RSS Web Portal ‘Organiser’ - Focus Shifts to Catholic Church Land After Waqf Bill

New Age Islam News Bureau

5 April 2025

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·         RSS Web Portal ‘Organiser’ - Focus Shifts to Catholic Church Land After Waqf Bill

·         Army Brass Vows to Thwart 'Foreign-Sponsored Proxies' Destabilising Balochistan

·         Calls for Hate Crime Probe of Desecration of NYU Library Muslim Prayer Space

·         Are Islamist Gangs in Control Of Britain’s Most Secure Prison?

·         Several International NGOs Closed in Libya for Breaking Laws and Islamic Morals

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India

·         SC to Examine If Worship Act Applies to Shahi Idgah

·         Three Delhi Men Detained for Attempting Hindu Rituals at Sambhal's Shahi Jama Masjid

·         50 Detained inAhmedabad As Nationwide Protests Erupt Over Waqf Amendment Bill

·         Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind delegation meets Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Gargaj, discusses Waqf Bill

·         Divergent views on Hindu majority in management committees of Mahabodhi and waqf

·         Meerut College professor banned from exam duties over 'controversial' RSS questions

·         AIMIM, Cong leaders approach top court challenging Waqf bill

·         5 netas quit JDU in Bihar, which will go to polls later this year

·         Apologise for Assam MP’s remark on Muslims not allowed to offer Eid prayers on streets: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

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Pakistan

·         Lahore High Court Rules in Favour of Woman Denied Property Share

·         More bad blood among PTI’s KP cadres

·         Politicos Flay Steps to ‘Quell’ Balochistan Protests

·         Mehmood Achakzai suggests five-nation moot on regional peace

·         Human trafficker on FIA ‘red book’ arrested

·         Pakistan becomes member of UN drug body for four years

·         PM Shehbaz forms committee to deal with US reciprocal tariffs

·         Two terrorists killed in Kech IBO: ISPR

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North America

·         Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Blocks Construction Of Proposed Muslim ‘City’

·         War veteran arrested, accused of threatening to kill people at West Valley Islamic Center

·         Americans could pay more for these everyday basics under Trump's new tariffs

·         China and US are at each other's throats on tariffs, and neither is backing down

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Europe

·         Mosque plan for former St Thomas’ Church raises £461k

·         Community unites for ‘Big Iftar’ celebration

·         Changes to Ipswich town centre’s mosque expansion blocked

·         US says Putin will make decision on ceasefire in 'weeks, not months'

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Africa

·         UN concerned after Niger quits force fighting armed Islamist groups

·         Wike Criticizes University Of Abuja’s Unused Land, Demands Development

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South Asia

·         UN Calls For End To Pakistan’s Forced Deportation Of Afghan Refugees

·         Pakistan urges UN to combat Afghanistan’s illicit arms trade

·         US officials confirm no plans to reopen Embassy in Kabul

·         CA calls ‘emergency meeting’ to discuss US tariff

·         153 Afghan refugees return voluntarily via Torkham border

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Southeast Asia

·         World Uyghur Congress Highlights Gendered Islamophobia at UN Side Event

·         Education ministry slams viral video claim, clarifies Perak students sang state anthem in Malay

·         WUC Executive Chair Engages with UK Leaders at Parliament Iftar

·         Impact of latest tariff towards national economy still under assessment - PM Anwar

·         Education Ministry regrets misleading video on anthem sung in Perak school

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Mideast

·         Israel Is Trying to Destabilize Lebanon andSyria, Arab League Chief Laments

·         Hamas says Israeli offensive in Gaza ‘highly dangerous’ for hostages

·         Syrian government says studying Amnesty report on massacres

·         Red Cross warns of continued threat of landmines in Iraq

·         US sending Israel 20,000 assault rifles that Biden had delayed, say sources

·         Medecins Sans Frontieres ‘appalled’ by second staff member killed in Gaza within weeks

·         Turkiye wants no confrontation with Israel in Syria, foreign minister says

·         Muslim World League Condemns the Israeli attacks on Syria

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Arab World

·         Saudi Arabia Condemns Israeli Military Escalation, Attack On Cultural Center InGaza

·         How Saudi companies are redefining corporate responsibility with ESG leadership

·         Saudi program to train teachers of Arabic as second language begins at US university

·         Takaful Emarat Rebounds with 84% Revenue Growth, Achieves Dhs960m in Assets

·         Dubai Police arrest 222 beggars during Ramadan and Eid

·         Orchestra celebrates soundtracks of popular video games at Saudi Arabia’s Ithra

·         From living rooms to eateries: Saudi homes being transformed into restaurants

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/rss-web-portal-church-land-waqf-bill/d/135070

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RSS Web Portal ‘Organiser’ - Focus Shifts to Catholic Church Land After Waqf Bill

J.P. Yadav

05.04.25

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The web portal of an RSS-linked magazine has in an article obliquely sought to draw the Narendra Modi government’s attention towards the land held by the Catholic Church after the successful passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Parliament.

In an article titled “Who has more land in India? The Catholic Church vs Waqf Board debate”, the web portal of Organiser has claimed that the land holding of the Catholic institutions stands at 7 crore hectares, terming it “the largest non-governmental land owner”.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill proposes sweeping changes to the 1995 Waqf Act to give the government significant powers to regulate waqf properties and settle disputes. A waqf property is an endowment made by a Muslim for religious, educational and charitable causes, and the legislation has drawn flak for allegedly enabling the government to gain control over the land held by the waqf boards.

To push through the contentious legislation, the BJP had used the support to the bill by the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council to taunt the Opposition. The article in the web portal appeared to be setting the agenda for a similar move aimed at the Catholic Church.

“According to the Government Land Information website, as of February 2021, the Indian government owned approximately 15,531 square kilometres of land… While the Waqf board does own significant land parcels across various states, it does not surpass the holdings of the Catholic Church in India,” an article by Sashank Kumar Dwivedi posted on Organiser.org stated.

“Reports suggest that the Catholic Church of India owns around 7 crore hectares (17.29 crore acres) of land throughout the country... The total estimated value of these properties is around ₹20,000 crore, making the Church a significant player in India’s real estate landscape,” it added.

The RSS-BJP had been traditionally known to target Christian missionaries for allegedly resorting to religious conversions through allurement and coercion. In recent times, however, the issue has been put on the back burner as part of a poll strategy to woo Christian voters in the northeastern states, Kerala and Goa.

The article said that most of the land acquired by the Catholic Church was during the British period, stressing that many of them had been obtained through “questionable means”. The article goes on to obliquely draw the government’s attention to a 1965 circular to take over land leased to the Church that failed due to poor enforcement.

“In 1965, the Indian government issued a circular stating that any land granted on lease by the British government would no longer be recognised as Church property. However, due to lax enforcement of this directive, the legitimacy of certain Church-owned lands remains unresolved,” it said.

Source: telegraphindia.com

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

https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/rss-focus-shifts-to-catholic-church-land-after-successful-passage-of-waqf-bill-in-the-parliament-prnt/cid/2092511

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Army brass vows to thwart 'foreign-sponsored proxies' destabilising Balochistan

By Zarmeen Zehra

April 04, 2025

Chief of the Army Staff Gen Asim Munir presiding over 267th Corps Commanders’ Conference at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, February 4, 2025. — ISPR

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RAWALPINDI: The army's top brass on Friday reaffirmed its resolve to decisively thwart the nefarious designs of foreign-sponsored proxies and their so-called political supporters attempting to disrupt peace and stability in Balochistan.

The resolve came during the 268th Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) chaired by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

The forum categorically stated that such elements, acting on behalf of hostile forces and advancing narrow political interests at the cost of national stability, will be dealt with in full force and without impunity.

It added that the nexus between domestic and foreign disruptors has been fully exposed, and their efforts to create chaos will be countered with the unwavering support of the people of Balochistan.

The military's brass also reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to bringing the "full force of the state" against facilitators and abettors acting on the behest of hostile elements seeking to destabilise the country.

The country has been reeling under increased terrorist attacks targeting law enforcers and security forces since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, particularly in the bordering provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Pakistan witnessed a sharp increase in terror attacks in January 2025, surging by 42% compared to the previous month, according to data released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), a think tank.

KP remained the worst-affected province, followed by Balochistan. In KP's settled districts, militants carried out 27 attacks, resulting in 19 fatalities, including 11 security personnel, six civilians, and two militants.

Undertaking a meticulous assessment of regional and internal security dynamics, the forum reaffirmed its resolve to eradicate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, regardless of the cost.

Emphasising the swift and effective implementation of Azm-e-Istehkam under the ambit of the National Action Plan (NAP), the forum underscored the imperative of a whole-of-the-nation approach. "The state apparatus and institutions will resolutely implement the law within the confines of the Constitution and no leniency and infirmity will be shown," it stated.

Meanwhile, COAS Munir lauded the initiation of district coordination committees across Pakistan and stressed the necessity of sustained, coordinated efforts in alignment with governmental directives to expedite the implementation of NAP, ensuring seamless inter-institutional collaboration.

He reiterated that the Pakistan Army will extend full support to the government and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in enforcing stringent legal measures against illicit economic activities, which are intrinsically linked to the financing of terrorism. "There is no space for terrorists and their facilitators in Pakistan.”

In addition, the forum expressed serious concern over the grave human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and the Indian Army’s unprovoked ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC). It reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast diplomatic and moral support to the Kashmiri cause.

At the conclusion, COAS directed field commanders to uphold the highest standards of operational readiness and professional excellence, ensuring rigorous training to maintain peak combat preparedness.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1297929-army-brass-vows-to-thwart-foreign-sponsored-proxies-destabilising-balochistan

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Calls for Hate Crime Probe of Desecration of NYU Library Muslim Prayer Space

April 4, 2025

The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) called on university, state and federal law enforcement authorities to launch a hate crime investigation of the recent desecration of the Muslim prayer space at NYU’s Bobst Library, where an unidentified individual with access to university property vandalized the area and urinated on prayer mats.

According to the Instagram Post, this vandalism occurred yesterday despite ongoing concerns raised by the campus Muslim community over the past year about their safety and the university’s inaction.

CAIR-NY Executive Director Afaf Nasher, Esq. stated:

“This vile act of desecration is a direct assault on the Muslim community at NYU and beyond. For any student to walk into their prayer space—a sacred space—only to find it defiled, is deeply disturbing. Considering the insanely harsh and often unjust treatment Muslims face at this institution for non-egregious conduct, we expect NYU to immediately take measures to protect its Muslim students and ensure that those responsible are held fully accountable.

“We join students in demanding a full hate crime investigation and disciplinary action against the perpetrator. No student should fear for their safety or dignity while practicing their faith.”

She added that CAIR also encourages all houses of worship and campus faith groups to refer to CAIR’s Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety, available at https://www.cair.com/mosque-and-community-safety/.

Nasher noted that earlier this week, the New Jersey chapter CAIR welcomed the sentencing of a man who broke into the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University (CILRU) in New Brunswick and thrashed the place nearly a year ago on Eid ul-Fitr.

CAIR launched its “Unhostile Campus Campaign” aimed at fostering a campus environment in which Palestinian, Muslim, Arab, Jewish, and other students, faculty, and staff opposing the genocide in Gaza enjoy free speech and academic freedom and are not subjected to state force or university discipline due to their viewpoints. 

CAIR previously designated NYU as an institution of particular concern due to reported incidents, policies, and discriminatory practices targeting Palestinian, Muslim, Arab, Jewish, and other individuals opposing the occupation, apartheid, and genocide. Other institutions of particular concern may be found at: https://islamophobia.org/category/hostile-campuses/  

Students, staff, and faculty who wish for their university or college campus to be considered as a potential “institution of particular concern” should complete the ‘Report a Hostile Campus’ form. 

The organization adds a disclaimer that the form is intended solely to inform CAIR’s ‘UnHostile Campus Campaign.’ Students, faculty, and affiliates seeking CAIR’s legal and advocacy services should continue to contact their local office or chapter, or in the event that there is no local chapter, file a formal report with CAIR’s National Civil Rights Department.

Source: cair.com

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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-ny-calls-for-hate-crime-probe-of-vandalism-targeting-nyu-library-muslim-prayer-space/

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Are Islamist gangs in control of Britain’s most secure prison?

4 April 2025

HMP Frankland (Credit: Google)

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HMP Frankland, in Durham, is supposed to be one of the most secure jails in the country. The category A prison holds terrorists and murderers, including Soham child killer Ian Huntley. Frankland should be a place of order, where the state is in absolute control. Yet the jail is said to be so overrun with Islamists that inmates who refuse to join their gangs are being forced into separation units for their own safety.

Prisoners who refuse to convert to Islam are also being targeted, according to a leading criminal defence barrister who uncovered the shocking allegations on a visit to Frankland. Tony Wyatt told the Times that ‘there are so many…members of Muslim gangs in prison, you just can’t contain the problem. The reality is that these (segregation) units have become a refuge for those targeted by extremist gangs. Prisoners who stand up to Islamist gangs, refuse to convert, or challenge their authority are being placed in segregation for their own protection.’

It’s shocking that the prison service has so little control of its inmates, and the consequences could be deadly.

‘Simon’, a former prisoner at HMP Belmarsh, another high-security jail with a large Muslim, and terrorist, population told me he isn’t surprised. He left the jail in 2020, but even then Islamist gangs had enormous power and influence. Simon recalled a young prisoner named Sudesh Amman being groomed by extremists during his sentence.

‘They saw he wasn’t the brightest, and was looking for purpose,’ he told me. Simon was so concerned that he reported the matter to a senior prison officer. Despite this, Amman was released from jail on the 23 January 2020. Two weeks later, he was shot dead by police after stabbing two people in Streatham, south London.

In most jails, there is a hierarchy of inmates, with sex offenders invariably at the bottom. Belmarsh was very different, Simon says; Muslim inmates there protected a prisoner who’d committed appalling rapes. ‘In Belmarsh, no Muslim inmate cared what another Muslim was in for,’ he told me, ‘religion supersedes everything’.

Such powerful bonds of loyalty are just one part of what Professor Ian Acheson has called ‘Muslim gang culture’. In 2022, Jonathan Hall KC produced a report on ‘Terrorism in Prisons’. He described a culture which has existed since the late 2000s, in which groups of prisoners have adopted an ‘Islamist stance that condones or encourages violence towards non-Muslim prisoners, prison officers and the general public.’

In Belmarsh, as in Frankland, little appears to have changed in the years since. ‘In Belmarsh if anyone targeted one Muslim prisoner, all of them would be out for revenge,’ Simon says.

Hall’s report also described ‘highly structured Islamist gang operating within the prison estate’. He said that those running prisons have a ‘tendency to view Islamist group behaviour’ as providing ‘a degree of calm and stability which means it is not necessarily perceived as a problem’. There was also a ‘reluctance to focus on Islamist group behaviour’, and prison officers would sometimes appeal to the ‘wing emir’ to maintain order.

Indeed, Frankland’s last Independent Monitoring Board report described a prison with ‘calm and settled wings’. The risk is that officers and governors might prefer a quiet life, even if that means handing the jail over to the effective control of radicalising Islamists.

The prison service has denied the claims about Frankland, saying they ‘are completely untrue’. I understand that the jail’s governor has told the Ministry of Justice that there’s no truth in the reports. But for those who understand the nature and scale of the Islamist threat in our jails, these claims are all too credible.

