“In Pakistan, ‘Duas’ (Prayers) Are Being Made For The INDI Alliance; Jihadis Across Border Supporting Opposition: PM Modi
New Age Islam News Bureau
27 May 2024
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
------
·
“In Pakistan, ‘Duas’ (Prayers) Are Being Made
For The INDI Alliance; Jihadis Across Border Supporting Opposition: PM Modi
·
Some Muslims ‘Want To Challenge Fundamental
British Values’, Says Foreign Office Minister
·
Harvard Witnesses Graduation Of 60 Saudi
Students From Elite US Universities
·
Govt Must Go Beyond Lip Service In Tackling
Muslim Women Issues - Sisters In Islam
·
Zionism, Imperialism Confronted At
Pro-Palestine Conference In Detroit
India
·
"Not All Muslims Avail Reservations":
Congress' Ashok GehlotOn Rajasthan Govt Plan To Review Muslims In OBC List
·
Tejashwi: Gujarat itself gave OBC quota to
Muslims
·
Telangana: Over 2,000 Labourers Register For
Israel Recruitment Drive, 905 Selected
----
Europe
·
Two men accused of planning Islamic
State-inspired gun attack on Jewish community to go on trial in Preston
·
Nigel Farage slammed for 'racist' response to
Tories' national conscription plans
·
European state asks Russia to extradite
opposition leader
----
Arab World
·
Saudi Arabia, Norway Host Meeting On
Coordinated Approach To Recognition Of Palestine In Brussels
·
Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli attack on Rafah
·
Indian Hajj pilgrims take train from Jeddah to
Makkah
·
KSrelief calls for coordinating humanitarian
efforts with WHO
·
Saudi Arabia appoints first envoy to Syria in
more than a decade
·
MoU signed to revive cultural sites in Saudi
Arabia
----
Southeast Asia
·
Malaysia Arrests 4 Foreigners For Insulting
Islam On Domino's Pizza Receipt
·
Muslims urged to perform Haj through authorised
channels, says deputy minister
·
Pilgrim who died in Makkah was a Mosque-Goer
----
North America
·
Trevor Phillips Confronts Nigel Farage Over
‘Offensive’ Remarks On British Muslims
·
Pyongyang slams Washington, Seoul for sending
spy planes, drones, boats to North Korea
--------
Pakistan
·
33 Muslims Arrested For Attacking 2 Christian
Men On Allegations Of Desecrating Quran In Pakistan
·
Soldier, Captain Martyred In Exchange Of Fire
With Terrorists In Peshawar
·
No Loss Of Life As Students Rescued From Fire
At Girls’ School In KP’s Haripur
·
26 arrested, over 400 booked for mob violence
in Sargodha
·
Protesters begin march against Pak-Iran border
closure
·
Lahore ATC grants police three-day 'physical
remand' of PTI’s Shah Mahmood Qureshi
·
Islamabad asks Kabul to hand over TTP
terrorists involved in Besham attack on Chinese nationals
·
PM Shehbaz reiterates support for 'One China
policy'
-----
Mideast
·
Jihad Says Zionist Massacre In Rafah Adds To
Gaza's War Crimes
·
Israel Orders Spain To Stop Consular Services
For Palestinians From June 1
·
Israel army kills Palestinian teen after West
Bank ‘attempted attack’
·
Israeli police and Jewish pilgrims clash at
beleaguered festival site
·
Iran’s Acting President Addresses New
Parliament
·
Israel war cabinet to discuss new push for Gaza
hostage deal
·
Islamic Resistance in Lebanon targets Zionist
sites with barrage of rockets
-----
South Asia
·
Taliban In GhorAnnounce Discovery Of 40 Ancient
Artifacts
·
Deputy PM Kabir Affirms Support to Skilled
Professionals in the Country
·
Mujahid claims no threat to other countries
from Afghanistan
·
ARCS and IHH Officials Meets in Istanbul to
Discuss Humanitarian Aid Efforts
·
Second Phase of Herat-Khaf Railway Construction
Commences, Boosting Afghanistan’s Connectivity to International Markets
-----
Africa
·
Kano Mosque Attack: Deputy Senate President Donates N15 Million,
Builds Ultra-Modern Mosque In Gezawa
·
Terrorism: Court Fixes Date For Trial Of Miyetti
Allah Leader, Bodejo
·
Nigeria: One Dead, Five Rescued As Mosque
Collapses in Lagos
Compiled by
New Age Islam News Bureau
URL:
-----
“In
Pakistan, ‘Duas’ (Prayers) Are Being Made For The INDI Alliance; Jihadis Across
Border Supporting Opposition: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
------
By: PTI
Deoria:
May 27, 2024
Prime
Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday claimed that “jihadis” across the border are
supporting the Samajwadi Party and the Congress who are appealing for “vote
jihad” in the country.
Addressing
an election rally here in support of BJP candidates in Bansgaon and Deoria Lok
Sabha seats, he alleged that the INDIA bloc does not want to take the country
forward, but back by several decades. “Their agenda is not the development of
India,” Modi said.
“In
Pakistan, ‘duas’ (prayers) are being made for the INDI alliance of Samajwadi
Party and Congress. Jihadis across the border are supporting them. The SP and
the Congress are making an appeal for ‘vote jihad’ here,” said the prime
minister in an apparent reference to a remark by an INDIA bloc candidate.
He said,
“This (INDIA bloc) group is saying that if they come to power, they will
reimpose Article 370 in Kashmir. They will repeal the CAA (Citizenship
(Amendment) Act) which gives citizenship again to the victims of Partition.
Whose agenda is this… this is what these anti-India forces want? Modi went on
to allege, “Their agenda is not the development of India. They want to take
back the country by several decades.” Hitting out at the bloc, Prime Minister
Modi claimed the “INDI jamaat” has been abusing him for his opposition to
reservation on the basis of religion.
“I want
to remind you that in 2012, the SP in its manifesto had stated that Muslim
should get reservation equal to that of Dalits. The INDI jamaat wants to change
the Constitution for this. When I ask them (about reservation) they abuse
Modi,” he said, adding he is opposing reservation on the basis of religion.
Festive
offer
He
accused the SP of doing “dynastic politics”. “In the (tenure of the) SP
government, mafias had built palaces on public land. But since Yogi Adityanath
has come (as chief minister of Uttar Pradesh) the environment has changed. Now,
the good days of mafias are over. Houses of the poor are being built in place
of their palaces. This is the difference between the BJP and the INDI
alliance,” he said.
Modi
also alleged that the Congress “created roadblocks for countries that wanted to
purchase BrahMos missiles”.
Accusing
the Congress of always playing with the country’s security, the prime minister
said, “Our country makes BrahMos missiles and the day is not far when BrahMos
missiles will be made in Uttar Pradesh.” “There has been a demand for this
(missile) in many countries but the Congress does not like it. Many countries
wanted to purchase the BrahMos but the Congress government created hurdles
because the ‘INDI’ people do not want India to become self-reliant in the
defence sector,” Modi said.
He said
the “INDI people want their arms deals to continue, their brokerage to
continue, scams to continue.” Modi added, “Today we are moving forward strongly
towards a self-reliant India in the defence sector.” Purvanchal will launch an
assault on the INDIA bloc in seventh phase of Lok Sabha polls, the prime
minister said.
Referring
to the day of counting of votes of the elections, Modi said June 4 is going to
decide the future of India. “India will begin a new journey after June 4,” he
said.
The BJP
has fielded Kamlesh Paswan from Bansgaon and Shashank Mani Tripathi from Deoria
in the seventh and last phase of the polls on June 1.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jihadis-supporting-sp-congress-pm-modi-9353161/
-------
Some
Muslims ‘Want To Challenge Fundamental British Values’, Says Foreign Office
Minister
Anne-Marie Trevelyan said that ‘the vast proportion of British Muslims
are wonderful, peace-loving, community-minded people’. Photograph: Anadolu
Agency/Getty Images
-------
27 May
2024
A
Foreign Office minister has claimed some Muslims in Britain “want to challenge”
fundamental UK values.
Anne-Marie
Trevelyan was responding to widely criticised comments made by Nigel Farage,
the honorary president of Reform UK, who said on Sunday there was a growing
proportion of people in the UK who “loathe much of what we stand for”.
Farage
explicitly identified Muslims when challenged on the remarks, claiming polls
showed 46% of British Muslims supported the terror organisation Hamas.
Asked if
she agreed with him, Trevelyan told LBC Radio there were some Muslims who
matched that description. She said: “The vast proportion of British Muslims are
wonderful, peace-loving, community-minded people, certainly in the north-east
where I’m based, we have fantastic communities and they are a really important
part of our social fabric.
“There
are a very small proportion for whom they want to challenge those values that
we hold dear in the UK, which are British values, and there we need to continue
to work in community to bring those people to this.
“The UK
has incredible values of freedom of speech, freedom of choice … these are
incredibly important values, but they have to be nurtured and looked after, and
where there are those who would threaten them we need to make sure that we deal
with that.”
The
shadow education secretary, Labour’s Bridget Phillipson said Farage’s claim was
“incendiary rhetoric”. She told the same station: “What we need in this
election is a sense of how we bring our country together, how we focus on a
more positive and hopeful mission for what our country can be – not this kind
of division.”
Trevelyan
has also used media appearances to defend her party’s newly announced national
service policy, insisting that Operation Interflex – the UK’s programme that
has trained tens of thousands of Ukrainian recruits – demonstrates the country
has the capacity to rapidly house the 30,000 young people the government has
said would be pushed into military service.
Trevelyan
also said the scheme would be compulsory in the same way as was staying in
education or training until 18.
Asked on
Times Radio whether parents would face prosecution if their 18-year-olds refuse
to sign up for the military or volunteering activity, she said: “I’m not going
to write the detailed policy now. That’s what a royal commission programme of
works will be for.”
Source: uk.news.yahoo.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/muslims-want-challenge-british-values-095237619.html
----
Harvard Witnesses
Graduation Of 60 Saudi Students From Elite US Universities
The Saudi Club at Harvard University recently organized a graduation
ceremony for Saudi graduates from Harvard University, MIT, Boston University
and Tufts University. (SPA)
------
May 26,
2024
RIYADH:
The Saudi Club at Harvard University recently organized a graduation ceremony
for Saudi graduates from Harvard University, MIT, Boston University, and Tufts
University.
The
event took place on Harvard’s campus in Boston and was attended by Mohammed
Khashaan, director of the public diplomacy department at the Saudi Embassy in
the US, Saudi Press Agency reported.
During
the ceremony, Khashaan said that the distinguished Saudi students are
graduating in light of the transformations occurring under Saudi Vision 2030.
He
highlighted the investment in the nation’s talented individuals, and said that
the Kingdom is experiencing economic, industrial, and environmental growth,
accompanied by renewed opportunities for its citizens to pursue their dreams,
and contribute to building the future of the nation and the world.
Additionally,
US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Michael Ratney, delivered a recorded speech in
which he congratulated the graduating students and thanked the Saudi Club for
organizing the event to celebrate their achievements.
“I have
been in Saudi Arabia for only a year, and the professional and personal
opportunities here have never been greater. Your country is rich in resources,
but its most valuable asset is its human capabilities,” Ratney said.
He also
highlighted the diversity he has observed in various fields, from filmmaking to
video game development and space travel, and expressed his happiness at
witnessing this growth.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2517326/saudi-arabia
------
Govt
Must Go Beyond Lip Service In Tackling Muslim Women Issues - Sisters In Islam
Photo:
Malysiakini
------
May 27,
2024
Putrajaya
has been urged to do more than pay lip service when it comes to addressing
pressing issues affecting Muslim women.
Sisters
in Islam (SIS) executive director Rozana Isa stressed that such issues must
remain at the forefront.
Rozana,
in a statement today, emphasised the dire need for comprehensive data
collection by the government and robust legal procedures to secure women’s
financial rights and child maintenance in Sariah courts.
She then
called for immediate and tangible actions to protect women’s rights and end
discrimination.
“The
obstacles Muslim women face are immense but not insurmountable. With unwavering
political will and structural reforms, change is possible,” she said.
“Among
key reforms include raising the legal age for child marriage, eradicating
female genital mutilation and raising awareness of its devastating effects and
establishing clear guidelines to safeguard women’s autonomy and ensure fair
decision-making in family matters.”
Other
reforms include standardising syariah law nationwide, equitable law enforcement
in syariah courts, regulating polygamy, preventing gender-based injustices and
streamlining divorce processes to alleviate the burden on women seeking
separation.
