent attempt to turn them away.
Some might have been acting out of personal prejudice, Rihan said, but it’s likely most were simply afraid.
“They were scared that they might rent their place to someone who turns out to be targeted,” Rihan said. “But this is our current reality, what can we do?”
A resident of one northern town near the coast said the local government didn’t want to welcome displaced people, but many residents pressured the municipality to change course.
He cited the town’s common sympathy and sense of duty to help others, despite the security risks. He spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity for fear of stirring tension among residents.
Elsewhere, in the hilly village of Ebrine, a stone’s throw away from Batroun, residents have been regularly visiting dozens of displaced families sheltering in two modest schools. This month, an Israeli strike hit a village a short drive away, but that hasn’t stopped some residents from hiring the displaced - for some, to work in olive groves during the harvest season.
Back in Aqaibe, some displaced women from nearby areas have joined Sfeir and others volunteering at the kitchen: chopping vegetables, cooking rice in vats, packaging meals in plastic containers, and having coffee together on the balcony.
“Just because we’re in an area that doesn’t have direct conflict or direct war doesn’t mean that we’re not worried about Beirut or the south,” said Flavia Bechara, who founded the center, as she took a break from chopping onions and potatoes. “We all used to eat the olives and olive oil of the south, and we used to go there to get fruits and vegetables.”
Bechara and several women finished packing dozens of meals for the day, and a group of women came to pick up winter clothes for their kids. Bechara said she isn’t phased by the criticism or questions she gets from some of her neighbors.
“There’s always anxiety,” said Bechara, who just recently could hear strikes a short drive away, in Maisra. “There’s always (the fear) that what is happening there can happen here at any moment.”
Source:arabnews.com
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Iraq opens arms to Lebanese fleeing Israeli attacks
October 29, 2024
BAGHDAD: Israeli bombardment of Lebanon forced Mohammed Fawaz and his family to flee so often that they finally moved many kilometres (miles) away to find respite in central Iraq.
"Wherever we went, danger followed," the 62-year-old white-haired Lebanese man told AFP in the small town of Al-Qassem, sitting with his wife and daughter.
"That's when I thought of Iraq. It was the only way I could see to escape the danger after we saw death with our own eyes."
Opposite the small house where they now live, beyond a road busy with traffic, tall palm trees emblematic of Iraq's Babylon province stretch as far as the eye can see.
According to the United Nations refugee agency UNHCR, more than 19,200 Lebanese have arrived in Iraq since the escalation of hostilities in Lebanon.
The Baghdad government and Shiite religious authorities mobilised quickly to cope with the influx.
So did the Hashed al-Shaabi, an alliance of pro-Iran former paramilitary groups now integrated into Iraq's security forces.
Everyone turned out to welcome the refugees, helping them get to Iraq and also arranging accommodation.
The solidarity has highlighted the close ties between the Shiite communities of both countries.
Iraq had always welcomed Lebanese pilgrims visiting its famous Shiite shrines at Karbala and Najaf.
But now the Baghdad government, in which pro-Iran parties dominate, is also willing to signal it stands staunchly by Lebanon in the wake of daily Israeli attacks on Hezbollah strongholds there.
Fawaz is originally from south Lebanon, and moved to the southern suburbs of Beirut before later moving again to the outskirts of the capital.
Invited guests
"We fled from place to place," the father of four said, bursting into tears when he spoke of relatives back in Lebanon.
"My displaced brothers now live in schools in different areas."
His journey to Iraq included a coach trip across Syria.
After a stopover in the Sayyida Zeinab area south of Damascus, home to a Shiite shrine protected by pro-Iran groups, their entry to Iraq was coordinated by the Hashed al-Shaabi.
Fawaz hailed what he called "the best welcome" and Iraqi generosity, especially from his host, one of many Al-Qassem residents who have opened their doors to Lebanese refugees.
He praised Iraq's government for "treating us like invited guests, not refugees".
The war in Lebanon has displaced at least 1.3 million people, according to the UN migration agency, and more than half a million have fled into neighbouring Syria.
Those who opted to stay often find themselves in makeshift and under-equipped shelters set up in schools.
In other areas, their presence can sometimes provoke unease or mistrust.
Iraq has made things easier for the new arrivals by extending visas. Those with no passports are helped out with new travel documents, in coordination with the Lebanese embassy.
The UNHCR says that some 62 percent of the Lebanese arrivals are women and children, and that the children will be able to attend Iraqi schools.
Nearly half of the arrivals are being housed in Najaf and also Karbala, which is home to the gold-domed mausoleums of the Imam Hussein and his brother Abbas.
The religious authorities have taken over hotels previously reserved for pilgrims.
No alternative
Jalal Assi, who is in his forties, is now in Karbala.
"We had no alternative, and decided to come to Iraq," he told AFP, citing the "facilities offered to Lebanese".
"We hope the situation will get better and security will be restored so we can go home," he added.
Neemat Mussa, 44, originally from the south Lebanese village of Hariss, is now living in the Babylon provincial capital Hilla.
She and her husband, their two daughters and an aunt are staying in a house owned by an Iraqi police officer.
When she does the family shopping she is driven there accompanied by a local benefactor who also foots the bill.
"We chose Iraq because it's a safe place where we are not afraid," she said in a tired voice. It is her first time in the country, although her husband came previously on pilgrimage.
The warmth of Iraq's welcome cannot mask the bitterness of exile.
Mussa has lost her cousin and sister-in-law in the war, and she follows the news intently on her phone.
She weeps when she talks of their loss and of the country to which she longs to return.
"I'm in a comfortable home, and the Iraqis make sure we lack for nothing," she said, adding: "When I got sick, they took me to hospital."
"But I miss my house and my own country, my neighbours and my family. That's my real home."
Source:arabnews.com
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A boss floats 28-day Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal, Axios reports
October 28, 2024
CIA director Bill Burns floated a deal for a 28-day Gaza ceasefire, the freeing of around eight hostages by Hamas and the release of dozens of Palestinian prisoners by Israel, Axios reported on Monday, citing three Israeli officials.
Burns discussed the idea during a meeting on Sunday with Israeli and Qatari counterparts, Axios said.
Source:arabnews.com
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Israel, Iran trade charges of endangering Mideast peace
October 29, 2024
UNITED NATIONS, United States: Israel and Iran accused each other Monday of endangering Middle East peace, in a heated exchange at a UN meeting called after Israel attacked Iranian military targets.
On Saturday, Israel carried out air strikes on military sites in Iran in response to Tehran’s October 1 missile barrage on Israel. The latter was in retaliation for the killing of Iran-backed militant leaders and a Revolutionary Guards commander.
At a meeting of the UN Security Council that was requested by Iran, each country asserted its right to self-defense.
“Israeli aggression against Iran is obvious and does not occur in isolation. This aggressive attack is part of a broader, sustained pattern of aggression and unchecked impunity with which Israel continues to destabilize the entire region,” Iran’s ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani told the council.
He added that Israel’s “persistent and systematic violation of international law,” and military engagements in the Palestinian territories, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen should spark “unequivocal condemnation” by the council.
The ambassador repeated Iran’s threat to retaliate after Israel’s weekend air strikes, but said Tehran preferred diplomacy.
Israeli ambassador Danny Danon said his country had defended itself after the October 1 missile attacks by Iran.
“We promised that their actions would not go unanswered,” said Danon.
“Iran has seeded violence, chaos and destruction throughout the Middle East. But this violence is not limited to Israel’s borders. It threatens regional stability, global security and economic stability,” the ambassador said.
“Today, it is us. It is Israel in their crossroads. But tomorrow, it could be any of the nations represented here. Don’t be mistaken,” Danon said, calling for strong sanctions against Iran, especially to keep it from developing nuclear weapons.
The United States defended its ally Israel.
“Our message for Iran remains clear, as well: should it choose to undertake further aggressive acts against Israel or US personnel in the region, there will be severe consequences,” US ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the meeting.
“We will not hesitate to act in self defense,” she said, adding however that the United States wants to avoid escalation.
Source:arabnews.com
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Israel strike on Lebanon-Syria crossing hampers key escape route
October 28, 2024
AL-QUSAYR: The flow of displaced families crossing from Lebanon into Syria via a secondary crossing has slowed to a trickle after an Israeli strike there last week, a local official told AFP on Monday.
The land crossing on Lebanon’s northeastern border, known as Jousieh on the Syrian side, connects to Qusayr in Syria’s Homs province.
It was put out of service last Friday when the Israeli strike created a large crater that blocked vehicle traffic.
The raid came after the main land border with Syria, known as Masnaa on the Lebanese side and which lies between Beirut and Damascus, was forced to close by an Israel strike on October 4.
The attacks have heavily constrained the ability of people to flee Lebanon overland at a time when all airlines except the national carrier have suspended flights.
“The movement of displaced people has dropped by 90 percent since the (Jousieh) crossing was targeted,” said Dabbah Al-Mashaal, a Syrian official who oversees the crossing.
“We used to receive about 1,500 people a day, but today the number does not exceed 150,” he told AFP.
Lebanese authorities said on Friday that more than half a million people, mostly Syrians, had crossed into Syrian territory since Israel began heavily striking Lebanon late last month at the start of its all-out war with Hezbollah.
Six official land crossings connect the two countries, although there are many unofficial routes along the porous border.
Four connect Lebanon to Homs province to the northeast. The province is home to the city of Qusayr, which became a major hub for Hezbollah when it intervened in the Syrian civil war in support of President Bashar Assad.
At the Jousieh crossing on Monday, people were seen crossing into Syria on foot, carrying their belongings in plastic bags and pushing buggies, according to an AFP correspondent.
The Israeli army said on Friday that it had destroyed Hezbollah infrastructure at the crossing.
Israel has repeatedly accused the Iran-backed group of transferring weapons into Lebanon from Syria.
Since September 23, Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed at least 1,672 people, according to an AFP tally of nationwide health ministry figures though the real number is likely to be higher due to data gaps.
Source:arabnews.com
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North America
Rick Steves: Granada a delightful mix of Muslim and Christian past
October 29, 2024
It’s sunset, and I’m at the place to be in Granada — the breathtaking San Nicolás viewpoint overlooking the fortress of the Alhambra. Here, at the edge of the city’s exotic Moorish quarter, lovers, widows, and tourists jostle for the best view of the hill-capping, floodlit fortress, the last stronghold of the Moorish kingdom in Spain. For more than 700 years, Spain, the most Catholic of countries, lived under Muslim rule, until the Christians retook the land in 1492.
Today, Granada is a delightful mix of both its Muslim and Christian past. It has a Deep South feel — a relaxed vibe that seems typical of once-powerful places now past their prime. In the cool of the early evening, the community comes out and celebrates life on stately yet inviting plazas. Dogs wag their tails to the rhythm of modern hippies and street musicians.
