UP school erases Veer Abdul Hamid’s name, renames after PM Modi

 

New Age Islam News Bureau

18 February 2025

Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hamid Idrishi PVC (1 July 1933 – 10 September 1965), was an Indian soldier.

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·         UP school erases Veer Abdul Hamid’s name, renames after PM Modi

·         Islamic Jihad condemns enemy's attack on Palestinian prisoners in "Ofer" prison

·         Ukraine weapons: What arms are the US, UK and other nations supplying?

·         Shari’ah: Security Expert Seeks Dialogue between State Governors, Muslim Community

·         MCCBCHST: Non-Muslim affairs minister proposal not against Islam

·         ISIS-Khorasan emerges as the most dangerous branch of ISIS: Reuters

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India

·         Jamui (Bihar): Violence erupts after ABVP members raise provocative slogans near mosque

·         SC irked over filing of many fresh pleas relating to validity of 1991 places of worship law

·         Nearly 1,000 homes in Sambhal remain locked as residents leave town fearing arrests after violence

·         SC issues notice to UP officials over Kushinagar mosque demolition: ‘Why shouldn’t contempt proceedings be initiated?’

·         Seminar on ‘Linguistic Relationship between Unani Medicine and Urdu’

·         Muslim Personal Law Board at a Crossroads?

·         Telangana eases work hours for Muslims during Ramzan, BJP slams 'appeasement'

·         Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi accuses BJP of creating ‘anti-Muslim’ theatre: ‘Kashmir its biggest scene’

·         Owaisi slams Maharashtra govt's move to set up panel to study law against 'love jihad'

·         After residents of Bengal village claim ‘fatwa banning music’ issued, SDO orders probe

·         Yogendra Yadav writes: Social Justice for Muslims should not be about reservations

·         "Islam is religion of Arab, here everyone was Hindu..." says IAS officer Niaz Khan

·Feb 17, 2025

·         7 Muslim youths detained in Rajasthan for sexually exploiting minor girls, attempting to convert them

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Mideast

·         Settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque

·         Islamic Jihad Movement condemns Zionist enemy's assassination of Qassam leader

·         Egypt is developing a plan to rebuild Gaza, countering Trump’s call to depopulate the territory

·         Israel defense minister announces agency for ‘voluntary departure’ of Gazans

·         Palestinian detainee says he was tortured in Israeli detention center

·         Israel minister says Hamas must leave Gaza, surrender arms

·         King Abdullah reaffirms Jordan’s stance on Palestinian cause, rejects displacement and resettlement

·         Event to mark end of school year at noble Prophet, Imam Zaid Centers in New Sana'a

·         Deadline for Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon expires

·         Syrians return to Homs, ‘capital of the revolution’

·         Families yearn for an end to PKK-Turkiye war

·         Israel preparing to receive bodies of four hostages on Thursday, security official says

·         Syria arrests 3 men suspected of links to Tadamon massacre in which hundreds were executed

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Europe

·         Russian court issues arrest warrant for Western journalist

·         Germany will not send troops to Ukraine without ‘US involvement’ – AFP

·         Health and Care Partnership and BIMA share Ramadan advice

·         Bradford Sunni Muslim Khalifa Society raises £23,000 for HRF

·         Hotel in Scotland's marriage mecca up for sale for offers of more than £1million

·         Azerbaijan and IsDB discuss expanding cooperation in Islamic finance

·         Starmer says US 'backstop' needed for Ukraine peace deal

·         Pope's health a 'complex clinical situation', Vatican says

·         Three guilty of murdering Christmas Eve gunman

·         What key players want from Ukraine war talks

·         Early release of hundreds of prisoners to begin

·         The ballroom boy with burns who inspired a film

·         Pledge of two million extra NHS appointments met, PM says

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Africa

·         Lagos Assembly Invasion: This Is Dangerous Assault to Our Democracy – Rhodes-Vivour

·         DSS: ‘If Obasa Was Behind the Invasion He Would Not Have Gone To Court’ – Muraina Taiwo

·         Osun NASS Caucus Urges Tinubu to Direct NSA, IGP to Re-establish Order amid Political Tensions

·         “Deeply Troubling” – CAS Orders Investigation Into Report Of Civilian Bombings By NAF Airstrike In Katsina

·         Nigeria Demands Immediate Withdrawal Of Foreign Forces In DR Congo

·         DRC: Rebel-held territory expands with capture of Bukavu

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Southeast Asia

·         Razman: Govt must ban 'Becoming Hannah' from being sold to Muslims

·         Jakim takes swift action over viral cross-dressing incident involving Muslim men, urges respect for religious sensitivities

·         Apologise to Perlis mufti and all Muslims, Bersatu leader tells Rayer

·         Suspect in shooting case commits five crimes before hiding in Pulau Ketam

·         Action taken against 44 illegal e-waste plants as at December 31 ,2024 - Nik Nazmi

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South Asia

·         44 Busted in Kabul for Drug Trafficking, Related Crimes

·         Govt to sell meat, milk and eggs during Ramadan

·         48-hour demonstration along Teesta river continues

·         Jamaat stages protest in Gazipur, demands Azharul's release

·         529 more arrested across the country

·         MoRR, DRC Signed Inks Cooperation Agreement

·         Efforts Underway to Establish Specialized Hospitals Across Afghanistan

·         26 Afghan prisoners released from Pakistani prisons

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Pakistan

·         Terrorist attack on police mobile injures cop in Kohat

·         Karachi shopping centre in Clifton catches fire

·         Marwat calls Nawaz's ouster 'wrong' after his expulsion from PTI

·         PTI demands to expedite election rigging, 26th Amendment cases

·         Supreme Court sees shake up after entry of new judges

·         PTI wants courts to expedite 26th amendment, rigging cases

·         IHC restructuring strips Justice Kayani of crucial powers

·         Fazl slams govt over ‘lack of civilian decision-making’

·         Drugs of seven pharma firms declared ‘spurious’

·         University rules likely to undergo drastic changes in Punjab

·         Polling for Senate seat from Balochistan on March 8: ECP

·         Balochistan govt launches plan to train young pilots

·         KP plans fresh op after Kurram convoy attacks

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North America

·         All passengers and crew survive plane crash at Toronto airport

·         Ten best moments as stars mark 50 years of Saturday Night Live

·         Trump dispatches NY real estate dealmaker to solve global crises

·         At least 10 dead in US floods and heavy rain

·         Hundreds fired at aviation safety agency, union says

·         Musk reacts to upcoming US-Russia talks

·         US pressuring Romania to lift travel restrictions on Andrew Tate – FT

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Arab World

·         Saudi aid agency sends food to Sudan, clears mines in Yemen

·         UK science minister visits King Faisal Specialist Hospital’s heart center

·         Canadians helping to deliver Vision 2030, says ambassador

·         Ukrainian child finds hope in KSrelief prosthetics center

·         Saudi deputy minister meets Korean official in Muscat

·         Wild hares thrive in King Salman reserve

·         Al-Sudais launches Ramadan operational plan

·         Jeddah conference highlights Saudi-French archaeological discoveries on Farasan Islands

·         Authorities bust drug smugglers across Saudi Arabia

·         Princess Sara announces launch of Misk heritage museum ‘Asaan’ in Diriyah

·         Gulfood 2025: Food prices drop for UAE consumers – but just not to pre-Covid levels

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/up-school-veer-abdul-hamid-name/d/134658

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UP school erases Veer Abdul Hamid’s name, renames after PM Modi

February 17, 2025

Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hamid Idrishi PVC (1 July 1933 – 10 September 1965), was an Indian soldier.

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In a startling decision, the Ghazipur Education Department renamed a school named after national hero Veer Abdul Hamid to PM Shri Composite Vidyalaya Dhamupur.

The school was named after a national personality, known for his valour during 1965 Indo-Pak war. He played an important role during the war and is remembered for his bravery against the Pakistani army.

The sudden move by the Education department has sparked sharp criticism from his family members and many political figures.

Jamil Alam, the grandson of the martyr, filed a complaint with the Basic Education Officer(BSA) asking for prompt actions into the matter.

Expressing utter disappointment, he said that this arbitrary move by the department is an insult to his grandfather and his sacrifices for the country.

In their defense, one of the officers from BSA Ghazipur, Hemant Rao argued that Veer Abdul Hamid’s name was not officially recorded in any of the documents. He further stated that he will investigate the matter by visiting the school.

Meanwhile, several political leaders condemned the renaming of the school alleging that this move by the BJP is an attempt to exclude Muslim heroes who fought for the country.

Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi wrote on X that he learnt about a similar attempt that was previously made by the school principal. He called for action against those who are responsible for such moves.

Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad also demanded the restoration of the name. He said, “This act not only hurts the honour of the Martyrs but also raises questions on our national sentiment and gratitude towards the brave soldiers. The education department of the UP government should immediately apologize publicly for this grave mistake and restore the name of the school ensuring that the honour of martyrs is upheld.”

Critics on social media argued that such moves are made by the government to revise the history of India and fit the narratives of their choice while completely nullifying the sacrifices of Muslim freedom fighters.

Source:muslimmirror.com

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https://muslimmirror.com/up-school-erases-veer-abdul-hamids-name-renames-after-pm-modi/

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Islamic Jihad condemns enemy's attack on Palestinian prisoners in "Ofer" prison

18 Feb 2025

The Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine condemned, in a statement, the brutal attack committed by the enemy forces against Palestinian prisoners in Ofer prison last night, describing it as "a blatant image of barbarism that reflects the nature of the occupying entity."

The movement stressed that the storming of the prison by the occupation forces and the accompanying abuse and assault on the prisoners is an embodiment of the aggressive and brutal values adopted by the occupation. According to the Palestine Today Agency

The Islamic Jihad stressed that this reflects a moral decline and a civilizational crisis that the entity is experiencing, imposed by the steadfastness of the Palestinian people and forcing the occupation to submit to an exchange process that humiliated the entity and shattered its myth.

Source:saba.ye

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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3439647.htm

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Ukraine weapons: What arms are the US, UK and other nations supplying?

17 February 2025

Concerns are rising that the US may no longer come to Europe's defence, which could force European countries - including the UK - to increase their military spending.

Since the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, western nations have allocated more than $250bn (£205bn) of military, humanitarian and other financial aid to Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump has said he wants Ukraine to guarantee the supply of more rare earth metals in exchange for further support.

Who has supplied the most military aid?

The US has been the biggest source of military aid to Ukraine, including weapons, equipment and financial support.

Between the start of 2022 and the end of 2024, it gave $69bn (£54.6bn) in military aid, according to German think tank the Kiel Institute.

Germany has given $13.6bn (£10.7bn), the UK $10.8bn (£8.5bn), Denmark $8.1bn (£6.4bn), and the Netherlands $6.3bn (£4.9bn).

If all types of aid are included - military, humanitarian and other financial aid - data shows the US has spent about $120bn. That is 43% of total support to Ukraine since the start of 2022.

European Union (EU) countries sent about 18.3% thought the bloc's institutions.

Some EU members, like Germany, have made additional contributions - as shown in the chart below.

Given the current size of the US contribution, other countries would need to significantly increase support to make up any shortfall.

What about wider defence spending?

Last year, all European Nato members pledged to spend 2% of GDP on defence. Provisional figures, show the UK spent 2.33% (£64.6bn) in 2024, ranking it ninth out of all Nato members on this measure.

The Labour government has committed to increase this amount to 2.5%, although it hasn't set out when it expects to achieve this.

Had the UK spent 2.5% of GDP on defence last year it would have cost an additional £4.6bn according to the House of Commons Library (although the Institute for Fiscal Studies puts the figure at £6bn).

What weapons have Western countries given Ukraine?

Missiles and artillery

Both Ukrainian and Russian forces have used artillery and guided missiles extensively, to prevent enemy forces advancing and to attack supply depots and command centres.

Ukraine has been using US-made ATACMS missiles which have a range of about 190 miles (300km).

In November, former President Biden lifted the ban, allowing ATACMS to be fired into Russian territory.

The UK and France have supplied Ukraine with Storm Shadow or Scalp missiles, which have a maximum range of around 155 miles (250km), and which Ukraine has reportedly

Ukraine's allies have also sent it more than 80 multiple-launch rocket systems, according to the Kiel Institute.

These include the Himars system from the US and the M270 missile system from the UK.

The Kiel Institute says they have also sent more than 500 field guns, including the M777 howitzer from the US.

However, Russia has an advantage on the battlefield because its supply of artillery shells has been much greater than Ukraine's, according to the UK-based think tank, the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI).

Fighter jets

At the end of July last year, Ukraine's President Zelensky said its air force had taken delivery of a batch of F-16 fighter jets from the West. He said many more were needed.

Nato countries, including Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway, have pledged to give Ukraine 65 or more of the US-made planes, which they had been planning to retire from their air forces.

In August 2023, the US gave permission for F-16s to be sent to Ukraine. Since then, Western nations have been training Ukrainian pilots to fly them.

Phillips O'Brien, Professor of Strategic Studies at St Andrews University says: "Ukraine will be using the F-16s mostly for defence against air attacks."

The US-based Center for Strategic and International Studies says they could eventually be given extra roles, such as attacking Russian air defence systems, command centres and supply depots, and engaging Russian aircraft in Ukrainian airspace.

Air defence systems

To counter Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukraine's cities and infrastructure, Western nations have sent it several types of air defence system.

These range from the UK's short-range anti-aircraft weapon, Starstreak, to the Patriot missile system.

Patriots are expensive to operate - one missile costs about $3m.

The US and Norway have also provided the Nasams (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) for air defence, and Germany has offered the Iris-T.

Munitions

In July 2023, the US said it had supplied cluster bombs to Ukraine to help dislodge Russian troops from defensive positions.

These weapons, delivered mostly in artillery shells, scatter multiple bomblets, and are banned by more than 100 countries because of the risk they pose to civilians.

Tanks

In early 2023, Western nations agreed to send tanks to Ukraine. It was hoped they would enable its forces to breach Russian defensive lines in a counter-offensive.

The UK provided 14 Challenger 2s.

European nations have sent more than 200 German-made Leopard 1 and Leopard 2 tanks, according to figures from the Kiel Institute.

The US sent 31 of its M1 Abrams tanks, which are thought to be the most advanced in the world.

Anti-tank weapons

Western countries first responded to Russia's invasion in February 2022 by supplying Ukraine with defensive weapons to counter the enemy's armoured brigades.

The US and UK supplied thousands of Javelin and Nlaw anti-tank missiles. These were considered crucial in stopping the advance of Russian forces on Kyiv.

Drones

Drones have been used extensively throughout the war, for surveillance, targeting, launching missiles and as "kamikaze" weapons.

Turkey supplied missile-firing Bayraktar TB2 drones at the start of the conflict, the US has provided "Switchblade" kamikaze drones, and several countries have sent commercial surveillance drones, such as the Chinese-made DJI Mavic 3.

Source:bbc.com

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https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62002218

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Shari’ah: Security Expert Seeks Dialogue Between State Governors, Muslim Community

By Apata Oyeniran

Feb 17, 2025

A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Ambassador Nurain Abayomi Mumuni, has advised Southwest governors to dialogue with the leadership of the Muslim community to avoid conflicts over Shari’ah (Islamic Law) in the region.

Mumuni made this declaration via a statement issued on Monday by his Media Aide, Rasheed Abubakar, where he also called on the leadership of the Muslims to engage in massive media literacy about Shari’ah, especially among its members.

Recall that the Southwest Muslims have been clamouring for the establishment of Shari’ah Arbitration Panels in the zone to handle civil matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and disputes over contractual agreements between Muslims.

The APC chieftain in his reaction, advised the governors that opposed its establishment to engage the leadership of the Muslims in the Southwest states in dialogue, stressing that Yoruba Muslims have long integrated Islamic practices into their cultural framework.

According to him, there is a need for the state governors, especially Ekiti, Oyo and Ogun states, to dialogue with the Muslim community in the interest of peace and to avoid hostility and conflicts that may lead to anarchy.

“What the Muslims are demanding is clear. They want a panel that will handle their personal affairs, such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance, among others. They aren’t demanding Shari’ah for criminal acts such as arms amputation, but civil law, which is guaranteed by the constitution. Therefore, there is a need for the government to dialogue with the leadership of the Muslims, especially MUSWEN and allow any willing Muslim to follow the dictate of their religion.”

The security expert also called on the leadership of the Muslim community to sensitise their members and use the minbar (pulpits) on Friday, adding, “Some Muslims surprisingly kicked against the introduction of Shari’ah of panel of ignorance and lack of understanding.

“Some don’t even know that the Shari’ah panel has been existing in some states for years. There is a need for massive media literacy among Muslims while their leaders engage the government to avoid impending conflicts.”

