Nuh's Hindus Condemn Violence, Demolitions Against Muslims: 'I Feel Bad That They're Scared'

New Age Islam News Bureau

14 August 2023

 

A part of Aas Mohammed's home was brought down by bulldozers. Photo: Tarushi Aswani

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India

·         Mathura Temple Trust Moves SC Pressing for 'Scientific Survey' of Shahi Idgah Mosque Premises

·         Bajrang Dal Leader Bittu Bajrangi Arrested in Nuh Violence Case

·         Muslim man beaten at Bandra surfaces; ‘In name of love jihad’: AIMIM

·         Jaipur-Mumbai Train Killings: RPF constable forced woman in burqa to say ‘Jai Mata Di’ at gunpoint, finds probe

·         LG Sinha shares his dream of building new J&K

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South Asia

·         Scholars differ on women’s education rights: deputy foreign minister

·         Norwegian Refugee Council calls for sustainable solutions to prevent catastrophe in Afghanistan

·         Major political upheaval after Taliban’s Afghanistan takeover

·         Blast injures two in Afghanistan’s Takhar province

·         At least 3 killed, 7 injured in blast at hotel in Afghanistan

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Africa

·         Tunisian interfaith procession calls for tolerance instead of hate

·         Clashes in Libya capital kill 27, wound more than 100

·         Sharia court remands Kano man who broke fiancée’s arm for calling another guy

·         Mali's president engages Putin on phone about Niger coup

·         Niger: Northern Nigeria takes action to avoid armed intervention

·         DRC: President Tshisekedi offers “last chance” for peace to Ituri and Northern-Kivu rebel groups

·         ‘We were used and dumped’ – Muslim group faults Sanwo-Olu’s cabinet composition

·         UN human rights chief warns Sudan chaos ripe for exploitation, calls for end to impunity to violence

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Mideast

·         Unarmed Worshiper Body-Slams Terrorist Attacking Iranian Mosque

·         90-Year-Old Among Dozens of Bahais Arrested in Iran’s Latest Crackdown: Group

·         The Ghost village, built in the 1970s to house semi-nomadic Bedouin, an hour from Dubai becomes something of a tourist attraction

·         UK should admit role in Iran coup: Ex-FM, David Owen

·         US asks Iran to stop selling drones to Russia-FT

·         Key Turkish opposition figure set to run again for Istanbul mayor

·         Sustainability at heart of UAE’s support for global climate action: president

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Pakistan

·         I-Day Renewal of Pledge to Make Pakistan Islamic Welfare State: Punjab Caretaker Minister

·         President Alvi returns over a dozen bills

·         Outgoing PM justifies changes to Official Secrets Act

·         Parliamentary body may have to pick Balochistan’s interim CM

·         Nawaz seeing elections in February: Rana Sanaullah

·         Nawaz expected to return to Pakistan by mid-September

·         ATC rejects Imran bail plea in three cases

·         Terminate service of political appointees, ECP asks interim govts

·         PBC slams reference against SC judge

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North America

·         Islamists Taking New Approach to Qur'an Burnings

·         Shaw University reopens campus mosque, but ‘fight not over yet,’ group says

·         Police seek burglars who stole donation boxes from Midtown Mosque

·         Massive Campaign Promoting Spanish Translation Of Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei's

·         Memoir – Iran's Latest Strategy For Spreading Its Islamic Revolution In Latin America

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Arab World

·         Saudi Arabia Launches 2nd Phase Of Musical Training Program For 8000 KG Teachers

·         Saudi Cabinet welcomes successful effort to remove oil from FSO Safer

·         Al-Sayari: Saudi Arabia is largest Islamic finance market, with total assets exceeding SR3.1tr

·         After Jeddah summit, Ukraine’s peace formula only way forward, says Kyiv’s FM Dmytro Kuleba

·         Summer in Jeddah is a season of vibrant entertainment

·         Saudi FM meets with his Egyptian, Syrian and Jordanian counterparts

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Europe

·         Man Stabbed At Islamic Prayer Room In Eindhoven; Suspect Arrested

·         Most Germans do not trust the state – poll

·         Ex-FBI agent admits collusion with Russian tycoon

·         Ukraine matters to Biden more than Hawaii – Ron Paul

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Southeast Asia

·         Swearing In of Selangor MB Likely on Monday Following Return of Sultan, Three Names Submitted to Palace

·         Wave of violent Indonesia muggings sparks ‘shoot-to-kill’ calls by machete-wielding thieves in Indonesia

·         Thai court to decide on election winners’ challenge to derailed PM bid

·         How Singapore’s presidential candidates are wooing young voters, one TikTok trend and Instagram Reel at a time

·         Kelantan wants to strengthen ties with federal govt, says newly-appointed MB Mohd Nassuruddin

·         Jagdeep Singh sworn in as Penang deputy chief minister II

·         US solar panel firm reveals forced labour practices at Malaysian factory

·         Decoding ethnic factors, support levels in our election landscape

·         Wildfires hit close to Miri city, producing acrid smog

 Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL:    https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/nuh-hindus-violence-muslims-demolition/d/130457

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Nuh's Hindus Condemn Violence, Demolitions Against Muslims: 'I Feel Bad That They're Scared'

 

A part of Aas Mohammed's home was brought down by bulldozers. Photo: Tarushi Aswani

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Tarushi Aswani

16 August 2023

Nuh: Surrounded by rubble, the Shaheed Hassan Khan Medical College stands tall on its 95-acre land in Nuh’s Nalhar. The college currently faces a row of demolished homes, shops, livelihoods and dreams.

Broken shacks, shanties and sign boards near the college are the casualty of the Haryana government’s abrupt move to demolish “illegally constructed” buildings in Muslim-dominated Nuh, which recently saw a storm of violence leaving six dead and injuring more than a hundred.

After more than 1,000 structures were bulldozed in Nuh, local Muslims feel a sense of loss that goes beyond economics. It encompasses the powerlessness that they see as now intrinsic to their lives as Muslims in India.

Living life in harmony

Dharamveer Singh, 36, lives in the neighbouring lane from where homes and shops owned by Muslims were razed to the ground. Singh’s lane, where only Hindus live, remains untouched by the demolitions.

“We have lived among Muslims in harmony all our lives, we have never faced any verbal insult, let alone harassment and violence. I feel bad that their homes are broken, that they’re scared,” says Singh, a millets farmer. Twelve other Hindu families live in the same lane as him.

In Nalhar, Dharamveer Singh’s lane near the demolitions remains untouched. More than 10 Hindu families live here. Photo: Tarushi Aswani

Singh says that there is such amity and brotherhood between Hindus and Muslims in Nuh that beyond a point, religion stops interfering in their daily lives. Whether it’s business or banter about development, Singh explains that Nuh has never been a fertile ground for anti-Muslim hate. Though Nuh is Muslim-dominated, Hindus in the district said that the community has never asserted its dominance over the local minorities, which also includes the Sikh community.

The half-done Azimiya Masjid, which sits just opposite the college, is surrounded by hills of debris. Maulana Khalid, the imam of the mosque, is worried about the electricity pole which was mistakenly damaged during the demolition drive.

While the mosque was spared, all surrounding shacks and shanties near it were toppled. “This is an area where we have always respected each other’s religions. When the [Shobha] Yatra reached the mosque, we saw Hindus chanting ‘Jai Shree Ram’ and waving swords and sticks. We offered them water respectfully, as they were doing their religious duty,” Khalid recalls.

Khalid also says that many non-Muslim patients from the hospital would come this masjid to bathe and get water when there was a shortage at the hospital. “There is nothing called Hindu-Muslim problems here, we have lived in peace and still want to,” he says.

The loss

Aas Mohammed, a security guard at the nearby medical college, recently lost a part of his home to the Haryana government’s demolition drive that closely followed the communal violence.

Mohammed, 57, whose son ran a tea shack near the college, also saw his own shop being flattened by the government’s bulldozers. “They didn’t even give us a minute to vacate or at least grab our belongings. They just tore it all down,” he said. Many homes and shops, like that of Mohammed’s, could not be saved.

Mohammed also says that his own amity with Hindus has always remained pristine. “We have seen tough times, when Muslim lives were vulnerable. I was here in 1992, when the Babri Masjid was torn down, and I am here today. We supported Hindus back then, made them feel safe,” he explains.

Shops just outside the Shaheed Hassan Khan Medical College were brought down by bulldozers. Photo: Tarushi Aswani

But today, as bulldozers in India are being deployed to flatten Muslim homes out of vengeance, Mohammed feels that the demolitions that happened in Nuh were in response to the violence that took place.

“How did my house become illegal overnight? I have an electricity meter installed for years at this address. Did the government install the meter at an illegal home?” he asks.

After seeing his 27-year-old home being reduced to debris, Mohammed is hurt but not hopeless. “This has damaged many Muslim homes and lives, but we will stand again, In Sha Allah,” Mohammed says.

Outsiders’ yatra?

Chandra Devi, 60, a local of Nuh, has been living in the area for decades now and has never seen anything even close to the fear she saw in the eyes of her Muslim neighbours, escaping violence they were uninvolved in.

“During the Bajrang Dal yatra, we could see how outsiders were instigating Muslims. These were not the Hindus we have here in Nuh. This is not Hinduism, Bajrang Dal has wronged even Hindus by using the religious procession to create chaos,” says Devi.

During its field visit to the affected areas in Nuh, The Wire was informed by the locals that the Yatra had taken place thrice before July 2023 – but it had never before met the same fate. Just as the previous years, this year too, local Hindus and Muslims offered cold water to the yatris, as they also remember offering to the kanwariyas. But Singh, Devi, Mohammed and Khalid believe that something triggered a change this year.

Hifz Ur Rehman, another local, traces the trigger to a video uploaded by Monu Manesar, who is known for his anti-Muslim social media content. In the video, Manesar had urged his followers to join the rally in Haryana’s Mewat. Manesar has not been arrested, but locals say young men from the area are being randomly picked up by the local police. As of August 8, Haryana’s information and public relations department said that 170 men were arrested in connection to 57 first information reports registered in Nuh. Locals have claimed that most of the boys being picked up by the police are Muslims; the police, however, have not released any names.

Mohammed Sajid, a biryani seller near the chowk where the violence unfolded, is also unsettled by the entire episode. While he believes that Manesar’s video and outsiders fanned the fire, he also believes that Nuh is resilient and such incidents cannot break decades of friendship between Hindus and Muslims.

Source: thewire.in

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https://thewire.in/communalism/i-feel-bad-that-theyre-scared-nuhs-hindus-condemn-violence-demolitions-against-muslims

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Ministry Of Interior Arrests 25 Suicide Attackers In Afghanistan Over Two-Year Period

 

Representative Image

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By Fidel Rahmati

August 14, 2023

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has reported the apprehension of at least 25 suicide attackers in different provinces over the last two years. Among these detainees, 15 were identified as Pakistani nationals, according to MoI spokesperson Abdul Matin Qani.

“The intelligence and investigative forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan had their discoveries and detained the criminals and more than 25 who were trying to commit suicide here,” Qani said.

Qani revealed that the security forces had thwarted two border attacks on Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, highlighting their commitment to regional security and neighbouring countries’ interests.

Meanwhile, experts emphasize that effectively preventing security incidents can significantly enhance the trust and cooperation among the neighbouring countries. This will address security challenges in the region and create confidence among the region’s countries.

However, Pakistani officials have allegedly accused the Taliban administration of not being restricted and have taken action against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan hideouts in the country.

In a recent development, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, has called upon the Taliban to address the presence of any Pakistani militants within the country.

He emphasized the importance of taking decisive action in this regard, cautioning that if the Taliban does not act, necessary measures will be taken to address the issue.

Meanwhile, the Taliban authorities have rejected the allegations, claiming they will not allow any individual or group to use the country’s territory against neighbouring countries.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/moi-arrests-25-suicide-attackers-in-afghanistan-over-two-year-period/

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Isese Festival: Council of Ulama in Kwara State Ask Worshippers to Keep-Off Ilorin

 

Photo: Vanguard

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By Demola Akinyemi

Ilorin—The Council of Ulama (Islamic clerics) in Kwara State, yesterday asked those planning to celebrate traditional religion or Ifa festival in Ilorin, the state capital, to stay away from the state, claiming it poses danger to security of lives and property.

Meanwhile, efforts to get the reaction of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on the raging controversy through his Chief Press Secretary, CPS, Rafiu Ajakaye, were unsuccessful.

He neither responded to several calls put across to his phone, nor WhatsApp message sent to his line at the time of this report.

Recall that the Kwara State Police Command had earlier advised the promoters of the festival, International Council for Ifa Religion, ICIR,   to relocate the event to another state, claiming the security report did not favour the celebration of the festival in Ilorin.

Nonetheless, the council of Islamic Clerics at a briefing yesterday warned that the Ifa festival, under any guise, would not be allowed in any part of the Ilorin Emirate, comprising Asa, Moro, Ilorin East, Ilorin West, and Ilorin South Local Government Areas, LGAs.

The Executive Secretary of the council, Salihu Mohammed, who is a former Grand Khadi of Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal, spoke, on behalf of the Chairman of the Council of Ulama and Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheik Bashir Salihu.

than 200 years and renowned for the Islamic faith, practice, spirituality, and knowledge, said: “It is in the light of this that we have found it extremely necessary to plead with the Kwara State government and all stakeholders to appeal to the ICIR and similar interest groups to stay away from Ilorin as available evidence convinced us that the staging of the event in Ilorin would have a serious negative consequence on the peace of Kwara State.

“We are not unmindful of the pillage of aspersions and insults mounted on our father, the Emir of Ilorin, and chairman, Council of Emirs and Chiefs in Kwara State, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari by individuals that are expected to know better, which are unfortunate, condemnable and inexcusable.

“We don’t think any individuals or group has anything to gain from the destruction of the harmonious coexistence. The people of Ilorin Emirate, particularly the Kwara State Council of Ulama cannot be coerced by any person or group of persons claiming to be representing intellectualism or atheistic practices to destroy what our forefathers have fought for.

“As community and opinion leaders in our various places of abode, we are not unaware of the readiness of various youth groups never to allow the staging of the so-called ‘Isese’  festival anywhere in Ilorin.

“To them, such activities would pollute the peace and tranquillity of the community as it is also been seen as invasion and an act of cultural imperialism.

“We as leaders, see merit in the position of the Muslim youths. We sincerely believe that it is unwise and wrong for non-residents of a community to forcefully impose imported thoughts or practices on their hosts. This is repugnant to natural justice and it will certainly lead to the brake down of law and order.”

“We must make it abundantly clear that we are not against the celebration of Isese festival. What is important to let the whole World know is that we, the people of Ilorin, have absolutely nothing to do with it. We understand the motive of their sinister and abominable move but warn that Ilorin has moved on.

“The Emirate might be a Yoruba-speaking city, but it must be realized that its present culture is no longer that of Yoruba, Hausa, Fulani, Nupe or any other, but purely an Islamic culture.  We, therefore, advise that they should allow peace to reign across Nigeria.

Source: vanguardngr.com

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https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/08/isese-festival-islamic-council-ask-worshippers-to-keep-off-ilorin/

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Iran Human Rights Report: Sunni Religious Leaders Persecuted For Protesting State Violence

 

Iran's top Sunni leader, Molavi Abdolhamid, who is based in Sistan and Baluchistan Province, has been repeatedly targeted for his his vocal support of the protests.

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AUGUST 15, 2023

JP Leskovich

The Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) released a special report on Tuesday saying that Iranian authorities are targeting, arresting and persecuting Sunni Muslim religious leaders for their opposition to the use of state violence.

CHRI details the situation facing Sunni religious leaders, who are a religious minority in Shia-majority Iran, in the country’s Kurdish provinces and its Sistan and Baluchistan province. Religious leaders who have voiced opposition to police violence and Iran’s use of the death penalty against minorities have faced retribution from authorities, including harassment, interrogations and arrests.

According to the report, this includes clerics who have decried the killings of protestors who took to the streets to protest the death of Mahsa Amini. JURIST’s Iran correspondent reported on the police response to these protests, describing their own near-deadly interaction:

All of a sudden I realized a group of police officers were passing by that sidewalk to disperse small groups of people to prevent them from protesting. As they were passing by me, the lead officer told me to go home. However, since I was not doing anything illegal by sitting there, I continued working with my phone, but I soon realized it was not going to end that way. One of the officers was staring at me and as I looked back in his eyes, he took his gun and pointed it to my face without saying any words. The gun was about 8 inches away from my face and I was sure those were the last moments of my life. He pulled the trigger but apparently the gun was empty and he wanted to scare me (I came to that conclusion after he had already pulled the trigger and I was not bleeding).

The CHRI report provides a number of stories to paint a full picture of the persecution Sunni religious leaders face: One man, a Baluchi Sunni cleric named Mowlawi Ebrahim Hassan-Zahi, was arrested walking home from his mosque in February. He is still being held and is reportedly subject to torture. Another man, a Kurdish Sunni religious leader named MamostaSeifollah Hosseini, was arrested the same day he gave a speech at the funerals of two protestors who had been shot and killed.

CHRI emphasized that Iran is violating both Iranian law and international law, pointing to the Iranian constitution, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the UN’s Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, all of which contain human rights protections. In addition, Articles 2 and 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights protect freedom of thought, belief and religion, and Article 20 protects the freedom of peaceful assembly. Despite this, Iran continues to execute drug offenders and protesters.

Source: jurist.org

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https://www.jurist.org/news/2023/08/iran-human-rights-report-sunni-religious-leaders-persecuted-for-protesting-state-violence/#

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Islamabad Courts Reject 9 Of Imran’s Bail Pleas

 

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan(REUTERS)

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August 16, 2023

Malik Asad

ISLAMABAD: Local courts of Islamabad on Tuesday rejected nine petitions of former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan seeking bail in First Information Reports (FIRs) registered against him over violent protests.

The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) of Islamabad dismissed three bail petitions, while Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Mohammad Sohail rejected six petitions seeking pre-arrest bail for Mr Khan as the latter was absent during the hearing due to his detention after his conviction in the Toshakhana case.

The PTI chairman was seeking bail from the ATC judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain in cases registered against him in Khanna and Barakahu Police Stations.

The ADSJ heard the bail petitions of Mr Khan in FIRs registered against the PTI chairman with Karachi Company, Ramna, Kohsar, Tarnol and Secretariat police stations.

ADSJ Sohail, however, extended the interim bail of Mr Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi till Sept 7 in a case related to bogus receipt of Toshakhana gifts.

The prosecution took the stance that since Mr Khan was in jail, he was not entitled to pre-arrest bail.

The investigation officers infor­med the court that Mr Khan has not joined the investigation in cases registered against him.

The PTI chairman was represented in the court by Barrister Salman Safdar, who argued that the former prime minister is facing similar charges in all the six FIRs registered against him. He accused police of not taking steps to investigate Mr Khan in these cases.

The investigation officer infor­med the court that Bushra Bibi has not joined the investigation.

ADSJ Sohail extended the interim bail of Bushra Bibi and advised her to cooperate with the investigation team.

