US-based Sikh family donates 2 shops for mosque expansion in Punjab's Samrala

New Age Islam News Bureau

19 March 2025

·         US-based Sikh family donates 2 shops for mosque expansion in Punjab's Samrala

·         Indian American Muslim body urges PM Modi to withdraw ‘anti-Muslim’ Waqf Bill, warns of chaos

·         Top-level huddle seeks consensus to fight terrorism

·         Egyptian Fatwa House: International silence on Zionist enemy's massacres encourages it to persist in violations

·         Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli strikes on Gaza, Syrian territory

·         Putin gives Trump just enough to claim progress on Ukraine peace

·         CAIR Says Trump Must ‘Stop this Madness’ After Israel Slaughters 400+ in Ramadan Massacre

·         Ramadan Lecture: SW NNPP Chieftain preaches religious tolerance

·         Anwar says mosques should promote unity, not hatred, calls for respect among communities

·         Minority attacks In Bangladesh were political, not religious

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India

·         Ex Tehelka managing editor Mathew Samuel booked for hate speech against Muslims

·         Uttarakhand govt seals 84 Madrasas, faces backlash over discrimination

·         Bulldozer action threatens Mosque and 34 homes in Sambhal’s Chandausi area

·         Maharashtra: Police clash with protesters amid rumours of burning of Quran

·         Ban on mosque loudspeakers triggers return of an almost forgotten practice in Sambhal

·         High Court raps Thane civic body for not demolishing illegal mosque

·         Hindutva mob attacks Telangana govt official Abdul Wakeel

·         Despite DKS claim, bill on 4% exclusive Muslim quota tabled

·         ‘We don’t use such indecent language’: BJP MLA Balmukund Acharya’s mosque remarks criticised by Rajasthan Deputy CM

·         After remarks on Muslim MLAs, Suvendu Adhikari now raises pitch against Mamata govt over Ram Navami celebrations

·         MP minister slams Muslim cleric’s objection to Shami’s daughter playing Holi

·         Laxmi Narayan Tripathi slams people criticising Mamta Kulkarni's appointment as Mahamandaleshwar: 'Kya Mamta Islam qubool karti...'

·         Aurangzeb fires up Hindutva cradle: Mahayuti, Maha Vikas Aghadi blame each other over Nagpur riot

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Pakistan

·         3 Balochistan universities shut over ‘security concerns’

·         Plan to use drones for trains’ security in Balochistan

·         Asif, Bilawal blast PTI for 'prioritising political interests over national'

·         Security concerns force indefinite closure of universities in Balochistan

·         Torkham trade route reopens today after 25-day closure over border dispute

·         Karachi police arrest man for allegedly torching wife over infidelity dispute

·         ATC extends Armaghan's physical remand till March 24

·         Constitutional Bench issues order to transfer super tax cases

·         PTI skips security moot over ‘lack of contact’ with Imran

·         IHC constitutes larger bench on PTI founder’s jail rights petitions

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Mideast

·         Why did Netanyahu end the Gaza ceasefire?

·         Event in Al-Safiah Commemorating Battle of Badr & Martyrdom of Imam Ali (Peace Be Upon Him)

·         Endowments of Hodeida launches Martyr Leader Ramadan Quranic Competition

·         Al-Shahid Al-Durrah Hospital in Jahana Provides Over 300 Health Services as Part of Ramadan Medical Charity Program

·         Around 90% completion of Al-Nuri Mosque, says Nineveh Governor

·         Head of Judicial Inspection Authority inspects Ramadan shifts in Bajel & Mahwit

·         Iran-backed Houthis claim fourth attack against US warships

·         After one of the deadliest days in Gaza, here’s the conflict in numbers

·         At least 10 US strikes target areas in Yemen

·         West Bank livestock theft symbol of tensions and settler ‘impunity’

·         Will the deal between Damascus and Syria’s Kurds help achieve national reconciliation?

·         Israel’s surprise bombardment plunged Palestinians back into ‘hell’

·         Nearly 13,000 Syrians fled to Lebanon: report

·         Israel is ramping up annexation of West Bank, UN rights chief says

·         Israel strikes central Syria military site says war monitor

·         Presidents of Congo and Rwanda meet in Qatar to discuss insurgency in eastern Congo

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Arab World

·         Saudi Arabia condemns attempted assassination of Somali president

·         Ramadan in Saudi Arabia: Why expats love to celebrate in the ‘homeland of Islam’

·         Saudi-Chinese team discovers ancient treasures at Al-Sirrain

·         KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities

·         Grand Mosque in Makkah furnished with 33,000 Saudi-made luxury carpets for Ramadan

·         Saudi regional emirs' annual meeting reviews security and sustainable development

·         Saudi cabinet urges immediate international action to end Gaza humanitarian crisis

·         KAUST researchers fine-tune desalination techniques to boost Saudi Arabia’s farming output

·         Saudi project restoring Jazan mosque’s heritage

·         New platform launched for pilgrims’ guidance

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Europe

·         Pope being weaned off oxygen as recovery in hospital continues

·         Faisal Islam: Hundreds of thousands will be affected by benefits changes

·         Azerbaijani embassy leads Ramadan solidarity campaign with OIC member states in Croatia

·         Vice-president of Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva visits Sakina Khanum mosque in Guba

·         Rangers host Scottish Iftar event for Muslims celebrating Ramadan

·         Mosque inaugurated in Suqovushan village of Aghdara district

·         Putin agrees in Trump call to pause Ukraine energy attacks but no full ceasefire

·         Tanker owners praise 'exceptionally brave crew'

·         Germany votes for historic boost to defence spending

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North America

·         ‘Hotbeds Of Hate’: NJ Report Examines Latest Anti-Muslim Cases

·         COVID-19 didn’t change many Americans’ relationship to religion — at least according to them

·         CAIR-SFBA Welcomes Investigation into Hate Attack on Muslim Worshippers in Morgan Hillas Potential Hate Crime

·         Putin agrees in Trump call to pause Ukraine energy attacks but no full ceasefire

·         Federal judge halts further shuttering of USAID

·         Judge questions White House's refusal to turn around deportation flights

·         Missing American Sudiksha Konanki's family asks she be declared dead

·         Top US Supreme Court justice rebukes Trump's call to impeach judge

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Africa

·         Sexual Harassment: Senate Speaks On Akpabio Intimidating Natasha

·         Dutch King highlights Human Rights during state visit to Kenya

·         Ramadan: Dangote donates 25,000 bags of rice to less privileged in Bauchi

·         Senate To Declare Position On Rivers State Of Emergency Today

·         NBA Condemns President Tinubu’s State Of Emergency Declaration In Rivers, Calls It Unconstitutional

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Southeast Asia

·         ‘They do not have a shred of humanity’: Anwar pledges aid for Gaza as truce collapses during Ramadan, claiming hundreds of lives

·         Johor court grants DNAA to elderly man in Ramadan slap incident, case to be recharged later

·         From cheese wheel pasta to beef roti: The rollercoaster ride of viral Ramadan bazaar food

·         Pahang Sultan urges Muslims to appreciate true meaning of Nuzul Quran

·         Johor party leader: DAP not a religion, those labelling Syahredzan and Young Syefura as ‘infidels’ either ignorant or extremists

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South Asia

·         Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Condemns Israeli Attacks on Gaza

·         Pakistan threatens Military action in Afghanistan

·         Thousands of Afghan Refugees in US at risk of homelessness after financial support cuts

·         Bayat Foundation helps needy families in Kabul during Ramadan

·         50 shops damaged in fire at Khulna's temporary Eid market

·         UNAMA Urged to Strengthen Ties with Afghanistan

·         Ministry of Finance Addresses Salary Change Rumors

·         Mullah Hedayatullah Badri Meets Chinese Ambassador

·         Former IGP Syed Sirajul Islam dies  

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/sikh-family-mosque-punjab-samrala/d/134923

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US-based Sikh family donates 2 shops for mosque expansion in Punjab's Samrala

Mar 18, 2025

LUDHIANA: A Sikh family from Samrala, now residing in the United States, has donated two shops to facilitate the expansion of Jama Masjid, setting an example of communal harmony in the region.

Harsimrat Singh Dhillon, from the donor family, handed over the shops' keys to the mosque management in a ceremony on March 14, coinciding with the holy observances of Hola Mohalla, Holi, and Friday prayers during the holy month of Ramzan. Dhillon said he was pleased to contribute to the mosque's reconstruction efforts and hoped the donated space would serve a meaningful purpose. "These shops have been with our family for many years, and I often thought about donating these to the historical mosque for its expansion that will make its exterior more beautiful."

Dhillon emphasised that the timing of the donation was not planned but happened to coincide with multiple religious occasions, which he described as divine intervention. He extended congratulations to the residents of Samrala on the occasion. Members of the mosque community expressed gratitude for the donation. Haji Muhammad Nazir Bhamu, who oversees the expansion work, acknowledged the family's generosity and noted that Hindu community had approached the Sikh family about the donation, initially.

Bhamu said: "These shops will help expand the mosque by 28 gaz (about 23 square metres). Three Hindus and Muslim have also contributed their shops for the expansion." Mosque committee member Mohammad Gufran Salmani, who runs a salon, highlighted donation's significance, explaining that the Waqf Board had allocated these shops to the Sikh family decades ago.

Salmani said: "The family used to run a medical store in these shops before moving abroad around 2000. Donating commercial property, in a prime market location especially, takes a big heart. Their gesture is a remarkable example of communal unity." With the expansion, the mosque's capacity will increase, accommodating at least 20 more worshippers during prayers.

Gulzar Muhammad, estate officer of the Punjab Waqf Board, also commended the Sikh family's gesture. "We are deeply thankful to Dhillon Sahib for this contribution, which strengthens communal harmony," he said. "The donated shops will be used for mosque purposes solely and nothing else." The donation comes amid ongoing efforts in the region to promote interfaith goodwill, reinforcing the message that religious harmony remains an integral part of the local community.

Source:indiatimes.com

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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ludhiana/us-based-sikh-family-donates-two-shops-to-expands-mosques-reach/articleshow/119149702.cms

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Indian American Muslim body urges PM Modi to withdraw ‘anti-Muslim’ Waqf Bill, warns of chaos

March 19, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

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An Indian American Muslim organization has issued a strong appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to withdraw the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, calling it discriminatory and warning that it could lead to further unrest in the country.

In an open letter addressed to the prime minister Narendra Modi, Dr M Qutubuddin of American Indian Muslims Association (AIMA)  expressed deep concern over the growing polarization and violence against Muslims in India. The letter stated that India, described as the group’s “Janmabhoomi, Matrubhoomi, and Pavitra Bhoomi” (birthland, motherland, and sacred land), is witnessing increasing communal divisions, with Muslims facing daily atrocities, ridicule, and discrimination.

Criticizing the government’s decision to introduce the Waqf Amendment Bill without consulting opposition parties or Muslim representatives, the organization labeled the move as a direct attack on the Muslim community. The letter questioned why only Muslim endowments were being targeted while similar measures were not taken against Hindu, Sikh, or Christian institutions. It suggested that the bill was part of a political strategy to appease the majority vote bank, which, while benefiting the ruling party, was tarnishing India’s global image.

Warning of potential unrest, the organization stressed that introducing the Waqf Bill at a time of existing turmoil in the country could lead to further chaos and violence. It urged the Prime Minister to withdraw the bill to prevent social discord and loss of life.

The appeal from the Indian American Muslim body adds to the growing opposition against the proposed amendments to Waqf laws, with political parties and civil society groups also voicing concerns over its implications.

Source:muslimmirror.com

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https://muslimmirror.com/indian-american-muslim-body-urges-pm-modi-to-withdraw-anti-muslim-waqf-bill-warns-of-chaos/

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Top-level huddle seeks consensus to fight terrorism

Baqir Sajjad Syed

March 19, 2025

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reads the declaration of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, on Tuesday.—White Star

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• Army chief points to governance failures for spike in terrorism; wants to make Pakistan ‘a hard state’

• Parliamentary moot calls for implementation of National Action Plan, Azm-i-Istehkam

• Regrets opposition’s absence, says consultations on national security matters will continue

ISLAMABAD: The Parliamentary Committee on National Security (PCNS) on Monday emphasised the urgent need to implement counterterrorism frameworks — the Nat­ional Action Plan (NAP) and Vision Azm-i-Istehkam — to curb terrorism, as Army Chief Gen Asim Munir pointed to governance gaps as a key reason behind the spike in terrorism and called for making Pakistan a “hard state”.

“The committee emphasised the immediate implementation of the National Action Plan and the ‘Azm-i-Istehkam’ strategy to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt logistical support, and eliminate the nexus between terrorism and crime,” the PCNS said in a communique issued after the meeting.

The communique also emphasised the need for unity and political resolve to face the threat of terrorism with the full strength of the state, calling for a national consensus in the fight against terrorism.

Expressing concern over the increasing misuse of social media platforms by terrorist groups, the committee also called for a framework to target the digital networks of militant organisations.

The meeting of the parliamentary committee, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Army Chief Gen Asim Munir, senior political leaders, military officials and intelligence representatives, was convened in the wake of escalating terrorist incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Last week’s hijacking of the Jaffar Express further underscored the worsening security situation.

Gen Munir underscored the necessity of a holistic co­unterterrorism appr­o­ach beyond military operations. “For sustainable stability, all elements of national power must work in harmony,” he said. “This is a war for our survival and that of our future generations.”

The army chief stressed that governance failures were hampering Pakis­tan’s ability to effectively counter militancy. “How long will we continue to fill governance gaps with the sacrifices of the Pakis­tan Army and the blood of martyrs?” he questioned.

“We need better governance to make Pakistan a hard state,” he asserted. “How long will we continue to sacrifice countless lives under the model of a soft state?”

Pakistan’s counterterrorism policies have evol­ved through structured frameworks, beginning with the National Action Plan (NAP) in 2014 following the Army Public School attack. NAP was designed to combat terrorism through judicial reforms, strengthened law enforcement and measures against terror financing. The plan was revised in 2021 in response to shifting regional security dynamics after the withdrawal of coalition forces from Afghanistan and the return of the Taliban.

Building upon NAP, Op­­eration Azm-i-Isteh­kam was launched in June 2024 under Prime Minis­ter Shehbaz Sharif’s adm­inistration amid an aggravating security situation.

The military has long maintained that while it continues to carry out kinetic operations, the civilian governments were failing in the full implementation of counterterrorism frameworks.

But neither the PCNS communique nor the army chief, whose comments were shared with the media by ISPR, mentioned the role of Afghan Taliban in sheltering TTP on Afghanistan soil, although much of the recent official narrative on the surge in terrorism has blamed the Taliban for the ongoing violence.

The PCNS underscored the importance of a unified national approach to combating terrorism. “Stressing the need for strategic and unified political resolve, the committee underscored the importance of a national consensus on counterterrorism efforts to combat this threat with the full strength of the state,” the communique stated.

Echoing this sentiment, Gen Munir emphasised, “To safeguard Pakistan, we must speak with one voice, rising above political and personal interests, and adopt a unified narrative.”

The meeting was boycotted by the PTI and its allies from the Tehreek-i-Tahaffuz-i-Ayeen-i-Pakis­tan, who were demanded permission to meet jailed founder Imran Khan. But their request was not honoured, leading to the opposition’s absence from the sitting.

Gen Munir took a veiled swipe at the opposition’s decision to skip the meeting. “There is no agenda greater than the security of the country — no movement, no individual,” he said. “If this country exists, then we exist. Therefore, nothing is more important to us than th e security of the country.”

Despite the opposition’s boycott, the army reiterated that political forces remained committed to national security. “Those who think they can weaken Pakistan through these terrorists should take today’s message: We stand united and will not only defeat them but also their facilitators,” Gen Munir stated.

The PCNS echoed this stance, emphasising, “The committee reiterated that no institution, individual, or group colluding with enemy forces would be allowed to harm Pakistan’s peace and stability. Expressing regret over the absence of some opposition members, the committee emphasised that consultations on national security matters would continue.”

The committee also expressed concern over the growing misuse of social media by terrorist networks for propaganda, recruitment and coordination of attacks. Members called for urgent measures to counter the digital threat and stressed the need for a comprehensive framework to dismantle online terrorist operations.

Source:dawn.com

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

https://www.dawn.com/news/1898813/top-level-huddle-seeks-consensus-to-fight-terrorism

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Egyptian Fatwa House: International silence on Zionist enemy's massacres encourages it to persist in violations

18 Mar 2025

The Egyptian Dar al-Iftaa condemned the Zionist aggression on the Gaza Strip, which resulted in the martyrdom and injury of hundreds of innocent civilians, including women and children.

This brutal crime represents a flagrant violation of international law and a serious threat to the stability of the region.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Egyptian Dar al-Iftaa affirmed that targeting defenseless civilians and destroying homes and vital facilities is a war crime that requires immediate international action to halt this aggression and hold those responsible accountable.

The statement emphasized that international silence on these massacres encourages the occupation to persist in its violations.

It called for support for the Egyptian plan to rebuild Gaza and the need to protect the Palestinian people from displacement plans and ongoing aggression.

Source:saba.ye

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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3453044.htm

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Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli strikes on Gaza, Syrian territory

March 18, 2025

Palestinians react at the site of an Israeli strike on a residential building in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip March 18, 2025. (Reuters)

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RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Tuesday condemned and denounced renewed violence in Gaza after Israel unleashed its most intense strikes overnight since a ceasefire was established two months ago.

The health ministry in Gaza said more than 400 people were killed after the strikes that took place during the fasting month of Ramadan.

The Kingdom stressed the importance of an immediate halt to Israeli killing, violence, and destruction, and the protection of Palestinian civilians.

Saudi Arabia also said it was important that the international community fulfilled its responsibilities by intervening immediately to put an end to Israeli crimes and stop the severe humanitarian suffering endured by the Palestinian people.

Gaza’s health ministry said the bodies of 413 people had been received by the territory’s hospitals, adding “a number of victims are still under the rubble.”

Also on Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed Saudi Arabia's condemnation and denunciation of Israel’s bombing of the territories in the Syrian Arab Republic, in a flagrant violation of international law.

The Kingdom condemned attempts to destabilize the security and stability of Syria and the region through these repeated violations, which contravene relevant international agreements and laws, the ministry added.

Separately, the Muslim World League issued a statement on Wednesday condemning the Israeli actions.

Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, the Secretary-General of the MWL, denounced the “brutal Israeli aggression, which constitutes a flagrant violation of international laws and norms and threatens regional security and stability.”

Source:arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2594022/saudi-arabia

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Putin gives Trump just enough to claim progress on Ukraine peace

19 March 2025

In the run up to today's call, Donald Trump made a big deal of his conversation with Russia's Vladimir Putin.

But the results look like there's little to shout about.

The Russian president has given the US leader just enough to claim that he made progress towards peace in Ukraine, without making it look like he was played by the Kremlin.

Trump can point to Putin's pledge to halt attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure for 30 days. If that actually happens, it will bring some relief to civilians.

But it's nowhere near the full and unconditional ceasefire that the US wanted from Russia.

The "very horrible war" Trump has insisted he can stop is still raging.

And Putin, a man indicted as a suspected war criminal by the ICC, has been given a leg-up back to the top tier of global politics.

Russian state media report that the two presidents' phone call lasted more than two hours. The Kremlin readout – its account of the call – is also long at 500 words.

It presents the conversation as chatty: they apparently discussed ice hockey, the kind of detail an audience back in Russia will lap up.

After three years as a pariah in the western world, and frosty relations long before that, Russia is back dealing directly with a US administration that wants to engage.

The two leaders are even discussing Middle East peace and "global security".

The Kremlin must be struggling to believe the transformation.

Ahead of the call, some wondered whether Donald Trump might actually pile some pressure on Russia. After all, it's been clear for over a week that it was stalling on the ceasefire.

But there's no sign of a dressing down for Putin like the one Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelensky had to endure in the Oval Office a fortnight ago.

Both countries' accounts suggest nothing has changed.

Russia repeats that it wants peace. But instead of grounding its drones and silencing its guns, it's quibbling over how a still non-existent ceasefire might be monitored.

Meanwhile, it's adding even more conditions aimed at crippling Kyiv's ability to resist.

One demand is that the flow of both weapons and intelligence to Ukraine from its allies has to cease.

For Ukrainians, the only sliver of hope is that the US hasn't agreed to any of this – yet.

They can also point to the call as more proof that Russia has no interest in ending its invasion.

But all that talking will bring Ukraine minimal relief from its suffering.

For US diplomacy, too, it has to be disappointing.

But for the Kremlin it will feel like a pretty decent day, the kind unimaginable before Donald Trump returned to the White House.

Source:bbc.com

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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwyg2kzkggvo

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CAIR Says Trump Must ‘Stop this Madness’ After Israel Slaughters 400+ in Ramadan Massacre

March 18, 2025

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today said the Trump administration must “stop this madness” as Israel has slaughtered more than 400 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, since it broke the existing ceasefire during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Last night, CAIR condemned the far-right Israeli government’s renewed genocidal attacks on Gaza.

In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:

“President Trump must stop the madness after the government of indicted war criminal Benjamin Netanyahu renewed its genocide and slaughtered hundreds of Palestinians, including women and children, during the holy month of Ramadan.

“Without strong actions to push back against this renewed orgy of slaughter, mass destruction, forced starvation, and ethnic cleansing, the Israel government will continue to act with impunity and our government will remain as complicit with genocide as it was under the Biden administration.” 

Source:cair.com

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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-says-trump-must-stop-this-madness-after-israel-slaughters-400-in-ramadan-massacre/

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Ramadan Lecture: SW NNPP Chieftain preaches religious tolerance

by Peter Anayo

March 18, 2025

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bullion Go-Neat Global Limited, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has called on various Religion adherents in the country to realize that they are all worshipping the same God and so should live in peace with one another.

The business mogul who is also a Chieftain of the New Nigerian People’s Party  ( NNPP) in the Southwest,  urged politicians and political leaders to stop using religion to cause disharmony, saying both Christians and Muslims as well as adherents of other religions should know that they all worship the same God who created heaven, earth and all within it.

Ajadi gave the admonition while speaking with Journalists on the 3rd Annual Ramadan Lecture which he hosted at Ibafo in Ogun State on Monday.

The Ramadan Lecture with the theme :

“Submit Yourself to Whom God Has Shown Mercy”, was delivered by Fodhilat Sheikh Abdul Basit Olanrewaju Katibi Bello, popularly known as Aponle Anobi.

The Ramadan Lecture drew large audience from far and near, notable among whom are, Mrs Oyindamola Ajadi Oguntoyinbo; Kilamuwaye Badmus, Olowu Kehinde; Alhaji Saoty Arewa; Alhaja Azeezat Otibiya Reign, Tope Indomie, MC Baba Labule and others.

According to Ajadi, “Today,  Ramadan is ongoing, also Lent is ongoing, meaning that we must be tolerance with ourselves in any religion we find ourselves. As a Christian from my father’s side and a Muslim from my mother’s side, I can say I am half Christian and half Muslim. I started with a Muslim background while growing up. During this period I was going to Mosque with other Muslim family members.

“That was where I realized that we are all calling on the same God. The Almighty God who created heaven and earth. This is why I have decided to practice the two religions everywhere I see myself. Today I am celebrating with my Muslim family.

“I am also a Christian. I am a worker in the church. So I don’t see what will makes anyone to fight on the two religions. Today Muslims are here, Christians are here. We sit together to serve the same God. That is the way to go.

“My message to the general public is that we should know the Lord that we are serving. Some of us don’t know the God we are serving and that is why they are being misled. First of all, know who you are and the Lord you are serving. Know that you are serving your God and not anyone else.

“And to our politicians and political leaders, please stop dividing Nigerians through religion for your selfish reasons. We are all one irrespective of our religion. And with peace in the land, God Almighty will restore Nigeria’s lost glories and our nation will bounce back to reckoning”.

Also while delivering the Ramadan Lecture, the Guest Lecturer Fodhilat Sheikh Abdul Basit Olanrewaju Katibi Bello, popularly known as Aponle Anobi urged everyone to submit themselves to whom God has shown mercy, noting that this is about giving glory to Almighty Allah.

“Wherever you meet Allah ‘s work in the life of others, it is for you to submit yourself totally to His will. If you see someone that makes it in life, believe that he or she cannot do anything successfully without Almighty Allah’s will. So we believe that it is Allah’s Will that makes things going in accordance.

“By having this in mind, this  thought in our minds, we will love everyone and we will live a peaceful life and there will be having harmony among ourselves. So I hereby summon all Muslims brothers and sisters, even Christians to please let’s live in unity. Let’s see the Almighty Allah in everyone near us. Through that we will be a blessed humanity”.

Source:championnews.com.ng

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https://championnews.com.ng/2025/03/18/ramadan-lecture-sw-nnpp-chieftain-preaches-religious-tolerance/

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Anwar says mosques should promote unity, not hatred, calls for respect among communities

By Opalyn Mok

18 Mar 2025

SEBERANG PERAI, March 18 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said mosques should not be a place to spread hatred and sow seeds of suspicion.

He said such actions should be rejected as it is becoming increasingly widespread and excessive.

“This should not be allowed to continue. Islam teaches us to respect relationships between Muslims and non-Muslims,” he said in his speech when officiating the new Masjid Jamek Prai.

He said for a country to be developed, peace among its people must be maintained.

“There must be good relationship not only among Muslims, but also between Muslims and non-Muslims,” he said.

He said even if there are differences in opinions, it can be overcome through proper dialogue instead of through insults.

Later, Anwar announced a RM100,000 contribution towards the mosque.