Granada’s dominant attraction, the Alhambra, captures the region’s history of conquest and reconquest: its brute Alcazaba fort and tower, the elaborate Palacios Nazaries (where Washington Irving, much later, wrote Tales of the Alhambra), the refined gardens of the Generalife, and Charles V’s Palace, a Christian Renaissance heap built in a “So there!” gesture after the Reconquista. It’s what conquering civilizations do: build their palace atop their foe’s palace. The Alhambra is one of Europe’s top sights, but many tourists never get to see it because tickets sell out. Savvy travellers make an advance reservation.
Moorish magnificence blossomed in the Alhambra. Their visual culture was exquisite, artfully combining design and aesthetics. Rooms are decorated from top to bottom with carved wooden ceilings, scalloped stucco, patterned ceramic tiles, filigree windows, and colours galore. And water, water everywhere. So rare and precious in most of the Islamic world, water was the purest symbol of life to the Moors. The Alhambra is decorated with water: standing still, cascading, masking secret conversations, and drip-dropping playfully.
Muslims avoid making images of living creatures — that’s God’s work. But Arabic calligraphy, mostly poems and verses of praise from the Quran, is everywhere. One phrase — “only God is victorious” — is repeated 9,000 times throughout the Alhambra.
When Christian forces re-established their rule here in 1492, their victory helped provide the foundation for Spain’s Golden Age. Within a generation, Spain’s king, Charles V, was the most powerful man in the world.
The city’s top Christian sight, the Royal Chapel, is the final resting place of Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand, who ruled during the final reconquest. When these two married, they combined their huge kingdoms of Castile and Aragon, founding what became modern Spain. And with this powerful new realm, Spanish royalty were able to finance many great explorers. It was in Granada that Columbus pitched his idea to Isabel and Ferdinand to finance a sea voyage to the “Orient.”
Granada’s former market, the Alcaicería, is near the chapel and was once filled with precious goods — salt, silver, spices, and silk. Protected within 10 fortified gates, it’s a tourist trap today, but this colourful mesh of shopping lanes and overpriced trinkets is still fun to explore.
The city’s old Moorish quarter, the hilly Albayzín, has cosy teahouses, flowery patios, and labyrinthine alleys where you can feel the Arab heritage that permeates so much of the region. There are about 2 million Muslims in Spain today, and Granada has a vital Muslim community. But Moors aren’t the only culture that has left its mark here.
Granada is home to about 50,000 Gypsies. (While called “Roma” people elsewhere, here they prefer “Gypsy.”) The Sacromonte hillside, at the edge of town, is the historic home to Granada’s Gypsy community. In the very caves that originally housed this community, musicians entertain tourists with guitar strumming and zambra dancing, similar to flamenco. For a fascinating look at traditional Gypsy life, visit the Cave Museum of Sacromonte: a series of whitewashed caves along a ridge, with spectacular views of the Alhambra and exhibits celebrating this rich and proud culture.
After visiting the Alhambra and then seeing a blind beggar, a Spanish poet wrote, “Give him a coin, woman, for there is nothing worse in this life than to be blind in Granada.” This city has much to see, yet reveals itself in unpredictable ways. It takes a poet to sort through and assemble the jumbled shards of Granada.
Source:timescolonist.com
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Meet Trump's key Muslim ally on Michigan mission
October 28, 2024
Washington, DC — With early voting under way, campaigning on its last legs and Democrats seeing a dip in support over the Gaza war, Bishara Bahbah has taken it upon himself to woo Arab American voters to back former President Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris.
Bahbah, a wealth management expert and author, used to be a Democrat and was registered as such until earlier this year. After what he said were "repeated pleas to have the US stop arming Israel," he jumped the fence and joined the ranks of the Republicans.
In May, he launched Arab Americans for Trump, an independent group that is separate from the official Trump campaign, which has been campaigning in the swing state of Michigan and elsewhere.
Bahbah has been working closely with powerful Trump allies, including Richard Grenell — former acting director of national intelligence in the Trump administration who hopes to become US secretary of state if Trump is re-elected — and the Lebanese American businessman Massad Boulos, whose son is married to Tiffany Trump, Trump's daughter.
"People are getting really tired of the war-mongering of this administration and people don't see much of a difference between (US President Joe) Biden and Harris in terms of how she views the world and the Middle East. And they've lost faith in Harris, and they've lost faith a long time ago in Biden," Bahbah, who formerly taught at Harvard University, told TRT World in an exclusive interview.
While Bahbah is trying to get voters to endorse Trump, whose past remarks on Muslims often sparked controversy, it's not clear how much support his appeal has garnered among the Muslim Arab community. In fact, his decision to throw weight behind Trump hasn't gone over well with some of the community members he seeks to lure away from the Democrats.
"I have never encountered so much hate from this group on X," he posted on the social media platform in August.
Polling trends
Nevertheless, he's buoyed by a new poll that shows Trump has widened his lead over Harris among Arab American voters.
The YouGov poll of Arab Americans commissioned by the Arab News suggested a massive Arab American turnout (87 percent) on November 5, with Palestine being these voters' top priority and Trump enjoying a two-percentage-point lead (45-43) over Harris.
The findings came after a survey from the Arab American Institute earlier in October gave Trump a 42 to 41 percent advantage over Harris among Arab Americans.
"The message right now has become really fine-tuned to the point that if you vote for Harris, you're voting for continued wars in the Middle East, and if you vote for Trump, you are arriving back to peace in the Middle East," Bahbah, who voted for Biden in 2020, said.
Bahbah's family was uprooted from Jerusalem in historic Palestine during the 1948 Nakba, or "catastrophe" in Arabic, which refers to forced exodus of Palestinians from their land in 1948 when Israel was created.
The family fled to Jordan and then returned to occupied East Jerusalem, where Bahbah was born and spent his childhood and youthful days before moving to the US in 1976.
Now with Israel's war on Gaza again causing mass casualties, expulsions and dispossession among Palestinians, Bahbah, while referring to his own shift away from Democrats, said Arabs in America have been watching the horrors of war and the Biden administration's failure to rein in Israel with disbelief.
TRT World has previously reported on the fury against the Biden administration in areas such as the city of Dearborn, Michigan, where Arab Americans make up a sizable population, with more than 300,000 of the residents claiming to have Middle Eastern or North African roots.
"When you talk to people there, they have families that have been killed in Lebanon … their houses have been demolished or bombed by the Israelis three times, and each time they rebuilt," Bahbah added.
'She's slapped them in the face multiple times'
For months, Palestinians, rights activists and anti-war veterans have accused Harris and Biden of facilitating Israel's genocidal war on Gaza.
Their critics say the administration's unrestrained military, financial and diplomatic support of Tel Aviv's far-right regime, including at least $18 billion since the start of the war, makes the administration complicit.
Harris, who has called for a ceasefire in Gaza, a two-state solution to one of the world's longest ongoing conflicts and dignity for Palestinians, has also been lambasted over her repeated refusals to stop arms supply to Israel.
She has further angered Arab voters by campaigning in Michigan with former representative and Republican congresswoman, Liz Cheney, the daughter of hawkish ex-Vice President Dick Cheney.
Michigan's residents include more than 90,000 Iraqi Americans who have not forgotten the senior Cheney's role in the 2003 American invasion of Iraq.
Liz Cheney, on the other hand, is known for her controversial speeches and ideas. She has been declared by CAIR, America's largest Muslim civil rights organisation, as "a torture advocate, anti-Muslim bigot and warmonger who once refused to condemn racists spreading the Obama birther conspiracy."
Trump has seized on Harris' rehabilitation of Cheney.
Last week, the Republican slammed Cheney as someone who "wants to go to war with every Muslim country known to mankind." He also warned that "if Kamala gets four more years, the Middle East will spend the next four decades going up in flames."
Bahbah said Trump has infused hope among Arab Americans.
"People are sick and tired of Biden and Harris, and they really see hope in Trump," Bahbah claimed, adding many Arabs, particularly Arab Democrats, seemed confident when Harris was nominated as a presidential candidate, "but then she's slapped them in the face multiple times, refusing to have a Palestinian American speaker at the DNC (Democratic National Convention) to talk about the family that he lost in Gaza."
Bahbah was referring to pro-Palestine Democratic delegates and their allies who were denied a prime-time speaking slot at the DNC in August to address the bloodshed and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
That convention was held in Chicago, home to the US' largest Palestinian community.
Republicans also did not give a platform to any Muslim speaker in their national convention this year. In 2016, however, Sajid Tarar, a Pakistani American, grabbed media headlines when he spoke at the convention and also prayed for Trump.
Trump's ties with Muslims
Trump's history with Muslims is complex.
For example, his ban on Muslim migrants from several Muslim countries, his brazen support for Israel, and his refusal to criticise Israel or consider an arms embargo against Tel Aviv have not gone well with many Muslim voters.
Yet, many Muslim leaders have lined up to support Trump.
The Republican recently received support from Amer Ghalib, a Yemeni Muslim immigrant who serves as the mayor of Hamtramck, Michigan.
Last week, Trump invited several Muslim leaders onstage with him at a campaign rally in Michigan where he acknowledged, "They (Muslims in the US) could turn the election one way or the other," adding, "The Muslim and Arab voters in Michigan and across the country want a stop to the endless wars and a return to peace in the Middle East. That’s all they want."
At the rally, Mayor Bill Bazzi, the first Muslim and Arab American elected mayor of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, threw his weight behind Trump.
"We're going to stop the wars, we're going to make the United States safe again, and we're going to make the world safe," Bazzi said.
Democrats are also losing a large number of Arab American voters to Green Party candidate Jill Stein and independent Cornel West. Some analysts say the Democratic votes for these candidates might actually boost Trump's chances.
Democrats could also face a significant setback because of thousands of "uncommitted" voters who want to punish Democrats for their role in the Gaza war but also dread Trump's return to power.
Bahbah, who sees his Michigan mission succeeding, contended, "I tell you, I'm very confident that he [Trump] will stop the war."
Bahbah, who is often seen with Trump and recently campaigned in Arizona swing state with the ex-US president, said "One of the things that the president (Trump) and I spoke about was peace in the Middle East based on a two-state solution. And his response to me was 100 percent. He agreed with that."
Bahbah, however, sought to defend Trump, saying the Republican leader "has not mentioned anything about Muslim ban during his entire campaign, right now."
"There is no such thing as Muslim ban. Trump has not raised the issue, and no one is raising the issue on the Republican side. And the whole issue centres around extra vetting of people coming from countries with political turmoil. And that would apply to any country that has political turmoil in it, and that's about it."
Jerusalem and Trump
Commenting on the Trump administration's decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, reversing nearly 70 years of American foreign policy and shifting the country’s embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem — a move the Biden administration adhered to as well — Bahbah said, "most of us were angered by the embassy shift and the recognition of the (Syria's occupied) Golan Heights as part of Israel."