Source: spectator.co.uk

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https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/are-islamist-gangs-in-control-of-britains-most-secure-prison/

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Several international NGOs closed in Libya for breaking laws and Islamic morals

bySami Zaptia 

April 4, 2025

Libya's Internal Security Agency.

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‎Libya’s Internal Security Agency (ISA) revealed last Wednesday (2 April) the involvement of some international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in ‘‘hostile foreign activity’’, including the settlement of migrants in Libya, taking advantage of the instability in the country.‎ Investigations have confirmed the involvement of some international NGOs in practicing this activity ‘‘with the support of foreign parties’’.‎

‎In a press conference, spokesman Salem Ghaith, said that the ISA had taken deterrent measures and closed the headquarters of a number of these organisations after monitoring their transgressions, considering these activities a threat to the security of the state and its internal stability.‎

‎The ISA added in its press conference that international non-governmental organisations operate with licenses issued by the Libyan Civil Society Commission, and any violation they commit makes it a crime subject to Libyan law. ‎

The ISA said it monitored the activities carried out by non-governmental organisations, which it described as hostile under the cover of providing aid.‎

‎The ISA explained that investigations proved the involvement of the UNHCR in the settlement of migrants, including the Italian organization Terre des Hommes.‎

‎This necessitates action by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take action in accordance with international law, it added.‎

‎The ISA pointed out that some international organisations have provided support for ideas, including support for atheist ideology, that contradict religious values, under the cover of freedoms and human rights.‎

‎The French organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), for example, trained Libyan doctors to perform “safe abortions” without the knowledge of the competent authorities, contrary to Islamic law.‎

The International Medical Corps, the Danish Refugee Council, the Italian organization Cesvi, Médecins Sans Frontières, German Care, Acted, Inter SOS have had their headquarters closed for their involvement in ‘‘hostile activities’’, smuggling and money laundering, the ISA said.

The International Relief Organization, licensed by the Civil Society Commission under the pretext of providing support to the state limited to public health facilities exclusively, has had its headquarters closed for violating their remit.‎

The International Relief Organization contacted the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and tasked it with providing health services to irregular migrants without state permission. ‎

The Norwegian Refugee Council has provided subsidies, food supplies, cleaning materials, clothing and medicines to migrants in coordination with UNHCR – but without the knowledge or permission of the state.‎

The Italian organization Terre des Hommes provided electronic financial services to illegal immigrants and expatriate workers.‎ Terre des Hommes has worked with Libyan companies to provide liquidity for the salaries of migrants who were employed in health and education – without identity papers or residency papers and without state permission.‎

All these organizations, the ISA said, transfer their funds in a suspicious manner outside the approved routes and have been involved in suspicions of smuggling and money laundering.‎

The ISA also said an international financial institution that has frozen the assets of some of these organisations due to suspicion of smuggling and money laundering.‎

Source: libyaherald.com

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https://libyaherald.com/2025/04/several-international-ngos-closed-in-libya-for-breaking-laws-and-islamic-morals/

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India

 

SC to examine if Worship Act applies to Shahi Idgah

Apr 5, 2025

NEW DELHI: SC on Friday agreed to examine the contrasting arguments of Hindu and Muslim sides on applicability of the Places of Worship Act, 1991, which freezes the religious character of structures as it existed on Aug 15, 1947, to Mathura's Shahi Idgah-Srikrishna Janmasthan, protected under the ASI Act.

The Muslim side said Allahabad HC's decision to club all 15 suits filed by Hindu sides, claiming right of worship over the entire disputed land, was wrong and went against the provisions of the PoW (Special Provisions) Act, 1991.

SC: HC call to bunch suits filed by Hindu sides appears correct

The bench of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan, said HC's decision to bunch the suits filed by Hindu sides "prima facie appears to be correct", a reiteration of the view it had taken during the hearing on Jan 10.

The Muslim side was represented by advocate Tasneem Ahmadi. Ahmadi said the PoW (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 barred high court from entertaining any suit that intended to change the religious character of the structure to one other than what it was on Aug 15, 1947. For the Hindu side, advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain said since the Idgah was a protected monument under ASI Act, it would not come under the ambit of PoW Act. When Ahmadi protested Jain's stand, the bench said, "If you take defence under the 1991 Act, they are entitled to counter it by arguing the Act is not applicable to the structure."

The bench said that it had on Dec 12 barred courts from passing any interim order in suits relating to temple-mosque disputes and asked courts not to entertain any fresh suit for reclamation of temples which were converted into mosques during Islamic rule, including disputes relating to Varanasi's Gyanvapi-Kashi Viswanath and Mathura's Shahi Idgah-Srikrishna Janmasthan. The bench on Dec 12 also directed, "In pending suits, trial courts will not pass any effective and final order including orders for survey till the next date of hearing."

Allahabad HC had on Aug 1 last year ruled that suits were not barred by any provisions of Waqf Act, PoW Act, Specific Relief Act, Limitation Act or Civil Procedure Code. HC on Oct 23 last year had rejected the Muslim side's plea for recall of its Jan 11, 2024, order directing consolidation of all suits on the Shahi Idgah-Srikrishna Janmasthan dispute.

SC agreed to list the appeal by the Muslim side, challenging the orders - consolidation of suits and non-applicability of PoW Act to the Idgah - along with cross petitions on PoW Act. Some of these petitions challenge the constitutional validity of PoW Act while others seek its implementation in letter and spirit. The hearing on these petitions is scheduled for April 8.

Source: indiatimes.com

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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/sc-to-examine-if-worship-act-applies-to-shahi-idgah/articleshow/119992715.cms

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Three Delhi Men Detained for Attempting Hindu Rituals at Sambhal's Shahi Jama Masjid

Namita Bajpai

04 Apr 2025

SAMBHAL: Tension prevailed in the Mohalla Kot Garvi area of Sambhal on Friday after three persons from Delhi were detained for allegedly attempting to perform a havan and puja at the Shahi Jama Masjid, a site currently under litigation.

According to police sources, the district administration had already deployed tight security around the mosque in view of Friday prayers.

Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Bishnoi confirmed that the three individuals, Sanatan Singh, Veer Singh Yadav and Anil Singh, had arrived at the disputed site by car and were taken into custody.

“All the three have been sent to the police station, and action will be taken against them for disturbing public order. They will also be warned against entering Sambhal in the future,” said Bishnoi.

The three detainees claimed that they had come to the site to perform religious rituals at the Vishnu Harihar temple, which they believe lies beneath the mosque. “If namaz can be offered there, why can’t we perform puja?” asked Sanatan Singh.

The incident escalated tensions in the locality, already sensitive due to the ongoing legal dispute over the mosque. The Shahi Jama Masjid is currently the subject of a court petition filed by Hindu plaintiffs, who claim it was built upon a pre-existing Vishnu Harihar temple.

Earlier, the Sambhal local court had ordered a survey of the mosque by a court commissioner to determine the presence of temple ruins at the site.

During the court-mandated survey on 24 November last year, members of the Muslim community objected to the move, leading to stone pelting on police personnel and the survey team.

The violence that ensued claimed five lives and left several others, including police officials, injured.

Authorities reiterated that any attempts to disrupt communal harmony would be dealt with firmly.

Source: newindianexpress.com

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

https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Apr/04/3-delhi-men-detained-for-attempting-hindu-rituals-at-sambhals-shahi-jama-masjid

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Muslim groups protest Waqf Amendment Bill in Kolkata

Sulagna Sengupta

05 Apr 2025

KOLKATA: Thousands of people came out on the streets of Kolkata on Friday after the weekly Muslim prayers to protest against the Waqf Amendment Bill, 2025, which was recently passed by Parliament.

Protesters gathered in large numbers at public places, waving the national flag and holding posters that read, ‘We reject Waqf Amendment’ and ‘Reject Waqf Bill’.

Muslim organisations in Bengal strongly opposed the Bill. The protest took place in the Dharmatala and Park Circus areas of Kolkata.

The Bill has not yet received the President’s approval.

Various Muslim groups held placards and said, “Whatever happens they will reclaim their rights.”

The protests have increased political tension in West Bengal as the state is preparing for elections next year.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she would not let the state’s Muslim population lose their land. She blamed the BJP for trying to divide people and said, along with the Congress, that the Bill would be repealed if a non-BJP government comes to power at the Centre.

Source: newindianexpress.com

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

https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Apr/04/muslim-groups-protest-waqf-amendment-bill-in-kolkata

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50 Detained inAhmedabad As Nationwide Protests Erupt Over Waqf Amendment Bill

Dilip Singh Kshatriya

04 Apr 2025

AHMEDABAD: Nationwide protests broke out after Parliament passed the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill. The protest started soon after Friday prayers and spread across the country. From West Bengal to Gujarat, Bihar to Tamil Nadu, and across Telangana, Karnataka, Assam, and Jharkhand, Muslim communities came together in large tio oppose the bil. Men, women, and even children—mobilized in a rare show of unified dissent, turning mosques and public spaces into protest grounds.

In Ahmedabad, the situation became tense after the Friday prayers at the historic Jama Masjid and Sidi Saiyyed Mosque. The city witnessed a massive turnout, as protesters poured into the streets, denouncing the bill they claim threatens minority rights and religious autonomy.

People held placards that read “Withdraw the Waqf Bill” and “Reject the UCC” were held high, while black armbands served as a stark symbol of resistance. The crowd’s chants of “Dictatorship will not work” echoed through the city center, underlining growing fears of authoritarian overreach.

As the demonstration gained momentum, police intervened and detained at least 50 protesters, adding a new layer of tension to an already volatile situation.

Source: newindianexpress.com

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

https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Apr/04/50-detained-in-ahmedabad-as-nationwide-protests-erupt-over-waqf-amendment-bill

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Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind delegation meets Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Gargaj, discusses Waqf Bill

April 4, 2025

A delegation of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind on Friday met Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj in Amritsar to discuss matters related to the Waqf Bill, which was passed by Parliament, and other religious issues.

In a statement, the Akal Takht said the meeting with the members of the more than century-old organisation of Muslim scholars was aimed at deepening interfaith cooperation, addressing common challenges, and reinforcing communal harmony between the Sikh and Muslim communities.

Jathedar Gargaj expressed concern over recent incidents where minority rights appeared to have been compromised, in an indirect reference to the Waqf Bill. “It is disheartening to see prolonged detentions without proper hearings and hasty legislation affecting minority rights. This nation belongs to all, and no community’s rights should ever be undermined,” said Gargajj.

Reflecting on the inclusive legacy of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the first ruler of the Sikh empire who once ensured equal representation in his Cabinet, he said, “No single group should claim exclusive rights. Every community deserves equal recognition”.

Members of the Jamiat delegation included general secretary Maulana Hakimudin Kasmi, Owais Sultan Khan, Maulana Ali Hasan, Maulana Arif, Mufti Mahidi Hasan Aini, and Maulana Javed Siddiqui, among others.

During the discussion, Siddiqui highlighted the longstanding bond between his outfit and Akal Takht. “For years, we have maintained close ties with Sri Akal Takht Sahib to ensure that any emerging issues are resolved collectively and peacefully. Our goal is to protect the rights of all communities,” Siddiqui said.

The delegation assured that its leaders would take concerted measures with Sikh representatives if the latter’s institutions raise any concern.

Jathedar Gargaj highlighted the nation’s rich cultural mosaic and stressed the importance of equality. “The true beauty of our country lies in its interwoven tapestry of diverse cultures, religions, and languages, and every community must enjoy equal dignity and respect,” he said.

Source: indianexpress.com

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https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/jamiat-ulema-i-hind-meets-akal-takht-jathedar-waqf-bill-9925098/

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Divergent views on Hindu majority in management committees of Mahabodhi and waqf

Basant Kumar Mohanty

05.04.25

Two NDA allies have opposed the provision of a Hindu majority in the management committee of the Mahabodhi temple in the Bodhgaya Temple Act, 1949, while extending support to the inclusion of non-Muslims on waqf boards.

Republican Party of India leader Ramdas Athawale and Rashtriya Lok Morcha leader Upendra Kushwaha have objected to non-Buddhists getting majority representation in the temple's management panel.

However, in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, Athawale supported the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which allows non-Muslims on the 22-member Central Waqf Council and 11-member state waqf boards that oversee the functioning of waqf properties.

Athawale asked the government to take legislative measures to ensure that the Buddhist shrine's management was handed over to Buddhists. "Protest has been going on in Bodhgaya for 50 days. I want to request minority affairs minister Kiren Rijiju to take measures,” Athawale said.

Kushwaha supported all provisions in the waqf bill but sought a change in the management structure of the Bodhgaya shrine. “The Bodhgaya Temple Act was passed during the Congress's rule. I appeal to Rijiju ji that Buddhists should be handed over the management of the temple,” Kushwaha said.

Source: telegraphindia.com

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Meerut College professor banned from exam duties over 'controversial' RSS questions

04.04.25

An Uttar Pradesh government-run university has debarred the Political Science department head of an affiliate college from "all examination and evaluation work" for allegedly setting a question paper containing controversial questions about the RSS, officials said on Friday.

The order to impose a "lifetime ban" on Professor Seema Panwar of Meerut College came hours after a protest by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) -- the students' wing of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

The controversy arose after a question in the second semester Political Science exam held on April 2 allegedly linked the RSS to the rise in religious and caste-based politics. The organisation's name was also included alongside Naxalites, the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front and other groups in a question.

After an internal inquiry, Panwar was identified as the paper setter, Dhirendra Kumar Verma -- registrar of Chaudhary Charan Singh University -- told PTI. "She has been debarred from all examinations and evaluation work in the university for life." Panwar has issued a written apology, claiming she did not intend to offend anyone.

"She has apologised in writing that she did not do this intentionally to hurt anyone," Verma said.

The inclusion of the RSS's name in such a context sparked outrage among ABVP members, who held protests on campus on Friday and submitted a memorandum to the registrar.

Source: telegraphindia.com

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AIMIM, Cong leaders approach top court challenging Waqf bill

By Utkarsh Anand

Apr 05, 2025

New Delhi: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi and Congress parliamentarian Mohammad Jawed on Friday moved the Supreme Court to assail the constitutional validity of the amendments to the Waqf Act, contending that the changes amount to hostile discrimination against Muslims and infringe upon their fundamental rights.

Owaisi, who represents Hyderabad in the Lok Sabha, and Jawed, the Congress whip in the Lower House and a member of the joint parliamentary committee on the bill, separately filed petitions under Article 32 of the Constitution, urging the Supreme Court to strike down the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

The petitions argue that the amendments dilute protections under Articles 25 and 26 (right to practice, profess and propagate religion) for the Muslim community while retaining them for other religious groups, thereby violating a string of other fundamental rights pertaining to equality, dignity and minority rights.

The contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which brings in sweeping changes in the regulation and management of Islamic charitable endowments, was passed in the Rajya Sabha in the early hours of Friday, after a marathon debate and a face-off between the government and the Opposition. 128 lawmakers voted in favour of the bill and 95 against it when the final tally was announced at 2.35am on Friday.