Jail visit

Meanwhile, the former first lady met her husband Imran Khan on Tuesday in the Attock jail, while Mr Khan’s legal team was again denied access to the PTI chairman who is serving a sentence in the Toshakhana case.

Bushra Bibi, along with the team of PTI chairman’s lawyers, reached Attock jail to meet Mr Khan, but was reportedly stopped by police for some time.

Later, after the approval from jail authorities, only Bushra Bibi was escorted by police to visit Mr Khan on jail premises. However, the PTI chairman’s legal team was not allowed to meet the ex-premier.

Sources said that the one-to-one meeting between Bushra Bibi and Mr Khan went on for over an hour in the room of the deputy superintendent of police.

The sources said the legal team of Mr Khan was not given permission by police to meet the PTI chairman despite the fact that the PTI legal team showed them court orders that allowed them to meet the PTI leader.

The sources further said that the lawyers remained outside the jail, adding that Bushra Bibi left for Lahore after meeting her husband in the jail.

Bail extended

Meanwhile, ATC Judge Zulqar­nain extended the bail of PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Quershi in a case registered against him for inciting violence, and summoned the two members of the joint investigation team along with the record of the case. The court adjourned further hearing of the case till September 1.

Talking to journalists outside the court, Mr Qureshi claimed that caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar was neither the choice of the PML-N nor the PPP.

He further claimed that the two parties had agreed on the name of former chief minister of Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik.

Mr Qureshi said the PTI expected from the caretaker PM to form an impartial cabinet and expressed the hope that he would ensure free and fair elections in the country.

The PTI vice chairman also demanded immediate release of all detained female party workers.

He also demanded facilities for Mr Khan in jail in accordance with his entitlement. The PTI leader said it would be injustice if Mr Khan is not allowed access to his legal team.

Amjad Iqbal from Taxila also contributed to this report.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1770404/islamabad-courts-reject-9-of-imrans-bail-pleas

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India

 

Mathura Temple Trust Moves SC Pressing for 'Scientific Survey' of Shahi Idgah Mosque Premises

The Wire Staff

The Wire Staff

16 August 2023

New Delhi: The Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Mukti Nirman Trust in Mathura has moved the Supreme Court against the Allahabad high court’s dismissal of its request for a survey of the premises of the Shahi Idgah mosque that neighbours the Mathura Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple.

The Mathura mosque is the third after the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya and the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi that Hindutva organisations claim are illegal.

In 2019, the Supreme Court, in a controversial judgment allowed for the construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site where Hindutva activists brought down the Babri Masjid in 1992. The Varanasi mosque dispute has heightened in the past year and earlier this month, the Supreme Court upheld an order by the Allahabad high court allowing the Archaeological Survey of India to conduct an investigation of the mosque.

In Mathura, the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Mukti Nirman Trust has claimed in its petition that the mosque side is “intentionally attempting to seize control of the sacred worship place, thereby preventing the petitioner and other devoted followers from practicing their religious rituals on the premises,” according to a report on Indian Express.

The Trust in its petition has claimed that the Idgah mosque authorities have been using the premises as restrooms and for other necessities and that they are “continuously digging and destroying Hindu symbols, temple pillars, and other significant elements of the temple.”

In July, the Allahabad high court had dismissed its application for a “scientific survey” of the premises, where it believes the mosque had been constructed after the destruction of a temple. The high court was upholding a trial court’s order.

The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, says that a mosque, temple, church or any place of public worship in existence on August 15 1947, will retain the same religious character that it had on that day – irrespective of its history – and cannot be changed by the courts or the government.

Source: thewire.in

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https://thewire.in/law/shri-krishna-janmabhoomi-mathura-shahi-idgah-mosque-temple-supreme-court

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Bajrang Dal Leader Bittu Bajrangi Arrested in Nuh Violence Case

The Wire Staff

16 August 2023

New Delhi: Self-proclaimed ‘cow vigilante’ and Bajrang Dal member Bittu Bajrangi, who is based out of Faridabad, has been arrested by the police on Tuesday (August 15) in connection with the communal violence in Nuh, Haryana.

Violence broke out in Nuh and spread over the district on July 31, when the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad took out a ‘Shobha Yatra’ through Muslim-majority areas carrying weapons and allegedly used provocative slogans. According to the Hindustan Times, Bittu Bajrangi was present at the rally and allegedly snatched weapons from policement.

According to The Indian Express, a video of the arrest shows Bittu Bajrangi attempting to flee while around 20 policemen in plain clothes chase and eventually capture him in Faridabad’s Dabua.

Bittu Bajrangi’s real name is Raj Kumar. He is the Faridabad chief of the Gau Raksha Bajrang Force. In several videos over the last few years, he has been seen to be making anti-Muslim remarks and even encouraging the use of violence.

An FIR against him was registered on a complaint by ASP Usha Kundu at Sadar Nuh police station on Tuesday. The charges against him, according to The Indian Express, include assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharge of duty, voluntarily causing harm to deter a public worker from doing duty, rioting, and Section 25 of the Arms Act.

“On July 31, during my duties related to maintaining law and order for the Jal Abhishek Yatra, around 12.30 pm, 300 metres away from Nalhar temple, I encountered a group of 15-20 individuals going towards the temple. We had asked people not to carry weapons during the yatra and during a peace committee meeting, this was reiterated to organisers,” the ASP said in her complaint.

“Some of them were carrying swords and trident-like weapons. With the assistance of my staff, I managed to prevent them from using these weapons and causing harm. One individual, Bittu Bajrangi, identified through social media, along with his associates, attempted to snatch these weapons from my fellow police officers and me,” she continued.

“We seized these weapons with the help of the police force and brought them to our official vehicle. Bajrangi and his associates then sat in front of my official vehicle and began shouting slogans against the police… (They) broke the rear window… took away the seized weapons and threatened police officers. They acted against the law by using illegal weapons and threatening behaviour,” the complaint stated.

Another 15-20 people have been named in the FIR and charged under various sections, the newspaper reported.

Bajrangi had been arrested earlier this month for a provocative video posted on social media on July 31 morning, but was then released on bail. He has previously also featured in multiple hate speech-related FIRs.

Source: thewire.in

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https://thewire.in/communalism/bajrang-dal-leader-bittu-bajrangi-arrested-in-nuh-violence-case

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Muslim man beaten at Bandra surfaces; ‘In name of love jihad’: AIMIM

By Poulomi Ghosh

Aug 16, 2023

A purported video of a Muslim man being up at Mumbai's Bandra railway station for 'going out with a Hindu woman' surfaced on social media with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen demanding a probe into the 'assault in the name of love jihad'. AIMIM national spokesperson Waris Pathan shared the video and said, "What is happening at the heart of Mumbai? In the name of 'love jihad', Hindutva goons are beating up an unarmed Muslim youth. There is nothing called love jihad. RPF personnel were watching as the Muslim youth was being beaten up amid chants of Jai Shri Ram. And today we are celebrating the 77th Independence Day. Our freedom fighters could not even think that Muslims will have to face this situation."

AIMIM leader Waris Pathan shared the video of a Muslim man being beaten up at Bandra in Mumbai for 'going out with a Hindu girl'.

AIMIM leader Waris Pathan shared the video of a Muslim man being beaten up at Bandra in Mumbai for 'going out with a Hindu girl'.

The viral video was not independently verified by Hindustan Times.

"If the Muslim youth did something wrong, file a complaint, get him arrested. Why are you taking the law into your hands," Waris Pathan said.

“I have been informed that this incident happened around 21/22nd July. At Bandra railway station which comes under Nirmal nagar p stn. But video was viral on social media today Then what was police doing till date,why no investigation or complaint registered by police who was present there,” the AIMIM leader tweeted.

Source: hindustantimes.com

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https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/video-of-muslim-man-beaten-at-bandra-surfaces-in-name-of-love-jihad-aimim-101692170243015.html

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Jaipur-Mumbai Train Killings: RPF constable forced woman in burqa to say ‘Jai Mata Di’ at gunpoint, finds probe

FPJ Web Desk/ August 16, 2023

Mumbai: The police probing the matter in which a Railway Protection Force (RPF) Constable named Chetan Singh killed four people, including an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) from his department named Tikaram Meena has made new revelations. The police said that the accused RPF constable threatened a burqa-clad woman passenger and forced her to chant 'Jai Mata Di' at gunpoint onboard the moving train.

Threatens burqa-clad woman to chant 'Jai Mata Di'

As per reports from Indian Express, RPF constable Chetan Singh Chaudhary allegedly was going through coaches when he found a woman in a burqa. He pointed his gun towards the woman and asked her to say Jai Mata Di. The woman said in her statement that when she chanted Jai Mata Di, Chetan Singh then furiously told her to say loudly to which the adhered to and said it loudly.

Incident caught on CCTV

As per reports, the incident came to light when the Police was investigating the matter. The Police also said that the whole incident was captured on CCTV cameras which were installed in the train coaches. The woman has been made a prime witness in the case. The Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) of Maharashtra Police also interrogated the accused RPF constable.

Chetan Singh in judicial custody

Railway Protection Force (RPF) Constable Chetan Singh is currently in judicial custody for the murder of four people. He is accused of killing an ASI and three other passengers onboard the Jaipur-Mumbai Express train. The three passengers were identified as Syed Saifuddin, Asgar Abbas Sheikh and Abdul Kadar Mohamed Hussain Bhanpurawala.

Train shooting

The horrific incident was captured on camera. In the video RPF constable Chetan Singh can be seen holding a gun in his hand while a man was dying at his feet. He was also threatening the passengers onboard the Jaipur–Mumbai Superfast Express near Palghar station in Maharashtra to vote for PM Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath. The incident occurred on July 31.

Source: freepressjournal.in

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LG Sinha shares his dream of building new J&K

GK NEWS SERVICE

16 Aug 2023

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Tuesday shared his dream of building a new Jammu and Kashmir.

An official spokesman in a statement issued here said that hoisting the tricolour and addressing the people at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar on Tuesday, the LG said that three years ago, on the Independence Day, he shared a dream.

“The dream was of building a new J&K where people were at peace and everyone had the freedom to live as they wanted. A J&K where the roaring sound of factories, the laughter of farmers, the soaring ambitions from playgrounds and music reverberating from lakes and rivers fills the sky. A J&K, which brings new hope for the youth, farmers, and women. A J&K, which commands respect and which contributes extensively in the process of nation building,” he said.

The LG said that a BalidaanStambh would be built in honour and memory of the fallen soldiers.

“This sacred pilgrimage, being developed in the heart of Srinagar, will be our tribute to the soldiers of the Army, paramilitary forces, and Police personnel who laid down their lives in combating terrorism,” he said.

Sinha said: “We believe in peace, we believe in VasudhaivaKutumbakam and mutual goodwill. We are fully committed to safeguard national interests and if provoked, we are capable of giving a befitting response to any attempt of aggression.”

He said that the historic 90 percent approval rating in delivery of online public services was a testimony to growing relationship and trust between the government and the people.

“Apart from merit-based selections for 29,806 government jobs, countless self- employment opportunities are being made available to kick start the entrepreneurial journeys of youth. Last year, 786 youth started their entrepreneurial journey,” Sinha said.

He said that the overwhelming participation of the people in the G20 Summit, Amarnath Yatra and Muharram procession after three decades testify the beginning of a new era of peace and tranquility for J&K.

“The successful G20 Summit, which saw massive public participation, testifies that the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir have broken their shackles and they are raring to scale new heights. Notwithstanding the conspiracies and attempts of the neighboring countries to disturb the event, representatives from 27 countries participated in this historic summit - a loud and clear message to our adversaries. The international community, for the first time experienced peace, prosperity, stability and aspirations of the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir, and witnessed the all round progress of J&K,” the LG said.

He said that the G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting not only strengthened diplomatic ties, but also opened new avenues for global partnership that would help in tapping the tourism potential of &K.

“I am proud to inform you that since the G20 event, there has been an increase of 59 percent in foreign tourist arrivals in Kashmir as compared to the previous year,” Sinha said.

He said that this year’s yatra marks the longest Amarnath Yatra history.

“Our Shia brothers were able to take out the procession on traditional routes to pay tribute to the sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) on Muharram after 34 years,” the LG said.

He said that the GST collection during the financial year 2022-23 was Rs 7300 crores, and SGST cash collection in the last quarter had shown a remarkable 35 percent increase.

“Stamp duty collection has registered a growth of 10.8 percent during the current financial year. The new J&K Excise Policy 2023-2024 has facilitated revenue collection of Rs 767.89 crore, registering a whopping increase of 66.23 percent,” Sinha said.

He said under the Prime Minister's Development Programme, 32 projects, out of the sanctioned 53, had been completed and out of the remaining 21 projects, 13 projects would be completed during the current financial year.

The LG said that infrastructure projects worth Rs 1.5 lakh crore were under execution.

“The construction of 15 road projects under PMDP, 21 new tunnels, 39 new flyovers, 26 bypasses and two ring roads will prove to be the new foundation of modern and Atma-Nirbhar J&K. We are spending Rs 519 crore per month on roads, buildings, macadamisation, and construction of rural bridges,” he said.

Sinha said that J&K had achieved 97 percent of the targets set under PMGSY-I and II by constructing 7000 km of roads during the last 3 years.

“We have provided roads to 98 percent habitations eligible under this scheme. A total of 1273 projects worth Rs 4994.58 crore have been approved under NABARD, which will provide connectivity to a further 1039 villages for the first time after independence,” he said.

The LG said that under the Smart City Mission, 159 projects worth Rs 2861.71 crores had been completed and the remaining 102 projects, costing Rs 4354.18 crore, were under execution.

He said that the industrial investment of over Rs 27,000 crores had been approved so far, including record private investment of Rs 2153.45 crore in the last financial year.

“J&K has received investment proposals worth over Rs 80,000 crores till July 31, 2023,” Sinha said.

He said that 3.39 lakh houses had been sanctioned under PMAY(G) scheme and construction of 1.74 lakh houses had been completed.

“In 2023-24, sanction has been accorded to the construction of 1.99 lakh houses under the PMAY (G) scheme,” the LG said.

He said that an outlay of Rs 862 crore for MGNREGA had been approved, generating 200 lakh mandays.

Sinha said that around 6.5 lakh women associated with Self-Help-Groups in J&K had transformed the rural economy, creating jobs and some had also shown the potential to scale-up their enterprises.

“A total of 7000 village organisations and 503 cluster level federations have been constituted to bolster women entrepreneurship,” he said.

The LG said that a Holistic Agriculture and Allied Sector Programme, with an outlay of Rs 5013 crore, was being implemented.

“Our goal is to double agricultural production through the meticulously curated 29 interventions under this project, which shall also create around 3 lakh new jobs, establish 18,861 new business enterprises and increase the Gross State Domestic Product by more than Rs 28,000 crores,” he said.

Sinha said that more than 12 lakh farmers had been provided Kisan Credit Cards for easy credit access and assistance worth Rs 2512 crores had been delivered directly in the accounts of farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi.

He said that around 4000 health facilities had been developed and five new medical colleges had been made functional.

“In the field of medical education, 500 MBBS seats have been increased to 1300. A total of 3000 health and wellness centers have been set up. A total of 83 lakh golden cards have been issued. Under various healthcare programmes, Rs 2 crore per day is being spent on the healthcare of the people. In the category of universal health insurance coverage, J&K has been adjudged the top performer among all UTs. Jammu and Kashmir is among the top 5 performers in the country on key health parameters,” the LG said.

He said that the power sector had been transformed.

“Pakal Dul, Kiru, Rattle and Kwar Mega Hydro Projects are progressing at a breakneck speed, and are likely to be completed    by 2025-26. With the completion of these projects J&K will gain an additional power capacity of about 3400 MW that will significantly reduce our energy constraints,” Sinha said. “A total of 2345 MVA capacity has been added in the distribution sector to provide better power supply to the people.”

He also inspected the parade and took salute at an impressive march past of the contingents comprising J&K Police, security forces, and school students besides the Brass and Pipe bands of J&K Police and the BSF.

The LG paid tributes to the freedom fighters and fallen soldiers of Police, Army and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).

He felicitated and handed over cash prizes to the winners of the national anthem singing competition at the J&K-level Independence Day event.

Sinha also felicitated the contingents and groups for best march past and cultural items.

Source: greaterkashmir.com

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South Asia

 

Scholars differ on women’s education rights: deputy foreign minister

By Fidel Rahmati

August 15, 2023

On the second anniversary of the Taliban’s return to power, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the deputy foreign minister for political affairs, emphasized that education is a fundamental right for both men and women. However, he acknowledged that religious scholars have varying opinions on this matter.

Stanikzai highlighted that the caretaker administration recognizes women’s education as vital, affirming equal learning rights for all genders. He noted diverse scholarly perspectives on the issue and indicated that reopening girls’ schools and universities hinges on resolving these differences. He acknowledged the time-intensive nature of this resolution process.

During an al-Jazeera interview, he emphasized that a clear commitment was made to the United States and the international community in Doha. This commitment entails preventing Afghanistan from being utilized as a base against not only the United States but also against other nations, including neighbouring countries.

He stated, “We have been faithful and loyal to our commitment to Doha with America. During the past two years, there is no evidence that Afghanistan’s soil has been used against America, other countries, and neighbours.” he urged the US to abide by its commitments.

However, the US and other international communities repeatedly claimed that the Taliban has not committed to their commitment as per the Doha agreement.

Since the Taliban returned to power, they have barred women from their fundamental rights to education, employment and public space.

On the other hand, the neighbouring countries, including Pakistani officials, have claimed that the Taliban is not committed to what they have pledged in the Doha agreement, referring to TTP hideouts in the country and allegedly accused them of not taking enough actions against anti-Pakistani militants inside the country.

The Taliban vehemently denies all allegations asserting that they will unequivocally prohibit any individuals or groups from exploiting Afghanistan’s territory to pose a threat to other nations, including Pakistan.

Source: khaama.com

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Norwegian Refugee Council calls for sustainable solutions to prevent catastrophe in Afghanistan

By Fidel Rahmati

August 15, 2023

In a statement on Monday, the Country Director for the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) in Afghanistan emphasized the necessity for sustainable solutions to avert a potential catastrophe faced by the Afghan people.

“Two years since the change of authorities in Afghanistan, a humanitarian tragedy is unfolding. The situation is driven by a devastating mix of food insecurity and climate change, funding cuts, operational restrictions, and the absence of effective diplomatic engagement,” On the second anniversary of the Taliban takeover, Neil Turner highlighted in the statement.

He mentioned that around 15.3 million Afghans are currently experiencing food insecurity, and in 25 out of 34 provinces, there are alarming levels of acute malnutrition surpassing the emergency threshold. Moreover, despite being over halfway through the year, the humanitarian response plan, which aims to assist over 21 million people, remains underfunded at less than 25 per cent.

“The Afghan people need long-term sustainable solutions to end the humanitarian crisis. This must include efforts to promote greater economic stability, including a functioning banking sector and connection to the international financial system. Without progress on the economy, including the resumption of long-term development assistance, sustainable solutions will never be achieved,” Turner said.