Current
system deters women
Elaborating
on the lengthy divorce process if it’s initiated by Muslim women, SIS said
these women continue to endure a long and arduous process for approval in
syariah courts.
“Muslim
women initiating fasakh divorce, despite being entitled to file for ancillary
matters, often do not pursue these rights due to the exhaustive demands of the
divorce process.
“The
existing syariah legal system does not facilitate women in claiming their rights
but instead forces them to forgo these rights.
“Women
from lower-income families may view these efforts as futile while those from
middle and upper-income families face similar pressures, especially when they
receive less than 30 percent of joint matrimonial property.
“The
inconsistency in the division of matrimonial assets further deters divorced
women from pursuing their rightful claims,” Rozana said.
Therefore,
SIS said Malaysia’s commitment to addressing these challenges will define its
path towards true gender equality.
“The
government must act with resolve, ensuring that the principles of equality and
justice for all women are not just ideals but lived realities.
“The
journey to equality demands unwavering dedication to fair laws that uphold the
principles enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
“Muslim
women, united in their faith, transcend national, racial, and creedal
boundaries. It is crucial to confront the disparities in legal treatment they
face across various states.”
Source: malaysiakini.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/706799
-----
Zionism,
Imperialism Confronted At Pro-Palestine Conference In Detroit
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib addresses the People’s Conference for Palestine
in Detroit, Michigan, on May 25, 2024.
------
26 May
2024
Participants
at a pro-Palestine conference in the Midwestern state of Michigan have rebuked
US-backed Zionism and imperialism as Israel’s genocidal war against
Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strips drags on for the eighth month.
The
People’s Conference for Palestine, held from May 24 to 26 in Detroit, has drawn
thousands of pro-Palestine students, teachers, workers, activists and
participants as part of a new phase in the expression of solidarity with
Palestinians.
Congresswoman
Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian in US Congress, said in her address to the
conference attendees that the administration of President Joe Biden should stop
its unconditional support for Israel, particularly after the recent ruling by
the United Nation’s top court regarding an immediate halt to the regime’s war
on Gaza.
“President
Biden, I hope you hear us loud and clear. Attacking the authority of the
International Criminal Court and interfering in the legal process is nothing
more, nothing more than an attempt to prevent the genocidal maniac Netanyahu
and his senior Israeli officials from being held accountable for those crimes
against humanity,” Tlaib said.
The
pro-Palestine lawmaker also called out her colleagues in Congress who have on
multiple occasions voted to send billions of dollars in weapons to Israel.
In
April, Congress pushed through a USD 95 billion foreign aid package to further
US imperialist involvement around the globe, sending billions of dollars to
Ukraine, Israel, and Chinese Taipei. This bill included USD 14 billion for
Israel.
“When I
watch my colleagues, one by one, voting yes to send 14 billion to the apartheid
regime, those committing genocide, all I kept thinking about, is that us, the United
States, is the primary investor and funder of genocide. We’re literally
co-conspirators,” Tlaib said.
Abdaljawad
Omar, a Palestinian writer and analyst who is also a lecturer in the Philosophy
and Cultural Studies Department at Birzeit University in the occupied West
Bank, underlined that the Palestinian resistance has rendered Zionism
“untenable,” by “deforming the current regime of colonialism that existed
before October 7.”
Omar
said the resistance has “designed itself around the ability and the capacity to
endure, to maintain the capacity to resist, through its architectural design,
such as tunnels.”
“Without
the capacity to resist, and its regeneration through time, there would have
been no story, hero, hope, or future to dream of,” he added.
YaraShoufani,
a leader in the Palestinian Youth Movement in Toronto, Canada, censured
Washington as a key architect in key elements of the Israeli oppression of
Palestinians, including the ongoing blockade against Gaza by air, land and sea.
Shoufani
said US imperialism also continues to suppress popular movements at home, even
by denying visas to speakers at the conference itself.
“We know
that US empire is trying to actively intervene against our organizations,
against our movements. And this attempt to crush Palestinian revolution here
actually should tell us just how powerful we are, and just how much we scare
them, because the Palestinian revolution is a gateway to struggle,” Shoufani
underlined.
Israel
launched its atrocious onslaught against the Gaza Strip, targeting hospitals,
residences, and houses of worship since Palestinian resistance movements
launched a surprise attack, dubbed Operation al-Aqsa Storm, against the
usurping regime on October 7, 2023.
At least
35,857 Palestinians have been killed, most of them women and children, and
another 80,293 individuals have sustained injuries. More than 1.7 million
people have been internally displaced during the war as well.
Source: presstv.ir
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/05/26/726260/Michigan-conference-Rashida-Tlaib-Zionism-imperialism-
-------
India
"Not
all Muslims avail reservations": Congress' Ashok Gehlot on Rajasthan govt
plan to review Muslims in OBC list
May 27,
2024
Jaipur
(Rajasthan (/topic/rajasthan)) [India], May 27 (ANI): After the BJPled
Rajasthan (/topic/rajasthan) government announced its intention to review 14
Muslim groups on the OBC list (/topic/obc-list), former state CM Ashok Gehlot
(/topic/ashok-gehlot) said on Monday that not all Muslims (/topic/muslims)
avail reservation (/topic/reservation)s but those who are backward do so.
"No
matter what the government says, nothing will happen. We have given reservation
(/topic/reservation)s on the recommendations of the OBC Commission. Not all
Muslims (/topic/muslims) avail reservation (/topic/reservation)s but those who
are backward do. Only those who used to come in OBC have got it," Gehlot
said while addressing a press conference.
Uttar
Pradesh Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya also highlighted the issue and said that
his government will scrutinize the Other Backward Classes reservation
(/topic/reservation)s given to Muslim communities in previous governments in
the state.
"Congress,
Samajwadi Party, TMC and other parties of INDIA always talk about the rights of
OBC. But they always cheat them. OBC certificates in Bengal were given to
infiltrators and Muslims (/topic/muslims) in Bengal from 2010-2024. It was like
a knife in the chest for the OBC community. Calcutta HC order should be
implemented with immediate effect. In other states, similar investigations
should be done. In Uttar Pradesh, we will also do a detailed review regarding
it. We won't allow anyone to snatch OBC reservation (/topic/reservation)s,"
Keshav Prasad Maurya told ANI.
The
Calcutta High Court on Wednesday cancelled all OBC certificates issued in West
Bengal after 2010.
The
court has directed the West Bengal Backward Classes Commission to prepare a new
list of OBCs in accordance with the 1993 Act.
Those in
the OBC list (/topic/obc-list) before 2010 will remain. However, all OBC
nominations after 2010 were cancelled.
An
estimated 5 lakh OBC certificates are set to be cancelled in light of the
order.
After
2010, those who have jobs under the OBC quota or are in the process of getting
them cannot be excluded from the quota. There will be no impact on their job
and they cannot be excluded from the quota. (ANI)
Source: aninews.in
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.aninews.in/news/national/politics/not-all-muslims-avail-reservations-congress-ashok-gehlot-on-rajasthan-govt-plan-to-review-muslims-in-obc-list20240527125211/
--------
Tejashwi:
Gujarat itself gave OBC quota to Muslims
May 27,
2024
PATNA:
Bihar leader of opposition and ex-deputy CM Tejashwi Prasad Yadav on Sunday
wrote to PM Modi, claiming that BJP-governed Gujarat allowed Muslim OBC quotas.
He attached with his letter a purported 'central list of OBC Muslims for
Gujarat' to buttress his point. "Perhaps, you are not aware (of this,
though)... you served as CM for 13 years," Tejashwi wrote, advising Modi
against "spreading confusion and hatred".
Dubbing
PM "anti-backward and anti-Dalit", Tejashwi said he had repeatedly
urged him to allow quota hikes under the Constitution's Ninth Schedule for
deprived castes in the light of 2023 Bihar caste survey, but claimed that PM
didn't pay heed.
BJP-led
Gujarat government allowed Muslim quota under OBC category: Tejashwi to PM
A day
after PM Narendra Modi accused INDIA bloc of planning to give reservations
meant for OBCs/SCs/STs/EBCs to Muslims, Bihar leader of opposition and
ex-deputy CM Tejashwi Prasad Yadav on Sunday wrote to the former, alleging
BJP-governed Gujarat govt allowed Muslim quota under OBC category. Tejashwi
also attached with his letter a purported “central list of OBC Muslims for
Gujarat” to buttress his point.
“Perhaps,
you are not aware that various Muslim castes are availing reservation under OBC
category. You yourself have served as the chief minister of Gujarat for 13
years,” Tejashwi wrote in his two-page letter to the PM, advising against
“spreading confusion and hatred”.
The RJD
functionary mentioned how the Centre “discovered a unique way to end
reservations” granted under the Constitution. “Reservation is available only in
govt jobs under Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution, but since you have
abolished govt jobs from railways, army, and other departments, the concept of
reservation automatically stands cancelled,” Tejashwi said. He also addressed
the issue of reservations in the private sector, which he claimed the PM has
ignored.
Tejashwi
also slammed the PM over his “mujra” remark . “After buffaloes and
mangalsutras, the PM now uses the term mujra. Should the language of a PM be
like this?” the RJD leader asked.
Tejashwi
accused the PM for “publicly threatening” to send him to jail and “undermining
the importance of the central agencies”.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/tejashwi-gujarat-itself-gave-obc-quota-to-muslims/articleshow/110445237.cms
--------
Telangana:
Over 2,000 Labourers Register For Israel Recruitment Drive, 905 Selected
Written
by Nikhila Henry
New
Delhi: May 27, 2024
Labourers
from across Telangana lined up to go to Israel, a country which is reportedly
reeling under labour shortage after its conflict with Hamas escalated earlier
this year.
At the
end of a four-day recruitment drive that concluded in Hyderabad on Friday, a
total of 2,209 labourers registered to be recruited for skilled construction
work in the West Asian country. After a few rounds of tests, during which they
had to display their work prowess, 905 people were selected to be added to
Israel’s foreign labour force.
The
recruitment drive was conducted by the state government and facilitated by the
National Skill Development Corporation International (NSDCI).
The
Telangana recruitment drive was the third to be held in the country this year,
under an agreement between India and Israel governments. As per the agreement,
Israel recruits labourers from India after screening their skills and flies
them across the borders to be employed in their country.
Earlier
this year, similar recruitment drives were held in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.
“In those two drives over 9,000 labourers had turned up,” an NSDCI official
told The Indian Express.
Festive
offer
Such
recruitment drives are expected to be held in Maharashtra, Bihar and Rajasthan
too, the NSDCI official said.
At least
one batch of 60 immigrant labourers have so far reportedly left the country for
Israel. As the conflict between Israel and Iran amplified in March, killing,
among others, a Kerala man working on an Israeli farm, the Indian government
had temporarily stopped allowing its citizens to fly to the war-torn country.
Air India too had suspended its flight operations to Israel till mid-May.
The
labourers recruited in Telangana are carpenters and those who do ceramic tiling,
plastering and iron bending. The biggest draw for the Indians leaving for the
war-torn region is the high remuneration provided by Israel’s construction
industry. As per the recruitment team, each labourer will earn between Rs 1.2
lakh and Rs. 1.38 lakh per month – salaries which are manifold higher than the
market rates for such skilled labourers in India.
Israel
has been seeking foreign labour to meet its domestic construction needs. Till
the beginning of this year, around 80,000 Palestinians were employed in
Israel’s construction industry. However, as the conflict with the Arab nations
imploded in January, Israel cancelled the work permits of the Palestinians. It
is this labour shortage that Indians are expected to bridge.
Speaking
to The Indian Express, an NSDCI officer who was in the know of the recruitment
drive said, “On the first day of the drive we ran the camp only for half a day
as the number of people turning in was less. From the second day onwards,
hundreds came in to be recruited.” In a way, recruitment through a
government-led drive is better than “paying illegal recruiters and taking an
arduous route to Israel without proper safeguards,” the officer said.
It is,
however, not known when the recruited labourers will be able to fly to Israel.
“This takes time and we need to ensure all safeguards are in place,” an
official said.
Source: indianexpress.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/telangana-labourers-israel-recruitment-drive-selected-9352256/
------
Europe
Two men
accused of planning Islamic State-inspired gun attack on Jewish community to go
on trial in Preston
27th May
2024
Two men
who allegedly plotted to carry out an Islamic State-inspired gun attack on the
Jewish community in the UK will go on trial in Preston.
Walid
Saadaoui, 36, and Amar Hussein, 50, are accused of preparing acts of terrorism
between December 13 2023 and May 9.