He said the contribution can be used for the development of a centre for religious activities for the well-being of children in the local community.

He also urged Muslims to continue to develop mosques in order to empower the community through various scholarly activities.

“Mosques can be centres of knowledge, particularly in the Quran, and community development,” he said.

He said the revitalising of mosques is not only about physical maintenance but also about bringing the mosque to life with knowledge-sharing, study classes, and programs that encourage unity and human development.

“It is good to send your children for tahfiz programmes but after that, let them continue to TVET programmes too,” he said.

He said knowledge is important and tahfiz graduates can go on to universities and even become pilots.

“No point for us to keep talking about using AI when no one is mastering it,” he said.

Source:malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/03/18/anwar-says-mosques-should-promote-unity-not-hatred-calls-for-respect-among-communities/170037

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Minority attacks in Bangladesh were political, not religious

Mar 19, 2025

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday said the attacks on minorities, particularly Hindus, following August 5 last year were politically, not religiously, motivated.

However, his government has taken swift action against the perpetrators, he said during a meeting with US Senator Gary Peters at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka.

He made the remarks after Senator Peters noted that Bangladeshi-origin people in the US have expressed concerns over recent attacks on minorities.

Peter, however, said there has been a lot of misinformation surrounding these incidents, which has heightened public concerns.

In response, Prof Yunus urged the US senator, alongside other US political leaders, journalists, and activists, to visit Bangladesh and observe the country's religious harmony firsthand.

The chief adviser reaffirmed his government's commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of gender, race, and religion.

They also discussed issues of mutual interest and ways to deepen bilateral relations.

Senator Peters inquired about the interim government's reform initiatives, recommendations from various reform commissions, and plans for holding free and fair elections.

Prof Yunus said elections could be held in December if political parties agree to a limited set of reforms. However, if they seek a broader package, the polls may take place a few months later.

"The election will be free and fair, with celebrations on election day, just as we have seen in the past," he said.

The chief adviser also said political parties will sign a July Charter once they reach an agreement on the proposed reforms.

"The July Charter will set the future course of the country," he said.

Peters appreciated the reform agenda of the government, saying the US looks forward to a smooth democratic transition in Bangladesh.

The US Senator also called on Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain at the State Guest House Padma yesterday.

During the meeting, both sides highlighted their strong collaboration and emphasised the need to further strengthen trade relations, technological exchanges, and security cooperation between the two nations.

Source:thedailystar.net

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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/diplomacy/news/minority-attacks-were-political-not-religious-3851956

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India

 

Ex Tehelka managing editor Mathew Samuel booked for hate speech against Muslims

March 18, 2025

A complaint has been registered by the Kerala police against journalist and former managing editor of Tehelka Samuel Mathew for allegedly spreading hatred and misinformation against Muslims via his YouTube channel.

Samuel is accused of broadcasting animosity in Kerala through his channel, “Samuel Mathew Official.” He is booked under various sections including sections pertaining to promoting religious enmity and inciting riots.

Earlier, multiple complaints were filed against Mathew. However, the police didn’t respond quickly leading to disappointment amongst various social and political groups.

Complements have claimed that Samuel was attempting to create tensions between communities by means of exploiting sensitive issues. They argued that Samuel is using his platform for targeting the business sector in Erattupetta in Kerala and accused him of attempting to promote a “mini Taliban movement.”

This is not the first time such complaints have been filed. Earlier, former MLA P.C George and a youtuber, Shajan Skaria was also booked for  making Islamophobic remarks.

Source:muslimmirror.com

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Uttarakhand govt seals 84 Madrasas, faces backlash over discrimination

March 18, 2025

The Uttarakhand government, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has sealed 84 madrasas across the state in an aggressive crackdown. This action has sparked outrage within the Muslim community, who view it as part of a broader pattern of discrimination and suppression of Islamic education under the BJP-led administration.

The sealed madrasas are primarily located in Muslim-majority areas, with 43 in Dehradun, 31 in Haridwar and Nainital, and 9 in Udham Singh Nagar. While the government claims the institutions were operating illegally, madrasa operators and community leaders argue that the move is aimed at weakening Muslim educational institutions and eroding their religious identity.

Government officials defend the crackdown as an effort to enforce legal regulations, stating that the action is not targeting any specific community. However, critics point out the lack of similar actions against other unregistered schools, raising suspicions of selective enforcement.

Shamoon Kashmir, head of the Uttarakhand Madrasa Board, has urged madrasa operators to apply for official recognition. He assured that madrasas with valid documentation would not be disturbed, and those sealed could reopen once they meet the legal requirements. Despite this, many madrasa operators view this as a bureaucratic excuse to close Islamic institutions.

Local madrasa teachers and community leaders are frustrated by the sudden closures, with one Dehradun teacher expressing concerns that the move aims to erase their educational institutions. Many believe that the crackdown is not about legality but an attempt to target Muslims.

As the controversy grows, madrasa operators are preparing to challenge the government’s actions in court. This crackdown threatens to further divide the community and could lead to heightened tensions if the government’s motives are not addressed.

Muslim activists and scholars have condemned the move as a violation of constitutional rights, accusing the government of deliberately discriminating against Muslims. Legal experts predict that this issue may escalate into a significant judicial confrontation.

The situation raises the question: is this a legal measure or an effort to marginalize Muslims in Uttarakhand? — With Agencies Inputs

Source:muslimmirror.com

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Bulldozer action threatens Mosque and 34 homes in Sambhal’s Chandausi area

March 18, 2025

A fresh wave of anxiety has gripped the Muslim community in Waris Nagar, Chandausi, in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district, as local authorities prepare to demolish a mosque and 34 surrounding homes, citing alleged illegal encroachment.

The looming demolition is stirring fears of targeted actions against Muslim places of worship and residences, following the controversial survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal.

The Sambhal District Magistrate (DM), Rajendra Pensia, along with other senior officials, recently inspected the Waris Nagar mosque and the nearby houses. Reports suggest that authorities are investigating the legality of these structures, and demolition orders are reportedly being considered.

The administration argues that the mosque and homes were built on six bighas of municipal land in Chandausi, claiming the properties were constructed without proper authorization, thereby making them liable for demolition under anti-encroachment laws.

However, the local community strongly disputes these claims. The mosque’s imam raised concerns, questioning the timing of the demolition move. “If the land was illegal, why did authorities allow construction in the first place?” he asked. “The officials who approved these settlements should be held accountable, not the innocent families living here.” His remarks reflect the widespread feeling of injustice among locals, who believe they were sold land in good faith, unaware of any disputes over ownership.

Many residents emphasize that they purchased their properties legally, with one local stating, “The land was cheap, so people bought it in good faith. It has changed hands multiple times over the years. If it was government land, why did authorities allow these transactions? Where was the administration then?” This sentiment resonates deeply within the community, with people questioning the selective enforcement of land laws in their area.

There are growing concerns that the demolition efforts are part of a broader pattern, with Muslim-owned properties in particular being targeted. Locals point out that similar unauthorized constructions can be found throughout the district, yet the demolition drives seem to disproportionately affect Muslim settlements. This has raised suspicions that the actions are driven by a specific agenda, further deepening the community’s sense of alienation and vulnerability.

Legal experts and civil society activists argue that demolitions without due process undermine communal harmony and exacerbate social divisions. A legal expert familiar with land disputes in Uttar Pradesh pointed out, “Land ownership disputes are complex and should be resolved through legal mechanisms rather than bulldozer justice.

Demolitions without due process only deepen social divisions.” This view is shared by many who believe that any alleged irregularities should be addressed through fair legal proceedings rather than drastic, unilateral actions.

Community leaders and activists are urging the administration to reconsider its decision and conduct a thorough, impartial investigation. They advocate for alternative solutions that do not result in the destruction of homes or places of worship, which would leave many families homeless.

A senior member of a local Muslim organization emphasized, “We appeal to the judiciary to intervene and ensure justice. The demolition of homes and places of worship without a transparent legal process is unacceptable.”

As tensions rise, political and social organizations are beginning to take note. If the demolition proceeds, it could spark widespread unrest and further alienate the affected community. Despite these growing concerns, the administration has not issued a detailed statement on the matter.

While DM Rajendra Pensia has refrained from making any direct comments, sources indicate that the final decision may come after further deliberation.

For now, residents of Waris Nagar remain in limbo, uncertain about the fate of their homes and mosque. As the threat of demolition looms, the Muslim community in the area is once again grappling with the challenge of defending their rights and protecting their properties. — With Agencies Inputs

Source:muslimmirror.com

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Maharashtra: Police clash with protesters amid rumours of burning of Quran

March 18, 2025

Tension erupted in central Nagpur on Monday after stones were thrown at police officers amid rumors that the holy Quran was burned during a protest by the right-wing group Bajrang Dal, which was advocating for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb.

The violence left two people injured, prompting the authorities to take swift action to control the situation.

The unrest began in the afternoon when Bajrang Dal members staged a demonstration near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in the Mahal area. During the protest, rumors spread that the Quran had been burned, which quickly fueled outrage among members of the Muslim community.

The situation escalated as videos of the protest went viral on social media, intensifying the anger and prompting members of the Muslim community to take to the streets. In response, a complaint was filed at the Ganeshpeth police station, accusing the protesters of desecrating the Quran.

As a result of the spreading unrest, large groups of Muslim community members gathered in several parts of Nagpur, including Mahal, Kotwali, Ganeshpeth, and Chitnis Park. In response to the growing crowd and potential violence, police increased patrolling efforts and deployed additional security forces to maintain peace.

In Chitnis Park and Mahal, stone-pelting incidents were reported, with demonstrators targeting police officers. To quell the unrest, law enforcement fired tear gas shells. Similar reports of violence also emerged from other areas.

Bajrang Dal leaders, however, denied the allegations, stating that they had only burned an effigy of Aurangzeb as part of their demonstration and not the Quran. In the wake of the disturbances, authorities took steps to reinforce security in sensitive areas.

Quick Response Teams (QRT), Riot Control Police, and the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) were deployed, with additional police personnel summoned from nearby stations to ensure law and order were maintained.

Source:muslimmirror.com

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Ban on mosque loudspeakers triggers return of an almost forgotten practice in Sambhal

Mar 18, 2025

MEERUT: When loudspeakers were pulled down from the 16th Century Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal on Feb 23 in a sweeping enforcement of noise regulations, the city's mosques fell silent. But with the azaan now reduced to a human voice carrying only as far as the air allows, an older, almost forgotten practice has returned — one that predates modern amplification and goes back to a time when waking up for sehri depended not on sirens or electronic calls, but on men who walked the streets in the dead of night, calling out to the fasting faithful and beating their drums.

This year, Mohd Shoaib has taken up that role, roaming the narrow lanes of Sambhal at 3am, ensuring that no one relying on the mosque's loudspeaker sleeps past their pre-dawn meal time. "Due to the ban on loudspeakers in mosques, the tradition has been revived since many people find it hard to wake up without the sehri siren. I'm only ensuring that people don't miss the blessed meal," he said, his voice cutting through the night as he repeated the familiar call: "Sehri ka time ho gaya hai… Sehri kar lijiye (It is time for sehri… have your sehri)," his words punctuated by the steady beat of his drum.

There was a time when this was the only way people knew it was time for sehri. Before technology took over, sehri jagane wale, or sehri wakers, would walk through towns and villages, their voices carrying across the quiet streets, ensuring no one missed their meal before the long day of fasting. Over time, their voices faded, drowned out by loudspeakers. But now, with noise limits strictly enforced, the practice has made a reluctant yet inevitable return.

In recent months, Sambhal police have filed FIRs against mosque imams for using loudspeakers above the permitted noise levels. But it was the removal of the loudspeakers from the Shahi Jama Masjid, where prayers had been amplified for generations, that stirred the most conversation.

A video of Imam Mohd Haji Raees delivering the azan from the mosque's rooftop, where the loudspeaker once stood, quickly spread across social media, raising debates about religious expression and the limits of state intervention. However, the authorities made it clear that while public address systems have been silenced, individual voices remain untouched by law. "Anyone can stand on a rooftop," said Sambhal SP Krishan Kumar Bishnoi.

Source:indiatimes.com

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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/meerut/ban-on-mosque-loudspeakers-triggers-return-of-an-almost-forgotten-practice-in-sambhal/articleshow/119125871.cms

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High Court raps Thane civic body for not demolishing illegal mosque

Mar 18, 2025

The Bombay High Court has pulled up the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) for stopping the demolition of an unauthorised mosque in its jurisdiction following resistance from a mob. The court directed the municipal body to demolish the mosque by April 14, after the end of Ramzan, the holy month for Muslims.

The unauthorised mosque is located in Borivade village in Thane and will have to be demolished by April 14. The structure in question is a Ground+1 mosque built without necessary approvals.

A bench of Justices AS Gadkari and Kamal Khata heard a plea filed by New Shree Swami Samartha Borivade Housing Company Private Limited and its representative, Satish Prabhakar Shetye. The petitioners sought action against illegal encroachment on their land by Gazi Salauddin Rehmatulla Hoole alias Pardeshi Baba Trust and its trustees.

The bench held that it was "necessary for the law enforcers to imbibe in the minds of the citizens that the violation of law and opposition to implement the law by the state will not be countenanced or tolerated".

The court noted that the Thane Municipal Corporation had identified the unauthorised construction during an inspection on January 1. The corporation issued a notice on January 6 under the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, 1949, and declared the structure illegal on January 27.

The civic body then ordered the mosque's removal, but demolition efforts faced resistance from locals, leading to a partial action in mid-February.

Expressing displeasure over the Thane Municipal Corporation's delay, the High Court observed that officials appeared to be shielding illegal constructions.

"We are unable to accept the submission of the corporation that, due to strong opposition from a mob which had gathered on February 19, 2025 at the site of the writ structure, the balance of demolition work could not be completed," the bench said.

The court also ordered the Thane civic body to ensure that no reconstruction occurred.

"Smita Surve, Assistant Municipal Commissioner and Shankar Patole, Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Encroachment) are the persons responsible for demolition and preventing the erection of illegal structures. It is therefore the duty of the said two persons to be vigilant and to take care that not even a single brick is put on the already demolished structure," the bench said.

"They shall also supervise that the balance structure shall be demolished as stated by the Corporation," it added.

The municipal corporation was directed to report compliance with the order on April 17 to the High Court.\

Source:indiatoday.in

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https://www.indiatoday.in/india/law-news/story/bombay-high-court-thane-civic-body-illegal-mosque-jurisdiction-ramzan-mob-resistance-2695300-2025-03-18

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Hindutva mob attacks Telangana govt official Abdul Wakeel

March 18, 2025

A government official from Telangana, Abdul Wakeel was attacked in Nirmal district on Monday evening by cow vigilantes.

Wakeel, who works at a Mandal Revenue Office (MRO) in Tanoor as a junior, was carrying a file wrapped in saffron cloth on his motorbike. He was fasting  when he was intercepted and attacked by cow vigilantes in Bhainsa town in Nirmal.

The video of the attack emerged on social media. Visuals show several members misbehaving with Wakeel and attacking him objecting to the colour of the cloth he had wrapped his files in.

Police officials confirmed that in connection with the attack four accused were arrested. Three more are on the run.

The arrested individuals were members of right wing groups, Hindu Vahini. They have been identified as Raju, Prakash, Sai and Polishetty and have been booked under relevant sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for attempt of murder, criminal conspiracy among others.

Source:muslimmirror.com

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Despite DKS claim, bill on 4% exclusive Muslim quota tabled

Mar 19, 2025

Bengaluru: Days after deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar defended the state govt's decision to introduce 4% reservation in govt contracts valued up to Rs 2 crore, insisting that the quota applies to all backward classes and not just the Muslim community, the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was tabled in the assembly Tuesday explicitly reserves it for Category II(B) of backward classes, which primarily consists of Muslims.

The bill, which has sparked political controversy, states, "and 4% be tendered only among the tenderers belonging to the backward castes as specified in Category II (B)." It further defines Category II(B) as those backward classes classified under this group by the state govt from time to time, without considering income criteria. The govt has justified the amendment as a means to tackle unemployment among backward classes and "to encourage their participation in such numbers of construction works, not exceeding 4% for the persons belonging to Category II (B) of the backward classes out of the total number of govt construction works up to Rs 2 crore."

Opposition BJP and JD(S) have opposed the move, accusing the Congress govt of minority appeasement. Leader of the opposition R Ashoka said, "The bill is yet another example of the Muslim appeasement by the Congress govt. Just because the Muslims vote for the party, the Congress govt violated the principles of the constitution and gave them reservation. We will take the fight inside and outside the legislature." BJP has vowed to challenge the bill in both houses of the state legislature.

Apart from the 4% quota for Muslims in construction contracts, the bill also introduces reservations for SC, ST, and OBC communities in the procurement of goods and services, excluding construction works, in notified departments where contract values do not exceed Rs 1 crore. The reservations include 17.15% for Scheduled Castes, 6.95% for Scheduled Tribes, 4% for Category I, 15% for Category II(A), and 4% for Category II(B).

The bill also includes a relaxation clause, allowing contracts to be opened to other bidders if no tenders from the reserved categories are received after two attempts.

Law and parliamentary affairs HK Patil, who introduced the bill in the House, claimed the Bill was being brought to address the unemployment problem.

The Bill also intends to amend Section 6 of the KTPP Act to facilitate the limit of construction works from Rs 1 crore to Rs 2 crore for contractors belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Opposition BJP said it will challenge the decision in the Supreme Court. It has stated that the move to provide quota for Muslims has the potential to balkanise India and it is a threat to national unity. Former CM and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai has stated that under the guise of giving reservation in contracts to backward classes, the govt has given a 4% quota for Category IIB, which is 100% Muslims category, which has been challenged in the Supreme Court now.

The BJP-JDS combine is also planning to stall the bill in the Upper House (council) where Congress doesn't enjoy a majority.

Source:indiatimes.com

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‘We don’t use such indecent language’: BJP MLA Balmukund Acharya’s mosque remarks criticised by Rajasthan Deputy CM

by Hamza Khan

March 19, 2025

Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa Tuesday criticised party colleague and MLA Balmukund Acharya’s remarks against loudspeakers in mosques and elsewhere, saying that “we don’t use such indecent language”.

Over the last few days, Balmukund, the Hawa Mahal MLA, has made several statements critical of loudspeakers in mosques. A couple of days ago, at a Holi Milan programme of BJP’s legal cell, the MLA, whose real name is Sanjay Sharma, said, “I have a complaint which will be resolved only through you (lawyers). A lot of us have migraines; we get headaches. The loudspeaker is played five times a day very loudly. The lawyers should please accept my prayer. I appoint you and you should resolve this problem as my lawyers.”

He later claimed that he had received “50-60 complaints” about loudspeakers where the sound was being increased and that there are at least 150 locations in his Assembly constituency facing this problem.

Responding to his remarks, Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra said, “It is our misfortune that such namoone (piece of work) are in our Vidhan Sabha. The people have chosen him for their problems, not for doing Hindu-Muslim or spreading hate or doing nautanki. He should work towards development, employment, and promoting brotherhood among 36 quam (all communities) in his Assembly constituency. But he is just spreading hate. I hope to God that he stays safe and, if needed, his escort should be increased. Because of the kind of things he is doing, you never know when someone’s mind acts out.”

The Hawa Mahal MLA then questioned if Dotasra had hatched a conspiracy to hurt him, “because how do you know there is a threat to my life and I need security?” He said that Dotrasra’s words insulted not only him but also the sanatan. On Tuesday, his supporters protested against Dotasra for calling him a “namoona”.

With bike riders taking out a rally post-Friday prayers, Balmukund also wrote a letter to Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph, claiming that they chanted “anti-national and objectionable” slogans and created chaos along the way. Accompanied by Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s national spokesperson Amitosh Pareek, he also met the Commissioner on Monday and complained to him about the bike rally and the loudspeakers.

So far, the MLA has been backed by the party leaders, including cabinet ministers Madan Dilawar and Jogaram Patel. However, Deputy CM Bairwa objected to the MLA’s remarks on Tuesday, saying, “Woh kuch bhi bolein lekin hum log is tarah se abhadra bhasha ka prayog hum karte nahi hai. Bilkul sanskar aur sanksriti se rehne wale log hain (He may say anything but we do not use such indecent language. We are people who live with utmost sanskar and tradition).”

Earlier, former Congress minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas had attacked the Hawa Mahal MLA, saying, “Some insane BJP MLAs have lost their mental balance… They cannot talk about their work… so they talk rubbish.”

Source:indianexpress.com

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https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/jaipur/bjp-mla-balmukund-acharya-loudspeakers-mosque-9893294/

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After remarks on Muslim MLAs, Suvendu Adhikari now raises pitch against Mamata govt over Ram Navami celebrations

Mar 18, 2025,

NEW DELHI: "Hindus will reign in Hindustan, and those who work for Hindus will reign in West Bengal. If all Hindus unite, the TMC will bite the dust ... "

West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has once again raised the pitch against Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool government as the state gears up for the Ram Navami festival on April 6. Suvendu, who had last week announced that around one crore Hindus will participate in over 20,000 processions to be held across the state on Ram Navami, on Tuesday said that any attempts to stop the festivities would be resisted strongly.

"The situation in the state will be similar to that of Bangladesh if Mamata Banerjee remains in power. The days of her rule are numbered. Hindus will not accept her blatant appeasement of one community and attempts to crush Ram Navami celebrations any more," Suvendu said.

"On the day of Holi attacks were carried on Dalits by jihadis in Sainthia. But no action was taken against the perpetrators. Internet services were suspended to cover up the violence against the 'Sanatanis'. Discussion on it was not even allowed in the assembly," he claimed referring to incidents of violence in the state during Holi.

Suvendu also targeted assembly speaker Biman Banerjee after he did not allow discussion in assembly over a BJP adjournment motion on violence in the state during Holi.

The speaker did allow BJP chief whip Shankar Ghosh to read out the first few paras of the motion, but then said that certain other references and contents including the word “Hindus” and “Hindutva”, "were not appropriate" for discussion on the floor of the House.

"We don't need this anti-Hindu regime. We want to know why the administration kept mum and suppressed the actual incident during a festival like Holi. Our chief whip wanted a discussion on the adjournment motion on this, but this anti-Hindu government does not want the truth to come out," Suvendu said.

"In which country we are living where the word ‘Hindu' cannot be included in a motion drafted by democratically elected people's representatives?" he added.

Suvendu had last week stirred a row with his remarks against Muslim MLAs of the TMC. "If the BJP assumes power, the Muslim MLAs of the Trinamool Congress would be "thrown out" of the assembly," the leader of the opposition had said evoking strong reactions.

Mamata Banerjee had led the attack against Adhikari and said "Your imported Hindu dharma is not supported by the Vedas or by our seers. How can you deny the rights of Muslims as citizens? This is nothing but a fraud. You are importing fake Hinduism."

"I have the right to protect Hindu dharma, but not your version of it. Please don't play the Hindu card," the chief minister had said in the assembly.

"We are a secular, pluralistic nation. Everyone has the right to practice their religion. The duty of the majority is to protect the minority. We must protect our country's sovereignty and secularism. I love all religions, and we condemn any political party's attempts to spread hatred against any community," Mamata had added.

Festivals in Bengal have been a flashpoint between the Trinamool government and the BJP which is now the main opposition party in the state replacing the Left and the Congress. Mamata Banerjee has long been accused by the BJP of appeasing one community in the state. And with assembly elections in the state due next year, we are sure to see much more agression and emotions on both sides of the divide especially around the festivals.

Source:indiatimes.com

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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/after-remarks-on-muslim-mlas-suvendu-adhikari-now-raises-pitch-against-mamata-govt-over-ram-navami-celebrations/articleshow/119170935.cms

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MP minister slams Muslim cleric’s objection to Shami’s daughter playing Holi

March 18, 2025

Denouncing the objections raised by All India Muslim Jamaat President Maulana Shahabuddin Rizvi to Holi celebrations by Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami’s daughter, Madhya Pradesh Sports Minister Vishwas Sarang has written to Shami asking him and his daughter not to be cowed down by ‘fundamentalists’ and ‘extremists’.

Castigating Rizvi for his indiscretion, purportedly aimed at disturbing the social and cultural harmony of the country, Sarang said such acts would not be tolerated.

Shami’s daughter played Holi as per the culture and traditions of the country. No one has the right to threaten a little girl in such a manner, he averred.

The minister questioned the silence of the Opposition Congress, especially Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi over the incident. “Where is Priyanka Gandhi, who keeps chanting the slogan of ‘Ladki hun, lar sakti hun’ (I am a girl, I can fight),” he asked.

He said the silence of Congress’ top leadership over the incident is a clear indication that the party only indulges in politics of appeasement.

Sarang also slammed Rizvi for having raised objections to Mohammed Shami drinking water during a cricket match in the ongoing month of Ramadan, when Muslims observe fast during the day. He said all religions, including Hinduism and Islam, teach that motherland is the top priority and Shami has given his best to the country.

Sarang demanded an immediate public apology from Rizvi over the latter’s “objectionable” remarks.

Source:thestatesman.com

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https://www.thestatesman.com/india/mp-minister-slams-muslim-clerics-objection-to-shamis-daughter-playing-holi-1503409242.html

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Laxmi Narayan Tripathi slams people criticising Mamta Kulkarni's appointment as Mahamandaleshwar: 'Kya Mamta Islam qubool karti...'

Mar 18, 2025

Mamta Kulkarni created a huge stir when she was declared Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akkada and then she was named of Shri Yamai Mamta Nandgiri. However, many people questioned her appointment as the Mahamandaleshwar and she was worthy of it. Now Mahandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi has slammed those criticising the actress.