The NRC called upon the authorities in Afghanistan to “uphold their obligations as duty bearers, towards all members of the population, including enabling unhindered and principled humanitarian access and education for women and girls.”

The organization appealed to the international community to “sustain humanitarian funding to stabilize the crisis and to step-up diplomatic engagement to find constructive ways forward for Afghanistan as peoples’ lives and futures depend on it.”

Meanwhile, the advent of Taliban rule in the country has brought about a series of decrees that have significantly curtailed human rights, focusing on women’s rights. These measures have been implemented amidst an ongoing and severe humanitarian crisis. The combined impact of these developments has given rise to deep concerns about the state of fundamental freedoms and well-being within the country.

Source: khaama.com

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Major political upheaval after Taliban’s Afghanistan takeover

By Fidel Rahmati

August 15, 2023

Following years of conflict, Afghanistan witnessed the resurgence of the Taliban in 2021, marking a critical turning point. This resurgence ushered in a series of profound political transformations that have reshaped the country’s landscape.

In the sections below, we will illuminate the critical political developments that have unfolded in the wake of the Taliban’s reclaiming power, underscoring their far-reaching implications.

Formation of the Taliban Government: Following the collapse of the preceding Afghan government, the Taliban assumed control and established their own governing body. Their administration centred on an Islamic state guided by their distinctive interpretation of Islam. Leading this new government was Mullah HaibatullahAkhundzadeh, recognized as Amir al-Momineen.

Government Structure Transformation: The Taliban underwent a significant government structure overhaul, declaring the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s governance dissolution and establishing an Islamic Emirate in its stead. This profound alteration in their administrative framework has presented many challenges, triggering extensive global responses and reactions.

Revisions in Legislation and Governance: The Taliban has introduced significant alterations to Afghanistan’s legal and policy framework. They have enforced Sharia laws according to their understanding of Islam. This has had profound implications on various aspects, including law enforcement, stability, judicial processes, women’s attire, education, media freedom, and human rights. Observations from global sources about prevailing laws and regulations in Afghanistan suggest a regression to policies and laws reminiscent of past decades.

Changes in the Status of Women: Following the resurgence of the Taliban, substantial shifts in the role of women have transpired. The Taliban’s return led to numerous constraints on women’s participation. Their edicts dictated that women could pursue only restricted education and engage in occupations aligned with their specific interpretation of Islamic principles. Moreover, the Taliban enforced conservative dress codes for women across society. Presently, girls beyond the sixth grade have not allowed to attend school, women are not permitted to pursue higher education at the university level, and women are not allowed to participate in the workforce. Despite these changes, it remains evident that women and girls have experienced a reduction in their influence within the social sphere.

Concerns and responses: The resurgence of the Taliban has prompted widespread apprehension among international communities and various nations regarding women’s and overall human rights in Afghanistan. In response, numerous countries have enacted sanctions and economic restrictions against the Taliban administration. Moreover, many Afghans, particularly those who played active political, social, and cultural roles in preceding decades, have expressed their disapproval and sorrow through protests against the Taliban regime.

Struggle and Resistance: Following the rise of the Taliban to power, pockets of Afghanistan saw the emergence of diverse movements that aimed to resist their authority. Among these were factions representing different ethnicities, religious ideologies, and individuals vehemently opposed to the Taliban regime. These ongoing struggles and acts of resistance continue to reflect the discontent and determined opposition of specific segments within Afghanistan towards the Taliban-led government.

Taliban and the Principle of Non-Compromise

Since their resurgence to power, there have been numerous endeavours to engage in negotiations and find common ground with the Taliban. However, the Taliban’s inclination to alter their policies and seek power consolidation is limited. This unyielding stance has significantly hindered the progress of negotiation attempts and yielded limited success thus far.

The Taliban are reluctant to engage in dialogues and make concessions with their adversaries. Their predominant strategy for upholding and securing their authority revolves around military confrontation and their power utilization. A cursory analysis underscores the principle of unwavering determination in the Taliban’s governance approach, which channels all opposition factions towards armed resistance.

Taliban’s Diplomatic Engagements with Various Countries

Following the resurgence of the Taliban, several nations have conscientiously assessed their disparities and objectives regarding the Taliban. Consequently, this has prompted diplomatic and political engagements to transpire. Countries like Pakistan, Russia, Iran, and Qatar have initiated communication with the Taliban, engaging in informal dialogues and negotiations. These interactions underscore a proactive approach by certain nations to foster connections and engage with the Taliban leadership.

Furthermore, the United Nations and various countries have engaged in meetings and negotiations with the Taliban.

These dialogues have encompassed critical matters like security, humanitarian aid, and Afghanistan’s future. Despite the absence of formal recognition of the Taliban as Afghanistan’s government, the overt engagement of nations and international bodies with the Taliban underscores the group’s capacity to capture the interest of regional players and actively engage in noteworthy political and diplomatic discourse.

Key Factors Shaping Recent Political Developments in Afghanistan

What precipitated these transformations? Can it be asserted that the potency of external elements influences internal elements?

Experts have scrutinized various perspectives to elucidate the causative factors and events behind the downfall of the Afghan republic. Among the primary catalysts is the endorsement of the Doha Agreement, the withdrawal of American troops, the dearth of inter-Afghan negotiations, rampant corruption within the preceding administration, the escalation of insecurity, the incapacity of the security forces, and the flight of Ashraf Ghani, the former President of Afghanistan, alongside his policies grounded in apprehension towards his associates.

The Doha Agreement assured the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan. The absence of anticipated intra-Afghan negotiations following the agreement’s signing is attributed to external influences shaping recent events. However, it is crucial to recognize that internal dynamics wielded a more significant impact than external elements. Pervasive corruption within Ghani’s administration, his undignified departure during the nation’s crisis, and the utter disintegration of security forces are prominent factors that collectively precipitated the downfall of Afghanistan’s former government.

The resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan has brought about many challenges. This power shift has been accompanied by significant obstacles that warrant attention. Among the notable challenges ensuing from the Taliban’s return to power are:

Internal Security: A paramount concern for the Taliban lies in upholding internal security. Their resurgence has precipitated a fresh wave of instability and terrorism in some areas of Afghanistan. Despite the Taliban’s declarations of their responsibilities as the new governing entity, their capacity to ensure comprehensive security across the nation remains incomplete.

Human rights and international apprehensions: Historically, the Taliban have faced widespread global criticism due to their oppressive human rights policies, characterized by stringent gender constraints and severe limitations on women’s rights and freedom of speech. The resurgence of the Taliban’s authority has sparked international unease regarding safeguarding human rights and fundamental freedoms in Afghanistan. Furthermore, the imposition of numerous prohibitions by the Taliban has further amplified these concerns.

Humanitarian and economic assistance is imperative for Afghanistan to address its societal needs and embark on reconstruction. The resurgence of the Taliban, coupled with their limited global legitimacy as a governing body, has created uncertainties and limitations surrounding the sustained provision of such aid. Reports from the United Nations underscore that the resurgence of the Taliban has considerably amplified the demand for immediate assistance, affecting a substantial portion of the population, estimated at up to 30 million individuals.

Refugees and Immigrants: The resurgence of the Taliban has triggered a surge in Afghan refugees and immigrants, instilling concern among neighbouring countries about regional stability and exacerbating internal social tensions. Effectively navigating the Taliban’s diplomatic relations with neighbouring nations and the global community remains a formidable challenge in addressing this complex issue.

Government Formation and Structure: The Taliban is grappling with significant hurdles in establishing a stable and internationally acceptable governing body.

Central to this challenge is the imperative to create an inclusive government that accurately represents the diverse spectrum of Afghan society, encompassing various social strata and ethnicities. Ensuring civil rights and freedoms, fostering constructive engagement with diverse political and religious factions, and forging consensus on domestic and foreign policy agendas are pivotal prerequisites in this endeavour.

Impact on regional security: The resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan has significantly affected the region’s security landscape and its neighbouring nations. Heightened fears revolve around the potential proliferation of terrorism, the consequential disruption of peace and stability, and the encroachment upon the sovereign borders in the border regions shared by Afghanistan and its neighbouring nations.

Influence on cultural and educational domains: Historically recognized for their conservative stance and adherence to traditional Islamic beliefs, the Taliban’s resurgence has sparked apprehensions concerning their influence on Afghan culture and the preservation of national identity. Moreover, concerns have been raised about their stance on education, particularly for women and other marginalized groups. This could lead to restricted access to education and hinder progress in this critical sector.

The resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan has triggered significant political and security transformations. While the Taliban has seized control of the Afghan government and amassed considerable military strength, addressing the ongoing crises has proven elusive.

Serious apprehensions revolve around the potential erosion of human rights and civil liberties and the hard-won advancements in gender equality. The status of women and the sustainability of social progress hang in the balance. Moreover, the global unease regarding terrorism, regional stability, and the escalating spectre of mass migration has heightened.

Forming a stable and inclusive government that gains domestic and international recognition presents a significant challenge. The resurgence of the Taliban has created a situation in Afghanistan where the political landscape is uncertain. This requires the unwavering focus of the global community and collaborative efforts to address these challenges. It is crucial to work together to find solutions that can lead to lasting stability and peace within the nation.

Source: khaama.com

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Blast injures two in Afghanistan’s Takhar province

By Fidel Rahmati

August 16, 2023

On Tuesday, an explosion rocked Taloqan, the capital city of Takhar province, resulting in injuries sustained at least two people.

Provincial security officials confirmed the incident. The blast unfolded within the third security district of Taloqan, as said in an official statement by the provincial security officials.

Reportedly, the explosion was triggered by an explosive device concealed within a vehicle, causing injuries to two people.

The investigation’s findings suggest that the explosion was rooted in a personal conflict; however, no individual or group has taken responsibility for the incident.

This incident followed closely on the heels of another explosion in Khost province two days earlier, resulting in the loss of three lives and seven others wounded due to its significant impact.

The victims comprised both Waziristan refugees and Khost residents, illustrating the indiscriminate nature of the incident.

Remarkably, this incident unfolded during the second anniversary of the resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Since the Taliban’s takeover of power on August 15, 2023, the country has witnessed a series of explosions organized by various militant factions, including Daesh.

These attacks have targeted various entities, including Taliban security forces, foreign nationals, and innocent civilians.

In response to these security challenges, the Taliban leadership has pledged to bolster security measures nationwide.

Source: khaama.com

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At least 3 killed, 7 injured in blast at hotel in Afghanistan

By Fidel Rahmati

August 14, 2023

At least three people were killed, and seven others were injured due to an explosion at a hotel in southeast Afghanistan’s Khost province on Monday, as the provincial media office said.

The explosion occurred at a city hotel commonly visited by Afghan individuals and refugees from North Waziristan, a militant stronghold in Pakistan situated along the Afghanistan border, according to MustaghfirGurbaz, a police spokesperson in Khost.

Gurbaz said that the officers were actively engaged in an investigation to find out the root cause of the explosive blast and who was behind it.

The Khost media office reported that individuals hailing from Pakistan’s Waziristan region, situated just across the border, and known for hosting various militant groups for years, were among those who suffered casualties.

Gurbaz offered no details regarding the Pakistani refugees’ lodging at the hotel. Pakistani authorities have indicated that elements of the Pakistani Taliban recognized as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP, are hiding in Khost and elsewhere in Afghanistan.

Police have reported that the deceased and the injured individuals have been transported to the hospital. Additionally, the leadership of the provincial administration has issued directives to ensure that the injured receive appropriate and adequate medical care.

Security forces have cordoned off the area and started investigating the incident.

Previously, Pakistani officials asserted that numerous TTP leaders and fighters had taken shelter in Afghanistan after the Taliban took over power in the country.

This situation has bolstered the TTP’s self-confidence. However, the Taliban administration in Kabul has denied these allegations, affirming its commitment to preventing the exploitation of Afghanistan’s territory against others.

Source: khaama.com

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Africa

 

Tunisian interfaith procession calls for tolerance instead of hate

AFP

August 16, 2023

The tradition, born in the mid-19th century when La Goulette was home to Sicilians, Sephardic Jews, Maltese, Greeks and Spaniards, was halted by Tunisian officials in 1964

LAGOULETTE: Hundreds of Tunisians joined an interfaith ceremony outside the capital where the sermons urged tolerance in the face of rising anti-immigrant sentiment.

During the Feast of the Assumption ceremony in Tunis’ La Goulette suburb on Tuesday, Catholic and Muslim participants marched behind a Madonna statue as it was carried to the town hall.

There, the archbishop of Tunis and the bishop of Trapani, Italy delivered sermons alluding to Tunisia’s tense migration politics.

The tradition, born in the mid-19th century when La Goulette was home to Sicilians, Sephardic Jews, Maltese, Greeks and Spaniards, was halted by Tunisian officials in 1964.

It was revived in 2017, and each year since then, the Virgin Mary figurine has been carried slightly farther from Tunisia’s oldest church, consecrated in 1879.

In his mass, Archbishop of Tunis Ilario Antoniazzi, 75, said the procession aimed to show how La Goulette and Tunisia could offer a model for coexistence between different religions and nationalities.

“Let’s not forget that 100 years ago, when the Virgin Mary made the journey from Trapani (Sicily) to La Goulette, she was well-received and respected,” he told the procession.

Following an anti-immigrant diatribe by Tunisian President Kais Saied in February, hundreds of migrants have lost their jobs and homes, assaults have been reported and several thousand people have been repatriated.

Humanitarian sources say at least 2,000 sub-Saharan Africans have been expelled or forcibly transferred by Tunisian security forces to desert regions bordering Libya or Algeria.

Since the start of July, at least 27 migrants have been found dead after being abandoned in the desert, a source told AFP last week.

Also speaking outside La Goulette’s town hall, Bishop of Trapani Pietro Maria Fragnelli said he hoped the “sons of our dear country Tunisia” would become “capable of love instead of hate, and union instead of division”.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2355986/middle-east

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Clashes in Libya capital kill 27, wound more than 100

AFP

August 16, 2023

The clashes between the influential 444 Brigade and the Al-Radaa have vied for power since the overthrow of longtime dictator Muammar Qaddafi

A total of 234 families were evacuated from front line areas

TRIPOLI: Gun battles between two leading armed groups in the Libyan capital Tripoli have killed 27 people and wounded 106, a toll update from the Emergency Medicine Center said Wednesday.

The center, which provides emergency services in the west of Tripoli, published the “provisional” toll on its Facebook page overnight.

The clashes between the influential 444 Brigade and the Al-Radaa, or Special Deterrence Force, two of the myriad of militias that have vied for power since the overthrow of longtime dictator Muammar Qaddafi in 2011, erupted on Monday night and raged through Tuesday.

A total of 234 families were evacuated from front line areas in the capital’s southern suburbs, along with dozens of doctors and nurses who had got trapped by the fighting while caring for the wounded, the center said.

Three field hospitals and a fleet of around 60 ambulances had been dispatched to the area when the fighting broke out.

The clashes were triggered by the detention of the head of the 444 Brigade, Col. Mahmud Hamza, by the rival Al-Radaa Force on Monday, an interior ministry official said.

Late Tuesday, the social council in the southeastern suburb of Sougel-Joumaa, a stronghold of the Al-Radaa force, announced an agreement had been reached with Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbeibah, head of the UN-recognized government based in the capital, for Hamza to be handed over to a “neutral party.”

In a televised announcement, the council said a cease-fire would follow the transfer of the force’s commander and late Tuesday the fighting abated.

Both armed groups are aligned with Dbeibah’s government, one of two rival administrations that vie for power through shifting alliances with the militias on the ground.

In May, the two sides had clashed for hours in Tripoli, also after the arrest of a 444 Brigade member.

Libya has seen more than a decade of stop-start conflict since the NATO-backed revolt that toppled Qaddafi.

A period of relative stability had led the United Nations to express hope for delayed elections to take place this year, and the latest fighting triggered international calls for calm.

The United Nations Support Mission in Libya said in a statement it was “following with concern” the security deterioration in the Libyan capital and its impact on civilians.

“All parties must preserve the security gains achieved in recent years and address differences through dialogue,” UNSMIL said.

The embassies of Britain, France, the European Union and the United States, echoed the UN call for de-escalation.

The fighting forced the closure of the Libyan capital’s only civilian airport, Mitiga, which lies in an area under Al-Radaa’s control, officials said on Tuesday.

Flights were diverted to Misrata about 180 kilometers (110 miles) to the east, and planes that had been parked on the tarmac were moved away.

The 444 Brigade is affiliated with Libya’s defense ministry and is reputed to be the North African country’s most disciplined. It controls the southern suburbs of Tripoli, and other areas.

The Al-Radaa Force, commanded by Abdel Rauf Karah, is a powerful ultra-conservative militia that acts as Tripoli’s police force.

It positions itself as independent of the interior and defense ministries, and controls central and eastern Tripoli, Mitiga air base, the civilian airport and a prison.

Libya is split between Dbeibah’s UN-backed government in the west and another in the east backed by military strongman Khalifa Haftar.

In August last year, 32 people were killed and 159 wounded in Tripoli when groups supporting the Haftar-backed government fought with Dbeibah’s forces.

Elections in Libya had been due in December 2021 but disputes including who could stand in the polls resulted in their suspension indefinitely, although the UN has been working to end sticking points.

Source: arabnews.com

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Sharia court remands Kano man who broke fiancée’s arm for calling another guy

 Nkem Eze

August 15, 2023

A Shari’a court in Kano state sitting at the Hisbah Board on Tuesday, August 15, remanded one Abbas Sadiq for allegedly breaking his girlfriend’s arm for calling another guy on the phone.

Sadiq is standing trial on three count charges bordering on human rights abuse, using force and causing injury.

The police told the court that the fiancée reported that her fiancé deliberately beat her until he broke her arm because she was having phone calls with another man.

When the charges were read against him, he pleaded guilty.

The Khadi, Sani Tanimu Sani Hausawa, ordered him to be remanded in prison and adjourned the case to Friday, August 25.

Source: politicsnigeria.com

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Mali's president engages Putin on phone about Niger coup

15 Aug 2023

Mali's military leader, AssimiGoita, revealed on Tuesday that he recently held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the current situation in Niger.

Niger has experienced a coup by a junta, raising concerns in the international community.

In a message shared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Goita stated that Putin emphasized the significance of a peaceful resolution to ensure stability in the Sahel region.

Western nations are apprehensive that Niger might follow the path of Mali, where a previous coup led to the involvement of Russian Wagner group mercenaries in counter-insurgency efforts.

Putin has urged the restoration of constitutional order in Niger. On the other hand, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner group, expressed support for the coup. Interestingly, there has been a notable surge in pro-Russian sentiment in Niger since the coup, evident in rallies where junta supporters waved Russian flags.

Source: africanews.com

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Niger: Northern Nigeria takes action to avoid armed intervention

15 Aug 2023

Religious leaders and political leaders in northern Nigeria are making considerable efforts to achieve a diplomatic resolution of the crisis in Niger and thus prevent an ECOWAS military intervention with potentially disastrous consequences for their regions.

After the failures of two mediation missions launched by the West African bloc, whose emissaries were not received by Niger's new strongman, General Abdourahamane Tiani, ECOWAS increased its pressure on the military regime.