The
charge against them alleges that they “made arrangements for the purchase of
delivery of firearms, conducted reconnaissance and made plans of attack”.
Walid’s
brother BilelSaadaoui, 35, is charged with failing to disclose information
about acts of terrorism.
All
three defendants appeared by view link from custody for a hearing at the Old
Bailey before Mr Justice Jeremy Baker on Friday.
Summarising
the allegations, prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward said: “The case concerns primarily
so far as the first two defendants are concerned a plan to conduct an Isil or
Daesh-inspired terrorist attack in the UK during which it is alleged that they
intended to cause multiple fatalities using automatic guns.
“The
main targets of the attack plans were the Jewish community in the North West of
England, members of law enforcement and military.
“The prosecution
allege they took significant steps to prepare for that attack.”
Mr
Justice Baker said a 12-week trial would take place at Preston Crown Court from
October 7 next year.
Further
hearings at the Old Bailey were set for October 25 and December 20 this year.
Walid
Saadaoui, of Crankwood Road, Abram; BilelSaadaoui, of Fairclough Street,
Hindley; and Hussein, of no fixed abode, spoke to confirm their identities
during the hearing.
The
defendants, who appeared from Wormwood Scrubs, were further remanded into
custody.
Source: blackpoolgazette.co.uk
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/two-men-who-allegedly-planned-terror-attack-on-jewish-people-to-face-trial-in-lancs-4643505
--------
Nigel
Farage slammed for 'racist' response to Tories' national conscription plans
Sun, 26
May 2024
NIGEL
Farage has suggested that Muslim people do not have "British values"
in comments which have been branded "racist".
The
comments from the owner of Reform UK, who has said he will not stand in the
General Election, came in response to Conservative plans to introduce national
service for teenagers.
Speaking
on Sky News on Sunday morning, Farage said: “Look, it’s totally impractical –
the Army has shrunk from 100,000 to 75,000 in 14 years of conservatism and,
most interestingly, we have a growing number of young people in this country
who do not subscribe to British values, in fact loathe much of what we stand
for.”
The
Brexiteer added that “we see them on the streets of London every Saturday”.
When
asked by presenter Trevor Philips to clarify whether he was referring to
Muslims, Farage said: “We are.”
He
added: “I found some of the recent surveys saying that 46% of British Muslims
support Hamas, support a terrorist organisation that is prescribed in this
country.”
It is
unclear which survey Farage is referring to.
The
comment has been criticised for being islamophobic and racist, with Zara
Mohammed, secretary general of the Muslim of Council of Britain, saying that
Farage is “inciting hatred towards Muslims”.
Mohammed
tweeted: “So horribly Islamophobic and racist – doing what Farage does best,
reinforcing his hate-filled rhetoric of misinformation – even challenged by
Trevor to consider what he’s actually saying he continues to show us his role
in inciting hatred towards British Muslims.”
Farage
called Tory proposals to re-introduce mandatory national service for
18-year-olds “a joke” and “totally impractical”.
“They
[the Conservatives] don’t support it either – it’s a joke, isn’t it?
“You get
a focus group of half a dozen Reform voters in a room, the chairman says ‘Now,
what about national service?’
“When
you’re a weak leader – and Sunak is not a leader in any way at all – you’re a
follower, so you follow what the focus groups say, and you say ‘by doing this I
can attack the Reform vote’. That’s what it’s all about.”
Source: uk.news.yahoo.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/nigel-farage-slammed-racist-response-100957415.html
--------
European
state asks Russia to extradite opposition leader
25 May,
2024
Moldova
has formally requested that Russia extradite the leader of the country's main
political opposition, Israeli-Moldovan business man Ilan Shor, Justice Minister
Veronica Mihailov-Moraru has said.
Chisinau
has also sent a new request to Israel to extradite Shor after the first one was
rejected, while approaching Moscow with the same demand.
“We have
also requested the extradition of [Shor] from Russia to enforce the decisions
of the [Chisinau] Appeal Board. We haven’t received a response yet,”
Mihailov-Moraru said on Friday, in an interview with national broadcaster PRO
TV.
Earlier
this month, the businessman revealed in an interview that he had obtained a
Russian passport, which makes his extradition effectively impossible since
Moscow does not surrender its citizens to other countries. While
Mihailov-Moraru said her ministry has not been informed that the opposition
leader has become a Russian national, the head of the local Interpol chapter,
ViorelȚentiu, confirmed the politician's new citizenship earlier this year.
Shor was
sentenced in absentia to 15 years behind bars by the judicial body last April.
The charges relate to the 2014 Moldovan bank fraud scandal, in which $1 billion
was laundered and funnelled out of Moldova.
The
founder of the Sor Party and the leader of the Victory opposition bloc has long
maintained his innocence, insisting the charges against him were politically
motivated. Shor fled the country in 2019, remaining abroad ever since. In 2020,
Moldovan authorities issued an international arrest warrant for him, with the
Appeal Board seizing his assets in the country.
The Sor
Party, widely regarded as “pro-Russian” by its critics, was outlawed in Moldova
last June. President Maia Sandu has accused the movement of being a mere front
for organized crime and conspiring to “discredit the idea of democracy” through
serving “oligarchs.” Before the ban was imposed on the party, Sandu asked the
EU to sanction both Sor and its founder.
The
party has long advocated maintaining good relations with Russia while opposing
such ideas as joining the European Union, merging with Romania, or forcibly
seizing the unrecognized republic of Transnistria, which broke away from
Moldova shortly after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The unrecognized
republic has hosted a small Russian peacekeeping force since 1992.
Source: rt.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.rt.com/russia/598245-moldova-shor-extradition-request/
--------
Arab World
Saudi
Arabia, Norway host meeting on coordinated approach to recognition of Palestine
in Brussels
May 26,
2024
RIYADH:
Saudi Arabia and Norway hosted a meeting on a coordinated approach to the
recognition of Palestine in Brussels on Sunday.
The
meeting discussed the urgent need to end the war in Gaza and take the necessary
steps to implement a two-state solution, Saudi Press Agency reported.
It was
attended by ministers and representatives of Algeria, Austria, Bahrain,
Belgium, Denmark, Egypt, Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Jordan, Latvia, Portugal,
Qatar, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Palestine, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkiye, the UAE, the UK, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
The
meeting is a continuation of a previous one on the same subject hosted by
Riyadh on April 29 for Arab and European ministers.
The
conference expressed support for efforts aimed at reaching an immediate
ceasefire, releasing prisoners and hostages, ending the war in the Gaza Strip
and all illegal unilateral measures and violations in the occupied Palestinian
territories including controlling the Rafah crossing, and addressing the
catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
Concrete
steps toward establishing a Palestinian state in the context of the two-state
solution, and adopting a political path that supports a sustainable solution to
the Israeli-Palestinian conflict were also topics of discussion.
The
meeting stressed the importance of the international community’s recognition of
the Palestinian state in order to adopt a comprehensive approach toward a
reliable and irreversible path to implementing the two-state solution in accordance
with international law and agreed standards, including UN resolutions and the
Arab Peace Initiative.
This
would then lead to a just and lasting solution that meets the rights of the
Palestinian people and achieves security in the region, paving the way for
normal relations between countries, the meeting heard.
The
meeting comes before Norway, Spain and Ireland formally recognize a Palestinian
state on Tuesday, a largely symbolic move that has infuriated Israel.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2517546/saudi-arabia
--------
Saudi
Arabia condemns Israeli attack on Rafah
May 27,
2024
RIYADH:
Saudi Arabia on Monday condemned the Israeli attacks on Rafah, the latest of
which was the targeting of tents of displaced Palestinians near the warehouses
of UNRWA that killed at least 40 people mostly children and women.
The
foreign ministry, in a statement on social media X, also affirmed the Kingdom’s
rejection of the blatant violations by the Israeli occupation forces of all
international and humanitarian laws.
It also
called on the international community to intervene immediately.
Palestinian
health workers said Israeli airstrikes killed at least 40 people Sunday and hit
tents for displaced people in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, and “numerous”
others were trapped in flaming debris. Gaza’s Health Ministry said women and
children made up most of the dead and dozens of wounded.
The
attacks came two days after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel
to end its military offensive in Rafah, where more than half of Gaza’s
population had sought shelter before Israel’s incursion earlier this month.
Tens of
thousands of people remain in the area while many others have fled. Footage
from the scene of the largest airstrike showed heavy destruction. Israel’s army
confirmed the strike and said it hit a Hamas installation and killed two senior
Hamas militants. It said it was investigating reports that civilians were
harmed.
Defense
Minister Yoav Gallant was in Rafah on Sunday and was briefed on the “deepening
of operations” there, his office said.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2517781/saudi-arabia
--------
Indian
Hajj pilgrims take train from Jeddah to Makkah
May 26,
2024
JEDDAH:
Traditionally, all pilgrims arriving at Jeddah International Airport travel to
Makkah by buses provided by Saudi authorities. This year, however, special
arrangements have been made by the Consulate General of India in Jeddah, in
tandem with the Saudi authorities, for some Indian pilgrims to travel via the Haramain
High Speed Railway from Jeddah airport to Makkah.
About
32,000 Indian pilgrims will benefit from this exclusive service, reducing
travel time by half thanks to the train’s maximum speed of 300 kph.
To
commemorate the historic occasion, India’s ambassador, Dr. SuhelAjaz Khan, and
Consul General Mohd Shahid Alam accompanied Indian pilgrims on the inaugural
journey from Jeddah airport to Makkah on Sunday.
The
pilgrims arrived in the Kingdom on a Saudia flight from Mumbai.
They
were joined by Khaled Al-Harbi, senior vice president of operations at Saudi
Arabia Railways, as well as officials from the ministries of Hajj and Umrah,
and transport.
This is
the first time Saudi Arabia is transporting a limited number of Hajj pilgrims
directly from Jeddah airport to Makkah by train.
This
year, 175,000 pilgrims from India will participate, with 140,000 organized
through the Hajj Committee of India.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2517366/saudi-arabia
--------
KSrelief
calls for coordinating humanitarian efforts with WHO
May 26,
2024
RIYADH:
Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor-general of Saudi aid agency KSrelief, said
he wants to boost the partnership with the World Health Organization to improve
and coordinate response efforts, ensure all resources are allocated
efficiently, and enable communities to become more resilient and independent.
Speaking
at a session titled “From Crisis to Opportunity: Health in the Eastern Mediterranean
Region,” at the 77th World Health Assembly, held in Geneva, Switzerland,
Al-Rabeeah thanked the WHO for efforts to address the humanitarian crises in
the Eastern Mediterranean region, including conflicts, migration and economic
instability.
He said
that the Saudi leadership made intensive and generous efforts to alleviate the
suffering of millions of people in need in the region and around the world,
particularly children, women and vulnerable groups.
Al-Rabeeah
said that the total humanitarian assistance provided by Saudi Arabia to the WHO
Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean exceeded $1.4 billion. He added
that KSrelief recently announced a $500 million contribution to efforts to
eradicate polio over the next five years.
He
mentioned that the center provides comprehensive health treatment and support
services in humanitarian emergencies.
Furthermore,
KSrelief has implemented various volunteer programs in the medical sector as
part of its relief and humanitarian endeavors, including 298 projects worth
over $46 million in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
Al-Rabeeah
urged all parties in conflict areas to ensure that relief aid providers are
allowed to deliver aid in a safe and effective manner.
When aid
delivery is prevented and attacks on humanitarian workers and hospital staff
are allowed, he said, those in need suffer even more. The situations in the
Gaza Strip and Sudan are clear examples of this, he added.
Al-Rabeeah
said that KSrelief works closely with its partners to overcome challenges and
ensure the safe delivery of aid even under the most difficult circumstances.
For instance, during the siege of Taiz in Yemen, the center used airdrops to
deliver assistance and even resorted to camels to deliver medical supplies,
oxygen cylinders and other urgent items to remote mountain locations where
health services were either very limited or unavailable, he said.
In Gaza,
the center succeeded in assisting with the area’s current challenges.
“Restricted
access to Gaza has led to severe shortages of food, water, medical supplies and
other much-needed items,” he said, urging restrictions be changed to save
lives, especially those of children, women and the elderly.
Al-Rabeeah
urged the international community to take decisive action to protect health facilities
and humanitarian workers, and all authorities to abide by international
humanitarian law.
He also
called for involving healthcare workers in policy-making processes, to ensure
that their expertise and experience are used to shape effective healthcare
strategies.