To be sure, although cleared by both Houses of Parliament, the new law is yet to receive Presidential assent and come into force. In several previous cases, the top court has declined to entertain challenges to legislative provisions that had not yet been notified as law, holding that such petitions were premature. In August 2014, the top court refused to admit petitions challenging the constitutional amendment bill aimed at creating a National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC), saying the bill had not yet received presidential assent. In May 2024, the Supreme Court refused to admit a plea challenging the enactment of three new criminal laws, noting that the laws were yet to come into force.

According to Owaisi’s plea, the amendments represent a significant regression in the progressive development of waqf law, reversing advances made through the 1995 act and subsequent amendments, especially the 2013 reform allowing non-Muslims to create waqfs. The petition notes that the new provisions impose arbitrary restrictions, such as requiring the waqif (the person creating the waqf) to demonstrate that they have practised Islam for at least five years, which undermines constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and equality, and discriminates against recent converts to Islam.

Jawed’s petition echoes these concerns, pointing out that Hindu and Sikh religious trusts are permitted to function with greater autonomy, while the Waqf Amendment Act disproportionately increases state interference in waqf administration. He contends that such selective treatment amounts to manifest arbitrariness and violates the fundamental right to equality under Article 14.

The petitioners have also raised concerns over the deletion of Section 104 of the Waqf Act, 1995 -- thereby barring non-Muslims from creating waqfs -- and the derecognition of waqf by user, a principle historically acknowledged under Islamic law.

Another provision under challenge is Section 3(ix)(b) of the Amendment Act, which disallows recognition of waqf property if it was not expressly dedicated in writing -- an approach that, the petitions argue, disregards centuries of oral waqf dedications and undermines the protection of religious places used continuously for worship.

They also opposed the amendment mandating the inclusion of non-Muslim members in the Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards, arguing this infringes the autonomy of the Muslim community in managing its religious and charitable properties, contrary to the precedent in Commissioner, Hindu Religious Endowments Vs Lakshmindra Thirtha Swamiar of Sri Shirur Mutt (1954), where the Supreme Court held that while regulation is permissible, administration must remain with the denomination.

Further, Owaisi and Jawed challenged Sections 3D and 3E of the amended law. Section 3D nullifies waqf declarations over properties classified as protected monuments under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. This could affect centuries-old mosques and dargahs and stoke communal tensions, the petitioners contend. Section 3E, meanwhile, bars members of Scheduled Tribes from dedicating waqf property, which the petitions claim is unconstitutional, particularly since tribal status is not lost upon conversion to Islam.

Source: hindustantimes.com

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5 netas quit JDU in Bihar, which will go to polls later this year

Apr 5, 2025

PATNA: Three more Muslim functionaries of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar's JDU quit Friday over the party's support to waqf bill in Parliament, taking the number to five in two days.

The resignations come at a time Bihar is being seen as a "test case" for governing NDA after the bill's passage, with the state headed to polls later this year and Muslims accounting for 18% of its population.

JDU backed the bill as a BJP ally, risking support among Muslims. In the past, JDU had supported citizenship amendment bill and did not appear highly critical of triple talaq bill.

This time, however, Muslims seem upset. The three functionaries who quit Friday are Shah Nawaz Malik, Nadim Akhtar and Raju Nayyar. Malik is state secretary of JDU minority cell, Akhtar is JDU district vice-president and Nayyar is state secretary. Tabrez Siddiqui and Qasim Ansari - district-level functionaries - resigned Thursday.

Analysts point out Muslims have not wholeheartedly supported JDU, as reflected in the outcomes of the 2020 assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The only Muslim representative in Nitish's current cabinet is Zama Khan, the minority affairs minister. Khan was elected on a BSP ticket but he later switched to JDU.

Despite the headwinds, JDU remains confident its support for waqf bill will not impact its electoral prospects as it banks on its various welfare measures for minorities. "We established Waqf Vikas Board in Bihar long ago, under which Rs 110 crore was allocated for multi-purpose buildings, including hostels for minority students. We also ensured the fencing of graveyards. Additionally, we enforced liquor ban in the state," JDU spokesperson Neeraj Kumar said. According to Neeraj, JDU workers will soon fan out on a door-to-door campaign, visiting every Muslim household to apprise them of the govt's initiatives.

Source: indiatimes.com

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Apologise for Assam MP’s remark on Muslims not allowed to offer Eid prayers on streets: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

April 4, 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday said he felt “ashamed” that an MP from his state had asserted in Parliament during the Waqf Bill debate that Muslims were not allowed to offer Eid prayers on streets, and issued an apology.

‘The people of Assam also do not want to offer ‘namaz’ on streets when there are beautiful and good mosques in the state’, the CM said at a press conference after a cabinet meeting.

Sarma was apparently referring to Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, though he did not name him directly.

Gogoi, during the debate, had criticised the government for allegedly preventing Muslims from offering Eid prayers on streets, questioning the BJP’s commitment to minority rights ‘People from across the country are calling me about it. We are ashamed and I as the CM apologise to people across the country’, Sarma said.

There has been no demand from Muslims that they want to offer prayers on roads, he added.

He further alleged that the MP’s remarks created the impression that only one community contributed to India’s freedom struggle.

‘This MP went to the extreme of highlighting only one community’s role. There was no mention of Mahatma Gandhi, Gopinath Bordoloi, Subhas Chandra Bose, or other key figures,” Sarma said.

Replying to a question on the BJP’s prospects in the forthcoming panchayat polls scheduled to be held in two phases on May 2 and 7, Sarma said, ”It will be good in all the elections- panchayat, Rabha Hasong Council, Bodoland Territorial Council and assembly polls as the people of Assam have immense faith and confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”

“It is only the extreme statements made by a particular MP from Assam in Parliament which has made us sad and we are feeling ashamed about it”, he added.

People of Assam will ‘teach a lesson to such people when the time comes’, the CM said.

Source: indianexpress.com

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Pakistan

 

Lahore High Court Rules in Favour of Woman Denied Property Share

Wajih Ahmad Sheikh

April 5, 2025

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ruled that a beneficiary of an oral gift/transfer of immovable property(s) bears heavy onus to prove the transaction.

Justice Khalid Ishaq issued the ruling allowing a civil suit of a widow who was denied her share in the Inherited property by her brother on the pretext that their deceased father had orally gifted him the property during his life.

Sadiqan Begum, a resident of district Toba Tek Singh, challenged the gift mutation before a local civil court but her suit was dismissed. Her subsequent appeal was also rejected by an appellate court.

After going through facts of the case, Justice Ishaq declared it a simple but similar to usual cases where a helpless female strives for her right of inheritance, having challenged the transaction of transfer of immovable property in favour of her male sibling.

The judge regretted the ongoing trend of unfair schemes to deprive daughters, sisters, mothers, widows, and orphans—especially the misuse of ‘oral gifts’ by dishonest male family members.

Discussing the principles to deal with such cases, the judge noted that the beneficiary of the transaction of gift/transfer of immovable property bears a heavy onus to prove the transaction.

“The beneficiary of a gift has to plead and prove three mandatory ingredients of gift, i.e. declaration/offer by the donor, acceptance of gift by the donee, and delivery of possession under the gift,” he added.

The judge explained that where a gift, which excluded a legal heir, irrespective of whether such transaction is evidenced by registered deed, the donee is required to prove original transaction and must justify the disinheritance of a legal heir from the estate.

The judge observed that both the lower courts acted illegally and with material irregularity while exercising their jurisdiction.

Justice Ishaq noted that the respondent (Muhammad Siddique) claimed that property was not available for inheritance as it was purportedly gifted to him by his old age father some four months prior to his death. Therefore, the judge said, the respondent was the witness who had to take the witness stand to prove necessary ingredients of the gift but he did not appear before the lower courts with no plausible explanation and instead banked upon the testimony of his son.

The judge maintained that the nonappearance of the respondent is an incurable defect in his quest to prove the gift.

The petitioner woman deposed that her deceased father never gifted the property to the respondent and the same was an outcome of fraud. She specifically stated that she was never aware of any such transaction.

The judge held that the statement of the petitioner clearly shifted the onus of proof to respondent being the beneficiary of oral gift, which he failed to discharge by shying away from appearance as a witness.

Justice Ishaq said the lower courts failed to appreciate that in absence of proof of a valid gift, the continuous possession of the respondent being the only male surviving member of the family was constructive possession on behalf of his sister, an uneducated villager lady.

He said merely because the respondent brother was in possession of the land does not mean, let alone established, that the land was gifted to him.

“However, it itself confirms that he took advantage of his gender and position and made the best out of the vulnerability of a dependent female,” the judge added.

He lamented that rather than supporting his widow sister in the hour of need, the respondent turned into a predator to deprive his sibling of her rightful inheritance and successfully managed to do so for 27 long years.

The judge observed that concurrent findings of the fact recorded by the trial court and upheld by the appellate court fall well within the exceptions of interference for exercising revisional jurisdiction of the LHC.

The judge set aside the impugned decisions by the lower courts and decreed the suit filed by the woman.

Source: dawn.com

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More bad blood among PTI’s KP cadres

Muqaddam Khan | Manzoor Ali

April 5, 2025

PESHAWAR / SWABI: Infi­ghting within the Pakis­tan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) fur­ther intensified on Friday with two more leaders calling for an inquiry against Khyber Pakhtun­khwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur for terming them “conspirators”.

Currently, a tug of war is going on between KP assembly speaker Babar Saleem Swati and Azam Khan Swati, both from Mansehra district, while former KP minister Taimur Saleem Jhagra has locked horns with the party’s internal accountability committee.

On Friday, former spea­ker of the National Assembly Asad Qaiser and MNA Shahram Khan Tarakai demanded the party leadership hold an inquiry into a recent statement by the KP chief minister, made during a podcast.

While responding to a question about not awarding provincial assembly tickets to Mr Qaiser and former KP ministers Muhammad Atif Khan and Mr Tarakai, the KP chief minister had stated that Imran Khan had instructed him to not award them tickets as they were “conspirators”.

On Monday, Mr Qaiser and Mr Tarakai, both of whom belong to Swabi district, took to social media to express their angst over the chief minister’s statement and asked the party leadership to conduct an inquiry into the claim.

Mr Qaiser, in a message shared on social media, demanded the party leadership conduct an inquiry into the chief minister’s statement.

“I demand from the central leadership of the party to conduct a thorough investigation into the recent statement of KP chief minister and the statement of chairman Imran Khan in this regard should be brought before the nation.”

He said that they reserved the right to respond to the CM’s statement, but in the current complicated situation, it is necessary for the country and PTI founder chairman Imran Khan to avoid such things.

“At this time, all our attention should be focused on the release of Imran Khan and other innocent prisoners. They do not want to weaken the struggle for the release of Imran Khan by inflaming the internal affairs of the party through unnecessary statements,” he said.

Mr Qaiser said: ’The chief minister should concentrate all his energies on the restoration of good governance and law and order in the province and the struggle for the release of Imran Khan and other innocent prisoners.“

Also, Mr Tarakai in a social media post demanded inquiry into the matter. He said he reserved the right to respond to the chief minister’s statement; however, he added, such a course of action would damage the party in the current situation.

He said all conspiracies would fail if they focus on strengthening the party and on release of the party founder.

“All efforts to weaken Khan Sahib and the party will fail. A leader keeps people together, does not divide them for personal ego or desire,” Mr Tarakai said.

He maintained that their first goal was Mr Khan’s release.

However, MNA Muhammad Atif Khan, president of party’s Peshawar region chapter, adopted a conciliatory tone. In a social media post, he denied making any statement against the chief minister.

“Fake news is circulating regarding a statement associated to me, I haven’t given any response till now to Ali Amin,” Mr Khan noted in a post on X.

PTI’s KP president MNA Junaid Akbar also in a social media post denied making any statement against speaker Babar Saleem Swati and CM Gandapur. He said reports circulating in this regard on social media were “fabricated”.

Source: dawn.com

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Politicos flay steps to ‘quell’ Balochistan protests

Saleem Shahid

April 5, 2025

QUETTA: Leaders of different political parties on Friday condemned restrictions placed by the government on sit-ins and protests, terming it an unconstitutional act as staging rallies is the right of everyone.

While Sardar Akhtar Mengal’s BNP-M is set to start its march on Quetta from Mastung on Sunday, the government is taking administrative measures to handle the situation.

Despite the fact that both the government and BNP-M had failed to make a breakthrough in talks, backdoor efforts are under­way through political and tribal quarters to defuse the situation, acco­rding to informed sources.

At a press conference jointly addressed by the leaders of several political parties, the government was reminded that Constitution allows every citizen to hold rallies, organise marches and stage sit-ins for the acceptance of their demands.

However, they regretted, the government instead of accepting the people’s democratic and constitutional right had imposed restrictions on their movement and used force against them.

Those who spoke at the presser included BNP-M’s Senior Vice President Sajid Tareen Advocate, National Party’s Secretary General Mir Kabir Ahmed Muham­mad Shahi, PTI’s Provincial President Dawood Shah Kakar, ANP’s Rashid Khan Nasir, and Balochistan Bar Council Vice Chairman Rahib Buledi.

They condemned the government for detaining women leaders and workers, including BYC Chief Organiser Dr Mahrang Baloch, and demanded their immediate release. They accused the authorities of suppressing their democratic rights and vowed to continue their struggle peacefully despite restrictions.

Mr Tareen said that the issue of missing persons and the unlawful detention of innocent individuals is not limited to one party but affects the entire province.

He criticised the authorities for digging trenches on highways to prevent the participants of march.

Mr Shahi emphasised that Balochistan’s problems cannot be solved through force.

He urged the government to show seriousness and immediately release the detained women, stating that the matter has become a question of honour for the people of Balochistan.

Mr Kakar while accusing the government of maintaining double standards warned that the situation could spiral out of control if injustices continued.

Mr Nasir demanded BNP leader Akhtar Mengal be allowed to enter Quetta and all detainees be freed.

Mr Buledi declared that an undeclared martial law was in effect in Balochistan where human rights violations and lawlessness were rampant.

‘No flexibility’

Though both the government and BNP-M leadership did not show any change in their stance on the arrest of Mahrang Baloch and others, efforts were underway to find a solution to the prevailing situation.

It may be recalled that Akhtar Mengal has announced a long march on Quetta and asked supporters to reach the Luckpass area of Mastung by April 5 so that they could start heading towards Quetta the next day. The BNP-M is demanding release of all BYC leaders.

The leadership of National Party, PTI, ANP and other parties have announced joining the march to express solidarity with BNP-M.

On its part, the government is making arrangements to stop the marchers from entering Quetta. Trailers have been brought in to be placed at entry points while security has been beefed up with more personnel deployed.

However, backchannel efforts were also underway through political and tribal quarters to defuse the situation.

Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti had a series of meetings with the leadership of opposition parties during Eid holidays, including NP’s Dr Malik Baloch, JUI-F Senator Maulana Abdul Wasey and other leaders.

Last week, Mr Bugti even offered on the floor of the Balochistan Assembly that the government is ready to set up a committee and hand over its chairmanship to Dr Malik or opposition leader Younas Aziz Zehri if they could resolve the issue.

“Both sides still have 24 hours. Let’s see what result will come out of the efforts being made for defusing the situation,” a senior official of the government told Dawn.

Meanwhile, JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza warned that the situation is becoming increasingly critical, claiming that Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti is rapidly losing control.