"But when it comes to the move of the embassy, Trump never precluded recognition of East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. That was never mentioned and it was laid on the table and it was up to negotiations at the time. The Palestinian government said thousands of 'nos' and 'we're not going to be talking to President Trump.'"
Bahbah asserted that sentiment had changed following the exchange of letters between Trump and the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, which he argued, "was a clear indication that they have reestablished communication and relationship."
Bahbah said he along with another person was involved in the exchange of those letters.
Palestinians see East Jerusalem, which has been occupied by Israel since the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, as the eternal capital of their homeland. The US had moved its embassy from Tel Aviv to an area in undivided Jerusalem that cuts across the 1949 Armistice Line that separates West Jerusalem from No Man's Land, which Israel occupied in 1967.
And Israel, which illegally annexed East Jerusalem in 1980, claims undivided Jerusalem as its capital. Both Palestinians and the international community reject it.
Like many Arab Americans, Trump's Jerusalem decision forced him to vote for Biden in 2020, "only to be disappointed by the Democrats later."
"Biden has proven to be a very weak president for the US. He has proven to be a non-consequential individual vis-à-vis (Israeli PM Benjamin) Netanyahu," Bahbah said.
"Biden could put any red lines. Netanyahu would cross them and there would be no consequences. So, Netanyahu has zero respect for Biden. Harris, too, will remain non-consequential if elected."
Source:trtworld.com
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Jewish body takes Islamic preacher to court over antisemitic speeches
Riley Walter
October 28, 2024
Australia’s peak Jewish body has launched legal action against an Islamic preacher and his religious centre over what it claims were antisemitic “derogatory generalisations” about Jewish people.
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry on Friday filed Federal Court proceedings against Wissam Haddad, also known as Abu Ousayd, alleging the podcaster contravened the Racial Discrimination Act during speeches made at the Al Madina Dawah Centre in Bankstown last year.
The council alleges Haddad referred to the Jewish community as a “vile” and “treacherous” people during remarks it claims were uploaded online.
Council co-chief executive Peter Wertheim and deputy president Robert Goot, who brought the proceedings under the section of the act prohibiting offensive behaviour based on racial hatred, have sought an injunction from the court ordering the online speeches be removed.
Wertheim and Goot have asked for an injunction banning Haddad and his centre from publishing similar content online in the future and for the court to order the publication of a “corrective notice” on the centre’s social media pages. The body has applied for the cost of its legal action to be covered, but it has not sought damages or compensation.
Haddad, who refers to himself as Abu Ousayd on his social media accounts, hosts the Muslim Unapologetic podcast and has posted anti-Israeli content to his Instagram account. Wissam was contacted for comment.
Wertheim said mediation attempts made in “good faith” at the Australian Human Rights Commission had been unsuccessful and that the council had “no alternative” but to take legal action.
“Accordingly, we have commenced proceedings in the Federal Court to defend the honour of our community, and as a warning to deter others seeking to mobilise racism in order to promote their political views,” Wertheim said in a statement.
“We are all free to observe our faith and traditions within the bounds of Australian law, and that should mean we do not bring the hatreds, prejudices and bigotry of overseas conflicts and societies into Australia.
“Maintaining and strengthening social cohesion is the role of governments and government agencies, but lately they have failed us. It should not fall on our community, or any other community, to take private legal action to remedy a public wrong, and to stand up to those who sow hatred in our midst. However, in the circumstances, we feel we have no alternative.”
Source:watoday.com.au
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Backlash after comedian at Trump rally calls Puerto Rico 'island of garbage'
October 29, 2024
A comedian at a Donald Trump rally called Puerto Rico a "floating island of garbage", sparking fury from Republicans and Democrats and accusations of racism.
The comic, Tony Hinchcliffe, was among the speakers at the Madison Square Garden in New York on Sunday. He also made a series of jokes that leant on racist stereotypes.
A Trump adviser distanced the former president from the Puerto Rico joke, which was also denounced by Trump's Democratic rival, Kamala Harris. Harris herself was the target of another Trump warm-up speaker who also sparked controversy.
The furore came as one of the world's top Latin celebrities, Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny, endorsed Harris for president.
In his joke, Hinchcliffe, known for his comedy podcast Kill Tony, said: "There’s a lot going on. I don’t know if you know this but there’s literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it’s called Puerto Rico."
The line appeared to meet a mixed reception. Two Republicans in the state of Florida, which has a prominent Puerto Rican population, were among those who called out the joke.
US congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar said she was "disgusted" by the "racist comment". She said on X that it did not "reflect the GOP values", referring to the Republican Party, and noted thousands of Puerto Ricans served in the military.
US Senator Rick Scott said: "The joke bombed for a reason. It's not funny and it's not true." He added that "Puerto Ricans are amazing people and amazing Americans".
Puerto Rico is a US island territory in the Caribbean. Its residents are unable to vote in US presidential elections, but there is a large diaspora across the US who can.
Hinchcliffe also suggested Latinos "loved making babies".
He drew on racist tropes about black people and watermelons, which prompted groans from the audience - and he called Palestinians rock-throwers while in the same sentence suggested Jews would not spend money - invoking an antisemitic trope.
According to CBS, a source familiar with the event confirmed late Monday that the Trump campaign vetted Hinchcliffe's list of jokes, but said the comments about Puerto Rico, and Latinos and black people were ad-libbed. The campaign also said it cut two profane jokes.
The comedian later defended his material. "These people have no sense of humour," he wrote on X in response to criticism from Democratic lawmaker Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Democratic vice-presidential candidate Tim Walz.
He added: "I love Puerto Rico and vacation there. I made fun of everyone… watch the whole set."
Ocasio-Cortez responded, saying: "You don't 'love Puerto Rico'. You like drinking piña coladas. There's a difference."
She had earlier said Hinchcliffe's comments were "super upsetting", noting that her family was from Puerto Rico.
The night's other speakers courted controversy with their own remarks. David Rem, a childhood friend of Trump, called Harris "the devil" and "the antichrist".
And Trump's former lawyer Rudy Giuliani falsely claimed the Democratic candidate was "on the side of the terrorists" in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Although much of the focus was on the comments by his guest speakers, Trump used the occasion to announce a plan for tax credits for those who take care of a parent or a loved one. "It's about time that they were recognised," he said.
He also reiterated plans for a mass deportation for illegal migrants, speaking of his wish to "rescue" places that had been "invaded and conquered" by "vicious and bloodthirsty criminals".
Earlier on Sunday, Harris unveiled policies aimed at helping those in Puerto Rico - garnering support from Jennifer Lopez, who has Puerto Rican parents, as well as Bad Bunny. Numerous other big-name celebrities have already backed her.
Bad Bunny posted multiple videos of Harris talking about the island, her ideas to help residents, and her attacks on how Trump handled Hurricane Maria as president when the deadly storm killed nearly 3,000 people there in 2017.
A source close to Bad Bunny confirmed to the BBC's US partner, CBS News, that this represented an endorsement of Harris, breaking his longstanding tradition of not weighing in on national politics.
In the last seven years, there has been an exodus from Puerto Rico, whose inhabitants have moved to the mainland US including Florida and swing states such as North Carolina, Georgia and Pennsylvania. Puerto Ricans are now reportedly the second largest Latino subgroup in those states.
Bad Bunny's comments appeared to be pre-planned, and he did not address the remarks by Hinchcliffe. But fellow Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin did, telling his fans "this is what they think of us" and urging them to vote for Harris.
There are around 36 million Hispanic voters eligible to vote this year, according to the Pew Research centre. They have generally formed a key plank of the Democratic coalition but Republicans have been eating into that support.
Madison Square Garden, near the heart of the city, is one of the most famous venues in the world and capable of seating about 20,000.
It is also in Trump's hometown, and the city in which he landed a historic criminal conviction earlier this year.
New York - viewed by some as a curious choice for the final week of campaigning - is a solid blue state and will not be decisive in the race for the White House.
Who is Tony Hinchcliffe?
Tony Hinchcliffe is a stand-up comedian based in Austin, Texas, known for his podcast Kill Tony, which offers stand up comedians the opportunity to audition for 60 seconds before Hinchcliffe and his co-host, Brian Redban.
The podcast has 1.89 million subscribers on YouTube.
The comedian grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, and described himself as "the class clown". He got his start in the comedy world working for Joe Rogan and writing jokes for celebrities on Comedy Central Roast.
This is not the first time some of his comments have made headlines for their offensive nature.
In 2021, he used a racial slur when referring to American-Chinese comedian Peng Deng during a comedy set and refused to apologise.
"I knew that what I had done was not wrong,” Hinchcliffe said when asked by Variety about that controversy. "It was so dumbfounding to me because it was a joke, and my stance is that comedians should never apologise for a joke."
Hinchcliffe was one of the comedians who appeared on former NFL star Tom Brady's Netflix comedy roast earlier this year.
Source:bbc.com
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Southeast Asia
Iran Ambassador Urges Indonesia to Unite Islamic Nations Against Israeli Aggression
The Jakarta Globe
October 29, 2024
Jakarta. Iran's ambassador to Indonesia, Mohammad Boroujerdi, has called on Indonesia, as the world's largest Muslim-majority country, to play a crucial role in promoting peace in the Middle East by uniting Islamic nations against Israel's military aggression and advocating for solidarity with the people of Lebanon and Palestine.
"The Zionist regime has consistently violated international rights and norms, often acting against the advice of international authorities. Therefore, expecting peace-oriented behavior from the Zionist regime is unrealistic. Its actions over the years have shown that whenever it feels empowered, it engages in military aggression," Boroujerdi said in an exclusive interview with the Jakarta Globe.
A year has passed since the Israeli attack on Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023. The Palestinian death toll in Gaza has reached more than 42,000, with many victims being women and children.
"The ruthless actions of the Zionist regime over the past year are well known. The regime’s crimes against women, children, and civilians in Palestine and Lebanon expose its brutal nature. Such arguments merely serve to justify the regime’s continued violations of human and legal standards and human rights," he said.
He pointed out that Israel has initiated over 20 major conflicts in the region, often agreeing to ceasefires only when its position has weakened.
To counter this, Boroujerdi called for a united stance among Islamic countries, urging them to show solidarity with the people of Lebanon and Palestine. He suggested that these nations impose political and economic sanctions against Israel and utilize international and military pressure to hold it accountable for its actions.
"Iran’s actions in the region have shifted equations, with most regional nations now condemning the Israeli regime and aligning with Iran," he remarked.
He expressed gratitude to Indonesia for its condemnation of Israeli actions against Iran and called for decisive action from global countries and organizations to deter the Zionist regime’s warmongering. We extend our gratitude to the government, dignitaries, and people of Indonesia for condemning the actions of this regime against our nation," he said.
President Prabowo Subianto has reiterated Indonesia's full support for the Palestinian people's struggle for independence. Upholding principles of anti-colonialism, anti-oppression, and global solidarity, Indonesia continues to advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people amid the worsening conflict.