While saying to continue to favour the path of dialogue, its leaders gave the green light on Thursday to an armed intervention to come, by activating its "standby force".

But while negotiations between ECOWAS and the new regime in Niger seem to have stalled, others are busy establishing a diplomatic channel between General Tiani and the head of state of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, who holds the presidency. in office of ECOWAS.

Thus, two delegations of religious leaders from northern Nigeria - with whom Niger has strong cultural, economic and linguistic ties - managed to meet with General Tiani in Niamey.

First on Wednesday, with former Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who took General Tiani's demands to President Tinubu upon his return to Abuja.

Then on Saturday, with Sheikh Bala Lau, leader of a Salafist-inspired Islamic movement, whose mediation mission was carried out in agreement with the Nigerian president. At the end of the meeting, the Sheikh reported that the military regime had said it was open to a dialogue, giving hope for the start of negotiations with Abuja.

Before their respective departure for Niamey, these two personalities, who enjoy significant influence in northern Nigeria but also in Niger and the Sahel, had publicly expressed their aversion to armed intervention.

Positions that probably weighed in General Tiani's decision to receive them. For his part, President Tinubu, who had addressed a very firm speech to the military the day after the coup and is sometimes perceived in Niger as a fervent supporter of the military option, has been the subject for 10 days of significant pressure from from northern Nigeria.

First religious leaders, who have multiplied calls for a peaceful resolution, but also political leaders, in particular the 58 senators from the northern regions of Nigeria.

On August 5, they warned Abuja: a use of force would have, according to them, "serious implications" for Niger but also Nigeria, seven states of which share a 1,500 km border with Niger.

They also said they were worried that an intervention would further destabilize these extremely poor regions already under the yoke of armed jihadist or criminal groups.

On August 9, a group of academics, retired officers and politicians from the north wrote an open letter to the Nigerian president. According to them, this intervention would "exacerbate" the security problems of northern Nigeria, including the jihadist insurgency, conflicts between farmers and herders and mass kidnappings, "through the circulation of arms and the spread of violent extremism".

In addition, it could aggravate "the serious humanitarian crisis" in the north - with millions of people already displaced and food insecure according to the UN - due to the displacement of populations that the intervention would cause.

These declarations are accompanied by a beginning of popular discontent. On Friday, hundreds of residents of a district of Kano (the largest city in the north) took to the streets to protest against this possible intervention.

Waving Nigerian and Nigerien flags, protesters chanted anti-French slogans, accusing France of inciting Nigeria to go to war against Niger.

In the same city, traders deplore the drop in attendance since the closure of borders and the economic sanctions of ECOWAS. "Our customers from Niger, Benin and Central Africa have stopped coming here to buy our goods," said Shamsu Bala, a textile trader at the KantinKwari market, annoyed.

The closing of the borders causes northern Nigeria to lose 13 billion naira (15.5 million euros) every week, according to a study by the Arewa Economic Forum, a think tank. So for Mr. Kwari "a war will only make the situation worse".

Source: africanews.com

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DRC: President Tshisekedi offers “last chance” for peace to Ituri and Northern-Kivu rebel groups

15 Aug 2023

DRC president Felix Tshisekedi called upon rebel groups in the Ituri and Northern Kivu provinces to put down their weapons and join what he has dubbed the disarmament and reinsertion operation on Monday.

Congolese president Félix- Tshisekedi launched an appeal to all those who are disrupting peace in the Ituri and Northern Kivu provinces, on Monday, stating "The government of the Republic has committed itself, in good faith, to offering a last chance for a peaceful solution to the rebel groups still present."

Insecurity in Eastern DRC has been a menace to the very existence of current political institutions, added President Tshisekedi during the panel discussion evaluating the state of siege, introduced in 2021, in the conflict-ridden provinces.

The Round Table, attended by multiple government dignitaries, should rule on Wednesday on the strengths, weaknesses, and other contours of the state of siege, with a view to informing and guiding the President’s decision on whether to maintain it, reclassify it or lift it altogether.

With less than six months to go before elections, many political players are expecting to see this measure lifted so that they can resume their political activities.

NGO’s and Nobel Peace Prize Dr Denis Mukwege have called to lift this measure, which they say has only aggravated insecurity in the region.

According to Amnesty International, the decision has resulted in the replacement of civilian administration by army and police officers, the suspension of elected provincial assemblies and the trial of civilians by military courts.

Not only has the "security situation in the two provinces deteriorated considerably", with "an upsurge in attacks on civilians", but the introduction of the state of siege has "worsened the human rights situation", reports the organization.

Source: africanews.com

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‘We were used and dumped’ – Muslim group faults Sanwo-Olu’s cabinet composition

 Kehinde Folarin

August 15, 2023

A Muslim rights advocacy group, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), on Tuesday, faulted the cabinet composition of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, which has 31 Christians and 8 Muslims.

The group also accused Sanwo-Olu of using and dumping Muslims in the state.

Politics Nigeria recalls that Sanwo-Olu had, on July 28, transmitted 39 cabinet nominees to the state House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

But MURIC and a coalition of Muslim groups under the aegis of Joint Muslims Forum (JMF) rejected the proposed cabinet nominees list, noting that it has less than 20 per cent Muslim representation.

In defence of the governor, CAN Chairman in Lagos, Rev. Stephen Adegbite, during a press briefing at Alausa on Monday, had noted that Sanwo-Olu’s choice was “based purely on merit, competence, and sufficient capabilities to deliver on the set goals and objectives of the government.”

Adegbite also condemned the remarks of the Muslim groups against the nominations.

But reacting to the state CAN Chairman’s comment, Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, accused the Christian body of hypocrisy and asked if CAN could have endorsed the governor’s list if it was Muslims who had 31 while Christians had only eight.

Akintola said:

“Our response to his vituperations and irrational position is very simple.

Governor Sanwo-Olu supported the Muslim-Muslim ticket not because he was convinced that it was democratic and, therefore, right, not even because he fully supported a Muslim ruling the country, but because he had no choice but to support his principal and political godfather.

“Failure to do so would have endangered his chances of securing a second term. Sanwo-Olu’s perceived support for the Muslim-Muslim ticket was, therefore, a self-preservation move. It was not from the governor’s heart but from his pharyngeal cavity.

“It was, therefore, most inconsiderate and very selfish for the Lagos CAN chairman to base his rationalisation of the ratio 31:8 of Lagos commissioners’ list on Sanwo-Olu’s support for the Muslim-Muslim ticket.

“But the hypocrisy of the Lagos CAN chairman will become more glaring if he can agree that he will accept the same arrangement if vice versa, i.e. if Muslims are given 31 slots while Christians get eight only come 2027 when it will be the turn of Muslims to occupy Alausa secretariat”.

He reiterated that the 2027 gubernatorial slot should be for Muslims, adding that the fact that the Lagos CAN chairman “admitted the lopsided 31:8 ratio” shows that it was deliberate.

Source: politicsnigeria.com

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UN human rights chief warns Sudan chaos ripe for exploitation, calls for end to impunity to violence

EPHREM KOSSAIFY

August 15, 2023

NEW YORK: The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has expressed grave concerns that other “opportunistic” armed groups and militias could exploit the current instability in Sudan, underlined by impunity, to escalate violence even further.

Turk decried the “disastrous, senseless” war “borne out of a wanton drive for power” that has ravaged the country, resulting in thousands of deaths, the destruction of homes, schools, hospitals, and vital services, widespread displacement, and sexual violence that may amount to war crimes.

As the ongoing conflict enters its fifth month, Turk said his office has strong grounds to believe that the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces have committed grave violations of international law, and must be held accountable.

The regions worst affected by the fighting include Khartoum and its environs, El Obeid in North Kordofan and areas of the Darfur region, particularly West Darfur, where civilians have been attacked based on their ethnicity.

While the exact death toll remains elusive due to intense fighting and challenges in collecting and identifying remains, the UN estimates that more than 4,000 people have so far been killed, including hundreds of civilians, 28 humanitarian and health workers, and 435 children. The actual number of casualties is likely to be much higher.

“Many civilians were reportedly killed in the Khartoum area as they resisted attempts by the RSF to loot their houses or rape female family members,” Turk said, adding that others fell victim to crossfire or shelling that hit their homes.

West Darfur’s El Geneina people were killed both inside their homes and as they were attempting to flee on the road to Chad.

The rise in sexual violence is equally alarming, said Turk.

He said: “My office has also received credible reports of 32 incidents of sexual violence against 73 victims as of Aug. 2. This includes at least 28 incidents of rape. Men in RSF uniform were implicated in at least 19 incidents as perpetrators. The actual number of cases is likely much higher.”

Turk has repeatedly urged officials in Sudan to issue clear instructions to all those under their command that there is zero tolerance for sexual violence.

Beyond violence, both parties in Sudan have arbitrarily detained hundreds and held them incommunicado, with more than 500 political activists and human rights defenders, including 24 women, missing.

These detainees often endure maltreatment and, in some instances, torture.

The toll of the conflict also manifests in economic collapse, food insecurity, and a crumbling healthcare system, said Turk. Over 20.3 million people face food insecurity, with 700,000 children at risk of malnutrition. The Sudanese health system is on the brink of collapse, as 100 out of 130 hospitals in Khartoum have ceased operation.

Human displacement also continues with over 4 million people displaced due to the ongoing conflict. The dire living conditions in refugee camps and internally displaced persons sites exacerbate vulnerabilities, especially for women and girls susceptible to sexual abuse, according to Turk.

The UN human rights chief said: “The parties to the conflict must immediately stop the fighting, resume political talks, (and) comply with their legal obligations under international humanitarian law.

“They must investigate all the violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law that have occurred during the conflict (and) hold those responsible accountable.

“I also urge the international community to increase political and economic pressure on the parties to the conflict to stop immediately the fighting, and increase financial support for humanitarian agencies responding to the humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict, including displacement and refugee crises.”

Source: arabnews.com

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Mideast

 

Unarmed Worshiper Body-Slams Terrorist Attacking Iranian Mosque

Dan Morrison

August 15, 2023

With one dead, eight wounded, and dozens more in panicked flight, an unarmed worshiper body-slammed a rampaging gunman to the floor inside a prominent Iranian shrine Sunday night.

In gripping footage released Tuesday by the state-owned IRNA news agency, the unidentified hero rushes at the attacker and sends his assault rifle flying in the collision.

In the space of seconds, the gunman, wearing a black and white t-shirt with his long hair under a black cap, hears the man’s approach and turns to raise his weapon – but is bowled over by the anonymous samaritan. He was carrying eight magazines holding 240 bullets when he was disarmed, officials said.

The “terrorist” was arrested, Yadollah Bouali, the provincial commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, told local media.

Officials haven’t revealed a motive for the Sunday night attack on the Shah Cheragh mosque in the northern city of Shiraz.

The mosque, which draws Shiite pilgrims to the tomb of a prominent early member of the faith, was attacked in October 2022 by a lone gunman who killed 13 people and wounded 40 before police shot him down.

The Islamic State claimed credit for that attack. Sunni Islamist extremists view Shiite Muslims as apostates.

The attacker on Sunday fired 11 times before the bystander took him down. Four people were shot, one fatally, and five others appear to have been injured in the stampede to escape.

Source: themessenger.com

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90-Year-Old Among Dozens OfBahais Arrested In Iran’s Latest Crackdown: Group

AFP

August 16, 2023

The Bahais, whose faith is not recognized in the Islamic republic, say they have been the victims of a new wave of repression over the past year.

The Bahai faith is a relatively modern monotheistic religion with spiritual roots dating back to the early 19th century in Iran

Paris: A 90-year-old man is among dozens arrested in past weeks in a new crackdown by Iranian authorities against Bahais, Iran’s largest non-Muslim religious minority, a group said Wednesday.

The Bahais, whose faith is not recognized in the Islamic republic, say they have been the victims of a new wave of repression over the past year.

In the latest crackdown, almost 60 Bahais were reported to have been arrested in Iran in the last weeks, said the the Bahai International Community (BIC), which defends the interests of members of the faith.

Another 180 incidents of persecution, such as interrogations or raids against businesses, have been recorded in recent weeks, BIC said in a statement.

Those arrested include JamaloddinKhanjani, a 90-year-old who had already served 10 years in prison.

Khanjani, a former member of a now disbanded informal leadership group for the Bahais in Iran, was detained with his daughter Maria Khanjani on Sunday, it said.

Two other former members of the group, Mahvash Sabet and Fariba Kamalabadi, who were arrested in July 2022, received confirmation of their 10-year prison terms which were upheld this week on appeal, it said.

Acclaimed writer and poet Sabet, 70, suffers from significant health issues and has been transferred to hospital from prison numerous times in the past year, it added.

Like Khanjani, Sabet and Kamalabadi had completed previous 10 year sentences and were released in 2018.

“The cruelty meted out to the Bahais in Iran has no limits,” said Simin Fahandej, the BIC’s representative to the United Nations in Geneva.

“Arresting a 90-year-old and others with health issues who already spent 10 years in prison for their faith shows the government’s desperate attempt to continue its fruitless efforts to destroy the Bahai community in Iran,” she added.

Nine other Bahais were arrested on the same day as Khanjani, including the owners and employees of a number of pharmacies which were shut down by the authorities, it added.

Iranian authorities earlier this month said nine followers of the Bahai faith had been arrested on corruption charges, linking the arrests to the alleged hoarding of pharmaceutical goods.

The Bahai faith is a relatively modern monotheistic religion with spiritual roots dating back to the early 19th century in Iran.

Iran brands Bahais “heretics” and often accuses them of being agents of arch-foe Israel, as the spiritual hub of the faith is headquartered in the Israeli port city of Haifa.

But the community dismisses such suggestions, saying Haifa emerged as a center of the faith well before the state of Israel was established in 1948.

Bahais in Iran complain of discrimination in their daily lives, making it a struggle to open businesses and even bury their dead. They also complain that they are systematically denied access to higher education in Iran.

Source: arabnews.com

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The Ghost village, Built in the 1970s to house semi-nomadic Bedouin, an hour from Dubai becomes something of a tourist attraction

AP

August 16, 2023

Built in the 1970s to house semi-nomadic Bedouin, the village was abandoned two decades later as oil wealth transformed the country.

The municipality recently installed fencing around the perimeter, along with a security gate, garbage bins and a parking lot

AL-MADAM, United Arab Emirates: Nestled in sand dunes an hour’s drive from the skyscrapers of Dubai, a desert village abandoned in the 1990s stands as an eerie relic of the rapid urbanization of the United Arab Emirates.

Built in the 1970s to house semi-nomadic Bedouin, the village of Al-Ghuraifa was abandoned two decades later as oil wealth transformed the country into a global hub of commerce and tourism, home to the futuristic cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

In recent years, the ghost village near the town of Al-Madam in the Sharjah emirate has become something of a tourist attraction, offering an escape from the concrete jungles of the coastal cities and a glimpse at the Emirates’ hardscrabble past.

The village, which comprises two rows of homes and a mosque, “can teach us a lot of the modern history of the UAE,” said Ahmad Sukkar, an assistant professor at the University of Sharjah who is part of a team researching the site.

It was built as part of a public housing project after the 1971 formation of the United Arab Emirates, a federation of seven sheikhdoms. The discovery of oil 13 years earlier was just starting to reshape the country.

The village housed around 100 members of the Al-Ketbi tribe, Sukkar said. They were one of several Bedouin tribes that until then had led a semi-nomadic existence, raising animals, traveling among the desert oases and visiting Dubai and Abu Dhabi when they were small port towns reliant on fishing and pearl diving.

The modern cement houses, built to ease the transition to settled life, featured local flourishes. The interior walls were brightly colored, and some were adorned with mosaics. The homes also featured spaces where village elders could host local councils, known as “majalis” in Arabic. One house had wallpaper depicting a lush green landscape, a stark contrast to the monotonous sandscape outside.

It’s unclear what exactly sparked the exodus just two decades after the homes were built.

In local lore, the residents were driven away by evil spirits, but Sukkar says it’s more likely that they left to seek a better life in the UAE’s fast-growing cities. The village had limited access to electricity and water, and was buffeted by sandstorms. Families would have also had to contend with a long commute across the desert to reach government jobs and schools in Dubai.

Nowadays the desert is slowly reclaiming the village. Drifts of sand have blown into the homes, and in some rooms, they obscure walls and nearly reach the ceiling. Only the mosque remains as it was, thanks to regular sweeping by maintenance workers from nearby Al-Madam.

Some descendants of the camel-mounted Bedouin who once plied the desert sands still reside in the Emirates’ rural stretches, though many now live in cities with glimmering skyscrapers, cavernous, air-conditioned malls and a sprawling network of modern highways. Expatriates from all corners of the earth make up the vast majority of the UAE’s population, and some have taken an interest in its humbler past.

On a recent day, tour guides could be seen leading groups of visitors through the abandoned village. It’s also been the setting for music videos and social media posts featuring the foreign models, fancy cars and displays of opulence for which Dubai is now best known.

“I wonder why they left,” said Nitin Panchal, an Indian expatriate visiting the site. “Could it be a genie, could be black magic? We’ll never know.”

The municipality recently installed fencing around the perimeter, along with a security gate, garbage bins and a parking lot. Past visitors had left graffiti, scraped décor from the walls and climbed atop fragile roofs for photos.

The new measures have drained some of the mystery from the site and raised the prospect of it becoming yet another tourist attraction in a country filled with them.

Danny Booth, an expatriate from the Isle of Man, a British Crown Dependency in the Irish Sea, said he had decided to “come and have a look before things start to change here.”

“Sometimes these places are better left undisturbed, as they lose their charm when they become crowded,” he said.

Source: arabnews.com

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UK should admit role in Iran coup: Ex-FM, David Owen

ARAB NEWS

August 15, 2023

LONDON: A former British foreign secretary has urged the government to admit the UK’s leading role in ousting Iran’s last democratically elected leader in 1953, The Guardian reported on Tuesday. 

“There are good reasons for acknowledging the UK’s role with the US in overthrowing democratic developments,” David Owen, who was foreign secretary from 1977 to 1979, told the newspaper.

“By admitting we were wrong and damaged steps that were developing towards a democratic Iran, we make reforms a little more likely.

“Women’s powerful arguments for reform are being heard and respected because they are true to a political spirit that has a long history in Iran.

“The British would help their cause and make it more likely to succeed and not be brushed aside if we admitted past errors in 1953.”

The release of declassified CIA material a decade ago revealed that the ousting of elected Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad Mosadegh, 70 years ago this week, was a joint CIA-MI6 plot pushed for by the UK’s then-Prime Minister Winston Churchill after Mosadegh nationalized British oil interests.

But the UK has retained its stance of not commenting on intelligence operations, a fact that the makers of a new film charting the coup attribute for their failure to find a distributor.

Taghi Amirani, director of “Coup 53,” said: “We’ve had the most bizarre and sinister attempts at supressing both the contents of the film and its chances of getting distribution in many twisted incidents worthy of (John) le Carre.”