He added that the introduction of Islam to the Yoruba people dated the 10th century, and its establishment developed over subsequent centuries, leading to a significant Muslim population in this region.

He advised that it is crucial to foster an environment of dialogue and mutual respect among different religious groups to mitigate conflicts surrounding Shari’ah practices.

He added that this will help to ensure that these traditions are embraced as a personal choice rather than an imposition.

“The Yoruba Muslims of Southwest Nigeria have long integrated Islamic practices into their cultural framework, reflecting a rich tapestry of traditions that honour both their religious and ethnic heritage. The introduction of Islam to the Yoruba people can be traced back to the 10th century, and its establishment developed over subsequent centuries, leading to a significant Muslim population in this region.

“One of the most prominent aspects of Shari’ah practised by Yoruba Muslims is its application to marriage and burial rites. The Islamic marriage contract, known as Nikaah, holds significant cultural and religious importance. The Nikaah ceremony involves various elements that affirm commitment between partners, often integrated with traditional Yoruba customs. This practice highlights how Yoruba Muslims harmonize Islamic tenets with their indigenous traditions, ensuring that their cultural identity is maintained alongside their religious obligations.

“While the practice of Shari’ah is prevalent among Yoruba Muslims, it is important to underscore that it has not been devoid of contention. The application of Shari’ah can sometimes be perceived as controversial, particularly in a multi-religious society like Nigeria, where the imposition of specific practices can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.

“However, it is imperative to view Shari’ah as a guiding framework rather than a rigid set of rules that should be imposed upon the broader society. Many Yoruba Muslims advocate for a nuanced understanding of Shari’a as it pertains to personal choice and community consensus. This perspective emphasizes that practices such as Nikah and burial rites, while rooted in Islamic law, should not lead to rancour between different religious groups.

He added, “The Yoruba Muslims of Southwest Nigeria represent a unique blend of religious devotion and cultural identity. Their longstanding practice of Shari’a in marriage and burial rites showcases how they navigated the intersection of faith and culture.

“It is crucial to foster an environment of dialogue and mutual respect among different religious groups to mitigate conflicts surrounding Shari’a practices, ensuring that these traditions are embraced as a personal choice rather than an imposition. By honouring both Islamic teachings and the rich Yoruba culture, a harmonious coexistence can be achieved, enriching the multi-religious tapestry of Nigeria.

Source:independent.ng

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https://independent.ng/shariah-security-expert-seeks-dialogue-between-state-governors-muslim-community/

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MCCBCHST: Non-Muslim affairs minister proposal not against Islam

Feb 18, 2025

The proposal for a non-Muslim affairs minister is not disrespectful to Islam, the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism (MCCBCHST) said.

It added that the proposal also doesn’t run afoul of the Federal Constitution as critics allege.

Source:malaysiakini.com

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https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/734908

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ISIS-Khorasan emerges as the most dangerous branch of ISIS: Reuters

By Fidel Rahmati

February 17, 2025

Reuters reported on Sunday that most foreign fighters fleeing Iraq have joined ISIS-Khorasan in Afghanistan. According to the report, Sanaullah Ghafari, the leader of ISIS-Khorasan, has turned the group into one of the most dangerous factions with the ability to carry out cross-border attacks.

The article, written by Michael Georgy and Menna AlaaElDin, highlighted ISIS’s continued global reach, despite previous setbacks. The group remains active and capable of executing deadly attacks across the globe, particularly in the Middle East, the West, and Asia.

The report mentions ISIS’s efforts to increase its influence, noting that even after being defeated by a U.S.-led coalition, the group has managed to reorganize. It emphasizes the group’s ability to carry out operations far from its bases along borders in countries like Afghanistan.

Sanaullah Ghafari, a 29-year-old leader, is credited with transforming ISIS-Khorasan into a formidable branch capable of conducting guerrilla operations and surprise attacks in the Middle East. This has contributed to its growing notoriety as a significant threat.

In addition, the report provides examples of recent ISIS attacks worldwide, such as the deadly concert hall attack in Russia, bombings in Iran, and a suicide attack in a mosque in Oman. These incidents underscore ISIS’s ongoing global threat.

The threat posed by ISIS-Khorasan remains significant, especially in Afghanistan, where its operations are escalating under Ghafari’s leadership. As the group continues to expand its influence, countries around the world are facing the increasing risk of deadly attacks, highlighting the need for stronger counterterrorism efforts to address this global threat.

Recent ISIS attacks in Kabul and Kunduz further demonstrate the group’s expanding reach within Afghanistan. The increasing number of attacks in these cities signals a growing challenge for the Taliban security forces and international efforts to curb the terrorist group’s influence in the region.

Source:khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/isis-khorasan-emerges-as-the-most-dangerous-branch-of-isis-reuters/

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India

 

Jamui (Bihar): Violence erupts after ABVP members raise provocative slogans near mosque

February 18, 2025

Jamui district in Bihar witnessed violent clashes between two communities on Sunday, prompting authorities to suspend internet services to prevent further escalation. The incident occurred in the Jhajha area during a religious procession, leading to stone-pelting and injuries.

According to Jamui District Magistrate Abhilasha Sharma, three individuals sustained injuries in the violence. They were promptly taken to the nearest government hospital, where their condition was reported as stable and out of danger.

Police stated that permission for the procession, led by the ABVP and Hindu Swabhimaan Sangathan, was not obtained. Additionally, the procession deviated from the approved route. Participants allegedly raised provocative slogans against another community near a mosque, escalating tensions.

“The police station received information that slogans were shouted while the procession was passing by a mosque,” said Jamui SP Madan Kumar Anand.

In response to the unrest, law enforcement agencies acted swiftly, arresting nine individuals linked to the clashes. Additionally, a police officer was suspended for dereliction of duty, and cases have been registered against 50-60 unidentified persons involved in the violence.

To restore normalcy and prevent further tensions, the police conducted a flag march in Jhajha. Authorities have assured that strict action will be taken against those responsible for inciting violence.

“The situation was immediately brought under control by the police. Security measures have been intensified to prevent any further disturbances,” District Magistrate Sharma stated, as reported by PTI.

The local administration continues to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to maintain peace and cooperate with law enforcement agencies. Internet services will remain suspended until further notice to curb the spread of misinformation and prevent any attempts to instigate violence.

This incident adds to the growing concerns over communal tensions in Bihar, where religious processions have frequently turned into flashpoints. Authorities remain vigilant to ensure that peace is maintained in the region.

Source:muslimmirror.com

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https://muslimmirror.com/jamui-bihar-violence-erupts-after-abvp-members-raise-provocative-slogans-near-mosque/

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SC irked over filing of many fresh pleas relating to validity of 1991 places of worship law

February 17, 2025

The Supreme Court on Monday expressed displeasure over the filing of multiple fresh pleas concerning the validity of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. This law mandates that the religious character of a place of worship be maintained as it was on August 15, 1947.

A bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar indicated that it may not take up the scheduled petitions during the day, as it was sitting in a two-judge combination instead of a three-judge bench that had previously heard the matter. When senior advocate Indira Jaising mentioned a fresh plea, the CJI remarked, “We might not be able to take it up” and noted that too many interim applications had been filed. The court suggested a possible hearing in March.

On December 12, 2024, the Supreme Court stalled proceedings in 18 lawsuits filed by various Hindu groups seeking surveys to determine the original religious character of 10 mosques, including the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi and the Shahi Idgah Masjid in Mathura.

The petitions were scheduled for a full hearing on February 17, but since then, several new applications have been submitted, including those by AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, Samajwadi Party leader Iqra Choudhary, and the Congress Party, seeking strict enforcement of the 1991 Act.

Choudhary, a Lok Sabha MP from Kairana, filed a plea on February 14 to curb the increasing trend of legal actions targeting mosques and dargahs, arguing that these cases threaten communal harmony. The Supreme Court had earlier agreed to examine a similar plea by Owaisi.

Meanwhile, the Akhil Bhartiya Sant Samiti, a Hindu group, sought to intervene in cases challenging the validity of the law.

The 1991 Act prohibits the conversion of places of worship and ensures the maintenance of their religious character as of August 15, 1947, with the exception of the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute in Ayodhya. Muslim organizations like Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind have demanded strict implementation of the law to preserve the status of mosques that Hindus claim were once temples.

On the other hand, petitioners like Ashwini Upadhyay have challenged Sections 2, 3, and 4 of the Act, arguing that they unfairly strip individuals and religious groups of their right to judicial remedies for reclaiming places of worship. Section 3 bars conversion, while Section 4 prevents courts from hearing disputes regarding religious sites.

The Gyanvapi Mosque management committee has opposed petitions challenging the law, arguing they are filed with “mischievous intent” to facilitate lawsuits against religious sites protected by the Act. As the legal battle continues, the Supreme Court has yet to decide when it will hear arguments on the matter. — With Agencies Inputs

Source:muslimmirror.com

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https://muslimmirror.com/sc-irked-over-filing-of-many-fresh-pleas-relating-to-validity-of-1991-places-of-worship-law/

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Nearly 1,000 homes in Sambhal remain locked as residents leave town fearing arrests after violence

February 17, 2025

After violence broke out in Sambhal over a survey of Sambhal Jama Masjid, nearly 1,000 homes remain locked as residents were forced to flee fearing arrests or action by the police.

The locked homes are in Hindpura, Kot Garvi Nakhasa and Deepa Sarai areas. A team of police is sent to verify the information they received that many residents are in Delhi.

“Around 1,000 houses remain locked as residents have not returned. We are consistently assuring that no action will be taken against the innocent,” stated Krishna Kumar, Sambhal Superintendent of Police.

Some locals have displayed on their doors about the reasons why they are away from home. One local displayed a medical report with a note that the family is in Delhi to get the cancer treatment done of a family member.

Reports suggest that meanwhile the UP government is evaluating the cost of damage that happened during the violence. A senior officer said that notices will be sent to the accused for the recovery of the damages after a charge sheet is filed next week.

Until now, the Sambhal police have arrested 76 individuals in connection to the violence and are looking for 86 others who were likely involved.

Source:muslimmirror.com

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https://muslimmirror.com/nearly-1000-homes-in-sambhal-remain-locked-as-residents-leave-town-fearing-arrests-after-violence/

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SC issues notice to UP officials over Kushinagar mosque demolition: ‘Why shouldn’t contempt proceedings be initiated?’

February 18, 2025

The Supreme Court Monday pulled up authorities in Uttar Pradesh for razing a portion of a mosque at Kushinagar district in alleged disobedience of its directions and asked why it should not initiate contempt proceedings against them.

A bench of Justices B R Gavai and A G Masih issued notice to the authorities on the plea alleging that the demolition was against the Supreme Court’s November 13, 2024 ruling.

In its verdict, the top court laid down pan-India guidelines and barred demolition of properties without a prior show cause notice and 15 days’ time to the aggrieved party to respond.

On Monday, the court restrained the authorities from carrying out any further demolition at the Madni mosque site until further orders. It gave them two weeks to respond to the notice.

Appearing for the petitioners, Senior Advocate Huzefa Ahmadi contended that no notice had been issued in respect of the demolished structure, which amounts to “egregious” contempt of the court’s November 13 judgment.

Ahmadi submitted that after the SDM, who reported that the structure was in accordance with the sanction plan, was transferred before the police and authorities demolished it. He added that an unauthorised portion of the mosque was removed by the petitioners themselves.

The bench said in the order: “It is submitted that the structure in question was constructed on private land owned by the petitioners. The construction thereon was also with the due sanction of municipal authorities as per the sanction order of 1999. He further submits that though the said sanction was sought to be revoked, by the order of the High Court dated 12.02.2006, the said revocation was set aside… the effect being that the sanction is still in vogue.”

“He further submits that on the basis of a complaint, the matter was enquired by the Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM). The SDM carried out an inspection and also issued a press note on 22.12.2024. As per the inspection, the construction was found to be in accordance with the sanction plan. It also notes that the construction which was found to be non-sanctioned was removed by the petitioners themselves,” the order read.

“It is submitted that in these premises, the demolition which was made is in egregious contempt of the directions issued by this court. Issue notice as to why proceedings for contempt should not be initiated against the respondents… returnable in 2 weeks… Until further orders, there shall be no demolition of the structure in question,” the order said

Source:indianexpress.com

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Seminar on ‘Linguistic Relationship Between Unani Medicine and Urdu’

February 17, 2025

A one-day national seminar titled “The Linguistic Relationship Between Unani Medicine and Urdu” was organized by the All India Unani Tibbi Conference at the Committee Room of Nehru Guest House, Jamia Millia Islamia.

Delivering the presidential address at the inaugural session, Professor Akhtarul Wasey stated that Unani medicine and Urdu share an ancient relationship; it is not just a method of treatment but also a cultural attitude.

Chief Guest Professor Khalid Mahmood emphasized that numerous vivid traces of this relationship can be found in Urdu language and particularly in poetry, which help in understanding the mutual connection between Unani medicine and Urdu. Former Head of the Urdu Department at Jamia Millia Islamia, Professor Ahmed Mahfooz, remarked that classical Urdu literature frequently references Unani medicine, and multiple instances of adaptation and benefit can be observed within it.

Objective of the Seminar

The seminar aimed to highlight the historical and linguistic connection between Unani medicine and the Urdu language to strengthen its scholarly tradition and explore possibilities for its promotion through Urdu. Speakers shed light on the Arabic, Persian, and Urdu traditions of Unani medicine and emphasized that Urdu has played a crucial role in making Unani medicine accessible to the masses.

Dr. Khalid Siddiqui, General Secretary of the All India Unani Tibbi Conference and the convener of the seminar, warmly welcomed all attendees and delegates. Hakim Fakhr Alam elaborated on the objectives of the seminar.

Sessions & Discussions

Various sessions of the seminar featured research papers on the historical texts of Unani medicine, medical literature in Urdu, and its academic and research significance in the modern era. The speakers recommended further systematic organization and digitization of classical and contemporary Unani medical literature in Urdu to ensure that future generations can benefit from this valuable knowledge. Dr. Shahnawaz Fayyaz moderated the inaugural session.

• First Session:

• Chaired by Professor Badarudduja Khan and Dr. Mohammad Mohsin

• Papers presented by: Professor Ashhar Qadeer, Dr. Afsahul Kalam, Dr. Mustahsan Faizur Rahman Aqdas, Dr. Umair Manzar, Dr. Mohammad Muqeem, Dr. Shahnawaz Fayyaz, Dr. Asad Faisal Farooqi

• Second Session:

• Chaired by Hakim Ashhar Qadeer, Dr. Shabbir Ahmad, Dr. Shah Alam

• Papers presented by: Dr. Ahmad Saeed, Hakim Fakhr Alam, Professor Abdul Haleem, Hakim Nazish Ehtesham Azmi, Hakim Misbahuddin Azhar, Dr. Safiur Rahman, Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad, Dr. Amanullah

Conclusion

In the concluding session, the organizers expressed gratitude to all participants, speakers, and esteemed guests for making the seminar a success. They reaffirmed their commitment to continuing such academic gatherings in the future to further the promotion of Unani medicine and the Urdu language.

The seminar witnessed the participation of students and faculty members from Aligarh Muslim University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Hamdard, and Delhi University.

Source:muslimmirror.com

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Muslim Personal Law Board at a Crossroads?

February 17, 2025

By Qasim Syed

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), the most esteemed, credible and representative organisation of Indian Muslims, is facing one of the most challenging periods in its history. It finds itself engaged on two critical fronts—the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and the Waqf Amendment Bill. Compounding this struggle is the fact that the Board’s current leadership lacks significant experience in activism and mass mobilization. They often operate within an “intellectual retreat,” prioritizing scholarly pursuits over grassroots movements. Their engagement with the public is largely limited to speeches and gatherings, making direct mass mobilization an unfamiliar territory for them. Most senior scholars (Daamat Barakaatuhum) remain revered but distant from the common people.

On January 13, the Waqf Amendment Bill was presented in Parliament. A day prior, the Board’s executive committee convened an emergency meeting at the Islamic Centre in New Delhi. Following this, when the JPC report was tabled, the Board held a press conference at the Press Club of India. However, the press conference failed to deliver a strong, unified message. Key stakeholders, including representatives from Jamiat Ahle Hadith and Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind (Mahmood Madani faction), were absent. Among those present were Jamiat President Maulana Arshad Madani, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind’s Vice President Moutasim Khan, Board President Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, General Secretary Maulana Mujaddidi, Vice President Maulana Obaidullah Azmi, and spokesperson Dr. Qasim Rasool Ilyas.