Al-Rabeeah
emphasized the crucial role of international collaboration in ensuring that all
people in need have access to humanitarian assistance and medical care.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2517336/saudi-arabia
--------
Saudi
Arabia appoints first envoy to Syria in more than a decade
May 26,
2024
RIYADH:
Saudi Arabia has appointed Faisal Al-Mujfel as the kingdom’s new ambassador to
Syria, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
“The
honored ambassador extends his thanks to the leadership on the occasion of his
appointment as Ambassador to the Syrian Arab Republic,” SPA said.
Al-Mujfel
is the kingdom's first envoy to Damascus since the closure of the Saudi embassy
there in 2012 during the Syrian civil war.
Syria
reopened its embassy in Riyadh last year and appointed a new ambassador in
December.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2517321/saudi-arabia
--------
MoU
signed to revive cultural sites in Saudi Arabia
May 26,
2024
RIYADH:
The Heritage Commission and ASFAR, Saudi Arabia’s tourism investment company
fully owned by the Public Investment Fund, signed a memorandum of understanding
to enhance visitor experience at cultural heritage sites in the Kingdom.
Heritage
Commission CEO Jasser Al-Harbash and ASFAR CEO Fahad bin Mushayt attended the
signing, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
The
agreement aims to improve operational efficiency, enhance cooperation, develop
plans, refine designs, and establish operational models for heritage sites
across Saudi Arabia.
The
commission highlighted the importance of partnerships in its commitment to
developing the national heritage and archaeology sector, aligning with the
goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
ASFAR
plays a crucial role in shaping the Kingdom’s tourism sector through
investments in tourist destinations, historical and cultural sites, SPA said.
The company
aims to raise the prominence of Saudi cities on the tourism map by
collaborating with public and private sectors.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2517291/saudi-arabia
--------
Southeast Asia
Malaysia
arrests 4 foreigners for insulting Islam on Domino's Pizza receipt
May 26,
2024
A woman
and three men, aged 19 to 67, have been arrested in Malaysia for a derogatory
message mocking Islam printed on a Domino’s Pizza receipt.
The
message appeared on May 15, and a photo of the receipt circulated on X
(formerly Twitter) on May 16, according to The Star.
Penang
police chief Comm Datuk Hamzah Ahmad said three of the foreigners will remain
in custody until June 3, while the 67-year-old man has been released on police
bail. All four were arrested on May 16.
The case
is being investigated. The offending words were included in the remarks section
of an order received through the Domino’s app.
"We
do not tolerate discrimination or aggression of any kind, whether directed at
our team, our customers or those in our community," The South China
Morning Post quoted Domino as saying in a statement last Thursday.
Domino’s
added that appropriate measures have been taken against both the customer and
the staff member involved."We are deeply disappointed that a customer made
a hurtful and disrespectful comment when placing their order."
"We
are also disappointed that one of our team members thought it was appropriate
to share this online, including the customer’s personal information," it
said.
Source: e.vnexpress.net
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://e.vnexpress.net/news/business/companies/malaysia-arrests-4-foreigners-for-insulting-islam-on-domino-s-pizza-receipt-4750849.html
--------
Muslims
urged to perform Haj through authorised channels, says deputy minister
27 May
2024
KUALA
NERUS, May 27 — Muslims in the country determined to perform the Haj pilgrimage
independently (DIY Haj) are reminded to be patient and follow the channels
authorised by the Malaysian and Saudi Arabian governments.
Deputy
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Zulkifli Hasan
said Muslims must focus on the concept of istito’ah (capability), including the
health, finances, mental ability of the pilgrims, and the Haj quota.
“...this
also refers to (whether) we are selected. The istito’ah also refers to the
quota. So, I urge everyone to understand the meaning of istito’ah, and be
patient...to avoid being deceived or unable to perform Haj because of the lack
of guidance or due to situations that prevent us from performing the
pilgrimage,” he said.
He told
reporters this after officiating the opening ceremony of the Madani Series:
Islamic and Malaysian Civilisation Seminar Session 8/2024 at the Mahyuddin
Auditorium, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, here today.
Zulkifli
also expressed his concern that if Muslims performing the DIY Haj pilgrimage
were to cause unwanted incidents, it could tarnish Malaysia’s good image as a
world reference for the efficient management of Haj pilgrims by Tabung Haji.
He said
the department has no legal authority over individuals performing the DIY Haj
pilgrimage using a tourist visa, however, it is ready to cooperate with any
party if needed.
On
another development, Zulkifli said the case of two women captured in a video
stepping over a grave at a Muslim cemetery that went viral recently requires
comprehensive resolution to prevent such incidents from recurring. — Bernama
Source: malaymail.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2024/05/27/muslims-urged-to-perform-haj-through-authorised-channels-says-deputy-minister/136739#google_vignette
--------
Pilgrim
who died in Makkah was a Mosque-Goer
27-05-
2024
MAKKAH:
Malaysian haj pilgrim Abnil Hajar Ismail who died here on Friday due to a
ruptured blood vessel, was described as someone who went to the mosque on a
regular basis to perform congregational prayers.
His
wife, Sadiah Bakar, 72, said there were times when they would often go together
on a motorcycle to the nearby mosque from their home in KubangPasu, Kedah, and
sometimes he would go alone on foot.
“When we
were preparing to come (to the Holy Land), there was no strange behaviour,
everything was normal. We even had a ‘doaselamat’ and ‘tahlil’.
“He
looked happy because all his children and grandchildren were there...everyone
gathered, and many friends also came,“ she told reporters when met at the
Premium Land Hotel here last night.
Sadiah,
who had been married for almost 54 years to her late husband, said that the
last time they went out together was on Thursday afternoon before he complained
of feeling unwell, with body aches, before vomiting in his room on Friday
morning.
Sadiah
then accompanied her late husband, who suffered from high blood pressure, to
receive treatment at the TH clinic at Maktab 79, but due to the seriousness of
the case, Abnil Hajar was later rushed to King Fahd Hospital for further
treatment by ambulance, but she couldn’t accompany him.
“After
that, Tabung Haji staff informed me that he had passed away. When I heard the
news, I didn’t know what to say, my friends (in the room) were holding me,”
said the mother of four.
Meanwhile,
Maktab 79 manager Al-’Amin Jaminon said the last time he met with the deceased
was at the clinic in the hostel, where he offered words of encouragement for
him to recover quickly so he could resume his religious duties.
He said
the deceased was then referred to King Fahd Hospital and later admitted to the
red zone.
“Within
less than five minutes, I was informed that the haj pilgrim had passed away,
and I was shocked.
“The
identification process at the hospital, the bathing and shrouding of the
deceased at Masjidil Haram, all went smoothly, and he was buried at the
Assyaria cemetery here after the subuh prayer on Saturday,” he said.
Malaysian
haj delegation head Datuk Seri Syed Saleh Syed Abdul Rahman and TH officials
visited Sadiah and explained several matters to her.
These
include the badal haj (haj by proxy) and the haj rituals in idah as well as its
process.
Source: thesun.my
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://thesun.my/local_news/pilgrim-who-died-in-makkah-was-a-mosque-goer-JO12497068#google_vignette
--------
North America
Trevor
Phillips Confronts Nigel Farage Over ‘Offensive’ Remarks On British Muslims
27th,
2024
Sky News
host Trevor Phillips pushed back on Reform UK honorary president Nigel Farage
over his claim that a “growing number” of young Muslims in the UK do not
subscribe to British values, accusing the former GB News host of making a
“blanket accusation” against Muslims.
Speaking
on Sky News’ Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, Farage said: “We have a
growing number of young people in this country who do not subscribe to British
values. In fact, loathe much of what we stand for.”
He cited
a Henry Jackson Society poll showing 46 percent of British Muslims support
Hamas, the proscribed terrorist organisation that carried out the attack on
Israel on October 7th.
Farage
blamed the Conservatives and Labour for increased immigration.
He said:
“Nobody in history has allowed more people who are potentially really going to
fight against British values than Mr Sunak.”
This
comment drew criticism from Phillips, who found it offensive to British Muslims.
Farage
defended his stance, asserting he was not attacking Islam but addressing
specific community elements. He also went on to dismiss the idea that Brexit
caused immigration increases, claiming it allowed the UK to control its
policies.
Farage, who
announced he would not stand in the upcoming general election but would
campaign on behalf of Reform UK before heading to the United States to campaign
for Republican nominee Donald Trump’s campaign, criticised the government’s
immigration policies under former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Prime
Minister Rishi Sunak, suggesting they had failed to manage the issue
effectively.
Read the
full exchange below:
Farage:
“And most interestingly, we have a growing number of young people in this
country who do not subscribe to British values, in fact, loathe much of what we
stand for. So what do you do?”
Phillips:
“Who are we talking about there?”
Farage:
“Oh, I think we see them on the streets of London every Saturday.”
Phillips:
“What do they look like? Are we talking about Muslims here?”
Farage:
“We are. And I’m afraid I found some of the recent surveys saying that 46
percent of British Muslims support Hamas, support a terrorist organisation,
that is proscribed in this country. And what’s interesting is that this Prime
Minister is building up far more of that population than anybody before in
history.”
Phillips:
“Well, this is very interesting, and we don’t have that survey in front of us,
but let’s just unpick what you’ve just said. Are you sure you want to make the
blanket accusation that you’ve just made that Muslims are somehow less
patriotic than other British [demonstrators at pro-Palestine protests]?”
Farage:
“Did you watch the recent elections that took place up and down the country?”
Phillips:
“We don’t know they support Hamas. Would you like just to revisit what you said
at all?”
Farage:
“Let’s be clear. There is a growing population of people in this country, a lot
of them very young, who have recently been voting for and electing candidates,
right, up and down the country, in inner cities, who stand for a set of values,
that are completely, not only don’t subscribe to our values, but in many cases
are totally against our values. And the marches, there are some on those
marches. Equally, there are lots of upper middle class girls called Jocasta
[referring to the incestous mother of Oedipus in Greek mythology who
unwittingly married her son] on those marches as well, and I understand that.
But we have to face the fact, and at some point, by 2029, the Labour Party will
have to face the fact that they started a policy of irresponsible, open door
immigration, but nobody, but nobody in history has allowed more people in who
are potentially going to fight against British values than Mr Sunak. And if you
look at those figures last week, if you look at the sheer numbers that were
coming in last week, you really have to ask yourself some questions.”
Phillips:
“Well, is this the thrust of the Reform [UK] campaign, that actually
immigration means that our values are threatened Muslims, because that is a
pretty incendiary proposition.”
Farage:
“We have never before seen anything like this. You think about West Indian
immigration into Britain, the post-World War II.”
Phillips:
“I think of very little else.”
Farage:
“West Indian immigration into Britain post-World War II, there were a lot of
shared things there, shared history, shared culture, shared religion in many
cases. Most families that came could say one of their family had served with
British forces in World War I, World War II, love of cricket… You know, the
list goes on, but the work home analysis and you know, as you know, with your
previous job, the key to immigration is integration. If you get integration, it
works. What we’ve done is… and this this works on several levels. What we’ve
done.
Phillips:
“I’m going to stop you there and I’m going to say two things.”
Farage:
“Well, here’s the difference…”
Phillips:
“No, no, I’m going to tell you something about the difference. First of all
you’re right, I come from that stock. But let us remember that my stock, my
ancestors for the best part of seven or 800 years were Muslims until they were
forcibly converted to Christians by slave owners. So, when you talk about
Muslims as hostile to British values, I’ve got to say…”
Farage:
[attempts to interrupt]
Phillips:
“Let me finish what I’m going to say. I don’t really see how you arrive at that
conclusion. And secondly, trying to say to me, ‘You know, actually, you guys
are not really like these other guys.’ I mean, you and I have known each other
a long time. Can you imagine how offensive that is to a British Muslim?
Farage:
“How many members? How many members?”
Phillips:
“Let me ask you to put yourself in the shoes of a British Muslim, and can you
imagine how offensive that feels?”
Farage:
“How many people in your community fail to speak English?”
Phillips:
“How many people?”
Farage:
“…from the West Indian community don’t speak English.”
Phillips:
“We all speak English, but actually so do most Indian Muslims, so do pretty
much all Pakistani Muslims in this country.”
Farage:
“I can take you to streets in Oldham where virtually no one speaks English.”
Phillips:
“I’ve been there too, but honestly, come on. You’re not serious.”
Farage:
“The point I’m making is this. I am not here to attack the religion of Islam,
but I am here.”
Phillips:
“Well, you’ve just been doing it for three minutes.”