Richard Norton-Taylor, author of a book about UK intelligence and the media, described Britain’s silence over its involvement in the coup as “sad and absurd” given the US admission.

Source: arabnews.com

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US asks Iran to stop selling drones to Russia-FT

REUTERS

August 16, 2023

News comes as Washington and Iran are trying to ease tensions

WASHINGTON: US is pushing Iran to stop selling armed drones to Russia as part of discussions on a broader unwritten understanding between Washington and Tehran to de-escalate tensions, the Financial Times said on Wednesday, citing people briefed on the matter.

The US is pressing Iran to stop selling armed drones to Russia, which Moscow is using in the war in Ukraine, as well as spare parts for the unmanned aircraft, the report said, citing an Iranian official and another person familiar with the talks.

The White House and Iran’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The news comes as Washington and Iran are trying to ease tensions and revive broader talks over Iran’s nuclear program. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday that he would welcome any Iranian steps to de-escalate its “growing nuclear threat.”

These discussions have taken place alongside the negotiations on a prisoner exchange deal last week, the newspaper said. Iran allowed four detained US citizens to move into house arrest from Tehran’s Evin prison while a fifth was already under home confinement.

Last week, sources told Reuters that Iran may free five detained US citizens as part of a deal to unfreeze $6 billion in Iranian funds in South Korea.

Source: arabnews.com

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Pakistan

 

I-Day Renewal of Pledge to Make Pakistan Islamic Welfare State: Punjab Caretaker Minister

August 15, 2023

Rawalpindi-Punjab caretaker minister primary and Secondary Healthcare Dr Jamal Nasir has said that Independence Day celebrations are the renewal of the pledge to make Pakistan an Islamic welfare state. He said the establishment of Pakistan is a blessing for the Muslims of the subcontinent

He expressed these views while addressing an event organized by the Punjab Arts Council in connection with the 76th Independence Day of Pakistan. On the occasion, Director PAC Waqar Ahmad unfurled the flag while the provincial minister cut the cake.

Dr Jamal Nasir said that Independence Day said that the forefathers sacrificed their lives for an independent state, adding there was a need to make the young generation aware of the freedom movement. He congratulated all the children who participated in the competitions.

Addressing the participants, the Director of Arts Council Waqar Ahmed said that Pakistan is one of the blessings of Allah. Our forefathers made numerous sacrifices for Pakistan. Allama Iqbal’s dream was made a reality by Quaid-e-Azam. We have to follow the guiding principles of Quaid-i-Azam to make Pakistan one of the developed nations of the world, he added. 

Waqar Ahmed paid tributes to the martyrs of the Pakistan movement and said “Pakistan was achieved after sacrificing the lives of millions of people.

Speaking on the occasion, Assistant Director Muhammad Suleman said that the Muslims of the subcontinent made it possible to achieve a separate homeland under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam, who gave us an ideology and made us a nation. We need to make unity and conviction the goal of our lives in the words of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. We should not spare any sacrifice to make the country strong, progressive and prosperous, he added.

At the end of the ceremony, a special prayer was offered for the protection and development of Pakistan. Speech, Tableau and National Songs competitions were also held to mark Pakistan Independence Day in collaboration with the All Pakistan Private schools management association. Ayesha, Ayesha Daniyal, Muhammad Ali and Abrasha got first, second, third and fourth positions in the national song competition. Noor Sehar, Aishal, Roshana Malik and Arfa Malik were awarded the first, second, third and fourth prizes in the speech contest. In the tableau competition, Iqra School came first, City Lyceum second, New Education School third and ASA School fourth.

The chief guest and the director of the Arts Council distributed shields and appreciation certificates among the position holders. A large number of students from the twin cities participated in the competitions.

Source: nation.com.pk

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President Alvi returns over a dozen bills

August 16, 2023

Iftikhar A. Khan

ISLAMABAD: Over a dozen bills will hang in limbo for an indefinite period after being returned by President Dr Arif Alvi for reconsideration of the parliament.

The returned bills had been passed by both houses of parliament by at the fag end of the PML-N-led government’s term, and their fate will be decided after general elections when a new National Assembly is in place.

These bills include the Code of Criminal Proce­dure amendment bill seeking to enhance punishment for those who disrespect the Holy Prophet (PBUH), his companions and other religious figures.

The other returned bills include Press, News­papers, News Agencies and Books Registration amendment bill, seeking to replace the word ‘federal government’ wherever occurring in the law with ‘Prime Minister’; the protection of Journalists and Media Professionals bill, seeking to transfer implementation of protection of journalists from Ministry if Human Rights to the Ministry of Information; and the National Commission for Human Development (Amend­ment) Bill to redefine the functions of NCHD and make some amendments in its governing structure for efficiency and ease doing business.

Another bill that had been returned was Imports and Exports (Control) (Amendment) Bill 2023, aimed at addressing hardship cases, received from the business community and other quarters for one-time relaxation of import/export-related prohibitions and restrictions.

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) bill seeking to enhance the term of HEC chairman to four years has also been returned by President Alvi. The other returned bills include public sector commission amendment bill, Pakistan Institute of Management Sciences Bill, Horizon University bill, Federal Urdu University amendment bill, NFC Institute, Multan amendment bill and National Institute for Technology bill.

Source: dawn.com

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Outgoing PM justifies changes to Official Secrets Act

August 16, 2023

FORMER prime minister Sheh­baz Sharif has said amendments to the Official Secrets Act were aimed at protecting the lives of intelligence officials and not intended to “target any political party”.

In his last interview before leaving the post of PM, Mr Sharif told The Guardian the intentions behind the amendments were not to curtail civil liberties but protect the lives and identities of security officials who investigated terrorists.

“I don’t think these laws would be against my party or anyone … I don’t see any serious concern in this regard.”

Mr Sharif also criticised his political rival Imran Khan but stated that he held no personal vendetta against him.

He said the word “victimisation is not in [his] dictionary” and accused Mr Khan of maltreating political rivals while in power.

“We were treated shabbily and the jail manual was violated when Khan was PM. We were terribly victimised. But we don’t believe in tit for tat … Relevant institutions, courts and rule of law would take its own course in Khan’s [legal case],” he told The Guardian.

The former prime minister clai­med his predecessor “twisted facts” on the cipher sent by the then ambassador to the US, Asad Majeed Khan.

There was no mention of any conspiracy in the cable to topple the PTI government or bring the PDM coalition into power, Mr Sharif said.

“[I]t is very unbecoming of any political, serious-minded leader to indulge in this kind of black and white lies. Khan said he had the [cable] but he had lost it. Now it has been published on a website.”

Talking about the possibility of a ban on the PTI, Mr Sharif said, “I really don’t know. It is all up to the court to decide. Personally, I don’t want any political party to be banned.”

Source: dawn.com

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Parliamentary body may have to pick Balochistan’s interim CM

August 16, 2023

Saleem Shahid

QUETTA: The question of who will be Balochistan’s caretaker chief minister may have to be settled by a parliamentary committee after outgoing Chief Minister Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo and Opposition Leader Malik Sikander Khan Advocate failed to reach a consensus.

A decision had to be made within three days of the provincial assembly’s dissolution under the law and Tuesday was the last day to finalise a name, since Balochistan Governor Malik Abdul Wali Kakar signed the summary for the assembly’s dissolution on Aug 12.

Earlier in the day, the two discussed the names of proposed candidates to reach a consensus for the slot of interim chief minister.

Both sides did not disclose the names of candidates discussed in the late Monday night meeting.

However, sources said that while the name of Ali Mardan Domki had been discussed between the two leaders, CM Bizenjo did not agree to sign a summary suggesting Mr Domki as his successor.

Earlier, a source said the name of the consensus candidate may prove surprising for everyone, as with the selection of caretaker PM Anwaarul Haq Kakar a few days ago.

Billionaire tribal elder Malik Shah and Prince Ahmed Ali from the Khan of Kalat’s family were also named as potential candidates for the interim slot, but media reports seemed to suggest that Mr Domki had emerged as the strongest candidate thus far.

Mr Domki is a former district nazim from Sibi, who contested the 2013 general elections from PB-7 against his brother, Sardar Sarfaraz Domki.

On Tuesday, Mr Domki and former Balochistan CM Jam Kamal Alyani also called on caretaker PM Kakar in Islamabad.

According to the Constitution, if the chief minister and the opposition leader fail to reach a consensus on a suitable name for interim chief minister within the prescribed period, the matter would be sent to the parliamentary committee.

The chief minister and the opposition leader would send the names of three candidates each to the parliamentary committee.

If the committee could also not reach a consensus, the matter would then go to the Election Commission of Pakistan, which would then take a final decision on the matter.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1770413/parliamentary-body-may-have-to-pick-balochistans-interim-cm

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Nawaz seeing elections in February: Rana Sanaullah

August 15, 2023

PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah said on Tuesday his party’s supremo, Nawaz Sharif, was confident that general elections would be held in the country in February next year.

“He (Nawaz) is sure that elections will take place in February. Delimitation of constituencies has to be completed before then, and it will be completed by December,” Sanaullah said while responding to a question about Nawaz’s expected return to Pakistan during an appearance on Geo News show ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath’.

The former interior minister added that since elections would be held in February, it was appropriate for Nawaz to return to the country in September or October.

Nawaz left the country in November 2019 for medical treatment in London following his conviction in a corruption case. The three-time prime minister has not returned since and faces multiple cases in Pakistan.

Last week, his younger brother and then-prime minister Shhebaz Sharif also said that he would return to Pakistan in September, lead the PML-N’s election campaign and assume the role of the prime minister for a fourth time if the party would emerge victorious in the polls.

Sanaullah also reiterated this today.

He further claimed that the establishment had wanted the elections to be held within the constitutionally mandated period of 90 days following the dissolution of the National Assembly (NA) on August 9, three days before the end of its term.

The Constitution provides that if the assembly completes its tenure, elections are to be held in 60 days, but in case of premature dissolution — which will be the case here — this period is extended to 90 days.

In light of this, the elections are supposed to be held in November.

However, after the final results of the first-ever digital census were approved earlier this month, it seems almost certain that the polls will be delayed as a fresh delimitation of constituencies is now required, which will take time.

Recently, a Dawn report also cited a senior Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) official as saying that the commission was “now legally bound to go for fresh delimitation, which would take at least four months”.

“It’s a constitutional requirement and we will have to do it,” he had remarked. “The details will be worked out by the commission in a meeting, which would be held after they received the official notification.”

The report quoted another official as saying that the ECP will also be required to update electoral rolls and take other related steps, indicating that the entire exercise may be postponed until March or April of the next year.

Another Dawn report published today said a huge mismatch in the otherwise increased and decreased share of districts across the country would make the upcoming exercise to re-draw boundaries for provincial assemblies’ elections a complex one.

The report highlighted that a thorough analysis of population figures showed that unlike for NA seats, fresh delimitation for the provincial assembly seats can affect dozens of districts.

The delimitation issue was also brought up during a Supreme Court hearing today where Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial said the ECP should conduct the process of delimitations transparently, stressing that it was a “matter of public interest”. He directed the ECP to resolve all issues prior to the polls.

Subsequently, the ECP issued a notification stating that it would hold a meeting on Wednesday (tomorrow) to discuss the delimitation of NA and provincial assemblies’ constituencies and allied matters.

Source: dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1770288/nawaz-seeing-elections-in-february-rana-sanaullah

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Nawaz expected to return to Pakistan by mid-September

By Murtaza Ali Shah

August 16, 2023

LONDON: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif is set to return to Pakistan by mid-September, Geo News learnt on Tuesday.

A Sharif family source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that Nawaz will leave for Pakistan from London “after a month”. This would mean that the former prime minister will return to Pakistan in the middle of September.

The Sharif family’s lawyers and political aides had advised the PML-N supremo to come to Pakistan immediately after ending his Europe and Middle East visit, which started two months ago and ended last week when Nawaz reached London. However, some within the PML-N have advised Nawaz that it’s better to arrive in mid-September. “Nawaz Sharif’s decision to return to Pakistan after ending nearly four years of exile is final and everything is in order,” said the source who has been part of the negotiation and the arrangements.

Former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif and PML-N Senior Vice President Maryam have been in touch with Nawaz regularly about various ups and downs related to his Pakistan return.

The source said Shehbaz, who has now stepped down as the premier of Pakistan, will be reaching London within a week to meet Nawaz.

PML-N stalwarts Rana Sanaullah, Khawaja Asif, Javed Latif, Saad Rafique, Parvez Rasheed, Irfan Siddiqui and many others are set to visit London over the next three weeks where discussions and planning will take place about Sharif’s return.

The source said that the PML-N is planning a mega welcome for Nawaz who came to the UK in November 2019 for medical treatment and decided to stay on after the permitted court time lapsed. Hina Pervez Butt, the PML-N’s leading social media activist and former provincial lawmaker who is in London and has met Nawaz, said the party plans to bring out tens of thousands of people when the party supremo lands in Lahore.

The source said that the recent apex court’s verdict on the Supreme Court (Review of Judgments and Orders) Act 2023 has no impact on Nawaz’s cases. Geo News understands that the Sharif family’s lawyers have prepared a full legal defence of Nawaz in various cases and the legal and judicial engagement will start as soon as the former prime minister lands in Pakistan.

Last week, Shehbaz told Geo News that his elder brother will come to Pakistan in September. “As far as Nawaz Sharif’s return is concerned, the Supreme Court decision has no link with it.” He added that Nawaz Sharif has completed the five-year disqualification period.

Shehbaz also said: “The law which is in the field right now states that the maximum period for disqualification is five years. Nawaz Sharif will return and this verdict will not be an obstruction. Nawaz Sharif will come back to Pakistan next month and will face the law and lead the election campaign.”

Nawaz had reached London on November 19, 2019 when he fell critically ill in prison. It was alleged by the family that the government of Imran Khan and his backers had tried to poison Nawaz and, as a result, he suffered. He was treated at the Harley Street Clinic and London Bridge Hospital for four months.

The three-time prime minister had been diagnosed with an immune system disorder and doctors in Pakistan recommended that he should go abroad for treatment as his condition continued to deteriorate despite the best possible care in the country.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1100522-nawaz-expected-to-return-to-pakistan-by-mid-september

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ATC rejects Imran bail plea in three cases

By Khalid Iqbal

August 16, 2023

ISLAMABAD: Anti-Terrorist Court Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain on Tuesday rejected bail requests from former prime minister Imran Khan in three cases.

The ATC delivered the reserved verdict on Tuesday, addressing the issues raised in these three cases against the PTI chairman. Among the cases, two were filed at the Khanna Police Station, while the third was registered at the Bhara Kahu Police Station. The basis for dismissing Imran Khan’s bail petitions stems from his absence in court proceedings.

On August 8, an Anti-Terrorism Court in Lahore granted a one-day exemption to PTI Chairman Imran Khan from appearance and extended his interim bail until August 11 in connection with at least five cases involving the vandalism that occurred on May 9.

This application had been submitted on behalf of Imran Khan’s legal counsel regarding the incident of vandalism and arson at the Lahore corps commander’s House on May 9. The lawyer representing the petitioner argued that the PTI chief had been arrested, expressing optimism that his client’s sentence would be suspended within a week. In a separate development, Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Sohail also declined the bail petitions of Imran Khan due to his failure to appear in court. The court dismissed the bail requests across six cases registered against him following the events of May 9.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1100523-atc-rejects-imran-bail-plea-in-three-cases

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Terminate service of political appointees, ECP asks interim govts

By Mumtaz Alvi

August 16, 2023

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Tuesday asked the interim governments to immediately terminate the services of all heads of institutions appointed on a political basis.

The ECP issued guidelines to the interim governments in the Centre and provinces, urging them to assist it in holding polls in accordance with the Constitution.

Meanwhile, the ECP got all the census results from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). A senior ECP official confirmed to The News that the PBS had shared all the related data and other details with the electoral body, which it awaited to deliberate on to thrashing out a timeline for delimitation of constituencies, following the approval of digital census a few days back.

Ostensibly, the commission is set to miss the constitutionally-mandated timeline of conduct of general elections within 90 days, as it needs three months to delimit constituencies of the National Assembly and four provincial assemblies and then another month to address complaints and related issues.

The ECP is meeting today (Wednesday) to possibly announce the timeline for the delimitation of constituencies and constitute committees for the purpose.

The approval of the digital census by the Council of Common Interests on August 05 makes it mandatory on the ECP to delimit the constituencies afresh.

The instructions were issued through a notification, which are being a seen as a significant indication of its activities towards the conduct of general elections in the country.

The interim governments have been instructed to ensure that the former prime minister and his advisers, former chief ministers along with their advisers, former federal and provincial ministers and former MNAs and former Sindh and Balochistan MPAs vacate their residential facilities provided by the government while official vehicles provided to them are also withdrawn.

The interim governments shall perform their functions and attend to day-to-day matters that are necessary to run the affairs of the Federation and provinces in accordance with the law.

“The caretaker governments shall not attempt to influence the elections or do or cause to be done anything which may, in any manner, influence or adversely affect free and fair elections,” it reads.

The commission has emphasised that the interim governments have been asked to assist the electoral body in holding elections in line with the law, as provided under Section 230(1)(b) of the Elections Act 2017, and to ensure compliance with all notifications, directives and provisions of Section 230 of the election law, relating to the functions of an interim government.

The Section 230 of the act has been under scrutiny and debate in parliament as well as on the media after an amendment to it was proposed to give additional powers to caretaker governments. The amendment has granted the caretaker government powers to take actions or decisions on the existing bilateral or multilateral agreements and projects.

The ECP has asked the caretaker governments not to post or transfer any public official after the issuance of this notification under the federal and provincial governments without the commission’s prior approval in writing, and to ensure that all kinds of recruitments in any ministry, division, department or institution under the federal, provincial and local government(s) are banned with immediate effect, except with the prior approval of the ECP, and except recruitments by the federal and provincial public service commissions and those government organisations where test/ interviews had already been conducted.

The notification has barred the interim governments from announcing or executing any kind of development schemes at federal and provincial levels except those which are ongoing and approved before the issuance of this notification. Moreover, the federal, provincial and local governments shall not issue tenders of such schemes till the culmination of general elections and except with the prior approval of ECP.

The commission said that all development funds relating to local government institutions in provinces and cantonment boards for new schemes throughout the country stood frozen after the announcement of the election schedule with immediate effect and their status would remain unchanged until the announcement of election results. However, in case of any vital scheme, the case may be referred to the ECP for approval.

The interim governments have also been directed to ensure the immediate termination of services of all heads of the institutions appointed on a political basis and to send all such cases to the commission for the approval of termination or otherwise. The dignitaries would be provided security/ protocol as per their entitlement and any extra deployment of security/ protocol should be withdrawn from them forthwith.

The ECP said that the caretaker governments, being non-political entities, can take actions or decisions regarding existing bilateral or multilateral agreements or the projects already initiated under the Public Private Partnership Authority Act 2017, the Inter-Governmental Commercial Transactions Act 2022 and the Privatisation Commission Ordinance 2000 under intimation to the commission.