Journalists observed a lack of enthusiasm, unity, and collective resolve at the press conference. The absence of a clear stance from some leaders was noticeable. Maulana Rahmani declared that if the Waqf Bill were passed, a nationwide movement would be launched using all democratic and legal means to pressure the government into withdrawing it. Meanwhile, Maulana Arshad Madani sat quietly, speaking briefly about the Jamiat’s legal approach to the UCC but avoiding an explicit endorsement of the Board’s broader strategy regarding the Waqf issue. His longstanding position has been to rely solely on judicial means rather than street protests or movements.

This stance was evident during the NRC controversy when, despite strong calls for mass mobilization, he firmly opposed any movement-based approach. Historically, Jamiat had actively participated in protests, including the Jail Bharo movement during Indira Gandhi’s arrest and the “Save the Nation and Community” campaigns. However, considering India’s evolving political landscape, the current leadership is reluctant to adopt the same approach.

In contrast, the Jamiat faction under Maulana Mahmood Madani is reportedly not opposed to launching a movement, but the final decision rests with him. Since he was outside Delhi and could not attend the executive meeting, his representative, Maulana Hakeemuddin Qasmi, was present instead.

The central leadership’s announcement of a movement has raised questions about its execution. There is a palpable sense of uncertainty—how to structure the movement, whether it should follow the NRC protest model or take a different approach, and how to manage potential government responses. More crucially, are they prepared for the sacrifices it may demand? A significant concern is that young activists who led the NRC protests have been imprisoned for years, while the senior leadership has remained unscathed. The burden of sacrifice has traditionally fallen on the ordinary Muslim community.

With Ramadan approaching, key leaders will be engaged in Umrah and other commitments, making active involvement in a mass movement difficult. Whether the Board will remain silent due to internal disagreements or successfully mobilize public opinion against the Waqf Bill remains uncertain.

Despite these challenges, the Board’s spokesperson, Dr. Qasim Rasool Ilyas, has affirmed that a movement will be launched. He stressed that this movement is not solely for Muslims but for all marginalized communities. Differences exist among leadership factions, but history has shown that unity can often emerge from such debates, fuelling collective action. Whether this will hold true in the fight against the Waqf Amendment Bill and the UCC remains to be seen.

Source:muslimmirror.com

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https://muslimmirror.com/muslim-personal-law-board-at-a-crossroads/

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Telangana eases work hours for Muslims during Ramzan, BJP slams 'appeasement'

Feb 18, 2025

In a significant move aimed at accommodating religious observances during the holy month of Ramzan, the Telangana government granted Muslim employees in government departments, public sector units, and educational institutions permission to leave work an hour earlier than usual.

The new rule, which will come into effect from March 2, 2025, and remain in place until March 31, 2025, allows Muslim employees to depart at 4.00 pm instead of the regular 5.00 pm.

The relaxation, as outlined in an official circular issued by the General Administration Department, applies to all Muslim employees, including teachers, contract and outsourcing staff, as well as employees working in boards, corporations, and the public sector. The move is designed to support employees in observing their religious duties and prayers during the fasting month of Ramzan.

However, the decision has sparked criticism from BJP leaders, who have accused the Telangana government of engaging in what they term “appeasement politics”. BJP MLA T Raja Singh expressed disappointment over the move, claiming that the Congress party had only gained power by relying on Muslim votes, and that such actions represented the peak of appeasement politics. Singh further argued that this decision would deepen religious divides, stating, “Equal rights for all, or none.”

The controversy was further fuelled by comments from BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya on social media platform X, who lambasted the Congress government’s decision as a form of tokenism. Malviya pointed out that no similar concessions are made for Hindus during festivals like Navratri when they observe fasting. He accused the government of reducing the religious observances of one community to mere vote bank politics and called for the move to be opposed.

In response to the criticism, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson Syed Nizamuddin defended the government’s move, dismissing the BJP's accusations as misleading. He said, “BJP is habituated to giving communal statements. On the occasion of Dussehra, a 13-day holiday was given.” He emphasised that the government takes care of all festivals and that the BJP was attempting to mislead the public.

Source:indiatoday.in

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Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi accuses BJP of creating ‘anti-Muslim’ theatre: ‘Kashmir its biggest scene’

February 18, 2025

Srinagar MP and former Jammu and Kashmir cabinet minister Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi last week accused the BJP of constructing an ‘anti-Muslim theatre’ with Kashmir cast in a central role. Mehdi was speaking at a discussion at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi.

“BJP has created a theatre, they show this theatre to people who give them applause, and in return, the BJP gets votes. That audience is hardcore Hindutva and the theatre that has been made for them is the condition of the Muslims…,” Mehdi said at a talk on ‘Political Representation and Citizenship in Post-370 Jammu and Kashmir’, organised by National Students’ Union of India-JNU.

“…the biggest scene in this theatre is Kashmir because Kashmir has a Muslim population …because these Muslims have power in their hands, they should be snatched off this power and brought to their knees. What more can be a bigger theatre than this?” Mehdi added.

The remarks referred to the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in August 2019.

Asked about the National Conference’s role in mobilising the masses post-2019, Mehdi said political leaders and elected representatives must now take on the mantle of “people’s resistance”. “The MLAs have to embody people’s resistance and unite for an organised movement but are currently failing to do so,” he added.

About the political implications of the abrogation of Article 370, he said, “What are the implications of removing Article 370 (on someone in UP)? Still, somewhere in UP, a BJP candidate, for sure, will bring up (Article) 370 in his speech enthusiastically. Someone who doesn’t even have food in their house to eat will be clapping at this speech.”

“For someone who doesn’t know anything about the status of his employment, no idea about inflation…even if there wouldn’t be a land underneath his feet, he will definitely clap when he hears about (Article) 370,” he added.

The discussion took place at 5 pm at the TEFLAS Union Office Ground on February 14.

Source:indianexpress.com

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Owaisi slams Maharashtra govt's move to set up panel to study law against 'love jihad'

17 February 2025

Hyderabad: AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi on Monday criticised the Maharashtra government's decision to form a committee to explore legal aspects of a new law against forced conversions and 'love jihad.' The state government seems to have no other work except investigating interfaith marriages as it has now set up a panel to make a law against 'love jihad', he said in a post on social media platform X.Even the Modi government has said there is no definition of love jihad and many investigation agencies have debunked the conspiracy theory, he said.

The BNS already criminalises any person promising to marry after hiding one's religious identity. Forced religious conversion is also a crime, he said.

"This is just an attempt to create an "Uncle Sarkar". The government interferes in who you marry, what you eat, which language you speak, where you live, and what religion you believe in," Owaisi said.Wondering what happens to the right to privacy, the Hyderabad MP asserted that it is a fundamental right for everyone to choose their religion and spouse.

The Maharashtra government has issued a Government Resolution (GR) stating that a committee headed by the state director general of police (DGP) will suggest steps to tackle the complaints of "love jihad" and forced conversions.

It will also look at legal aspects and the laws framed in other states and recommend legislation to prevent such instances.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said there was nothing wrong with interfaith marriages, but steps need to be taken against matrimonial alliances through fraud and false identity.

Fadnavis said the Supreme Court and Kerala High Court have made observations about the reality of "love jihad".

"Love jihad" is a term used by right-wing activists and outfits to allege a conspiracy by Muslim men to convert Hindu women to Islam through marriage.

Source:deccanherald.com

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After residents of Bengal village claim ‘fatwa banning music’ issued, SDO orders probe

February 17, 2025

Residents of Kumarsanda village in West Bengal’s Rampurhat sub-division claimed that a “fatwa banning music and band parties” during any marriage or celebration was issued by “senior people” at the local madrasa last Saturday.

The residents claimed that the ‘fatwa’ also bans alcohol, gambling and ‘ganja’. It was allegedly circulated via social media apps like WhatsApp. It reportedly carried a warning saying that if any of the residents “do not follow the fatwa”, they would have to pay a fine of Rs 10,000, and their families would be shunned and denied access to the masjid.

Following the residents’ claims, the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Rampurhat said that an enquiry had been ordered in connection with the matter. “…After getting a detailed report, we will take action. But no one can issue such a fatwa,” the SDO said.

One of the villagers, identified as Jahangir Sheikh (34), claimed, “The Maulvi of this masjid recently returned from Mecca. After that, he thought the village should be purified. So, we think that is probably the reason for issuing such a fatwa in the village.”

However, Block Development Officer (BDO) of Nalhati-2, Rajat Ranjan Das, said that he had no information or any complaints regarding the issue. The village, bordering Murshidabad, is in the Nalhati-2 block of Birbhum district.

“We don’t have such information but if villagers make such a decision, we will have to obey that,” local panchayat pradhan Ripan Sheikh said.

Source:indianexpress.com

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Yogendra Yadav writes: Social Justice for Muslims should not be about reservations

YOGENDRA YADAV

Feb 18, 2025

Reservation for Muslims is a bad idea.

Affirmative action for Muslims is the need of the hour.

If you say yes to both these propositions — as I do — you may appear inconsistent, if not self-contradictory. That’s not your fault. The fault lies with the cramping of our imagination of social justice in contemporary India. As a result, affirmative action has become synonymous with reservation, and that too in government jobs and public education. All battles for social justice turn into battles for and against quota, or quota within quota. Every group that suffers from any form of disadvantage or discrimination or just unmet need asks for reservation — ex-servicemen, sexual minorities, displaced persons. The Indian state is like a surgeon standing at the operating table with just one big knife for an instrument.

No wonder there is a demand for reservation for the entire Muslim community. The demand gained pace ever since the Sachar Committee Report (SCR) recognised Muslims as a “socio-religious group”. Though the SCR refrained from recommending reservation for Muslims, it recorded their severe educational and economic disadvantages, the first official document to do so in a comprehensive manner. In 2007 the National Commission for Linguistic and Religious Minorities recommended a 15 per cent quota for minorities (10 per cent for Muslims) in jobs and education. This demand has found acceptance among many Muslim leaders and intellectuals, as the community finds itself increasingly beleaguered on multiple fronts in recent years. No one expects this demand to be conceded by the present regime, but reservation is held out as the future frame for justice for Muslims.

A recently released report takes us beyond this conventional frame. Authored by Hilal Ahmed, Mohd Sanjeer Alam and Nazima Parveen for the US-India Policy Institute and Centre for Development Policy and Practice, the report, ‘Rethinking Affirmative Action for Muslims in Contemporary India’, pushes this debate forward in three steps.

First, it makes a case for why there is a need for affirmative action for Muslims. Second, it acknowledges that reservation for the community as a whole is not a good solution. Third, and most importantly, it suggests a bouquet of policies to address the real and pressing disadvantages of various Muslim communities. This report provides the right framework to think about this vexed issue in public policy and should prompt serious follow-up research.

The first point should be obvious to anyone with a basic sense of Indian society. Muslims are not just a religious minority under threat from the current political dispensation, they also happen to be a disadvantaged social group in educational and economic terms. The report updates the story documented by the SCR. Using the latest official data, it reminds us that Muslims are comparable to SC and ST communities in educational attainment, and to OBCs in income and wealth. The educational disadvantage of young Muslims is not merely a function of their economic status or even their parental education. Compared to Muslim counterparts with the same level of family income and parental education, “upper-caste” Hindus are more than twice as likely to enter higher education, go to private institutions and opt for engineering and professional courses. That’s a staggering inequality of opportunity. Things are much better in southern and western states and there are signs of improvement in recent times. Yet the huge gap calls for remedial action by way of affirmative action.

There are three reasons reservation may not be the right affirmative action needed in this case. There is a legal-constitutional issue. The Constitution does not explicitly allow a religious community to be recognised as a “socially and educationally backward class”; the judiciary has rejected this possibility. There is a sociological issue: Muslims are not a homogenous community; they comprise hundreds of biradaris whose social, educational and economic profile varies as widely as Hindu castes. And there is a political issue: In the present and foreseeable context, any proposal for reservation for Muslims would be used to orchestrate a country-wide counter-mobilisation, the last thing Muslims need in today’s India.

What, then, is the option to address the socio-economic disadvantage and discrimination that Muslims suffer from? This challenge is different from the security and identity challenges all Muslims face as a religious minority, something they may share with other religious minorities like Christians who do not face educational or economic disadvantage. The report recommends a cluster of overlapping policies, none meant exclusively for Muslims, that could be trusted to help improve their educational and economic condition.

The report suggests an alternative religion-agnostic “quota approach”. One, instead of providing separate reservation to Muslims or including all Muslims in the OBC category, there is a need to ensure that all backward Muslim communities are included in OBC lists. Currently, only half the Muslim population qualifies for OBC benefits. Evidence shows that the educational and economic condition of more than three-fourths of Muslims makes them eligible to be considered as OBC. States like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and West Bengal have started the remedial action of including more Muslim communities; the North Indian Hindi belt needs to follow this path.

Two, instead of one blanket category of OBC, it should be split into at least two lists of “extremely backward” and “backward” communities. The report argues against the temptation to put Muslim OBCs into a separate sub-quota (as has been done in Kerala and Karnataka). Different Muslim communities should be placed in different lists of OBCs depending on the evidence of their backwardness. Third, this religion-agnostic approach would also require that the current ban on “untouchable” Muslim communities from being classified as SC be removed. Dalit Muslims (and Christians) should enjoy the benefits of reservation. Finally, to address institutional discrimination strictly on religious grounds, there is a need for an anti-discrimination law and an Equal Opportunity Commission to monitor its implementation.

The report’s recommendations go beyond reservation and the public sector. One, it backs the “spatial approach” of targeted improvement of public infrastructure in localities with concentration of Muslim population. This has been tried after SCR, moving from identification of Minority Concentration Districts to blocks, localities and villages. There is a need to fine-tune this to guard against gaming the system to benefit only the non-Muslim population in these areas. Two, the report endorses the “sectoral approach” involving substantial state support for enterprises and occupations such as weaving, lock and brass manufacture, carpet and perfume-making and the meat industry that happen to be dominated by Muslim communities. This approach could also involve targeting educational sectors where Muslims enjoy a comparative advantage or where their presence requires a special boost.

Source:indianexpress.com

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"Islam is religion of Arab, here everyone was Hindu..." says IAS officer Niaz Khan

 Feb 17, 2025

Bhopal (/topic/bhopal) (Madhya Pradesh (/topic/madhya-pradesh)) [India], February 17 (ANI): An IAS (Indian Administrative Service) officer of Madhya Pradesh (/topic/madhya-pradesh) Cadre, Niyaz Khan (/topic/niyaz-khan) has hit the headlines following his post on X stating Islam (/topic/islam) is the religion of Arab (/topic/arab) and everyone in India was Hindu (/topic/hindu). He further said that people were converted from Hindu (/topic/hindu)s to Muslims and appealed Muslims to reconsider whoever considers Arab (/topic/arab)s as ideal. "Islam (/topic/islam) is the religion of Arab (/topic/arab). Here (referring to India) everyone was Hindu (/topic/hindu). People were converted from Hindu (/topic/hindu)s to Muslims. Therefore, even if the religion is different, the blood is the same. All have been part of the same culture. If the Muslims who consider Arab (/topic/arab)s as ideal should reconsider. First consider Hindu (/topic/hindu)s as your brothers and then Arab (/topic/arab)s," read the post of Niyaz Khan (/topic/niyaz-khan) on X, shared on Sunday, February 16. Meanwhile, Khan spoke to ANI on Monday and highlighted that following the news related to Hindu (/topic/hindu)-Muslim these days, he shared his view to let people know that the origin of everyone is the same. "Regularly I read news related to Hindu (/topic/hindu)-Muslim so I thought to share my views on why we fight each other, the origin of everyone is the same. This is a Hindu (/topic/hindu) nation from the beginning; foreign rulers arrived, conversion occurred then Christian, Islam (/topic/islam) and other religions expanded. Originally we all are brothers, today there are different religious beliefs but originally everyone converted from here (India). Only 1-2 percent of people might have settled here from Arab (/topic/arab)ia, otherwise mostly people are of Indian-origin. Basically, I believe that hatred should not spread in the country, everyone lives with love and peace," Khan said. He stressed that he gave a message to society that everyone's or igin is the same, so everyone should be united and make a strong nation. The IAS officer (/topic/ias-officer) further said, "Everyone here was a part of Sanatan Dharma (/topic/sanatan-dharma) and later people converted. Though every religion has its importance...If anyone examines my genes in the laboratory then it will not match with Arab (/topic/arab) countries, it will match with India. It is taught everywhere that foreign invaders came and conversions took place. Everyone originated from Hindu (/topic/hindu) Dharma, I have said this in my tweet. More than 90 people of other religions are converted." The IAS officer (/topic/ias-officer) further said that he expressed his thoughts within the limits of the constitution. If anyone disagrees with his thought then the one could express it constitutionally. (ANI) 

Source:aninews.in

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7 Muslim youths detained in Rajasthan for sexually exploiting minor girls, attempting to convert them

17 February 2025

Jaipur: Police detained seven Muslim youths in Rajasthan's Beawar district for allegedly sexually exploiting minor girls and attempting to forcefully convert them, a police official said on Monday.Three FIRs have been registered against 10 Muslim men after complaints by the family members of five girls at the Bijai Nagar police station under the relevant sections for sexual exploitation, rape, stalking and various sections of POCSO Act."Five girls have complained that some men gave them Chinese mobiles and sexually exploited them. Three FIRs have been registered and statements of the girls have been recorded," DSP Sajjan Singh said.