"We must stand in solidarity and defend oppressed peoples worldwide, which is why we support the independence of the Palestinian people," President Prabowo said in his first speech after taking office.
In his address, President Prabowo noted that the Indonesian government, under President Joko Widodo, has been actively providing humanitarian assistance to Palestine, including sending medical personnel to aid in Gaza and Rafah.
In a related development, South Africa's legal team recently delivered a nearly 5,000-page document to the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Other nations, including Palestine, Spain, Chile, and seven others, have petitioned the court to join the case.
Source:jakartaglobe.id
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Malaysia’s BRICS partner status to contribute to economic growth, export gains – Tengku Zafrul
BERNAMA
29-10- 2024
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian government hopes that the country’s recent recognition as a BRICS partner will contribute to economic growth and export expansion over the long term, said the Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
He highlighted Malaysia’s potential to play a key role in strengthening the global supply chain, particularly in critical sectors such as semiconductor and other strategic industries.
“We have gained the trust of BRICS members in the country’s leadership.
“BRICS countries currently account for approximately 26 per cent of the world’s gross domestic product, nearly matching the economic strength of the G7 nations,” he said during the question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday.
He was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari (PH-Gombak) regarding the impact of Malaysia’s inclusion as a BRICS partner country.
Meanwhile, he emphasised Malaysia’s clear stance of not exploiting international trade conflicts.
“Malaysia has always adhered to the policy of non-alignment with any major economic power in handling international issues, including the trade war involving the United States (US), China, and Russia.
“To avoid being entangled in global trade disputes among major economic powers, the government will continue to prioritise diplomatic relations and trade ties with all countries,” he said.
Tengku Zafrul said that Malaysia will continue to enhance diplomatic relations to maintain positive trade ties with all trading partners, including the US, China and Russia, as well as non-traditional trading partners.
“Malaysia, as an open trading nation, always believes in the open-economy approach and having friendly policies. We want to be pragmatic and foster a conducive trade and investment climate,” he added.
Source:thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/malaysia-s-brics-partner-status-to-contribute-to-economic-growth-export-gains-tengku-zafrul-FA13209682
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OJK Issues 3 Guidelines for Sharia Banking Products
October 29, 2024
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) has issued three latest guidelines about sharia banking products. The Executive Head of Banking Supervision at OJK, Dian Ediana Rae, launched these three guidelines during the peak agenda of the 2024 Annual Sharia Banking Meeting in Banda Aceh, on Friday, October 25, 2024. The issuance aims to develop sharia banking products that offer different value propositions from conventional banking.
The three guidelines issued are the Mudarabah Financing Product Guidelines, Shariah Restricted Investment Account (SRIA) Implementation Guidelines with Mudharabah Muqayyadah Contract, and Cash Waqf Linked Deposit (CWLD) Implementation Guidelines. Dian stated that this step is one form of OJK's commitment to strengthen the characteristics of sharia banking by developing the uniqueness of sharia products in line with the Sharia Banking Development and Strengthening Roadmap of Indonesia (RP3SI) 2023-2027.
"These Product Guidelines prepared by OJK are expected to provide guidance for the industry and relevant stakeholders in the implementation of sharia banking products, thus providing a common view and understanding during the implementation," said Dian in a written statement on Sunday, October 27, 2024.
Meanwhile, mudarabah financing products are based on profit-sharing cooperation. Dian believes that the characteristics of this financing can provide a concept of fairness for banks and customers.
On the other hand, the SRIA product with mudharabah muqayyadah contract is an investment scheme where risks are borne by the investor. Dian stated that this is a follow-up to Law Number 4 of 2023 concerning the Development and Strengthening of the Financial Sector (UU P2SK) which distinguishes between investment products and savings products in sharia banking.
Furthermore, Cash Waqf Linked Deposit (CWLD) is a temporary money endowment-based product. CWLD involves the role of a Nazhir (manager of endowment property) of money endowment and a sharia bank as the Sharia Financial Institution Receives Money Endowment (LKS-PWU) in structuring waqf programs.
Based on OJK data, the current condition of sharia banking reflects a stable and positive growth trend. Assets, Financing, and Third-Party Funds (DPK) in sharia banking continue to show double-digit growth. As of August 2024, assets grew by 10.37 percent year on year (yoy) to Rp902.39 trillion.
Meanwhile, financing grew by 11.65 percent yoy to Rp620.33 trillion and DPK also grew by 11.42 percent yoy to Rp705.18 trillion. OJK stated that the resilience of sharia banking remains strong, reflected in the capital adequacy ratio (CAR) at 25.6 percent. This resilience, according to OJK, is also supported by good financing quality and stable profitability.
Source:tempo.co
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A Thai court drops a case over the deaths of Muslim protesters in 2004
ByJINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI
October 28, 202
BANGKOK -- A court in southern Thailand on Monday dropped a case against former state security personnel and officials over the deaths of 85 Muslim protesters in 2004, saying none of the suspects had been apprehended.
Families of the victims of what is known as the Tak Bai massacre in April accused seven soldiers and government officials of murder, attempted murder and unlawful detention. The Narathiwat Provincial Court formally accepted the case in August.
While there was enough evidence for an indictment, the court said the case was unable to proceed as no suspects were arrested and brought to the court, and as a result, the 20-year statute of limitations expired on Friday.
The court’s statement noted that its order is not a dismissal of the charges against the suspects, as they “had never entered the legal proceedings, but fled until the statute of limitations expired.”
One of those named is Pisal Wattanawongkiri, commander of the 4th Army Region at the time of the incident. At the time of indictment in August, he was a lawmaker of the ruling Pheu Thai party. The party said he filed a medical leave to seek treatment abroad, and resigned from the party earlier this month. Other suspects were also believed to have left the country after the indictment.
The case earned notoriety because of the manner in which the victims died. On Oct. 25, 2004, thousands of protesters gathered at the police station in Narathiwat’s Tak Bai district to demand the release of six Muslim men who had been detained several days earlier. The detainees, members of an official village defense force, were accused by police of handing over weapons to Muslim insurgents, but reporting them stolen.
Seven of the protesters were shot dead after the demonstration turned violent. Around 1,300 of them were later rounded up, had their hands tied and were loaded onto trucks, stacked like firewood. By the time the vehicles reached an army base where they were taken to be detained, 78 had died of crushing or suffocation. Several others were seriously injured or became disabled due to crushing.
The deaths occurred shortly after a Muslim separatist insurgency erupted in Thailand’s southernmost provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala, the only ones with Muslim majorities in the Buddhist-dominated nation.
Muslim residents have long complained of being treated like second-class citizens in Thailand, and separatist movements have been periodically active for decades. Heavy-handed crackdowns have fueled the discontent. Fighting continues to this day, but at a lower level.
Speaking to reporters outside the court, Ratsada Manooratsada, who represents the victims' families, said while the outcome was expected, the legal team will continue to pursue other alternatives, including investigations into whether police officers had purposefully delayed the proceedings until the case had almost expired.
“The statute of limitations in memory of the people will never have an expiration date,” he said.
The U.N. special rapporteurs of the Human Rights Council issued a statement last week calling for the investigation and the pursuit of justice to continue even after the statute of limitations expired, as “a failure to investigate and bring perpetrators to justice is itself a violation of Thailand’s human rights obligations.”
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra last week said that it wasn't possible to extend the validity of the case. She offered an official apology to those affected, insisting that all relevant agencies had done what they could to provide justice.
“We will do our best to prevent such an incident from happening again,” she said.
Source:abcnews.go.com
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https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/thai-court-drops-case-deaths-muslim-protesters-2004-115208849
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Shift in urban planning, development needed - Fadillah
BERNAMA
29-10- 2024
PUTRAJAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof today highlighted the need for a new approach to urban planning and development, which goes beyond focusing solely on physical and spatial growth.
Fadillah, who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, emphasised that urban development also encompassed the creation of inclusive, sustainable, and competitive communities.
He said cities and the big towns in Malaysia can no longer be viewed merely as economic hubs as the focus should also be on addressing climate change, population growth, technological advancement, and social equity.
“Our cities are now greatly affected by climate change and the risk of disasters, especially floods where the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) has identified 5,648 flood hotspots across the country,“ he said when speaking at the 2024 National Planning Congress 2024 here, today.
He said ageing urban infrastructure needs to be modernised with advanced technology to meet the demands of the digital age.
“With the development of smart cities, we’re not only enhancing the quality of life but also creating opportunities to design more connected, secure, and responsive urban systems. This aligns with the principles of social justice and equality enshrined in Madani’s aspirations,” said Fadillah.
He suggested revitalising urban areas that have become outdated or underdeveloped to make them more functional and appealing.
However, he emphasised the need for careful planning in the city’s rapid development to preserve the community’s connection to local cultural and historical heritage.
“Identity and cultural heritage need to be preserved in urban planning so that the city becomes a reflection of our identity. In the inclusive urban renewal process, it should ensure that every layer of society is involved in this process,“ he said.
Fadillah called on all parties, especially urban planners to work together in building a brighter future for the country through sustainable and inclusive urban planning and development.
“Remember, town planning is about facilitation. The role of all town planners in the new era of the country’s development in the future is very important,“ he said.
Source:thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/shift-in-urban-planning-development-needed-fadillah-OA13209412
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Govt plans to amend Land Acquisition Act to protect national assets, public interests - PM
BERNAMA
29-10- 2024
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government plans to amend the Land Acquisition Act 1960 (Act 486) to ensure that national assets and public interests are protected following the land acquisition issues concerning the Duta Enclave.
He said that the bill to amend the Act is being prepared by the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) before being finalised by the Cabinet and tabled in Parliament.
“The AGC is currently working to tighten the law, (because) public interests cannot be compromised.
“If we compromise on this matter, all land, especially Malay-owned land in urban areas, will be at risk,” he said in reply to Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu) during the Minister’s Question Time at Dewan Rakyat today.
Takiyuddin had wanted to know the government’s solution to the Duta Enclave crisis in Mukim Batu after the High Court ruled that the 263.272 acres (106.54 hectares) of land on Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur, must be returned by the federal government to Semantan Estate Sdn Bhd, as this has serious implications for the country in various aspects.
On Oct 23, it was reported that the High Court ruled that the disputed land, known as the ‘Duta Enclave’, should be returned to Semantan Estate after declaring the government’s 1956 acquisition of the land invalid.
In a 12-page judgment released on Oct 21, Justice Datuk Ahmad Shahrir Mohd Salleh said that due to a botched acquisition, the government was and is still in unlawful occupation of the land.
Duta Enclave, located in the prime Jalan Duta area, houses government buildings, including the National Hockey Stadium, the Malaysian Institute of Integrity, the National Archives, the Kuala Lumpur Syariah Court, the Inland Revenue Board building and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Academy.