“If the situation continues, Sarfraz Bugti will lose both his chief ministership and his political standing,” he claimed.

Source: dawn.com

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Mehmood Achakzai suggests five-nation moot on regional peace

Saleem Shahid

April 5, 2025

QUETTA: Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chairman Mehmood Khan Achakzai has expressed serious concern over instability in the region and highlighted the need for a five-nation summit to ensure the area doesn’t become ‘a battleground for the big powers’.

“The neighboring countries inc­luding China, Afghanistan, Iran and India should be invited to the conference to adopt a joint strategy for ensuring this region does not become a battleground in the future.”

He expressed these views while speaking at a large public gathering in Pishin’s football stadium.

PTI general secretary Salman Akram Raja, Sunni Ittehad Council leader Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Pash­toonkhwa Milli Awami Party central secretary Nawab Muhammad Ayaz Khan Jogezai, ex-governor Sardar Latif Khosa, and Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen leader Allama Raja Nasir also spoke at the public meeting.

Referring to the issue of Afghan refugees, Mr Achakzai said they should be granted legal status rather than being forcibly expelled. He said many Pakistanis hold dual citizenship in countries like the UK, Germany, and Turkiye. He questioned why Afghans born and raised in Pakistan were being denied citizenship.

He said that the country, which is a federation of five different nations, is plunging deeper into crises. He said it should be clear to everyone that neither any nation was master nor slave of another.

“Every general, citizen, woman, scholar, and even the world at large is aware of what transpired in the last elections. It is evident that PTI won the elections across the country, but shamelessly and brazenly, people in uniform altered the election results through sheer force, with the support of certain political parties,” he alleged.

He stated some generals compla­ined that members of Tehreek Taha­fuz-i-Ayeen Pakistan spoke harshly about them. He said they had no personal enmity with any general, scho­lar or individual. He said incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan had committed neither any murder nor robbery.

While acknowledging the necessity of the country’s military, generals, and intelligence agencies as its ‘eyes and ears,’ Mr Achakzai condemned their collusion with what he called “corrupt individuals, smugglers, and criminals”.

He called upon “honest police offi­cers and security personnel to refuse orders” to shoot their fellow countrymen on behalf of “corrupt rulers”.

Mr Achakzai stated that if law enforcement agencies failed to control lawlessness, people would have to take matters into their own hands. He urged every household to “contribute one person to fight” against alleged looters and criminals.

Referring to the 2024 polls, the PkMAP leader claimed that PTI had won the general elections, but their mandate was stolen.

He asked Balochistan’s Chief Min­ister Sarfraz Bugti to order release of all political prisoners, including missing persons, as a goodwill gesture.

He said his movement stood with the oppressed, regardless of their political affiliations.

Movement for justice

Calling on PTI supporters, Mr Ach­a­kzai suggested that if necessary, he would step in as Mr Khan’s deputy to lead the movement for justice.

He urged PkMAP workers to prepare for a larger struggle and asked military, bureaucratic, and political leadership to admit past mistakes and commit to running the country under constitutional rule.

He asserted that the only path forward is for all institutions — military, judiciary, and media — to operate within constitutional boundaries, with parliament as the supreme authority.

Source: dawn.com

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Human trafficker on FIA ‘red book’ arrested

April 5, 2025

GUJRAT: The Federal Investigation Agency arrested three human traffickers, including a most-wanted trafficker whose name is part of FIA’s ‘red book’ during the ongoing crackdown in Gujranwala and Gujrat regions.

A senior FIA official told Dawn Muhammad Tanvir, among the most-wanted human traffickers, was arrested from Sandhuan, Gujranwala, for sending deportees to Europe via Turkiye for overseas employment in 2019-20 but did not fulfill his commitment.

FIA Gujranwala circle arrested Muhammad Imran of Wahndo, Kamonki, for extorting an amount of Rs7.2 million from immigrant Muhammad Yaseen, also of Wahndo, for sending him to Spain for employment. However, the accused sent the intending immigrant to Mauritania, where agents forced him to travel by sea route but he refused and returned to Pakistan.

Similarly, he said another human smuggler Ghulam Ghous of Jalalpur Jattan, Gujrat, had been arrested for extorting Rs1,750,000 from the complainant for sending him to Greece on an employment visa and settling them there. The accused, however, neither fulfilled his commitment nor returned the amount.

Abdul Qadir Qamar, Director FIA Gujranwala Zone, said the crackdown against human traffickers had been accelerated in the region.

He said that FIA would strive to get these criminals convicted by courts.

Source: dawn.com

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Pakistan becomes member of UN drug body for four years

By Web Desk

April 05, 2025

NEW YORK: Pakistan has secured a four-year term term — from 2026 to 2029 — after being elected as a member of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND).

The election took place during the voting held at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in New York.

According to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the UN, the country expressed gratitude for the support it received from ECOSOC member states.

The statement noted that Pakistan’s election to the CND reflects the international community’s confidence and trust in the country’s commitment to global drug control efforts.

It further emphasised that Pakistan is ready to play an effective role in advancing the international agenda for combating drugs.

The mission added that Pakistan has consistently remained at the forefront of global efforts against drug trafficking, production, and use.

The country has actively participated in and contributed to policy dialogues at the United Nations concerning global narcotics control, always maintaining a constructive and proactive stance.

"Pakistan looks forward to working closely with the other members of ECOSOC and with the broader UN Membership to strengthen the CND's role as the primary global drug policy-making body.

"[...] ensuring that international drug control efforts remain comprehensive, effective, and in line with the obligations of the three UN drug control conventions," read the statement issued by Pakistan's UN Mission.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1298184-pakistan-becomes-member-of-un-drug-body-for-four-years

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PM Shehbaz forms committee to deal with US reciprocal tariffs

By Ayaz Akbar Yousafzai

April 05, 2025

Following the imposition of reciprocal tariffs by United States (US) President Donald Trump on Pakistani goods, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday formed a 12-member steering committee to deal with the move which analysts say could challenge the country’s export competitiveness.

"Prime Minister [Shehbaz Sharif] has been pleased to constitute steering committee for in-depth analysis and policy responses to recently announced US Reciprocal Tariffs," stated a notification issued by the Prime Minister Office (PMO) on Friday.

The 12-member committee includes finance minister, commerce minister, petroleum minister, special assistant on industries, Federal Board of Revenue Chairman, Foreign Affairs Secretary, Pakistan Ambassador to US Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Ambassador of Pakistan to World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ali Sarfaraz Hussain, former WTO envoy Dr Manzoor Ahmad, Ijaz Nabi, Minister Trade and Investment, Washington DC, and Secretary Commerce.

The move came after Trump imposed sweeping reciprocal tariffs on the US’s trading partners. The day was termed “Liberation Day” by Trump, who signed an executive order imposing a flat 10% tariff on almost all nations and then additional tariffs on those countries that the US accuses of charging higher levies on American goods.

The Trump administration imposed a 29% tariff on Pakistani imports, in addition to a 10% baseline tariff applied to all imports, bring the total tariff on Pakistani products to 39%.

In his remarks, President Trump said, "Pakistan has been charging us a 58% tariff on our goods. Hence, we are imposing a 29% tariff on their products."

The baseline 10% tariff will apply from April 5, 2025, with the additional 29% reciprocal tariff, starting April 9, 2025.

A senior official at the Commerce Ministry told The News that the move will reduce Pakistan’s price competitiveness and make it harder to maintain sales in the US market against “lower-tariff countries” such as India and Turkiye.

The penalties announced by Trump triggered a plunge in world financial markets and drew condemnation from other leaders reckoning with the end of a decades-long era of trade liberalisation.

Meanwhile, the notification — issued by the PMO on Friday — also stated the Terms of Reference (ToRs) of the working group.

The committee would guide and supervise the working group on US reciprocal tariffs; deliberate and approve the recommendations presented by the working group; negotiate with US as a major trading partner on as and when required basis; brief the premier on developments/initiatives basis regular regarding related; any other tasks as deemed appropriate by committee chair.

The 12-member committee could also appoint any additional members on need basis. "Ministry of Commerce Division shall notify the working group and provide secretarial support," it added.

Tariffs' impact on Pakistan

The move has virtually replaced Pakistan’s trade status under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), which offered lower duties (typically 4-5%) on certain goods.

The US is Pakistan’s largest single-country export market, with exports valued at approximately $6 billion annually, predominantly textiles.

Certain goods such as copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber, gold, and energy are exempt from the reciprocal tariffs, as per a White House fact sheet, though they may still face the 10% baseline unless otherwise specified.

However, the new reciprocal tariffs established by the US president’s order are in addition to any other duties, fees, taxes, exactions, or charges applicable on some articles such as if the existing tariff on synthetic apparel is 32%, the new tariff will be 61% (32+29), reveals a paper prepared for the premier by the Commerce Ministry about the impact of the US tariffs on Pakistan exports.

However, All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) Secretary General Shahid Sattar said Pakistan will have a “marginal impact” on exports, as the regional economies face more tariffs than Pakistan.

He highlighted that Bangladesh faces 37% reciprocal tariff plus a 10% baseline tariff, Sri Lanka 44% plus 10%, Vietnam 40% plus a 10% baseline tariff, and China 34% plus a 10% baseline tariff.

However, Washington says if any country reduces tariffs on US products, it will further reduce duties on that country’s products. He suggested that Pakistan should reduce the tariffs on US products. He said the textile industry is importing cotton from the US on zero duty.

The paper prepared by the Commerce Ministry says the tariff hike significantly increases the cost of Pakistani goods in the US, potentially reducing export competitiveness, especially in textiles, which account for a major share of its $6 billion in annual exports to the US.

This could lead to job losses in export-driven industries, a wider trade deficit, and higher consumer prices domestically if Pakistan retaliates or shifts trade elsewhere.

While some analysts suggest lower global commodity prices from trade disruptions might offset import costs for Pakistan, the immediate effect on its US-bound exports is likely to be negative, given the market’s importance (about 19% of Pakistan’s total exports in the first half of FY25).

This policy aligns with Trump’s broader strategy to shrink the US trade deficit ($918.4 billion in 2024) and boost domestic manufacturing, though Pakistan’s trade surplus with the US ($3 billion in 2024) is relatively small compared to giants like China.

The exact impact will depend on Pakistan’s response, potential negotiations and whether it can redirect exports to other markets. For now, the 39% total tariff marks a sharp escalation from prior concessionary rates, reflecting the administration’s aggressive stance on reciprocity.

Under the latest scenario, Pakistan will have a cost advantage of 46% over Vietnam, 49% over Indonesia, 49% over Cambodia, 54% over China, and 37% over Bangladesh. However, Pakistan will face a cost disadvantage of 26% over India, 10% over Turkey and 23% over Jordan, Egypt, and Central America.

This means Pakistan may still be competitive against higher tariff-hit nations but may struggle against lower tariff markets such as India and Turkey.

This new tariff is not applicable on the goods having more than 20% of the US originating material. Pakistani entrepreneurs will still have an option for the industry to use US cotton more and avail exemption.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1297934-pm-shehbaz-forms-committee-to-deal-with-us-reciprocal-tariffs

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Two terrorists killed in Kech IBO: ISPR

By Web Desk

April 04, 2025

At least two terrorists were killed on Friday as security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Kech district of Balochistan, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The military’s media wing said the IBO was conducted in the general area of Buleda on the reported presence of terrorists.

Troops effectively engaged the militants’ location, and after an intense fire exchange, “two terrorists were sent to hell,” it added

The killed terrorists remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area against the law enforcement agencies as well as the innocent civilians, the military said.

It said sanitisation operation was launched to eliminate any other terrorist found in the area, as the “security forces of Pakistan, in step with the nation, remain determined to thwart attempts at sabotaging peace, stability and progress of Balochistan”.

Last week, at least six terrorists were killed by security forces during an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan's Kalat district, the military's media wing had said.

Amid rising terror incidents across the country, especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the military's top brass earlier today reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to bringing the "full force of the state" against facilitators and abettors acting on the behest of hostile elements seeking to destabilise the country.

The affirmation came during the 268th Corps Commanders’ Conference at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, chaired by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, according to a statement issued by the ISPR.

Undertaking a meticulous assessment of regional and internal security dynamics, the forum reaffirmed its resolve to eradicate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations regardless of the cost.

The country has been reeling under increased terrorist attacks targeting law enforcers and security forces since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, particularly in the bordering provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1297957-two-terrorists-killed-in-kech-ibo-ispr

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North America

 

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Blocks Construction Of Proposed Muslim ‘City’

April 04, 2025

Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced Tuesday that the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) could not begin construction on a proposed Muslim neighborhood due to legal issues, according to a press release.

EPIC has proposed building a Muslim ‘city’ on 402 acres of land in Texas the organization labeled “EPIC City,” according to Newsweek. The proposal includes building over 1,000 homes, a school based on the Islamic religion, a college, a mosque and retail operations. Texas authorities began an investigation in response to the project.

EPIC failed to obtain proper authorization and the permits needed for their construction project, the press release from Abbott’s office said. The commission also sent a letter to EPIC and its affiliates demanding that they confirm no construction activities have occurred.

“The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality found that the group behind the proposed EPIC compound did not submit the required permits to begin construction,” the governor said. “They must confirm within seven days that they are immediately ceasing any construction of their illegal project or face the full weight of the law. The State of Texas will enforce its laws and protect our communities from unlawful actions or threats posed by EPIC or its affiliates.”

This move followed allegations against EPIC’s intentions for the project. In response to a now-deleted post allegedly suggesting the proposal could lead to Sharia law, Abbott expressed concern back in February.

“To be clear, Sharia law is not allowed in Texas. Nor are Sharia cities. Nor are ‘no go zones’ which this project seems to imply,” he wrote. Sharia law is Islamic law derived from the Quran, the religion’s holy book, along with other texts.

EPIC’s affiliate, Community Capital Partners, said the community will allow everyone to live harmoniously together, Newsweek reported.

“To me, as someone who is a sixth generation Texan, it reads that I’m not welcome here,” William White, director of the Houston branch of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said, the Houston Chronicle reported.

“EPIC City is going to be a role model community of thousands of Muslims living well-integrated … We’re going to be giving back to this state and this country, and we’re going to be showing what it means to be a Muslim neighborhood,” EPIC resident scholar Yasir Qadhi said, according to Newsweek.

“EPIC City is a thoughtful community designed for families, just like hundreds of others in Texas. The only reason it is being unfairly targeted, is because there is a mosque in the plans instead of a church or a temple. That’s it,” Dan Cogdell, the lawyer hired to represent the developer’s plan, said, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Abbott reiterated his concerns about allegations that the project was tied to Sharia law online Tuesday. “And Sharia law is outlawed in Texas under a law I signed in 2017. Texas is investigating EPIC City for many allegations, including attempts to circumvent that law. All entities in Texas must follow state law, not Sharia law,” the governor wrote in response to a post by Riley Gaines, a defender of women’s sports. (RELATED: Rising Democrat Star Jasmine Crockett Calls Paraplegic Greg Abbott ‘Governor Hot Wheels’)

The governor’s office noted that multiple agencies are continuing to probe the project for potential criminal violations.