He said that the accused had allegedly contacted the girls through social media and gave them Chinese mobile phones to talk to them. The girls also alleged in their complaint that they were being blackmailed and forced into religious conversion.He said that seven accused named in the FIR have been detained and are being interrogated, adding that a magisterial investigation is pending.

Source:deccanherald.com

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Mideast

 

Settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque

18 Feb 2025

Dozens of settlers stormed the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque under the protection of the Zionist enemy forces.

Local sources reported, according to the Palestinian News Agency, that dozens of settlers stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque and performed Talmudic rituals in its courtyards, under the protection of the occupation forces, which tightened their military measures at the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque.

In another context, the Israeli occupation authorities handed the Governor of Quds , Adnan Ghaith, on Sunday evening, a decision to prevent him from entering the West Bank for a new period of four months.

The occupation intelligence had summoned Governor Ghaith today, before handing him the decision to renew his ban from entering the West Bank.

Source:saba.ye

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Islamic Jihad Movement condemns Zionist enemy's assassination of Qassam leader

18 Feb 2025

The Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine condemned the Zionist enemy's assassination of the leader of the Qassam Brigades, Muhammad Ibrahim Shahin, on Monday afternoon in the city of Sidon, southern Lebanon.

The Jihad Movement said in a press statement that "this treacherous and cowardly assassination, which expresses the aggressive and criminal nature of the leaders of the usurping entity, is a dangerous escalation aimed at sowing confusion."

Source:saba.ye

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Egypt is developing a plan to rebuild Gaza, countering Trump’s call to depopulate the territory

February 18, 2025

CAIRO: Egypt is developing a plan to rebuild Gaza without forcing Palestinians out of the strip in a counter to President Donald Trump’s proposal to depopulate the territory so the US can take it over.

Egypt’s state-run Al-Ahram newspaper said the proposal calls for establishing “secure areas” within Gaza where Palestinians can live initially while Egyptian and international construction firms remove and rehabilitate the strip’s infrastructure.

Egyptian officials have been discussing the plan with European diplomats as well as with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, according to two Egyptian officials and Arab and Western diplomats. They are also discussing ways to fund the reconstruction, including an international conference on Gaza reconstruction, said one of the Egyptian officials and an Arab diplomat.

The officials and diplomats spoke on condition of anonymity because the proposal is still being negotiated.

The proposal comes after an international uproar over Trump’s call for the removal of Gaza’s population of some 2 million Palestinians. Trump said the United States would take over the Gaza Strip and rebuild it into a “Riviera of the Middle East,” though Palestinians would not be allowed back.

Palestinians have widely said they will not leave their homeland, while Egypt, Jordan – backed by Saudi Arabia – have refused Trump’s calls for them to take in Gaza’s population. Rights groups have widely said the plan amounts to forced expulsion, a potential war crime. European countries have also largely denounced Trump’s plan. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised the idea and says Israel is preparing to implement it.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was in Saudi Arabia on Monday in a tour of the region, has said the United States was up to hearing alternative proposals. “If the Arab countries have a better plan, then that’s great,” Rubio said Thursday on the US radio program “Clay and Buck Show.”

Egypt’s Al-Ahram newspaper said the proposal is designed to “refute American President Trump’s logic” and counter “any other visions or plans that aim to change the geographic and demographic structure of Gaza Strip.”

Gaza is nearing a critical juncture with the first phase of a ceasefire due to run out in early March. Israel and Hamas must still negotiate a second phase meant to bring a release of all remaining hostages held by the militants, a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a long-term halt to the war.

Any reconstruction plan will be impossible to implement without a deal on the second phase, including an agreement on who will govern Gaza in the long term. Israel demands the elimination of Hamas as a political or military force in the territory, and international donors are unlikely to contribute to any rebuilding if Hamas is in charge.

Central in Egypt’s proposal is the establishment of a Palestinian administration that is not aligned with either Hamas or the Palestinian Authority to run the strip and oversee the reconstruction efforts, according to the two Egyptian officials involved in the efforts.

It also calls for a Palestinian police force mainly made up of former Palestinian Authority policemen who remained in Gaza after Hamas took over the enclave in 2007, with reinforcement from Egyptian- and Western-trained forces.

Asked about the possibility of deploying an Arab force in Gaza one Egyptian official and the Arab diplomat said Arab countries would only agree if there were a “clear path” for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected any Palestinian state as well as any role for Hamas or the Western-backed Palestinian Authority in governing Gaza, though he has not put forward any clear alternative.

Hamas has said it is willing to give up power in Gaza. Hamas spokesman Abdul Latif Al-Qanou told The Associated Press on Sunday that the group has accepted either a Palestinian unity government without Hamas’ participation or a committee of technocrats to run the territory. The Palestinian Authority, which governs pockets of the West Bank, has so far opposed any plans for Gaza that exclude it.

The Western diplomat said France and Germany have backed the idea of Arab countries developing a counterproposal to Trump’s plan, and that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi discussed his government’s efforts with the French president in a phone call earlier this month.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty also briefed the German foreign minister and other EU officials on the sidelines of last week’s Munich security conference, one of the Egyptian officials said.

Officials from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan will discuss Egypt’s proposal at a gathering in Riyadh this week, before introducing it to the Arab summit later this month, according to the two Egyptian officials and the Arab diplomat.

Isarel’s 16-month campaign in Gaza, triggered by Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack, devastated the territory. Around a quarter million housing units have been destroyed or damaged, according to UN estimates. More than 90 percent of the roads and more than 80 percent of health facilities have been damaged or destroyed. Damage to infrastructure has been estimated at some $30 billion, along with an estimated $16 billion in damaged to housing.

Egypt’s plan calls for a three-phase reconstruction process that will take up to five years without removing Palestinians from Gaza, the Egyptian officials said.

It designates three “safe zones” within Gaza to relocate Palestinians during an initial six-month “early recovery period.” The zones will be equipped with mobile houses and shelters, with humanitarian aid streaming in.

More than two dozen Egyptian and international firms would take part in removing the rubble and rebuilding the strip’s infrastructure. The reconstruction would provide tens of thousands of jobs to Gaza’s population, the officials said.

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Israel defense minister announces agency for ‘voluntary departure’ of Gazans

February 17, 2025

JERUSALEM: Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz said Monday that a special agency would be established for the “voluntary departure” of Gazans, after Israel expressed commitment to a US proposal to take over the Palestinian territory and expel its residents.

“Defense Minister Israel Katz held a meeting today (Monday) on the voluntary departure of Gaza residents, at the end of which he decided that a directorate for the voluntary departure of Gaza residents would be established within the ministry of defense,” a ministry statement said.

Earlier this month, Katz said he had ordered the army to formulate a plan to allow Palestinians to leave Gaza, adding that he welcomed “Trump’s bold plan, which could allow a large portion of Gaza’s population to relocate to various places around the world.”

An initial plan presented during the meeting on Monday “includes extensive assistance that will allow any Gaza resident who wishes to emigrate voluntarily to a third country to receive a comprehensive package, which includes, among other things, special departure arrangements via sea, air, and land,” the statement added.

Earlier on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was “committed to US President Donald Trump’s plan for the creation of a different Gaza,” also promising that after the war, “there will be neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority” ruling the territory.

Trump’s repeated proposal for a US “takeover” of Gaza and the resettlement of Palestinians in other countries such as Egypt and Jordan lacks detail but has triggered widespread international outrage.

Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel sparked the Gaza Strip’s deadliest war and resulted in the deaths of 1,211 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed at least 48,284 people in Gaza, the majority of them civilians, according to figures from the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory that the United Nations considers reliable.

More than 15 months of war destroyed or damaged more than 69 percent of Gaza’s buildings, displaced almost the entire population, and triggered widespread hunger, according to the United Nations.

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Palestinian detainee says he was tortured in Israeli detention center

February 17, 2025

KHAN YOUNIS: Palestinian medic and ambulance worker Tarek Rabie Safi, freed from an Israeli jail as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, said he was underfed and abused during almost a year in captivity.

Safi, a 39-year-old father of two, was released along with 368 other Palestinian detainees on Saturday, after Hamas freed three Israeli hostages from Gaza.

Palestinian prisoners and Israeli hostages have both complained of harsh treatment in the hands of their captors.

“I was held by the Israeli army in the Gaza ‘envelop’, which is Sde Teiman where I stayed for four months (and I was subjected to) torture of our bodies (physical torture) and hunger,” a gaunt-looking Safi said.

“(There was) no (decent) food, or drinks, or (medical) treatment. My arm was broken, and they did not treat me, and they did not get me checked by a doctor.”

The Israeli military rejected the claims in an emailed response to Reuters’ queries, saying detainees are given food and drink regularly and have access to medical care, and that if necessary, they are transferred to a medical facility with advanced capabilities.

Safi, who was detained in March last year near Khan Younis in southern Gaza, said a detainee who was in the same room with him had died as a result of his treatment.

“A young man who was with me was martyred, Mussab Haniyeh, may God have mercy on him, in the same room. This young man was strong, but due to the lack of food, lack of drinks and frequent torture, he was martyred in front of our eyes,” Safi said.

After four months in the detention center, Safi was moved to other Israeli jails until his release in Khan Younis, where he was reunited with his family in emotional scenes.

The Israeli military said it is aware of incidents of detainee deaths, but cannot comment since investigations are pending.

The Palestinian Prisoner Association, which documents Israeli detentions of Palestinians, said that Israel is carrying out “systematic crimes and revenge attacks” against prisoners, most recently in the Israeli-occupied West Bank’s Ofer prison.

Abdullah Al-Zaghari, head of the association, said that the group had documented horrific testimonies, including severe beatings and shackling prisoners for days and weeks without food or water.

Reuters is unable to independently confirm the reports.

Human rights group Amnesty International said last year that 27 released detainees it had interviewed consistently described being subjected to torture on at least one occasion during their arrest.

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Israel minister says Hamas must leave Gaza, surrender arms

February 17, 2025

JERUSALEM: Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Monday that Hamas militants must surrender their arms and leave Gaza.

He was speaking ahead of a cabinet meeting to discuss the next phase of the truce between Israel and Hamas Palestinian militants.

Smotrich in a video statement said he “will demand a vote” by ministers on US President Donald Trump’s plan and that Israel must “issue a clear ultimatum to Hamas — immediately release all hostages, leave Gaza for other countries, and lay down your arms.”

“If Hamas refuses this ultimatum, Israel will open the gates of hell,” said Smotrich, echoing an expression used by both Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

A strong opponent of stopping the war, he has threatened to quit Netanyahu’s ruling coalition if the war is not resumed after the end of the first stage of the ceasefire.

Trump’s plan lacked detail but has triggered widespread outrage internationally for his call to resettle Palestinians in other countries such as Egypt and Jordan under a US “takeover” of Gaza.

Smotrich said Israel should go for a “complete conquest” of the territory.

According to Israeli media, the security cabinet convened on Monday evening to discuss phase two of the fragile ceasefire which began on January 19.

More than 15 months of war destroyed or damaged more than 69 percent of Gaza’s buildings, displaced almost the entire population, and triggered widespread hunger, according to the United Nations.

“It’s them or us. Either we crush Hamas, or God forbid, Hamas will crush us,” Smotrich said.

“I call on the prime minister to declare that once the war resumes after Phase One, Israel will, from the first day, seize 10 percent of Gaza’s territory, establish full sovereignty there, and immediately apply Israeli law,” he added.

“Furthermore, it must be announced that once combat resumes, all humanitarian aid will be completely halted.”

Smotrich further said that according to a plan currently in preparation “Gaza’s residents will be allowed to leave, but only in one direction — with no possibility of return.”

“The loss of territory is the only heavy price our enemies understand — the only thing that will make them realize we are serious,” Smotrich added.

Since the first phase of the truce began last month, 19 Israeli hostages have been released in exchange for more than 1,100 Palestinian prisoners.

Out of 251 people seized in Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which sparked the war, 70 remain in Gaza, including 35 the Israeli military says are dead.

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King Abdullah reaffirms Jordan’s stance on Palestinian cause, rejects displacement and resettlement

February 17, 2025

AMMAN: King Abdullah II on Monday reiterated Jordan’s stance on the Palestinian cause, rejecting any form of displacement, resettlement, or the establishment of an alternative homeland, the Jordan News Agency reported.

Speaking at the Royal Hashemite Court during a meeting with military retirees on the occasion of Veterans Day and accompanied by his son Crown Prince Hussein, the king reaffirmed his long-standing position.

“For 25 years, I have been saying no to displacement, no to resettlement, no to the alternative homeland,” the king said.

Despite ongoing regional challenges, the king said he remained optimistic, attributing his conviction to the support of Jordanians, the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army, security agencies, and retired military personnel. He also praised veterans, acknowledging their continued readiness to serve the nation.

King Abdullah reflected on his recent visit to Washington, where he emphasized Jordan’s commitment to maintaining stability and protecting national interests during a meeting with US President Donald Trump.

He stressed the importance of reconstructing Gaza without displacing its residents and called for efforts to de-escalate tensions in the West Bank.

Reaffirming Jordan’s commitment to a just and lasting peace, the king underscored that a two-state solution remained the only viable path to stability in the region.

Maj. Gen. Ismail Al-Shobaki, speaking on behalf of the military retirees, praised King Abdullah’s leadership and commitment to Jordanian interests, as well as his support for Arab allies, particularly the Palestinian people.

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Event to mark end of school year at noble Prophet, Imam Zaid Centers in New Sana'a

17 Feb 2025

Today, a speech event was held at the noble Prophet and Imam Zaid centers affiliated with the late Sheikh Mohsen Abu Nishtan educational centers in the new Sana'a Directorate, to conclude the academic year 1446 AH.

In the event, the Minister of Transport and Public Works, Mohammed Qahim, referred to the role of the late Sheikh Abu Nishtan educational centers in raising a generation knowledgeable about the Book of God, the Noble Hadith, Tajweed, doctrine, jurisprudence and reading.

He praised the efforts of teachers and those in charge of the center in educating and teaching students and providing them with important knowledge to enhance adherence to the faith identity.

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Deadline for Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon expires

February 18, 2025

BEIRUT: A deadline expired Tuesday for all Israeli troops to leave south Lebanon under a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah, hours after Israel said it planned to remain in five strategic locations.

Israeli troops had started withdrawing Monday from some border villages, according to a Lebanese security official, but they seemed poised to stay in key areas.

“Israeli forces are beginning to withdraw from border villages, including Mais Al-Jabal and Blida, as the Lebanese army advances,” the official said, requesting anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.

Hezbollah strongholds in south and east Lebanon and south Beirut saw heavy destruction during two months of all-out war and a year of cross-border hostilities initiated by Hezbollah over the Gaza conflict.

Authorities estimate reconstruction costs could reach more than $10 billion, while more than 100,000 remain internally displaced according to United Nations figures.

Despite the devastation, thousands have been waiting eagerly since the November 27 ceasefire to return home, inspect their properties and in some cases search for the dead under the rubble.

“I miss sitting in front of my house, near my roses and having a morning cup of coffee,” said Fatima Shukeir, in her sixties, who plans to return to her border village after more than a year and a half of displacement.

“I miss everything in Mais Al-Jabal, I miss my neighbors. We were separated and I don’t know where they went,” Shukeir said.

Several border towns and villages, including Mais Al-Jabal’s municipality, have called on displaced residents to wait for the Lebanese army to deploy there before coming back, so as to guarantee their “safe” return.

Lebanese television channel LBCI reported Tuesday that the country’s army had moved overnight into Mais Al-Jabal, Blida, Yaroun, Maroun and Mahbib.

Under the ceasefire, brokered by Washington and Paris, Lebanon’s military was to deploy alongside United Nations peacekeepers as the Israeli army withdrew over a 60-day period that was extended to February 18.

Hezbollah was to pull back north of the Litani River, about 30 kilometers (20 miles) from the border, and dismantle remaining military infrastructure there.

Hours before the deadline, Israel’s military said Monday it would remain temporarily “in five strategic points” dotted along the length of the shared border in order to “continue to defend our residents and to make sure there’s no immediate threat.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israel would do what it has to in order to “enforce” the ceasefire.