She opened up on Shubhankar Mishra's podcast and expressed her opinion on this controversy. According to Lakshmi, this matter was unnecessarily blown out of proportion and it was said that if she had given up being a Sadhvi and embraced Islam, then what would the people who were creating controversy have done?

Tripathi said, "When she had kept herself away from the mainstream society for 23 years, she was in touch with me for two and a half to three years. She was telling me all about her traditions. She was also initiated by the Swami of Juna Akhara. When she came to Kumbh, we talked, the next day was Friday so she said, 'isse accha kya hoga ke ek ardhnareshwar mera patta abhishek kare aur mujhe mahamandaleshwar banaaye. Aur main sanatan dharm mein apne jeevan ko purn roop se samarpit karna chahti hu. Toh unka vichaar accha tha. Koi agar sanatan dharm mein aana chahta ho, aur kuch karna chahta ho toh hum kaise uska tiraskaar karein."

She also reflected on the cases on Mamta and her name involved with Abu Salem and said, "We knew everything. But all her cases are over. Her name was cleared. All the red corners were removed. So why should we despise the one who has come to take refuge in Sanatan Dharma. Yehi Mamta ji Islam qubool karti ya hajj madina kar aati toh kya yeh sanatani joh bol rahe hai, woh kuch kar sakte the Kal aap bhi dharm mein aana chaaho aur controversy ho jaaye toh woh galat baat hai na? (If this Mamta ji had accepted Islam and had gone to Haj-Medina, then how could these Sanatanis have opposed her so much?)'

She revealed that they did not accept Mamta's resignation. She gave her resignation under pressure. "Usko lagaa ke mere Guru ko itni takleef ho rahi hai is controversy ke kaaran toh main istefa dedu but humne nahi liya," added Tripathi.

Source:indiatimes.com

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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/laxmi-narayan-tripathi-slams-people-criticising-mamta-kulkarnis-appointment-as-mahamandaleshwar-kya-mamta-islam-qubool-karti-/articleshow/119152754.cms

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Aurangzeb fires up Hindutva cradle: Mahayuti, Maha Vikas Aghadi blame each other over Nagpur riot

19.03.25

The Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi and MLAs of the ruling Mahayuti in Maharashtra have blamed each other for a communal flare-up in Nagpur on Monday night after a demonstration by Hindutva groups demanding the demolition of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb.

The state has been on the boil after the release of the film Chhaava last month. The film is based on a novel on Maratha ruler Sambhaji who was executed during Aurangzeb’s rule in 1689. Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi had earlier been suspended from the Assembly and booked for praising Aurangzeb and criticising the film for “selectively portraying the Mughal emperor as a religious bigot”. Chhatrapati Sambhaji is widely revered in Maharashtra.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Bajrang Dal led demonstrations across the state on Monday demanding the demolition of Aurangzeb’s tomb — a centrally protected monument — at Khuldabad in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, earlier called Aurangabad. Several BJP leaders have joined the chorus.

On Monday night, a riot broke out in Nagpur over rumours of an act of sacrilege during an anti-Aurangzeb protest.

Nagpur police commissioner Ravinder Singal said: “A photograph was burnt and images were uploaded on social media. A delegation visited us and they wanted us to take action. An FIR was registered, we were taking action. But in the evening, the two groups came in front of each other, sloganeering happened, stones were hurled. The police were there, there was action. Five cases have been registered and more than

50 people arrested.”

Around 34 policemen, including three DCPs, have reportedly been injured in the riot. Several vehicles were set ablaze. Parts of Nagpur city have been put under curfew.

Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) parliamentarian Sanjay Raut told reporters in Mumbai: “It (Nagpur) is where the RSS is headquartered. It is also Devendraji’s (chief minister Devendra Fadnavis) constituency. Who will have the courage to spread violence there?... This is a new pattern to scare Hindus, make their own people attack them and then incite andinvolve them in riots. The things which are happening with regard to Aurangzeb, itis for planting fear in the minds of people. They are trying to finish Maharashtra and the country.”

He added: “Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj were never and are not symbols of bravery and victory for the BJP. Therefore, if you eliminate the villain (Aurangzeb’s tomb) first, you can automatically eliminate the hero.”

Fadnavis told the Assembly: “After that (Chhaava), people’s emotions have been reignited. The anger against Aurangzeb is being exhibited in a big way.”

He added: “It (the Nagpur flare-up) appears to be premeditated…. There appears to be a pre-planned pattern in the actions of some people.”

The leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Ambadas Danve of the Shiv Sena (UBT), alleged that the Maharashtra government and Fadnavis were behind the Nagpur violence. “This government has been trying for the past one month to stoke Hindu-Muslim violence in the state. Such violence woulddisrupt the daily life of Hindus as well as Muslims, but (the government) wants to reap political benefits out of it,” Danve said.

Within the Mahayuti, deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, who leads his faction of the NCP, criticised BJP minister Nitesh Rane for repeatedly calling for the tomb tobe razed.

BJP MLA Ram Kadam told PTI: “People associated with Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar and Congress workers were seen throwing stones during the Nagpur violence. What were they doing there? We obviously won’t resort to violence as we are in power. They will orchestrate riots to blame the government.”

Several Opposition parliamentarians condemned the violence on the sidelines of the budget session. AAP parliamentary party leader Sanjay Singh said: “The BJP had been trying to spread hatred in Nagpur and the whole of Maharashtra for a long time. As long as the BJP is there, there cannot be peace in India. Ahead of Holi, they tried to disrupt peace in Uttar Pradesh, what is the reason behind it? It is so that people can’t talk about the crashing share market. Economic disparity is at its highest in 100 years, there is unemployment.”

Trinamool’s Sagarika Ghose said: “At a time when the focus should be on employment, farmer suicide, rising prices, what is the BJP doing? It is creating yet another weapon of mass distraction.”

RJD’s Manoj Jha pointed out: “The entire nation is busy digging its own grave. Who is making it do so? I can recall that in 2014 the Prime Minister had in his speech at the Red Fort said that there should be a moratorium on such controversies. Is this a moratorium? You have given a free handto your own people to sayanything. There is no discussion on the challenges being faced today.”

The Mahayuti, however, continued to back Chhaava.

Deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde told reporters: “The protesters (who want to raze the tomb) are protesting for the pride of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.... Those who support Aurangzeb should read history andwatch the movie Chhaava.... I believe that even the true patriotic Muslims will not support Aurangzeb.”

Historian Rana Safvi called for an end to hate. “Aurangzeb got buried in a simple kacchi qabr as per his will. His bones must have long interred in the soil. The marble additions were made much later by the Nizam of Hyderabad. It will not affect Aurangzeb whether you remove the marble railings or not. It’s too late to remove him but it’s not too late for sense to prevail and stop burning the country over hate, imagined or real for someone who died 300 years ago,” she posted on X.

Source:telegraphindia.com

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Pakistan

 

3 Balochistan universities shut over ‘security concerns’

Saleem Shahid

March 19, 2025

QUETTA: Three Baloc­h­istan universities have ind­efinitely stopped on-campus classes and asked students to attend virtual classes.

The University of Baloc­h­istan, Sardar Bahadur Khan Women University and University of Turbat have suspended academic activities immediately.

According to sources, the decision has been ta­ken in view of recent att­acks and security threats.

The decision came days after terrorists hijacked the Jaffar Express near Sibi. At least 26 hostages, including 18 security personnel, lost their lives in the attack.

Since then, multiple attacks have taken place across Balochistan.

The decision was taken by university administrati­ons after consultation with deans and heads of the academic departments.

A notification issued by the University of Baloch­is­tan said a meeting was co­nvened with the deans and sectional heads, which decided that all campuses will switch to virtual lear­ning until further orders.

It offered no reason for the decision.

The notification said the faculty members have been instructed to utilise existing ID numbers to access the required digital resources and learning management systems.

University of Balochistan Vice Chancellor Zahoor Ahmad Bazai told Dawn.com that classes have been moved online as students from remote areas were unable to reach campuses due to protests on national highways.

Bazai said that students from areas where there was a problem with internet access would be provided concessions during the semester, while the decision on online classes would be taken after Eidul Fitr.

“As soon as the issue of sit-ins and closure on national highways is resolved, the University of Balochistan will resume its work in normal conditions. We will do it because our aim is to provide education to children,” the vice chancellor told Dawn.com.

The Sardar Bahadur Khan Women University also issued a notification announcing a similar decision.

It said students will attend online classes during Ramazan.

A statement issued by the University of Trubat after a meeting chaired by Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Gul Hasan said in light of the “prevailing situation”, the meeting decided to suspend academic activities and classes from Tuesday.

It added that the meeting discussed and reviewed academic and administrative matters, along with the ongoing “illegal occupation and blockade” of the university’s Administrative Block by a group of students.

The participants decided to stop the entry of outsiders and to protect the university’s assets, as well as the lives of employees and students residing on the premises, the statement added.

The statement asked the students to vacate hostel rooms within two days.

The registrar briefed the meeting on the “unauthorised occupation and blockade of the Administrative Block” by students, which began on March 13.

He explained that, in response to the Disciplinary Committee’s decisions, a group of students locked the entrance, staged a sit-in at the main gate, and prevented the staff from entering their offices.

The protest has caused significant difficulties for students, faculty, and administrative staff, especially during the holy month of Ramazan, the registrar stated.

In an effort to resolve the situation through dialogue, the university formed a committee of senior faculty members on March 13, which met with the protesting students.

They were assured that their legitimate concerns would be addressed.

However, the students refused to end the blockade of the Administrative Block, insisting that the hostel allotment of a student who had been penalised by the Disciplinary Committee for illegal activities be reinstated as a precondition for dialogue.

The Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences has stopped the transport services for students.

A decision on academic activities is expected on Wednesday as examinations are in progress.

Source:dawn.com

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Plan to use drones for trains’ security in Balochistan

Amin Ahmed

March 19, 2025

ISLAMABAD: Minis­ter for Rail­ways Hanif Abbasi announ­ced on Tuesday that drone surveillance will be launched for all train operations in Balochistan, while CCTV cameras are also bei­­ng installed at railway stations and other sensitive locations in the province and other parts of the country to ensure more security.

Presiding over a meeting, the minister annou­nced that Jaffar Ex­­press will resume its operati­ons soon as its track has now been fully restored. The train service was suspended after the railway track was blown up in a recent attack.

The minister asked authorities of Pakistan Railways to adopt latest safety technologies and impr­o­­ve emergency preparedness to guarantee a secure travel enviro­nment for passengers at all times.

Safety and security of passengers must always be the highest priority in railway operations, Mr Abbasi emphasised.

The minister said there is the need for upgrading the railway infrastructure, particularly focusing on modernising tracks, stations, and rolling stock to ensure smooth and fast services, adding that introduction of more modern and comfortable trains will encourage passengers to make PR their preferred choice for travel.

The meeting, convened to review the current operations of Pakistan Railways, address ongoing challenges, and make strategy for future impro­vements, was attended by all stakeholders.

During the meeting, the minister took detailed notes on operational aspects of the PR, including train scheduling, passenger services, tech­­nical operations, and safety protocols.

He emphasised the importance of maintaining a smooth and efficient operational flow to ensure timely arrival and departure of trains, and called for a collective effort from all stakeholders to ensure that trains are punctual and services meet the highest standards of efficiency.

Mr Abbasi highlighted the importance of an efficient customer service, urging all stakeholders to maintain a high level of professionalism, courtesy, and he­­lpfulness when interacting with passengers.

He called for better communication between railway staff and passengers to ensure that travellers are informed about train timings, delays and any service interruptions well in advance.

He also spoke about the economic potential of Pa­­kistan Rai­l­ways, and as­­ked officials of PR’s commercial wing to exp­lore new revenue streams thr­ough partnerships with the private sector, impr­oved freight services, and the development of tourism-based services.

He pointed out that Pakistan Railways, with its vast network and rich heritage, could serve as a catalyst for economic growth and social development.

Source:dawn.com

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Asif, Bilawal blast PTI for 'prioritising political interests over national'

By Web Desk

March 18, 2025

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari slammed PTI for "putting politics above national interest" after it boycotted the in-camera parliamentary security meeting.

"There is a need to rectify flaws in governance, and if PTI sets conditions on this matter, it cannot be called patriotism," Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif said while speaking on Geo News programme 'Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath'.

The in-camera meeting was held as Pakistan struggles with a new wave of terrorism, with security forces and law enforcement agencies facing increasingly frequent attacks.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, Director General Inter-Services Intelligence (DG ISI) Lieutenant General Asim Malik, chief ministers of all four provinces, and other top officials attended the meeting.

The major opposition alliance, Tehreek Tahaffuz-i-Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP), chose not to attend the meeting, citing the absence of PTI founder Imran Khan, who is incarcerated in Rawalpindi's Adiala jail.

Responding to a query by Khanzada, the defence minister questioned the divide within the former ruling party, noting that a significant faction of PTI wanted to attend the crucial meeting.

"[KP Chief Minister] Ali Amin Gandapur attended the meeting ... he did not show any deception and even endorsed the deliberations held during the meeting," he added.

Asif noted that the meeting focused on reviving the National Action Plan and its effectiveness, which had diminished over the past four to five years.

He underscored the military’s role in ensuring both internal and external security, stating that the former should primarily be the police's responsibility.

The minister recalled that during the PTI's tenure, the then-government had briefed lawmakers on a plan to settle 4,000 to 5,000 people in the country.

"No politician demands release or requests to be brought out on parole," he said, adding that despite the party founder’s legal troubles, PTI remains active in the political arena.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto said that Imran had never attended any parliamentary security meeting during his tenure as prime minister.

"Not on terrorism, not on Kashmir nor Indian aggression. Today he is not a member of parliament and this was a meeting national security committee of parliament [and] pathetic PTI would insist he attends now," he wrote on X.

Bilawal noted that it was every Pakistani's duty to put country above politics at times of war.

'Imran endorses skipping meeting'

Separately, Imran's lawyer, Faisal Chaudhry said that he had a detailed meeting with the party founder in Adiala jail.

According to Chaudhry, the PTI founder termed the boycott of the National Security Committee meeting as the right decision.

"He questioned what kind of consensus the government hopes to achieve by sidelining the country’s largest political party," Chaudhry quoted him as saying.

Imran said, "Keep me in jail for a lifetime if you must, but I will never bow down to oppression and fascism." He further emphasised that only political parties have the ability to unite the country.

Source:thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1293065-asif-bilawal-blast-pti-for-prioritising-political-interests-over-national

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Security concerns force indefinite closure of universities in Balochistan

March 18, 2025

QUETTA: The University of Balochistan has been closed for an indefinite period, with all academic activities shifted to virtual learning, the administration announced on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University has already moved to online classes for female students. Sources said the universities were closed due to security concerns.

Moreover, the Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS) has suspended all classes until Eid-ul-Fitr, the university announced.

According to the statement, all BUITEMS classes will now be conducted online, while its transportation service has been halted indefinitely. However, academic activities at the university’s Zhob and Muslim Bagh campuses will continue as usual.

Quoting an anonymous provincial government official, the AFP reported that two universities were ordered to close for an "indefinite period" last week, while on Tuesday, a third was instructed to switch to virtual learning.

"The decision was made after reviewing the overall security situation," the official said adding, "It was decided to switch to virtual learning until further notice due to security concerns."

The decision to reopen the campuses, which will impact thousands of students, will be made after the Eid ul Fitr, just two weeks away, the official said.

Security across the provincial capital has been heightened, with an increased number of security forces on the streets and additional checkpoints set up throughout the city following the recent surge in separatist violence.

The development comes after last week's harrowing attack by the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) militants who blew up train tracks and held over 440 passengers hostage in a day-long standoff with security services in a remote mountain pass in the Bolan district.

The military, after clearing the train and rescuing hostages, said it killed 33 attackers. Before the operation began, terrorists had martyred 26 passengers, while four security personnel were martyred during the operation.

The martyred train passengers included 18 security personnel from the army and the FC, three officials from Pakistan Railways and other departments and five civilians.

And on Sunday, at least five paramilitaries were martyred in a vehicle-borne suicide attack.

Source:thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1293058-security-concerns-force-indefinite-closure-of-universities-in-balochistan

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Torkham trade route reopens today after 25-day closure over border dispute

March 19, 2025

KHYBER: The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan will resume trade operations at today (Wednesday) after being shut for 25 days.

The reopening follows successful diplomatic talks between officials from both nations. The crossing was sealed on February 21 after tensions flared due to Afghan forces initiating construction within Pakistani territory.

Head of Pakistani tribal jirga Syed Jawad Hussain Kazmi said that Afghan officials have agreed to remove the controversial construction that had led to tensions between the two sides.

He said that a ceasefire will remain in place until the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) meeting takes place, ensuring stability in the region. Pakistani security officials have expressed satisfaction with the Afghan authorities' decision, Kazmi added.

A flag meeting between representatives of both countries will be held shortly, after which the trade route will officially reopen.

According to customs officials, the Torkham crossing facilitates daily trade worth approximately $3 million and sees the movement of around 10,000 people. The reopening is expected to restore economic activity and ease travel for traders and citizens who rely on this vital border route.

Pakistan and Afghanistan had reached an agreement for a ceasefire and the reopening of the Torkham trade route for all types of movement earlier this week following weeks of jirga meetings between the authorities.

Source:thenews.com.pk

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Karachi police arrest man for allegedly torching wife over infidelity dispute

Imtiaz Ali

March 18, 2025

The Karachi Police on Tuesday arrested a suspect who allegedly set his wife on fire when she objected to his infidelity in Korangi Industrial Area’s Mehran Town.

Korangi Senior Superintendent of Police (Investigation) Mohammed Qais Khan told Dawn.com, “The police conducted a raid in the Azeempura area of Shah Faisal Colony and arrested the suspect.”

He said the suspect had allegedly torched his wife on Saturday and she was currently admitted at the Burns Centre of Civil Hospital Karachi for treatment.

The wife had filed a first information report (FIR) on Sunday under Section 324 (attempt to murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

She said that she married her husband around two years ago out of love, adding that the couple had no children. She said that her husband’s attitude changed soon after marrying her, as he started physically abusing her regularly.

The FIR said he had also “developed an interest in other women”. On March 14, when he did not return home until late at night, the wife said she suspected that he might be in the company of another woman.

The wife said in the FIR that her husband picked up the cell phone when she attempted to contact the other woman, and began hurling abuses at her for making the phone call.

The FIR said when the suspect returned home at 11:45pm, he began beating his wife and poured kerosene oil over and torched her in a fit of anger.

It added that the suspect managed to escape, while the wife said she suffered burn injuries and her father-in-law took her to the Burns Centre for treatment. The complainant said she wanted legal proceedings against her husband for beating and torching her.

Also on Saturday, a woman seeking khula was allegedly killed by her husband outside the Malir court premises. The police had said that Rehmat Begum, 45, was stabbed to death and her 18-year-old daughter was injured by her husband, Sarwar, outside the Malir Court. Following the incident, the police had arrested the suspect.

Source:dawn.com

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ATC extends Armaghan's physical remand till March 24

By Amin Anwar

March 18, 2025

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Karachi on Tuesday extended the physical remand of Armaghan Qureshi, the prime accused in the Mustafa Amir abduction and murder case, till March 24.

The accused subjected his friend, Amir, to horrific torture at his residence in Karachi’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA) before burning him alive in the Hub area of Balochistan on January 6 this year.

At the outset of today’s hearing, the investigating officer produced the accused before the ATC judge on completion of his remand and requested an extension of his physical remand for the completion of the investigation.

Meanwhile, police dragged the accused father out of the courtroom to maintain decorum as he was creating a ruckus before the honourable judge.

Armaghan, however, refused to accept new counsel provided by his father in the case. He also refused to meet his father too.

Meanwhile, the judge adjourned the hearing and sought progress report on the next hearing.

Last week, the ATC handed over the prime suspect to the police for seven more days in the Mustafa Amir kidnap and murder case.

The whole saga unfolded after Armaghan opened fire at a team of the Anti-Violent Crime Cell (AVCC) — a specialised unit of the Karachi police responsible for tackling cases related to murder and extortion — during a raid at his residence in Karachi's DHA earlier this month.

The deceased's body — found by police in a car near the Hub checkpost on January 12 and buried by the Edhi Foundation on January 16 — was later exhumed and subsequently buried after an initial DNA profiling report confirmed that the mortal remains belonged to Mustafa.

During the previous hearing, the investigation officer said, Armaghan admitted to confiding in his father, Kamran Asghar, about the entire incident after Amir’s murder, adding that his father had then advised him to leave Karachi and go into hiding, assuring him that they would also relocate the software house to another location.

The IO further said that the suspect admitted to travelling to Lahore, Islamabad, and Skardu with his friend, Shiraz, to evade arrest. He said the Counter-Terrorism Department was interrogating Armaghan about the recovery of illicit arms, while the Federal Investigation Agency’s Cybercrime Cell was also questioning him. The suspect had been interrogated by the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) as well, he added.

IO Ali further informed the court that the suspect was an absconder and wanted in at least eight cases related to drugs, extortion, and other crimes. He added that the relevant police stations had been conveyed to take action against him in these cases. He said he needed the suspect's custody to gather more evidence and complete the investigation.

Source:thenews.com.pk

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Constitutional Bench issues order to transfer super tax cases

Nasir Iqbal

March 19, 2025

ISLAMABAD: The Constitutional Bench has issued the order to transfer all appeals pending before high courts against the super tax imposed on wealthy individuals.

The order was issued after the bench, for the first time, used its authority — under the Constitution — to transfer all intra-court appeals (ICAs) relating to the Super Tax pending in the high courts of Lahore and Islamabad.

The CB invoked Article 186(A), which was added to the Constitution after the 26th amendment last year.

The provision allows the Supreme Court to transfer cases from high courts “in the interest of justice”.

The set of petitions, which will now be heard by the CB, challenged the tax initially imposed on wealthy individuals and companies earning above Rs500 million in 2015, with the stated purpose of rebuilding the areas affected during Operation Zarb-i-Azb against terrorists in North Waziristan.

The ICAs and petitions challenged Sections 4B and 4C of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 under which the super tax was imposed. Headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, the five-judge CB ordered the Supreme Court office to send copies of its order to the registrars of Lahore and Islamabad high court (IHC).

The registrars will place the orders before the respective chief justices and in complia­n­­ce, send original case files of immediately to the Supreme Court for further proceedings.

“In the present situation, the Supreme Court, in the case of exigency and in the interest of justice, may transfer any case, appeal or other proceedings pending before any High Court … for trying itself,” the order stated.

It added that a large number of cases on this issue were already pending before high courts, raising the issue of multiple proceedings.

The bench transferred the cases “to avoid any multiplicity of proceedings” and “to nip it in the bud”, the order added.

The CB order said the registrars of both high courts will inform complainants and respondents about the the transfer of cases to the CB through a common circular and will also issue ‘Court Motion Issue’ to the advocates of both parties through bailiff/by post/ email and SMS on the postal/email addresses and phone numbers.

During a hearing last week, senior counsel Makhdoom Ali Khan, who was representing a number of complainant companies, said a single-judge bench of the Islamabad High Court decided challenges to sections 4B and 4C of the ITO.

However, appeals against the judgments were pending.

The statement was also confirmed by Additional Attorney General (AAG) Chaudhry Aamir Rehman.

He added that ICAs by Attock Oil Comp­any Ltd and Pakistan Tobacco Company Ltd were pending in IHC without any progress and there was no likelihood of that they will be decided in the near future.

Advocate Shahzad Ata Elahi said some writ petitions, challenging the provisions of Sec­t­ion 4C of ITO, were also pending in the LHC.

Some lawyers also expressed concerns that if the present bunch of cases were taken up for hearing, it will also affect the pending cases.

Other counsels, representing the tax authorities, as well as the AAG didn’t object to the for transfer of all petitions and ICAs to the Supreme Court.

Before the 26th Constitutional Amend­ment, the Supreme Court was empowreed to transfer cases from one high court to other. However, the amendment added Article 186A to the Constitution, giving SC the power to transfer cases to itself.

The super tax — introduced by the PML-N government through the federal budget in 2015 — levied a rate of 4 per cent on the income of banks and 3pc on other sectors as a one-time cess.

However, despite the lapse of many years, the super tax was still intact.

Last week, the CB was reconstituted after one of the judges, Justice Aamer Farooq, recused himself as he had already given a decision on the super tax when he was the IHC chief justice.

The reconstituted bench comprises justices Aminuddin Khan, Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Mohammad Ali Mazhar, Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi and Shahid Bilal Hassan.

Source:dawn.com

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PTI skips security moot over ‘lack of contact’ with Imran

Ikram Junaidi

March 19, 2025

ISLAMABAD: The PTI did not end up attending Tuesday’s meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security (PCNS) after its requested meeting with jailed party founder Imran Khan failed to materialise.

Instead, the party held a press conference along with its allies, warning that hastily opening new fronts within the country or attempting to resolve relations with neighbouring countries through force would lead to further deterioration of the situation.

Opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz-i-Ayeen Pakistan head Mahmood Khan Achakzai said holding a high-level security meeting without the involvement of Imran Khan was meaningless.

He was flanked by PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen chief Senator Raja Nasir Abbas and Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) head Sahibzada Hamid Raza. Mr Achakzai claimed that the leaders of the PTI and other parties were not allowed to meet Imran Khan.

PTI’s Salman Akram Raja said that the party had decided to skip the meeting, adding that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur attended the meeting. The PTI leader said the opposition party was not in favour of any operation and suggested the issue be addressed through negotiations.