The electoral body has directed the caretaker prime minister, chief ministers or ministers or any other members of caretaker governments to “submit to the ECP a statement of assets and liabilities of their spouses and dependent children as on the preceding 30th day of June on Form-B” within three days from the date of assumption of office.

The notification explains that the ECP is mandated with the constitutional duty to organise and conduct elections in terms of Article 218(3) of the Constitution and to make such arrangements as are necessary to ensure that the elections are conducted honestly, justly, fairly and in accordance with the law and that corrupt practices are guarded against. “It has become imperative that the Election Commission shall take all necessary steps under the Constitution and prevalent law for the smooth conduct of general elections and to ensure transparent elections and a level playing field for all contesting candidates and political parties,” the electoral body said.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1100516-terminate-service-of-political-appointees-ecp-asks-interim-govts

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PBC slams reference against SC judge

August 16, 2023

ISLAMABAD:

The Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) has strongly condemned the complaint/reference filed by the so-called Civil Society of Pakistan against Supreme Court’s Justice Sardar Tariq Masood before the Supreme Judicial Council, seeking an inquiry into alleged financial misconduct and sought disciplinary action against him.

According to a statement issued the PBC on Tuesday, Executive Committee Chairman Hassan Raza Pasha and Vice-Chairman Haroonur Rashid said, “Justice Sardar Masood, is very competent, upright, and an independent judge and his integrity is above any doubt and has great respect amongst the legal fraternity and public.”

They said it seems that the instant complaint/reference has been filed with mala fide intention in consequence of the matter as the chief justice of Pakistan already referred the earlier reference filed against Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi to “his Lordship (Justice Masood) for preliminary inquiry, which is pending before him and it is the tactic being used to put pressure on him and to suppress his Lordship”.

They said that the PBC always supported and struggled for the supremacy of the Constitution, rule of law, and independence of judiciary, as enshrined in the Constitution.

The Pakistan Bar Council and the legal fraternity always strived to achieve the aforementioned objectives and will continue to do so and it will never permit anyone to succeed in their nefarious designs and motives to target the honourable independent judge through filing of such like reference.

They urged that the reference should be immediately withdrawn, otherwise, the legal fraternity will strongly oppose it at every level.

Source: tribune.com.pk

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https://tribune.com.pk/story/2430959/pbc-slams-reference-against-sc-judge

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North America

 

Islamists Taking New Approach to Qur'an Burnings

August 15, 2023

Europe is witnessing the all too predictable expressions of outrage and appeasement in the aftermath of Qur'an burnings in Sweden and Denmark, but astonishingly enough, new voices are emerging. Prominent Islamists in the West are telling their followers not to give Qur'an burners in Scandinavia what they want: proof that Muslims cannot live peaceably with non-Muslims and abide by the Western principle of free speech.

"We know the response they want," said Sheik Younus Kathrada during a July 9, 2023, sermon at Muslim Youth Victoria in British Columbia. "Don't give into them! They want us to look like fools parading in the streets, demonstrations, blah, blah, blah, and nothing happens."

The recent round of blasphemy bullying began on June 29, 2023, the day after an Iraqi immigrant burned Qur'ans outside of a mosque in Stockholm, Sweden, and two protesters did the same thing in front of the Turkish embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark. A resolution condemning the Qur'an burning as "a violation of international human rights law" was passed by the United Nations Human Rights Council on July 7, 2023, all served to incite protests in Middle East, South Asia, Europe and North America.

The leaders of Stockholm Mosque, where one of the burnings took place, equated the act of protest by a few activists with government-led book burnings led by the Nazis in Germany prior to World War II and the burning of Jewish texts in Catholic-ruled countries in the Middle Ages. "Islamophobia in society is being normalised to a greater extent and every day the religious freedom for Swedish Muslims is shrinking," the mosque declared in a June 29 statement published by the UK Islamist publication 5Pillars.

Sheikh Kathrada in British Columbia took a different approach. Declaring that Qur'an burnings are a terrible insult to Muslims, their faith, and the God they worship, he said that responding with violent protests and angry rallies does nothing to stop them. Moreover, the real insult to God, he argued, is the failure of Muslims in his community to memorize the Qur'an and adhere to its teachings.

"In reality, what we should be doing is demonstrating against you," he said. "We should be holding rallies against you." Later, he stated, "We should be protesting against ourselves." Outside observers should not think that Kathrada, a well-known Islamist who has declared non-Muslims as the enemies of the umma, has gone completely soft in his contempt for the kaffirs. In his July 9 sermon, he condemned his congregants who do not pay zakat, justifying their decision with the "flimsy excuse" that they already pay taxes to the government.

"You're an enemy of Allah! You pay taxes to a kafir [infidel] government but you don't care about the law!" he said.

"You're an enemy of Allah! You pay taxes to a kafir [infidel] government but you don't care about the law!" - Kathadra

A similar response was offered by Jordanian-born Jafar Hawa, who preaches at the Prayer Center of Orland Park in Illinois. Hawa declared that protests against Qur'an burnings will not stop the outrages against Islam.

"They will not stop," Hawa said. "They do it all the time. They do it from the time of the prophet and they will continue doing it until the day of judgement. . . . If they are protected by the law, our Qur'an is protected by Allah." The best way to respond to these protests, he said, was for Muslims to intensify their religious practices. Before condemning Qur'an burners, Muslims should condemn themselves when they do not read the Qur'an and follow its teachings, he said.

Mohammed Hijab, a UK-based Islamist with close ties to Andrew Tate, went so far as to welcome the attacks on Islam's holy book in a YouTube video posted on July 5, 2023. Qur'an burners, Hijab said, are "mascots" or "prostitutes" who can be used like tools to incite donations for the construction of a mosque in Norway. Qur'an burnings can be used to improve the "fundraising experience" for affected Muslims, he said.

"You as the Muslim person and me as a Muslim person now have the have the ability to click the link below and donate to the biggest dawa Center in all of Scandinavia!" he said.

It's an improvement over the incitement directed at Salman Rushdie and his translators during the controversy over the Satanic Verses in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Maybe, just maybe, the imams of perpetual outrage are starting to worry that their followers are getting tired of rioting and protesting every time someone draws a picture of Mohammad or burns a Qur'an.

The upshot is that if Sweden and Denmark — and the rest of the West — can hold the line on free speech, the blasphemy bullies will change tactics. Instead of using Qur'an burnings to incite violence, they will use such events to raise money.

Source: meforum.org

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https://www.meforum.org/64696/islamists-taking-new-approach-to-quran-burnings

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Shaw University reopens campus mosque, but ‘fight not over yet,’ group says

AUGUST 15, 2023

Shaw University has reopened its campus mosque to worshippers after closing it during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The Muslim community and Shaw University have reached an agreement to allow worshipers into the King Khalid Mosque again while negotiations over the long-term status of the property continue,” the Council on American-Islamic Relations stated in a news release. “The fight is not over yet, but the community is back in the masjid.” Area Muslims being able to attend the mosque was a sticking point as Shaw University sought to rezone its historic campus in downtown Raleigh. Several Muslim speakers attended the city meetings and held protests on the Shaw campus. The Raleigh City Council voted in June to rezone the campus to allow for taller and denser buildings. Many area Muslims had called on city leaders to deny or postpone a vote until concerns over re-opening the mosque were resolved. City leaders and the city attorney repeatedly said the mosque fell outside the scope of the rezoning request. The mosque on the campus was built in 1983 with a $1 million donation from King Khalid of Saudi Arabia, and community members said the donation agreement required the mosque to remain open to the public. Shaw University did not respond to an email from The News & Observer about the mosque. Nigel Edwards, the attorney representing the mosque, also did not respond to an email about the mosque reopening. “Shaw showed good faith,” said Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin after Tuesday’s City Council work session. “And I’m really pleased to hear that and see that there was a positive outcome for the community.”

Source: newsobserver.com

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https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/counties/wake-county/article278250113.html

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Police seek burglars who stole donation boxes from Midtown mosque

by Collin Kelley

August 15, 2023

Investigators with the Atlanta Police Department’s Burglary Unit are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying suspects in a burglary that occurred at the Al-Farooq Masjid Mosque in Midtown.

According to the police report, Zone 5 officers responded to a burglary call at the mosque at 442 14th Street on Aug. 11 around 6:45 p.m. Preliminary investigation indicates that two male suspects entered the mosque and stole the donation boxes.

Anyone with information on thecase can submit a tip anonymously to the Crime Stoppers Atlanta tip line at 404-577-TIPS (8477), online www.StopCrimeAtl.org, or by texting CSA and the tip to CRIMES (274637). Persons do not have to give their name or any identifying information to be eligible for the reward of up to $2,000.

Source: roughdraftatlanta.com

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https://roughdraftatlanta.com/2023/08/15/police-seek-burglars-who-stole-donation-boxes-from-midtown-mosque/

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Massive Campaign Promoting Spanish Translation Of Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei's Memoir – Iran's Latest Strategy For Spreading Its Islamic Revolution In Latin America

August 15, 2023

 By Emmanuel Cadieux

Since its founding, the revolutionary regime of the Islamic Republic of Iran has made massive efforts to export the principles of its Islamic Revolution to the world at large. In the Middle East and Africa, this exporting of the revolution has been carried out by means of proxies such as Hizbullah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, the Shi'ite militias in Iraq, and Shi'ite clerics in Nigeria, all of which Iran provides with financial, political and organizational assistance so that they can gradually undermine local politics and establish local support bases. 

In Latin America, Iran has employed a similar strategy. Recognizing Latin America's geostrategic significance as the U.S.'s "backyard," it has sought to export the revolution across the region through the influence of local Shi'ite clerics and political leaders who seek to gradually infiltrate local politics and garner countrywide support for anti-U.S. positions.[1]

These passionate pro-Iran leaders often collaborate with leftist politicians to promote the view that Iran's and Latin America's struggles are one and the same – that is, against the arrogant Western powers who oppress the free nations through moral degradation, economic slavery, and territorial colonization. To this end, the Iranian regime and its protégé Hizbullah have also traditionally used accounts on various social media platforms, including HispanTV,[2] Al-Mayadeen Español,[3] and Al-ManarTVen Español,[4] as well as Khamenei.ir,[5] Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's official accounts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Through these, they address local audiences in their own languages. In this way, Iran has sought to continue recruiting local operatives whom Iran hopes will realize, through sufficient exposure to the core values of the Islamic Revolution, that it is only through collaboration with the Islamic Republic of Iran that their Latin American nations will regain their political and economic sovereignty – which, in their view, is under threat from all Western powers.

In 2023, Iran's latest attempts to indoctrinate such Latin American operatives largely focused on promoting the book Celda No. 14 (Cell No. 14), the Spanish translation of the memoir of Supreme Leader Khamenei. The book, originally written by Khamenei in Arabic and subsequently translated into Farsi and Spanish,[6] is Khamenei's memoir of his imprisonment and exile in Iran prior to the triumph of the Islamic Revolution in 1979. The book has been massively promoted at multiple international bookfairs across Latin America, including in Cuba, Venezuela, and Colombia, and represents the Iranian regime's latest attempt at igniting the revolutionary spark in the region – this time through cultural and literary exchange.

Celda No. 14 ("Cell No. 14") – Khamenei's Memoir

On May 10, 2023, the Iranian cultural center Centro de Intercambio Cultural Latinoamericano[7] launched the official Spanish translation of Khamenei's memoir Celda No. 14 at a ceremony. The title refers to one of the cells where Khamenei was imprisoned in during the Shah-era in Iran prior to the Islamic Revolution.

The book was the fruit of collaboration between Lighthouse International Publications and ONG Shahid Soleimani; the latter is a nonprofit organization sponsored by the Iranian Embassy in Bogota, Colombia.[8]

The publishing house Lighthouse International Publications – in Farsi, Fanoos Daryaei[9] – belongs to Khamenei,[10] and its Spanish-language Colombia branch, El Faro Internacional, is run by alumni of Al-Mustafa International University in Qom, Iran,[11] which is widely known to be one of the Iranian regime's main tools for indoctrinating foreign clerics. El Faro Internacional is also part of Islam Oriente, a website run by Al-Mustafa University and headed by Mohsen Rabbani. Rabbani is one of the Iranian nationals implicated in the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires.[12]

Other works published by El Faro Internacional include the book Mi Tío Soleimani ("My Uncle Soleimani"), which glorifies the late IRGC Qods Force commander Qassem Soleimani as a role model worthy of imitation. Both Celda No. 14 and Mi Tío Soleimani can be purchased from Amazon,[13] and the Spanish audio of Celda No. 14 is available through the Centro de Intercambio Cultural Latinoamericano website.[14]

Source: memri.org

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https://www.memri.org/reports/massive-campaign-promoting-spanish-translation-iranian-supreme-leader-khameneis-memoir-%E2%80%93

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Arab World

 

Saudi Arabia launches 2nd phase of musical training program for 8000 KG teachers

August 15, 2023

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Education and Ministry of Culture announced the start of registration for the second phase of the qualifying program for kindergarten teachers for training in the musical arts.

As many as 8000 kindergarten teachers from public and private education will be the beneficiaries of the program, which will be carried out by specialists in kindergarten training and that is under the supervision of the Music Commission.

The second phase of the program aims to train 8,000 kindergarten teachers from public and private schools, for a period of four consecutive weeks starting from September 3 to 28. There will be a total of 49 hours of training.

Registration for the second phase of the program is now open for Saudi kindergarten teachers currently employed in public or private preschools in the Kingdom. The training program will be offered through the Rawdati (My Kindergarten) platform.

On completion of the program, teachers will be presented with a certificate from the Music Commission and the Institute for Education and Professional Development.

The training program seeks to develop the competencies of teachers, and build their cognitive and performance skills related to the implementation of musical activities directed to children, by identifying the characteristics of sound and related terminology, in order to build the child’s personality and form his aesthetic taste.

This phase comes as a continuation of the success achieved by the first stage of the program for qualifying kindergarten teachers in the field of musical arts during the month of May. More than 7,000 kindergarten teachers from public and private schools participated in the first phase.

Source: saudigazette.com.sa

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https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/634945/SAUDI-ARABIA/Saudi-Arabia-launches-2nd-phase-of-musical-training-program-for-8000-KG-teachers

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Saudi Cabinet welcomes successful effort to remove oil from FSO Safer

August 16, 2023

RIYADH: Saudi ministers on Tuesday welcomed the completion of the UN’s work to remove oil from a stricken tanker in the Red Sea.

The UN announced on Friday that it had successfully removed more than a million barrels from the FSO Safer, averting what could have been a massive environmental disaster.

Saudi Arabia, which has been one of the leading voices in calling for action on the tanker, said it appreciated the work of the UN and the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen.

During the weekley meeting chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, the Cabinet reiterated interest in strengthening economic and investment ties with various countries in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030 and the unprecedented opportunities it entails in different areas.

It also commended the agreements signed between the Kingdom and various countries in Latin America in this regard.

The ministers backed the Kingdom’s emphasis, during the second G20 Anti-Corruption Ministerial Meeting held in India, on the success of the Riyadh Initiative for Enhancing International Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Cooperation.

They also commended the joining of over 161 anti-corruption agencies representing 90 countries to the initiative’s Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GlobE Network).

The Cabinet praised the outcomes of the international Islamic conference hosted by the Kingdom within the framework of its keenness to serve Islam and Muslims, and its active role in consolidating solidarity and cooperation between Islamic countries in combating extremist ideas and promoting values of tolerance and coexistence.

Locally, the Cabinet approved the establishment of an agency named the Insurance Authority and an institute under the name the National Institute for Health Research.

Governor of the Saudi Central Bank said the that new Insurance Authority will work to develop the insurance sector by providing the appropriate environment to create strong insurance entities capable of competition and growth.

It will also support the stability of the insurance sector in particular, and the national economy in general, and ensure that the interests of beneficiaries and policyholders are not affected, the governor said.

The Minister of Health said that the National Institute for Health Research will contribute to attracting health investments, supporting scientists and researchers and enhancing health security.

Source: arabnews.com

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Al-Sayari: Saudi Arabia is largest Islamic finance market, with total assets exceeding SR3.1tr

August 16, 2023

RIYADH — In his opening remarks, the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) Governor and Chairman of the Islamic Financial Services Board’s (IFSB) Council Ayman Al-Sayari welcomed IFSB council members at the IFSB 20th Anniversary Symposium.

Al-Sayari noted that the global Islamic finance sector has witnessed accelerated growth, with the value of its assets standing at over SR11.2 trillion, displaying an average growth of 9.6% over the last 3 years.

He added: “Saudi Arabia has a deep-rooted and historical relationship with Islamic finance. It houses the largest Islamic Finance market in the world, with total Islamic assets across sectors exceeding SR 3.1 trillion”.

“The Islamic banking sector alone accounts for 33% of the global Islamic bank assets,” Al-Sayari said.

The governor also noted that Saudi Arabia is the largest sovereign sukuk issuer in the world and its cooperative insurance sector is the fastest growing worldwide, with a growth rate approaching 27% in 2022.

The IFSB’s annual meetings, hosted by SAMA from Aug. 14 to 16, 2023, were held in Riyadh to discuss developments in the Islamic finance sector and boost the resiliency and stability of the Islamic Financial Services Industry (IFSI).

Al-Sayari expressed his appreciation for the dedicated work of contributors in achieving the IFSB objectives over the past two decades. He also assured SAMA’s commitment to support the IFSB’s efforts to develop a resilient and sound Islamic finance market.

This year’s annual meetings featured several sideline events and dialogue sessions with participation from experts and decision-makers from the industry.

The sessions explored the historical developments of the Islamic financial industry and its role in the economic development of the member countries, emphasizing more international cooperation in developing the industry.

During the meetings, the board members reviewed the IFSB’s 2023 Report and the outlooks amid the tightened global financial conditions.

They asserted the importance of evaluating the soundness, resiliency and interlink ages of the industry sectors, including Islamic banking, capital markets and Islamic insurance. — SPA

Source: saudigazette.com.sa

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After Jeddah summit, Ukraine’s peace formula only way forward, says Kyiv’s FM Dmytro Kuleba

August 15, 2023

NOOR NUGALI

RIYADH: The world is moving closer to a peace summit, but an end to the conflict with Russia can only be achieved if Ukraine’s peace plan is adhered to, Dmytro Kuleba, the Ukrainian minister of foreign affairs, has told Arab News.

In an exclusive interview, conducted via Zoom, Kuleba said it was “premature” to discuss specific locations or dates for a global summit, but said the dialogue is moving in the right direction — provided the Ukrainian peace formula is implemented.

Senior officials from 42 countries met in Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah on August 5 and 6 in an attempt to draft key principles on ending war with Russia. The summit followed a similar forum in Copenhagen, Denmark, earlier this summer.

“Following the meeting in Jeddah, I can conclude that we’re definitely moving in that direction at a good pace and this is going to happen,” Kuleba said. “We are working hard with Saudi Arabia and other countries involved in arranging this summit, proposed by Ukraine.

“And the deliverable of this summit is very clear — that the peace formula of Ukraine, which is a comprehensive way to solve the conflict, will deliver, and all of the issues covered by this peace formula will begin to be implemented.