Farage:
“No, I haven’t. I’m telling you the alarming figures that have been coming out
of these recent polls, particularly in the wake of what has happened on October
the 7th and in Gaza, and we have a real, real problem here.”
Source: mediaite.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.mediaite.com/uk/trevor-phillips-confronts-nigel-farage-over-offensive-remarks-on-british-muslims/
--------
Pyongyang
slams Washington, Seoul for sending spy planes, drones, boats to North Korea
26 May
2024
North
Korea says the US and South Korea are deploying an increased number of planes,
drones and boats to its territory for espionage, further escalating the already
high tensions on the Korean peninsula.
"Even
now, the US and South Korean puppet air forces are continuously mobilizing
various aircraft with little or no time gap throughout the day, carrying out
aerial reconnaissance activities at a level comparable to wartime
situations," Kim Kang Il, Vice-Minister of National Defense of the
Democratic People's Republic of Korea, said in a public a press statement on
Saturday.
It was
carried by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), under the title
"We Will Defend Sovereignty, Security and Interests of the State with
Powerful Self-Defense Capacity".
Kim said
South Korea's navy and coast guard are escalating military tensions by
expanding patrols and breaching the maritime border among other "dangerous
provocations" such as sending balloons containing anti-regime leaflets,
and warned of "tit-for-tat action."
"We
will act immediately when the nation's sovereignty and security interests are
violated," Kim warned in the statement, adding, "Such hostile
military espionage, together with various military drills, has become the root
cause of ever-escalating regional military tensions."
He
reiterated the North's military would "take necessary military
measures".
Kim said
the US had flown at least 16 of its RC-135 and U-2S strategic reconnaissance
planes and RQ-4B drone over the Korean peninsula in a 10-day period in mid-May.
"Dangerous
consequences will ensue from such frequent intrusions across our maritime
border," he further warned.
Inter-Korean
relations are at one of their lowest points in years, with Pyongyang declaring
Seoul its "principal enemy."
Pyongyang
has dismantled agencies dedicated to reunification and threatened war over
"even 0.001 mm" of territorial infringement.
It has
also voiced its opposition to joint military exercises that Washington and Seoul
routinely conducted, regarding such drills as rehearsals for an invasion of the
nuclear-armed North.
Pyongyang
has continued to conduct weapons tests and live-fire counter-drills as part of
its military development programs to defend its nation against its enemies.
Source: presstv.ir
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2024/05/26/726239/North-Korea-Says-Washington-Seoul-Sending-More-Spy-Planes-And-Boats-
--------
Pakistan
33
Muslims Arrested For Attacking 2 Christian Men On Allegations Of Desecrating
Quran In Pakistan
May 27,
2024
LAHORE,
Pakistan (AP) — Police in eastern Pakistan arrested dozens of Muslim men and
charged them with attacking a Christian father and son on allegations of desecrating
pages of Islam’s holy book, officials said Monday.
The mob
went on a rampage Saturday after locals saw burnt pages of the Quran outside
the two Christian men's house and accused the son of being behind it, setting
their house and shoemaking factory on fire in the city of Sargodha in Punjab
province, said senior police officer Asad Ijaz Malhi. They also beat up the
son.
Malhi
said police forces rescued the two wounded men and transported them to a
hospital where they were in stable condition, and that at least 33 men were
arrested following multiple police raids. Authorities were chasing others who
may be involved in the attack, he said.
The
blaze fully incinerated the factory and parts of the house, residents and the
police said.
Punjab
police said in a statement it beefed up security at churches.
Blasphemy
accusations are common in Pakistan and under the country’s blasphemy laws,
anyone found guilty of insulting Islam or Islamic religious figures can be
sentenced to death. While no one has been executed on such charges, often just
an accusation can cause riots and incite mobs to violence, lynching and
killings.
The
latest violence, however, brought back memories of one of the worst attacks on
Christians in Pakistan in August 2023, when thousands of people set churches
and homes of Christians on fire in Jaranwala, a district in Punjab province.
Muslim
residents at the time also claimed they saw two men desecrating the Quran.
Source: yahoo.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the original
Story
https://www.yahoo.com/news/33-muslims-arrested-attacking-2-070617945.html
--------
Soldier,
captain martyred in exchange of fire with terrorists in Peshawar
May 26,
2024
RAWALPINDI:
The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Sunday stated that an army
captain and soldier were martyred, while five terrorists were killed during an
exchange of fire in Peshawar district’s Hassan Khel area.
The
media wing of the armed forces said the incident happened during an operation
launched on the “reported presence of terrorists” in the tehsil.
The ISPR
said the troops “effectively engaged” with the terrorists and killed five of
them while injuring three others.
“However,
during intense exchange of fire, leading his troops from the front, Captain Hussain
Jahangir (age: 25 years, resident of Rahim Yar Khan District) along with
another brave son of soil, Havildar Shafiq Ullah (age: 36 years, resident of
District Karak), having fought gallantly, made the ultimate sacrifice and
embraced Shahadat,” it added.
The
military’s media wing said that sanitisation operation is being carried out in
the area to eliminate any remaining terrorists.
“Security
forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such
sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” said the
ISPR.
At least
92% of all fatalities and 86% of attacks, including those related to terrorism
and security forces operations, were recorded in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and
Balochistan provinces in the first quarter of 2024.
These
key findings were revealed in the Q1 2024 Security Report issued by Centre for
Research and Security Studies (CRSS), detailing that the country witnessed at
least 432 violence-linked fatalities and 370 injuries among civilians, security
personnel and outlaws resulting from as many as 245 incidents of terror attacks
and counter-terror operations.
Among
the 432 fatalities, 281 included that of civilians and security forces
personnel.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1193443-soldier-captain-martyred-in-exchange-of-fire-with-terrorists-in-peshawar
--------
No loss
of life as students rescued from fire at girls’ school in KP’s Haripur
May 27,
2024
No casualties
were reported on Monday morning after a school in the Sirikot village of Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) Haripur district caught fire, DawnNewsTV reported.
According
to Dawn.com’s correspondent in the area, more than 1,000 female students were
inside the Government Girls’ High Secondary School Sirikot when the fire
started.
Fire and
rescue officials, who had reached there with a fire brigade vehicle, had put
out the fire after it had raged on for more than two hours, the correspondent
said.
Vehicles
of the Haripur and Ghazi Tehsil Municipal Administrations (TMAs) were also
called to the site, which were yet to arrive, he added.
While
there was no official statement on the incident’s cause, Rashid, the father of
a student there, said his daughter was inside the classroom where the fire
started and that it had begun with sparks coming from the roof, hinting at a
short circuit as a possible cause.
Dawn.com’s
correspondent said the fire quickly spread through the building, gutting the
building, the furniture and paper records inside the school.
Mobile
phone videos from the site showed huge plumes of smoke billowing out of the
school premises and debris from burnt roofs falling as flames raged inside.
Dozens of locals could also be seen gathered outside the school.
Multiple
fire incidents have taken place in Haripur in the past few years.
In
December, a woman was killed while eight animals perished when a cattle pen
caught fire in Haripur’s Khanpur tehsil.
The
summer of 2022 saw huge wildfires in Haripur and three other KP districts,
destroying hundreds of acres of forestland.
In
October of the same year, a fire destroyed records and furniture in the office
of Pak-Austria Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology in Haripur’s Mang
area.
This is
a developing story that is being updated as the situation evolves. Initial
reports in the media can sometimes be inaccurate. We will strive to ensure
timeliness and accuracy by relying on credible sources, such as concerned,
qualified authorities and our staff reporters.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1835991/no-loss-of-life-as-students-rescued-from-fire-at-girls-school-in-kps-haripur
--------
26
arrested, over 400 booked for mob violence in Sargodha
May 27,
2024
SARGODHA/LAHORE:
Urban Area police of Sargodha arrested 26 people for mob violence and attempt
to lynch a Christian man the other day while registered a case against 44
nominated and 300/400 unidentified suspects.
The case
was registered on behalf of the state under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997
and sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).
However,
the police also registered a blasphemy case against the Christian man, a
resident of Mujahid Colony, who was critically injured by the mob but survived
the lynching attempt. He was booked on the report of an activist of the
Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan, identified as Muhammad Jahangir. About the
incident, a resident of the locality, on condition of anonymity, told Dawn that
some pages of the Holy Quran were found burnt on the cover of a water pump
adjacent to the Christian man’s residence but no one saw him setting them on
fire. He described the man’s family as humble and not known for such bad
activities.
On
Saturday, the Christian man faced violence from a mob of religious people who
wanted to lynch him. The mob violence case, registered by Station House Officer
(SHO) Shahid Iqbal, states that locals, armed with sticks, stones and weapons,
gathered in front of the man’s house and attempted to break into it.
Despite
efforts by the police, the Sargodha Peace Committee and other residents to calm
the mob and resolve the situation through a dialogue, the mob set a shoe unit
of the man’s son ablaze and tried to enter his house from the adjoining
rooftops. The mob destroyed electricity meters and outdoor AC units outside
man’s home and set them ablaze. SHO Iqbal and other police personnel at the
scene rescued the man from the burning house. However, when they brought him
out, the mob surrounded them and hurled stones at them and beat them with
sticks, severely injuring the man.
Violence
victim also booked in blasphemy case registered on TLP activist’s allegations
The FIR
also alleges that women were also a part of the crowd, inciting violence. The
case was registered under several sections of the ATA and PPC, including
attempt to murder, obstructing public officials in discharging their duty,
assaulting a public official and mischief by fire or explosive material with
intent to destroy a house or cause death or hurt.
Following
the incident, Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar and Home
Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal visited Sargodha and inspected the crime scene.
They appreciated the timely action of police and the members of the peace
committee for maintaining peace and security. In response to the incident,
Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora and took notice of
the alleged blasphemy and contacted the Punjab home secretary.
Mr Arora
appealed to the people of Sargodha not to take the law into their hands and
assured them that the law enforcement agencies were holding an investigation
into the incident. He emphasized that insult to any religion could not be
allowed and everyone had aduty to establish a peaceful society.
Under
the supervision of Sargodha District Police Officer Dr Asad Ijaz Malhi, the
security of churches in the entire district was tightened and more than 1,000
security personnel were deployed at the churches on Sunday.
A flag
march was held in Sargodha city led by SP Headquarters Ziaullah for maintenance
of law and order and the implementation of Section 144. The march passed
through Club Chowk, Khayam Chowk, Noori Gate, Block 12 Chowk, Basti Chishtian,
Ali Park, Gulwala, Kot Farid, Mujahid Colony, Zafar Colony, Satellite Town and
other roads and ended at the same place where it had started. The DSP Traffic,
DSP Headquarters, Muhafiz Squad and Elite Force participated in the march.
Speaking to the media, SP Headquarters Ziaullah said that after the tragic
incident of Mujahid Colony, Section 144 had been imposed in the city for seven
days. Protests and sit-ins are banned.
“The
purpose of the flag march is to instill a sense of security among the people
and send a clear message to the miscreants that security in Sargodha was on
high alert and that the police were ready to deal with any emergency,” he said.
The officer said all kinds of inflammatory speeches, loudspeakers,
wall-chalking and publication and distribution of inflammatory pamphlets were
completely banned.
Central
Ruet-i-Hilal Committee Pakistan Chairman/Imam Badshahhi Masjid Maulana Syed
Muhammad Abdul Khabeer Azad along with scholars of all schools of thought and
Christian leaders held a press conference at the Sargodha commissioner’s
office. Mr Azad said the protection of Pakistan was the common responsibility
of the whole nation. “Honouring and protecting all divine books is our
responsibility and a part of our faith. Islam orders the protection of the
rights of the minorities and the Constitution of Pakistan is the guarantor of
the rights of all minorities. No one can be allowed to set up his own court in
the country.”
He said
anti-national forces wanted to harm national unity by creating unrest in
Pakistan through religious riots and chaos. Respect for humanity, a
violence-free society, religious harmony and the promotion of the message of
Pakistan were the responsibilities of all, he said and added that timely notice
of the tragedy of Mujahid Colony by Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif and
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif was commendable.
Archbishop
Sabatin Shane said love for the country was a part of faith the Christians
wanted to make the country chaos-free.
“In
Pakistan, inter-ethnic and inter-religious harmony is the most important need
of the hour,” he added. Addressing the press conference, other speakers called
for making the country prosperous, peaceful and secure.
Commissioner
Sargodha Division Muhammad Ajmal Bhatti, Regional Police Officer Shariq Kamal
Siddiqui, Deputy Commissioner retired Captain Aurangzeb Haider Khan and DPO Dr
Asad Ijaz Malhi besides Ulema, Christian leaders and other officers of police
and administration were present.