“Hezbollah must be disarmed,” he added.

Lebanese authorities have rejected any extension of the withdrawal period, urging sponsors of the deal to pressure Israel to pull out.

Israeli troops are still present in a handful of villages and towns in southeast Lebanon.

“We’ll go to our town and be happy (again), despite the fact that our homes have been destroyed and we lost young people,” Shukeir said.

On Monday, Ramzi Kaiss from Human Rights Watch said “Israel’s deliberate demolition of civilian homes and infrastructure” was making it “impossible for many residents to return.”

Since the cross-border hostilities began in October 2023, more than 4,000 people have been killed in Lebanon, according to the health ministry.

On the Israeli side of the border, 78 people including soldiers have been killed, according to an AFP tally based on official figures, with an additional 56 troops dead in southern Lebanon during the ground offensive.

Around 60 people have reportedly been killed since the truce began, two dozen of them on January 26 as residents tried to return to border towns on the initial withdrawal deadline.

On Monday evening, Lebanon’s government said the state should be the sole bearer of arms, in a thinly veiled message on Hezbollah’s arsenal.

Calls for the Iran-backed group’s disarmament have multiplied since the end of the war that has weakened the group.

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Syrians return to Homs, ‘capital of the revolution’

February 18, 2025

HOMS, Syria: Once dubbed the capital of the revolution against Bashar Assad, Homs saw some of the fiercest fighting in Syria’s civil war. Now, displaced people are returning to their neighborhoods, only to find them in ruins.

It was in Homs that rebels first took up arms to fight Assad’s crackdown on protests in 2011.

The military responded by besieging and bombarding rebel areas such as Baba Amr, where US journalist Marie Colvin and French journalist Remi Ochlik were killed in a bombing in 2012.

Since Assad’s ouster, people have started returning to neighborhoods they fled following successive evacuation agreements that saw Assad take back control.

“The house is burned down, there are no windows, no electricity,” said Duaa Turki at her dilapidated home in Khaldiyeh neighborhood.

“We removed the rubble, lay a carpet” and moved in, said the 30-year-old mother of four.

“Despite the destruction, we’re happy to be back. This is our neighborhood and our land.”

Her husband spends his days looking for a job, she said, while they hope humanitarian workers begin distributing aid to help the family survive.

The siege of Homs lasted two years and killed around 2,200 people, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

During the siege, thousands of civilians and rebels were left with nothing to eat but dried foods and grass.

In May 2014, under an evacuation deal negotiated with the former government, most of those trapped in the siege were evacuated, and two years later, Assad seized the last rebel district of Waer.

“We were besieged... without food or water, under air raids, and barrel bombings,” before being evacuated to the rebel-held north, Turki said.

AFP journalists saw dozens of families returning to Homs from northern Syria, many of them tearful as they stepped out of the buses organized by local activists.

Among them was Adnan Abu Al-Ezz, 50, whose son was wounded by shelling during the siege and who later died because soldiers at a checkpoint barred him from taking him to hospital.

“They refused to let me pass, they were mocking me,” he said with tears in his eyes.

“I knew my house was nearly destroyed, but I came back to the precious soil of Homs,” he said.

While protests and fighting spread across Syria over the course of the 13-year war, Homs’s story of rebellion holds profound symbolism for the demonstrators.

It was there that Abdel Basset Al-Sarout, a football goalkeeper in the national youth team, joined the protests and eventually took up arms.

He became something of a folk hero to many before he joined an Islamist armed group and was eventually killed in fighting.

In 2013, his story became the focus of a documentary by Syrian filmmaker Talal Derki named “The Return to Homs,” which won international accolades.

Homs returnee Abu Al-Moatasim, who remembers Sarout, recounted being detained for joining a protest.

When he saw security personnel approaching in a car, he prayed for “God to drop rocket on us so I die” before reaching the detention center, one of a network dotted around the country that were known for torture.

His father bribed an officer in exchange for his release a few days later, he said.

In Baba Amr, for a time early in the war a bastion of the rebel Free Syrian Army, there was rubble everywhere.

The army recaptured the district in March 2012, following a siege and an intense bombardment campaign.

It was there that Colvin and Ochlik were killed in a bombing of an opposition press center.

In 2019, a US court found Assad’s government culpable in Colvin’s death, ordering a $302.5 million judgment for what it called an “unconscionable” attack that targeted journalists.

Touring the building that housed the press center, Abdel Qader Al-Anjari, 40, said he was an activist helping foreign journalists at that time.

“Here we installed the first Internet router to communicate with the outside world,” he said.

“Marie Colvin was martyred here, targeted by the regime because they did not want (anyone) to document what was happening,” he said.

He described her as a “friend” who defied the “regime blackout imposed on journalists” and others documenting the war.

After leaving Homs, Anjari himself became a rebel fighter, and years later took part in the offensive that ousted Assad on December 8, 2024.

“Words cannot describe what I felt when I reached the outskirts of Homs,” he said.

Now, he has decided to lay down his arms.

“This phase does not call for fighters, it calls for people to build a state,” he said.

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Families yearn for an end to PKK-Turkiye war

February 17, 2025

DIYARBAKIR, Turkiye: A mother weeping for a teenaged daughter shot dead by a Turkish sniper and a father mourning a son killed by PKK militants are among countless families hoping that a new peace drive can end Turkiye’s four-decade-old Kurdish conflict.

Both live in the Kurdish-majority southeast, where tens of thousands of lives have been lost in violence between the Turkish state and the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

The new peace efforts are backed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government, and families on both sides of the divide want it to succeed.

At her home in the city of Diyarbakir, Fahriye Cukur, 63, cannot take her eyes off a picture on the wall of her daughter Rozerin in school uniform. She was killed during clashes between militants and security forces in January 2016.

The collapse of a truce in 2015 sparked a new round of the conflict when many government curfews were imposed, including in the city’s Sur district.

Cukur said her daughter — who was passionate about photography — had gone to Sur during a break in a curfew to collect exam papers from friends. But the authorities suddenly reduced the break from five hours to three and the fighting reignited.

“People were stuck there, including my daughter. She took refuge at the home of an elderly couple, but when she tried to leave, she was shot by a sniper,” her mother told AFP.

The family found out about the death through a news bulletin.

It took five months, several protests and a hunger strike for the grieving parents to get her body back.

Cukur said the authorities had mixed up their teenage daughter with a female PKK fighter, codenamed Roza, who had been hiding in the same district.

They claimed she had been trained in the mountains, but her mother told AFP: “My daughter was never engaged in political activism.

“She loved school, she wanted to become a psychiatrist and help her people,” she added, indicating the “TC” insignia — meaning “republic of Turkiye” — on her school uniform.

The PKK’s jailed founder Abdullah Ocalan is widely expected to urge followers to lay down their arms in the coming weeks.

Many families hope this will end the conflict and spare other families from the pain they live with.

“We can’t forget what happened but we have to hope. I have two more kids: how do I know the same thing won’t happen to them tomorrow?” she said.

Last month, the International Crisis Group said clashes between the militants and Turkish troops were largely confined to northern parts of Iraq and Syria, with violence on Turkish soil at its lowest level since 2015.

“At least we can breathe a bit now,” she said.

“I want the bloodshed to stop. I want a ceasefire. And I am not alone.”

In the nearby province of Mardin, Sehmuz Kaya, a 67-year-old Kurd, recalled how his son Vedat, a police officer, was kidnapped by PKK militants in eastern Turkiye in July 2015.

Vedat Kaya, wearing civilian clothes, was in a car with his brother and four others when militants blocked the road.

“They only kidnapped Vedat,” he told AFP, saying it was months before the family saw a PKK video of him in the Kandil mountains of northern Iraq.

The family tried every possible channel, through the state and the main pro-Kurdish party, to secure his release.

But after six years, they received a devastating call from the authorities, who said he was one of the 13 “Gara martyrs.” The 13, all but one of whom were soldiers or police, had been killed by the PKK in the Gara region of northern Iraq.

“I was devastated,” he said, struggling for words, saying his son had been tortured before his death.

“They have no faith nor conscience. My son was just doing his job,” he said.

Pinned on the ceiling is a huge Turkish flag, and on the walls are photos of Vedat, whose name has been given to a nearby park.

Although he wants peace more than anything, he admitted he has little faith.

“They are not honest,” he snapped, referring to DEM, the main pro-Kurdish party that is relaying messages from Ocalan to the government. He suspects they have ties to the PKK.

“The families of the martyrs are heartbroken. Enough is enough,” he said. “We support the process but we want something real.”

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Israel preparing to receive bodies of four hostages on Thursday, security official says

February 17, 2025

JERUSALEM: Israel is preparing to receive the bodies of four hostages from Gaza on Thursday and is working on bringing back six living captives on Saturday, an Israeli security official said on Monday.

If the two handovers are successful, only four hostages, all presumed dead, would remain in Gaza of the 33 due to be released in the first phase of a ceasefire agreement reached last month to halt the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The ceasefire deal, reached with the help of Qatari and Egyptian mediators, has remained on track despite a series of temporary setbacks and accusations on both sides of violations to the agreement that have threatened to derail it.

Hamas has accused Israel of blocking the delivery of housing materials for the tens of thousands of Gazans forced to shelter from the winter weather among the ruins left by 15 months of Israeli bombardment.

Israel has denied the accusation but Zeev Elkin, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet, confirmed that a quantity of mobile homes was standing at the border.

He said Israel would use “any leverage” it had over Hamas to secure the return of the 33 hostages due to come out in the first phase of the deal, which includes the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees and the withdrawal of Israeli troops.

“Israel has a goal of bringing forward the release of the first phase hostages, certainly the living ones,” he told public broadcaster Kansas

So far, 19 Israeli hostages have been returned, as well as five Thais, who were handed over in an unscheduled release. Hamas has said 25 of the 33 hostages due for release in the first phase are alive.

The ceasefire deal has been overshadowed by US President Donald Trump’s call for Palestinians to be moved out and for Gaza to be taken over as a waterfront development under US control.

But officials say work has begun on the second phase of the deal, which would would address the return of the remaining hostages and the Israeli withdrawal.

An Israeli team has already traveled to Cairo and the security cabinet also cleared a high-level Israeli delegation to travel to Qatar for talks on the second phase.

“We all want to proceed to phase two and release the hostages, the question is under what conditions is the war ended,” Elkin said. “This is the main issue for the negotiations of the second phase.”

The hostages were taken in the Hamas-led cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, which also killed about 1,200 people in southern Israel, according to Israeli tallies.

Israel’s retaliatory assault on Gaza has killed more than 48,000 Palestinians, according to Palestinian health officials, laid waste to much of the enclave, and displaced hundreds of thousands.

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Syria arrests 3 men suspected of links to Tadamon massacre in which hundreds were executed

February 17, 2025

TADAMON: Security forces in Syria said on Monday that they arrested three people involved in the execution of hundreds of civilians by government forces in Damascus in 2013, two years after the country’s 13-year civil war began.

Dozens of police and security trucks lined the streets of Tadamon, a Damascus suburb near the Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp, where they carried out the arrests in the same streets that once bore witness to mass executions.

Masked, rifle-wielding men moved through hollowed-out buildings, remnants of a war that turned the district into a front line between government forces and opposition fighters.

In 2022, a leaked video dated April 16, 2013, appeared to contain harrowing footage of the executions. The near seven-minute clip showed members of Syria’s notorious Military Intelligence Branch 227 leading a line of about 40 blindfolded prisoners, their hands tied behind their backs, into an abandoned building in Tadamon. One by one, the gunmen pushed or kicked the prisoners into a trench filled with old tires, shooting them as they fell.

One of the three men arrested was Monzer Al-Jazairi, a resident of the Zahira neighborhood and a former operative with the military security that operated before the fall of Bashar Assad in December 2024.

“We used to bring detainees arrested at checkpoints, put them under the buildings here and execute them, and then after we’re done, explode the buildings over them,” Al-Jazairi told The Associated Press. It was unclear whether Al-Jazairi, flanked by security men as he spoke, was speaking under duress or voluntarily.

“Every batch constituted around 25 (people),” he said, adding that “around one week” passed between one batch and the next. He estimated that he and his colleagues killed “around 500” people.

Damascus Security Chief Lt. Col. Abdul Rahman Al-Dabbagh corroborated the number, citing additional confessions from those arrested.

“Many of those killed used to be collected at checkpoints and security (detention) centers, brought to Tadamon neighborhood, where they were executed,” Al-Dabbagh told the AP.

The two other arrested suspects were identified as Somer Mohammed Al-Mahmoud and Imad Mohammed Al-Mahmoud.

Years after the Syrian war’s worst massacres and mass disappearances, most alleged crimes have not been investigated and remain unpunished.

Since Assad’s ouster, Syrian security forces, under the new leadership led by the Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham group, have been tracking down and arresting remnants of the former government and military across the country.

“The operation is ongoing to apprehend all those involved in violations and massacres against Syrians,” Al-Dabbagh said.

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Europe

 

Russian court issues arrest warrant for Western journalist

18 Feb, 2025

A Russian court has issued an arrest warrant for Swiss journalist Kurt Pelda, who was charged with illegally crossing the border together with invading Ukrainian troops. If found guilty and apprehended, he will face up to five years in prison.

Kiev launched an offensive into Russia’s Kursk Region in early August, capturing the town of Sudzha and dozens of villages. Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky has claimed that the incursion across the internationally recognized border was an attempt to gain leverage for future peace talks.

In a decision announced on Monday, a Kursk city court found that Pelda, a reporter with CH Media, was part of “an organized group” that in August 2024 “illegally entered the territory of the Russian Federation with the goal of filming a report about the incursion of Ukraine’s military units.”

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has stated that foreign journalists embedded with Ukrainian forces were providing “propaganda” for Kiev and “covering up” crimes against civilians. According to Moscow, Ukrainian soldiers committed atrocities in Kursk Region, including the killing of 22 residents in the village of Russkoye Porechnoye.

Zakharova said reporters were operating on Russian territory without visas. Moscow previously issued arrest warrants for several Western journalists who traveled with Ukrainian troops, including Nick Paton Walsh (CNN), Catherine Norris Trent (France 24), Alberto Rojas (El Mundo), and Nick Connolly (Deutsche Welle).

In January, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported that the Ukrainian military had briefly detained Pelda and two other journalists on suspicion of “illegally crossing the border” into Russia the same month. Pelda told the CPJ he feared that Kiev would not renew his accreditation due the incident.

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Germany will not send troops to Ukraine without ‘US involvement’ – AFP

17 Feb, 2025

Berlin will not send peacekeepers to Ukraine unless the US commits its own forces as well, AFP reported on Monday, citing a source in the German government.

The reported remarks come after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ruled out deploying American troops as part of potential security guarantees to Kiev.

“We will not participate in scenarios in which European and American security diverges, for example if European soldiers are deployed without full US involvement,” a German official told AFP.

Poland has also dismissed the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine. “Poland will support Ukraine as it has done so far: organizationally, in accordance with our financial capabilities, in terms of humanitarian and military aid,” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Monday. “We do not plan to send Polish soldiers to the territory of Ukraine.”

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who described the Ukraine conflict as “existential,” announced on Sunday that he is ready to contribute troops as part of post-ceasefire “security guarantees” to Kiev.

Moscow has stressed that a peace settlement is possible only if the West addresses the “root causes” of the conflict, such as Ukraine’s plans to join NATO and the bloc’s continuing expansion eastward. Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s envoy to the UN, said earlier this month that only the UN Security Council can authorize the deployment of peacekeepers, and warned that Russia would treat “any foreign military units” that do not have UN backing as “legitimate targets.”

US President Donald Trump has promised to quickly end the conflict and has taken steps to restore diplomatic contact with Moscow, which was de facto frozen in 2022. US and Russian officials will discuss Ukraine in Riyadh on Tuesday.

Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky said that Kiev will not take part in the Riyadh talks and will “not recognize” any negotiations held without its consent. EU officials have expressed frustration with Trump, after he had a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 12 without their approval.

Source:rt.com

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Health and Care Partnership and BIMA share Ramadan advice

February 18, 2025

By Will Abbott

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, Muslims across the district are being encouraged to stay as healthy as possible.

Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership has teamed up with the British Islamic Medical Association to provide advice for individuals preparing for Ramadan.

Dr Salman Waqar, a GP and former president of the British Islamic Medical Association, said: "It is important that you try to stay active during Ramadan, like an evening walk to your local mosque or park, where possible.

"Don’t let Ramadan be a means of deconditioning the body to activity, especially for our elders, as it’s much harder to lose it if you don’t use it.

"If you have a long-term condition such as diabetes, kidney disease, or high blood pressure, and are thinking of fasting, please speak to a healthcare professional in the first instance and they will advise you on what to do.