In a statement, the PTI claimed that during a party meeting, it was unanimously agreed that the PTI representatives would not attend the committee meeting until a meeting with Imran Khan was arranged.

“The illegal use of violence is a cancer that the state must stop. Combating terrorism is a complex, sensitive, and serious issue that requires seriousness and wisdom. The key to tackling terrorism lies in achieving complete internal stability. The nation cannot effectively confront a major challenge like terrorism if it is sacrificed to political biases and divisions,” it stated.

It claimed that without public support and backing, achieving any serious objective was impossible.

Meanwhile, PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqqas Akram stated that peace and progress in the country would remain an unattainable dream unless the state undertook a fundamental and immediate course correction.

He emphasised that the state should strictly confine its role within constitutional limits, accept constitutional supremacy, uphold the public mandate without compromise, safeguard people’s rights unconditionally, completely abandon all coercive practices, and, above all, prioritise national interest over narrow personal and political agendas.

Imran backs party decision

Separately, Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan claimed on Tuesday that her brother had endorsed the party’s decision to boycott the NSC meeting.

Talking reporters after meeting Mr Khan at Adiala jail, she said that her brother was not aware of the meeting and, when she told him about it, he noted that this was probably why his television access had been curtailed.

Quoting her brother, Ms Khan said that the party took the right decision by not attending the meeting without consulting him.

Meanwhile, Niazullah Khan Niazi, a spokesperson for Imran Khan, told Dawn that the PTI founder was saddened by recent terrorist attacks, and maintained that as the largest political party, the PTI could not be sidelined at such a critical juncture.

Mr Niazi said the party founder criticised “stakeholders”, including the PML-N government, for excluding the PTI from the peace process.

According to Mr Niazi, the incarcerated party founder could have been released on parole to allow him to participate in the national security huddle, since he is the head of a popular political party with a national presence.

Source:dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1898810

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IHC constitutes larger bench on PTI founder’s jail rights petitions

Malik Asad

March 19, 2025

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has constituted a larger bench to hear all petitions related to the visitation rights and jail conditions of former prime minister Imran Khan, currently incarcerated at Adiala jail.

The three-member bench, comprising acting Chief Justice Sar­dar Mohammad Sarfraz Dogar, Justice Arbab Mohammad Tahir, and Justice Mohammad Azam Khan, will hear all the petitions related to Mr Khan’s jail facilities, including his meetings with relatives, party leaders and his entitlements, from now onwards.

The IHC administration has transferred all 26 petitions, including contempt of court applications against Adiala Jail Superintendent Abdul Ghafoor Anjum, to the larger bench.

The decision to consolidate the cases was made following an application by Mr Anjum, who cited logistical challenges in appearing before multiple benches.

Acting CJ Dogar subsequently ordered that all related petitions be heard by a single bench to ensure uni formity in adjudication.

The petitioners in the case inc­lude Imran Khan, his sister Noreen Niazi, opposition leader Omar Ayub Khan, Shoaib Shaheen, Saifur Rehman, Dawood Shoukat, Mian Ghous Muhammad, Asad Malik, Tariq Mehmood, Shahina Shahabuddin, Shaista Khosa and Mashal Azam Yousafzai.

In one such petition, filed by Mashal Azam Yousafzai, Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan had directed the authorities to produce Mr Khan before the court. However, citing security concerns, the directive was not complied with. The judge later assigned court clerk Sakina Bangash to visit the jail and verify whether Mr Khan had been denied access to his legal counsel. Ms Bangash, however, was unable to meet the ex-PM, leaving the key questions unanswered. This issue will also be addressed by the larger bench.

At the hearing, Advocate Nav­eed Malik representing the jail superintendent argued that the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Mr Khan’s political meetings in jail had already been established in an intra-court appeal. Yet multiple petitions related to these meetings were being heard by different benches, causing administrative challenges. He urged the court to consolidate these cases to ease the burden on the jail administration.

The petition, filed under Section 24 of the Civil Procedure Code (CPC), emphasised the need for consistent judicial rulings regarding his visitation rights. The court was told that conflicting judgements from different benches created operational difficulties for the jail administration.

SSP Anjum noted that Adiala jail currently houses over 8,000 inmates — four times its capacity of 2,000 — posing serious challenges for prison management. Despite these difficulties, he claimed that Mr Khan has been provided all privileges under the Pakistan Prison Rules of 1978, including regular meetings with family, lawyers, and political associates, as well as access to reading materials and newspapers.

The petition reiterated that the jail superintendent holds the authority to regulate or restrict meetings with prisoners under prison regulations.

Speaking to Dawn, Mr Khan’s spokesman Niazullah Khan Niazi said the ex-premier and his spouse instructed the legal team to follow the cases before the larger bench. However, he added, Mr Khan also reserved the right to file an objection at any point.

About Mashal Yousafzai’s meeting with Mr Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi, Mr Niazi said she is not the counsel for both, though being a political worker she has the right to visit the incarcerated couple.

Terrorism

Mr Niazi said Mr Khan was sad over the recent terrorist incidents and said since the PTI was the largest political party with presence and mandate across the country, it could not be sidelined at such a critical juncture.

The spokesman said that Mr Khan criticised the “stakeholders” for excluding the PTI from the peace process and including the PML-N government even though, he added, was formed through the manipulation of Form-47. According to him, the ex-premier wants expeditious hearing on the appeals against his conviction in Al Qadir Trust case.

He regretted that the jail authorities were not arranging weekly telephonic contact of Mr Khan with his sons, mandatory 72-hour-long private meeting with his spouse after every 90 days, adding that the jail administration had discontinued the facilities of TV and newspapers.

Source:dawn.com

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Mideast

 

Why did Netanyahu end the Gaza ceasefire?

March 19, 2025

JERUSALEM: The wave of Israeli strikes that killed hundreds of Palestinians across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday was the culmination of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s efforts to get out of the ceasefire with Hamas that he agreed to in January.

Since the start of the war, Netanyahu has faced dueling, possibly incompatible pressures: Families of the hostages want him to cut a deal with Hamas to free them, while his far-right coalition partners want to continue the war with the aim of annihilating the militant group.

On Tuesday, he appeared to cast his lot with the latter — and US President Donald Trump’s administration has backed Netanyahu’s decision to unilaterally walk away from the ceasefire it took credit for brokering.

Both Israel and the United States blame the renewed hostilities on Hamas’ refusal to release more hostages before negotiations on ending the war proceed — which was not part of the ceasefire agreement. Israel has accused Hamas of preparing for new attacks, without providing evidence. The militant group has denied those allegations.

Hamas — which has yet to respond militarily to the Israeli strikes — has spent weeks calling for serious talks on the ceasefire agreement’s second phase, which calls for the release of the remaining living hostages in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners, a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a lasting ceasefire.

Those talks were supposed to begin in early February. Now they may never happen.

What did the ceasefire agreement say?

The agreement reached in January, under pressure from the outgoing Biden administration and the incoming Trump one, called for a phased ceasefire aimed at freeing all the hostages abducted in Hamas’ Oct 7, 2023, attack and ending the war it caused.

Under the first phase, which ran from Jan. 19 to March 1, Hamas released 25 Israeli hostages and the bodies of eight others in return for nearly 1,800 Palestinian prisoners, including senior militants serving life sentences for deadly attacks. Israeli forces pulled back to a buffer zone, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians returned to what remained of their homes, and there was a surge of humanitarian aid.

Each side accused the other of violations, and Israeli strikes killed dozens of Palestinians the military accused of engaging in militant activities or entering no-go zones. But the truce held.

Still, the second phase was always seen as far more difficult.

Through months of negotiations, Netanyahu had repeatedly cast doubt on it, insisting Israel was committed to returning all the hostages and destroying Hamas’ military and governing capabilities — two war goals that many believe are irreconcilable.

In a TV interview last June, Netanyahu cast doubt on the possibility of a lasting ceasefire before Hamas is destroyed. “We are committed to continuing the war after a pause, in order to complete the goal of eliminating Hamas. I’m not willing to give up on that,” he said.

On Jan. 18, the eve of the ceasefire, he said “we reserve the right to return to war if necessary with the backing of the United States.”

Why did Netanyahu back out of the ceasefire?

Agreeing to a permanent ceasefire would almost certainly plunge Netanyahu into a political crisis that could end his nearly uninterrupted 15-year rule.

Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich had threatened to leave the coalition if Netanyahu progressed to Phase 2 instead of restarting the offensive. Opposition parties have promised to support him in any agreement that brings back hostages, but his coalition would still be severely weakened, making early elections likely.

By resuming the fighting, Netanyahu ensured Smotrich’s continued support. After the strikes, the Israeli leader regained another far-right partner, Itamar Ben-Gvir, whose party had bolted in January over the ceasefire but returned to the coalition Tuesday.

Beyond the political jockeying, Netanyahu’s stated goal of annihilating Hamas would have almost certainly eluded him had he stuck with the ceasefire agreement.

Hamas survived 15 months of Israeli bombardment and ground operations that killed over 48,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, and destroyed much of Gaza. When the truce took hold, the militant group immediately reasserted its rule.

There’s no agreement on who should govern Gaza after the war, and even if the Western-backed Palestinian Authority were granted nominal control, Hamas would have strong influence on the ground and could rebuild its military capabilities.

For many Israelis, especially Netanyahu’s hawkish base and far-right allies, that would look like defeat. It would add to the criticism he already faces over security failures surrounding the Oct. 7 attack, in which Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251.

How did Netanyahu end the truce?

After the first phase ended, Netanyahu said Israel had agreed to what he described as a new US proposal in which Hamas would release half the remaining hostages in return for a seven-week extension of the truce and a vague promise to launch negotiations over a lasting ceasefire.

Hamas refused, pointing out that the new proposal was different from the one they had agreed to in January and again called for the immediate launch of talks on Phase 2.

It even offered to return an America-Israeli and the bodies of four other hostages to get the talks back on track, an offer dismissed as “psychological warfare” by Israel. Trump’s Mideast envoy, Steve Witkoff, said Hamas was claiming flexibility in public while making “entirely impractical” demands.

In an attempt to impose the new arrangement on Hamas, Israel halted the import of all food, fuel and other humanitarian aid to Gaza. It later cut off electricity, affecting a vital desalination plant. Israel also said it would not withdraw from a strategic corridor on Gaza’s border with Egypt, as stipulated in the agreement.

In recent days, Israel stepped up strikes across Gaza, targeting people it said were planting explosives or engaging in other militant activities. On Tuesday, at around 2 a.m., it launched one of the deadliest waves of strikes since the start of the war.

What has Trump said about the ceasefire?

Trump took credit for brokering the ceasefire in January, but since then has appeared to sour on it. He has warned that “all hell” will break loose if Hamas does not immediately release the hostages, while saying that’s a decision for Israel to make.

Trump has also proposed that Gaza’s roughly 2 million Palestinians be permanently relocated so the US can take ownership of Gaza and develop it as a tourist destination. Netanyahu has embraced the plan, which has been universally condemned by Palestinians, Arab countries and human rights experts, who say it would violate international law.

The White House said it was consulted ahead of Tuesday’s strikes and supported Israel’s decision.

Source:arabnews.com

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Event in Al-Safiah Commemorating Battle of Badr & Martyrdom of Imam Ali (Peace Be Upon Him)

19 Mar 2025

The General Mobilization in Al-Safiya District in the Capital Sanaa organized a cultural event on the occasion of the anniversary of the Great Battle of Badr and the martyrdom of Imam Ali (peace be upon him).

The event explored the historical significance of the Battle of Badr as a decisive battle between truth and falsehood, emphasizing the divine support for Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in confronting the polytheists, and the importance of drawing lessons from it to confront modern tyranny represented by America and Israel.

Participants also stressed the necessity of emulating the courage of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) in supporting truth and confronting injustice, pointing out that adherence to the Quranic path and loyalty to the Ahl al-Bayt is the path to salvation in this life and the hereafter. They reaffirmed their support for Gaza and the Palestinian people in the face of Zionist escalation.

Source:saba.ye

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Endowments of Hodeida launches Martyr Leader Ramadan Quranic Competition

19 Mar 2025

The Office of the General Authority for Endowments in Hodeida launched the 10th Annual Martyr Leader Ramadan Quranic Competition, with 100 male and female memorizers from various districts of the governorate competing in memorizing the entire Quran.

During the opening ceremony, officials emphasized the importance of the competition in strengthening faith-based identity and entrenching Quranic values in society, highlighting its role in spreading religious awareness and motivating youth to adhere to the Holy Quran to confront intellectual challenges.

Participants praised the impact of this event in reviving Islamic values, considering it a means to enhance the spirit of resilience and jihad and to support the causes of the Ummah, foremost among them the Palestinian cause.

The launch ceremony featured outstanding Quranic recitations by some of the competitors, creating a spiritual atmosphere, emphasizing continuing to support this competition, and encouraging Quran memorizers with valuable prizes.

Source:saba.ye

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Al-Shahid Al-Durrah Hospital in Jahana Provides Over 300 Health Services as Part of Ramadan Medical Charity Program

18 Mar 2025

Al-Shahid Mohammed Al-Durrah Hospital in Jahana District, Sana'a Governorate, provided over 300 health, medical, and treatment services on its first day as part of the Ramadan Medical Charity Program implemented by the governorate's hospitals during the holy month of Ramadan.

Dr. Talal Al-Jabri, the hospital director, told the Yemeni News Agency (Saba) that free medical services, diagnostic and treatment services with a 50% discount, were provided across internal medicine clinics, ophthalmology, gynecology, and diagnostic and treatment departments. This initiative is part of a program carried out by the hospital in cooperation with the Health and Environment Office in the governorate.

He noted that free medical services will be provided during the period from 18 to 22 Ramadan 1446 AH, in addition to free pharmacy services for dispensing available medications at the hospital.

Dr. Al-Jabri emphasized the hospital administration's commitment to implementing the directives of the leadership of the Ministry of Health and Environment and the governorate to alleviate the suffering of citizens and provide them with health, medical, and treatment services, especially during the month of Ramadan.

Source:saba.ye

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Around 90% completion of Al-Nuri Mosque, says Nineveh Governor

18 Mar 2025

The Governor of Nineveh Abdul Qader Dakhil announced on Tuesday the 90% completion of the works at Al-Nuri Mosque, destroyed by Daesh terrorist gangs in 2017.

The works at Al-Nuri Mosque were completed by 90%, and some spaces, gardens, and other ablution places remain. The work will be completed during the current month of March or the beginning of next April, said Al-Dakhil to the Iraqi News Agency - INA.

"Working in the old city, the right coast, requires time, especially as it is among the areas nominated for the World Heritage List. Therefore the work requires to be according to UNESCO data as well as the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Nineveh Antiquities Department," he explained.

He pointed out that "the study of the reconstruction of the destroyed areas was completed two years after work by the University of Baghdad and a Spanish company."

Daesh terrorist gangs bombed Al-Nuri Mosque in Mosul and its beacon in June 2017.

The construction of the mosque dates back to the sixth century AH - twelfth century AD.

Source:ina.iq

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Head of Judicial Inspection Authority inspects Ramadan shifts in Bajel & Mahwit

18 Mar 2025

Hodaidah - Mahwit (Saba) - Head of the Judicial Inspection Authority and member of the Supreme Judicial Council, Judge Dr. Marwan Al-Mahaqri, inspected the progress of the judicial shifts for the month of Ramadan at the Bajel District Court in Hodaidah Governorate and the Court of Appeal in Mahwit Governorate.

Judge Al-Mahaqri met with Judge Akram Al-Alafi, President of the Mahwit Court of Appeal, and a number of court presidents, judges, and administrators, he listened to an explanation of the work and procedures taken regarding urgent cases and citizen transactions during the judicial holiday.

Source:saba.ye

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Iran-backed Houthis claim fourth attack against US warships

March 19, 2025

SANAA: Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels said on Wednesday they launched another attack against American warships in the Red Sea, their fourth time firing on the carrier group in 72 hours.

The Houthis’ military spokesperson said the operation entailed “a number of cruise missiles and drones, targeting the aircraft carrier ‘USS Harry Truman’ and a number of enemy warships,” adding that the attack was “the fourth within 72 hours.”

Source:arabnews.com

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After one of the deadliest days in Gaza, here’s the conflict in numbers

March 19, 2025

JERUSALEM: Israel’s wave of predawn airstrikes across Gaza shattered two months of relative calm during a ceasefire with Hamas. Tuesday was one of the deadliest days in Gaza since the war began, with over 400 Palestinians killed and hundreds more wounded.

The first phase of the ceasefire saw Hamas release 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for Israel releasing nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The deal also called on Israel to ramp up delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza. After those exchanges wrapped up, Israel cut off all aid to Gaza to pressure Hamas to extend the ceasefire.

The renewed Israeli offensive threatens to escalate the spiraling humanitarian crisis for Gaza’s roughly 2 million Palestinians. Hamas says the pounding bombardments put the 24 remaining hostages’ lives in danger.

Here’s a look at the 17-month-old conflic t by the numbers, sourced from the Gaza Health Ministry, the Israeli military and government, and the United Nations.

Current situation inside Gaza

Palestinians killed Tuesday — at least 404

Women and children killed Tuesday — 263

Senior Hamas officials killed Tuesday — 6

Aid trucks Israel let into Gaza since March 2 — zero

Overall war statistics

Palestinians killed — at least 48,981

(The Hamas-linked Health Ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its tally, but says more than half of them were women and children.)

Palestinians wounded — at least 112,603

Average number of aid trucks entering Gaza each day in December — 93 (UN), 163 (Israel)

Aid trucks entering Gaza each day between the start of the ceasefire and March 2 — 600

People killed in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023 — 1,200

Israeli soldiers killed in Israel’s subsequent ground operation in Gaza — 407

Palestinians displaced at war’s peak — 1.9 million, or roughly 90 percent of the population

Hostages/Prisoners

Living hostages held by Hamas — 24

Non-Israelis — 1 Thai and 1 Nepalese (alive), 2 Thais and 1 Tanzanian (dead)

Living Israeli hostages — 22, including 4 soldiers

Bodies of hostages held by Hamas — 35, including 9 soldiers

Hostages released during recent ceasefire — 33

Hostages taken on Oct. 7, 2023 — 251

Palestinian prisoners released during recent ceasefire — more than 1,700

Source:arabnews.com

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At least 10 US strikes target areas in Yemen

March 19, 2025

CAIRO: At least 10 US strikes targeted areas in Yemen, including Sanaa, the capital, and Hodeidah, Yemen’s Houthi media reported early on Wednesday.

The US launched a wave of strikes in areas of Yemen controlled by the Iran-aligned Houthis, who said last week they were resuming attacks on Red Sea shipping to support Palestinians in Gaza.

Source:arabnews.com

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West Bank livestock theft symbol of tensions and settler ‘impunity’

March 19, 2025

JERICHO, Palestinian Territories: A community of Palestinian Bedouins has decried a major theft of their livestock in the occupied West Bank, where the UN says violence from Israeli settlers is taking place in a climate of impunity.

On March 7, dozens of Israeli settlers, some of them armed, attacked Palestinian residents in Ras Ein al Auja while under the protection of Israeli forces, according to the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Resident Haitham Suleiman Zayed described how around 40 vehicles arrived in the pastoral area in the Jordan Valley, accompanied by “army forces and armored Israeli vehicles.” More than 1,500 livestock were stolen, he said.

“We tried to confront them by throwing stones at them to make them move away from this enclosure, but we could not do that,” Zayed, 25, told AFP, adding that Israeli forces had intervened to protect the thieves, whom he referred to as settlers.

Contacted by AFP, the Israeli military referred to a police statement issued the day after the incident.

The statement said police had intervened after receiving a report regarding the theft of 50 sheep from Zohar’s farm — a settler outpost run by Zohar Sabah, an Israeli targeted in November by United States sanctions against settlers involved in acts of violence.

The sanctions introduced by the administration of former president Joe Biden were canceled by President Donald Trump on his return to power.

“Police and (Israeli) forces began searching for the flock and arrived at a Bedouin encampment near the Palestinian village of Auja, where they located the (settler’s) stolen flock,” the Israeli police statement said.

“The Palestinian suspect was arrested and taken for interrogation, where he admitted to the act,” it added.

OCHA said that according to eyewitnesses, “settlers physically assaulted and injured a Palestinian man, stole approximately 1,400 livestock, killed 12 goats, and damaged at least three houses and several solar panels.”

The Palestinian man injured during the confrontation was “restrained by Israeli police while settlers beat him,” the UN office added.

Israel has occupied the West Bank since the 1967 Arab-Israeli War.

Excluding annexed east Jerusalem, the territory is home to nearly three million Palestinians and around 490,000 Israelis who live in settlements considered illegal under international law.

“The transfer by Israel of parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies amounts to a war crime,” UN rights chief Volker Turk said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Israel must immediately and completely cease all settlement activities and evacuate all settlers, stop the forcible transfer of the Palestinian population, and prevent and punish attacks by its security forces and settlers,” he added.

His comments came as his office released a new report on the situation in the West Bank between October 2023 and last November.

“The line between settler and state violence (has) blurred to a vanishing point, further enabling an increase in violence and impunity,” the report said.

OCHA said that Israeli settlers in February bulldozed an area of Ras Ein al Auja to build a road connecting two settlement outposts.

“From Masafer Yatta in the south to the northern Jordan Valley in the north, there is not a single square meter safe from settler attacks,” said Zayed.

“The main goal is to displace people,” he added.

Throughout the Gaza war, violence in the West Bank — a separate Palestinian territory — has soared, as have calls to annex it, most notably from Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Since early last year, the territory has seen a string of attacks by Palestinians on Israeli targets, as well as violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian communities.

Since the start of the war in October 2023, Israeli troops or settlers have killed at least 911 Palestinians, including many militants, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

Palestinian attacks and clashes during military raids have killed at least 32 Israelis over the same period, according to official figures.

Source:arabnews.com

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Will the deal between Damascus and Syria’s Kurds help achieve national reconciliation?

ANAN TELLO

March 19, 2025

LONDON: In a bid to unify the Syrian Arab Republic, the interim government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces signed a landmark deal on March 10. The enactment remains uncertain, though, particularly after the recent constitutional declaration.

Aimed at integrating all military and civilian institutions into the Syrian state, the deal comes at a critical time as President Ahmad Al-Sharaa seeks legitimacy amid growing international scrutiny over the killings of minority Alawites by allied militias.

If enacted, the agreement “could significantly reshape Syria’s post-war landscape,” Nanar Hawach, senior Syria analyst at the International Crisis Group, told Arab News.

“The timing is key,” he said. “The deal comes as Syria faces major security challenges, including recent massacres on the coast and Israeli interventions in the south. These pressures likely pushed Damascus to sign the agreement.”

Mutlu Civiroglu, a Washington-based Kurdish affairs analyst, says signing the deal with SDF commander-in-chief Mazloum Abdi allows Al-Sharaa “to present himself as a leader committed to ensuring all identities are represented in Syria’s future.”

According to Civiroglu, Abdi is “a highly respected figure not only among Kurds but also across other communities, such as the Alawites, Druze, and Christians.”

Kurdish groups, united under the umbrella of the SDF and the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), have condemned the recent attacks on Alawites — the ethno-religious group from which the Assad family traces its roots.

Abdi described the attacks as part of a “systematic campaign against Syria’s minorities.” He told Reuters news agency that Al-Sharaa must “intervene to halt the massacres.”

On March 6, the deadliest bloodshed since Bashar Assad’s fall in December began when Assad loyalists ambushed security forces in Jableh, Latakia province, killing 13. The attack set off a wave of reprisals, with revenge killings targeting Alawite civilians.

Violence escalated further on March 9 as clashes reignited in Banias, also in Latakia, when security forces came under attack at a power plant. Within days, at least 1,300 people, including 973 civilians, were killed, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Against this backdrop, Rami Abdulrahman, head of the SOHR, told a Kurdish news channel that tens of thousands of Alawites who had fled the violence on the coast for the safety of the mountains believe an SDF presence in their areas could provide a “safe haven.”

The Damascus-SDF deal, set for implementation by the end of the year, recognizes that “the Kurdish community is indigenous to the Syrian state,” guaranteeing “its right to citizenship and all of its constitutional rights,” according to a presidential statement.

It also mandates a complete cessation of hostilities in SDF-controlled areas, which have been under attack by the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army since Dec. 8, when a Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham-led coalition ousted the Assad regime.

“For Syrian Kurds in Rojava — Kurdish Syria — the agreement guarantees recognition of their rights, something they lacked under Assad before the war,” said Hawach of the International Crisis Group.

The deal also includes economic benefits for both sides.

Joshua Landis, director of the Center for Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma, says oil is a key part of the agreement and “will be key to raising revenue for the new Syria.”

The interim government “will gain full control over the oil fields, which is a triumph, but the Kurds will get half the proceeds, which was a win for them,” he told Arab News.

“This will allow the government to hire foreign oil companies to repair Syria’s dilapidated industry and energy infrastructure. Syria needs major foreign investment in its energy sector, which was impossible so long as control over the oil region was contested.”

Syria’s oil industry is in a dire state, with production plummeting from pre-war levels of up to 400,000 barrels per day to as little as 80,000, according to S&P Global, a financial intelligence and analytics firm.

Years of conflict, sanctions, and damaged infrastructure have crippled the sector, leaving Syria heavily reliant on imports. Reviving oil production is seen as critical to funding the country’s reconstruction, which could cost up to $400 billion.

Reinforcing Landis’ argument, Hawach said the deal’s implementation could “provide economic benefits — as the northeast is Syria’s most resource-rich region — and open the door for joint efforts with Damascus against (Daesh).”