Later,
Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabeer Azad stressed love and peace while
presiding over the peace committee meeting.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1835867/26-arrested-over-400-booked-for-mob-violence-in-sargodha
--------
Protesters
begin march against Pak-Iran border closure
May 27,
2024
QUETTA:
Hundreds of people protesting against the closure of a crossing point between
Pakistan and Iran in Mashkel area of Rakhshan division in Balochistan, started
a long march towards the provincial capital.
The
protesters, including traders, had been staging a sit-in for the last one month
in the border town Mashkel demanding the opening of Pak-Iran Maza Sar border
crossing used by local people for buying food items and other essential
commodities.
Its
closure has created shortage of food items and other items of daily use.
Besides, locals said the border trade was their livelihood which has also been
impacted.
Hundreds
of protestors, after ending the month-long sit-in, started the long march on
Saturday and reached Yakmach area of Chagai district on Sunday where locals
welcomed them.
Locals
protesting for a month to press authorities for reopening of crossing point
The
participants of the long march expressed their gratitude to the people of
Yakmach, saying, “We are grateful to the people of Yakmach for their
humanitarian gesture and for standing with us during this difficult time.”
The
people of Yakmach announced their full support for the participants of the long
march, stating that for the past 28 days, people of Mashkel had been staging a
sit-in for their basic necessities of life but due to the lack of any action by
the government, they have been forced to launch the protest long march towards
Quetta.
“We
fully support this long march and stand shoulder to shoulder with our oppressed
Baloch brothers,” they said.
After
staying in Yakmach overnight, the participants of the long march will depart
for Dalbandin on Monday morning.
Tribal
leader Mir Jiand Khan Reki, participating in the long march, spoke to
journalists by phone from the area and said that despite staging the sit-ins
for 28 days, the government officials paid no heed and did nothing to resolve
the issue.
“Despite
staging several protests and strikes, the government did nothing and now we are
compelled to march towards Quetta to highlight our demands. Upon reaching
Quetta, we will hold a sit-in in front of the provincial assembly building,” Mr
Reki said.
Meanwhile,
the central leader of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam and Member of the Provincial
Assembly, Haji Mir Zahid Ali Riki, on Sunday said the local political
leadership and members of civil society of
Mashkel
have been protesting against the closure of the Pak-Iran Maza Sar border for
the last one month.
The MPA
said the border crossing’s closure has created a serious shortage of food items
and other essential commodities in the area and people are facing severe
difficulties in buying essential food items.
The MPA
said he has informed top officials of the province, including the chief
minister chief secretary, IG and home secretary about the problems locals had
been facing due to border closure.
He said
he could not leave his people alone in this difficult time at any cost and held
out an assurance to keep knocking on every door to reopen the Maza Sar border
crossing.
He said
that the local people of Mashkel were asking for the border opening to feed
their families and they are willing to comply with all government regulations
including payment of taxes.
He said
the provincial government and other authorities concerned should immediately
reopen the Maza Sar border to end food items’ shortage in the area faced by the
thousands of people of Mashkel.
Source: dawn.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.dawn.com/news/1835935/protesters-begin-march-against-pak-iran-border-closure
--------
Lahore
ATC grants police three-day 'physical remand' of PTI’s Shah Mahmood Qureshi
May 26,
2024
LAHORE:
An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore on Sunday allowed the police to
interrogate Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice-Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi
in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail for a period of three days in May 9 violence
related cases.
As per
details, the police implicated the senior PTI leader in eight more cases in
connection with the May 9 mayhem.
Qureshi,
the former foreign minister, is currently imprisoned in Rawalpindi’s Adiala
Jail in multiple cases. In addition to this, a special court established under
the Official Secrets Act had handed Qureshi 10 years in jail in the cipher
case.
The May
9 riots were triggered almost across the country after the deposed prime minister
Imran Khan's arrest in the £190 million settlement case. Hundreds of PTI
workers and senior leaders were put behind bars for their involvement in
violence and attacks on military installations last year.
During
the protests, the miscreants targeted the civil and military installations
including — Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The
military termed May 9 "Black Day" and decided to try the protesters
under the Army Act.
Earlier
today, a special team of the police approached the ATC in Lahore seeking
permission to arrest, interrogate and summon the PTI leader in an FIR
registered with Police Station Sarwar Road.
The
court, however, denied the permission in view of the “security concerns”.
Meanwhile,
the court allowed the investigation officer to visit Adalia Jail for
interrogation of the accused within a period of three days instead.
“The
accused shall be deemed to be on physical remand for that purpose,” read the
court order.
The
court directed police to produce the suspect before it via a video link on
Monday (May 27). The superintendent of the jail was also ordered to make
necessary arrangements in this regard.
Later,
the police reached the Rawalpindi prison and recorded Qureshi’s statement in
the case.
'Lawlessness
making new highs’
Reacting
to the implication of Qureshi in more cases, a spokesperson of the PTI said
that the court had already granted bail to the former ruling party’s
vice-chairman in these cases.
“Law was
flouted again to keep Qureshi behind bars by making the court’s order
ineffective practically.”
The
spokesperson said that Qureshi was being punished for firmly sticking with the
ideology of the PTI founder. Lawlessness was reaching new highs in the country,
he added.
The
Khan-founded party, the spokesperson said, would take every possible action
against the cruel act.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1193543-lahore-atc-grants-police-three-day-physical-remand-of-ptis-shah-mahmood-qureshi
--------
Islamabad
asks Kabul to hand over TTP terrorists involved in Besham attack on Chinese
nationals
May 26,
2024
ISLAMABAD:
In view of concrete evidence and investigation reports, Interior Minister
Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday urged the interim Taliban government in Afghanistan to
hand over banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan’s (TTP) terrorists involved in the
Besham terror attack on Chinese nationals to Islamabad.
Addressing
a joint press conference flanked by officials of the National Counter-Terrorism
Authority (Necta), the interior minister said: “Whether Afghanistan try the
terrorists [in the court of law] or not, it should hand over the militants to
Pakistan.”
At least
six people including five Chinese nationals were killed after a suicide bomber
rammed into the bus transporting the staff working on the Dasu hydropower
project in Bisham, Shangla district, in March this year.
Condoling
the deaths of Chinese engineers in the attack, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
had said that the “cowardly attack” was aimed at creating a wedge between iron
brother Pakistan and China.
In view
of the investigation report, the interior minister said that the TTP operated
the Besham terror attack on Chinese citizens from inside Afghanistan.
“[Pakistan
has formally] requested the interim government in Afghanistan to arrest the
leadership of [banned] TTP,” he added.
Over the
past two years, Islamabad has repeatedly conveyed its serious concerns to Kabul
over the presence of terror outfits, including the banned TTP, inside
Afghanistan. These terrorists pose a grave threat to Pakistan’s security and
have consistently used Afghan territory to launch terror attacks inside
Pakistani territory.
“We have
repeatedly urged the Afghan authorities to take concrete and effective action
to ensure that the Afghan soil is not used as a staging ground for terrorism
against Pakistan. We have also called on them to deny safe havens to the TTP
and to hand over its leadership to Pakistan,” the FO said in March.
Briefing
the media about the progress of the probe, Naqvi said: “Probe agencies have
prepared an investigation report."
He
further said that they had concrete evidence that the TTP carried out the
terror attack on the Chinese engineers and Afghan soil was used for it.
The
security czar also said they wanted friendly ties with Kabul, adding that
"it is only possible if they cooperate with Islamabad".
Responding
to a question, he said the government had contacted the interim authorities in
Kabul but “good results are not coming from there.”
It is
pertinent to mention here that Afghanistan’s acting Deputy Prime Minister
Maulvi Abdul Kabir, in his meeting with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F)
supremo Maulana Fazlur Rehman in January this year, had reiterated that the
Taliban government would not allow Afghan soil to be used against anyone but
the authorities have failed to fulfil their promise.
Pakistan
witnessed a sharp surge since peace talks between the TTP and the government
collapsed in 2021. The TTP formally ended the ceasefire on November 28 and
since then executed hundreds of terror attacks inside Pakistan.
Talking
to journalists, the interior minister said that Pakistan gave great importance
to its ties with China, adding that both friendly nations support each other at
different global forums. “The security of Chinese nationals is very important
to us.”
He said
the government "is taking all possible measures to ensure the security of
the Chinese nationals" in the country.
To
another question about the suicide attack on the Chinese nationals, Naqvi said
that it was a planned attack.
“The
government knows very well which forces want to create a law and order situation
in the country.”
'Vehicle
used in terror attack came from Afghanistan’
For his
part, Necta head Tahir Rai revealed that the explosive-laden vehicle that had
hit the bus carrying the Chinese national was Japan-assembled and reached
Pakistan via Afghanistan.
Giving
details of the terror incident, Rai said the suicide bomber had targeted the
bus when the driver slowed down the vehicle near a turn.
“The
bust ploughed into a 150-feet deep ravine and subsequently caught fire due to
the explosive material.”
A mobile
phone having two SIMs had also recovered from the crime scene, he said, adding
that one of the SIMs was issued in the name of Adil Shah resident of Mansehra
and the other one in the name of Shafique Qureshi. “Adil Shah was in contact
with a terrorist Hazrat Bilal.”
Both the
suspects have been arrested by the authorities, said the Necta chief.
Giving
further details, the Necta officer also said that Khan Lala and Qari Abdullah
had purchased the vehicle for the terrorists in Afghanistan.
A car
showroom owner, Imran Swati, received Rs260,000 to transport the vehicle to
Pakistan.
Rai said
that 11 suspects have been arrested in this case so far.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1193516-islamabad-asks-kabul-to-hand-over-ttp-terrorists-involved-in-besham-attack
--------
PM
Shehbaz reiterates support for 'One China policy'
May 26,
2024
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Sunday reiterated Islamabad's support to
Beijing's "One China" policy on Taiwan issue while terming the Island
nation as an inalienable part of China.
Taking
to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, PM Shehbaz said: "Pakistan
has always extended its principled support to the Chinese position on Taiwan
and will continue to do so. Pakistan adheres to the 'One China' policy."
Supporting
China's efforts for national reunification, the prime minister stressed that
the so-called elections or transition of the self-proclaimed government in
Taiwan do not change the objective facts on the Taiwan issue.
The One
China policy PM Shehbaz referred to translates to diplomatic acknowledgement
and support for Beijing's stance that only one Chinese government — a key
aspect of Beijing's policy-making and diplomatic standing and a fundamental
pillar of its relations with the United States.
As per
the BBC, Taiwan, which began its "separate" rule after the
nationalists retreated to the Island nation following the Chinese Civil War, is
considered by China as its part which is destined to be unified with the
mainland.
Under
the said policy, a country which intends to have diplomatic ties with China
cannot continue to have relations with Taiwan as the latter, Beijing maintains,
is a part of mainland China.
Source: thenews.com.pk
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1193450-pm-shehbaz-reiterates-support-for-one-china-policy
--------
Mideast
Jihad
says Zionist massacre in Rafah adds to Gaza's war crimes
[27/May/2024]
GAZA May
27. 2024 (Saba) - The Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine has affirmed that the
massacre committed by the Zionist enemy army against the displaced in Rafah
city constitutes a crime added to the series of genocide war crimes against the
Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.
In a
press release tonight, the movement clarified that targeting the refugee camps
in Rafah reflects the depth of the military failure of the occupation army in
the field.
The
statement emphasized that the ongoing crimes of the Zionist enemy in the sector
are the result of American cover and the positions of some European
governments, as well as the inability of Arab regimes, which encourage it to
disregard international decisions."
Source: saba.ye
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3334025.htm
--------
Israel
orders Spain to stop consular services for Palestinians from June 1
May 27,
2024
JERUSALEM:
Israel’s foreign ministry said Monday it had told the Spanish consulate in
Jerusalem to stop offering consular services to Palestinians from June 1 over
Madrid’s recognition of a Palestinian state.
The
ministry said in a statement that Spain’s consulate in Jerusalem is “authorized
to provide consular services to residents of the consular district of Jerusalem
only, and is not authorized to provide services or perform consular activity
vis-a-vis residents of the Palestinian Authority.”
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2517721/middle-east
--------
Israel
army kills Palestinian teen after West Bank ‘attempted attack’
May 27,
2024
JERUSALEM: Israel’s military said its troops
killed a Palestinian assailant in the occupied West Bank, with the Palestinian
health ministry identifying him as a teenager.