"People with mental health conditions also respond in different ways in Ramadan; some find it helps and others really do struggle.

"Fasting can affect the absorption of medicines; a disruptive change in your sleeping pattern could cause a relapse; and fasting could be counterproductive for some people with eating disorders - which is why it’s important for you talk to the people looking after you, like your community mental health team, and they will advise you on what you could do.

"During Ramadan, smoking or chewing tobacco will invalidate your fast.

"This is an opportunity for you to try quitting, as all forms of tobacco increase our risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

"Some of you may decide to use nicotine skin patches, which may help during the day, and the majority of scholars say this does not invalidate your fast."

Source:thetelegraphandargus.co.uk

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Bradford Sunni Muslim Khalifa Society raises £23,000 for HRF

February 18, 2025

By Will Abbott

The Bradford Sunni Muslim Khalifa Society (BSMKS) has raised £23,000 to support a range of international, humanitarian aid programmes run by the Bradford-based Human Relief Foundation (HRF).

A spokesperson said: "The funds raised by BSMKS have been directed towards urgent humanitarian needs, including aid for victims of the ongoing crises in Palestine and Lebanon, and towards HRF’s ongoing international relief programmes."

Mohammed Talah, HRF's fundraising coordinator for the North, said: "We are incredibly grateful to the BSMKS and its community for their generosity and unwavering support.

"Their contributions will provide much-needed relief to those suffering from conflict, displacement, and natural disasters.

"Partnerships like these are crucial in ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most, and we deeply appreciate Masjid-e Usman’s commitment to making a difference."

Esmail Suleman, chair of the BSMKS, said: "We believe in supporting humanitarian efforts that have a real and lasting impact on vulnerable communities around the world.

"HRF’s longstanding dedication to delivering aid with transparency and efficiency made it an obvious choice for us.

"We are humbled by the generosity of our congregation and remain committed to assisting those in need through HRF’s life-changing initiatives."

Source:thetelegraphandargus.co.uk

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Hotel in Scotland's marriage mecca up for sale for offers of more than £1million

ByStuart Gillespie

17 FEB 2025

A hotel in Scotland’s marriage mecca has gone up for sale.

The Gables Hotel in Gretna in Dumfries and Galloway is in the market for offers of more than £1million.

The property was originally built more than 100 years ago and has 31 bedrooms – including five, four-poster bridal rooms. There’s also a suite with a whirlpool bath and the potential to add nine more rooms.

The beautifully manicured gardens have parking for 50 vehicles and the hotel also has a lounge bar capable of seating 70 guests. Other facilities include the Borders Restaurant, the Dovetail Suite, the Garden Room Suite and the Galloway Suite, which is ideal for weddings and other celebrations as it can accommodate up to 80 guests.

Gretna and Gretna Green are famous for their wedding industry, with thousands of couples marrying in the area each year.

The property is being marketed by Colliers’ Hotels Agency Team and Robert Smithson said: “The Gables Hotel presents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a well-performing business in a prime location. The hotel continues to perform strongly, particularly as management focuses on increasing revenue from accommodation while reducing reliance on food and beverage income.

“With its strong wedding trade, established corporate market, and potential for further growth through additional rooms and brand partnerships, this is a rare chance to invest in a business that is already delivering solid returns yet still has room for further development.”

Source:dailyrecord.co.uk

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Azerbaijan and IsDB discuss expanding cooperation in Islamic finance [PHOTO]

 17 February 2025

The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) held discussions on strengthening cooperation in Islamic finance and sukuk issuance, Azernews reports.

The talks occurred during a meeting between IsDB President Mohammed Al Jasser and CBA President Taleh Kazimov.

Al Jasser reaffirmed the IsDB’s commitment to supporting Azerbaijan through capacity building and technical assistance to enhance its Islamic finance framework. He also praised Azerbaijan’s investments in the bank’s sukuk and encouraged continued participation in upcoming issuances.

Source:azernews.az

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Starmer says US 'backstop' needed for Ukraine peace deal

February 18, 2025

Sir Keir Starmer has said any Ukraine peace deal would require a "US backstop" to deter Russia from attacking its neighbour again.

Speaking after a hastily convened meeting with European leaders in Paris, the prime minister repeated that he would consider deploying UK troops to Ukraine in the event of a lasting peace agreement.

He said a "US security guarantee was the only way to effectively deter Russia", and vowed to discuss the "key elements" of a peace deal with US President Donald Trump when the pair meet in Washington next week.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, a key Nato ally, said for his part that discussing sending troops to Ukraine at present was "completely premature" and he was "a little irritated" by the topic.

Sir Keir said Europe would "have to do more" to defend the continent in the face of the "generational" security challenge Russia posed.

He was keen to avoid explaining exactly what he meant by a "backstop" - but his allies suggest this could involve air support, logistics and intelligence capabilities.

European leaders convened at the Élysée Palace to discuss concerns over the Trump administration's decision to initiate peace talks with Russia - due to start in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday - alone.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Kyiv did not know about the talks and would not recognise any agreement made without its involvement.

US officials have suggested European nations would be consulted on peace talks with Russia, but not directly involved in them.

French President Emmanuel Macron posted on X in the early hours of Tuesday that he had "just spoken" with Trump and Zelensky.

"We will work on this together with all Europeans, Americans, and Ukrainians. This is the key," he said, adding that he "will continue these discussions in the coming days".

The Paris summit also took place days after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Europe would have to be primarily responsible for guaranteeing its own security going forward.

Sir Keir said the US was "not going to leave Nato" but that it was "time to take responsibility for our security, our continent".

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said transatlantic relations were in a "new stage", and that the meeting had confirmed the time had come for "a much greater ability for Europe to defend itself".

Sir Keir has indicated any troop contributions from the UK would be part of a multinational force to police the border between Ukrainian-held and Russian-held territory.

But experts say to do so effectively would be a massive undertaking that would require a large increase in defence spending.

Malcolm Chalmers, deputy director of the Royal United Services Institute, said that, unlike UN peacekeeping forces there to observe, if the force being proposed was intended to deter Russian attacks, it would be a "whole different matter altogether".

"You need credible, well-armed forces - and you not only need frontline forces, you need back-up forces, and air forces, and so on," he told the BBC. "That's a much bigger ask."

General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, a former Nato commander, said: "This cannot be a token force, it cannot be something that observes bad behaviour and stands on the sideline."

He told BBC Radio 4's World at One that it would have to do "effectively what Nato does on its own turf - really deter aggression", and would need to be "underpinned by a grand strategy for containment of Russia" that would make clear any future conflict would not be contained to Ukraine.

"Essentially, the force needs to be large enough to defeat an incursion," he added.

The former head of the British Army, Lord Dannatt, previously estimated such a force would need around 100,000 troops - with the UK contributing about two-fifths.

"We just haven't got that number available," he said on Saturday, adding that getting the military into shape to perform this role would come at a considerable cost.

The UK currently spends around 2.3% of its total economic output on defence. The government has committed to increasing defence spending to 2.5%, but has not said when this will be achieved.

Sir Keir earlier told reporters that the government would set out a path to meeting the 2.5% commitment once it finishes its strategic defence review.

"Part of my message to our European allies is that we've all got to step up on both capability and on spending and funding," he said.

"That includes the UK, which is why I've made that commitment to spend more."

Some European figures have signalled their agreement with this.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Europe had to "step up" defence spending and support for Ukraine, as "Russia is threatening all of Europe now, unfortunately", while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for a "surge" in defence spending.

Sir Keir was also joined in Paris by the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands, as well as the president of the European Council and Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte.

Prior to the meeting, European leaders had also expressed concern after Hegseth said it was "unrealistic" to expect Ukraine would return to its borders before 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea.

Hegseth also downplayed the prospect of Ukraine joining Nato - something Sir Keir had said it was on an "irreversible" path towards.

Sir Adrian noted these potential concessions to Russia, saying: "If we can't return Ukraine to what it was as a sovereign nation before this war, we have absolutely got to make it a lasting peace."

No 10 confirmed Sir Keir's trip to Washington earlier on Monday, after a minister said the UK could serve as a "bridge" between the US and Europe.

The BBC understands the PM offered to host a follow-up meeting of European leaders following the Washington trip.

Poland's Tusk has already indicated his nation would not send troops into Ukraine, but would continue to support it with military, financial and humanitarian aid.

UK government sources argue it is "no surprise" there was a difference of opinion between leaders, and that not every nation is willing to show their hand quite yet.

British diplomats do not believe every nation would need to commit to contributing troops - but some would. And whatever Europe's eventual role, US involvement would still be required.

Prof Chalmers said: "Having significant numbers of Nato troops on Ukrainian soil after a ceasefire would be a failure for Russia, so it's hard for me at this point to see Russia accepting such a presence as a part of the deal."

Deploying British troops would also require the approval of Parliament, something Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said he was confident "all sides of the house are likely to agree with".

Sir Keir's spokesperson said Parliament would be consulted "as appropriate" but this was "getting ahead of discussions" with other world leaders.

Fighting on the ground in Ukraine continued over the weekend, with at least three civilians killed in Russian strikes on Sunday, according to local authorities.

Several areas of Ukraine are under an emergency blackout following attacks on energy infrastructure, while Russia's defence ministry said it had intercepted and destroyed 90 Ukrainian drones on Sunday night.

Source:bbc.com

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Pope's health a 'complex clinical situation', Vatican says

February 18, 2025

Pope Francis is being treated for a "complex clinical situation" and will remain in hospital for as long as necessary, the Vatican has said.

The 88-year-old was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on Friday to undergo treatment and tests for bronchitis.

On Monday, the Vatican said the pontiff has a "polymicrobial infection" of his respiratory tract, which has required a change in his treatment.

A later update added that the Pope was "proceeding with the prescribed treatment" in a stable condition and did not have a fever. He also undertook some work and reading while in hospital on Monday.

"Pope Francis is touched by the numerous messages of affection and closeness that he has been receiving in recent hours," a statement added.

"He especially wants to extend his thanks to those who are hospitalised at this time, for the affection and love they have expressed through drawings and messages of good wishes; he prays for them and asks that they pray for him."

Before his admission last week, the Pope had bronchitis symptoms for several days and had delegated officials to read prepared speeches at events.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni also told reporters on Monday that the pontiff was in good spirits.

A short statement on his condition said: "All tests carried out to date are indicative of a complex clinical picture that will require appropriate hospitalisation."

The pontiff's weekly general audience, which is usually held each Wednesday, has been cancelled for this week, the statement added.

Over the weekend, the Vatican said the Pope was stable and that he'd been told to have "complete rest" to aid his recovery.

On Friday and Saturday he held a video call with the Holy Family Parish in Gaza, led by Father Gabriel Romanelli.

"We heard his voice. It is true, he is more tired. He himself said, 'I have to take care of myself.' But you could hear the clear voice, he listened to us well," Fr Romanelli told Vatican News.

On Sunday, Fr Romanelli said he received only a text message from the Pope, thanking the parish for its well wishes.

The Pope was unable to deliver his regular weekly prayer on Sunday in St Peter's Square or lead a special mass for artists to mark the Catholic Church's Jubilee Year.

He also held meetings at his Vatican residence last week in an attempt to rest and recover.

Members of the public outside St Peter's Basilica have been sharing their well wishes for the Pope.

Bernard, an Australian living in England and visiting Rome with his children, said "we will say a prayer for the Pope".

"They always take up the job when they're already elderly. So yes, it's often that they suffer medical issues as a result," he told the BBC.

Rome resident Armando called the Pope "a great soul" and an "inspiration for us all".

"All the best, Pope. We are waiting for you back," he said.

The Pope has been hospitalised several times during his 12 years as leader of the Roman Catholic Church and has suffered a number of health issues throughout his life, including having part of one of his lungs removed at age 21.

In March 2023, he spent three nights in hospital with bronchitis and in June that year underwent a three-hour operation to repair an abdominal hernia.

Another bout of illness also forced him to cancel his trip to the United Arab Emirates for the COP28 climate summit in 2023.

In December last year he appeared with a large bruise on his chin when he led a ceremony in St Peter's Basilica to install 21 new Catholic cardinals, which the Vatican said was the result of a minor fall.

More recently, in January he fell and hurt his right arm and a sling was put on as a precaution.

Source:bbc.com

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Three guilty of murdering Christmas Eve gunman

February 18, 2025

Three men have been found guilty of murdering a gunman shortly after he carried out a killing at a restaurant in Dublin on Christmas Eve 2023.

Tristan Sherry, 26, was killed after the fatal shooting of 48-year-old Jason Hennessy Snr at Browne's Steakhouse in Blanchardstown.

On Monday, Michael Andrecut, 23, from Sheephill Avenue in Blanchardstown, Noah Musueni, 18, from Corduff Park, Blanchardstown, and David Amah, 19, from Hazel Grove, Portrane Road in Donabate, were convicted at Dublin's Special Criminal Court.

All three had denied the murder.

Three other men aged 18, 19 and 21 have been convicted of offences related to the killing. The 21-year-old is Brandon Hennessy, a son of David Hennessy Snr.

A seventh man is due to appear again in court next month.

Stabbed, shot and beaten

The restaurant was full on the night of the killings, with Mr Hennessy's family and friends occupying tables and booths at the back.

Shortly after 20:00 local time, two gunmen, one of whom was Tristan Sherry, walked in, went to where Mr Hennessy Snr was standing holding a toddler and fired a number of shots at him.

After being tackled to the ground the 26-year-old was disarmed and attacked by a group, kicked, stamped on, struck with chairs, stabbed and shot in the shoulder.

The post-mortem established he sustained 27 sharp wound injuries, 16 of which were stab wounds and was beaten several times in the head and face with chairs, a brush and a metal bar sustaining severe scalp lacerations.

His blood was found on chairs, a folding knife, a metal bar, a butter knife and a brush.

Jason Hennessy Snr was attended to and carried from the restaurant while the attack continued. He died later in hospital from gunshot wounds.

Source:bbc.com

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What key players want from Ukraine war talks

17 February 2025

This could prove a defining week for the war in Ukraine, with two sets of hastily arranged talks taking place in Paris and Riyadh.

European leaders are meeting in France as they scramble for a response to Donald Trump's plan to open negotiations with Vladimir Putin for an end to the conflict.

On Tuesday Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio are due to meet in the Saudi capital.

Ukraine is not attending either set of talks.

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and currently controls more than a fifth of its territory, mainly in the south and east.

BBC correspondents analyse what key powers hope to gain from two days of intense diplomacy.

Monday: European leaders in Paris

The UK

By Harry Farley, Political Correspondent in London

Sir Keir Starmer is hoping to be a bridge between European leaders and Trump's White House berating them about their defence spending.

Starmer's offer to put UK troops on the ground in Ukraine is part of that role he wants to play.

The government used to say the terms of any peace deal was up to Ukraine. That has shifted with the new US administration signalling that a return to 2014 borders was "unrealistic".

Instead Sir Keir will be hoping more European nations in Paris join him in offering their forces to secure a deal – and prevent Russia invading again.

But while the prime minister is in Paris, in Westminster the debate goes on about how much the country should spend on defence.

Labour has promised to "set out a path" to increase defence spending from 2.3% of GDP now to 2.5%. Defence sources say that would be a significant rise.

But there is no date for when that would happen - and many argue it is now urgent.

Germany

By Damien McGuinness, Germany correspondent in Berlin

It is a sign of how rattled German leaders are by Trump's approach to Ukraine that just days before a national election Chancellor Olaf Scholz is also in Paris.

All mainstream parties have condemned American suggestions that a peace deal be brokered without Ukraine or the EU. Far-right and populist-left politicians welcome talks with Putin and want to stop arming Kyiv. But they will not get into power.

So, whatever the next German government looks like, Berlin's support for Ukraine will remain strong. That is because Berlin's political elite recognises that a bad deal - one that undermines Ukrainian sovereignty - would be disastrous for Germany.

But with Germany's war-torn 20th century in mind, voters here are wary of militarisation.

Over the past three years the country has successfully pivoted away from Russian energy and massively upped defence spending. But this has hit the German economy hard and the subsequent budget rows sparked the collapse of the German government.

So politicians are trying to avoid public discussions of difficult issues, like higher Nato spending targets or German peacekeeping troops in Ukraine — at least until after the election.

Poland

By Sarah Rainsford, Eastern Europe correspondent in Warsaw

Poland has been a key supporter of Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion and it is the key logistics hub for military and humanitarian aid entering the country.

It is also a loud voice arguing that Russia cannot be allowed to win the war it launched – because the whole of Europe's security is at stake. So there is consternation that the US looks like it is conceding to Moscow's key demands, even before talks begin, when Poland very clearly sees Russia as the aggressor and as dangerous.