“This is the only way forward based on the UN Charter and international law.”

Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, has said he is hopeful that the diplomatic initiative will lead to a peace summit of world leaders in the autumn to endorse the principles, based on his own 10-point formula for a settlement.

He first presented the blueprint at the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, last November.

It covered nuclear safety, food and energy security, the release of prisoners, the restoration of territory, the cessation of hostilities, accountability for war crimes, environmental safety, the prevention of future aggression, and confirmation of war’s end.

For its part, Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova recently commented that Moscow appreciated the “mediating and humanitarian initiatives” of friends of Russia, but reiterated her country’s rejection of Ukraine’s “peace formula.”

“By promoting Zelensky’s formula, the Kiev regime and the West are attempting to belittle the great importance of peace initiatives proposed by other countries and to monopolize the right to their advancement,” she told a press conference last week.

The Jeddah meeting concluded without a closing press conference, but the Kingdom has maintained its desire to serve as a neutral intermediary between Russia and Ukraine. On Tuesday, the Saudi Cabinet described the Jeddah summit as a continuation of the Crown Prince’s initiatives and efforts to contribute to the achievement of a lasting peace and reducing the impact and humanitarian impact of the crisis.

At the Copenhagen meeting in June, Ukraine’s demand that all Russian troops withdraw before peace talks could start was seen by some participating countries as an unrealistic demand.

Russia, which controls swathes of Ukrainian territory, including Crimea and parts of Donetsk and Luhansk, has said any negotiations need to take into account the “new territorial realities.”

Asked whether this means the positions of the two nations are irreconcilable, Kuleba said Ukraine had “truth” on its side.

“From all perspectives, legal and political and economic and also historical, Russia must respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders,” he said.

“Its borders were recognized by Russia, as well as by the rest of the world, including Saudi Arabia and other countries. So the difference between our position and the position of Russia is that our position is legitimate and the Russian position is illegitimate.

“And the truth in this case is on our side. So why should we not be pursuing the truth?”

Commenting on the Jeddah summit, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had said “any attempt to promote a peaceful settlement deserves a positive evaluation.”

Asked whether this was a sign that Russia might be open to alternative avenues to peace, Kuleba said Kyiv does not trust Moscow’s words — only actions.

“I think it would be premature and naive to make any conclusions from one comment of the spokesperson of President Putin,” said Kuleba.

“On different occasions, not only him but also other senior Russian officials have stated that the Russian aggression against Ukraine will continue until Russia meets the objectives of this aggression.

“So, we do not trust Russian words. We want to see specific Russian actions and deeds on the ground to draw a conclusion that they are willing to restore peace. As of now, this does not seem to be the case.”

Arab News reached out to the Russian Embassy for comment, but was unsuccessful.

Kuleba acknowledged the prominent role Saudi Arabia has played in efforts to resolve the Ukraine crisis, starting from the prisoner swap it brokered in September 2022 to Zelensky’s address to the Arab League in Jeddah in May this year and, most recently, as the host of this month’s summit.

“I believe Saudi Arabia has been playing a very constructive role in the matters related to the Russian aggression against Ukraine,” he said.

We understand that your leadership has recognized an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to play a truly global, constructive role in international politics.

“And I can only commend the vision and the leadership of your country in these matters because to solve global problems, you need global ambition. Saudi Arabia has clearly demonstrated that it has the ambition.

“As a result, it has also demonstrated it has the capacity to deliver, which can only be welcomed and commended.”

Ukrainian officials have lately shifted their diplomatic emphasis toward building support beyond Kyiv’s core Western backers by reaching out to the countries of the Global South.

Commenting on why Ukraine suddenly views the Global South as such an important constituency, Kuleba said many of these nations had suffered as a result of Russia’s aggression.

“Although the Russian aggression against Ukraine takes place in Europe, it has global repercussions and it’s the countries of the Middle East, of Asia, of Africa, of South America, who feel the consequences of the Russian aggression,” said Kuleba.

“This is why it is important to have all of these countries on board in a joint effort to end this conflict, to ease pressure on our economies, on global food security and, of course, to restore respect for international law, which is in everyone’s interest.”

Asked whether he believes nations like Turkiye, India, Indonesia, South Africa, Brazil and even China have sufficient incentives or influence to convince the Kremlin to change course, Kuleba said it would be a gradual process, but one that is moving in the right direction.

“If I look at the list of the countries who took part in the similar meeting of national security advisers and representatives of foreign ministries in Copenhagen slightly more than a month ago, and then at the follow-up meeting in Jeddah, I see that the number of countries participating is growing — including China, who joined the format for the first time — which speaks for the very simple fact that they do see value and their incentive is growing,” he said.

“It doesn’t happen in a day but the overall dynamics of this process is positive. And I would like to once again thank Saudi Arabia for playing a very constructive role in helping other countries to join the process and to realize their interests in this process.”

Kuleba said it was the collective voice of the Global South, as opposed to individual nations, that would ultimately bring Russia to the table.

“If you take China, they enjoy a special relationship with Russia,” he said. “If you take Turkiye, they have a very deep relationship with Russia. If you take Saudi Arabia, you can say the same.

“So, perhaps every country acting on its own doesn’t have a sufficient amount of energy that could make Russia change its position. But if you take all of these countries together, the cumulative effect on Russia can be a game changer.

“And that is the purpose, to bring together everyone who is willing to change the situation for the good. Because together we can stop this war, we can implement a peace formula and restore Ukraine’s territorial integrity, in the interests of the entire international community.”

There are nevertheless concerns among countries of the Global South about jeopardizing ties with Russia by siding with Ukraine. Indeed, even NATO itself seems unsure of how far to go in antagonizing Russia, refusing to offer a clear path for Ukraine to join the military alliance.

“I think these are two separate tracks,” said Kuleba. “Ukraine is steadily moving toward its integration into the EU and NATO for economic and security reasons. This is a very natural choice for our country, given our history and geography.

“Countries of the Global South have lost a lot as a result of the Russian aggression against our country. But this has nothing to do with our aspirations to become members of the EU or NATO.

“What countries of Asia, Africa, Middle East and South America want to see are stable global food markets, prospects of trade with Ukraine, and tapping the full potential of education for their students in Ukraine. All of these functioned perfectly before Russia attacked.

“So, I don’t have the impression that the countries of the world see the situation through the prism of Ukraine’s regional interests, which are about close integration with the EU and NATO.”

Ukraine appears to view Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative in July as an issue with which it could possibly rally support from the Global South.

Ukraine and Russia are among the world’s top grain exporters. The grain deal was brokered by the UN and Turkiye in July 2022 to help combat a global food crisis that had been worsened by the invasion.

Russia said not enough grain had reached poor countries under the terms of the deal — a claim disputed by the UN. Moscow also felt that the part of the deal allowing for greater Russian agricultural exports was not being honored by the West owing to sanctions.

Responding to the Kremlin’s argument, Kuleba said Russia has no right to demand preferential terms amid a crisis of its own making.

“We have to go back to February 2022, when Russia unlawfully attacked Ukraine and installed the blockade of Ukrainian sea export of grain. This was illegal and unlawful, by definition,” he said.

“So, when Russia tries to bargain something for itself as a result of its own illegal actions, we cannot talk about accommodating Russia’s legitimate concerns and interests under these circumstances.

“Russia created the problem, and it has to make every effort to solve this problem, instead of trying to keep the blockade of Ukrainian ports, and while trying to secure its own interests in global affairs. This is just not how it works.

“If this kind of Russian behavior is tolerated, then other actors across the globe will be tempted to follow suit, to create problems and then try to solve these problems at the expense of others instead of just removing the initial reason — the fundamental reason for the problems that we all are facing.”

Source: arabnews.com

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Summer in Jeddah is a season of vibrant entertainment

August 15, 2023

JEDDAH: As the scorching sun bears down on the city, Jeddah comes alive with a burst of energy and excitement, embracing the summer season with open arms.

A summer events calendar that promises a feast for the senses has been unveiled by the Jeddah Art Promenade, a popular location for both families and culture enthusiasts. Jeddah’s summer celebrations last until the end of October and include thrilling surfing experiences, interesting marine workshops, bustling shopping markets, and fun activities for kids.

Visitors can enter free every day from 6 p.m. until 2 a.m. The location has a sizable food court and outdoor seating, making it the perfect place to enjoy a variety of regional and international culinary treats.

These services are lavishly infused with luxury, ensuring a wide range of recreational activities. (SPA)

Along the seafront, the Jeddah Art Promenade offers a picturesque boulevard where carnivals, live performances, street performers, and creative exhibits come to life. The appeal of Jeddah’s entertainment is boosted by the presence of a variety of eateries, cafes, and shops.

Beyond the art promenade, King Abdullah Economic City has become a magnet for numerous tourists due to its wide array of entertainment hubs and facilities, solidifying its position as the foremost tourist destination in the Kingdom, particularly during the summer season. This growth has been propelled by substantial enhancements, transforming it into one of the most pivotal economic hubs.

Apart from its maritime allure, KAEC boasts the most pristine and captivating beaches along the Red Sea. Its strategic location along the Red Sea coastline offers breathtaking sea vistas, underscoring its significance in both tourism and the economy.

These services are lavishly infused with luxury, ensuring a wide range of recreational activities. (SPA)

Its numerous green spaces, gardens, modern recreation areas, and charming chalets, which collectively make up some of the most alluring sites to enjoy leisure time by a natural lake nestled among a cluster of mangroves, serve to further emphasize this significance.

The city offers a special chance to discover a variety of superb dining options that cater to the interests of tourists looking to discover new culinary experiences. It offers adequate locations for business events and is a top choice for culinary connoisseurs.

Additionally, KAEC offers a selection of options for participating in water sports and games along the Red Sea coast. These choices include a shooting-games-focused area with a number of swimming pools.

These services are lavishly infused with luxury, ensuring a wide range of recreational activities. (SPA)

The Bay La Sun Club has facilities for football, tennis, a spectrum of water-based games, bowling, billiards, and golf, along with accessible shooting simulators.

KAEC’s Juman Park serves as a gathering place for a variety of recreational activities. In addition to walkways for strolling and cycling, this park offers amenities like miniature golf, tennis courts, and table tennis, as well as the chance for families to have picnics while taking in Yam Beach’s stunning coral reefs.

All of these services are lavishly infused with high levels of luxury, guaranteeing a wide range of recreational pursuits. Together, these activities capture the essence of the area, providing tourists with a unique and unmatched experience that satisfies their desire for variety in their travel plans.

These services are lavishly infused with luxury, ensuring a wide range of recreational activities. (SPA)

KAEC is undergoing a significant evolution in its tourism potential, emphasizing sustainable long-term expansion aligned with the Vision 2030 framework. This strategic approach aims to establish tourism as a vital contributor to the national economy.

Tonight will also mark an unforgettable atmosphere reminiscent of the 1990s, brought back to life during a legendary event featuring iconic Arab singers in Jeddah. Among the esteemed artists gracing the stage are Moustafa Qamar, Ehab Tawfik, Hisham Abbas, Simone Kamel, Hamid Al-Shaeri, Khaled Ajaj, Hossam Hosni, and Mohamad Mohi.

This musical extravaganza, titled “The Nineties’ Cassette,” will take place at the Benchmark Theatre. The event aims to transport the audience in Jeddah back to the cherished memories of the glorious past by presenting a collection of the most enchanting Egyptian songs from the 1990s, all compiled into a single memory of the beautiful golden age.

Source: arabnews.com

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Saudi FM meets with his Egyptian, Syrian and Jordanian counterparts

 August 15, 2023

CAIRO — Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan met on Tuesday with his Egyptian, Syrian and Jordanian counterparts at Tahrir Palace in Cairo, Egypt, on the sidelines of the ministerial contact group meeting on Syria.

During the meeting of Prince Faisal with Sameh Shoukry, the minister of foreign affairs of Egypt, they reviewed the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and Egypt, and the joint cooperation between them.

The two sides also discussed the aspects of enhancing the joint work in all fields, the development on the regional and international arenas, and the efforts made in this regard were also discussed.

Prince Faisal met with Faisal Mekdad, the minister of foreign affairs and expatriates of Syria, during which they discussed the latest developments in the Syrian arena and the region.

The Saudi and Syrian counterparts exchanged views on issues of common concern.

Moreover, Prince Faisal also met with Ayman Safadi, the deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs and expatriates of Jordan. The two sides reviewed ways to enhance the Saudi-Jordanian relations in all fields of joint cooperation.

Both discussed many issues of concern to Saudi Arabia and Jordan and serve common interests, in addition to discussing the developments on the regional and international arenas, and the efforts made in this regard.

Source: saudigazette.com.sa

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Europe

 

Man stabbed at Islamic prayer room in Eindhoven; Suspect arrested

15 AUGUST 202

A man got stabbed at an Islamic prayer room in a shared home on Heezerweg in Eindhoven on Monday evening. The police arrested a suspect, a 41-year-old man from Eindhoven, a short time later.

The owner of the home rents out rooms on the first story. The Islamic prayer space is on the same floor. Several people were leaving the prayer room when a man with no shirt on and a large knife confronted them, the police said. “He made stabbing movements toward them, and one of the men sustained minor injuries to his arm.”

The suspect fled. Responding police officers found him on Spiraestraat a short time later and arrested him. “The man was under the influence of alcohol,” the police said.

According to the police, the initial investigation indicates that the fact that the stabbing happened at the prayer room was a coincidence. “Of course, the police will continue to investigate the exact circumstances and cause of the incident.”

Mohammed Iqbad Shahid, the landlord of the space and operator of the adjacent supermarket, also told EindhovensDagblad that the stabbing “had nothing to do with the prayer room.” According to him, the suspect is one of the tenants. He got into a fight with one of the visitors to the prayer room.

According to ED, the suspect took off on a scooter and threw a large knife under a car before the police found him. The victim got several stitches at a hospital and could go home after treatment.

Source: nltimes.nl

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Southeast Asia

 

Swearing in of Selangor MB likely on Monday following return of Sultan, three names submitted to palace

By Muhammad Yusry

 16 Aug 2023

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 — The new Selangor menteribesar will reportedly be sworn in on Monday to accommodate the return of Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah from undergoing medical procedures in London.

Malaysia Gazette reported that three names have been submitted to the Selangor palace as menteribesar candidates, with former menteribesar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari topping the list.

“[On Monday] there was already a meeting. All positive so far. Istana wants three names, the party has sent three names giving full priority to Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. This is also due to his excellent performance in governing Selangor.

“First-term state legislative assemblymen are unlikely to be selected,” the report said, citing an unnamed source was quoted.

It is understood that the other two names that were submitted to the palace were Borhan Aman Shah (Tanjung Sepat) and Dr Fahmi Ngah (Seri Setia). Both of them are also from PKR.

In the Selangor state election last Saturday, the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional (PH-BN) coalition succeeded in forming the state government after winning 34 out of 56 seats.

Last month, Amirudin Shari expressed his wish to continue helming the state government if the PH-BN coalition wins, saying his wish stems from wanting to implement the state’s various development plans for the sustainability of its economy and the well-being of its people.

Amirudin was sworn in for his previous term on June 19, 2018 after Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali — then with PH but is now with Perikatan Nasional — relinquished the post to become the minister of economic affairs.

Yesterday, the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah arrived home safely accompanied by Tengku Permaisuri Selangor, Tengku PermaisuriNorashikin.

His majesty left for London, on July 28 to undergo Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate surgery at a hospital in the capital city.

Source: malaymail.com

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Wave of violent Indonesia muggings sparks ‘shoot-to-kill’ calls by machete-wielding thieves in Indonesia

16 Aug 2023

MEDAN, Aug 16 — A spate of violent muggings by machete-wielding thieves in Indonesia has drawn coded calls from prominent politicians for them to be killed-on-sight by police, in comments condemned by rights groups as condoning extrajudicial murders.

Last month, police in the northern Sumatran city of Medan shot dead a “begal” — a term used to describe a type of street thief known for their brutality — as part of what the force said was a bid to “eradicate” them.

Bobby Nasution, Medan mayor and President Joko Widodo’s son-in-law, lauded the officers involved, saying such criminals should be shot dead on the spot.

“I appreciate this because begal and criminals have no place in Medan,” he wrote in an Instagram post on July 9, sharing footage of the suspect’s dead body.

President Widodo has not commented on Nasution’s statements. Other leaders, including the governor of North Sumatra province, have supported the comments.

Rights groups want an investigation into the killing and have condemned the rhetoric as giving officers and citizens the right to take the law into their own hands.

“It is inappropriate for public officials to declare support for such extrajudicial actions,” Amnesty International Indonesia director Usman Hamid told AFP.

“The shooting not only violates human rights principles — such as the right to life, the right to a fair trial — but also the regulations.”

Indonesian police rules state that firearms should only be used as an officer’s last resort.

Indonesia’s Institute for Criminal Justice Reform called Nasution’s words “irresponsible”.

Some public sentiment, however, is on the mayor’s side.

Under viral videos of the begal attacks, social media users call for the thieves to be shot dead or to face the death penalty.

And in a village east of Jakarta, local leaders have issued a 10 million rupiah (RM3,030) bounty for the capture of begals.

‘Begal’ terror

Begals have savagely attacked their victims with sickles, airguns and rocks, terrorising Indonesians in the capital Jakarta, Medan and other urban centres.

They approach their victims on scooters, usually in carefully chosen areas that have few security cameras, so that they can rapidly escape after the robbery.

“They have to do it quickly and cruelly to make the victim surrender,” said Adrianus Meliala, a criminologist at the University of Indonesia.

“Begal run away using the city labyrinth they have mastered.”

Medan, Indonesia’s fifth-largest city, has been hit by 45 begal attacks since January, police say, and one brutal case two months ago caused an uproar.

Student InsanulAnshoriHasibuan was riding a scooter home when a man hacked him in the head with a machete, stealing his wallet.

Hasibuan, 22, died in hospital after the attacker and several accomplices escaped with the contents of the wallet: just 70,000 rupiah.

Four suspects were later arrested and face up to 15 years in jail if convicted.

Such brutal attacks have been splashed across Indonesian media, raising public fear and allowing Nasution to cast himself as a champion for law and order.

According to official data, the rate of robberies has risen in 2023, but experts say Indonesian criminal data is often incomplete due to underreporting.

Indonesia’s national police force did not respond to an AFP request for comment.

The issue is a complex culmination of factors, including rising poverty in one of the world’s most unequal countries, the difficulty of countering such quick and violent attacks, weak rule of law and crumbling public trust in the police.

“The begal phenomenon cannot be separated from the social economic order of society,” said Ida Ruwaida of the University of Indonesia.

Rights groups say they are concerned that calls by prominent politicians such as Nasution to kill suspects on sight could lead to chaos on the country’s streets.

“We are concerned that the statement by the mayor of Medan can serve as legitimacy for more extrajudicial killings,” said Hamid.

Source: malaymail.com

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Thai court to decide on election winners’ challenge to derailed PM bid

16 Aug 2023

BANGKOK, Aug 16 — Thailand’s Constitutional Court is due today to decide whether to review a parliamentary decision that blocked a second prime ministerial bid by election winners Move Forward, a move that could end or prolong weeks of political deadlock.