Anwar said that, in addition to facilitating the resolution of the Duta Enclave issue, the amendment to Act 486 will also help address related problems in the future.
As such, he said the government will continue to pursue legal avenues while negotiating with Semantan Estate to find the best solution to the land dispute that had persisted since 1956.
“We are still appealing the court’s decision regarding the transfer of ownership, so I leave it to the AGC to handle it,” he said.
In reply to Takiyuddin’s supplementary question on the previous government’s plan to offer compensation of RM5 billion to Semantan Estate despite the estimated value of the land being RM3.1 billion, Anwar said such a decision would not resolve the problem; rather, it would open the door to other land issues.
“We must be firm. So far, not an inch of the Duta Enclave land is being developed for private or commercial purposes; everything is for government buildings,” he said, stressing that this issue involves not only legal technicalities but also the principles of national development and public interest.
The Prime Minister said the Secretary-General of the Treasury has also held meetings with Semantan Estate in an effort to find the best resolution to the issue.
This includes allowing the company to develop part of the undeveloped land in the Duta Enclave, provided they collaborate with any government company, he added.
Source:thesun.my
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https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/govt-plans-to-amend-land-acquisition-act-to-protect-national-assets-public-interests-pm-IA13209230
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South Asia
Homemaker murdered in Mirpur DOHS
Oct 29, 2024
The wife of a retired air force officer was killed at their residence in the capital's Mirpur DOHS area allegedly by robbers, who later reportedly made away with Tk 15 lakh cash and 10 bhori gold in the middle of the day.
Police found the victim's hands and feet tied and injury marks around her neck when they recovered her body around 3:30pm on Sunday.
The deceased, identified as Farah Diba, 60, was the wife of Kazi Abdul Matin, retired wing commander of the Bangladesh Air Force.
The couple lived with their son and daughter in an apartment on Road 10 at Mirpur DOHS. A the time of the incident, the victim was home alone.
Adil Hossain, inspector (investigation) of Pallabi Police Station, told The Daily Star yesterday that the woman was likely strangled to death between 10:00am and noon on Sunday. Later when her family members returned home and discovered her body, they informed the police.
The inspector added that the family reported Tk 15 lakh in cash and 10 bhori of gold jewellery missing from the apartment.
Since the incident, the building's caretaker and their chauffeur have been missing from duty. Police suspect they might be involved. Efforts are underway to apprehend them, the police officer said.
The victim's son has filed a murder case in connection with the incident.
A recent surge in violent crimes has sparked widespread concern as the capital continues to experience frequent incidents of murder, robbery, mugging, and theft.
In a separate incident, police recovered the body of a woman, with her throat slit, from a furniture factory in Dhaka's Uttar Badda area early yesterday.
The deceased was identified as Amena Akter, 32, of Alinagar village in Bhola Sadar upazila.
Her body was recovered shortly after midnight Sunday from the factory, owned by Ramzan Mia, said Fatema Siddika Soma, sub-inspector (SI) of Badda Police Station.
The SI said, "Informed around 10:00pm, we arrived at the scene and found the woman's body inside the factory premises. The victim's throat had been slit."
Ramzan was taken to the police station for questioning, she added.
Amena's husband, Mintu Mia, has been missing since the incident.
Amena had been living with her husband in a rented house in the Baganbari area of Uttar Badda.
Police suspect that Amena was murdered sometime between 8:00pm and 10:00pm on Sunday.
Source:thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/homemaker-murdered-mirpur-dohs-3739156
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‘Breaching discipline’: 75 students of Ctg medical college suspended
Oct 29, 2024
Chattogram Medical College and Hospital authorities have suspended 75 students, including 14 intern doctors, of different academic years for being involved in "anti-disciplinary activities".
Meanwhile, 11 students who were accused of the same were let go with a warning.
The decisions were taken at a meeting of the college's academic council last Sunday, and came into effect yesterday.
Of the 75, seven were suspended for two years, 15 for a year and half, 39 for a year and 14 for six months.
Brigadier General Mohammad Taslim Uddin, director of CMCH, told The Daily Star, "A 12-member investigation committee, headed by Professor Dr Hasanuzzaman, was formed a month and a half ago [after allegations against the students surfaced]. Based on the recommendations made in the committee's report, 75 students from different academic years of Chattogram Medical College, including 14 intern doctors of the hospital, have been suspended. The punishment was given as the allegations of breaching discipline were proved.
"The decision was taken last Sunday at the academic council's meeting on maintaining a fair environment on campus."
According to the suspension order, the learning environment of the college has been "severely disturbed" due to the accused students' anti-disciplinary activities, including illegally occupying dormitories and engaging in violence.
Source:thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/breaching-discipline-75-students-ctg-medical-college-suspended-3738876
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Teen gangs, top criminals behind mugging surge
Oct 29, 2024
Teen gang members and top-listed criminals were behind the rise of mugging, theft, and robbery incidents in the capital's Mohammadpur.
Even a group of people were involved in selling machetes and knives to the culprits.
The law enforcers disclosed the findings yesterday, following the arrest of 34 individuals, including members of teen gangs, in 24 hours till Sunday night.
"We have managed to arrest 34 in the last 24 hours. Among them, 22 were arrested during a joint drive with the army. They were shown arrested in previously filed cases," Hafziur Rahman, Inspector (investigation) of the Mohammadpur Police Station told The Daily Star.
The 22 were arrested from Dhaka Udyan, Chand Udyan, and Geneva Camp during the joint drive, said a press release by Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR).
Rubul Kabir Khan, deputy commissioner of the Tejgaon Division Police, said they have arrested two blacksmiths on the charge of selling machetes to teen gang members.
Law enforcers recovered 40 machetes from the arrestees.
"We have already increased joint drive, block raid, check posts, and patrolling in Mohammadpur to prevent criminal activities. Strict legal action will be taken against the patrons of the teen gang members," he said at a media briefing yesterday.
During a visit yesterday, this newspaper found two temporary police outposts set up inside the Geneva Camp to maintain law and order.
There are 20 police members in each outpost, sources said.
Referring to the four recent killing incidents in the Geneva camp, DC Ruhul Kabir said those incidents occurred centring asserting dominance of drug traders.
"We are collecting information and conducting operations," he added.
On Saturday night, the joint operations arrested 45 suspects and seized nine sharp weapons.
Meanwhile, the Ramna Division of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) also increased vigilance.
A high official of the Ramna Division said, "We are fearing that the teen gang members and muggers may change locations and focus on Dhanmondi due to continuous drives in Mohammadpur."
Meanwhile, Dhanmondi residents claimed that they are already passing days in fear, as mugging incidents, similar to those in Mohammadpur, also took place in the Dhanmondi area over the last couple of weeks.
Law enforcers even failed to detect criminals, they added.
For instance, on October 19 around 7:00pm, four unidentified people wearing helmets snatched away Tk 50 lakh from an individual by firing gunshots from road 8/A of the area.
The victim Rasel Ali is the manager of a money exchange institute.
A case was filed with Dhanmondi Police Station a day later.
But police have yet to trace any criminals or the snatched money. Md Masud Alam, deputy commissioner of Ramna Division Police, admitted the fact and said they are working tirelessly.
"Some incidents may have taken place in Dhanmondi… we have managed to detect and arrest criminals in some incidents, and we are working regarding the others. We have already increased vigilance, and patrolling to ensure visible policing and prompt action," he told The Daily Star yesterday.
Meanwhile, in a press release yesterday, the ISPR said the army has been working across the country to ensure the security of public and important government installations, and control the law and order situation.
The army will continue its tough stance in this regard, the release added.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Mainul Islam yesterday directed all the unit heads to strengthen the ongoing special drive against various crimes including robbery, extortion, drug trafficking, and illegal activities of "teen gangs," as well as to enhance traffic management.
The IGP provided this directive in a special message, according to a media release issued by Police Headquarters.
Source:thedailystar.net
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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/teen-gangs-top-criminals-behind-mugging-surge-3739111
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Humanitarian Relief Reaches Flood-Affected Families in Ghor
2024-10-28
GHOR(BNA): The Sultan Shahabuddin Ghori Charity Organization, in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has extended critical support to 900 families in Ghor Province who were severely impacted by recent flooding and displacement. This assistance, which includes cash aid, essential food supplies, and winter clothing, aims to alleviate the immediate needs of affected families as winter approaches.
According to officials from both organizations, the aid distribution was conducted with the coordination of the provincial Natural Disaster Management Authority and covered the Murghab, Chaharsada, and Firozkoh districts.
This year’s floods in Ghor have caused substantial destruction, leaving many residents without adequate shelter and in urgent need of support. The relief efforts underscore a focused commitment to aiding vulnerable populations and addressing the pressing needs created by this natural disaster.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/humanitarian-relief-reaches-flood-affected-families-in-ghor/
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Afghan-Trans Railway Set to Enhance Regional Transit, Says Uzbek Transport Minister
2024-10-28
KABUL(BNA): The opening of the Afghan-Trans railway is expected to significantly improve transit routes between Central Asia and neighboring regions, according to Uzbekistan’s Transport Minister, Ilkhom Makhkamov. Speaking to Azerbaijan’s Trend news agency, Minister Makhkamov emphasized the strategic importance of the new railway link.
“The Afghan-Trans railway provides Uzbekistan with the shortest access to Pakistani ports, facilitating enhanced trade opportunities,” Makhkov stated. He highlighted that this new route would enable Uzbekistan to strengthen its trade relations not only with South Asian countries but also with regions as far-flung as Africa and North and South America.
The railway is poised to become a critical conduit for goods and services, further integrating Uzbekistan into the global economy.
Source:bakhtarnews.af
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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/afghan-trans-railway-set-to-enhance-regional-transit-says-uzbek-transport-minister/
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Europe
CNN guest thrown off air after telling Muslim journalist: ‘I hope your beeper doesn’t go off’
October 29, 2024
CNN has said it will no longer feature appearances from writer Ryan Girdusky, after he made a comment amid a chaotic and bad tempered panel discussion appearing to say he hoped that a Muslim journalist got blown up in a bomb attack.
“There is zero room for racism or bigotry at CNN or on our air,” the network said in a statement. “We aim to foster thoughtful conversations and debate including between people who profoundly disagree with each other in order to explore important issues and promote mutual understanding.
“But we will not allow guests to be demeaned or for the line of civility to be crossed. Ryan Girdusky will not be welcomed back at our network.”
The incident began during a panel on Monday, when Girdusky and fellow panelist Mehdi Hasan were discussing Donald Trump’s recent rally at Madison Square Garden and accusations that the Trump campaign is spreading Nazi-style ideas.
Girdusky began to make a comment about labels, and how Hasan, an outspoken supporter of Palestinian rights, is frequently branded an antisemite by his opponents.
Hasan, editor-in-chief of the news site Zeteo, said he’s used to the attack, given his vocal support for Palestinians.