Russia is why Poland spends big on its own military – up to almost 5% of GDP now - and agrees with the US that the rest of Europe should do the same.

On his way to the talks in Paris, Poland Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on X: "If we, Europeans, fail to spend big on defence now, we will be forced to spend 10 times more if we don't prevent a wider war."

On the question of whether to send Polish troops to Ukraine – to help enforce any eventual ceasefire - government officials have been cautious, ruling it out for now.

The Nordic and Baltic countries

By Nick Beake, Europe Correspondent in Copenhagen

Denmark will be the only Nordic nation at Monday's meeting. But European diplomats say it will also be representing the interests of its Baltic neighbours to the east – Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania – all of whom border Russia and feel particularly vulnerable to any future Putin attack.

The shockwaves generated by the second Trump term have already been reverberating around Denmark.

Trump's renewed desire to take over Greenland – an autonomous Danish dependent territory - propelled Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on a whistle-stop tour of European allies last month to shore up support.

On Monday in Paris, Frederiksen finds herself once again in a hastily-convened meeting to respond to Trump's reshaping of the transatlantic security landscape.

Frederiksen has not yet followed in Starmer's footsteps of pledging peacekeeping boots on the ground in Ukraine.

Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen has been quoted by Danish media as saying he is not ruling it out – but that it is too early to talk about.

France

By Andrew Harding, Paris correspondent

French President Emmanuel Macron called Monday's informal meeting – not a "summit," his officials insisted – to help Europe coordinate a response both to Washington's increasingly unsympathetic posture towards the continent, and to whatever emerges from the White House's fast-paced negotiations with the Kremlin.

"The Europeans, as we speak, are not coordinated, but that may be the whole point of (this) summit in Paris, and that is the beginning of coordination… Are we ready? The answer is no. Can we get ready? The answer is yes," said Francois Heisbourg, a veteran French military expert, commenting on the need for Europe to work together to prepare a possible peacekeeping force for Ukraine.

"There is a wind of unity blowing across Europe such as has not been seen since Covid," said Jean-Noël Barrot, France's most senior diplomat.

The mood in France – a nation always wary of American geopolitical manoeuvring – is particularly edgy right now, with newspaper headlines warning of a new "Trump-Putin axis" that will sideline or "abandon" Europe over the war in Ukraine.

"We should be in a Europe-wide state of emergency," warned the former Prime Minister Dominique De Villepin at a recent news briefing, accusing an "arrogant" Trump of attempting to "rule the world without principles or respect."

Tuesday: Russia and the US in Saudi Arabia

Russia

By Liza Fokht, BBC Russian in Paris

Since the summer, Putin has stated that his main conditions for starting negotiations to end the war are the recognition of Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, the lifting of sanctions on Russia, and denial of Ukraine's request to join Nato.

Most European countries categorically reject these demands. The US has been very cautious in discussing what concessions Russia might have to make, though both the White House and the Pentagon have said they expect compromises from "both sides".

Moscow's priority is clearly the meeting in Saudi Arabia. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said he would "first and foremost like to listen" to the American proposals on ending the conflict in Ukraine.

As for Europe, Moscow sees no point in inviting it to the negotiating table.

It is no secret that for many years Putin has sought dialogue specifically with the US – a country he both blames for starting the war in Ukraine and considers the only power equal to Russia.

Moscow may take note of Starmer's statements about being ready to send peacekeepers to the Ukraine – for the first time in a week, the discussion is about potential Russian, rather than Ukrainian, concessions.

But whether Russia is ready for any compromises remains an open question.

The US

By Bernd Debusmann Jr reporting from Mar-a-Lago, Florida

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff will be the public face of the US team negotiating in Riyadh - but perhaps the main voice at the table is more than 7,400 miles (11,900km) away, in Palm Beach, Florida.

Despite Trump's public engagements in recent days, it is clear that the negotiations with Russia over the fate of Ukraine have been his focus behind the scenes.

On Sunday, Trump told reporters he had been kept abreast of the latest developments and the talks are "moving along".

His short-term goal is to stop the fighting in Ukraine. Longer term, he appears to want less American involvement, given that the US has sent tens of billions of dollars' worth of weapons to Kyiv.

Trump has also pushed for access to rare minerals in Ukraine in return for aid, or even as compensation for the support the US has already provided.

But he has not yet said what a post-war Ukraine would look like, setting off alarm bells in Europe.

He also notably said that he expects Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky to be a part of the "conversation", but not the talks in Riyadh. Rubio has said the talks in Saudi Arabia are only the start of a longer process that will "obviously" include Europe and Ukraine.

Those remarks are likely to provide little comfort for US allies who have been listening to Trump's remarks over the last several days.

In response to a BBC question on Wednesday, Trump said he believes he is inclined to agree with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's assessment that a return to pre-2014 borders is unrealistic for Ukraine, although he expects Ukraine might get "some" of that land back.

So far, it appears that solution is not one that is palatable for Zelensky and the rest of Ukraine's leadership.

Not at the talks: Ukraine

By Mariana Matveichuk, BBC Ukraine in Kyiv

The Ukrainian people feel their future is as uncertain as it was back in February 2022.

Ukrainians want peace - so as not to wake up to the sounds of sirens and not lose loved ones on the battlefield and in frontline cities.

Russia occupies almost 25% of Ukraine's territory. Ukraine's defence has cost tens of thousands of lives of its citizens.

The country has in the past insisted that any peace deal include the full withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory. That includes not only areas Russia has seized in its full-scale offensive, but also the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, and the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, where Russia has backed separatists in fighting, also in 2014.

Ukrainians are scared of a peace agreement like the one in 2014 or 2015 - heavy fighting was stopped, but crossfire on the border continued to bring losses.

With no security guarantees, it would also mean a possibility of a new wave of war in a decade or so.

"Ukraine regards any talks about Ukraine without Ukraine as such that have no result, and we cannot recognise... agreements about us without us," Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said about the US-Russia meeting.

Whatever form any peace talks take, Ukrainians want agency over their own future.

Many see previous peace arrangements with Russia as having simply paved the way for its full-scale invasion. So the Ukrainian fear is that any deal agreed over its head could lead to a third round of war.

Source:bbc.com

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Early release of hundreds of prisoners to begin

18 February 2025

The first of up to 390 prisoners are being released early in the latest attempt to ease overcrowding in Scotland's jails.

Emergency legislation was passed last year which allows eligible inmates sentenced to less than four years to be freed after 40% of their term, rather than 50%.

They will be released in three tranches over a six-week period, starting on Tuesday. Prisoners serving sentences for domestic abuse or sexual offences are excluded.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said the prison population was "too high".

"What we can't have is overcrowded prisons because that is not in the interests of prisoners, staff and ultimately the community, because that means we are not rehabilitating people," Constance said.

At the end of last week, there were 8,344 inmates in Scotland's prisons – above the target operating capacity of 8,007.

Last summer 477 prisoners were released early in an emergency attempt to ease overcrowding.

But 61 ended up back in custody before their original planned release date, according to SPS data, and within two months the overall prison population had again risen above the level at which the releases began.

More than 1,700 prisoners were released early in England and Wales last autumn as part of a similar attempt by the UK government to ease overcrowding.

Release 'traumatising' for victims

The charity Victim Support Scotland (VSS) and the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) have jointly urged victims of crime to sign up for a scheme to be notified if they will be affected by a prisoner release.

Both organisations say only a small percentage of victims have joined, and VSS is calling for a more proactive approach than the current system which relies on victims to sign up.

Kate Wallace, chief executive of VSS, said some victims were "worried for their own and their family's safety when someone's being released from prison."

Early releases had also raised anxiety amongst victims of older crimes, she said, sometimes causing renewed trauma.

Lynn Burns' son Sam Johnston was 22 when he was stabbed to death at a house party in Saltcoats, North Ayrshire, in 2013.

Stuart McCulloch was convicted of Mr Johnston's murder and sentenced to 13 years and five months in jail. His co-accused Allan Carey was convicted of culpable homicide and jailed for three years.

Ms Burns said she only found out that Carey had been released early after he arrived back in their home town.

"As a victim," she said, "all we want is to feel safe in our communities."

Carey's release was "completely traumatising," she explained, adding those feelings had resurfaced on hearing about the latest releases.

'Pressure cooker' Victorian jail

The notorious Barlinnie prison in Glasgow is at the forefront of overcrowding problems.

The Victorian jail, which opened in the 1880s, is now at 140% capacity with nearly 1,400 prisoners when it was designed for just 987.

The governor, Michael Stoney, has even admitted he would "struggle" to cope as an inmate there.

He described Scotland's largest jail as a "pressure cooker" and said the new early release laws were necessary for staff and inmates although he accepted that some of those released early would "inevitably return" as part of a cycle of re-offending.

"In this prison we do the best we can. We have a real focus on those that are getting released under this scheme," he said.

"You nudge people forward in terms of life development," said Mr Stoney.

A controversial replacement for Barlinnie, HMP Glasgow, is being built at a cost of almost £1bn and due to open in 2028.

Prisoners 'warehoused'

Former prisoner Jordan Robertson is building a new life as an artist after a series of short-term sentences for gang-related crime.

He knows well the impact of overcrowding.

"I've seen the deterioration of the system, because from the first time I was in to the last time I've seen it drastically get worse," he told BBC Scotland News.

"You're seeing people basically get warehoused because the courts can't deal with the demand."

Mr Robertson described the early release scheme as a "a very short term measure" to solve overcrowding rather than tackle reoffending.

He said it was a "quick fix" and rehabilitation was the "long game".

Critics of the early release scheme, on both the left and right of politics, say it is an indictment of the Scottish government's approach to criminal justice.

The Scottish Conservatives' justice spokesman Liam Kerr said overcrowding was "a crisis entirely of the SNP's own making," pointing to their "catastrophic failure to build new prisons on time and on budget".

Justice reform campaigners are also critical.

It is now more than 16 years since the report of the Scottish Prisons Commission, chaired by former Labour first minister Henry McLeish, urged a fresh approach.

It argued that while "Scotland imprisons more of its people than many other places in Europe," high levels of incarceration had done little to tackle "real problems with violence, alcohol and drugs".

Ms Burns, whose son was murdered, now helps other victims going through the justice system and she agrees fundamental change is needed.

On the one hand, she said, 40% of a sentence might not be enough time to rehabilitate a prisoner.

On the other, some prisoners were serving prison terms who should have been sentenced to alternatives.

She said some people should be in prison for the safety of the public, but there were other examples in the wider community where more could be done to rehabilitate those who had committed crimes.

Ms Burns continued: "How we punish and rehabilitate people should be an issue, and how we care for victims should be as big a priority. And I don't believe it always is.

"What we've been doing is not working."

Source:bbc.com

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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy7ygy1pdzo

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The ballroom boy with burns who inspired a film

18 February 2025

An aspiring ballroom dancer, who was seven when he was injured by a bomb in his native Ukraine, has become the subject of an award-winning London film.

Romchyk is the true story of Roman Oleksiv, who was badly burned in a Russian missile strike in July 2022 which also killed his mother.

The movie was filmed by students at Goldsmiths, University of London, in and around their campus in New Cross.

It was even shown to the Pope during the Vatican's global summit looking into protecting children from war.

The film was the brainchild of Kostiantyn Bidnenko, who proposed making a short piece about Roman to his fellow Goldsmiths MA students.

It examines the boy's recovery and attempts to pursue his dreams of becoming a professional dancer.

"I saw a news article about what happened to Roman," Mr Bidnenko said.

"For me he became a symbol of all children who suffer because of war."

Lara Kozah, who was also part of the student production team, said: "It was a challenge to convincingly transform London into Ukraine for the filming.

"We used a nearby park for the outdoor scenes. We repurposed a classroom for the hospital scenes.

"We built a bedroom in a studio from scratch."

A local Ukrainian society helped them cast the actors.

They met the Pope to show him the film during the Vatican's International Summit on Children's Rights in early February.

Ms Kozah said it was a "surreal experience" and an honour.

"The Holy Father really engaged with the film.

"We want to show this story worldwide to show people what the real consequences of war are for children."

Romchyk won an award at the Cambria Film Festival in California, and is being entered into other international short film festivals.

Kostiantyn said: "The biggest award for me is that Roman and his father really liked this film and the careful way we handled his story."

Source:bbc.com

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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdxe10kgvq4o

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Pledge of two million extra NHS appointments met, PM says

18 February 2025

The government has met a key election pledge to deliver two million extra NHS appointments in England in its first year, the prime minister has said.

The target was achieved between July and November last year, when there were almost 2.2 million more elective care appointments compared to the same period in 2023, the government said.

That period was affected by doctor strikes, however, which would have suppressed the number of available appointments.

Sir Keir Starmer said the "milestone is a shot in the arm for our plan to get the NHS back on its feet and cut waiting times", while Health Secretary Wes Streeting said there was still "a hell of a lot more to do".

But Streeting denied the figure of two million more appointments was affected by the previous Conservative government's policies.

"Look at the size of the waiting lists overall. It's come down four months in a row. That's progress, but there's still a lot more to do," he told the Today programme on BBC Radio 4.

Delivering an extra two million NHS operations, procedures and appointments a year in England was a central Labour manifesto pledge - and was included in a list of six first steps it would take in office.

The additional appointments were delivered in part by extra evening and weekend working, the government said.

Elective care covers a broad range of planned, non-emergency services, from diagnostic tests and scans to outpatient appointments, surgeries and cancer treatment.

There were 31.3 million operations, appointments and tests between July and November 2024, compared to 29.1 million over the same period in 2023, during which there were over a dozen days of junior doctors strikes.

The figures for the year up to July 2025, a year on from the election, will be closely scrutinised to see if this trend and the pledge have been borne out.

Ministers said NHS England data showed the manifesto commitment had been meet seven months early.

Sir Keir said the government was "not complacent" and knows "the job isn't done", as he promised further reforms to deliver faster treatment.

He unveiled plans in January to tackle the NHS backlog, which is one of the government's key missions.

The government has announced an extra £40m in funding for trusts who make the biggest improvements in cutting waiting lists, with the money available for hospitals from next year to spend on capital projects.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the NHS was "on the road to recovery" and there were now around 160,000 fewer patients on waiting lists than when Labour took office in July last year.

NHS England figures showed last week that the number of people on the waiting list dropped for the fourth consecutive month to its lowest since April 2023.

An estimated 6.24 million patients were waiting for 7.46 million treatments to be carried out at the end of December in England - down from 6.28 million patients needing 7.48 million treatments in November.

However, the latest figures show 73% of A&E patients were treated or assessed within four hours in England in January - well short of the 95% target and a key benchmark of A&E performance.

And the numbers of A&E patients enduring long waits went up in January, with nearly 160,000 waiting longer than four hours for a bed to be found after a decision to admit them – many on chairs or trolleys.

The government's announcement on its election pledge comes as a report by the King's Fund thinktank highlighted inefficiency in the NHS system in England.

It includes a poll of more than 1,600 people who had used the health service in the previous 12 months.

One in five of those surveyed said they received a letter for an appointment after the date it was supposed to take place.

However, nearly a quarter said they did not know who to contact while waiting for care.

Liberal Democrat health spokeswoman Helen Morgan said: "Until the government gets a grip of social care, hospitals will remain overwhelmed, backlogged and it is the patients who will pay the price."

She added: "Too many people have been tragically let down and left waiting in limbo."

Streeting has previously defended the government's timescale for reforming adult social care in England, with proposals on its long-term funding unlikely to be delivered before 2028.

Source:bbc.com

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Africa

 

Lagos Assembly Invasion: This Is Dangerous Assault To Our Democracy – Rhodes-Vivour

17 February 2025

By Udeze Ekene

Former Lagos State governorship candidate under the Labour Party, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has condemned the invasion of the Lagos State House of Assembly by men of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Naija News reported that DSS personnel on Monday invaded the Lagos House of Assembly during plenary.

In a statement on his 𝕏 handle, on Monday, Rhodes-Vivour condemned the sealing of Speaker Mojisola Meranda‘s office.

“Reports of armed DSS officials storming and sealing the office of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda and the alleged militarization of the Assembly complex at Alausa are deeply troubling.

“This brazen display of force at our state’s legislative chamber represents a dangerous assault on democratic institutions and the principle of separation of powers. The deployment of security forces to intimidate elected representatives and interfere with legislative functions is reminiscent of our dark days under military rule and has no place in a democratic society.

“The Lagos State House of Assembly is the people’s house—a symbol of our democratic values and aspirations. All well-meaning Lagosians must resist any attempt to undermine their independence through intimidation tactics,” he said.

The Labour Party chieftain called for respect established democratic process and independence of the Lagos House of Assembly.