Source: dailycaller.com

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https://dailycaller.com/2025/04/04/texas-greg-abbott-blocks-construction-epic-city-sharia-law-permits/

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War veteran arrested, accused of threatening to kill people at West Valley Islamic Center

Apr 05, 2025

AVONDALE, AZ — A war veteran was arrested last week after allegedly threatening to kill Muslims at a West Valley center of worship.

According to police documents, officers were called to the West Valley Islamic Center on March 24 for a man who was reportedly making statements about intentions to harm Muslims.

The man, identified by police as Michael Hanson, 37, said he was watching the film “American Sniper” when he decided to look for the nearest Muslim center “as a ‘show of force.’”

Hanson, who appeared to be intoxicated, was seen heckling worshippers before leaving in a Lyft vehicle. A short time later, officers found Hanson had returned to the center and was attempting to hide near a dumpster.

He also reportedly threatened to bomb the Islamic center, but took back his statements during conversations with detectives, whom he also reportedly aimed threats at during the interview process.

Officers learned that Hanson has had previous contacts with the Goodyear Police Department and the Veterans Affairs Hospital. He is an Iraq War veteran and reportedly suffers from PTSD and other mental issues, according to police.

Hanson reportedly said his actions and feelings were brought back up while watching the “American Sniper” film, noting that it was a PTSD “trigger” for him, according to police.

Officials located multiple pieces of evidence on his phone illustrating his hate for Muslims and intent to harm others.

He was arrested at a mental health facility days later and booked into jail on multiple charges, including making a terroristic threat and disorderly conduct.

Source: abc15.com

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https://www.abc15.com/news/region-west-valley/avondale/war-veteran-arrested-accused-of-threatening-to-kill-people-at-west-valley-islamic-center

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Americans could pay more for these everyday basics under Trump's new tariffs

April 05, 2025

US President Donald Trump's plan to impose tariffs - or import taxes - for nearly every country in the world could push prices up on almost all the staples Americans routinely buy, from clothes to coffee.

After declaring a national economic emergency on Wednesday, Trump announced new tariffs on billions of dollars of goods of at least 10%. For countries he has deemed the "worst offenders", the rates can go as high as 50%. They start taking effect on 5 April.

Economists have warned the new levies - and those that other countries impose in retaliation - could push prices up for Americans across the board, and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has said that they will increase inflation.

That's because the companies importing the goods may pass the costs of the tariffs on to customers or simply bring fewer products into the country, creating a limited supply.

Here are six everyday items that could become more expensive for American consumers.

Clothing – from Target to H&M to the Gap

The "worst offenders" about to be hit with the highest tariffs include the clothing manufacturing hubs of Vietnam, China and Bangladesh. The three - among the top five largest apparel importers to the US - could soon see levies ranging from 34% to 46% charged on their products.

That means major US department stores like Target and Walmart, where Americans often turn for affordable clothing, and some familiar apparel brands may feel the pressure.

The Gap, an American clothing retailer that also operates Old Navy, Banana Republic and Athleta, sources about 21% of its clothing from Vietnam, according to an analysis by Prof Sheng Lu at the University of Delaware's Fashion & Apparel Studies department. Another 37% of its clothing comes from India, Indonesia and Bangladesh.

H&M, known for its inexpensive fashions, manufactures most of its clothing in China and Bangladesh.

The tariffs could bring an "unfair burden to American families, particularly lower-income households", warned the United States Fashion Industry Association in a statement on Wednesday.

Vietnam is open to working out a deal with the administration to avoid the tariffs, Trump has said. China, on the other hand, has retaliated with its own steep levies.

Coffee and other imported foods

Almost all of the coffee consumed in the US comes from outside the country, meaning that morning cup, whether brewed at home or at a favourite shop, could soon become a bigger burden on Americans' wallets.

The US mostly sources its coffee from Brazil and Colombia, which are subject to the baseline 10% tariffs. Vietnam is also a key exporter of certain types of coffee.

Walter Haas, owner of San Francisco-based coffee roastery Graffeo, told the Washington Post that once tariffs hit, his company will feel it "immediately – literally the next day."

If they remain in place, those cost increases will be "permanently baked into the price consumers pay", he added.

Other imported foods found on the countertops in many US kitchens could suffer a similar fate, especially those coming from European Union nations, who will all be hit by a 20% tariff. Prices of shelf staples like olive oil, which is primarily imported from Italy, Spain and Greece, could rise further.

Sneakers – including Adidas to Nike

Shoes, one of the most basic necessities and also one of Americans' biggest splurges, could become more expensive, including the beloved sneakers Nike Air Force 1s and Adidas Sambas. Both sportswear companies rely heavily on Asian factory hubs for their inventories, with about half of Nike's shoes and 39% of Adidas' shoes made in Vietnam.

In 2024, the US imported more than $27bn worth of footwear, mostly from China and Vietnam, which was subject to tariffs of about $3bn, according to data by Prof Lu.

Now, that tax amount could nearly triple.

UBS analysts told Reuters that, all in all, retailers may not be able to fully swallow the costs, and would need to raise prices by 10% to 12% to offset the levies on Vietnamese manufacturers.

Alcohol, including European wine and beer

France is one of the biggest foreign suppliers of wine to the US, and its winemaking industry has expressed anxiety about what the 20% EU tariffs will mean for their business.

The Bourgogne Wine Board, which represents producers in the French region of Burgundy, said the US tariffs will deliver "a serious blow" to both exporters and American consumers.

"The risk with these additional tariffs is that they could push our wines past a psychological price threshold," warned Laurent Delaunay, president of the Bourgogne Wine Board - meaning above what buyers feel comfortable paying.

Price increases could be seen at restaurants, especially for imported beers (like Guinness) or drinks using foreign spirits (like a negroni). Separately, Trump expanded an aluminium tariff to include all canned beer, which could also make it more expensive for those who stay home.

UBS analysts told Reuters that large alcohol sellers would have to hike prices up to 5% to cover the tariffs if they choose not to absorb the costs themselves.

Electronics, like iPhones and video gaming consoles

Cell phones, TVs and video game consoles tend to be big-ticket purchases, and the latest US tariffs could make them even bigger-ticket.

China, as well as Taiwan and South Korea, are all top exporters of electronics to the US.

Almost all iPhones are made in China, although some are also made in India (which, too, is on the "worst offenders" list with a 26% tariff). Samsung, meanwhile, has significant production operations in Vietnam.

It's still unclear how these major tech companies will respond to the new levies. But Japanese video gaming company Nintendo announced on Friday that it is delaying pre-orders of its Switch 2 console, saying it needs to "assess the potential impact of tariffs."

Shein and Temu shopping hauls

Americans may soon find that loading up fast-fashion hauls from Chinese online retailers like Temu or Shein with a few swipes on their phones has gotten more expensive.

Along with imposing the country-level tariffs, Trump has signed an executive order ending an exemption that prevented charging the levies on small-dollar shipments from China.

The exemption is referred to as the "de minimis" loophole, and it had allowed shipments under $800 (£620) to enter the US duty-free. Experts say it was a big reason why Temu and Shein were able to keep their costs low.

The order means those companies may have to pay taxes for the first time on the clothes they often send directly to customers.

It is unclear just how much costs for these goods could rise with the elimination of the loophole, but the White House says small shipments sent to the US through the international postal network could be subject to a tax of "either 30% of their value, or $25 per item."

That tax would then increase to $50 per item after 1 June, according to the White House.

Source: bbc.com

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

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdxnzreqklro

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China and US are at each other's throats on tariffs, and neither is backing down

April 05, 2025

American companies looking to sell into the huge Chinese market have just taken a big hit. A 34% price increase on all US goods entering the country will knock some out of here altogether.

This is especially bad for US agricultural producers. They already had 10 or 15% tariffs on their produce entering China, in response to the last round of Trump tariffs. Now, if you add 34% on top of that, it is probably pricing most of them out.

Beijing doesn't seem too worried about looking elsewhere for more chicken, pork and sorghum and – at the same time – it knows it is whacking the US president right in his heartland.

Globally, all of this has analysts worried.

The problem is that supply chains have become so international, components in any given product could be sourced from all corners of the planet.

So, when the ripples of economic distress start spreading from country to country, it could have potentially catastrophic consequences for all trade.

Most concerning is that the world's two greatest economies are now at each other's throats with no indication that either is preparing to backdown.

Just take the timing of Beijing's announcement.

The Chinese government revealed its promised "resolute countermeasures" to Trump's latest tariffs in a written statement from the finance ministry at 18:00 local time (10:00 GMT), on a Friday night, which is also a public holiday.

The timing could mean several things.

1. It wanted to somewhat bury the news at home, so as to not spook people too much.

2. It simply made the announcement as soon as its own calibrations had been finalised.

3. Beijing had given up on the hope of using the small window it had before Trump's 54% tariffs on Chinese goods took effect next week to do a deal. So, the government just decided to let it rip.

If it is the last of these reasons, that is pretty bleak news for the global economy because it could mean that a settlement between the world's superpowers could be harder to reach than many had expected.

Another indicator of President Xi's attitude towards President Trump's tariffs can be seen by what he was doing when they were announced.

Elsewhere, governments may have been glued to the television, hoping to avoid the worst from Washington.

Not here.

Xi and the six other members of the Politburo Standing Committee were out planting trees to draw attention to the need to counter deforestation.

It presented a kind of calmness in the face of Trump, giving off a vibe along the lines of: do your best Washington, this is China and we're not interested in your nonsense.

There is still room for the US and China to cut some sort of deal, but the rhetoric does not seem to be heading that way.

Another possible path is for China to increase its trade with other countries – including western nations once seen as close allies of the US – and for these new routes to essentially cut America out of the loop.

Again, this would hurt not only US companies but also US consumers who will already be paying higher prices thanks to Trump's tariffs.

Source: bbc.com

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

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4grlzegewno

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Europe

 

Mosque plan for former St Thomas’ Church raises £461k

4TH APRIL

By Fintan McGuinness

Plans to turn a Watford church into a mosque are moving forward after £461k of a 500k goal was raised.

The final donation to the Masjid Al-Ummah project, which aims to bring the vacant former St Thomas’ United Reformed Church back into use, came in on March 31 and brought the total raised within £40k of its goal.

Trustees have confirmed that the project is therefore progressing positively.

They added: "We have received encouraging support from the community thus far and are optimistic on the next steps."

As outlined in the fundraiser, the money will go towards repaying some of the initial short-term financing that allowed the trustees purchase the building. The next steps will involve renovating the building and raising a further £2m for these works by the end of 2025.

The doors to a completed masjid on the site in Langley Road, Nascot, would then open in summer 2026, with the full £2.75m financing to be repaid by January 2027.

The church closed in 2015 and was set to be demolished and rebuilt as it was judged to be “not fit for purpose” due to “serious structural defects”.

Despite planning permission being approved twice, the scheme never got off the ground and the land was put up for sale last year when it became clear a new church would not be possible.

Source: watfordobserver.co.uk

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https://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/25065190.mosque-plan-former-st-thomas-church-raises-461k/

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Community unites for ‘Big Iftar’ celebration

4 April 2025

A community gathered together for a ‘Big Iftar’ celebration last week, to share food, conversation and reflect.

More than 60 people attended the Tahir Mosque in Catford on Saturday, to share a meal after sunset during the month of Ramadan, hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Bromley and Lewisham Chapter.

Friends, neighbours, and councillors came together for the evening which offered guests the opportunity to learn more about the significance of fasting in Islam.

The event served as a platform to foster inter-community dialogue as guests heard reflections about the importance of unity, understanding, and social cohesion.

President of the Bromley and Lewisham Chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Dr Bilal Bhatti said: “This Big Iftar was a truly special occasion for our community. At a time when divisions can feel overwhelming, bringing people together around the shared values of compassion and respect is more important than ever.

“We are thankful to all our neighbours and guests who joined us, and we look forward to continuing our work to build bridges and strengthen our bonds in Bromley, Lewisham, and beyond.”

For more information on the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, visit www.AhmadiyyaUK.org

Source: londonnewsonline.co.uk

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https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/news/community-unites-for-big-iftar-celebration/

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Changes to Ipswich town centre’s mosque expansion blocked

04 April 2025

Changes to a town centre's mosque expansion plans have been blocked by councillors.

The Nawracy Mosque, in Woodbridge Road, Ipswich, was granted planning permission to extend its prayer hall and classrooms in 2023, after being allowed to occupy the former Muberry Tree pub in 2019.

On Wednesday, councillors met to discuss plans to alter the approved expansion plans to change two first-floor windows into flat-roofed dormer windows to unlock more space.

Mojlum Khan, who spoke in support of the alterations, said they were needed to cater for the needs of visitors of more than 60 different nationalities.

He said: "It’s a balancing act between retaining the features of the building and its historic look and creating an extension which does not meet the community’s need sufficiently."

Mr Khan said the historic look was important, but stressed a good part of the room would be rendered unusable if the alterations were not carried.

This is because the pitched roof proposals initially approved by the council would not allow for taller people to use the space.

When debating, several councillors praised the mosque and the work it was doing but said the impact on the historic building would be too significant.

Cllr Adam Rae argued there would not be a great deal of space gained for the price of 'ignoring the heritage'.

Cllr Colin Kreidewold recognised the mosque's success, but said 'with listed buildings come responsibilities'.

Councillors supported the officer's recommendation for refusal, with 10 votes for and one abstention.

Source: suffolknews.co.uk

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https://www.suffolknews.co.uk/ipswich/news/changes-to-town-centre-s-mosque-expansion-blocked-9411622/

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US says Putin will make decision on ceasefire in 'weeks, not months'

4 April 2025

The US's top diplomat has said he will know "in a matter of weeks, not months" whether Vladimir Putin is serious about peace and a ceasefire in Ukraine.

Speaking after a meeting of Nato foreign ministers in Brussels, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said ending the war is a decision that will "ultimately" have to be made by the Russian President.

This follows similar comments from his British and French counterparts on Friday morning on the sidelines of the Nato meeting, who also accused Putin of continuing to "drag his feet" and his bombardment.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities said Russian strikes overnight in Kharkiv killed at least five, and a ballistic missile attack later on Kryvyi Rih killed 12.

Russia and Ukraine have ramped up their attacks as US President Donald Trump attempts to bring them together to strike a ceasefire deal to end the more than three years of fighting.

Last month, Ukraine agreed to accept a US proposal for an initial 30-day ceasefire, following talks in Saudi Arabia, while Russia has still to make a decision.

The attack on the northeastern city of Kharkiv came hours before French and British military chiefs arrived in Kyiv to discuss the the possibility of allied troops being deployed to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire.

In March, allied countries met in the UK to discuss ending the war and defending Ukraine from Russia with a "coalition of the willing".

"There will be at some point a need for military capacity or reassurance, whenever peace is reached," the French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, said on Friday.

Talking in Brussels, he was joined by British Foreign Minister David Lammy, who said Putin "could accept a ceasefire now, [but] he continues to bombard Ukraine, its civilian population, its energy supplies.

"We see you, Vladimir Putin, we know what you are doing," he stated, adding that the Russian leader "continues to obfuscate, continues to drag his feet".

When questioned on whether negotiations were a delay tactic, Rubio reiterated Trump's stance on ending the war soon, and said they are "going to wait and see".

"The Russians know our position in terms of wanting to end the war, and we will know from their answers very soon on whether they are serious about proceeding to real peace or whether it's a delay tactic," he added, stressing that Trump was not going to "fall into the trap of endless negotiations about negotiations".