“Yeah, well, I hope your beeper doesn’t go off,” Girdusky then said.
The comment, in context, appears to be a reference to last month’s large-scale explosion of pagers and walkie-talkies belonging to alleged Hezbollah members, which killed 37 people and injured thousands, many of them civilians. Lebanese officials have blamed the attack on Israel, which denies responsibility for the explosions.
“Did you just say I should die?” Hasan responded.
The Independent has contacted Zeteo for comment. On X, Hasan reposted CNN’s condemnation of the comments.
During a heated exchange that followed, Hasan suggested Girdusky was inciting violence against him, and that CNN allowed a panelist to suggest “the Muslim guy should be blown up.”
On air, Girdusky claimed his comments came after he thought Hasan said he supported Hamas.
“You didn’t think I said Hamas,” Hasan said. “I said I’m a supporter of Palestinian rights,” adding, “At least have the guts to support your racist comment.”
After the show returned from commercial break with neither Girdusky nor Hasan, host Abby Phillip apologized to Hasan and viewers, calling the comments “completely unacceptable.”
“When we get this discussion started you’ll see that Ryan is not at the table,” she said. “There is a line that was crossed there and it’s not acceptable to me, it’s not acceptable to us at this network.”
“We can have conversations about what is happening in this country without resorting to the lowest of the low kind of discourse,” she said.
“CNN has played a central role in normalizing this kind of open anti-Arab, anti-Muslim, and anti-Palestinian hate, and it’s sadly totally unsurprising to see such disgusting statements aired so casually on its network now,” congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, who is Muslim and Palestinian-American, wrote on X.
Source:independent.co.uk
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https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/cnn-mehdi-hasan-ryan-girdusky-b2637183.html
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UK anti-Islam activist 'Tommy Robinson' jailed for breaching injunction
By REUTERS
OCTOBER 28, 2024
British anti-Muslim activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known by the pseudonym Tommy Robinson, was jailed for 18 months on Monday after he admitted contempt of court by breaching an injunction made after he was successfully sued for libel.
Yaxley-Lennon was sued for libel at London's High Court by Syrian refugee Jamal Hijazi and in 2021 was ordered to pay 100,000 pounds ($129,885) in damages.
He was also made subject to an injunction preventing him from repeating the libel, which Yaxley-Lennon admitted repeatedly breaching between February 2023 and this July.
Sentencing Yaxley-Lennon at London's Woolwich Crown Court, Judge Jeremy Johnson said, "The breaches were not accidental or negligent or merely reckless.
"Each breach of the injunction was a considered and planned and deliberate and direct and flagrant breach of the court's order."
Britain's Solicitor General took legal action against Yaxley-Lennon over comments in online interviews and a documentary titled 'Silenced,' which has been viewed millions of times and was played in London's Trafalgar Square in July.
The Solicitor General's lawyer Aidan Eardley said Yaxley-Lennon had been found in contempt on three separate occasions and was jailed for it in 2019. He also has separate criminal convictions.
Yaxley-Lennon was accused by some media and politicians of inflaming tensions which led to days of rioting across Britain in late July after the murder of three young girls at a dance workshop in Southport. He has accused the media of lying about him.
'Above the law'
Yaxley-Lennon's lawyer, Sasha Wass, said of his libelous remarks: "He acted in the way that he did, and he accepts his culpability because he passionately believes in free speech, a free press, and the overwhelming desire that he has to expose the truth."
Wass also said that 'Silenced' had been "effectively commissioned" through US conspiracy theorist Alex Jones's Infowars company.
Johnson sentenced Yaxley-Lennon to 18 months, less three days spent in custody after he was arrested on Friday. He will spend half in custody.
The judge said four months could be cut from the sentence if Yaxley-Lennon tried to "purge" his contempt, including by taking down copies of 'Silenced'. As Johnson spoke, Yaxley-Lennon could be seen mouthing "nah" to the public gallery.
The judge said of Yaxley-Lennon that "all his actions so far suggest that he regards himself as being above the law."
Source:jpost.com
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https://www.jpost.com/international/article-826483
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Chemical scare at Mosque after substance sent in the post
28 OCT 2024
A mosque was at the centre of a major chemical scare today. Emergency services were dispatched to the building in Bury Old Road, Prestwich after a mystery substance was delivered by post.
Police have now launched an investigation to establish if the incident was an elaborate hoax or a real chemical attack intended to do harm.
Fire, police and ambulances were sent to the Masjid Bilal Islamic Centre, which is in a former library opposite a parade of shops.
In a statement Greater Manchester Police said: "We have received a report of an unknown substance being delivered within a piece of mail to a premises on Bury Old Road, Prestwich.
"As a precaution, GMFRS were drafted in to assist us and evacuated the affected premises.
"No-one has reported falling ill from the substance and there is not thought to be a wider risk to those locally. The scene will be stood down shortly and investigation commenced."
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: "At around 4:15pm today (Monday, 28th October), firefighters were called to assist Greater Manchester Police at an incident at a premises on Bury Old Road in Prestwich.
"Two fire engines from Whitefield and Broughton fire stations quickly arrived at the scene. Firefighters assisted GMP in carrying out an evacuation of the building and setting up a cordon as a precaution.
Source:manchestereveningnews.co.uk
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https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/chemical-scare-mosque-after-substance-30248893
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Giorgio Armani unveils a 12-storey temple to his stylish universe in New York City
29 OCT 2024
When you are a 90-year-old fashion and design icon, the only way to take New York City is to do it your way. Two weeks ago, Giorgio Armani celebrated his bold return to the Big Apple with plenty of fanfare – from his first fashion show in the city in 11 years on 17 September to the unveiling of an entire 12-storey building where you can dress like Armani, eat like Armani, decorate like Armani, and even move into an apartment fully designed by the Italian legend.
The Armani/Madison Avenue property, redesigned in partnership with SL Green Realty Corp. and CookFox Architects, was unveiled at a glamorous cocktail party where fans of the brand explored its two-storey fashion boutique and entire third floor devoted to Armani Casa furniture and accessories. Guests in Armani gowns and tailored menswear roamed the three-floor space, exploring the upcoming Armani/Ristorante, with Art Deco–inspired decor and a Champagne bar, set to open in November. They also sampled chocolates from the section stocked with Armani/Dolci products, including the designer’s favourite Italian preserves.
The building, at the corner of East 65th Street on the site of Armani’s former Manhattan flagship, will also include ten residences for those who want to live fully immersed in the Italian designer’s world. Starting price? Just a cool $21.5 million.
For interiors fans, the third floor brings the designer’s Armani/Casa to the city in its first retail setting open to the public. The expansive space showcases the designer’s extensive collections of furniture and home accessories – from scented candles to leather-and-alabaster noughts and crosses sets. The furniture, including bar cabinets, lighting, sofas, and a bed, are displayed in vignettes. Meanwhile, an entire room is stocked with samples of Armani Casa’s fabrics and wallpapers, accessible by appointment.
Armani himself, who has an apartment overlooking Central Park, was thrilled with his first trip to the city since before the pandemic. ‘More vital and frenetic than ever, New York continues to look ahead,’ he says. ‘I am delighted to unveil the new building on Madison Avenue and to celebrate it with an event and the show. Developed with my team of architects, this project expresses a concept of luxury that deeply respects the culture and spirit of the place and is meant to be a lasting tribute to a city that has welcomed me and marked important moments in my career.’
Source:elledecoration.co.uk
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https://www.elledecoration.co.uk/design/a62738101/armani-nyc-flagship/
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Nato says North Korean troops deployed to Russia's Kursk region
OCTOBER 29, 2024
Matt Murphy
North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia and are operating in the Kursk border region where Ukrainian troops have a foothold, Nato has said for the first time.
The alliance's Secretary General, Mark Rutte, said he could confirm the deployment after weeks of intelligence reports, following a meeting with South Korean security and defence officials on Monday.
The newly installed Nato chief said the deployment represented a "significant escalation" and a "dangerous expansion" of Russia's war in Ukraine.
Last week, President Vladimir Putin refused to deny that North Korean troops had arrived in Russia, following reports that Pyongyang was preparing to send thousands of troops to aid its ally.
"This is our sovereign decision," Putin said, sidestepping the question during a news conference. "Whether we use it or not, where, how, or whether we engage in exercises, training, or transfer some experience. It’s our business."
Rutte's intervention on Monday marked the first time Nato had formally acknowledged that Pyongyang's forces were operating in Russia. He added that North Korea had already sent ballistic missiles and millions of rounds of ammunition to Moscow for use in Ukraine.
In return, President Putin has agreed to send military technology and other support to help North Korea evade international sanctions, Rutte said. The partnership, he added, was "undermining global peace and security".
His warning that North Korean troops are operating in Kursk will cause concern in Western capitals.
In a post on X, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote: "North Korean soldiers are deployed to support Russia’s war of aggression. It's a grave escalation in this war and a threat to global peace."
She added that the EU would "respond together with our like-minded partners".
It is unclear exactly how many North Korean soldiers have been sent to Russia.
South Korea's spy agency said earlier this month that at least 1,500 North Korean troops had already arrived in Russia.
And on Monday, the US defence department estimated that about 10,000 North Korean troops had been sent to train in eastern Russia.
Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said that a "portion" of those soldiers had already moved closer to Ukraine, adding that the US was increasingly concerned that Russia would use these soldiers "in combat or to support combat operations against Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk oblast [region]."
President Joe Biden added his voice to the growing unease, saying that North Korea helping Russia in Ukraine was "very dangerous".
Meanwhile, fighting has continued between Moscow and Kyiv's forces more than two months after Ukrainian troops first entered Russia's western region in a shock operation.
Russia is said to have redeployed thousands of troops into the region, helping to stall Ukraine's advance. The operation has seen Kyiv's forces claim about 250sq km of territory, but it appears to have failed in its primary objective of diverting Moscow's momentum in the east of Ukraine.
The arrival of North Korean forces in Kursk could heap further pressure on Kyiv's embattled troops.
A senior Ukrainian official told the New York Times that about 5,000 elite North Korean troops were set to have joined the Russian detachment in the border region by Monday. President Volodymyr Zelensky also said on Friday that his government had information that those troops could be on the battlefield within days.
Western leaders have warned for weeks that such a move would risk an intensification of the conflict.
Last week, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko - a loyal ally to President Putin - appeared to echo that assessment. He told the BBC that such a move would mark "a step towards the escalation of the conflict".
North Korea and Russia have grown increasingly close since Moscow found itself largely isolated after its February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Earlier this year, North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un struck an agreement with President Putin pledging to help each other in the event of "aggression" against either country.
The US has repeatedly accused Pyongyang of sending vast amounts of military hardware to Russia, including ballistic missiles and launchers.
But some experts have questioned the degree to which Pyongyang's troops will be able to aid the Russian war effort. Apart from the language barrier, the North Korean army has no recent combat experiences, they said.