He added: “For Syrians under the HTS-led administration, the deal marks a major step toward national reintegration. The return of 30 percent of Syria under Damascus’ control, after over a decade of fragmentation, could improve governance, service delivery, and economic stability.”

The move, seen as a step toward national reconciliation after 14 years of conflict, has been welcomed by the UN and regional and Western countries, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, France, Germany, and Canada.

However, Hawach stressed that the agreement’s success hinges on how the parties resolve the still undecided practical aspects of reintegration.

Landis agrees that while the deal “gives a degree of autonomy to northeastern Syria” and sets out key principles, it is “not a fully worked-out plan,” he said.

“Many of the thorny details will have to be worked out in the future,” he added.

Landis pointed out that “a key element is the military,” explaining that “the Kurds insisted on having their own force, resident in the northeast.”

Under the accord, the SDF must integrate into the Syrian Defense Ministry and cede control of all border crossings with Iraq and Turkiye, as well as airports and oil fields in the northeastern semi-autonomous region it has controlled since 2015.

“There has been a compromise in that the SDF will be placed under the Ministry of Defense, but only regional forces will be placed in the northeast,” said Landis. “How this will all work out is not clear.

“The Kurds are clearly hoping for something similar to the arrangement in Iraq, where in essence they have their own mini ministry of defense,” he added.

In Iraq, the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs oversees the Kurdistan Region’s own armed forces, which are responsible for protecting the semi-autonomous territory’s borders, land and sovereignty.

Landis said Syria’s interim president “does not want to accord the minorities autonomy,” adding that “he has stated that Syria will have a centralized state.”

Furthermore, “the new constitution makes no mention of a special arrangement for the Kurds,” he added.

On March 13, Al-Sharaa signed a temporary constitution establishing Islamist rule in Syria for a five-year transitional period. The following day, the SDF’s political wing, the Syrian Democratic Council, rejected the constitutional declaration and called for it to be redrafted.

The council argued that the temporary constitution “reintroduces authoritarianism” by centralizing power and granting unchecked authority to the executive.

“The SDC strongly rejects any attempt to recreate dictatorship under the guise of a ‘transitional phase.’ Any constitutional declaration must be the result of genuine national consensus, not a project imposed by one party.”

The council called for “a complete reformulation of the declaration” to “ensure a fair distribution of power, guarantee freedom of political activity, and recognize the rights of all Syrian components.”

Source:arabnews.com

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Israel’s surprise bombardment plunged Palestinians back into ‘hell’

March 19, 2025

DEIR EL BALAH, Gaza Strip: The Israeli bombs began falling before dawn, lighting the sky with orange flares and shattering the stillness.

The surprise wave of airstrikes plunged Palestinians back into a nightmare they had hoped might be behind them.

The bombs crashed across Gaza early Tuesday, setting fire to a sprawling tent camp in the southern city of Khan Younis and flattening a Hamas-run prison. They hit the Al-Tabaeen shelter in Gaza City, where Majid Nasser was sleeping with his family.

“I went out to see where the bombing was. Suddenly the second strike happened in the room next to us,” he said. “I heard screaming, my mother and sister screaming, calling for help. I came and entered the room and found the children under the rubble.” Everyone was injured, but alive.

Palestinians tried to claw bodies from the wreckage with their bare hands. Parents arrived at hospitals, barefoot, carrying children who were limp and covered in ash. Streets and hospitals filled with bodies.

By midday, over 400 people had been killed. It was one of the deadliest days of the 17-month war, following two months of ceasefire.

During the truce that began on Jan. 19, hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza had returned to their homes, many of them destroyed. A surge of aid brought food and medicines — until Israel cut off aid two weeks ago to pressure the Hamas militant group into accepting a new proposal instead of continuing with the truce.

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan had even provided moments of joy as families held communal sunset meals ending each day’s fast without the fear of bombardment.

Instead, the war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and caused widespread destruction was back with full force.

“What is happening to us is hell. Hell in every sense of the word,” said Zeyad Abed, as he stood among the blackened remains of tents in Khan Younis.

Fedaa Heriz, a displaced woman in Gaza City, said victims were killed in their sleep just before the predawn meal ahead of the daily Ramadan fast.

“They set the alarm to wake up for suhoor, and they wake up to death? They don’t wake up?” she screamed.

Fedaa Hamdan lost her husband and their two children in the strikes in Khan Younis.

“My children died while they were hungry,” she said, as funeral prayers were held over their bodies.

Hospitals ‘felt like Armageddon’

Scenes at hospitals recalled the early days of the war, when Israel launched a massive bombardment of Gaza in response to the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023.

Survivors on Tuesday held rushed funeral rites over dozens of body bags lining the yard of Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Mothers sobbed over the bloodied bodies of children, as warplanes hummed overhead. Doctors struggled to treat the flow of wounded.

“A level of horror and evil that is really hard to articulate. It felt like Armageddon,” said Dr. Tanya-Hajj Hassan, a volunteer with the Medical Aid for Palestinians aid group.

She described the Nasser Hospital emergency room in Khan Younis as chaos, with patients, including children, spread across the floor. Some were still wrapped in the blankets they had slept in.

Dr. Ismail Awad with the Doctors Without Borders aid group said the clinic received about 26 wounded people, including a woman seven months pregnant with shrapnel in her neck. She later died.

“It was overwhelming, the number of patients,” Awad said.

At the Al-Attar clinic in Muwasi in southern Gaza, medical staff said they were forced to operate without light bulbs and emergency ventilation devices.

Israel not only blocked all supplies from entering Gaza two weeks ago but also cut off electricity to the territory’s main desalination plant last week. That has again created scarcities in medicine, food, fuel and fresh water for Gaza’s over 2 million people.

Palestinians flee once more

New Israeli evacuation orders covering Gaza’s eastern flank next to Israel and stretching into a key corridor dividing Gaza’s north and south sent Palestinians fleeing again.

Israel’s Arabic-language military spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, published a map on X telling Palestinians in those areas, including highly populated neighborhoods, to leave immediately and head for shelters.

“Continuing to remain in the designated areas puts your life and the lives of your family members at risk,” he said.

The evacuation zone appeared to include parts of Gaza’s main north-south road, raising questions about how people might travel. Palestinians nevertheless gathered their belongings and set out, hardly knowing where to go.

UNICEF spokesperson Rosalia Bollen recalled that the days before the bombardment felt uneasy. She could sense fear. Children would ask if she believed the war would start again.

“This nightmare scenario has been on everyone’s mind,” she said. “It’s just heartbreaking that it is materializing right now and that it is shattering the last piece of hope that people had.”

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Nearly 13,000 Syrians fled to Lebanon: report

March 19, 2025

BEIRUT: Nearly 13,000 Syrians fled across the borders to Lebanon since sectarian massacres on the Syrian coast earlier this month, Lebanese authorities said on Tuesday.

A report from Lebanon’s Disaster Risk Management Unit said 12,798 Syrians had arrived and settled in 23 different villages and towns in Lebanon’s northern Akkar region, adding that most were living in family homes or makeshift accommodation centers.

Violence erupted on Syria’s coast — the heartland of former president Bashar Assad’s Alawite minority — with attacks on security forces that were blamed on gunmen loyal to the toppled president.

According to the latest toll from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor, Syrian security forces and allied groups subsequently killed at least 1,557 civilians, the vast majority Alawites.

Thousands of coastal residents took refuge in Russia’s Hmeimim air base, calling for protection, while others fled south to neighboring Lebanon.

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Israel is ramping up annexation of West Bank, UN rights chief says

March 19, 2025

GENEVA: Israel has expanded and consolidated settlements in the occupied West Bank as part of the steady integration of these territories into the State of Israel, in breach of international law, the UN human rights office said in a report on Tuesday.

The report, based on research between Nov. 1, 2023, and Oct. 31, 2024, said there had been a “significant” expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and cited reports by Israeli NGOs of tens of thousands of planned housing units in new or existing settlements.

The findings will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council this month and come amid growing fears of annexation among Palestinians, as US policy shifts under President Donald Trump and new settler outposts are put down in areas of the West Bank seen as part of a future Palestinian state.

“The transfer by Israel of parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies amounts to a war crime,” UN High Commissioner Volker Turk said in a statement accompanying the report, urging the international community to take meaningful action.

“Israel must immediately and completely cease all settlement activities and evacuate all settlers, stop the forcible transfer of the Palestinian population, and prevent and punish attacks by its security forces and settlers,” he said.

Around 700,000 Israeli settlers live among 2.7 million Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, land Israel captured in 1967. Most countries consider Israel’s settlements on territory seized in war to be illegal.

Israel’s military says it is conducting counter-terrorism operations in the West Bank and targeting suspected militants.

Plans for the further provision of Israeli government services in these settlements “further institutionalize(s) long-standing patterns of systematic discrimination, segregation, oppression, domination, violence and other inhumane acts against the Palestinian people,” the report said.

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Israel strikes central Syria military site says war monitor

March 18, 2025

BEIRUT: A Syrian Arab Republic war monitor said Israeli jets struck a military site in central Syria on Tuesday, the latest such attack in recent days.

According to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “Israeli air strikes targeted a missile battalion” near Homs city, reporting explosions in the area with no immediate word of casualties.

Israel has launched hundreds of strikes on military sites in Syria since the December overthrow of president Bashar Assad, saying it was acting to prevent weapons from falling into the hands of the new authorities whom it considers jihadists.

On Monday Israel struck the area of the southern city of Daraa, killing three civilians according to the authorities.

Last week, an Israeli air strike on Damascus hit a “command center” of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, the military said. The Observatory reported one fatality.

In addition to the air strikes, since Assad’s fall, Israel has also deployed troops to a UN-patrolled buffer zone on the strategic Golan Heights and called for the complete demilitarization of southern Syria, near its territory.

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Presidents of Congo and Rwanda meet in Qatar to discuss insurgency in eastern Congo

March 18, 2025

DAKAR: The presidents of Congo and neighboring Rwanda met Tuesday in Qatar for their first direct talks since Rwanda-backed M23 rebels seized two major cities in mineral-rich eastern Congo earlier this year, the three governments said.

The meeting between Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame to discuss the insurgency was mediated by Qatar, the three governments said in a joint statement.

The summit came as a previous attempt to bring Congo’s government and M23 leaders together for ceasefire negotiations on Tuesday failed. The rebels pulled out Monday after the European Union announced sanctions on rebel leaders.

Congo and Rwanda reaffirmed their commitment to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire during the meeting in Qatar on Tuesday.

Peace talks between Congo and Rwanda were unexpectedly canceled in December after Rwanda made the signing of a peace agreement conditional on a direct dialogue between Congo and the M23 rebels, which Congo refused at the time.

The conflict in eastern Congo escalated in January when the Rwanda-backed rebels advanced and seized the strategic city of Goma, followed by Bukavu in February.

M23 is one of about 100 armed groups that have been vying for a foothold in mineral-rich eastern Congo near the border with Rwanda, in a conflict that has created one of the world’s most significant humanitarian crises. More than 7 million people have been displaced.

The rebels are supported by about 4,000 troops from neighboring Rwanda, according to UN experts, and at times have vowed to march as far as Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, about 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) to the east.

The UN Human Rights Council last month launched a commission to investigate atrocities, including allegations of rape and killing akin to “summary executions” by both sides.

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Arab World

 

Saudi Arabia condemns attempted assassination of Somali president

March 19, 2025

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned on Wednesday an attack that targeted the convoy of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

A roadside bomb exploded near the presidential residence on Tuesday shortly after Mohamud’s convoy left the palace grounds, but the head of state was unharmed, according to officials.

A Saudi Foreign Ministry statement said: “The Kingdom reaffirms its solidarity with the Federal Republic of Somalia and its people against all threats to its security and stability, reiterating its firm stance in rejecting all forms of violence, terrorism, and extremism.”

Reports said that up to four people had been killed, including a journalist who was in a nearby building that collapsed after the explosion.

Somali militant group Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack.

The president’s entourage was traveling to the airport to head to the frontlines in Middle Shabelle, where Mahamud is expected to oversee the military campaign against the militant group.

The Somali government has increased its effort to crush Al-Shabab in recent months in Middle Shabelle as well as other regions.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the attack and reaffirmed the global body’s commitment to Somalia’s people and government.

The British embassy in Mogadishu denounced the attack and offered condolences to the victims.

“The UK remains a steadfast partner to the Somali Government as they fight the violent extremists behind this despicable attack,” the embassy said in a statement.

Mohamud was in the Kingdom in November to attend the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in the Saudi capital Riyadh, where he reaffirmed Somalia’s support for the Palestinian people and urged for there to be a ceasefire in Gaza.

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Ramadan in Saudi Arabia: Why expats love to celebrate in the ‘homeland of Islam’

RASHID HASSAN

March 18, 2025

RIYADH: Many Muslim expatriates in Saudi Arabia, despite being away from their families and home countries during Ramadan, cherish the time spent in the “homeland of Islam” during the holy month.

“The expats spending the holy month in the homeland of Islam are fortunate, both in terms of spiritual satisfaction and piousness as well as personal experiences, and for those who are new to the Kingdom, there is a lot to look forward to for a whole new experience,” said Nafisa Usmani, an Indian homemaker who has lived in Riyadh for more than two decades.

“You can sense the Ramadan vibes here everywhere you go. The streets at night during Ramadan are packed and everything that is dull during the day comes to life in the night,” she added.

“I can say from my decades of experience here that there is no other place better than Saudi Arabia to spend time in Ramadan and celebrate its spirit including the opportunity to go to the mosque and do group Taraweeh prayers,” Usmani said.

“Ramadan is a time of great significance for Muslims and it is observed with great importance in Saudi Arabia. You also have the opportunity to go to the two holy cities — Makkah and Madinah — and perform Umrah and Ziyarah during the holy month while staying here,” she added.

Echoing the sentiments, Lebanese expat Farah Fouad said that she is very excited to celebrate yet another Ramadan in Saudi Arabia due to the special significance of the holy month in the Kingdom.

“Being in the heartland of Islam you can sense the Ramadan spirit here everywhere you go,” she added.

Iffat Aabroo, another Indian homemaker in Riyadh, said: “It’s very nice to spend Ramadan here. Markets are open until suhoor, there is the crowd bustling in the streets keeping the night alive and those that are shopping to prepare themselves for the Eid Al-Fitr festival.

“Hotels make elaborate Ramadan tent arrangements, both delicacies as well as decorations.”

She added that Ramadan is not just a religious observance, but also a cultural phenomenon, reflected by acts of spirituality and social bonding.

Sharing her experience, Ambreen Faiz, a Pakistani writer living in Yanbu, told Arab News: “I have been living in Saudi Arabia for the past 27 years.

“When I first arrived in Riyadh in 1998, I was sort of mesmerized witnessing the festivities of the holy month of Ramadan in the Kingdom. Every Muslim anxiously waits for the advent of the holy month of Ramadan.”

She added: “Many women that I know of from Pakistan become as excited as I do when the holy month arrives. We do not want to go for vacation during Ramadan and in fact want to stay in the Kingdom to welcome Ramadan and enjoy the festivities that it brings along.

“We women friends chalk out our programs of iftar parties. And we prepare Pakistani delicacies of Ramadan — chole, pakore, samose, dahi barey, fruit chaat and whatnot. Such delicacies are liked and enjoyed by all ages,” she said.

“Ramadan is very much enjoyed by the kids especially when we go to Haramain to perform Umrah,” Faiz said, adding: “I am thankful to Allah that he has blessed us with the opportunity to live in Saudi Arabia and enjoy the festivities of Ramadan.

“Ramadan in Saudi Arabia is way better than it is in the sub-continent or any other country,” said Mohammed Naeem, a Pakistani expatriate.

“I always prefer spending Ramadan here because everything is so smooth and there is so much dedication to the almighty Allah during Ramadan. People actually know the true value of the holy month and they act accordingly here.”

Ramadan for many expatriates is often marked by a mix of traditions from home and the Kingdom.

Ifthikar Ansari, a Sri Lankan working in the Eastern Province, told Arab News: “We love staying here during Ramadan and enjoy a mix of Sri Lankan and Saudi delicacies.

“In Sri Lanka, where a significant percentage of the population observes fasting during the sacred month of Ramadan, their iftar meals are characterized by a special blend of flavors and traditions.

“A customary dish on their iftar table is a porridge made with rice and coconut, often complemented by the addition of beef or chicken, along with a spicy chili chutney.

“Bringing it to our iftar table here with dates, an essential component of an iftar meal, and some Saudi delicacies are a routine thing, and the iftar spread is further enriched with other delicacies such as cutlets, and patties,” he added.

“To quench the thirst, tropical fruit juices featuring wood apple, pineapple and king coconut are favored choices, ensuring a healthy and refreshing conclusion to the day of fasting,” Ansari said.

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Saudi-Chinese team discovers ancient treasures at Al-Sirrain

March 18, 2025

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission has completed the third season of the archaeological excavation at the Al-Sirrain site in Al-Lith governorate, Makkah region.

The project was carried out in collaboration with China’s National Cultural Heritage Administration as part of a bilateral agreement to exchange expertise in archaeological excavation, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

It coincides with the Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year 2025, which features joint cultural initiatives. The goal is to strengthen cultural exchange and highlight historical ties between the two civilizations through the Silk Road.

The collaboration reflects Saudi Arabia and China’s commitment to supporting historical research and documenting shared heritage, the SPA reported.

The excavation aimed to provide a deeper understanding of the site by studying residential areas, city planning and connections to other urban centers. It also sought to document structural features, including parts of the city wall, towers and gates.

Researchers uncovered various artifacts, including pottery, stone vessels, decorative items, a gold dinar from the mid-second Hijri century and Chinese porcelain. Gravestones with unique carvings were also found.

The survey identified key architectural features, including wall foundations and gravestones, highlighting the site’s significance along the Maritime Silk Road.

The port city thrived until the late third Hijri century, reaching its peak in the fifth and sixth Hijri centuries. It remains one of the largest archaeological sites on the Red Sea coast, according to the SPA.

The Heritage Commission is committed to preserving antiquities and advancing archaeological research across the Kingdom, the SPA added.

It also aims to expand cooperation with local and international partners in line with Vision 2030, promoting culture and ensuring the sustainability of heritage for future generations.

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KSrelief delivers aid to vulnerable communities

March 18, 2025

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food baskets to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

In Bangladesh’s Bagerhat district, 100 packages were distributed to families in need as part of the Etaam Ramadan food project.

In Djibouti, 900 parcels supported 5,400 people in Balbala, while 581 parcels were distributed in Western Beqaa, Lebanon, benefiting 2,900 individuals.

Now in its fourth phase, the Etaam project aims to distribute 390,109 food parcels across 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of over SR67 million ($17.8 million).

Meanwhile, KSrelief distributed 1,200 baskets in Khartoum, Sudan, benefiting 8,670 people. The project will also distribute 30,000 parcels to displaced people returning home in several Sudanese states.

In Somalia, 600 clothing kits were provided to vulnerable families in Hargeisa, benefiting 3,600 individuals. This is part of the shelter assistance project for displaced and affected people in the country.

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Grand Mosque in Makkah furnished with 33,000 Saudi-made luxury carpets for Ramadan

March 18, 2025

MAKKAH: Saudi authorities have furnished the Grand Mosque in Makkah with thousands of luxury carpets during the holy month of Ramadan.

The General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque said that the 33,000 luxury carpets were made in Saudi Arabia, and known for their high quality, exquisite craftsmanship, and durability.

The carpets, each measuring 1.2 meters by 4 meters or 1.2 meters by 3 meters, are used on Fridays, during the month of Ramadan, and in other peak seasons, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Carpets are 1.6 cm thick and able to cope with heavy foot traffic, the SPA added.

One of the authority’s missions is to provide services and attend to the needs of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and visitors to the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah.

The authority announced this week that it provided almost 11 million iftar meals to Umrah pilgrims and other worshippers at the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah during the first half of Ramadan, a time of worship for Muslims who fast from sunrise to sunset.

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Saudi regional emirs' annual meeting reviews security and sustainable development

March 18, 2025

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif chaired the 32nd annual meeting of the emirs of the Kingdom’s regions at the ministry’s headquarters in Jeddah on Tuesday.

Prince Abdulaziz conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and emphasized the directives to maintain security and facilitate all matters for citizens, residents, and visitors around the Kingdom, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the meeting, a number of topics were reviewed including enhancing security and stability, achieving comprehensive and sustainable development, and serving the nation.

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Saudi cabinet urges immediate international action to end Gaza humanitarian crisis

March 18, 2025

The Saudi Council of Ministers on Tuesday, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, emphasized the urgent need for the international community to take immediate action to halt these atrocities and put an end to the humanitarian suffering of the Palestinian people.

This came following the strong condemnation of the resumption of Israeli occupation forces' attacks on the Gaza Strip.

The cabinet continued to follow up on developments in the Arab, regional, and international arenas, reiterating the Kingdom’s firm positions on these matters and affirming its ongoing support for efforts aimed at achieving security and stability in the region and globally.

During the session, the crown prince briefed the cabinet on the contents of two phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

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KAUST researchers fine-tune desalination techniques to boost Saudi Arabia’s farming output

March 18, 2025

JEDDAH: Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology are collaborating with local farmers and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture to address Saudi Arabia’s critical freshwater scarcity in agriculture.

The new KAUST Center of Excellence for Sustainable Food Security aims to enhance agriculture in arid regions by combining controlled environment agriculture with desalination of non-conventional water resources, according to a press release.

The initiative focuses on desalination and wastewater treatment to provide “clean enough” water for hydroponic farming of high-value crops, addressing plant health and affordability.

KAUST Environmental Science and Engineering Prof. Noreddine Ghaffour, principal investigator, said: “Why not tailor desalination technology by removing only exactly what we want removed? It will be cheaper than previous practices because we will do it with less energy, targeting specific crops.”

His team is developing solutions to achieve food abundance and economic growth. “If successful, the Kingdom will be exporting, not importing, these technologies,” Ghaffour added.

According to the release, current practices for farmers to desalinate local brackish water are inefficient and expensive. These processes also remove all ions, including valuable nutrients absent in local soils, and so the water must be partially remineralized.

Ghaffour team’s selective approach eliminates only what each crop type cannot handle. This reduces steps, cuts energy use, and lowers costs.

“Some crops need more salt, others more nutrients, and some are sensitive to boron. Our goal is to minimize costs by tailoring desalination,” Ghaffour said.

As part of the two-year research project, which began in September 2024, KAUST researchers evaluate technological solutions such as nanofiltration, electrodialysis, and brackish water reverse osmosis. Their aim is to determine what works best. One approach involves “forward osmosis,” which uses liquid-phase fertilizers to drive the process.

The project also employs anaerobic membrane bioreactor technology combined with ultraviolet disinfection to reclaim municipal wastewater, enhancing CEA system water quality and nutrient availability.

“This will map groundwater types in the Kingdom, select crop-specific desalination technologies, and optimize treatment configurations for testing in the KAUST Plant Science Core Lab, aiming to deliver prototypes at TRL 4-5,” the release said.

This project supports Saudi Arabia’s goals for sustainable agriculture, wastewater reuse, and reduced freshwater dependence.

“It promotes resilient farming practices, aligns with the Kingdom’s food security strategy, and showcases how KAUST is addressing the nation’s challenges, reinforcing its value as a national asset,” according to the release.

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Saudi project restoring Jazan mosque’s heritage

March 18, 2025

RIYADH: The historic Al-Abbasa Mosque in Jazan’s Abu Arish governorate is undergoing restoration as part of a national project, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques aims to preserve its historical significance and secure its legacy for future generations.

The mosque, dating to 1846, is one of the region’s oldest and most significant heritage structures, the SPA reported on Tuesday.

The Al-Abbasa Mosque will be restored to its original architectural grandeur, including its distinctive three domes, with natural building materials.

The renovation will maintain the mosque’s unique features, including the mihrab adorned with Qur’anic verses and the engraved panel indicating its construction date.

The mosque’s stone and brick construction will be preserved to uphold its historical and architectural significance, the SPA added.

Upon completion, the mosque will cover an area of 435 sq. meters, accommodating 165 worshippers.

It is one of 30 mosques across 13 regions included in phase two, which features six mosques in Riyadh, five in Makkah, four in Madinah, three in Asir, and two each in the Eastern Province, Jouf, and Jazan. One mosque is included in each of the Northern Borders, Tabuk, Baha, Najran, Hail, and Qassim.

Phase two follows the successful completion of phase one in 2018, which restored 30 mosques in 10 regions, according to the SPA.

Saudi Arabia companies and engineers specializing in heritage restoration are leading the development efforts, according to the report.

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New platform launched for pilgrims’ guidance

March 18, 2025

RIYADH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah launched an awareness platform on its website, offering 180 educational topics for pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors of the Two Holy Mosques.

The platform educates visitors on performing rituals according to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad in an interactive format, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

It focuses on essential topics, addresses pilgrims’ needs and enhances their spiritual journey at Islam’s holiest sites, the SPA added.

The platform includes 580 minutes of videos, 365 presentations and 220 educational designs. It is organized into four learning tracks and 12 educational journeys for a comprehensive experience.

Content is available in eight languages, including English, French, Persian, Indonesian and Hausa, the SPA reported.

The platform allows users to progress through learning stages in a structured way, with progress statistics to motivate further learning. It can be accessed at learn.haj.gov.sa.

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Europe

 

Pope being weaned off oxygen as recovery in hospital continues

March 18, 2025

ROME – Pope Francis is becoming less dependent on oxygen flow as he recovers from a complex respiratory infection and double pneumonia, with the Vatican saying he is being progressively weaned from both night and daytime uses.