Israeli
forces “identified a terrorist who came in their direction and attempted to carry
out a stabbing attack,” a military statement said.
“The
soldiers fired at him and killed him,” it said.
The
Palestinian health ministry identified the fatality as MajdShahirAramin, 14,
and said he had been killed by Israeli forces.
The
deadly incident took place near Hebron in the southern West Bank, the army and
the Palestinian ministry said.
The West
Bank, which Israel has occupied since 1967, has seen a surge in violence for
more than a year, but especially since the Israel-Hamas war erupted on October
7.
According
to Palestinian officials, at least 519 Palestinians have been killed in the
West Bank by Israeli troops or settlers since the start of the war in the Gaza
Strip.
Attacks
by Palestinians have killed at least 12 Israelis in the West Bank over the same
period, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2517621/middle-east
--------
Israeli
police and Jewish pilgrims clash at beleaguered festival site
May 27,
2024
JERUSALEM:
Clashes erupted on Sunday between police and Jewish pilgrims at a religious
festival site in northern Israel where three years ago 45 people died in a
crowd crush, and which authorities closed this year due to rocket fire from
Lebanon.
Since
the 2021 tragedy at the tomb of a 2nd-century sage during the annual Lag B’Omer
celebration, police have limited the number of attendees.
The
all-night sessions of prayer, mystical songs and dance had in previous years
drawn crowds in the tens of thousands.
This
year’s festival was canceled since the site at Meron in the Galilee region has
been targeted by rocket fire from Lebanon.
Many
northern Israeli towns have been evacuated since Iran-backed Hezbollah in
Lebanon began firing at them following Hamas’ Oct. 7 assault on southern
Israel, which sparked the war in Gaza.
Both
sides have traded blows since. Despite the closure, police said they turned
away thousands of pilgrims over the weekend, though hundreds managed to reach
the site, where things got out of hand.
The
visitors damaged property and hurled objects at officers, police said. Nineteen
officers were injured.
Israeli
media reported that several people among the unauthorized crowd were hurt. At
least one officer was suspended for pushing an older man to the ground, and
police said it was examining other incidents from the site.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2517606/middle-east
--------
Iran’s
acting president addresses new parliament
May 27,
2024
TEHRAN:
Iran’s acting President Mohammad Mokhber addressed the country’s new parliament
Monday in his first public speech since last week’s helicopter crash that
killed his predecessor and seven others.
His
speech comes as Iran prepares for a presidential election to replace the late
Ebrahim Raisi in just a month, a vote that could see the previously
behind-the-scenes bureaucrat potentially run alongside others. Meanwhile,
Iran’s new hard-line parliament is expected to select its new speaker Tuesday.
In his
remarks, Mokhber praised Raisi’s time in office, noting that Iran’s crude oil
production— a key source of hard currency for the country — climbed to more
than 3.6 million barrels a day. That comes after Oil Minister JavadOwji said
Sunday that Iran was now exporting around 2 million barrels a day, despite
Western sanctions targeting the Islamic Republic.
Mokhber
also asserted that the country’s economy remained stable under Raisi when Iran
took military actions in Iraq, Israel and Pakistan in recent months.
“Three
countries were hit. We hit Israel, people find that figures and indexes are the
same in the morning when they wake up, price of hard currency is the same,
inflation is the same, liquidity is the same and the market is full of people’s
needs,” Mokhber claimed. “This strength, this settlement and this power is not
a usual thing, they all were because of guidance by the supreme leader and the
sincere efforts of Ayatollah Raisi.”
The
Iranian rial has tumbled from a rate of 32,000 rials to $1 at the time of
Tehran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. Today, it stands around 580,000
to $1 in the wake of the US’ unilateral withdrawal from the accord and a series
of attacks on shipping in the Mideast, first attributed to Iran and later
involving Yemen’s Houthi rebels as Israel’s war against Hamas on the Gaza Strip
began over seven months ago.
On May
20, rescuers recovered the bodies of Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian
and others in a mountainous region in northwestern Iran following a fatal
helicopter crash.
Iran
will hold presidential elections on June 28 to replace Raisi. On Thursday, a
five-day registration period for candidates will open. Analysts have suggested
that Mokhber could be one of those to register.
Meanwhile,
Monday marked the first day for Iran’s newly elected parliament, following a
March election that saw the country’s lowest turnout since its 1979 Islamic
Revolution. Of those elected to the 290-seat body, hard-liners hold over 230
seats, according to an Associated Press survey.
Iran’s
parliament plays a secondary role in governing the country, though it can
intensify pressure on a presidential administration when deciding on the annual
budget and other important bills. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 85,
has the final say in all important state matters.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2517796/middle-east
--------
Israel
war cabinet to discuss new push for Gaza hostage deal
May 27,
2024
RAFAH, Palestinian
Territories: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday he “strongly
opposes” ending the war in Gaza, ahead of his war cabinet convening amid
intense diplomacy to forge a truce and hostage release deal.
Meanwhile
deadly fighting rocked the Gaza Strip and Hamas militants fired a salvo of
rockets at Israel’s commercial hub Tel Aviv for the first time in months,
sending people scrambling for shelter.
Netanyahu
has long rejected Hamas’s demand in negotiations for a permanent end to the fighting,
which was triggered by the Palestinian militant group’s October 7 attack and
has left vast areas of besieged Gaza in ruins.
A senior
Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, had earlier told AFP that
“the war cabinet is expected to meet... tonight at 9 p.m. (1800 GMT) to discuss
a hostage release deal.”
A
statement issued by Netanyahu’s office before the meeting said Hamas chief in
Gaza Yahya “Sinwar continues to demand the end of the war, the withdrawal of
the IDF (army) from the Gaza Strip and leaving Hamas in place, so that it will
be able to carry out the atrocities of October 7 again and again,” referring to
the attack that triggered the war.
“Prime
Minister Netanyahu strongly opposes this,” the statement said.
A member
of Hamas’s political leadership, Izzat Al-Rishq, accused Netanyahu earlier
Sunday of “trying to buy more time to continue the aggression.”
In
Brussels, the European Union’s foreign policy chief JosepBorrell told
journalists before meeting Palestinian premier Mohammed Mustafa that a strong
Palestinian Authority (PA) was in Israel’s interest.
EU
members Ireland and Spain, and also Norway, have said they will recognize the
State of Palestine from Tuesday, drawing furious Israeli condemnation.
“A
functional Palestinian Authority is in Israel’s interest too, because in order
to make peace, we need a strong Palestinian Authority, not a weaker one,”
Borrell said.
Mustafa,
whose government is based in the occupied West Bank, said the “first priority”
was to support people in Gaza, especially through a ceasefire, and then
“rebuilding the institutions of the Palestinian Authority” there after Hamas
seized it from the PA in 2007.
US
President Joe Biden has pushed for renewed international efforts to halt the
war, now in its eighth month.
The
Israeli official had said Saturday that “there is an intention to renew these
talks this week” after negotiations involving US, Qatari and Egyptian mediators
stalled in early May.
However,
Rishq said Sunday that so far, “we have not received anything from the
mediators.”
He
insisted on Hamas’s long-standing demand for a permanent cessation of
hostilities as “the foundation and the starting point for anything.”
Netanyahu
has repeatedly vowed to destroy Hamas following the October 7 attack, but has
also faced growing domestic and international criticism.
The
attack on southern Israel resulted in the deaths of more than 1,170 people,
mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures.
Militants
also took 252 hostages, 121 of whom remain in Gaza, including 37 the army says
are dead.
Israel’s
retaliatory offensive has killed at least 35,984 people in Gaza, mostly
civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry.
The
military on Sunday announced the death of a soldier in north Gaza, taking to
289 the number of troops killed since Israel began its ground offensive in late
October.
As the
war ground on, the families of hostages still held by Palestinians militants
have piled pressure on Netanyahu to secure a deal to free them.
Washington
has also taken a tougher line with its close ally as outrage over the war and
US support for Israel has become a major issue for Biden, seeking re-election
in a battle against Donald Trump.
With
more strikes reported Sunday across Gaza, Israel’s military said that over the
past 24 hours it had destroyed “over 50 terror targets.”
Fighting
has centered on the far-southern city of Rafah, where Israel launched a ground
operation in early May despite widespread opposition over concerns for
civilians sheltering there.
Rafah
resident Moaz Abu Taha, 29, told AFP of “constant bombardment from land and
air, which has destroyed many houses.”
Gaza’s
civil defense agency said it had retrieved six bodies after a house was
targeted in eastern Rafah.
Hamas’s
armed wing said it had targeted Tel Aviv “with a large rocket barrage in
response to the Zionist (Israeli) massacres against civilians.”
Israeli
military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari told a televised briefing that
“Hamas terrorists in Gaza fired eight rockets at central Israel from Rafah.”
“Hamas
launched these rockets from near two mosques in Rafah,” Hagari said. “Hamas is
holding our hostages in Rafah, which is why we have been conducting a precise
operation” there.
Analyst
Neomi Neumann said the militants were not trying to “cause damage to Israel,
but to maintain continuity of fire.”
They
“shoot relatively few rockets per barrage from their diminishing arsenal, and
choose when to concentrate their efforts,” said Neumann, a visiting fellow at
the Washington Institute for Near East Policy think tank.
The UN
has warned of looming famine in the besieged territory, where most hospitals
are no longer functioning.
Amid the
bloodiest ever Gaza war, Israel has faced growing global outcry over the
surging civilian death toll, and landmark moves last week at two international
courts.
Last
Monday, the prosecutor at the International Criminal Court announced he was
seeking arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his defense minister as well as for
three top Hamas figures.
And on
Friday, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to halt its Rafah
offensive or any other operation there that could bring about “the physical
destruction” of the Palestinians.
Source: arabnews.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2517596/middle-east
------
Islamic
Resistance in Lebanon targets Zionist sites with barrage of rockets
[27/May/2024]
BEIRUT
May 27. 2024 (Saba) - The Islamic Resistance in Lebanon, led by Hezbollah,
today targeted Zionist military sites and barracks with a barrage of rockets,
in the Western Galilee, Shebaa Farms, the occupied Golan, and other settlements
in northern occupied Palestine.
The
Islamic Resistance said in separate statements that it targeted the
"Ramim" barracks with rockets and artillery shells, and the
"Yiftach" barracks with dozens of Katyusha rockets, in addition to
shelling the settlement of "KiryatShmona" with onion rockets and
Katyusha.
It also
targeted the headquarters of the Haboushit barracks battalion with a rocket
barrage.
The
Lebanese resistance confirmed that it bombed the Zionist site of Zebdin in the
occupied Lebanese Shebaa Farms, and also targeted buildings used by the Zionist
enemy soldiers in the settlements of Avivim, Margaliot and Snir, confirming the
achievement of direct hits.
It also
bombed the headquarters of a battalion in the Zionist Liman barracks in the
western Galilee with a rocket launcher.
Zionist
media said that more than 60 rockets were launched from southern Lebanon
towards sites and settlements in the Galilee finger in northern occupied
Palestine.
Large
areas of "Dishon" in the Galilee, north of occupied Palestine, caught
fire following rocket shelling from Lebanon, while Zionist media said that a
settler was injured in the recent rocket barrage from Lebanon.
Rockets
had been fired from southern Lebanon towards Zionist positions in the occupied
Golan.
Meanwhile,
the spokesman for the Zionist enemy army confirmed that 15 rockets were fired
from southern Lebanon towards "Shlomi" in the western Galilee,
without recording injuries.
Source: saba.ye
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.saba.ye/en/news3334013.htm
--------
South Asia
Taliban
in Ghor announce discovery of 40 ancient artifacts
May 26,
2024
The
Taliban’s Department of Information and Culture in Ghor announced in a press
release that following floods in the province, 40 ancient and historical
artifacts were discovered near the Minaret of Jam.
According
to this press release, the discovered artifacts have been handed over to the
local museum in Ghor, which is under Taliban control.
The
images published of these artifacts show damage, with some pieces broken into
fragments.
The
Taliban’s Department of Information and Culture in Ghor shared these images in
a press release on their social media account, stating that the historical
artifacts were found at the foot of the Minaret of Jam following the floods on
Saturday, May 25.
Abdul
Hai Zaheem, the head of the Taliban’s Department of Information and Culture in
Ghor, said that the discovered artifacts are from the “Ghurid period.”
The
Ghurid dynasty, centred in the city of Firuzkuh, existed from 786 to 1215. It
started in Ghor and expanded to become a major power in the mid-12th to early
13th centuries.