A recent footage obtained by Ukrainian defence intelligence officials purportedly showed Russian troops expressing doubts as to how the North Korean troops would be commanded and supplied.
Moscow's full-scale invasion has now raged for more than two-and-a-half years, with Rutte claiming that more than 600,000 Russian troops have now been killed or wounded in the war. He said the Kremlin was "unable to sustain his assault on Ukraine without foreign support".
Separately, President Zelensky said on Monday that about 650,000 Russian soldiers had been killed or wounded. "They [Russians] are not collecting the bodies... their people are rotting on the ground," he said in an interview with The Times of India.
Official casualty updates from either side are rare.
But according to an analysis by BBC Russian, more than 70,000 Russian troops have been confirmed killed in combat.
In February, Zelensky said about 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed since Russia's full-scale invasion.
Estimates by several Western media outlets suggest that number is much higher.
Source:bbc.com
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cyv737vy376o
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Pakistan
Pakistan once again seeks Russia's support to become BRICS member
By APP & Web Desk
October 28, 2024
Pakistan has once again sought Russia's support to become a member of BRICS as the two countries reiterated to strengthen bilateral relations.
According to a statement by the President Secretariat, the request came during the meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and the visiting Parliamentary delegation led by Russian Federation Council speaker Valentina Matvienko at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
The statement added that Zardari sought Moscow's backing for BRICS membership that would immensely aid his country to enhance its role in regional and global cooperation through the alliance.
Pakistan had applied for BRICS membership last year in November.
At the recent media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zehra Baloch said Pakistan was not invited to the BRICS meeting held recently.
“Pakistan is not a member of BRICS. Pakistan, as a developing country and an ardent supporter of inclusive multilateralism, believes that it can make important contributions in this grouping,” she added.
The spokesperson further said that by joining BRICS, Pakistan can play an important role in furthering international cooperation and revitalisation of inclusive multilateralism.
BRICS, the group of major emerging economies, is named after Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
The bloc last year invited Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina and the United Arab Emirates to become members, in a move aimed at accelerating its push to reshuffle a world order it sees as outdated.
Bilateral ties
In the meeting between President Zardari and Russian delegation, both sides also expressed resolve to boost ties in the areas of trade, commerce, investment, agriculture and energy for the mutual benefit of the two countries.
The official statement said both sides underscored the importance of diversifying trade and economic cooperation, besides enhancing regional connectivity and commercial relations through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the North-South Transport Corridor.
The Russian speaker emphasised that her country accorded priority to its relationship with Pakistan and expressed confidence that her visit would further enhance bilateral cooperation.
She hoped that the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the parliaments of the two countries would further deepen bilateral relations.
She expressed satisfaction over the growth in bilateral trade and also conveyed the special greetings from President Putin.
Parliamentary cooperation
Earlier today, Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani and the Russian speaker also signed an MoU on behalf of the parliaments of the two countries to strengthen bilateral relations.
On the occasion, Gilani said that the Russian speaker’s visit will be a stepping stone toward a brighter future of cooperation between Pakistan and Russia.
He welcomed Matvienko and her high-level delegation at the Senate of Pakistan, and hoped that we have much to learn from each other’s experiences.
The presence of our esteemed guests from Russian Federation is not only a testament to the strengthening friendship between our two nations but also a reminder of our collective commitment to nurturing parliamentary ties, he mentioned.
He added: “Today’s address of Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko to Senate of Pakistan represents another important step in strengthening the growing ties between Pakistan and Russia; two nations connected by a shared commitment to regional stability, peace, and prosperity.”
Matvienko also expressed her satisfaction with the growing bilateral ties, underscoring the ample scope for deepening these historic relations.
Beginning her address to the Senate, Mitvineko expressed her gratitude on visiting Pakistan.
“On behalf of the entire Russian delegation, let me sincerely thank you for the hospitality and wonderful reception you have accorded us in Pakistan, and for the opportunity to speak in the Senate. It is a great honour for me,” she said.
“I am glad to visit your amazing country again, a country with an ancient history and culture, diverse and distinctive traditions,” Mitvineko added.
Mitvineko added that much needed to be done including the betterment of trade and economic ties between Pakistan and Russia.
“Much remains to be done here, including for the progressive development of trade and economic ties,” she told the Senate.
The Russian speaker reiterated the commitment of Russia and Pakistan to maintain relations
“Even in difficult times, Moscow and Islamabad continued to maintain relations,” she stated.
Source:thenews.com.pk
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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1244937-pakistan-once-again-seeks-russias-support-to-become-member-of-brics
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16 booked for abducting rape victim after court hearing in Narowal
Our Correspondent
October 29, 2024
NAROWAL: Police on Monday registered a case against 16 suspects for allegedly abducting a 14-year-old rape victim when she was on her way home after recording her statement in a sessions court.
Complainant ‘K of Mandiala village, Shakargarh tehsil, told the police that her niece ‘A’ had gone to collect firewood from an outhouse. Usman Anwar, a local resident, forcibly took her to the fields and allegedly raped her.
Shah Gharib police had registered a case against the suspect on Oct 2, 2024 on the request of the woman.
The influential suspect had obtained pre-arrest bail from the Shakargarh local court and was pressurising the girl’s family for reconciliation.
The complainant’s husband applied to the police that on Monday (Oct 28), the victim girl went to the sessions court to record her statement. She was returning to her village on a motorcycle with her uncle and cousin from the court when Usman Anwar and his 11 armed accomplices riding a car and bikes stopped them near Bua bridge. The suspects tortured the victim’s uncle and cousin, bundled the girl into a car and fled.
Shah Gharib police registered a case against 16 suspects, including four women, under section 365-B and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code. Those booked included Usman Anwar, Shafaqat Bhutto, Muhammad Atiq, Hamad Waris, Ishtiaq Ali, Nazir Hussain, Yasmeen Bibi, Hanifan Bibi, Aqsi Bibi, Farah Sajid and six unknown suspects. The Narowal DPO has formed police teams to recover the girl and arrest the suspects.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1868257/16-booked-for-abducting-rape-victim-after-court-hearing-in-narowal
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SC adopts Justice Mansoor Ali Shah’s plan to address case backlog
October 29, 2024
• Registrar presents updated statistics showing 59,191 pending cases
• Civil and criminal cases to be resolved by specialised two- and three-member benches
ISLAMABAD: A full court meeting of the Supreme Court on Monday adopted the Case Management Plan 2023 — a brainchild of senior puisne judge Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah — to address the growing backlog of cases in the top court.
The meeting, presided over by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi, reviewed a one-month case management plan under the one devised by Justice Shah, which establishes clear standards and integrates information technology to effectively manage all categories of cases.
Convened by the CJP, the meeting was attended by all SC judges, including Justice Mansoor Shah, who joined via video link from abroad.
The focus was to evaluate the Supreme Court’s performance in institution and disposal of cases, with an emphasis on reducing case backlog and improving judicial efficiency. Registrar Jazeela Aslam provided a comprehensive overview of the current caseload and outlined steps for timely case resolution.
The registrar presented updated statistics, showing that 59,191 cases were pending, and introduced the newly devised one-month plan based on the Case Management Plan 2023 prepared by Justice Shah. The plan includes setting clear standards and employing information technology to streamline case management across different categories.
Discussing the plan, the judges explored a variety of strategies to meet its goals. Criminal and civil cases, as outlined in the monthly plan, were allocated to specialised two- and three-member benches to expedite case resolution.
The judges also shared additional insights and recommendations to improve the system, reaffirming their commitment to addressing the backlog of cases.
Justice Shah, participating via video link, proposed further strategies aimed at reducing the case backlog and enhancing procedural efficiency, initially through the one-month plan, followed by three-month and six-month plans.
CJP Afridi thanked all the judges for their commitment to fully implementing the case management plan. Progress will be reviewed in the next full court meeting scheduled for Dec 2.
Since assuming office, CJP Afridi constituted a new three-judge committee under the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act (SCPPA) 2023, comprising Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Munib Akhtar. The committee was formed under Section 2 (1) of the SCPPA, as amended by Ordinance No. VIII of 2024.
CJP Afridi has also scheduled a meeting of the administrative judges of ATCs, along with progress reports on Nov 7, in the Supreme Court. Additionally, a meeting of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) is scheduled for Nov 8.
In a move to improve transparency, CJP Afridi ordered the expansion of live-streaming services to additional courtrooms within the Supreme Court, with the plan to implement this across all courtrooms, pending necessary approvals and resources.
Source:dawn.com
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Amid talk of another ‘tweak’, JUI-F calls meeting of top leaders
Kalbe Ali
October 29, 2024
ISLAMABAD: As murmurs about another constitutional amendment gain strength, the JUI-F has called a meeting of its top leaders to discuss the issue, a source in the party told Dawn.
The speculations started after a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari in Lahore on Sunday.
The meeting, also attended by key leaders of PML-N and PPP, discussed another constitutional amendment, colloquially known as the 27th amendment, to reform local governments and “address issues skipped in previous legislation”, sources told Dawn.
Government officials have denied the report.
However, JUI-F has expressed misgivings about the intentions of the “power that be”.
“It has been predicted by many politicians too that there was a need for judicial reforms and that the country needed a fast and affordable judicial system. But, will it mean creating some way to transfer the cases of civilians to the military courts?” questioned a JUI-F leader who confirmed the meeting of the party’s Markazi Majlis-i-Shoora or Central Executive Committee (CEC).
Sources in the party said the invitation for Saturday’s meeting stated that the government was preparing for the 27th constitutional amendment.
“It will be an important meeting … and the members are expected to be prepared in advance for the meeting on Saturday,” a senior party official said.
He added that the motives of power brokers “cannot be taken lightly” as some proposed changes dropped from the draft of the 26th amendment due to the efforts of JUI-F emir Maulana Fazlur Rehman “might make it through this time”.
Maulana Fazl has already said he was unaware of any new amendment and that his party would oppose any attempt to include the omitted text of the 26th amendment in future legislation.
Meanwhile, JUI-F spokesperson Aslam Ghori said the CEC meeting will discuss the “expected motives, effects and background of the 26th Constitutional Amendment”.
The meeting will be held in Islamabad and chaired by Mr Rehman, the spokesperson said in a statement.
He added that the CEC would discuss JUI-F’s role in reaching the consensus which led to the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment in parliament. According to Mr Ghori, the meeting will also discuss other issues, including the situation in Palestine and Lebanon, as well as the current domestic and international political situation.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1868344/amid-talk-of-another-tweak-jui-f-calls-meeting-of-top-leaders
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Demand for fresh elections ‘absolutely legitimate’: Omar Ayub
Mansoor Malik
October 29, 2024
• Asserts parliament had no basis to pass 26th amendment
• Claims consensus draft was changed at cabinet meeting
• Fawad urges Bushra Bibi, Aleema Khan to take charge of party
LAHORE: Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan on Monday reiterated the PTI’s call for fresh elections in the country, saying the demand was absolutely legitimate and just.