Senior Nato officials have told the BBC that there is no sign Putin is preparing for a ceasefire. Rubio, however, remains hopeful.

"I hope they are. It will be good for the world if the war ended, but obviously we have to test that proposition," he added, explaining that the US would re-evaluate their approach depending on Moscow's response.

"At some point fairly soon - not six months from now - Russia and Putin will have to make a decision."

On Thursday, Poland's Foreign Minister, Radek Sikorski similarly said Putin had weeks not months to show he was serious about ending the war.

"I think if he doesn't agree to a ceasefire, the way Ukraine has agreed to a ceasefire, US patience will not be forever," he said following a meeting he had with Rubio.

He told the BBC he thinks the US is "giving Putin a chance to end the war while saving face", but if he doesn't, it is possible for the "gloves" to come off in the way of more sanctions for Russia and more military assistance for Ukraine.

Source: bbc.com

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

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c209w7g049wo

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Africa

 

UN concerned after Niger quits force fighting armed Islamist groups

April 4, 2025

The United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General has expressed concern over Niger’s decision to withdraw from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNTJF)  fighting armed Islamist groups in West Africa.

Leonardo Santos Simão, who is also head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), on Thursday told the Security Council that it was crucial to the region that the military coalition continues its operations.

He said stakeholders at the Lake Chad Basin Governors' Forum in Maiduguri, Nigeria, had “stressed the importance of continuing diplomatic efforts and also financial support” to the force.

Santos Simão added that the MNTJF is currently the only security mechanism which is operational in the region.

The coalition is mandated to combat the Boko Haram insurgency and also includes Benin, Cameroon, Chad, and Nigeria.

“In spite of the continued good offices to maintain the integrity of this coalition, Niger recently announced that it would withdraw from the taskforce. This announcement comes at a time when security is the main concern for the region.”

In his report back on the situation in the region, Santos Simão said while things are improving in the region on the socio-economic front, security is essential for stability.

His view was echoed by Sierra Leone’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Michael Imran Kanu who said the “evolving security landscape has been marked by growing geopolitical tensions”.

“In this context, the focus mostly remains on strengthening regional security mechanisms grounded in national ownership and based on cooperation among ECOWAS, the African Union, as well as neighbouring countries and other subregional initiatives,” said Kanu.

He added that the stability of West Africa and the Sahel  “must reflect collaborative approaches aligned with the priorities of its people”.

Sierra Leone is a non-permanent member of the Security Council and a member of UNOWAS.

Santos Simão said socio-economic “indicators in the region are promising and that they have improved, they come in a large part from resource extraction and food production”.

“But challenges such as high inflation, increased debt, climate shocks and limited budget room for manoeuvre are all persisting and they reduce government's ability to invest in services and essential infrastructure.”

As the region continues to face challenges, UNOWAS said comprehensive approaches were required and partnerships that prioritise macroeconomic stability, inclusive growth, and stronger economic governance to improve long-term resilience.

Source: africanews.com

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

https://www.africanews.com/2025/04/04/un-concerned-after-niger-quits-force-fighting-armed-islamist-groups/

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Wike Criticizes University Of Abuja’s Unused Land, Demands Development

April 5, 2025

By Enioluwa Adeniyi

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has expressed dissatisfaction over the large expanse of undeveloped land allocated to the University of Abuja, urging immediate development on the property.

During a visit to the road leading to the EFCC Academy in Giri on Friday, Wike voiced his concerns regarding the university’s acquisition of over 10,000 hectares of land, most of which remains unused.

Wike questioned the rationale behind the university’s acquisition of such a vast area without significant development.

“This tour has also opened our eyes as to the kind of land that the University of Abuja has acquired. It’s not acceptable. You can’t deny development. I don’t know where a university will go and take over 10,000 hectares of land; for what purpose?” he said.

The minister emphasized that many universities with smaller land sizes have managed to develop better infrastructure, underscoring that the quality of a university’s infrastructure is more important than the size of the land.

“What makes a university is not the large expanse of land. What makes a university is the infrastructure quality. It’s not about land. You can have 20,000 hectares of land, but if the university does not have any infrastructure, what does it help?” Wike stated.

Wike made it clear that the FCT Administration will no longer tolerate the practice of acquiring land without developing it.

“We must stop this idea of just acquiring land for acquiring sake. That is not the essence of it. If they give you land, you develop it. If you don’t develop it, the government will take it back and give it to those who want to develop. That is our position,” he warned.

The minister also criticized the Nigerian Police for not utilizing their allocated land in the area, reinforcing his message that unused land will be reclaimed.

Despite his concerns over the land situation, Wike expressed hope that ongoing infrastructure projects, including the road leading to the EFCC Academy and the 15-kilometre Outer Southern Expressway, would stimulate further development in the region.

During an inspection of the expressway project, Wike praised the speed and quality of work carried out by the China Geo-engineering Corporation.

“We are very happy with what we have seen and the quality of jobs that are being carried out. We believe, to the glory of God, that Mr. President will also be happy when he comes to inaugurate these projects,” Wike said.

Wike assured that the FCT Administration remains committed to completing all ongoing projects on schedule, especially ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office.

“This administration of Mr. President does not believe in abandoned projects. Any contract given must be completed for people to use,” he said, promising continued support for contractors to ensure the timely delivery of projects.

Source: naijanews.com

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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/04/05/wike-criticizes-university-of-abujas-unused-land-demands-development/

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South Asia

 

UN calls for end to Pakistan’s forced deportation of Afghan refugees

By Fidel Rahmati

April 5, 2025

UN experts have called for an immediate halt to the deportation of Afghan migrants from Pakistan, stressing that such actions violate international human rights and refugee laws.

On Friday, April 4, the UN issued a press statement emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions for Afghan migrants and greater support from the international community.

The statement urged Pakistan to immediately stop internal relocations, deportations, detentions, threats, and other forms of pressure on Afghan migrants.

Experts expressed concern about the current situation of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, particularly highlighting the vulnerabilities of children—especially unaccompanied minors—who are at risk of human trafficking, early marriage, and abuse. Disabled individuals, the elderly, and other marginalized groups are also at heightened risk.

The UN officials noted that women, LGBTQ individuals, ethnic and religious minorities, former government officials, security personnel, human rights defenders, and media workers are among the most vulnerable groups in this crisis.

Additionally, the reduction in international aid has weakened humanitarian organizations and the Taliban regime’s capacity to assist returning migrants.

Meanwhile, the ongoing forced deportations of Afghan migrants from Iran and Pakistan have sparked serious reactions. Recently, the Pakistani police reported the arrest of over 16,000 Afghan migrants with citizen cards (ACC) in Karachi, with more than 150 migrants detained so far.

Pakistan’s decision to continue deportations is affecting over 800,000 Afghan refugees, including those with citizenship cards, as well as undocumented migrants. The situation remains tense, and there are growing concerns about the safety and well-being of those involved.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/un-calls-for-end-to-pakistans-forced-deportation-of-afghan-refugees/

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Pakistan urges UN to combat Afghanistan’s illicit arms trade

By Fidel Rahmati

April 5, 2025

Pakistan has urged the UN Security Council to take action against the growing illicit arms trade flourishing in Afghanistan.

Pakistan has urged the United Nations Security Council to halt terrorists’ access to weapons in Afghanistan. The request comes amid rising concerns about the proliferation of arms to various militant groups.

Pakistani media reported on Saturday, April 5, that weapons have been supplied to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Baloch Liberation Army, and the Brigades of Majid from Afghanistan. These groups are actively involved in insurgencies across Pakistan.

Sayed Atif Reza, a representative from Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, raised alarms at the UN Security Council about the increase in arms trafficking. He urged the council to take serious measures to curb the growing black market for weapons in Afghanistan.

This statement follows a report from a Geneva-based organization, which highlighted a surge in the illegal arms trade in eastern and border regions of Pakistan. The report documents a rise in both light and heavy weapon sales, particularly in areas affected by militancy.

The report, titled “Documenting Access to Weapons in Afghanistan,” sheds light on the continued arms trafficking in the region. It shows that weapons from the Soviet era and NATO are easily available in informal markets, posing a significant security threat.

The situation in Pakistan has been further complicated by the growing tension between the Taliban and Pakistan. Increased cross-border violence has led to a sharp rise in casualties, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. March recorded the highest number of casualties in a decade, raising alarms about the stability of the region.

The escalation of militant activity in these regions has made security operations more challenging for Pakistani authorities. The Taliban’s growing influence in Afghanistan, coupled with its support for insurgents targeting Pakistan, is contributing to the destabilization of the border areas.

This ongoing conflict is straining Pakistan’s security forces, as the influx of weapons from Afghanistan exacerbates the situation. The situation calls for urgent international cooperation to curb the illegal arms trade and address the rising militant threats to Pakistan’s stability.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/pakistan-urges-un-to-combat-afghanistans-illicit-arms-trade/

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US officials confirm no plans to reopen Embassy in Kabul

By Fidel Rahmati

April 5, 2025

US officials confirmed there are no current plans to reopen the embassy in Kabul, maintaining the existing diplomatic stance.

American media outlets, citing spokespeople from the U.S. National Security Council and the State Department, have reported that there are currently no discussions or specific plans regarding the resumption of U.S. embassy activities in Kabul.

The Washington Examiner reported on April 4, quoting James Hewitt, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, that the issue of reopening the U.S. embassy in Kabul is not currently on the agenda.

U.S. State Department officials have also confirmed this stance, stating that there has been no change in U.S. policy toward Afghanistan, and there are no plans to reopen the embassy in Kabul in the near future.

This report comes after speculation in recent weeks regarding potential discussions about a limited diplomatic presence by the U.S. in Afghanistan.

After the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021 and the Taliban’s return to power, the U.S. embassy in Kabul was closed, and diplomatic activities were relocated to Doha, Qatar. Since then, Washington has continued to engage with Afghanistan issues through its representation in Doha.

The continued diplomatic detachment reflects the ongoing uncertainties surrounding the situation in Afghanistan and the lack of trust between the U.S. and the Taliban regime. With no plans for embassy reopening, U.S. policy seems to remain cautious as it observes developments within Afghanistan and the region.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/us-officials-confirm-no-plans-to-reopen-embassy-in-kabul/

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CA calls ‘emergency meeting’ to discuss US tariff

Apr 5, 2025

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has convened an "emergency meeting" this evening to discuss the US tariff issue.

The meeting will be held at the State Guest House Jamuna at 7.30pm today, according to the Chief Adviser's Office.

Top experts, advisers and officials will join the meeting.

Source: thedailystar.net

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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/ca-calls-emergency-meeting-discuss-us-tariff-3864021

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153 Afghan refugees return voluntarily via Torkham border

By Fidel Rahmati

April 4, 2025

Following Pakistan’s announcement to end the deadline for Afghan refugees to return, 153 Afghan refugees voluntarily crossed the Torkham border back to Afghanistan. This decision aligns with the government’s policy of encouraging dignified repatriation, rather than forcible expulsion.

Pakistani officials established two designated transit points to facilitate the return of refugees. One in the Khyber tribal region and the other in Peshawar. These points are part of the government’s effort to ensure the process runs smoothly and refugees are not harmed during their journey home.

The Pakistani government emphasized that no refugees were forcibly expelled from the country. The authorities have consistently stated that the aim is to ensure Afghan refugees return voluntarily and with dignity, maintaining their rights and safety in the process.

Between March 31 and April 2, 153 Afghan refugees and 850 undocumented foreign nationals voluntarily left Pakistan, marking a part of the broader repatriation efforts. This process highlights the country’s push for the peaceful return of refugees to Afghanistan.

Pakistan has made it clear that it will only use force if refugees refuse to leave voluntarily. While the government encourages voluntary returns, it has made it clear that force will be a last resort in ensuring the completion of the repatriation process.

Since the initiation of the repatriation efforts in 2023, more than 477,000 Afghan refugees, including women and children, have returned to Afghanistan. This ongoing movement is a response to Pakistan’s desire to clear out long-standing refugee populations while addressing the growing concerns over undocumented migrants.

Human rights groups have expressed concerns about the safety of Afghan refugees returning, particularly women and vulnerable groups who may face persecution in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. The risk of mistreatment or worse for these returnees has raised significant alarm among international organizations.

As the repatriation process continues, the international community has called on Pakistan to ensure that returning refugees are not subjected to any harm and are treated with respect. There are also calls for greater protection measures for vulnerable individuals, particularly women activists, who could face heightened risks upon returning to Afghanistan.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/153-afghan-refugees-return-voluntarily-via-torkham-border/

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Southeast Asia

 

World Uyghur Congress Highlights Gendered Islamophobia at UN Side Event

19 March 2025

On 19 March 2025, Zumretay Arkin, Vice President of the World Uyghur Congress (WUC), took part in a UN side event hosted at the Permanent Mission of Canada in Geneva, where she spoke about the specific impact of China’s repression on Uyghur and Turkic women. She explained how gender-based discrimination intersects with religious persecution under China’s counterterrorism policies, urging the international community to take concrete steps in response.

The event, part of the Beijing+30 framework, was organised by the University of Essex (School of Law), the Canadian Mission, and the UN Office on Genocide Prevention, and co-sponsored by WUC, Women Deliver, and several other rights groups. Participants—including UN representatives, academics, and activists—examined how Islamophobia affects women globally. The conversation placed particular emphasis on the situation in East Turkistan, where Uyghur women face forced assimilation, separation from their families, and strict limitations on their faith.

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Education ministry slams viral video claim, clarifies Perak students sang state anthem in Malay

05 Apr 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, April 5 — The Ministry of Education (MOE) has expressed regret over the actions of a political influencer who circulated a misleading viral video claiming that the national anthem, Negaraku, was not sung in the national language at a school in Perak.

In a statement yesterday, MOE clarified that the song sung by the schoolchildren was not Negaraku as alleged, but ‘Allah Lanjutkan Usia Sultan’, the state anthem of Perak.

"This song symbolises loyalty, affection and respect for the Sultan of Perak and the traditions of the Perak Sultanate.

"The video also clearly shows that the students and all attendees sang Allah Lanjutkan Usia Sultan in Malay, following the correct lyrics," the statement said.

MOE advised the public not to be swayed by malicious allegations intended to incite discord and undermine national harmony.

Earlier, a video went viral on social media, including TikTok, showing a song being sung in a school, with claims that it was performed in Chinese. — Bernama

Source: malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/04/05/education-ministry-slams-viral-video-claim-clarifies-perak-students-sang-state-anthem-in-malay/171954

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WUC Executive Chair Engages with UK Leaders at Parliament Iftar

 March 4

On March 4, Rushan Abbas, Chair of the Executive Committee of the World Uyghur Congress (WUC), took part in the UK Parliament’s Iftar event held at the iconic Westminster Hall. During the gathering, she had a brief but meaningful exchange with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, drawing attention to the ongoing persecution of Uyghurs in East Turkistan and underscoring the urgent need for stronger international support.

The Iftar brought together prominent British political figures, including Lord Speaker John McFall, Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Lord Tariq Ahmad, Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, and Deputy Speaker Nusrat Ghani. Their participation signalled a growing political awareness and concern within the UK regarding China’s human rights violations.

The WUC’s presence at the event served as a vital opportunity to raise the Uyghur issue directly with UK leadership and build diplomatic momentum for greater accountability.