The Vatican said in a March 18 statement that the pope’s condition “continues to remain stable in a complex framework”.

“There are slight improvements to his motor and respiratory situation,” the Vatican said, saying the pope has also decreased the amount of time he is using non-invasive mechanical ventilation at night.

For roughly the past two weeks Francis has used NIV at night and high-flow oxygen through nasal cannulas during the day following several episodes of bronchospasms, meaning a tightening and narrowing of the tubes connecting the lungs to the windpipe, causing respiratory distress.

NIV consists of sealing an oxygen mask tightly around the nose and mouth, creating pressure that makes it easier to inhale.

The pope is also slowly diminishing the amount of oxygen he receives during the day, and on Monday night did not use NIV at all, but used high-flow oxygen through the nose instead, the statement said.

“It is good news to be welcomed with caution because it is a progressive reduction,” the Vatican said.

On Sunday the Vatican released the first picture of Pope Francis since he was hospitalised Feb. 14, showing him from behind as he concelebrated Mass in the chapel next to his private suite on the 10th floor of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.

In the photo, the pope was not wearing his oxygen tubes, which was considered to be a positive development on his path to recovery.

The Vatican said Pope Francis spent Tuesday alternating motor and respiratory therapy, prayer, and some work activities.

Francis continues to follow a diet prescribed by his medical team, which includes solid food.

A formal medical bulletin containing notes from the team treating Pope Francis is expected to be published Wednesday.

This is the longest hospital stay for the pope, 88, who has now been in the Gemelli Hospital for 32 days after being admitted for treatment of bronchitis and later diagnosed with a complex respiratory infection and double pneumonia.

As he recovers, prayers continue to be offered for his health, including a nightly rosary being prayed in St. Peter’s Square by members of the Roman Curia and cardinals resident in Rome.

Follow Elise Ann Allen on X: @eliseannallen

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Faisal Islam: Hundreds of thousands will be affected by benefits changes

March 19, 2025

The work and pensions secretary has set out plans to "fix the broken benefits system" and tackle the "perverse incentives" driving people to depend on welfare.

Liz Kendall's announcement is designed to bring down the spend on sickness and disability benefits – which has massively increased over the last few years and is forecast to hit £70bn a year by the end of the decade.

The measures are expected to reduce this spending by more than £5bn a year by 2029-30.

Yet there's something a little odd about the fact we are getting no breakdown of which of these welfare policies will generate the cash saving.

The government attributed the lack of numbers to the need for its official independent forecaster the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) to cast its eyes over them ahead of next week's Spring Statement.

The OBR's verdict will matter because there are some uncertainties about how much money will be saved, given for example the significant incentive now existing to claim the most severe disabilities in the Personal Independence Payments (Pips) system.

But the government will already have a clear idea of how many people are affected, and by how much.

These plans are more geared towards making budgetary numbers add up than fundamental welfare reform.

The bottom line is that around a million claimants with a range of less severe problems will lose thousands of pounds from next November.

It reflects the argument that spending on Pip benefits is "unsustainable" and puts the whole welfare system at risk.

While in the Universal Credit savings, much of the impact is generated by changes for future claimants, raising the eligibility age to 22 and halving the health payment, this is not the case for Pips.

Pip payments are determined by a questionnaire about your daily life, such as your ability to prepare and eat food, wash and get dressed or communicating and reading.

Each are scored on a scale from zero - for no difficulty - to 12 - for the most severe - by a health professional.

Your payment depends on the total score across all areas.

The proposed change is that people will need to score at least four on one item, indicating a more severe disability in one area. Whereas currently claimants can qualify for support with a score that could describe less severe difficulties (ones and twos) across a broad range of activities.

For example, needing an aid or appliance to speak or hear counts as two points, while needing support to express or understand complex verbal information counts as four points.

And needing help to wash your hair, or your body below the waist, would be awarded two points, but needing help to wash between the shoulders and waist would equate to four points.

The changes announced aim to take Pip payments away from such people from November 2026.

The government knows how many, and who they are. For now, until the Spring Statement next week, we can deduce that there are around a million people who will lose their entire £70 a week or £3,500 a year payment.

It is a down payment on welfare reform, and a much bigger up front scorable spending cut to help the chancellor's numbers, and so avoid tax rises or missing her non-negotiable borrowing limits.

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Azerbaijani embassy leads Ramadan solidarity campaign with OIC member states in Croatia

March 18, 2025

The Embassy of Azerbaijan, alongside the embassies of the member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Islamic Community of Croatia, participated in a solidarity campaign to support families in need during the month of Ramadan.

The initiative is aimed at providing essential food aid to low-income families to help ease their challenges during the holy month of fasting, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The collaborative effort highlights the spirit of unity and support within the Muslim community, ensuring that those who are less fortunate can still participate in the religious observances and celebrations of Ramadan.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered one of the holiest months for Muslims worldwide. It is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. Muslims believe that during Ramadan, the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and adherents refrain from food, drink, smoking  from dawn until sunset. The fast is seen as a means of purifying the body and soul, fostering empathy for the less fortunate, and strengthening one's connection with God.

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Vice-president of Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva visits Sakina Khanum mosque in Guba

18 March 2025

Ali Gasimov

BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 18. On March 18, Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, visited the Sakina Khanim Mosque during her trip to Guba, Trend reports.

Mosque’s imam Hajihamdulla Daniyarli, provided Leyla Aliyeva with information about this place of worship. He explained that the Sakina Khanim Mosque, located in Guba, was commissioned in 1854 by Sakina Khanim, the wife of Abbasqulu Agha Bakikhanov, to immortalize her husband’s memory.

Standing 27 meters tall, this historic mosque features a quadrangular design. In the 1930s, Soviet authorities closed the mosque, demolishing the surrounding madrasa and auxiliary buildings. For a time, it was repurposed as a warehouse and later housed a sewing workshop. Following Azerbaijan’s restoration of independence, the building was returned to its original function as a mosque. It underwent extensive renovations, including the construction of a ritual washing area and additional support structures.

Today, the “Sakina Khanum” Mosque is registered as a historical monument of national significance by the state.

Source:trend.az

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

https://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/politics/4020460.html

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Rangers host Scottish Iftar event for Muslims celebrating Ramadan

18 March 2025

Rangers Football Club has hosted an Iftar celebration at Ibrox Stadium for Muslims ending their Ramadan fast.

Around 250 people attended the event held in the southside of Glasgow on Monday evening, with a call to prayer and a fast-breaking meal served.

Rangers are the second Scottish football club after Motherwell, and first in Glasgow, to host a Scottish Iftar.

Organised by the Scottish Asian Business Chamber, the event took place at the stadium from 5pm and was attended by Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart and Connal Cochrane from the club’s charity foundation.

Its aim is to teach more people about Ramadan and the Muslim community by hosting Iftar events at football stadiums across the country.

Faiza Baqir of the Well Foundation, and Junaid Ashraf of the Scottish Asian Business Chamber also attended the event.

The event was open to all, regardless of faith or background, with local residents, business leaders, and community organisations all invited to be part of the gathering which celebrated “diversity, connection, and shared values”.

Described as being “more than just a meal”, the event aimed to “strengthen social bonds across different communities, celebrate cultural diversity and highlight the role of leadership in building an inclusive society.”

Attendees were served a fresh made meal from 6.31pm.

Speaking from Ibrox Stadium before the Iftar, Mr Ashraf said: “The Scottish Iftar is a programme that we have launched this year as a collaboration between the Scottish Asian Business Chamber and the Well Foundation to teach more people about Ramadan and the Muslim community by hosting Iftars, which is the breaking of the fast, at football stadiums across Scotland.

“We could have used the parliament or Edinburgh Castle, and they would have been fantastic venues.

“But football stadiums are like people’s homes in a way, people have such a strong affinity with football clubs.

“So to be able to host an Iftar and break the fast at a stadium, we are being welcomed by the club and we are really heartened by the response that we have had from Motherwell Football Club and Rangers Football Club.

“Over 300 people attended our Iftar event at Motherwell Football Club and when we released tickets for the event at Rangers, around 250 tickets had gone within 12 hours.

“There is a huge demand for people to bring their Muslim identities and Scottish identities together and to share that with other football fans.

“This is only the beginning and we hope to grow this year on year.”

After the event Mr Cochrane, from the Rangers Charity Foundation, said: “The Rangers Charity Foundation is really committed to diversity and inclusion, I was happy to be involved with club colleagues to welcome so many people here.

“It’s one thing to say you are welcoming, but it’s another thing to show it as well, and I think events like this really help emphasise the pride that the club has in diversity and the importance that it attaches to it.”

Source:news.stv.tv

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https://news.stv.tv/west-central/rangers-host-scottish-iftar-event-for-muslims-celebrating-ramadan-at-ibrox

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Mosque inaugurated in Suqovushan village of Aghdara district

18 March 2025

On March 18, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva attended the inauguration of a mosque in Sugovushan village, Aghdara district, Azernews reports.

The mosque, which can accommodate approximately 100 people, has its first floor designated for men and the second floor for women. The mosque's courtyard has been landscaped, and special decorative elements have been incorporated inside the place of worship.

President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the mosque in March 2022.

Source:azernews.az

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https://www.azernews.az/nation/239232.html

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Putin agrees in Trump call to pause Ukraine energy attacks but no full ceasefire

19 March 2025

President Vladimir Putin has rejected an immediate and full ceasefire in Ukraine, agreeing only to halt attacks on energy infrastructure, following a call with US President Donald Trump.

The Russian leader declined to sign up to the comprehensive month-long ceasefire that Trump's team recently worked out with Ukrainians in Saudi Arabia.

He said a comprehensive truce could only work if foreign military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine came to an end. Ukraine's European allies have previously rejected such conditions.

US talks on Ukraine are due to continue on Sunday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the US envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, said.

In the grinding three-year war, Russia has recently been taking back territory in its Kursk region that was occupied by a Ukrainian incursion six months ago.

The results of Tuesday's Trump-Putin call amount to a retreat in the US position from where it stood a week ago, although the two leaders did agree that further peace talks would take place immediately in the Middle East.

When a US delegation met Ukrainian counterparts in Jeddah last Tuesday, they convinced Kyiv to agree to their proposal for an "immediate" 30-day ceasefire, across land, air and sea.

President Volodymyr Zelensky, who arrived in Helsinki, Finland, for an official visit on Tuesday shortly after Trump and Putin's call ended, said Ukraine was open to the idea of a truce covering energy infrastructure, but wanted more details first.

He later accused Putin of rejecting a ceasefire following a barrage of Russian drone attacks.

Among the places targeted was a hospital in Sumy, and power supplies in Slovyansk, said Ukraine's leader.

"Unfortunately, there have been hits, specifically on civilian infrastructure," Zelensky said on X. "Today, Putin effectively rejected the proposal for a full ceasefire."

Trump posted earlier on social media that his call with the Russian leader was "very good and productive" and that "many elements of a Contract for Peace were discussed".

"We agreed to an immediate Ceasefire on all Energy and Infrastructure, with an understanding that we will be working quickly to have a Complete Ceasefire and, ultimately, an END to this very horrible War between Russia and Ukraine," the US president said on Truth Social.

About 80% of Ukraine's energy infrastructure has been destroyed by Russian bombs, Zelensky said last September.

Kyiv has in turn conducted drone and missile strikes deep into Russian territory, on oil and gas facilities.

Just hours after Putin agreed to stop attacking energy infrastructure, Russia and Ukraine accused each other of launching air attacks.

Zelensky said that Russia launched more than 40 drones against Ukraine in the hours following the call between Trump and Putin.

Meanwhile, officials in the southern Russian region of Krasnodar said that a Ukrainian drone attack sparked a small fire at an oil depot.

In Belgorod, a Russian region on the border with Ukraine, the governor said the situation "remains difficult". Moscow said on Tuesday that Ukrainian forces attempted a ground assault on Belgorod but were pushed back.

Following last week's talks in Jeddah, Secretary of State Marco Rubio had said "the ball" was in Russia's court, after the Ukrainians accepted Washington's proposal for a full ceasefire.

But the White House's statement following the Trump-Putin call on Tuesday made no reference to that agreement with Kyiv.

It instead said the two leaders agreed that "the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire", followed by negotiations over a "maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace".

But the Kremlin's own statement on the call noted what it said were a "series of significant issues" around enforcing any agreement with Kyiv. And it said the end of foreign support and intelligence for Ukraine was a "key condition" for Russia.

Trump and Putin agreed to immediate technical-level talks towards a longer-term settlement, which the Kremlin said must be "complex, stable and long-term in nature".

But it's unclear if this means further negotiations between the US and Russia, or bilateral talks between Russia and Ukraine.

The Kremlin also said Trump supported Putin's idea of holding ice hockey matches between professional US and Russian players.

Russia was frozen out of ice hockey events overseas after the country invaded Ukraine in 2022.

Kyiv will probably see the outcome of Tuesday's much-anticipated phone call as Putin playing for time, while he adds crippling conditions on any settlement.

Putin has previously insisted Russia should keep control of Ukrainian territory it has seized and has called for Western sanctions to be eased as part of any eventual peace settlement.

The Russian leader has already tasted Trump's readiness to cut off US support to Ukraine, and is trying to get him to repeat it - while tossing the ball back to Kyiv.

Earlier this month the US temporarily suspended military and intelligence aid to Ukraine after Trump and Zelensky had an altercation in the Oval Office.

Trump and his Vice-President JD Vance dressed down Zelensky in front of the world's media, accusing him of being ungrateful for American support.

Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday in Berlin with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the limited ceasefire plan was an important first step, but he again called for a complete ceasefire.

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer spoke to Zelensky after the Trump-Putin call and "reiterated [the] UK's unwavering support", a Downing Street spokeswoman said.

Source:bbc.com

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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd65pz1p7d9o

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Tanker owners praise 'exceptionally brave crew'

19 March 2025

The co-owners of a tanker involved in a collision with a cargo ship in the North Sea have released the first picture of some of the crew and praised their "exceptional bravery".

The Stena Immaculate and cargo ship Solong collided in the North Sea, off East Yorkshire, on 10 March, triggering an explosion and fires, which have been extinguished.

One crew member of the Solong, a Filipino national, is missing and presumed dead. The Russian captain of the cargo vessel has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter.

The Solong's owners admitted tiny plastic pellets, held in containers on board, had been released, with reports they had been found on beaches in Lincolnshire and Norfolk.

Crowley, the Florida-based maritime operations company which was managing the tanker, posted a photo on social media showing 19 crew members.

In a statement, it said: "Our deepest gratitude and respect goes out to our 23 mariners from the Stena Immaculate for their exceptional bravery and quick action during the recent allision to their ship in the North Sea.

"Their decisive efforts and teamwork to execute critical fire and emergency duties helped to save lives, protect the integrity of the vessel and minimize the impact on the environment.

"Against disastrous circumstances, the crew had the operational focus to ensure fire monitors were active in order to provide boundary cooling water, which resulted in limited impact to just one of the 16 cargo holds."

Crowley thanked all 23 for their courage and "dedication to safety".

"[It] sets a powerful example for the entire industry," the company added.

HM Coastguard said 36 people - from both vessels - were rescued and taken safely to shore in Grimsby.

Chief coastguard Paddy O'Callaghan said a "retrieval operation" would continue on Tuesday after small balls of plastic resin, known as nurdles, were sighted off The Wash and along the Norfolk shore between Old Hunstanton and Wells-next-the-Sea.

Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust confirmed "burnt clumps" of nurdles had been found at Skegness. A spokeswoman urged the public not to touch the material.

The National Trust said nurdles had also started to appear on Brancaster Beach, in Norfolk, while the RSPB confirmed they had washed up at the charity's reserve at nearby Titchwell.

A trust spokeswoman said: "So far, we have not seen any visible signs at Blakeney Point Nature Reserve and will next be assessing the inter-tidal salt marshes at Stiffkey.

"This is a developing situation and we are currently liaising with authorities to understand the response needed to remove loose nurdles and these charred lumps of plastic resin."

According to the coastguard, nurdles, which are used in plastics production, are not toxic but can present a risk to wildlife if ingested.

In a statement, shipping company Ernst Russ, which owns the Solong, said: "We can confirm that a number of containers on board Solong contain plastic nurdles.

"We understand that no containers holding nurdles have been lost over the side.

"What we understand may have occurred, is that intense heat during initial firefighting efforts caused one or more of the openings of some of the smaller containers to open, resulting in the release of some contents."

The firm said it had "proactively deployed assets to mitigate any long-term impact on the marine environment" and was liaising with the coastguard.

Mr O'Callaghan said both the Solong and Stena Immaculate were "stable", with salvage operations continuing.

"Fires on board the Solong have been extinguished and temperature monitoring has been set up," he said.

The Wash is a large inlet of the North Sea stretching from south of Skegness, in Lincolnshire, to near Hunstanton, in Norfolk.

"Regular aerial surveillance flights continue to monitor both vessels and the retrieval operation," added Mr O'Callaghan.

Captain charged

The RNLI thanked volunteer lifeboat crews from Bridlington, Cleethorpes, Humber, Mablethorpe and Skegness for their efforts in the search and rescue operation.

George Pickford, the RNLI's head of region, said: "We recognise their courage and dedication as they spent hours out at sea, facing challenging conditions."

Mark Angelo Pernia, 38, was named by the Crown Prosecution Service as the missing crew member.

The captain of the Solong, Vladimir Motin, 59, of Primorsky in St Petersburg, Russia, appeared at Hull Magistrates' Court on Saturday charged with gross negligence manslaughter.

He was remanded in custody to appear before the Central Criminal Court in London on 14 April.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) is trying to establish the cause of the collision.

Source:bbc.com

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Germany votes for historic boost to defence spending

19 March 2025

German lawmakers have voted to allow a huge increase in defence and infrastructure spending - a seismic shift for the country that could reshape European defence.

A two-thirds majority of Bundestag parliamentarians, required for the change, approved the vote on Tuesday.

The law will exempt spending on defence and security from Germany's strict debt rules, and create a €500bn ($547bn; £420bn) infrastructure fund.

This vote is a historic move for traditionally debt-shy Germany, and could be hugely significant for Europe, as Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine grinds on, and after US President Donald Trump signalled an uncertain commitment to Nato and Europe's defence.

However, state government representatives in the upper house, the Bundesrat, still need to approve the moves - also by a two-thirds majority - before they officially become law. That vote is set for Friday.

Friedrich Merz, the man behind these plans and who is expected to soon be confirmed as Germany's new chancellor, told the lower house during Tuesday's debate that the country had "felt a false sense of security" for the past decade.

"The decision we are taking today... can be nothing less than the first major step towards a new European defence community," he said, adding that it includes countries that are "not members of the European Union".

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the vote "excellent news".

Speaking at a press conference with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, she said the vote "sends a very clear message to Europe that Germany is determined to invest massively in defence".

Frederiksen meanwhile called it "fantastic news for all Europeans".

Germany has long been cautious about defence spending, not just for historical reasons dating back to 1945, but also due to the global debt crisis of 2009.

But despite fears the vote would be tight, lawmakers in the end voted in favour of the changes by 513 to 207 - comfortably over the two-thirds majority required.

One leading German newspaper described this vote as "A day of destiny for our nation".

Under the measure, any spending on defence that amounts to more than 1% of Germany's GDP would no longer be subject to a limit on borrowing. Until now, this debt brake has been fixed at 0.35% of GDP.

The change could transform the country's partially neglected armed forces in an era of great uncertainty for Europe.

And this vote was not just about defence. It was also about freeing up €500bn for German infrastructure - fixing things like bridges and roads, but also to pay for climate change measures, something the Green Party insisted on.

Merz, whose CDU party won Germany's general election last month, proposed the measures swiftly after the win.

In an interview on Sunday he specifically mentioned fears that the US could pull back from defending Europe and Trump's talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying that the "situation has worsened in recent weeks".

"That is why we have to act fast," Merz told public broadcaster ARD.

It is a significant political win for Merz, who will, when he takes power as chancellor, now have access to hundreds of billions of euros to invest in the state - what some in Germany have called a "fiscal bazooka".

It is also an important moment for Ukraine. The defence plans approved today by the Bundestag also allow spending on aid for states "attacked in violation of international law" to be exempt from the debt brake.

That will enable outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz to release €3bn in aid to Ukraine as early as next week.

Merz chose to push the changes through the old parliament, knowing the vote arithmetic was more favourable now than it would be after 25 March, when the new parliament session begins.

The far-right AFD and far-left Linke, which both performed well in February's election, oppose Merz's plans.

Merz has still not agreed a coalition deal to govern Germany after his election win, and has announced ambitious plans to have a government in place by Easter.

Coalition negotiations in Germany, however, can drag on for months at a time.

Source:bbc.com

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North America

 

‘Hotbeds Of Hate’: NJ Report Examines Latest Anti-Muslim Cases

Mar 18, 2025

NEWARK, NJ — A nonprofit advocacy group in New Jersey has released an updated report about “Islamophobia” and “anti-Muslim hate” in the Garden State.

On Monday, the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) announced the results of its 2025 Civil Rights Report at a press conference outside the Statehouse in Trenton.

CAIR-NJ said it received 290 complaints in 2024, which is similar to last year’s total of 309 – but “significantly greater” than previous years.

The nonprofit, which is based in Newark, identified two “hotbeds of hate” in the state: Bergen County, which saw 42 complaints, and Middlesex County, which saw 43. Other counties that saw a large number of complaints in 2024 included Essex (34) and Passaic (32).

According to the group, some of the findings in their report included:

“Middle Eastern and North African individuals were disproportionately represented in the category of hate incidents and crimes, comprising of 51% of the complaints in this category.”

“Employment discrimination is still the top category, followed by hate crimes and incidents.”

“Education-related complaints are at all-time high for New Jersey.”

“While Muslim women faced more discrimination in employment and education, Muslim men were disproportionately affected by hate-related and watchlist complaints.”

There has been an “uptick in FBI interrogation complaints.”

“School bullying targeting Muslims has increased.”

The group pointed to several complaints that were reported in New Jersey last year as examples. See the full list here.

“As a global community, we must reject and eradicate bigotry,” CAIR-NJ executive director Selaedin Maksut said.

“Governments must foster social cohesion and protect religious freedom,” Maksut urged.

CAIR-NJ said there has been a “surge of bias” in the wake of Hamas’ attack on Israel in October 2023, which was even greater than the spike that followed the 9/11 attacks.

“This surge faced by Muslims was largely tied to the unconstitutional crackdown of dissenting opinion and the dehumanization of Palestinians and Muslims,” said Dyaa Terpstra, the author of this year’s report.

“Public officials at all levels of government, corporate leaders, and school and university administration, must respect free speech and the value of human life,” Terpstra said.

The Anti-Defamation League has pointed out that antisemitic incidents have also been rising for Jewish residents of New Jersey in the wake of the Oct. 7 attack, with the cities and towns of Teaneck, Englewood, Paterson, Clifton, Montclair, West Orange and South Orange among those that have seen some of the “most concerning antisemitic activity in the region in this period.”

Source:patch.com

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https://patch.com/new-jersey/newarknj/hotbeds-hate-nj-report-examines-latest-anti-muslim-cases

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COVID-19 didn’t change many Americans’ relationship to religion — at least according to them

March 18, 2025

By Kelsey Dallas

It’s been five years since COVID-19 hit the U.S. and forced Americans to hunker down at home.

That means it’s also been five years since churches across the country had to dramatically rethink their worship routines and start holding online meetings.

It’s incredible to reflect on all the challenges that congregations were able to overcome.

And given all those challenges and the corresponding adjustments, it’s incredible how few Americans believe the pandemic changed their religious or spiritual life.

“Just 10% of U.S. adults report that the COVID-19 pandemic had a lot of impact on their religious or spiritual lives, while 20% say the pandemic had a little impact. About seven-in-ten Americans (69%) say the pandemic had no impact at all on their religious or spiritual lives," according to a 2024 survey from Pew Research Center.

Among those who said the pandemic affected them religiously or spiritually, 10% experienced a mostly positive change, while 9% experienced a mostly negative change, Pew reported.

It’s interesting to me to bring this 2024 survey into conversation with Pew’s more recent report on the American religious landscape.

The newer report showed that the share of Americans who identify as religious “nones” stopped growing around 2019 and has stabilized around 29%.

Although Pew did not dig into potential causes of the stabilization, several religion experts told me that the COVID-19 pandemic likely played a role by keeping people who might otherwise have fallen away from religious participation engaged with their church.

These people might have responded well to new online worship options or more intentional outreach efforts from church leaders, or they might have felt newly grateful for their religious community as they wrestled with pandemic-related grief and fear.

If that’s the case, would these near dropouts have answered “yes” to the survey question about whether the pandemic affected your religious or spiritual life?

Maybe, but maybe not. It’s possible that they never thought of themselves as potential dropouts and, for that reason, feel like their religious habits are unchanged.

Term of the week: Scopes monkey trial

One hundred years ago, in March 1925, Tennessee lawmakers banned school lessons on evolution — and set the groundwork for one of the most famous legal battles of all time.

The Scopes monkey trial, as it came to be known, pitted state officials and a conservative Christian attorney against the ACLU and an agnostic attorney. The case centered on a question of what teachers could and couldn’t say about science and religion.

“Roughly 1,000 people and reporters from more than 100 newspapers attended each day of the trial,” which took place in July 1925, per The Associated Press.

Tennessee officials won the legal battle, but the ACLU scored important legislative victories nationwide as a result of the case.