Speaking to media persons outside the anti-terrorism court, Mr Khan rejected the passage of the 26th amendment from parliament as flawed. He was of the view that since parliament itself was allegedly illegitimate and came into being on the basis of Form-47 it cannot pass any legislation.
He pointed out that Senate was incomplete as there was no representation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the house.
The opposition leader alleged that the Election Commission of Pakistan had committed fraud while denying women and minorities’ reserved seats to the PTI. He expressed the hope that Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi would do justice in all cases without any discrimination. “The CJP must take decisions according to law and fulfil his duties with integrity,” he said.
Mr Khan denounced the working of the special committee formed to identify those behind the picking of PTI legislators, adding that intelligence agencies were responsible for that.
However, he said, “The special committee put its core responsibility aside and started working on the draft of a constitutional amendment”.
He claimed that special committee head Khurshid Shah did not know that the draft agreed to by the committee had been changed at the federal cabinet meeting. “The federal cabinet and the Form-47 parliament betrayed the special committee.”
Answering a question, he said Zain Qureshi had not voted for the constitutional amendment in the National Assembly. However, he added, some MNAs of PTI were served show-cause notices and party’s political and core committees would decide their fate after receiving their reply.
To another question, Mr Khan said that PTI as part of Tehreek Tahufuz-i-Aien along with other opposition parties, including the JUI-F, was working on various issues because this “fake government” could not steer the country out of crises.
He alleged that the incumbent government was busy spending lavishly for its comfort and had no vision of controlling inflation, poverty alleviation and creating jobs.
The opposition leader alleged that Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was involved in the Rs450 billion wheat scandal but the government committee conveniently exonerated him. Now, he said, sugar was being exported and Pakistanis were compelled to buy the commodity at higher rates.
Mr Khan lamented that the country was reeling under the chaos as the government had failed to stop smuggling through Balochistan, take action against dacoits in the katcha area and improve its performance in protecting border areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He rebuffed media reports about a forward bloc in the party and asserted, “there is no forward bloc in PTI but one bloc which is led by Imran Khan”.
Fawad assails PTI leaders
Former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry criticised PTI leaders, urging Bushra Bibi and Aleema Khan to step into politics to save the party. He said PTI leaders rarely leave KP House in Islamabad.
Speaking to media persons outside the ATC after getting extension in his pre-arrest bail in multiple May 9 cases, he questioned if any party leader had ever visited incarcerated leaders Umar Sarfraz Cheema, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed, Dr Yasmin Rashid and Senator Ejaz Chaudhry.
He said Salman Akram Raja and Raoof Hassan were not facing any tough times and only enjoying coffee in the KP House. He claimed that Imran Khan was not even being informed about the current events.
The ex-minister expressed frustration about his constant court appearances, wondering if the PTI members were terrorists and whether the people were voting for terrorists.
Source:dawn.com
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PTI decides to join body that will pick judges
Ikram Junaidi | Nasir Iqbal
October 29, 2024
• 26th amendment changed the composition of Judicial Commission of Pakistan, to include more lawmakers
• Parliamentary party resolves to take strict action against ‘traitors’, explores legal avenues against 26th amendment
• PTI lawmaker seeks contempt proceedings against CEC, ECP members for not complying with reserved seats ruling
ISLAMABAD: As the PTI moved a contempt petition in the Supreme Court against the non-implementation of its July 12 judgement in the reserved seats case, the former ruling party on Monday decided to join the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP), which was re-constituted to include parliamentarians in light of the 26th amendment.
The decision was made in a parliamentary party meeting chaired by PTI leader Omar Ayub, who is also the National Assembly opposition leader. The meeting also decided to take strict action against party members who allegedly betrayed the party and its leadership.
It may be noted that the PTI recently issued show-cause notices to lawmakers Zain Qureshi, Riaz Fatyana, Aslam Ghumman, and Miqdad Ali Khan for violating party discipline in the lead-up to the passage of the 26th amendment.
Besides endorsing the decision of the political committee, the PTI meeting also approved the schedule of protests and public meetings. According to details, the PTI meeting discussed the prevailing situation after the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment and different options, including legal action, were considered to challenge the new legislation.
The participants of the meeting were of the view that Imran Khan had been imprisoned by the government for ‘political gains’. It may be noted that the PTI leader has been in jail for more than one year.
On the other hand, PTI lawmaker Asad Qaiser lambasted the amendment in the National Assembly session, saying the amendment was approved in an “unethical and illegal way”. “Our legislators were threatened, pressurised, and their children were arrested. All possible efforts were made to get their votes. I cannot understand how Bilawal Bhutto became part of it. Houses of legislators were bulldozed and their land was occupied,” he claimed.
Plea against CEC
Earlier in the day, PTI leader Kanwal Shauzab moved a contempt of court petition before the Supreme Court against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja and four members of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for not complying with the July 12 judgement of the Supreme Court in the reserved seats case.
Filed through Advocate Salman Akram Raja, the petition implored that the apex court through the July 12 judgement had ordered the ECP to take steps for the election on seats reserved for women and non-Muslims in the National Assembly of Pakistan as well as the provincial assemblies.
The directions were issued to ensure that the seats won in the Feb 8 general elections by the PTI as per the detailed findings and procedures laid down in the judgement of the Supreme Court were taken into account while determining the allocation of the reserved seats.
In light of the ruling, the contempt petition pleaded that pursuant to the judgement two clarifications were also issued by the Supreme Court which left no doubt whatsoever that the PTI was entitled to the reserved seats proportionate to the seats in the National and the provincial assemblies.
The petition pleaded that the ECP had yet to act upon the judgement of the July 12 judgement and complete the process of election of women and non-Muslims on the reserved seats in the National and provincial assemblies.
The deliberate and contumacious failure to act in accordance with the judgement of the Supreme Court rendered the CEC as well as the four members of the ECP liable to proceedings for the contempt of the judgement of the apex court.
Reserved seats judgement
According to the July 12 order, the court declared that the majority judgement by eight judges had held that 39 out of 80 MNAs belonged to the PTI. The rest of the 41 independent candidates had to file duly signed and notarised statements before the commission within 15 days explaining that they contested the Feb 8 general elections as a candidates of a particular political party. The statements have so far been filed.
If such a statement was filed, ECP within seven days will give notice to the concerned political party seeking within 15 days a confirmation that MNAs contested the election as its candidates.
Thereafter ECP under Article 51 of the Constitution will post on its website, a list of the returned candidates and will submit a compliance report before the SC.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1868369/pti-decides-to-join-body-that-will-pick-judges
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Pakistan committed to improving early warning mechanisms: NDMA chief
October 29, 2024
ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing its disaster management systems, improving early warning mechanisms and building capacity for rapid response.
He was addressing the inaugural meeting of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group here on Monday.
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is hosting the two-day Asia-Pacific regional meeting of the group.
The NDMA chairman said the group’s mandate promoting cooperation, coordination, and standardization in search and rescue efforts across the globe remains vital. He said that Pak NDMA had proposed a strategic initiative to unify disaster response efforts within the country, ensuring a cohesive and robust approach to disaster management.
The conference is being attended by 55 delegations from China, Russia, Australia, South Korea, Turkiye, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Japan, Bangladesh, Nepal and global networking and humanitarian organisations.
Other participants included representatives from government departments, country directors of UN organisations in Pakistan, representatives of NGOs and INGOs and media persons.
The group’s Asia-Pacific Regional conference will continue until Tuesday. NDMA assumed the chair of International Search and Rescue Advisory Group this year, on January 17, reinforcing its leadership role in regional disaster management efforts.
International Search and Rescue Advisory Group is a global network dedicated to enhancing international disaster response, strengthening preparedness through Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) practices.
International Search and Rescue Advisory Group sets global standards to ensure teams are fully equipped for action during disasters.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1868321/pakistan-committed-to-improving-early-warning-mechanisms-ndma-chief
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Govt taking action against illegal demolition of heritage buildings, Sindh Assembly told
Tahir Siddiqui
October 29, 2024
KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly was informed on Monday that there were 1,741 heritage buildings in Karachi and 144 in Hyderabad and that action was being taken against illegal demolition of heritage buildings.
Furnishing a statement and replies to the written and verbal queries of the lawmakers during Question Hour, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Antiquities Minister Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah said that the watch and ward staff was there to look after the heritage buildings and if there was any illegal demolition of heritage buildings, the department took action by issuing show-cause notices against the responsible persons.
“Such buildings are sealed and FIRs are registered under the Sindh Cultural Heritage (Prevention) Act, 1994,” he said.
Answering a question by Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) member Bilqees Mukhtar, he said the federal government did not collect taxes from the archaeological and historical sites in Sindh after 18th Amendment.
However, he said, the federal government had not so far handed over the National Museum to the provincial government.
He said that the building of the museum was in a dilapidated condition and required immediate attention. He asked the MQM-P to play its role in the handing over the museum to the provincial government as the party was a coalition partner in the federal government.
In reply to a verbal question, he said the fee for making footage at the historical sites had been reduced to attract people.
Answering another question, the minister said that no new scheme had been set by his department during the current fiscal year. “We are trying to complete the already ongoing schemes,” he said, adding that development work was in progress at some other sites.
Answering a question from Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi, the minister said the department did not have offices in Dadu and Qambar-Shahdadkot while there were offices in Mohanjo Daro, Larkana and Sukkur.
Giving the details of Makli Graveyard, Education Minister Sardar Shah said the historic cemetery was declared a World Heritage site in 1981.
“After that, the federal government did not do anything for the preservation of this historical site,” he said, adding that Makli was not only a graveyard, but a symbol of our past. MQM-P’s member from Hyderabad Rashid Khan said that several historical buildings in the city had become dilapidated. “It is important to pay attention to their repair,” he urged.
He agreed to the suggestion of a lawmaker that the owners and occupants of heritage building started demolition from inside the building to later completely raze it so that the builder mafia could raise new structure for monetary benefits.
JI’s Muhammad Farooq pointed out that a part of the front of the historical Chowkandi Graveyard had become a truck terminal with mushroom growth of auto workshop and hid the façade of the site.
The minister said the land near the graveyard was purchased by people who could not be displaced.
PPP member Jameel Soomro asked the minister to restore two big monuments in Larkana which were built by late prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
He said the two monuments were to be declared as official heritage, but a court issued restraining order.
The culture minister assured him that he would inquire from the department about the stay order of the court and would make all possible efforts to preserve the monuments.
During the proceedings, the minister also presented traditional gift of Sindhi cap and Ajrak to Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi in the house.
Source:dawn.com
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https://www.dawn.com/news/1868282/govt-taking-action-against-illegal-demolition-of-heritage-buildings-sindh-assembly-told
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/nigerian-force-strikes-boko-haram-terrorists/d/133577