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Impact of latest tariff towards national economy still under assessment - PM Anwar

Bernama

05-04- 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the impact of the latest tariff measures by the United States on the national economy is still under assessment by relevant ministries and agencies led by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).

Anwar said any response and follow up towards the impact of the tariff imposed by the United States on the country’s economy needs to be carefully drafted and there is still room for discussion and dialogue with the country’s major trading partners,

“This afternoon, chaired the National Geoeconomic Command Centre (NGCC) Meeting. Malaysia is firm in its approach to maintaining positive and progressive relations with all trading partners while safeguarding the interests and well-being of our people, businesses and exporters,“ he said in a Facebook post tonight.Travel insurance plans

Earlier, the Prime Minister was reported to have said that Malaysia, as the ASEAN chairman, would negotiate with several member states of the bloc to reach a mutual agreement on the issue of reciprocal tariffs announced by the US to ensure that the principle of fairness is applied in international trade.

ASEAN member states of the Indo-China region were worst affected by the tariffs, with Cambodia being subject to basic and reciprocal tariffs totaling 49 per cent, followed by Laos (48 per cent), Vietnam (46 per cent) and Myanmar (44 per cent).

Meanwhile, Thailand is subject to a tariff of 36 per cent, Indonesia 32 per cent, Brunei and Malaysia at 24 per cent each, while the Philippines at 17 per cent and Singapore at a base tariff of 10 per cent.

Additionally, higher reciprocal tariffs are imposed individually on countries with which the US records the largest trade deficits, effective April 9, 2025.

All other countries will continue to be subject to the original 10 percent tariff policy.

Source: thesun.my

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https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/impact-of-latest-tariff-towards-national-economy-still-under-assessment-pm-anwar-AD13894136

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Education Ministry regrets misleading video on anthem sung in Perak school

Bernama

05-04- 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Education (MOE) has expressed regret over the actions of a political influencer who circulated a misleading viral video claiming that the national anthem, Negaraku, was not sung in the national language at a school in Perak.

In a statement today, MOE clarified that the song sung by the schoolchildren was not Negaraku as alleged, but ‘Allah Lanjutkan Usia Sultan’, the state anthem of Perak.

“This song symbolises loyalty, affection and respect for the Sultan of Perak and the traditions of the Perak Sultanate.

“The video also clearly shows that the students and all attendees sang Allah Lanjutkan Usia Sultan in Malay, following the correct lyrics,“ the statement said.

MOE advised the public not to be swayed by malicious allegations intended to incite discord and undermine national harmony.

Earlier, a video went viral on social media, including TikTok, showing a song being sung in a school, with claims that it was performed in Chinese.

Source: thesun.my

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

https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/education-ministry-regrets-misleading-video-on-anthem-sung-in-perak-school-LD13894087

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Mideast

 

Israel Is Trying to Destabilize Lebanon andSyria, Arab League Chief Laments

April 05, 2025

CAIRO: Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit on Saturday accused Israel of trying to destabilize Syria and Lebanon through irresponsible military provocations, in “flagrant disregard for international legal norms.”

In a statement, Aboul Gheit lamented that global inaction has further emboldened the Zionist state.

“(T)he wars waged by Israel on the occupied Palestinian territories, Lebanon, and Syria have entered a new phase of complete recklessness, deliberately violating signed agreements, invading countries, and killing more civilians,” said the statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency.

He said Israel’s resumption of targeted assassinations in Lebanon is an unacceptable and condemnable breach of the ceasefire agreement it signed with Lebanon late last year.

Aboul Gheit suggested that Israel’s actions were driven by narrow domestic agendas at the expense of civilian lives and regional peace.

“It seems that the Israeli war machine does not want to stop as long as the occupation leaders insist on facing their internal crises by exporting them abroad, and this situation has become clear to everyone,” he said.

As per the Gaza Ministry of Health’s count last week, more than 50,000 people have been killed and over 113,200 wounded in Israeli attacks on Palestinian territories in retaliation against the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas surprise attack on southern Israel.

In Lebanon, war monitors have said at least 3,961 people were killed and at least 16,520, wounded in Israel’s war with the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement from October 8, 2023, to November 26, 2024.

Syria’s new government accused Israel on April 3 of mounting a deadly destabilization campaign after a wave of strikes on military targets, including an airport, and a ground incursion killed 13 people, in the southern province of Daraa.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2595963/middle-east

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Hamas says Israeli offensive in Gaza ‘highly dangerous’ for hostages

April 04, 2025

GAZA CITY: Hamas on Friday said Israel’s offensive in Gaza was creating a “highly dangerous” situation for the hostages held there, warning that half of the living captives were in areas where the army had ordered evacuations.

“Half of the living Israeli (hostages) are located in areas that the Israeli occupation army has requested to be evacuated in recent days,” Abu Obeida, spokesman for Hamas’s armed wing, said in a statement. “We have decided not to transfer these (hostages)... but (this situation) is highly dangerous to their lives.”

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2595940/middle-east

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Syrian government says studying Amnesty report on massacres

April 05, 2025

Damascus: Syria’s government said late Friday it was “closely following” the findings of a new Amnesty International report urging an investigation into sectarian massacres last month.

Amnesty called on the Syrian government in a report on Thursday to ensure accountability for the massacres targeting the Alawite minority, saying they may constitute war crimes.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor has said security forces and allied groups killed more than 1,700 civilians, mostly Alawites, during the violence.

Interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, whose Islamist group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) led the offensive that toppled longtime ruler Bashar Assad in December, has vowed to prosecute those responsible.

In a statement on Friday, the government said it had been “following closely the Amnesty report” and its “preliminary findings.”

“It is up to the Independent National Commission for Investigation and Fact-Finding to evaluate them, in accordance with the mandate, independence, and broad powers granted to it by presidential decree,” it said.

The Syrian authorities have accused armed Assad supporters of sparking the violence by attacking the new security forces.

The government on Friday complained the report failed to note “the broader context of the events.”

It said the violence began with a “premeditated assault” by the “remnants of the previous regime, targeting army and internal security personnel.”

In the ensuing chaos, “acts of retaliation and serious violations occurred,” it said, vowing that these would be investigated and a report issued within a month.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2595958/middle-east

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Red Cross warns of continued threat of landmines in Iraq

April 04, 2025

LONDON: The International Committee of the Red Cross said on Friday that landmines and explosive remnants of war continue to pose a severe threat in Iraq, contaminating an estimated 2,100 sq. km.

In a statement issued to coincide with the International Day for Mine Awareness, the organization said landmines from past conflicts, including the Iran-Iraq War and the 2014–17 battle against Daesh, remained a major hazard.

The contamination had resulted in civilian casualties, forced displacement, restricted farmland access and slowed reconstruction efforts, it said.

Between 2023 and 2024, the ICRC recorded 78 casualties from landmines and remnants of war in Iraq. Earlier this year, three students were killed in an explosion in Abu Al-Khasib, Basra.

The ICRC has appealed for greater efforts to reduce contamination and support mine-affected communities. Clearance operations continue in cooperation with national authorities and humanitarian partners.

The call for action comes at a time when several NATO member states, namely Poland, Finland and the Baltic states, have signaled their intention to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, the international treaty banning antipersonnel landmines. They cited the growing military threat from Russia as the reason for reconsidering the ban.

Meanwhile, the US, previously the largest funder of global mine clearance efforts, has cut back support due to a foreign aid review under the Trump administration.

Washington had contributed over $300 million annually, covering 40 percent of total international mine action funding, according to the 2024 Landmine Monitor report, which led to major clearance efforts in Iraq, Afghanistan and Laos.

A State Department official said last month that the US had restarted some global humanitarian demining programs but provided no details.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2595945/middle-east

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US sending Israel 20,000 assault rifles that Biden had delayed, say sources

April 04, 2025

WASHINGTON: The Trump administration moved forward with the sale of more than 20,000 US-made assault rifles to Israel last month, according to a document seen by Reuters and a source familiar with the matter, pushing ahead with a sale that the administration of former president Joe Biden had delayed over concerns they could be used by extremist Israeli settlers.

The State Department sent a notification to Congress on March 6 for the $24 million sale, saying the end user would be the Israeli National Police, according to the document.

The rifle sale is a small transaction next to the billions of dollars worth of weapons that Washington supplies to Israel. But it drew attention when the Biden administration delayed the sale over concerns that the weapons could end up in the hands of Israeli settlers, some of whom have carried out attacks on Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

The Biden administration has imposed sanctions on individuals and entities accused of committing violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, which has seen a rise in settler attacks on Palestinians.

On his first day in office on January 20, Trump issued an executive order rescinding US sanctions on Israeli settlers in a reversal of US policy. Since then, his administration has approved the sale of billions of dollars worth of weapons to Israel.

The March 6 congressional notification said the US government had taken into account “political, military, economic, human rights, and arms control considerations.”

The State Department did not respond to a request for comment when asked if the administration sought assurances from Israel on the use of the weapons.

CLOSE TIES

Since a 1967 Middle East war, Israel has occupied the West Bank, which Palestinians want as the core of an independent state, and has built settlements that most countries deem illegal. Israel disputes this, citing historical and biblical ties to the land.

Settler violence had been on the rise prior to the eruption of the Gaza war, and has worsened since the conflict began over a year ago.

Trump has forged close ties to Netanyahu, pledging to back Israel in its war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. His administration has in some cases pushed ahead with Israel arms sales despite requests from Democratic lawmakers that the sales be paused until they received more information.

The US Senate on Thursday overwhelmingly rejected a bid to block $8.8 billion in arms sales to Israel over human rights concerns, voting 82-15 and 83-15 to reject two resolutions of disapproval over sales of massive bombs and other offensive military equipment.

The resolutions were offered by Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, an independent who caucuses with Democrats.

The rifle sale had been put on hold after Democratic lawmakers objected and sought information on how Israel was going to use them. The congressional committees eventually cleared the sale but the Biden administration kept the hold in place.

The latest episode in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict began with a Hamas attack on Israeli communities on October 7, 2023 with gunmen killing 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Israel’s campaign has so far killed more than 50,000 Palestinians, Gaza health authorities say.

Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a far-right member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, oversees the Israeli police force. The Times of Israel newspaper in November 2023 reported that his ministry has put “a heavy emphasis on arming civilian security squads” in the aftermath of October 7 attacks.

Source: arabnews.com arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2595908/middle-east

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Medecins Sans Frontieres ‘appalled’ by second staff member killed in Gaza within weeks

April 04, 2025

GENEVA: Global medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres said on Friday it was appalled and saddened by the killing of one of its staff by an air strike in Gaza, the second within two weeks.

Hussam Al Loulou died in the strike on Apr. 1 in central Gaza, alongside his wife and 28-year-old daughter, the organization said.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2595904/middle-east

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Turkiye wants no confrontation with Israel in Syria, foreign minister says

April 04, 2025

BRUSSELS: Turkiye wants no confrontation with Israel in Syria after repeated Israeli attacks on military sites there undermined the new government’s ability to deter threats, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told Reuters on Friday.

In an interview on the sidelines of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels, Fidan said Israel’s actions in Syria — where the administration of President Ahmed Al-Sharaa is a close Turkish ally — were paving the way for future regional instability.

If the new administration in Damascus wants to have “certain understandings” with Israel, which like Turkiye is a neighbor of Syria, then that is their own business, he added.

NATO member Turkiye has fiercely criticized Israel over its attacks on Gaza since 2023, saying they amount to a genocide against the Palestinians, and has applied to join a case at the World Court against Israel while also halting all trade.

Israel denies the genocide accusations.

The animosity between the regional powers has spilled over into Syria, with Israeli forces striking Syria for weeks since a new administration took control in Damascus. Turkiye has called the Israeli strikes an encroachment on Syrian territories, while Israel has said it would not allow any hostile forces in Syria.

Asked about US President Donald Trump’s threats of military strikes against Iran, Fidan said diplomacy was needed to resolve the dispute and that Ankara did not want to see any attack taking place against its neighbor Iran.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2595902/middle-east

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Muslim World League Condemns the Israeli attacks on Syria

4 April، 2025

Mecca, SANA- The Muslim World League strongly condemned the Israeli attacks on Syrian territory, stressing that these attacks constitute a violation of international laws and norms.

“Secretary General and Chairman of the Muslim Scholars Association, Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, condemned Israel’s barbaric approach, which violates international laws and norms and undermines security and stability in Syria and the region” League’s General Secretariat said in a statement published on the League’s official website

Al-Issa called on the international community to take immediate and decisive action against these serious violations

He affirmed full solidarity with Syria and its people against all threats to its security, stability, territorial sovereignty, and unity.

Source: sana.sy

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https://sana.sy/en/?p=351261

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Arab World

 

Saudi Arabia Condemns Israeli Military Escalation, Attack On Cultural Center InGaza

April 04, 2025

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday condemned Israel’s continued military escalation in the occupied Palestinian territories, including strikes on shelters for displaced civilians in Gaza.

In a statement, the Kingdom denounced the targeting of the Dar Al-Arqam School in Gaza, where dozens of displaced people were killed, and the destruction of a warehouse operated by the Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage in the Morag area east of Rafah. The facility reportedly contained medical supplies designated for patients and the wounded in Gaza.

The ministry said the absence of effective international accountability mechanisms has enabled Israeli forces to persist in violations of international law and humanitarian principles. It warned that ongoing impunity contributes to the intensification of violence and poses a threat to regional and global stability.

Saudi Arabia called on UN Security Council members to take decisive action to end what it described as a tragedy endured by the Palestinian people.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2595894/saudi-arabia

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How Saudi companies are redefining corporate responsibility with ESG leadership

AFSHAN AZIZ

April 04, 2025

JEDDAH: Saudi companies across multiple industries are increasingly integrating environmental, social, and governance principles into their corporate strategies, driving sustainable growth while balancing environmental stewardship, community impact, and corporate responsibility.

This strategic shift aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 roadmap — a transformative economic diversification plan — and its ambitious 2060 net zero emissions target, reinforcing the nation’s position as a sustainability leader.

SAWACO Water Group exemplifies this transformation, embedding sustainability into its core operations.

“Sustainability is not just a goal; it’s a responsibility,” CEO Nizar Kammourie told Arab News, emphasizing the company’s alignment with Vision 2030’s focus on environmental and social progress.

He added: “At SAWACO, we integrate ESG into every aspect of our operations, from optimizing resource efficiency to ensuring transparent governance and community engagement.”

Underpinning this commitment, SAWACO has implemented advanced operations intelligence software to enhance energy efficiency in desalination plants.

“We are leveraging cutting-edge technology to reduce power and chemical consumption while extending the life cycle of our assets,” said Kammourie.

The company also tracks carbon emissions through its Remedium Platform, which supports data-driven reduction targets.

“Accurate carbon accounting allows us to set tangible, data-driven targets for reducing our environmental footprint, ensuring our growth remains responsible and sustainable,” he added.

To address resource optimization, SAWACO has partnered with a US-based firm to pioneer brine minimization technology.

“Water is one of our most precious resources, and we are committed to maximizing its use,” said Kammourie.

“Our innovative brine minimization system enhances freshwater recovery from seawater while significantly reducing brine discharge, preserving marine ecosystems and supporting coastal livelihoods.”