According
to Mr. Zaheem, the historical artifacts were transported to the city of
Firuzkuh by a team consisting of the head of intelligence and the governor of
the Taliban in Ghor.
In
recent days, images of the flooding around the Minaret of Jam have been
published, showing that the water has even reached the minaret’s protected
area.
Some
sources reported that the water level had risen up to ten meters around this
64-meter-high minaret.
Local
people in Ghor say that the recent flood in the province has put the
800-year-old Minaret of Jam at risk of collapse. So far, the local governor
under the control of the Taliban has not taken any step to protect the
historical monument of the province.
This
minaret, considered a masterpiece of the Ghurid civilization, was registered as
a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2002. However, the lack of sufficient attention
to its restoration over the past two decades has led to repeated warnings about
its potential collapse.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.khaama.com/taliban-in-ghor-announce-discovery-of-40-ancient-artifacts/
--------
Deputy
PM Kabir Affirms Support to Skilled Professionals in the Country
2024-05-27
KABUL(BNA):
In a recent meeting at Sepadar Palace, with representatives of the Overseas
Specialists Union, the Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs highlighted
the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s policy to support the nation’s skilled
professionals and distinguished individuals.
During
meeting, Dr. Dust Mohammad Zadran and Dr. Ghulam Hazrat, representing the
Union, stated that the Union, with its 160 professional and specialized
doctors, provides essential services to the country’s citizens. They also
mentioned that a significant number of Afghan specialists residing abroad are
ready to return to the country,
They
also highlighted the significant improvements in their capacities compared to
the past and shared some challenges and suggestions to the attention of the
Deputy PM Kabir.
Mawlavi
Abdul Kabir, the Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs, expressed his
appreciation for the efforts of doctors and healthcare workers across the
country. He described these specialists as invaluable assets to the nation,
emphasizing that Afghanistan needs their expertise and dedication in all
circumstances.
He also
reiterated that the policy of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is to
recognize and support the nation’s skilled professionals and distinguished
individuals, striving to provide them with all necessary facilities.
At the
end of his remarks, the Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs reassured
the members of the Overseas Specialists Union that their problems and
suggestions would be shared with the relevant authorities for resolution.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/deputy-pm-kabir-affirms-support-to-skilled-professionals-in-the-country/
--------
Mujahid
claims no threat to other countries from Afghanistan
May 27,
2024
The
spokesperson for the Taliban administration, responding to concerns raised by
Central Asian countries about increasing terrorist threats from Afghanistan,
has stated that there is no threat to other countries.
Radio
Television Afghanistan, a media outlet under the control of the Taliban,
released an audio recording of Zabihullah Mujahid. In this audio, he says that
there are no “rogue groups” in Afghanistan.
Mr.
Mujahid did not clarify what he meant by “rogue groups,” but he reassures
countries about the establishment of security and the non-exploitation of
Afghan soil at a time when concerns about the “reinvigoration” of terrorist
groups in Afghanistan have risen.
Most
recently, KamchybekTashiev, the head of Kyrgyzstan’s security, stated at the
Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) security meeting on Friday, May 24,
that “the number of terrorists in northern provinces of Afghanistan is growing,
posing a threat to the integrity of the southern borders of CIS countries.”
Previously,
the President of Tajikistan also warned of increasing terrorist threats and
proposed the creation of a security belt along the border with Afghanistan.
Meanwhile,
Thomas West, the U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan, during his
regional trips, has visited Turkey emphasized what he called “coordinated
efforts against ISIS-Khorasan threats.”
Since
the Taliban took over the country, ISIS has posed significant threats to the
Taliban regime, carrying out most of the suicide attacks and targeted killings.
The most
recent attack occurred in Kandahar, where dozens of people were killed and
several others were injured.
ISIS
claimed responsibility for the Kandahar attack, highlighting their continued
presence and threat in the region.
Source: khaama.com
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.khaama.com/mujahid-claims-no-threat-to-other-countries-from-afghanistan/
--------
ARCS and
IHH Officials Meets in Istanbul to Discuss Humanitarian Aid Efforts
2024-05-27
KABUL
(BNA): Mullah Nooruddin Turabi, the Vice president of the Afghan Red Crescent
Society (ARCS), along with his delegation, met with Wahid ul Din, the
representative of the humanitarian charity foundation IHH, Mr. Junaid,
responsible for humanitarian diplomacy at the foundation, and Mr.Hamza,
responsible for Central Asian development projects, to attract humanitarian
assistance in Istanbul, Turkey.
According
to a statement from ARCS, the Vice president of ARCS thanked the officials of
the foundation for their ongoing assistance to the people of Afghanistan,
expressing hope for further cooperation in the future to aid fellow citizens in
need.
Meanwhile,
the officials of the foundation pledged to sustain their assistance to
Afghanistan, reaffirming the organization’s ongoing commitment to support the
country’s development and humanitarian efforts.
Additionally,
they confirmed that a train carrying 650 tons of food and non-food items from
Turkey to Afghanistan is currently en route and is expected to arrive within a
week.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/arcs-and-ihh-officials-meets-in-istanbul-to-discuss-humanitarian-aid-efforts/
--------
Second
Phase of Herat-Khaf Railway Construction Commences, Boosting Afghanistan’s Connectivity
to International Markets
2024-05-27
KABUL(BNA):
In a major advancement, the second phase of the fourth section of the
Herat-Khaf railway line construction has officially commenced.
The
project aims to enhance Afghanistan’s connectivity to international markets,
facilitating trade routes through Iran to Turkey and Europe.
MawlaviBakhtul
Rahman Sharafat, the Deputy Minister of Public Works, announced that the
Herat-Khaf railway comprises four sections. Two of these sections span 73
kilometers within Iranian territory, while the remaining two sections cover 152
kilometers within Afghan territory.
MawlaviSharafat
further elaborated that the railway line begins in Rabat Paryan village in
Zindajan and ends at Herat Airport. Upon the completion of this phase, the
Herat-Khaf railway will become operational, facilitating a direct connection
between Herat’s industrial town and European countries via Iran.
Meanwhile,
MawlaviHayatullah Mohajir Farahi, the Deputy Governor of Herat, described the
completion of this project as one of the great aspirations of the people of
Herat. He emphasized the importance of ensuring both speed and quality in its
execution.
Additionally,
Hamidullah Khadem, the head of the Herat Chamber of Industries and Mines,
underscored the importance of railway lines in enhancing commercial
transportation. He highlighted the ambition of Afghan investors to integrate
into the global trade network.
On the
other hand, Zia-ur-Rahman Farahi, the head of the contracting company Gamma,
discussed the upcoming standard construction of the railway line. He mentioned
that the project spans 47 kilometers and is scheduled for completion between
June 7th and 13th. Additionally, a terminal will be constructed alongside the
railway line at a cost of five million dollars.
According
to officials from the Ministry of Public Works, a total of 5,003 kilometers of
railway lines are planned for construction in Afghanistan. To date, technical
surveys have been completed for 3,000 kilometers of this planned network.
It is
worth mentioning that the Herat-Khaf railway is being constructed by Gamma
Group at a cost of 53 million dollars.
Source: bakhtarnews.af
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/second-phase-of-herat-khaf-railway-construction-commences-boosting-afghanistans-connectivity-to-international-markets/
--------
Africa
Kano
mosque attack: Deputy Senate President
donates N15 million, builds ultra-modern Mosque in Gezawa
May 27,
2024
Deputy
President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin, at the weekend, visited Gadan
village of Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State to commiserate with the
people of the community over the penultimate Wednesday fire incident in a
mosque.
Our
Correspondent reports that one ShafiuAbubakarGadan (38) set the mosque ablaze
while worshippers were performing the dawn ( Subhi) prayers.
About 18
people have, so far, lost their lives,
while seven others are receiving
treatment at Murtala Mohammed Specialist hospital as a result of the grievous
attack.
Senator
Barau and members of his entourage, according to a statement by his Special
Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, were received by hundreds of
villagers at the mosque’s entrance.
The
Deputy President of the Senate announced that a modern mosque would be built
for the community’s daily prayers.
Following
the request by the community leaders, Senator Barau also donated N10 million
for the purchase of land to be used as a burial ground.
Another
N5 million was given to the injured and the families of the worshipers who lost
their lives in the mosque inferno.
“When I
heard the news of this tragic incident, I was shocked. May Allah SWT grant all
those who lost their lives to Jannatul Firdaus. And for those who are currently
hospitalised, I wish them a quick recovery.
” I will
build a modern mosque for your community and following the request of the
village head, he told me that the community’s graveyard is filled up. So, I will donate N10 million for the
purchase of land for this purpose,” he said.
During
the visit, prayers were offered by the Special Assistant to the Deputy
President of the Senate on Education, Professor ShehuAbdullahiMa’aji, for the
reposed of the souls of the deceased persons.
He also
prayed for the quick recovery of the injured persons receiving medical
attention at the hospital.
Speaking
on behalf of the community, Malam Musa Muhammad appreciated the Deputy
President of the Senate, describing him as a progressive leader.
“I
survived the incident because I was late
for the Subhi prayer that day. I was among those who rescued some of the
victims.
” We are
extremely grateful for the visit. We are with you, and we will continue to be
with you. May Allah SWT reward you for your intervention in building a modern
mosque for us. We are also grateful for the cash donations,” he said.
Source: thenewsnigeria.com.ng
Please click the following URL to read the text of the
original Story
https://thenewsnigeria.com.ng/2024/05/27/kano-mosque-attack-deputy-senate-president-donates-n15-million-builds-ultra-modern-mosque-in-gezawa/
--------
Terrorism:
Court fixes date for trial of Miyetti Allah leader, Bodejo
May 27,
2024
An Abuja
Federal High Court has fixed May 29 for the trial of the detained leader of the
Miyetti Allah KautalHore, Bello Bodejo.
Justice
InyangEkwo fixed the date after dismissing the application for bail of the
accused person.
During
the last adjourned date, the case was fixed for ruling and commencement of
trial but Bodejo’s absence in court stalled the trial from going ahead.
Shortly
after the court fixed the date, Bodejo’s counsel, Ahmed Raji, SAN, said his
client is ready for trial.
He said
since the court has ordered expeditious hearing in the matter, there would be
no need to appeal the ruling on his bail for now.
Bodejo
was arrested by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for allegedly unlawfully
establishing an ethnic militia group, known as ‘Kungiya Zaman Lafiya’.
He has
been in the custody of the DIA in Abuja.
He was
arraigned in March on a three-count charge filed by the office of the Attorney
General of the Federation (AGF), in which he was accused of violating the
Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
He
denied all the charges.
Before
the court ruled on his bail application, his lawyer pleaded with Justice Ekwo
to admit his client to bail on various grounds ranging from ill health to
fundamental rights but the judge dismissed the bail application.
Source: dailypost.ng
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original Story
https://dailypost.ng/2024/05/27/terrorism-court-fixes-date-for-trial-of-miyetti-allah-leader-bodejo/#google_vignette
--------
Nigeria:
One Dead As Mosque Collapses In Lagos
At least
one person has been confirmed dead in the mosque which collapsed in Papa Ajao
area of Lagos State on Sunday afternoon.
LEADERSHIP
gathered that many other people critically injured have been rushed to the
hospital for treatment.
The
permanent secretary Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Dr.
OlufemiDamilolaOke-Osanyintolu who confirmed the incident said, ‘’Upon arrival
at the scene at 01:40pm, a storey building was found to have collapsed.
“Preliminary
investigation carried out upon arrival at the scene revealed that an excavator
clearing the road recklessly hit a mosque (a storey building) by the road side
which resulted in the mosque collapsing as prayer was about to commence. Four
victims were immediately rushed to the hospital. A total of 10 people were
trapped beneath the rubble.
“Search
and Rescue of the victims trapped under the rubbles under the supervision of
the PS was conducted with the aid of the Agency’s heavy duty equipment Crane,
Hiab and an excavator.
“One
adult was retrieved dead while the others received pre-hospital care on the
scene from the Agency’s Pre-Hospital Care Unit. One with serious injuries was
transferred to hospital.’’
As of
the time of filing this report, responders at the scene of the incident
includes the Agency’s response team led by the PS, LRU Fire unit, Lagos State
Fire Service, LASPA, LASBCA, NEMA, Nigeria Police, LNSC, FRSC and LASAMBUS.
Source: leadership.ng
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original Story
https://leadership.ng/one-dead-as-mosque-collapses-in-lagos/#google_vignette
----------
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/pakistan-dua-jihadis-pm-modi-india/d/132397