“More than 20 anti-evolution theory bills were defeated in statehouses across the U.S. shortly after the Scopes trial,” the AP reported.

What I’m reading...

Inside Higher Ed recently dove into Georgetown University’s faith-based defense of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, or DEI, initiatives, noting that religious freedom laws may protect religious schools from the Trump administration’s interference.

Believe it or not, empathy has fallen out of favor in some political and religious circles. Elon Musk, theology professor Joe Rigney and others have argued that feeling empathy can make you weak and lead you down dangerous paths. Philosophy professor Michael C. Rea explored their concerns in a column for Religion News Service, arguing that we should be careful not to talk ourselves out of connecting with people in need.

The Vatican’s central phone number is public, which means that if you’re worried about the pope’s long illness, you can call to check in. The Associated Press recently spoke with some of the nuns tasked with answering that phone.

Odds and ends

To mark the fifth anniversary of the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, I tracked down the first few stories I wrote about religion and the coronavirus:

Source:deseret.com

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https://www.deseret.com/faith/2025/03/18/covid-impact-on-religion/

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CAIR-SFBA Welcomes Investigation into Hate Attack on Muslim Worshippers in Morgan Hillas Potential Hate Crime

March 18, 2025

The San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed the Morgan Hill Police Department’s ongoing investigation into a reported hate attack targeting Muslim worshippers after a Ramadan prayer service earlier this month.

CAIR-SFBA previously condemned the March 7 assault, in which an unidentified man allegedly harassed and physically attacked an elderly Muslim man while making Islamophobic remarks, including references to Palestine and Hamas. The attacker also allegedly verbally assaulted the man’s daughter and other worshippers.

Following widespread concern from the local Muslim community,Morgan Hill Police have confirmed they are investigating the attack as a potential hate crime.

In response, CAIR-SFBA Executive Director Zahra Billoo stated:

“We welcome the Morgan Hill Police Department’s commitment to investigating this disturbing attack as a possible hate crime. Worshippers should never have to fear for their safety when attending prayers. Given the alarming rise in Islamophobic hate crimes, it is critical that law enforcement takes swift action to ensure accountability and deterrence. We urge officials to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation and to charge this case as warranted.”

According to CAIR’s national data, CAIR offices received 8,658 incoming complaints nationwide in 2024, including more than 1,000 in California. This marks the highest number of complaints CAIR has recorded since its first civil rights report was published in 1996. 

Source:cair.com

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https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-sfba-welcomes-investigation-into-hate-attack-on-muslim-worshippers-in-morgan-hillas-potential-hate-crime/

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Putin agrees in Trump call to pause Ukraine energy attacks but no full ceasefire

19 March 2025

President Vladimir Putin has rejected an immediate and full ceasefire in Ukraine, agreeing only to halt attacks on energy infrastructure, following a call with US President Donald Trump.

The Russian leader declined to sign up to the comprehensive month-long ceasefire that Trump's team recently worked out with Ukrainians in Saudi Arabia.

He said a comprehensive truce could only work if foreign military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine came to an end. Ukraine's European allies have previously rejected such conditions.

US talks on Ukraine are due to continue on Sunday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the US envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, said.

In the grinding three-year war, Russia has recently been taking back territory in its Kursk region that was occupied by a Ukrainian incursion six months ago.

The results of Tuesday's Trump-Putin call amount to a retreat in the US position from where it stood a week ago, although the two leaders did agree that further peace talks would take place immediately in the Middle East.

When a US delegation met Ukrainian counterparts in Jeddah last Tuesday, they convinced Kyiv to agree to their proposal for an "immediate" 30-day ceasefire, across land, air and sea.

President Volodymyr Zelensky, who arrived in Helsinki, Finland, for an official visit on Tuesday shortly after Trump and Putin's call ended, said Ukraine was open to the idea of a truce covering energy infrastructure, but wanted more details first.

He later accused Putin of rejecting a ceasefire following a barrage of Russian drone attacks.

Among the places targeted was a hospital in Sumy, and power supplies in Slovyansk, said Ukraine's leader.

"Unfortunately, there have been hits, specifically on civilian infrastructure," Zelensky said on X. "Today, Putin effectively rejected the proposal for a full ceasefire."

Trump posted earlier on social media that his call with the Russian leader was "very good and productive" and that "many elements of a Contract for Peace were discussed".

"We agreed to an immediate Ceasefire on all Energy and Infrastructure, with an understanding that we will be working quickly to have a Complete Ceasefire and, ultimately, an END to this very horrible War between Russia and Ukraine," the US president said on Truth Social.

About 80% of Ukraine's energy infrastructure has been destroyed by Russian bombs, Zelensky said last September.

Kyiv has in turn conducted drone and missile strikes deep into Russian territory, on oil and gas facilities.

Just hours after Putin agreed to stop attacking energy infrastructure, Russia and Ukraine accused each other of launching air attacks.

Zelensky said that Russia launched more than 40 drones against Ukraine in the hours following the call between Trump and Putin.

Meanwhile, officials in the southern Russian region of Krasnodar said that a Ukrainian drone attack sparked a small fire at an oil depot.

In Belgorod, a Russian region on the border with Ukraine, the governor said the situation "remains difficult". Moscow said on Tuesday that Ukrainian forces attempted a ground assault on Belgorod but were pushed back.

Following last week's talks in Jeddah, Secretary of State Marco Rubio had said "the ball" was in Russia's court, after the Ukrainians accepted Washington's proposal for a full ceasefire.

But the White House's statement following the Trump-Putin call on Tuesday made no reference to that agreement with Kyiv.

It instead said the two leaders agreed that "the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire", followed by negotiations over a "maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace".

But the Kremlin's own statement on the call noted what it said were a "series of significant issues" around enforcing any agreement with Kyiv. And it said the end of foreign support and intelligence for Ukraine was a "key condition" for Russia.

Trump and Putin agreed to immediate technical-level talks towards a longer-term settlement, which the Kremlin said must be "complex, stable and long-term in nature".

But it's unclear if this means further negotiations between the US and Russia, or bilateral talks between Russia and Ukraine.

The Kremlin also said Trump supported Putin's idea of holding ice hockey matches between professional US and Russian players.

Russia was frozen out of ice hockey events overseas after the country invaded Ukraine in 2022.

Kyiv will probably see the outcome of Tuesday's much-anticipated phone call as Putin playing for time, while he adds crippling conditions on any settlement.

Putin has previously insisted Russia should keep control of Ukrainian territory it has seized and has called for Western sanctions to be eased as part of any eventual peace settlement.

The Russian leader has already tasted Trump's readiness to cut off US support to Ukraine, and is trying to get him to repeat it - while tossing the ball back to Kyiv.

Earlier this month the US temporarily suspended military and intelligence aid to Ukraine after Trump and Zelensky had an altercation in the Oval Office.

Trump and his Vice-President JD Vance dressed down Zelensky in front of the world's media, accusing him of being ungrateful for American support.

Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday in Berlin with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the limited ceasefire plan was an important first step, but he again called for a complete ceasefire.

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer spoke to Zelensky after the Trump-Putin call and "reiterated [the] UK's unwavering support", a Downing Street spokeswoman said.

Source:bbc.com

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

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd65pz1p7d9o

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Federal judge halts further shuttering of USAID

19 March 2025

A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from taking any further steps to shut down the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

In a ruling Tuesday, Judge Theodore Chuang said the efforts led by Trump ally Elon Musk's Department for Government Efficiency (Doge) to close the agency likely violated the US constitution "in multiple ways".

Chuang ordered Doge to restore access to USAID's computer and payment systems for employees, including those who were placed on leave.

The judge also ruled that termination of USAID employees should stop, but did not order the reinstating of employees previously placed on leave.

The ruling came in a case brought on behalf of 26 unnamed USAID employees who allege in court filings that Musk is following "a predictable and reckless slash-and-burn pattern" in dismantling US government departments.

In a complaint filed on 13 February, lawyers for the employees argued that Musk's power is illegitimate - as he has not been officially nominated to a government post nor confirmed by the US Senate - and asked for Doge's activities to be halted and reversed.

USAID was one of the first agencies targeted by Doge for cuts shortly after Trump re-entered the White House in January and ordered a 90-day freeze of all US foreign aid.

Musk and Doge argued in court documents that Musk's role is advisory only.

But Judge Chuang ruled that Musk and Doge exerted control over USAID and in doing so "likely violated the United States Constitution in multiple ways, and that these actions harmed not only plaintiffs, but also the public interest."

It's unclear what effect the ruling will have on USAID operations. Administration officials have said that more than 80% of its activities have been halted.

The Trump administration criticised Tuesday's ruling.

"Rogue judges are subverting the will of the American people in their attempts to stop President Trump from carrying out his agenda," White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said, calling the decision a "miscarriage of justice" and vowing to appeal.

Norm Eisen, executive chair of State Democracy Defenders Fund which represented the USAID employees, called the ruling "a milestone in pushing back on Musk and Doge's illegality".

"They are performing surgery with a chainsaw instead of a scalpel, harming not just the people USAID serves but the majority of Americans who count on the stability of our government," Eisen said.

The ruling is the latest legal setback for the Trump administration. On Monday, another federal judge ordered a halt to the deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members.

The judge in that case questioned Department of Justice lawyers about why his order, issued when several deportation flights were in the air, was not immediately implemented and followed.

President Trump called for the impeachment of the judge in that case, which prompted a rare rebuke from the chief justice of the US Supreme Court.

Source:bbc.com

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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdx2pz1l11jo

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Judge questions White House's refusal to turn around deportation flights

19 March 2025

A US federal judge has questioned why the Trump administration failed to obey his order halting the deportations of alleged Venezuelan gang members.

James Boasberg, the top federal judge in Washington DC, ordered deportation flights to be turned around on Saturday night.

White House officials argued in a court filing that they did not defy the ruling. The argued in part that because Boasberg's order was made orally rather than in written form, it was not enforceable - and that the planes had already left the US by the time it was issued.

Boasberg has ordered the administration to give further details about the deportations by noon (16:00 GMT) on Tuesday.

He has requested further details about the timing of the order under which the deportations occurred, as well as details about the flights themselves.

During a hearing on Monday, Boasberg said he clearly ordered the government to turn the planes around.

"You're saying that you felt you could disregard it because it wasn't in a written order?" he asked Department of Justice lawyers.

In the same hearing on Monday, the judge said he would not make another ruling in the case until a hearing scheduled for Friday.

In the meantime, government lawyers said that the deportations had been paused. The Trump administration also asked in a court motion that Boasberg be removed from the case.

The dispute began over the weekend when a group of 238 alleged Venezuelan gang members, plus 23 alleged members of the international MS-13 gang, were sent from the US to a prison in El Salvador.

Announcing the move on Saturday, Trump accused the gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) of "perpetrating, attempting, and threatening an invasion or predatory incursion against the territory of the United States".

He cited the Alien Enemies Act - legislation dating to 1798 that allows non-citizens to be deported in wartime. The act was last used during World War Two, when it was invoked to arrest and deport citizens of Axis countries.

Campaign groups have questioned Trump's justification.

The act was used as the basis to deport 137 of the total of 261 people who were deported, the White House said on Monday. The basis on which the other deportees were removed from the US is unclear.

On Saturday, during the hearing that took place as several of the deportation flights were in the air, Boasberg ordered a 14-day pause.

After lawyers told the judge that planes with deportees already had taken off, he reportedly gave a verbal order for the flights to turn back "immediately", although that directive was not included in a written ruling published shortly thereafter.

Nonetheless, a timeline of events reported by US media suggests the Trump administration had the opportunity to stop at least some of the deportations.

Under the US system of checks and balances, government agencies are expected to comply with a federal judge's ruling.

But Trump's Department of Justice argued, citing case law in a filing on Monday, that "an oral directive is not enforceable as an injunction".

Administration officials also pointed out that the five named plaintiffs in the lawsuit that prompted the hearing were not among those deported, and also argued that once the flights left US airspace, the judge's powers no longer applied.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said: "The administration did not 'refuse to comply' with a court order."

Neither the US government nor El Salvador has named those who have been deported, or provided details of their alleged criminality or gang membership.

Several relatives of men believed to be among the group told the New York Times that their loved ones did not have gang ties.

The White House, for its part, has insisted that authorities are "sure" that the detainees were gang members, based on intelligence.

Trump's border tsar, Tom Homan, told reporters at the White House on Monday that Trump did "exactly the right thing".

"The plane was already over international waters with a plane full of terrorists and significant public safety threats," he said.

"We removed terrorists. That should be celebrated in this country."

El Salvador has agreed to accept the deportees from the US.

The country's president, Nayib Bukele, appeared to mock the judge's ruling.

"Oopsie… Too late," he posted on social media, along with a picture of a headline announcing the ruling and a 'crying with laughter' emoji.

His team also published footage of some of the detainees inside one of its mega-jails.

According to the White House, El Salvador's government received $6m (£4.62m) to take the detainees, which Leavitt said "is pennies on the dollar" compared to the cost of holding inmates in US prisons.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which brought the lawsuit leading to the judge's order, questioned Trump's use of the Alien Enemies Act, a sweeping wartime authority that allows fast-track deportations.

"I think we're in very dangerous territory here in the United States with the invocation of this law," said the ACLU's Lee Gelernt.

The Alien Enemies Act only allowed deportations when the US was in a declared war with that foreign government, or was being invaded, Mr Gelernt said.

"A gang is not invading," he told BBC News.

Making matters worse was the fact "the administration is saying nobody can review what they're doing", Mr Gelernt added.

Amnesty International USA said the deportations were "yet another example of the Trump administration's racist targeting" of Venezuelans "based on sweeping claims of gang affiliation".

Venezuela itself criticised Trump, saying he "unjustly criminalises Venezuelan migration".

The latest deportations under Trump's second term are part of the president's long-running campaign against illegal immigration.

The two gangs targeted with the weekend deportations were declared "foreign terrorist organisations" by Trump after returning to the White House in January.

Timeline of the 15 March deportations

17:25 EDT: A first flight believed to be carrying deportees leaves Texas, according to data from tracking site Flightradar24. Take off happens while a hearing held by Judge Boasberg is paused. Earlier that afternoon, the White House said Trump was invoking the Alien Enemies Act

17:44 EDT: A second flight believed to be carrying deportees leaves Texas, according to Flightradar24

18:05 EDT: Boasberg's hearing resumes

18:46 EDT: During the hearing, Boasberg verbally orders the government to turn around the two planes if they are carrying non-citizens, saying: "Any plane containing these folks - because it's going to take off or it's in the air - needs to be returned to the United States... This is something that you need to make sure is complied with immediately"

19:26 EDT: Boasberg issues his written ruling which includes a temporary restraining order on any further flights

19:36 EDT: A third flight believed to be carrying deportees leaves Texas, according to Flightradar24

Source:bbc.com

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Missing American Sudiksha Konanki's family asks she be declared dead

19 March 2025

The family of a missing University of Pittsburgh student has asked the Dominican Republic's national police that she be declared dead.

Sudiksha Konanki, 20, disappeared on spring break while in the Dominican Republic. She was last seen at a hotel around 04:00 local time on 6 March.

The Dominican Republic's police confirmed to the BBC that they had received the request from Ms Konanki's family, but did not provide additional details.

Police have been searching for her for the past two weeks. Investigators are considering whether she may have drowned, but have not ruled out foul play.

Who is Sudiksha Konanki?

Ms Konanki is a 20-year-old college student attending the University of Pittsburgh, where she studies biology and chemistry.

The college junior travelled with a group of five female friends to a resort in Punta Cana on a spring break trip, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office.

She is a citizen of India and a permanent resident of the United States. She lives with her family in Chantilly, Virginia, located in Loudoun County.

Where was she last seen?

Ms Konanki was last seen early in the morning of 6 March.

Surveillance video shows her and a group of friends walking toward the beach.

She was with five women and two American men in the video.

Ms Konanki stayed on the beach with one of the men as the others returned to the hotel, Dominican police told the BBC's news partner CBS.

Dominican President Luis Abinader said earlier this week during a news conference that the last person who had contact with Ms Konanki reported a wave hit them while they were on the beach.

The parents of the man - Joshua Riibe - last seen with Ms Konanki released a statement to CBS News saying they hope Ms Konanki is "found as soon as possible".

Riibe is a senior at St Cloud State University in Minnesota.

"We recognise that this is a complex and painful situation for all parties involved, and we trust that the investigation will be conducted with transparency and justice. Our only interest is that due process be respected and that actions be taken with the fairness that the situation requires," the statement reads.

What do investigators say?

The Dominican Republic's national police told the BBC that they had received a request from Ms Konanki's family to declare her dead.

Officials have said that they have spent dozens of hours looking for the missing student.

Police are dividing search areas and assigning drones to certain sectors.

Pilots are monitoring footage that is being uploaded to a command centre where AI is looking to identify objects in the ocean.

Search crews are looking in water and on land.

Authorities say it's not clear whether foul play was involved in Ms Konanki's disappearance.

There was no blood or signs of violence found at the beach.

The University of Pittsburgh, where Ms Konanki is a student, said in a statement they are working with the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Homeland Security and local authorities in response to her disappearance.

Interpol issues alert

The International Criminal Police Organization, known as Interpol, issued a global alert after Ms Konanki went missing.

The yellow notice is for missing persons such as victims of kidnappings or "unexplained disappearances".

Source:bbc.com

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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y9vlq4dlzo

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Top US Supreme Court justice rebukes Trump's call to impeach judge

19 March 2025

The chief justice of the US Supreme Court has released a rare statement in response to President Donald Trump's call to impeach a judge who ruled against his administration over migrant deportations.

"For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision," Chief Justice John Roberts said in a statement.

He added that the "normal appellate review process exists for that purpose".

Trump earlier referred to US District Judge James Boasberg as a "troublemaker and agitator" after he ordered the administration to halt deportations of accused gang members to El Salvador.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Justice Roberts, who leads the Supreme Court, rarely issues public statements on political matters.

The conservative jurist wrote the majority opinion in Trump's presidential immunity case last year.

His statement comes as Trump escalates attacks on the federal judges who have halted or ruled against many of his early actions as president.

Trump posted on Truth Social earlier on Tuesday, in which he attacked Judge Boasberg and said he should be impeached. "HE DIDN'T WIN ANYTHING!" he wrote. "I'm just doing what the VOTERS wanted me to do."

Removing a federal judge in an impeachment process would require the US House of Representatives to formally vote on articles of impeachment, and for two thirds of the US Senate to then vote for conviction.

The US Senate has considered the impeachments of 15 judges - including one US Supreme Court Justice - since the country's founding. Of those, eight were found guilty in a US Senate trial.

Trump appeared to be responding to Judge Boasberg's order that required the Trump administration to halt the deportations to El Salvador of more than 200 Venezuelans alleged by the White House to be gang members.

After lawyers told the judge that planes with deportees already had taken off, he reportedly gave a verbal order for the flights to turn back "immediately", although that directive was not included in a written ruling published shortly thereafter.

Judge Boesberg called an additional hearing on Monday to question the Trump administration's lawyers about why the flights had not returned to the US.

In the meantime, government lawyers said that the deportations had been paused. The Trump administration also asked in a court motion that Boasberg be removed from the case.

Trump has attacked judges in the past, frequently targeting those who oversaw his criminal and civil cases before he returned to the White House.

Since becoming president, he has criticised many of the judges who have blocked his administration's policies and has joined some of his political allies - such as tech billionaire Elon Musk - in calling for their impeachment.

The president has also praised judges that he has viewed as favourable towards him. He has often complimented US District Judge Aileen Cannon, who oversaw and ultimately dismissed his criminal case over alleged mishandling of classified documents.

Since Justice Roberts backed Trump's presidential immunity challenge, the president has also acted warmly towards the Supreme Court judge.

The ruling held that presidents had immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts conducted while in office, greatly expanding the power of the presidency. The decision also gave Trump additional leverage in the four simultaneous criminal cases he faced in 2024, only one of which went to trial and resulted in a conviction.

At Trump's January inauguration, Roberts administered the oath of office, and Trump shook his hand and pointed at him.

Trump also appeared to personally thank Roberts at his 4 March address to Congress.

Though the Supreme Court justices have ideological leanings ranging from liberal to conservative, members attempt to maintain a distance from partisan politics.

Roberts' statement was a rare rebuttal to a political statement made by a president about the role of the judicial system.

The US Supreme Court is expected to ultimately take up some legal challenges to Trump's early actions, as the lawsuits make their way through the federal courts.

Source:bbc.com

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Africa

 

Sexual Harassment: Senate Speaks On Akpabio Intimidating Natasha

19 March 2025

By Enioluwa Adeniyi

Suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has likened the Nigerian Senate to a “secret society,” claiming that lawmakers are too fearful to voice opposing opinions, particularly in matters raised by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

According to Akpoti-Uduaghan, senators have been intimidated to the point where dissenting views are suppressed due to the fear of losing opportunities and privileges.

Akpoti-Uduaghan made the claims during an interview with BBC Hausa on Tuesday, where she shed light on what she described as a toxic culture of fear in the Senate.

She alleged that senators who challenge the Senate President’s decisions face retaliation and are often sidelined in future legislative matters.

“There is this culture of fear among the senators. If you dare to criticise the Senate President or express a differing opinion, you risk having all opportunities blocked, and you will not be allowed to speak,” she said.

In addition to her claims of a toxic atmosphere, Akpoti-Uduaghan made serious allegations of inappropriate behaviour by Senate President Akpabio.

She recounted incidents where Akpabio, alongside other senators, allegedly made sexual innuendos and advances toward her.

“I was rushing to the Senate one day and forgot to wear my wedding ring. At the event, about five other senators teased me, saying, ‘Natasha, why aren’t you wearing your wedding ring? Is there another way of betraying your husband?’” she explained.

The former Akwa Ibom governor was also accused of making suggestive comments. Akpoti-Uduaghan continued, “He once told me, ‘Natasha, your husband seems to be enjoying you, and you might be able to twist that beautiful waist of yours…’ He said that, and the others burst into laughter.”

Senate Deputy Majority Leader Denies Allegations

However, the allegations were swiftly denied by the Senate Deputy Majority Leader, Senator Onyekachi Nwokedi. In response to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims, Nwokedi dismissed the narrative, stating that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s behaviour in the Senate does not reflect the situation she described.

“There was never a time the Senate President made any attempt to harass Senator Akpoti at his home or made any inappropriate statements in the Senate,” Nwokedi said.

He also rejected the claim that the Senate has become a “cult” where members are silenced.

“Natasha’s behaviour in the Senate does not reflect that. There was never a time the Senate President made any attempt to harass Senator Akpoti at his home or made any inappropriate statements in the Senate,” Nwokedi added.

Source:naijanews.com

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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/03/19/sexual-harassment-senate-speaks-on-akpabio-intimidating-natasha/

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Dutch King highlights Human Rights during state visit to Kenya

19 March 2025

The Dutch king referred to the human rights of Kenyans on Tuesday, during a state visit to Kenya which has coincided with mounting allegations of human rights abuses. "The people of Kenya, like those of the Netherlands, want their rights as free citizens to be respected and their voices to be heard," said King Willem-Alexander in Nairobi. He went onto say that the subject was up for discussion during his visit.

"I am pleased that our countries' strong and mature relationship allows us to devote attention during this visit to issues like human rights, good governance and accountability," Willem-Alexander added. More than 20,000 Kenyans signed a petition on Change.org asking Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima to reconsider their visit.

The Dutch government last month said it received more than 300 emails asking for the cancellation but that the state visit would proceed as scheduled. The Dutch royals arrived on Monday night, and are expected to stay in Kenya for three days. King Willem-Alexander was honored with a 21-gun salute and inspected an honor guard at Kenyan President William Ruto’s government office on Tuesday morning.

Nairobi has been accused of arresting and detaining critics, especially after the June 2024 anti-government protests during which demonstrators stormed the parliament over new taxes passed by legislators. Along with cracking down on demonstrators and curbing free speech, the country also saw state-linked abductions of young men for social media posts deemed offensive to the president.

In December, during demonstrations against widespread kidnappings and abductions, dozens of peaceful protesters were arrested. Kenya was among several African countries elected to the UN Human Rights Council in October 2024.

Source:africanews.com

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https://www.africanews.com/2025/03/18/dutch-king-highlights-human-rights-during-state-visit-to-kenya/

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Ramadan: Dangote donates 25,000 bags of rice to less privileged in Bauchi

By Favour Lashem

March 18, 2025

The Aliko Dangote Foundation on Tuesday donated 25,000 bags of rice to the less privileged in Bauchi State as palliative to help ease their Ramadan fasting.

Speaking during the distribution, Mr Ahmed Hashim, a representative of the Dangote Foundation, said that the foundation would also distribute the 10 kilograms bags of rice to some privileged members of the society.

According to him, the foundation has made it incumbent upon itself to distribute food items to both the privileged and less privileged people across the country during the holy month of Ramadan.

“This is the second edition. Last year, LGAs in Nigeria through their state governments were given one million bags of Nigerian rice of 10kg. This year again, we are doing the same thing,” he said.

Hashim said that the foundation had also intervened in the medical sector, build hostels, faculties in some universities and contributed a lot during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He added that it was the foundation’s token contribution to help state governments to alleviate the suffering of the people especially amidst economic crunch.

In her remarks, Hajiya Hajara Wanka, the State’s Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management lauded  Dangote Foundation for the kind gesture.

She explained that out of the 25,000 10kg bags of rice, 500 would be distributed to each of the 20 Local Government Areas of the state.