Thailand has been under a caretaker government for five months and its biggest parties in parliament have been unable to form a government after Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the anti-establishment Move Forward party, was rejected as premier by lawmakers allied with the royalist military.

The court must decide whether there is merit in Move Forward’s challenge to a July 19 decision by legislators that prevented Pita from being nominated for premier for a second time after his failure at the first attempt.

If it declines to review the decision, parliament could schedule a vote within days on the prime ministerial candidacy of businessman and political neophyte SretthaThavisin, of the second-place Pheu Thai Party.

If the court takes up the case, it could delay by weeks a vote on a premier and further complicate the process of forming a coalition government amid fierce bargaining among rival parties and military-appointed legislators.

House speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha has previously said a vote could be held as early as this Friday or August 22.

Move Forward won the May election with huge youth and urban support for its liberal policy platform, posing a threat to business monopolies and the military’s political power.

But its effort to form a government failed to win enough support, with broad opposition to its plan to amend a law designed to insulate the monarchy from criticism.

Move Forward on Tuesday declined to back former alliance partner Pheu Thai, arguing its government would not reflect the will of the people. — Reuters

Source: malaymail.com

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How Singapore’s presidential candidates are wooing young voters, one TikTok trend and Instagram Reel at a time

16 Aug 2023

SINGAPORE, Aug 16 — In the past week, presidential hopeful Ng Kok Song had lunch with social media influencers such as Luke Chan and Jade Rasif, while fellow candidate Tharman Shanmugaratnam learnt to dance from the viral mascot “Douyin Frog” that has been roaming around Singapore.

Meanwhile in the household of George Goh, the children said he was a better driver and singer than his wife but also the bigger nag, and Tan Kin Lian talked to a podcaster about why he does not drive a Maserati or Bugatti.

Of course, many Singaporeans might already know all this — all four potential presidential candidates posted about these activities on various social media platforms.

In fact, the four presidential hopefuls have made it a point to post regularly on social media. Beyond using Facebook, Instagram and TikTok as platforms to discuss their views on politics and the presidency, they also take to social media to take part in light-hearted trends and share aspects of their personal lives or even what they had for lunch.

Three of the four —Tharman declined to respond to queries for this article — told TODAY that they view social media as a critical part of their campaigns, allowing them to quickly reach as wide an audience as possible and show voters who they are as individuals.

Analysts agree this is a wise strategy.

Dr Carol Soon, a principal research fellow and the head of society and culture at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) and vice-chair of the Media Literacy Council, said: “If candidates are not using social media extensively as part of their campaigning, they might as well be not campaigning at all.”

And while this is not the first Presidential Election to take place since the advent of social media, analysts said the social media landscape has changed so much since the last contested election in 2011 or even 2017, that it is a whole new ball game for candidates, offering them new opportunities but also fresh challenges.

What the candidates are doing

Using the Meta Ad Library, a tool provided by the social media company to track ad spending across Facebook and Instagram, TODAY was able to find out that Ng has so far spent around S$10,500 on Meta advertisements in the last week, while Tan has spent less than S$100 since launching his presidency bid.

Goh and Tharman have not spent on advertisements on Meta platforms so far.

Similar data is not available for other platforms, including TikTok, which has become an increasingly important platform for politicians, election season or not.

In a sit-down interview with TODAY on August 4, Ng, 75, said that he hired a social media company to manage his online campaign, because since the 2011 election, Singapore has raised a new generation of voters.

“A younger group of Singaporeans who have grown up in the social media world, so I realised that I had to reach out to them,” he said.

The former chief investment officer of Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund GIC added that his team studies the performance of his social media accounts and generates a report for him weekly.

“Are you gaining more and more followers? And they draw for me a chart, how am I comparing with Tharman, how am I comparing with Tan Kin Lian and George Goh? And what are the issues that people are interested in?”

The team also gives him immediate feedback on what online users are saying about his latest media appearances and social media posts.

So for example, in early August, his team told him that “people now know Ng Kok Song as an investment expert, but people still do not know Kok Song as a person”, he said.

That gap has since been steadily filled, with Ng having put out videos to show his more personal side. This includes a recent video testimonial series, including one featuring Dr Carol Tan, who cared for his fiancee Sybil Lau’s late mother.

In the video, Dr Tan describes how Ng and Lau had shown care to the hospital staff despite the difficult time they were going through themselves.

Similarly, Goh’s media team told TODAY that social media is an integral part of the 63-year-old businessman’s campaign.

“For someone like George Goh who is not a public figure and an independent candidate without a huge machinery behind him, it is crucial that we use the most effective ways to get as many people to know him at speed and scale,” the team said in a WhatsApp response to queries.

“Social media platforms also enable the team to translate who George Goh is, his life, his beliefs and his connection with people, authentically and directly to our audiences,” they said, adding that his social media posts aim to showcase “his roles as a father, a business leader, a philanthropist and a former Non-Resident Ambassador to Morocco”.

The team has also put out a special docu-series on Youtube titled “Time for Chain” (a wink at online users who have made fun of Goh’s mispronunciation of the word “change”), aimed at shedding light on Goh’s journey behind-the-scenes, as well as an e-book, “Lights on Istana”, to educate voters about the role of the presidency.

Many people view the President’s role as largely ceremonial. George Goh would like to shift this perception,” the team said.

As for Tan, this year’s election is his second time making a bid for President. The 75-year-old said he can see a “vast difference” in the social media landscape since 2011, when the main platforms candidates used were Facebook and Blogger.

He added that social media is in fact “of top priority” in his bid, and he uses WhatsApp and Facebook as his main form of communication. For these platforms, he has an army of 200 supporters “who help to spread my campaign messages virally to their contacts”, he said.

He also has a team of young volunteers who manage his TikTok and Instagram pages to reach out to younger Singaporeans, he added.

While he plans to continue actively spreading his message on social media, Mr Tan noted that netizens may find the deluge of information throughout the campaign period overwhelming.

“I hope that they will not find it irritating. Perhaps, they can just ignore the messages that they are not interested in,” he said.

Social media the main way to reach young voters

The plethora of social media apps is indeed a challenge, analysts noted.

During the 2011 Presidential Election, the main platforms that the candidates used were blogs and Facebook. Instagram had only been launched in 2010 and was not that popular yet, noted Dr Natalie Pang, an associate professor at the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) communications and new media department.

Today, she noted, there are not only more social media platforms but their users are also more diverse, and each platform has its own sensibilities and user demographic.

Dr Saifuddin Ahmed, an assistant professor at Nanyang Technological University’s Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information added that young social media users are not just passive content consumers who would consume any information offered to them.

“Instead, they are observant and evaluate authentic content with a keen eye,” he said.

Dr Soon from IPS agreed, adding: “The reality is social media is an amplifier, it amplifies the attractiveness of candidates and also their less appealing traits. As such, it is critical for candidates to come across as authentic, clear and consistent in their messaging.”

Some of the candidates’ attempts to engage social media users have attracted their fair share of critics, for example those calling their efforts “wayang”, a Singlish term meaning that someone is putting on a show. But many other netizens have expressed support and encouragement too.

For example, TikTok users have lauded Goh’s attempts to take on trending challenges as “sporting”, while an Instagram user commented on a post of Tharman dancing: “Looks awkward but A+ for effort!”

Social media users have also left approving comments such as “cuteness overload!!!” on a TikTok post of Ng having kaya toast for breakfast and given their thumbs up to Tan’s “humble lunch(es)”, which he posted about on Facebook.

Dr Pang from NUS said: “Most of them use (social media) well, especially in terms of presenting key messages from their campaigns and articulating their values.”

She added: “In terms of putting out relevant content that taps the affordances of these platforms while engaging voters well, George Goh, Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Ng Kok Song are all doing well.”

Dr Soon said Tan’s posts would benefit from more context and articulation of their relevance to him running for presidency.

Challenging as it may be, social media is a necessary tool to reach out to the young, especially ones who may otherwise be uninterested in politics, said Dr Ahmed.

“We observe across most societies that the younger population is least interested in politics, including in Singapore,” he said, adding that politicians have had “lesser success” connecting to this apathetic voter base through traditional means of campaigning.

“The hope, of course, would be that (social media engagement) translates into genuine political interest and engagement later.” — TODAY

Source: malaymail.com

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Kelantan wants to strengthen ties with federal govt, says newly-appointed MB Mohd Nassuruddin

16 Aug 2023

KOTA BARU, Aug 16 ― The Kelantan government will take a mature approach to strengthen the relationship between the state government and the federal government in the spirit of federalism for the wellbeing of the people, said newly-appointed Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud.

He said a strong government-to-government relationship is important for the benefit of all, especially the people.

“Apart from that, we will also continue the legacy of developing with Islam... this policy has been proven to place Islam as the foundation for the administration and prosperity of the state as well as the welfare of the people.

“Also my priority is to become menteribesar for all the people of Kelantan regardless of race or background,” he said.

He said this at his first press conference as the new menteribesar of Kelantan at the MABNA-MBI building, here today, which was also attended by his deputy Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan.

Earlier, Mohd Nassuruddin, who is also the assemblyman for Meranti, put his thumb on the time recorder at his office at 8.30 today to start his first day as menteribesar of Kelantan.

He also spent time mingling with the staff of the Menteri Besar's Office before starting his duties.

Mohd Nassuruddin, who is the third menteribesar of Kelantan after PAS took over the state from Barisan Nasional in 1990, said the line-up of State Executive Councillors (Exco) that has been approved and appointed by the Sultan of Kelantan is a balanced and best leadership line up from various fields, especially scholars, technocrats and professionals.

“What is important is that the concept of consultation is the foundation of strength in this government as practiced by the previous (PAS) administrations. I hope all parties can provide support to continue the legacy of MBI (Develop with Islam)” he said.

Yesterday, Mohd Nassuruddin was sworn in as the new Menteri Besar of Kelantan before the Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V, at the Istana Negeri, Kubang Kerian. Nine assemblymen were also sworn in as Kelantan Exco.

Mohd Nassuruddin said the portfolios of all Exco concerned will be compiled and announced soon.

In the state polls on Saturday (August 12), PAS swept 43 of the 45 seats in the State Legislative Assembly. ― Bernama

Source: malaymail.com

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Jagdeep Singh sworn in as Penang deputy chief minister II

By Opalyn Mok

 16 Aug 2023

GEORGE TOWN, Aug 16 — Datuk Keramat assemblyman Jagdeep Singh Deo, who was previously the local government and housing state exco, was sworn in as the Penang deputy chief minister II today.

He was sworn in after new Batu Maung assemblyman Prof Datuk Mohamad Abdul Hamid was sworn in as Penang deputy chief minister I.

The state’s new exco lineup that consisted of seven new faces are being sworn in at the Dewan Sri Pinang today.

Among the new faces are Barisan Nasional’s Sungai Acheh assemblyman Rashidi Zinol, Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim, Jawi assemblyman H’ng Mooi Lye, Padang Lalang assemblyman Gooi Zi Sen, Perai assemblyman Datuk Seri S.Sundarajoo and Pantai Jerejak assemblyman Fahmi Zainol.

The new state exco lineup, not including chief minister Chow Kon Yeow, consisted of one BN assemblyman, seven from DAP and two from PKR.

BN’s Bertam assemblyman Datuk Seri ReezalMerican Naina Merican was not included in the list.

Instead, Rashidi is the sole BN exco and he will be holding the trade and entrepreneurial development and rural development portfolio.

Aside from the deputy chief minister I post, Prof Mohamad (from PKR) also heads the Islamic development, education and national unity committee while Jagdeep holds the human capital development, science and technology portfolio.

Tanjung Bungah assemblyman ZairilKhir Johari, from DAP, resumed his post as the state exco for infrastructure, transport, and digital development.

Paya Terubong assemblyman Wong Hon Wai (DAP), who was previously a state exco between 2008 and 2013, will hold the tourism and creative economy portfolio.

Third term Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim (DAP) will head the social development, welfare, and non-Islamic religious affairs committee.

Second term Jawi assemblyman H’ng (DAP) will head the local government and town and country planning committee.

Another second term assemblyman from DAP, Gooi, will take charge of the youth, sports, and health portfolio while first term assemblyman Sundarajoo will lead the housing and environment committee.

The second PKR assemblyman in the exco, Fahmi Zainol, will be the agro-technology and food security and cooperative development committee chairman.

Later in a press conference, Chow said most of the state excos from DAP were second or third term state assemblymen except for Sunderajoo.

“Sunderajoo has experience in the housing industry,” he said.

When asked about the composition of the state exco and the reduction of three PKR excos to two, he said the composition is based on the number of seats won.

He added that PKR only has two Malay assemblymen this time around.

“We want to have representation from all races in the exco,” he said.

He also said it is a matter of give and take between the unity government where the exco seat distribution takes into account those in the other PH-BN states too, not only in Penang.

As for Amanah, he said the sole assemblyman Azrul Mahathir Aziz will be proposed as Deputy Speaker for the state legislative assembly.

When asked about possible conflict of interests in the appointment of Sunderajoo as housing and environment exco due to his background as a former director of a housing developer, Chow said there was no conflict of interest.

“As far as I know, he doesn’t have any interests in the company, prior to this he was a director, he has resigned from the post and he is not the owner of the company,” he said.

He said Sunderajoo has decades of experience in housing development so he would be able to hold the portfolio in terms of understanding the technicalities of development.

“According to the law, any state exco, not only him, are not allowed to own any business and I believe all state excos fulfil this condition,” he said.

Source: malaymail.com

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Decoding ethnic factors, support levels in our election landscape

16 Aug 2023

KUALA LUMPUR – The recent state elections saw an unexpected rise in Indian support for Perikatan Nasional (PN), highlighting a significant shift in the Malaysian political landscape.

This finding, as unveiled by researcher Bridget Welsh on her website, provides a deeper understanding of the evolving preferences among Malaysian voters, particularly within the Indian community. It was first published in Malaysiakini.

In the state elections, while PN substantially bolstered its hold among Malay voters, it was unable to establish a strong resonance with the Chinese electorate. However, a different picture emerged with the Indians.

According to her preliminary analysis, it shows that PN secured an estimated 29% of the Indian vote in Penang, followed by Negri Sembilan at 19%, and Selangor at 14%. These gains, although representing a minority, indicate an undeniable shift from the previous general election.

Chinese voters, in contrast, showcased consistent support for the unity government, maintaining a level close to that of the previous election which hovered around 96%.

Kelantan was a notable outlier, where Chinese backing for the PAS government was higher. Only about 88% of Chinese there supported unity government candidates.

The Indian voting pattern appears more multifaceted. Concerns surrounding the treatment of Indian leaders and the reactions to racial quotas during the campaigns are believed to have influenced Indian voter sentiment.

In Negri Sembilan, Penang, and Selangor, Indian backing for the unity government witnessed declines of about 21%, 19%, and 12%, respectively. MIC’s non-participation in the state polls race further impacted the decline in Indian voter support which was especially evident in Penang.

PN managed to secure significant electoral gains in the state elections last Saturday by garnering increased support from the Malay community. 

The coalition’s popular vote share reached 49% of the total vote across the six state polls, almost matching the vote share of the unity government.

This success translated into a gain of 61 seats out of the total 245, particularly in areas with a majority Malay population.

On Malay voters, Welsh noted that PN successfully attracted the overwhelming majority of them, marking an estimated gain of 19%. Across all six states, PN's support among Malays averaged around 73%.

Highest gains for PN among Malay voters in Kedah

However, this increase was not uniform across different states, with the highest gains observed in Kedah and the lowest in Negri Sembilan. In the latter, Umno still secured victory in 14 seats, often with narrow margins – contributing to a collective 43% share of the Malay votes when combined with Pakatan Harapan’s performance.

Negri Sembilan and Selangor emerged as the states where PN made the most significant gains among Malay voters. Conversely, Terengganu witnessed the least growth for PN as support levels for the opposition coalition were already relatively high prior to the elections.

In contrast, the share of the Malay vote for the coalition led by PH and Umno collectively decreased to an estimated 26% across the six elections. This decline is consistent with the Malay votes received by PH in 2018.

Meanwhile, the turnout across the various ethnic communities showed a decline in estimated voter turnout, aligning with the overall decrease observed from the 15th general election (GE15) – dropping from 79% to 70%, marking a 9% decrease.

Consistent with historical trends, Malays exhibited the highest estimated turnout at 80%, followed by Indians at around 69%, and Chinese at approximately 65%.

Traditionally, Chinese voters have demonstrated the lowest turnout, a trend that persisted in the state polls. However, the noticeable drop in turnout suggests a distinct lack of enthusiasm among Chinese voters for the available electoral alternatives.

Of significance, Indians experienced the most significant reduction in turnout compared to GE15, marking an estimated 15% decrease. This decline resonates with apprehensions among Indian voters about the available electoral options. 

Welsh, who is an honorary research associate of the University of Nottingham’s Asia Research Institute, said this decline in turnout reflects a broader shift in Indian voting behaviour during this election in comparison to GE15.

These findings underscore the shifting dynamics of Malay voter preferences and the uneven distribution of support for PN across different states. The state elections’ outcomes offer valuable insights into the evolving political landscape and the changing calculus of electoral alliances in Malaysia.

The lower overall turnout among Chinese voters, however, hints at a potential lack of enthusiasm for the available electoral options.

The patterns revealed by Welsh’s analysis underscore the deep-seated divisions that characterise Malaysia’s political arena. The ethnic voting behaviours shed light on the intricate dynamics of a diverse society, where aspects such as ethnicity, religion, and socioeconomic conditions intersect to inform voting choices.

As Malaysia steers its political journey, these findings emphasise the importance of understanding the ethnic voting landscape. Bridging the existing divisions and forging national unity will necessitate policymakers to be attuned to these evolving dynamics. – The Vibes, August 16, 2023

Source: thevibes.com/

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Wildfires hit close to Miri city, producing acrid smog

16 Aug 2023

Stephen Then

MIRI – Firefighters in Miri district and numerous parts of Sarawak are having their hands full tackling wildfires in different areas, with the smog and acrid haze worsening over the past two days.

A hotspot the size of three acres (roughly the size of three football fields) detected at the Riam housing area near Miri city was successfully doused last night by Miri firefighters.

The wildfires produced smog that covered a wide area.

Residential zones located kilometres away was choked with a dense and pungent smell of ash, even until the early morning hours.

The Miri fire station unit today said the Riam wildfires have been contained.

A big hotspot in Mukah district was also detected over the past day and tackled by firefighters in the central Sarawak district.

The fire there blazed on for about eight hours in a forested area. The affected four-hectare area is roughly the size of about 10 football fields.

“Water tankers were deployed to the site of the forest fires to facilitate total flooding of the site that was on fire.

“We had to use pumps and a hose measuring 1,400-ft long to reach the fire site,” said the department.

Fire breaks were also created to stop the flames from spreading further. The flames in the Mukah forest were doused at about 7pm on Monday.

Parts of Sarawak have been experiencing a very hot spell. – The Vibes, August 16, 2023

Source: thevibes.com/

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