Governance reforms further solidify SAWACO’s ESG leadership. A dedicated committee oversees alignment with international sustainability standards such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

“Ethical governance is the foundation of a sustainable business,” said Kammourie “By integrating real-time data analytics, third-party audits, and stakeholder engagement into our decision-making process, we ensure accountability at every level.”

He added: “Sustainability must be measured, not just discussed. That’s why we also integrate ESG metrics into performance reviews, making it a part of our company culture rather than just a corporate initiative.

“We are not just providing water — we are safeguarding the future of water sustainability in Saudi Arabia. Our goal is to drive meaningful change that aligns economic success with long-term sustainability.”

These efforts reflect broader national momentum, as Saudi businesses bridge profitability and planetary stewardship to set new benchmarks for ESG leadership in emerging markets.

Similarly, Luisa Javier, CEO of WAYAKIT, highlighted how her women-led biotechnology company has embedded ESG into its DNA, transforming hygiene solutions in aviation, transportation, and facilities management.

“We are not just creating products; we are building solutions that have a measurable environmental and social impact,” she told Arab News. 

WAYAKIT’s flagship disinfectant eliminates 99.999 percent of viruses and bacteria in just 30 seconds using 93 percent biodegradable components.

By replacing harmful quaternary ammonium compounds with biodegradable nano-modified citric acid in aircraft cleaning processes, the company says it has reduced environmental impact by 94 percent.

In addition, its environmental footprint tracker measures progress in energy efficiency, water conservation, pollution reduction, and health improvements.

“Sustainability isn’t just about compliance — it’s about innovation,” said Javier. “We have to rethink traditional approaches and develop solutions that align with the future.”

WAYAKIT also integrates ESG principles into its governance and transparency measures. Its women-led C-suite strengthens decision-making diversity, while blockchain technology safeguards sustainability metrics, preventing greenwashing and ensuring accurate reporting.

“Authenticity matters,” said Javier. “Every sustainability claim we make is backed by rigorous third-party laboratory testing. We are setting a new standard for how biotech companies can be both profitable and responsible.”

Community engagement is another cornerstone of WAYAKIT’s ESG strategy. With 70 percent of its workforce consisting of women, the company provides technical training in biotechnology and leadership development to foster career advancement for Saudi women.

“Empowering women in STEM is not just a mission — it’s a responsibility,” said Javier. “Our workforce is a reflection of what Saudi Vision 2030 aims to achieve: a thriving, innovative economy where women play a central role.”

This momentum is part of a broader national trend. A 2023 report by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, PIF, highlighted how Saudi organizations, particularly those within its portfolio, are spearheading ESG awareness and implementation.

The Saudi Green Initiative, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, supports this shift with $187 billion in investments across more than 60 programs to advance the green economy.

Through large-scale investments in green initiatives, innovative carbon reduction strategies, and community-focused programs like those led by SAWACO and WAYAKIT, Saudi businesses are proving that profitability and sustainability can coexist.

Collectively, these efforts set a new benchmark for ESG leadership in emerging markets while positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in sustainable development.

Source: arabnews.com

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Saudi program to train teachers of Arabic as second language begins at US university

HEBSHI ALSHAMMARI

April 04, 2025

RIYADH: A new program is training teachers of Arabic as a second language at Indiana University in the US.

The course, initiated by the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, will run until April 8 and is the second phase of a project aimed at training teachers.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Washmi, the secretary-general of KSGAAL, said that the program was part of the academy’s continued efforts to enhance the skills of Arabic language teachers and students.

KSGAAL is focused on improving teaching quality and introducing the standardized language assessment Hamza, Al-Washmi added.

He said that through its collaboration with Indiana University, KSGAAL was committed to academic exchange and the integration of global best practices in Arabic language teaching.

The secretary-general added that the Hamza test enhanced the global and academic standing of the Arabic language by providing a standardized assessment model based on international criteria.

It offered a reliable measure of language proficiency, enabling universities and academic institutions worldwide to rely on it for student admissions and assessing abilities, he said.

Al-Washmi added: “The test boosts scientific research in the field of Arabic language through the analytical data derived from its results, which contribute to the development of more effective teaching curricula.

“The test facilitates international recognition of Arabic as a global language that can be measured according to CEFR standards, further promoting its inclusion in global academic and employment frameworks.”

The academy’s plan for Arabic language assessments is based on several key pillars, including legislation and accreditation to ensure official recognition and reliability, as well as outreach and sustainability to expand the test’s accessibility to the widest possible audience.

Al-Washmi said: “We are committed to innovation and development to improve assessment mechanisms and enhance the test-taker experience.”

The language assessment program at KSGAAL was advancing according to the established strategy, Al-Washmi said, positioning Saudi Arabia, through the academy, as an international reference in Arabic language teaching, learning, and evaluation practices.

The program at Indiana University includes an introductory module on language assessments and the Hamza test, alongside a specialized training course for Arabic teachers of non-native speakers.

The program features a scientific seminar called “Saudi Arabia’s Efforts in Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers.” Participants will also engage in a hands-on session of the Hamza test, designed to deepen their understanding of language assessment mechanisms and their role in evaluating learners’ language proficiency.

This initiative is aligned with KSGAAL’s strategy to empower the Arabic language and enhance its presence in international academic institutions.

Source: arabnews.com

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Takaful Emarat Rebounds with 84% Revenue Growth, Achieves Dhs960m in Assets

04 Apr 2025

Takaful Emarat has announced a remarkable 45% increase in its total assets, reaching Dhs960 million for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, reinforcing the group's strengthened financial standing. In a significant turnaround, shareholders’ equity moved from a Dhs39.7 million deficit in 2023 to a positive Dhs163.2 million in 2024

The company recorded an 84% surge in revenues, reaching Dhs420 million in 2024, compared to Dhs229 million in the previous year. This strong top-line growth was mirrored in operating profit, which also climbed by 84%, underscoring enhanced operational efficiency and a significant boost in profitability.

 Commenting on the results, Dr. Noor Aldeen Atatreh, Chairman of the Board at Takaful Emarat, stated: “Takaful Emarat is one of the UAE’s leading Takaful insurers, offering Sharia-compliant health and life insurance services.”

 He added: “Our business operates on the principles of mutual cooperation and participant contribution, setting us apart from traditional profit-driven insurance models. We provide comprehensive health and life insurance solutions to both individual and corporate clients, all fully compliant with Islamic Sharia. Every transaction is carefully reviewed and guided by our dedicated Sharia board.”

 Earnings per share (EPS) saw a notable improvement in 2024, reaching almost Dh 0.05 per share — a clear indication of the company’s strong financial rebound. Supporting this performance, net investment surged to Dhs32 million, marking a 106% increase from Dhs15.6 million in 2023.

Earnings per share (EPS) saw a notable improvement in 2024, reaching Dh 0.05 per share, a clear indication of the company’s strong financial rebound. Supporting this performance, net investment surged to Dhs32 million, marking a 106% increase from Dhs15.6 million in 2023.

Dr. Atatreh concluded:“We remain dedicated to strengthening our relationships with clients while exploring new avenues for growth and strategic alliances. By fostering a culture of excellence and agility, we aim to create lasting value for our shareholders and partners, positioning Takaful Emarat for sustainable success in an evolving business landscape.”

Source: gulftoday.ae

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Dubai Police arrest 222 beggars during Ramadan and Eid

04 Apr 2025

The Suspects and Criminal Phenomena Department of the General Department of Criminal Investigation, in co-operation with Dubai Police stations, arrested 222 beggars of different nationalities during Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr as part of a campaign that was launched under the slogan "An Aware Society, Free of Begging."

The campaign was launched in partnership with other government entities including the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Municipality, Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department and Al Ameen Service with the aim of raising public awareness and preserving the UAE’s civilised image by curbing begging.

Colonel Ahmad Al Adidi, Acting Director of Suspects and Criminal Phenomena Department, said the successful campaign contributed to reducing the number of beggars annually due to the strict measure taken against the arrested beggars.

Dubai Police annually makes an integrated security plan to combat begging by intensifying patrols in the places where beggars are expected to be in, he added.

Beggars exploit the Holy Month of Ramadan and festive seasons to make illegal gains, he said, warning the public of dealing with the way beggars use to gain sympathy including using children, the sick and people of determination. Several cases of women accompanied by children were arrested while begging, he said.

Beggars seek to beg for people’s mercy, using professional and fraudulent ways especially in places of worship or during religious celebrations, which are regarded as criminal offices punishable by law, he added.

Meanwhile, Captain Abdullah Khamis, Head of Anti-Begging Section, said the campaign was aimed at combating all forms of begging including electronic begging, fake fundraising for building mosques abroad and fabricated humanitarian appeals, among others.

Khamis pointed out that there are official channels for charitable work and providing aid through charitable organizations to ensure that donations reach those who deserve them, urging people to donate through these channels.

He called on the public to report beggars by calling the toll-free number 901, using the ‘Police Eye’ feature on the Dubai Police smart app, or reporting online begging cases via the E-Crime platform.

Source: gulftoday.ae

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Orchestra celebrates soundtracks of popular video games at Saudi Arabia’s Ithra

JASMINE BAGER

April 04, 2025

DHAHRAN: It is “game on” at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture after it opened its doors to an event on Thursday.

The orchestral performance, which is being held nightly at the Ithra Theater — with two shows scheduled for Friday — celebrates the soundtracks of popular video games and attempts to breathe new life into them.

The concert features symphonic arrangements paired with in-game HD visuals and exclusive concept art from popular titles such as League of Legends, Overwatch, Assassin’s Creed, and The Witcher 3.

Sergey Smbatyan, founder of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra and the artistic director and principal conductor since 2005, was on hand to lend context and commentary between the scores on opening night.

He told the crowd before the show: “If you’re not a gamer, what I want you to do is to imagine that you’re in a museum — an art museum — but instead of a curator telling you about the images that you’re going to see on this huge screen, let these musicians tell you that exact story.

“Tonight there is no right time to clap; there is no wrong time to clap. If you hear something you like from these guys (gesturing to the orchestra behind him on stage), let us know.

“We're going to start off tonight with role-play games, or what are known as RPGs, where players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. The game is focused on interactive storytelling, decision-making and strategy.”

Dhahran resident Paul Blay took his two daughters Sylvia, 11, and Celeste, 10, to the show.

Blay, who is a father of six, told Arab News: “I get emails about Ithra events and saw this one and I thought it would be fun for me and the girls to go to. Like with anyone that you love, I shared the things I love with them.”

The Blay family moved to the Kingdom last year and were keen to attend an event that merged gaming with music.

Celeste told Arab News: “I really like video game music; the music is really pretty and I like listening to that. It is kind of what motivated me to come here. And, also, my dad likes video games.”

The older Blay sisters have both taken music lessons and play multiple instruments, including the piano, the harp and the clarinet.

Their father said: “Some of the best music that’s being composed nowadays is for movies and video games. I expected it to be really high quality and good (at Ithra).”

The event featured music from Guild Wars 2, World of Warcraft, The Witcher 3 and Assassin’s Creed 2, among many others.

The last show takes place on April 5, with tickets starting at SR200 ($53), available at the venue or via the Ithra website.

Source: arabnews.com

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From living rooms to eateries: Saudi homes being transformed into restaurants

WAAD HUSSAIN

April 04, 2025

RIYADH: Across Saudi Arabia, historic homes are undergoing remarkable transformations, turning into cafes and restaurants. These spaces are now inviting members of the public to dine in what were once private residences.

Restaurateurs spoke to Arab News about the challenges and rewards of repurposing historic homes, offering insight into the growing trend in the Kingdom.

Restoring an 80-year-old home: The journey of Tagmera

In Madinah, several family-run establishments have taken up this concept. For Saleh Shahini, the business partner of Tagmera, and his mother, Abeer Al-Masri, turning their historic property into a cafe was a way to preserve decades of heritage.

“The house was originally built 80 years ago by the Al-Maghadawi family, with the first floor constructed from volcanic stone. Years later, additional floors were added using wood and clay,” Shahini explained.

One of the biggest challenges they faced was the fragility of the upper floors, which posed safety concerns for visitors. “We had to remove the two additional levels while keeping the original stone foundation intact. It was a delicate process, but we wanted to ensure the space remained true to its origins,” he said.

Tagmera retained the intimacy of the original structure, ensuring that visitors felt connected to the home’s past.

“The narrow spaces and low ceilings create a sense of warmth and peace, making it easy for guests to engage in conversations and connect with their surroundings,” he added.

The cafe remains a family-run project, with Al-Masri and her seven children actively involved in welcoming guests and running operations.

The menu also reflects this family-focused ethos, with fermented dough, jams and traditional ingredients, prepared using time-honored homemade methods.

“Everything on our menu is made in-house, using old fermentation techniques and authentic ingredients— just like how we would prepare food at home,” Shahini said.

In Madinah’s Al-Magheesla district, a traditional home has been reimagined as Into Sushi, a Japanese restaurant run by Leen Kurdi and her family.

“The experience of transforming the house into a restaurant was full of challenges, as we wanted to preserve the soul of the home and the integrity of the volcanic stone structure,” Kurdi said.

The restaurant is a fusion of Japanese flavors with the warmth of traditional Madini hospitality. The restaurant kept the original entrance with a doorbell, allowing guests to feel as if they were stepping into a private home rather than a commercial space.

“What makes our place special is that my mother greets guests, we serve hospitality drinks of our own creation, including our signature pomegranate and Madini rose cocktail, and I personally prepare the dishes with the help of our team,” Kurdi said.

For Abdulrahman Al-Hejaili, owner of Kaboun, the idea of a home-turned-restaurant had been a long-time fascination. Inspired by family conversations about restaurants with homely atmospheres, Al-Hejaili sought to recreate the concept.

“We wanted to create a restaurant that felt like home — where guests could enjoy simple, comforting food in a warm setting,” he explained.

The transformation process required careful planning and redesign, ensuring that the home remained inviting and intimate while accommodating the practicalities of a restaurant.

“One of our biggest challenges was balancing the cozy, personal feel of a home with the professionalism and efficiency of a restaurant,” Al-Hejaili added.

His efforts paid off, as Kaboun has become known for its authentic home-style dining. “From the moment guests arrive, they feel like they are visiting family. We serve food just as it would be at home — simple, fresh, and without unnecessary additives or enhancements,” he said.

Even classic international dishes such as pancakes, omelets and French toast are presented in their original, homemade style, reinforcing the restaurant’s commitment to simplicity and authenticity.

Reyam Al-Ahmadi, a visitor to the Al-Hayy project in Madinah, described the sensation of stepping into one of these homes-turned-restaurants. “Not long ago, a video went viral of someone expressing their astonishment at these transformed homes, and I can’t blame them at all! I felt the same wonder when I visited Al-Hayy.”

She describes walking through an area rich with history, where homes have been transformed while their original character remains intact. “The doors to these places only open after a knock, just like in the past. It truly felt like stepping back in time,” Al-Ahmadi said.

One experience stood out to her the most — a 90-year-old home that had been converted into a spa. “It left me speechless. Could the original owners have ever imagined that nearly a century later, a girl would come to their home to get her nails done and have her hair styled?”

For many, dining in these spaces is about stepping into a story, a legacy, and a home that continues to be filled with warmth and connection.

Source: arabnews.com

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