Wanka further said that 10,000 bags would be allocated to mosques and churches, as the Christians community were also performing their annual fasting and 5,000 would go to some critical stakeholders in the state.(NAN)

Source:newsdiaryonline.com

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Senate To Declare Position On Rivers State Of Emergency Today

19 March 2025

By Justina Otio

The Senate will take a position on the state of emergency declared in Rivers State today.

This was disclosed by a senator who spoke to The Sun under the condition of anonymity

The National Assembly legislates for states under emergency rule. It has the power to approve the president’s declaration of a state of emergency in any part of the country, as outlined in Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“I don’t want to speak on the matter because we have agreed to deliberate on it tomorrow in plenary. We will take a decision in plenary tomorrow,” he said.

Attempts to get a reaction to the development in Rivers State from the spokesman of the Senate, Yemi Adaramodu, failed.

Meanwhile hours after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, security forces have moved in to take control of the state.

Soldiers were seen deploying in strategic locations, including the Government House in Port Harcourt, with an Armoured Personnel Carrier stationed at the entrance on Azikiwe Road.

The deployment took place around 9 pm, though it remains unclear if Governor Siminalayi Fubara was still at his official residence when the troops arrived.

The declaration of the state of emergency, which comes after months of political discord between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, has caused palpable tension across Rivers State.

Residents and motorists in Port Harcourt rushed to return to their homes, fearing a breakdown of law and order in the aftermath of the announcement.

In his nationwide broadcast, President Tinubu justified the emergency declaration, attributing it to the unresolved political crisis that has persisted in the state.

He stated, “By this declaration, the Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State are hereby suspended for six months.”

The president also nominated Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd.) to take charge of the state as an administrator during this period, stating that the judicial arm of Rivers State would continue to operate according to constitutional mandates.

In response to the announcement, the suspended Governor Fubara issued a statement urging the people of Rivers to remain calm.

In his release titled “Press Release by the Executive Governor of Rivers State,” Fubara emphasized his commitment to upholding the law and working with relevant institutions to ensure the continuation of democracy in the state.

He noted, “Since assuming office as your governor, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty. We prioritized the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear state.”

Source:naijanews.com

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NBA Condemns President Tinubu’s State Of Emergency Declaration In Rivers, Calls It Unconstitutional

19 March 2025

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly criticized the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, calling the move “unconstitutional” and a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the NBA, through its President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, emphasized that the President lacks the constitutional authority to remove an elected governor, deputy governor, or state lawmakers under the guise of an emergency rule.

“The 1999 Constitution does not grant the President the power to remove an elected governor, deputy governor, or members of a state’s legislature under the guise of a state of emergency,” the NBA asserted.

The association further stated that the Constitution provides clear procedures for the removal of a governor and deputy governor as per Section 188, and similarly, the removal of members of the House of Assembly and dissolution of parliament is governed by constitutional provisions and electoral laws.

The NBA questioned whether these constitutional procedures were followed in the current situation.

The NBA pointed out that while Section 305 of the Constitution allows the President to declare a state of emergency, it also stipulates strict conditions and procedural safeguards to prevent any infringement on democratic governance and fundamental human rights.

“The political crisis in Rivers State does not meet the constitutional threshold of a complete breakdown of public order to justify a state of emergency,” the statement read.

It added that the declaration of emergency does not automatically dissolve or suspend elected state governments, and the President is not empowered to unilaterally remove elected officials, describing such actions as a “fundamental breach of Nigeria’s federal structure.”

Naija News reports that the NBA also highlighted that a declaration of a state of emergency must be ratified by the National Assembly within a specified timeframe, as outlined in Section 305(2) of the Constitution.

“A proclamation issued by the President under this section shall cease to have effect if it is not approved by a resolution of the National Assembly within two days when the National Assembly is in session, or if the National Assembly is not in session, within ten days after it reconvenes,” the statement quoted from the Constitution.

The NBA stressed that without National Assembly approval, the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State remains “constitutionally inchoate and ineffective.”

The NBA strongly warned that suspending elected officials under emergency rule sets a dangerous precedent that undermines democracy.

“The purported removal of Governor Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly is unconstitutional, unlawful, and a dangerous affront to our nation’s democracy,” the statement declared.

The association called on the National Assembly to reject any unconstitutional attempt to ratify the removal of Rivers State officials, stressing that such a move could be misused to unseat elected governments in the future.

It urged all stakeholders, including the judiciary, civil society, and the international community, to closely monitor the situation in Rivers State.

In conclusion, the NBA reiterated its commitment to upholding the Constitution and protecting Nigeria’s democracy.

“The removal of elected officials under the pretext of emergency rule is unconstitutional and unacceptable. Nigeria’s democracy must be protected at all costs, and the Constitution must be upheld as the supreme legal authority in all circumstances,” the statement concluded.

Source:naijanews.com

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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/03/19/nba-condemns-president-tinubus-state-of-emergency-declaration-in-rivers-calls-it-unconstitutional/

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Southeast Asia

 

‘They do not have a shred of humanity’: Anwar pledges aid for Gaza as truce collapses during Ramadan, claiming hundreds of lives

By Opalyn Mok

18 Mar 2025

SEBERANG PERAI, March 18 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim pledges aid for Gaza after Israel broke the ceasefire with the continuous air strikes on Gaza.

He said Malaysia will help those in Gaza in any way it can such as sending humanitarian assistance and aid.

“We regret that this is happening during this holy month of Ramadan. They do not have a shred of humanity to do this,” he said in a press conference after attending the Madani state-level iftar event at Masjid Abu Ubaidah Ibni Al-Jarrah in Bandar Tasek Mutiara today.

“We strongly protest against these continuous attacks,” he said

He said that despite peace talks, the ceasefire was broken as the attacks continued, leading to the loss of hundreds of lives.

It was reported that over 400 people, including children, were killed in Israeli air strikes in Gaza.

Source:malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/03/18/they-do-not-have-a-shred-of-humanity-anwar-pledges-aid-for-gaza-as-truce-collapses-during-ramadan-claiming-hundreds-of-lives/170040

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Johor court grants DNAA to elderly man in Ramadan slap incident, case to be recharged later

By Ben Tan

19 Mar 2025

JOHOR BARU, March 19 — An elderly man who allegedly slapped a non-Muslim man for eating in public during Ramadan on Sunday has been granted a discharge not amounting to acquittal (DNAA) by the Johor Bahru Magistrates’ Court today.

Magistrate A. Shaarmini made the decision after Deputy Public Prosecutor Nur Fatihah Mohd Nizam announced that she had received an order to refer the investigation papers back to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) in Putrajaya.

Earlier, the 65-year-old accused Abdul Razak Ismail had pleaded guilty as soon as the charge was read out before Shaarmini.

The retiree was charged with intentionally causing injury to a 21-year-old man at the premises of a convenience store in a shopping mall here at about 3.45pm last Sunday.

Abdul Razak was charged for voluntarily causing hurt, that was framed under Section 323 of the Penal Code. The offense is punishable with up to two years’ imprisonment, a maximum fine of RM2,000, or both, upon conviction.

Based on the facts of the case, the incident occurred when the accused slapped the victim’s right cheek.

The health officer who examined the victim confirmed that he had a bruise on his right cheek.

Abdul Razak, who initially pleaded guilty, later disputed the case facts read out to the court.

Shaarmini then rejected his guilty plea and ordered him to enter his defence.

However, when Nur Fatihah was arguing to set the accused’s bail, she received new instructions from the AGC which ordered the case to be classified as DNAA.

She then informed the court that the case would be re-charged after the AGC reviewed the investigation papers in Putrajaya.

Earlier, Abdul Razak appeared in court at 8.52am accompanied by his son.

Last Sunday, a video on the X (formerly Twitter) social media platform was widely shared showing a non-Muslim man being reprimanded by an elderly man for allegedly eating openly during Ramadan at the Angsana Shopping Mall in Tampoi here.

Tensions arose during the footage when the senior citizen asked the man to show his MyKad identity card as prove that he was not a Muslim.

The man, who refused to show his identity card, later claimed to have been scolded by the elderly man, who then slapped him several times.

Source:malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/03/19/johor-court-grants-dnaa-to-elderly-man-in-ramadan-slap-incident-case-to-be-recharged-later/170077

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From cheese wheel pasta to beef roti: The rollercoaster ride of viral Ramadan bazaar food

By Muhammad Yusry and Arif Zikri

19 Mar 2025

SHAH ALAM, March 19 — There was a time when people would queue for hours for Chef Ammar Al Ali’s Nasi Arab at the Ramadan bazaar in Stadium Shah Alam here, braving the afternoon heat just to get their hands on his famed lamb shank rice dish.

It’s been three years since and the scene today is vastly different; the long lines have vanished and customers need to wait only three to five minutes to be served.

The Palestinian has also opened another stall in Putrajaya’s Presint 3 Ramadan bazaar where demand for his food persists.

But the frantic rush for his food in the national administrative capital, like the one in Shah Alam, has noticeably eased.

“The preparation is the same as last year, but there’s a challenge,” Chef Ammar admitted to Malay Mail.

“This year, we are short on lamb shank because the whole of Malaysia wants to make it too. So, I will introduce a new menu item,” he teased.

“Now, business and habits have changed. There are no queues now because the Ramadan bazaars and schools are happening at the same time. The first week is slow, but by the second and third week, I believe it will pick up significantly,” he said.

Chef Ammar is a firm believer in quality and transparency, and gestures to the customers in front of his stall, saying they were return customers and the measure of his success.

He also said sales have been steady despite the fleeting nature of viral trends, adding that his team of 25 workers is prepared for a rush should his new menu item prove a hit later.

“Every year, we improve. In 2022, we had two 20-by-20 tents. Now we have six. This is the healthy way of doing business,” he said after he returned from taking photos with several customers.

Viral sensation turns to fading hype

Last year, Mohammad Nor Farhan made waves with his Mac Mafia cheese wheel macaroni at the Shah Alam Stadium Ramadan bazaar.

Mixing macaroni inside a giant Grana Padano cheese wheel was a spectacle that drew large crowds who were eager to experience the rich, creamy indulgence.

But the hype is looks to have faded.

“I’ve toured all of Malaysia. Maybe people have already tried it, and I haven’t had the chance to introduce a new menu. I expected this because cheese can be muak,” the 38-year-old told Malay Mail, using the Malay word for saturation.

Farhan, who has been in the hotel industry for a while and had even been a chef for the National Sports Council up to 2015, built his business when the cheese craze went viral, but understands that such trends do not always translate into lasting success.

“Going viral doesn’t necessarily mean your sales will go up; it’s just for your brand. People will know about it,” he said.

A cheese wheel costs between RM6,000 and RM8,000, and Farhan acknowledges that Malaysian consumers typically prefer rice-based meals.

“Last year, we got our first customer at 2pm. This year, it was after 3pm,” he said.

The new viral star

But as stalls appear and disappear, just like the queues of customers, there will be others that climb to the top spot.

One such case is Muhammad Edy who sells Chinese beef roti at the Shah Alam Stadium Ramadan bazaar.

Last year, his stall had a steady crowd. This year, the queues are longer than ever.

“I already expected more customers this year. That’s why I’m preparing more than 3,000 pieces a day. Last year about 1,000 pieces,” the 38-year-old told Malay Mail while handing a wrapped beef roti to a customer in the long line that had formed.

Edy said he learnt how to make the beef roti in Guangzhou, China, adding that it was from a recipe that had been handed down over 1,200 years.

Why roti?

He first saw the hype in Bukit Bintang and knew he had to bring it to the Ramadan bazaar.

“This involves art; it’s not something you can easily make,” he said.

By 6pm on the day Malay Mail visited, a long line of people were still waiting to buy from Edy’s stall even as his stock for the day was almost out.

Source:malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/life/2025/03/19/from-cheese-wheel-pasta-to-beef-roti-the-rollercoaster-ride-of-viral-ramadan-bazaar-food/168759

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Pahang Sultan urges Muslims to appreciate true meaning of Nuzul Quran

Bernama

19-03- 2025

ROMPIN: The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, has called on Muslims to deeply reflect on the true significance of Nuzul Quran to cultivate a distinguished generation that upholds the Quran as a steadfast guide in all aspects of life.

His Royal Highness said such reflection is crucial, especially as Muslims today face an era fraught with challenges and various threats, be they intellectual, ideological, or cultural.

Al-Sultan Abdullah said that without steadfast adherence to the teachings of the Quran and sunah, Muslims risk being swept away by the tide of globalisation, which constantly challenges the identity of the Muslim community.

“Therefore, let us collectively embrace a truth that must not be overlooked—that an outstanding Muslim generation can only emerge when they are nurtured and guided by the spirit of the Quran,” he said in his speech at a Nuzul Quran event at Masjid Kampung Sungai Puteri here on Tuesday (March 18).

Also present were the Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, and the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah.

Al-Sultan Abdullah expressed confidence that when the hearts of Muslims are fortified by the spirit of the Quran, no threat—no matter how small—can weaken their faith or shake their convictions.

“History has shown that the glory of Islamic civilisation was built by generations who embraced the Quran, understood its meaning, and applied its teachings in their daily lives. However, today we see a growing number of Muslims drifting away from their holy book.

“We are being exposed to extreme and deviant foreign cultures. Let us not be influenced or become a people blind to history and its lessons—return to the Quran,“ he added.

Source:thesun.my

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

https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/pahang-sultan-urges-muslims-to-appreciate-true-meaning-of-nuzul-quran-IL13817906

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Johor party leader: DAP not a religion, those labelling Syahredzan and Young Syefura as ‘infidels’ either ignorant or extremists

By Malay Mail

19 Mar 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 — DAP’s Sheikh Omar Ali has urged critics against labelling fellow Malay party members Syahredzan Johan and Young Syefura Othman as “infidels” and “apostates” for their dedication to the party.

The Johor DAP politician reiterated that DAP is not a religion, and therefore the duo — who just got elected into the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) — did not deserve to be labelled as such.

“DAP is not a religion. Joining DAP does not mean leaving Islam or converting to another religion,” the former Paloh assemblyman said in a statement here.

“Those who accuse DAP members of abandoning Islam fall into one of two categories: they are either ignorant or extremists in their thinking.”

He related how he had also faced similar accusations when he joined the party 10 years ago.

Sheikh Omar stressed that DAP is a legally registered party under the Registrar of Societies (ROS) and operates in full accordance with the law.

He also reminded Muslims that accusing a fellow Muslim of being an infidel is part of the takfiri ideology, akin to the historical Khawarij sect who legitimised the killing of other Muslims who did not share their beliefs.

“I must reiterate that DAP operates in line with the Federal Constitution. DAP recognises Islam as the official religion of the federation, as stated in Article 3(1) of the Federal Constitution,” he said.

In the previous party elections, Young Syefura was the sole Malay representative elected to the leadership.

Syahredzan has since been named as one of the party’s vice-chairmen, while Young Syefura — also called Rara — is one of the assistant national publicity secretaries.

Source:malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/03/19/johor-party-leader-dap-not-a-religion-those-labelling-syahredzan-and-young-syefura-as-infidels-either-ignorant-or-extremists/170087

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South Asia

 

Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Condemns Israeli Attacks on Gaza

2025-03-18

KABUL(BNA): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has issued a strong condemnation of the recent resumption of Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip. These assaults have reportedly led to the deaths and injuries of over 300 innocent Palestinians, predominantly women and children.

In a statement released today, Tuesday officials described the actions of the Israeli occupation regime as not only a violation of human rights and international law but also a blatant affront to fundamental human values.

The ministry stressed the need for the international community to respond, calling on influential nations to show solidarity with the Palestinian people and take concrete steps to end the ongoing occupation.

The Islamic Emirate reiterated its stance that the Palestinian issue is a fundamental concern for the Islamic Ummah and affirmed its unwavering support for the Palestinian struggle and resistance, characterizing it as a legitimate right.

Source:bakhtarnews.af

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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/islamic-emirate-of-afghanistan-condemns-israeli-attacks-on-gaza/

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Pakistan threatens Military action in Afghanistan

By Fidel Rahmati

March 19, 2025

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has claimed that Afghanistan is sheltering terrorists and warned that Pakistan may take action within Afghan territory if needed.

Khawaja Asif, the defense minister of Pakistan, stated in a television interview that the country is ready to conduct military operations within Afghan territory to pursue terrorist groups. This statement comes as tensions between Islamabad and Kabul are escalating over the activities of terrorist groups.

In an interview with Geo News on Wednesday, March 18, Asif claimed that the Taliban supports fighters of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and that if necessary, Pakistan will take action in any country to defend itself.

Asif declared that “the enemy must be pursued wherever they are,” stating that those against cross-border action are going against Pakistan’s national interests.

He criticized those who oppose pursuing terrorists into Afghanistan, calling their stance harmful to Pakistan’s security.

At the same time, Pakistan’s Environment Minister, Musadik Malik, also announced in a television program that the government has decided to carry out extensive operations against terrorists. He added, “We will take the war to the doorsteps of those who martyr Pakistani children.”

So far, the Taliban has not responded to these claims.

Meanwhile, Pakistani military officials have declared in a security meeting that they will no longer allow terrorist groups to use Afghanistan’s soil to launch attacks against Pakistan. General Asim Munir, the chief of the Pakistani army, emphasized the need for a firm policy, asking, “How much more do we have to sacrifice?”

Meanwhile, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, leader of the Pakistan People’s Party, called Afghanistan a “sanctuary for terrorists” and urged the international community to take a firm stance against the Taliban’s support for extremist groups.

This ongoing tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan highlights the growing instability in the region and the need for effective diplomatic and security measures to address the issue of cross-border terrorism. The international community’s response will be crucial in shaping the future of these two countries’ relations and regional security.

Source:khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/pakistan-threatens-military-action-in-afghanistan/

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Thousands of Afghan Refugees in US at risk of homelessness after financial support cuts

By Fidel Rahmati

March 19, 2025

Thousands of Afghan refugees who were relocated to the United States after the fall of Kabul are facing financial crises and the threat of homelessness due to reduced funding for federal programs.

According to a report by Associated Press published on Tuesday, March 18, the U.S. government cut the budget for refugee programs in January. This decision has resulted in the cessation of financial assistance for many Afghan refugee families.

An Afghan father of two, who worked for a U.S.-backed organization in Kabul, is now at risk of Taliban retribution. He is one of thousands of newly arrived refugees who lost financial support when the Trump administration cut funding for the federal refugee program in January.

Rahmani told the media outlet that he is facing serious challenges in covering living expenses. Still unemployed, he is struggling with a $1,850 rent and high utility bills.

The federal refugee program, which was meant to last for three months, only lasted two months. Many aid organizations, including the Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Region, are facing a $3.7 million budget shortfall and have had to lay off several staff members.

According to the report, by early March, 42 Afghan refugee families in Virginia and Maryland had received eviction notices, putting nearly 170 individuals at risk of homelessness. Humanitarian organizations are working to prevent their eviction by collecting donations, but the lack of funds presents a significant challenge.

Rahmani also shared with Associated Press, “If I am evicted, where will I go? Should I sleep on the street with my family?” He is even considering returning to Afghanistan, despite the dangers that await him and his family there.

The situation highlights a severe gap in the support for Afghan refugees who have already faced immense hardships. Without adequate resources, many refugees are left in precarious situations, making it urgent for both government and humanitarian organizations to address this crisis and provide more sustainable assistance.

Source:khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/thousands-of-afghan-refugees-in-us-at-risk-of-homelessness-after-financial-support-cuts/

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Bayat Foundation helps needy families in Kabul during Ramadan

March 18, 2025

Bayat Foundation is once again reaching out to help people through Ramadan and have so far given food packages to dozens of needy families in Kabul city.

Foundation officials said the aid packages include flour, rice, and oil, which have been distributed to the deserving individuals after a transparent survey.

They added that their commitment to providing assistance continues not only during Ramadan but also during the winter and in times of emergencies.

Ismail added: “The Bayat Foundation is at the forefront during the winter, the holy month of Ramadan, and whenever there are other urgent needs.”

Meanwhile, families who received the aid are urging other humanitarian organizations to follow Bayat Foundation’s example of helping those in need.

“There are ten members in my family. I have disabled and handicapped individuals. I cannot work during the day. Thank you to the Bayat Foundation and their partners for helping us,” said one recipient.

The Bayat Foundation has been providing food and non-food aid to thousands of needy families in the capital and provinces every Ramadan for nearly two decades.

Source:ariananews.af

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https://www.ariananews.af/bayat-foundation-helps-needy-families-in-kabul-during-ramadan/

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50 shops damaged in fire at Khulna's temporary Eid market

Mar 19, 2025

Around 50 shops were gutted in a fire at a temporary Eid market of Picture Palace intersection in Khulna city early today.

Md Abu Bakar Zaman, assistant director of Khulna Fire Service and Civil Defence, told The Daily Star, "We received the fire report at 5:30am and reached the scene by 5:35am."

Ten firefighting units from Tutpara, Daulatpur, Khalishpur, and Boyra brought the blaze under control by 6:25am, Zaman said.

"An electrical short circuit is suspected to have caused the fire. More than at least 20 to 25 shops have been affected. The exact extent of the damages is yet to be determined," he added.

However, our correspondents from the spot reports that the market housed around 50 shops and the entire market was severely damaged.

Shopkeepers said they had been running businesses in this makeshift market for the past year on the site of the demolished Picture Palace Cinema Hall.

The market's flimsy structure made it highly susceptible to accidents. The fire spread rapidly in the early hours and within moments, the flames engulfed nearly all merchandise, one of the shopkeepers said.

Asma Begum, one of the affected shop owners, said, "Ahead of Eid, I had recently stocked up on sarees and jewellery worth around Tk 20 lakh. Everything has been burned to ashes."

Source:thedailystar.net

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https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/accidents-fires/news/50-shops-damaged-fire-khulnas-temporary-eid-market-3852146

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UNAMA Urged to Strengthen Ties with Afghanistan

2025-03-18

KABUL(BNA): Mawlavi Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, has called on the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) to enhance its efforts in fostering ties between Afghanistan, the UN, and other nations.

In a recent statement, Mujahid emphasized the importance of achieving universal rights for the Afghan people, which includes the removal of sanctions and the lifting of blockades affecting the capital.

Mujahid asserted that UNAMA should provide an accurate depiction of the security, economic, and social progress in Afghanistan. He expressed concerns that the mission should not engage in disseminating propaganda or act as a tool for biased interests against the Afghan state.

Source:bakhtarnews.af

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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/unama-urged-to-strengthen-ties-with-afghanistan/

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Ministry of Finance Addresses Salary Change Rumors

2025-03-18

KABUL(BNA): In a recent statement, the Ministry of Finance has clarified that rumors regarding changes in the salaries of government employees are unfounded. The ministry emphasized that circulating lists of supposed modifications in salary norms for emirate department employees are completely false.

Over the past few days, misinformation has spread across social media platforms, prompting concerns among government employees. The Ministry reassured the public that there will be no alterations to the salary structure at this time.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Finance confirmed that the salaries of government employees will be processed and implemented as scheduled this week. This announcement aims to quell any uncertainties and reaffirm the stability of government employee compensation.

Source:bakhtarnews.af

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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/ministry-of-finance-addresses-salary-change-rumors/

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Mullah Hedayatullah Badri Meets Chinese Ambassador

2025-03-18

KABUL(BNA): Mullah Hedayatullah Badri, the Acting Minister of Mines and Petroleum, held a meeting with Zhao Xing the Chinese ambassador to Afghanistan, focusing on enhancing investment opportunities in the country’s mineral resources.

In a statement released by the ministry, Badri underscored the enduring political and economic ties between China and Afghanistan. He expressed a strong commitment from both nations to bolster these relations and create a more favorable environment for foreign investors in Afghanistan’s burgeoning mineral sector.

The Chinese ambassador acknowledged the deep and friendly relations shared between the two countries, emphasizing the importance of their partnership.

The discussions also included plans to accelerate the extraction processes at the Qashqari oil wells and the exploration of the Mes Aynak copper mine, both crucial projects for Afghanistan’s economic development.

This meeting marks a pivotal step towards attracting more foreign investment, which is essential for the country’s economic recovery and growth in the mineral resources sector.

Source:bakhtarnews.af

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

https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/mullah-hedayatullah-badri-meets-chinese-ambassador/

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Former IGP Syed Sirajul Islam dies  

18 Mar 2025,

DHAKA, March 18, 2025 (BSS) - Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) and valiant freedom fighter Syed Sirajul Islam passed away on Monday.

He was 75.

Sirajul breathed his last at 9:30 am on Monday while undergoing treatment at a hospital in the capital, according to a press release from the Police Headquarters.

He was survived by his wife, three sons numerous admirers and relatives to mourn his death.

Sirajul will be buried today in the family graveyard at Baliadanga village under Sadar Thana in Magura district.

The namaj-e-janaja of the deceased was held at SI Shiru Mia Auditorium at Rajarbagh Police Lines at 10 am today.

The IGP of Bangladesh Police, Baharul Alam, senior police officers, and members and relatives of the deceased took part in the janaja.

After the janaja, the IGP paid tribute by placing flowers on the coffin of the deceased.

Later, leaders of the Bangladesh Police Service Association and Bangladesh Retired Police Officers Welfare Association also paid tribute to the deceased by offering flowers.

The deceased was given an official funeral.

Late Syed Sirajul Islam joined the Bangladesh Police as Assistant Superintendent of Police in 1973. He was DIG of Rajshahi and Khulna Range and Police Commissioner of Rajshahi. He performed his duties with great efficiency throughout his career.

He was born in 1949 in a respectable Muslim family in Baliadanga village under Sadar Thana of Magura district.

Source:bssnews.net

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

https://www.bssnews.net/news/255948

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