“Therefore, I call for the immediate withdrawal of DSS operatives from the Assembly complex and demand a full public explanation of the legal basis for this action.

“Without respect for established democratic processes and the independence of the Lagos State House of Assembly, we risk a shameful descent into anarchy,” he added.

Source:naijanews.com

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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/02/17/lagos-assembly-invasion-this-is-dangerous-assault-to-our-democracy-rhodes-vivour/

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DSS: ‘If Obasa Was Behind The Invasion He Would Not Have Gone To Court’ – Muraina Taiwo

18 February 2025

By Enioluwa Adeniyi

A member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Muraina Taiwo, has stated that the ongoing crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly has escalated beyond the council’s capacity to resolve without the intervention of President Bola Tinubu. Earlier on Monday, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police invaded the Assembly complex in Alausa, Ikeja.

The security personnel forcefully sealed the offices of the Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, her deputy, and the clerk, causing tension among lawmakers and staff.

Naija News reports that the operatives arrived at the Assembly in the early hours, conducting thorough checks and preventing access to the affected offices.

The crisis, which began with the impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, has continued to generate controversy and division within the state legislature.

Obasa, who has challenged his removal in court, has refused to acknowledge Meranda’s leadership, leading to a deepening rift.

Taiwo, in an interview with Punch, said, “The situation is not yet clear. The DSS said the acting Clerk invited them to guard the house against invasion and the members are saying they were there to prevent them from entering.

“The GAC’s power can no longer contain the crisis because if it does, the directive of the GAC would have been carried out (by the lawmakers).”

He also said he did not believe Obasa was behind the crisis.

Taiwo further stated, “If he (Obasa) was behind the invasion, he would not have gone to court. The matter is already in court, he would allow the court to do its work.”

Speaking on the possibility of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s hand in the crisis, Taiwo said he does not believe the Governor knows about the crisis.

He added, “In politics, the more you look, the less you see. What are they going to say the governor did wrong? I don’t see anything wrong in the actions of the governor.

“But they’re saying those things so that they will not say the governor is behind them or funding them (the lawmakers).

“There’s no evidence to show he’s supporting them, all is politics.”

Source:naijanews.com

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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/02/18/dss-if-obasa-was-behind-the-invasion-he-would-not-have-gone-to-court-muraina-taiwo/

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Osun NASS Caucus Urges Tinubu To Direct NSA, IGP To Re-establish Order Amid Political Tensions

17 February 2025

By Ikenna Ngere

The Osun State caucus in the National Assembly has called on President Bola Tinubu to instruct the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to urgently restore peace in the state, warning against escalating political unrest.

Speaking on behalf of the caucus, the leader of the Osun caucus in the House of Representatives, Bamidele Salam, emphasized the need for immediate intervention to prevent political thugs from disrupting the relative peace in Osun.

He urged the President to caution the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership in the state against any attempts to forcefully seize control of local government councils.

Salam explained that the APC has been misinterpreting the recent Court of Appeal ruling regarding the removal of elected local government chairmen.

The lawmaker clarified that while the appellate court nullified the lower court’s judgment in a case involving the PDP, it also dismissed a similar case filed by the APC due to abandonment.

Despite this, he alleged that former local government chairmen, whose elections were nullified, have forcefully attempted to reclaim their positions, even though the APC is already participating in the upcoming local government elections scheduled for February 22, 2025.

He further claimed that PDP members and council workers in various local governments—including Isokon, Boripe, Boluwaduro, Ayedaade, and Ilesa—have faced disruptions from political thugs backed by security agents.

Salam described the situation as an invitation to anarchy, stressing that the unlawful takeovers threaten the peace of the state. He pointed out that the APC has already purchased nomination forms, conducted primaries, and has been actively campaigning for the scheduled elections.

He reiterated that the removal of the previous local government officials was based on a court ruling that deemed the law under which their election was conducted as a violation of the 2022 Electoral Act.

Members of the Osun NASS caucus include Deputy Senate Minority Leader Sen. Akogun Olalere Oyewumi, Sen. Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi, Sen. Olubiyi Fadeyi Ajagunnla, Bamidele Salam, Busayo Oluwole Oke, Taofeek Abimbola Ajilesoro, Clement Akanni Olohunwa, Soji Adetunji, Adebayo Morufu Adewale, Mudashiru Lukman, Lanre Oladebo, and Sanya Omirin.

Source:naijanews.com

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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/02/17/osun-nass-caucus-urges-tinubu-to-direct-nsa-igp-to-re-establish-order-amid-political-tensions/

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“Deeply Troubling” – CAS Orders Investigation Into Report Of Civilian Bombings By NAF Airstrike In Katsina

17 February 2025

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has ordered an investigation into reports that civilians were killed in a recent airstrike carried out by the Air Component of Operation FASAN YANMA at Yauni Hill, Zakka Ward of Safana Local Government Area, Katsina State.

According to a statement on Monday by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, Abubakar described the reports of civilian casualties during the airstrike as ‘deeply troubling.’

Recall Naija News had earlier reported that six civilians were said to have lost their lives during the military airstrike that hit Yauni community, Zakka ward of Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The NAF reaction, while ordering an investigation into the matter, explained that the airstrike was launched in response to intelligence indicating a terrorist attack on a Police Mobile Force location in the community, where bandits had already killed 2 of the personnel and four vigilantes.

The NAF spokesperson confirmed the killing of several bandits during the counter-operation.

Akinboyewa said the claims of civilian casualties would be investigated and verified while emphasizing the commitment of NAF to professionalism and rules of engagement.

“The Air Component of Operation FASAN YANMA has conducted a successful airstrike at Yauni Hill, Zakka Ward of Safana Local Government Area, Katsina State neutralizing several bandits and helped to repel the onslaught against Police Mobile Force and Katsina State Community Watch Corps personnel.

“The operation was launched in response to intelligence indicating a terrorist attack on a Police Mobile Force location in the community, where bandits had already killed 2 of the personnel and 4 vigilantes.

“In a swift and decisive response, NAF air assets were deployed for an air interdiction mission and Upon arrival, the targets were identified and engaged.

“Nevertheless, reports alleging that civilian casualties following the airstrikes are deeply troubling.

“In response to those allegations the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has promptly ordered a thorough investigation to verify the claims and ensure appropriate action is taken based on the findings.

“As a professional force dedicated to the protection of Nigeria and its people, the NAF operates under strict rules of engagement and adheres to internationally accepted standards in all its operations,” NAF spokesperson said in the statement.

Source:naijanews.com

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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/02/17/deeply-troubling-cas-orders-investigation-into-report-of-civilian-bombings-by-naf-airstrike-in-katsina/

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Nigeria Demands Immediate Withdrawal Of Foreign Forces In DR Congo

17 February 2025

By Udeze Ekene

Nigeria has thrown its weight behind the resolution of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) demanding the immediate withdrawal of all foreign forces from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Naija News reports that the AUPSC made the resolution at a meeting of member states to brainstorm on the situation in Sudan and Eastern DRC, on the sidelines of the ongoing 38th Ordinary session of the AU Assembly,

The session was attended by Heads of State and Government as well as Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Ambassadors and experts from all PSC Member States.

The AUPSC called on parties to conflicts in these countries (Sudan and DR Congo) to agree to an immediate ceasefire, submit to dialogue and politically negotiated solutions and to grant access to humanitarian workers to enable them reach those most affected by the situations.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maitama Tuggar, in a statement on Monday, expressed Nigeria’s “readiness to work with the Sudanese stakeholders in their efforts to organize an intra-Sudanese dialogue and to support the activities of the PSC Ad-hoc Presidential Committee of 5 on Sudan.

“On the Eastern DRC, Nigeria supported the call for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of all foreign forces, including foreign armed and other support to the M23 group, respect for the territory integrity of DRC and the imperative for all affected stakeholders to submit themselves to the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes.”

Ambassador Tuggar reaffirmed that Nigeria would continue to work towards peaceful resolution of the conflicts in these sister African countries.

Source:naijanews.com

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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/02/17/nigeria-demands-immediate-withdrawal-of-foreign-forces-in-dr-congo/

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DRC: Rebel-held territory expands with capture of Bukavu

17 February 2025

Bernard Maheshe Byamungu, one of the M23 leaders who has been sanctioned by the U.N. Security Council for rights abuses, stood in front of the South Kivu governor’s office in Bukavu and told residents they have been living in a “jungle."

“We are going to clean up the disorder left over from the old regime,” Byamungu said, as some in the small crowd of young men cheered the rebels on to “go all the way to Kinshasa," Congo's capital, nearly 1,000 miles away.

Congo's communications ministry in a statement on social media acknowledged for the first time that Bukavu had been “occupied” and said the national government was “doing everything possible to restore order and territorial integrity” in the region.

One Bukavu resident, Blaise Byamungu, said the rebels marched into the city that had been “abandoned by all the authorities and without any loyalist force."

“Is the government waiting for them to take over other towns to take action? It’s cowardice,” Byamungu added.

Fears of regional escalation

Unlike in 2012, when the M23 briefly seized Goma and withdrew after international pressure, analysts have said the rebels this time are eyeing political power.

The fighting in Congo has connections with a decades-long ethnic conflict. The M23 says it is defending ethnic Tutsis in Congo. Rwanda has claimed the Tutsis are being persecuted by Hutus and former militias responsible for the 1994 genocide of 800,000 Tutsis and others in Rwanda. Many Hutus fled to Congo after the genocide and founded the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda militia group.

Rwanda says the militia group is “fully integrated” into the Congolese military, which denies it.

But the new face of the M23 in the region — Corneille Nangaa — is not Tutsi, giving the group “a new, more diverse, Congolese face, as M23 has always been seen as a Rwanda-backed armed group defending Tutsi minorities,” according to Christian Moleka, a political scientist at the Congolese think tank Dypol.

Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi, whose government on Saturday asserted that Bukavu remained under its control, has warned of the risk of a regional expansion of the conflict.

Congo's forces were being supported in Goma by troops from South Africa and in Bukavu by troops from Burundi. But Burundi's president, Evariste Ndayishimiye, appeared to suggest on social media his country would not retaliate in the fighting.

The conflict was high on the African Union summit's agenda in Ethiopia over the weekend, with U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres warning it risked spiraling into a regional conflagration.

Still, African leaders and the international community have been reluctant to take decisive action against M23 or Rwanda, which has one of Africa's most powerful militaries. Most continue to call for a ceasefire and a dialogue between Congo and the rebels.

Source:africanews.com

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

https://www.africanews.com/2025/02/17/drc-rebel-held-territory-expands-with-capture-of-bukavu/

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Southeast Asia

 

Razman: Govt must ban 'Becoming Hannah' from being sold to Muslims

 Feb 18, 2025

Perak PAS chief Razman Zakaria wants the Home Ministry to review and ban Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh’s autobiography from being sold openly at bookstores to Muslims.

He has also filed a police report urging for Yeoh to be investigated for alleged evangelism as allegedly espoused in her book.

Source:malaysiakini.com

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

https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/734879

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Jakim takes swift action over viral cross-dressing incident involving Muslim men, urges respect for religious sensitivities

17 Feb 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 17 — The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) has taken immediate action following an incident that went viral depicting several Muslim men involved in cross-dressing during an entertainment event yesterday.

JAKIM director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee posted on the department’s Facebook page that the incident had caused unease among the public and touched on the sensitivities of Islam and the country’s culture.

“This should not have occurred, and we hope such actions will not recur,” he said.

He added that JAKIM had contacted the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to address the issue and ensure appropriate actions are taken under existing laws.

“JAKIM will also call the relevant parties for further clarification and arrange a closed-door discussion to provide advice and guidance,” he said.

JAKIM urged Malaysians to remain mindful and respectful of the country’s religious and cultural sensitivities to prevent similar incidents from recurring.

“Islam is a religion of mercy that acknowledges the human desire for entertainment, which is a means to bring joy and well-being as well as promote noble values. However, it must be balanced with proper etiquette in entertainment so as not to contradict Islamic beliefs, law and ethics,” he stressed. — Bernama

Source:malaymail.com

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https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/02/17/jakim-takes-swift-action-over-viral-cross-dressing-incident-involving-muslim-men-urges-respect-for-religious-sensitivities/167018

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Apologise to Perlis mufti and all Muslims, Bersatu leader tells Rayer

Feb 18, 2025

Bersatu supreme council member Dr Afif Bahardin has accused Jelutong MP RSN Rayer of stoking racial and religious tensions by repeatedly questioning the Islamic preacher Dr Zakir Naik’s presence in the country.

He demanded Rayer to retract his statements and apologise to Perlis Mufti Asri Zainul Abidin and all Muslims for being “insolent and insensitive” within 24 hours, or a police report will be lodged against him for allegedly disturbing national harmony.

Source:malaysiakini.com

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https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/734860

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Suspect in shooting case commits five crimes before hiding in Pulau Ketam

BERNAMA

18-02- 2025

KLANG: The suspect in the shooting at a shopping mall in Setia Alam, Shah Alam last week who was shot dead on Pulau Ketam this morning managed to commit five crimes before fleeing to the island two days ago.

Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said after the incident on the night of Feb 8, the suspect, known as ‘Ah Boy’, first fled to the south of the country before returning to Selangor by threatening e-hailing and lorry drivers, as well as stealing a motorcycle to travel to his destination.

“After the incident at the shopping mall, he fled from Klang to Melaka and stayed there for five days before turning back to Banting and two days ago he was spotted in Sabak Bernam.

“In Sabak Bernam, he managed to commit housebreaking, brandishing a firearm and also robbery before fleeing to Pulau Ketam, bringing the total number of crimes committed by the suspect to 15,“ he said at a press conference at Pulau Ketam Jetty here today.

Hussein said the suspect had been active in committing crimes since 2014 and had been jailed twice for robbery, with most cases committed solo and in small groups, in addition to being identified as having firearms since last year.

“We are also investigating whether he used Pulau Ketam as a transit point before fleeing abroad and investigations are also being carried out to trace where he obtained the weapons,“ he said.

Regarding the shooting case at the shopping mall in Setia Alam, Hussein said his party did not rule out the possibility that the suspect was planning to commit a robbery.

Earlier, Hussein in a statement confirmed that the suspect, who was in his 30s, was shot dead in a shootout with police in a hotel room in Pulau Ketam early this morning.

The suspect, who has 10 previous criminal records including the incident, is being hunted by police after shooting a cleaner at the shopping mall on Feb 8.

After firing, the suspect then fled by stopping a vehicle and forcing the driver to take him out of the area.

Following the incident, Hussein reportedly said that his party had identified and intensified efforts to hunt down the suspect involved in the incident.

Source:thesun.my

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https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/suspect-in-shooting-case-commits-five-crimes-before-hiding-in-pulau-ketam-EF13705991

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Action taken against 44 illegal e-waste plants as at December 31 ,2024 - Nik Nazmi

BERNAMA

18-02- 2025

PUTRAJAYA: A total of 44 factories processing electronic waste (e-waste) that are operating illegally have been taken action as of December 31, 2024 by the Department of Environment (DOE), said the Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

Of the total, he said eight factories have been closed and 36 factories are currently undergoing legal action under the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (EQA 1974).

Nik Nazmi in a statement today said that e-waste factories that process bullet casings illegally have been taken action in a Equipment Operation Detention order under Section 38(1)(a) on production machines used in the premises without any control devices.

He said investigation papers for prosecution will also be prepared for all offences under the EQA 1974.

He said enforcement action under the EQA 1974 had been carried out and the premises in question had been investigated under Section 18 for being an off-site storage facility for scheduled waste without obtaining a licence from the Department of Environment (DOE).

In addition, other action was taken under Section 34A for failing to submit an Environmental Impact Assessment Report to the DOE and Section 34B for placing scheduled waste without obtaining any prior approval from the Director-General of Environment.

Nik Nazmi said the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) through the DOE is committed to ensuring that Malaysia does not become a transit or disposal site for e-waste from developed countries in line with the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal.

It stipulates that any cross-border movement of scheduled waste such as e-waste requires prior approval before transit, transhipment, import and export activities are carried out.

He said that to control the movement of e-waste through the country’s main entry points, the Basel Convention has stipulated that e-waste that crosses borders must go through the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure and imports that fail to comply with the procedure are categorised as illegal shipments under Article 9.

Article 9 of the Basel Convention also states that exporting countries that do not obtain approval from the importing country for merchandise categorised as scheduled waste must take back the merchandise within 30 days.

“Therefore, strict action will be taken against any importer who fails to comply with the rules and laws that have been set,“ said Nik Nazmi.

Source:thesun.my

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https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/action-taken-against-44-illegal-e-waste-plants-as-at-december-31-2024-nik-nazmi-DF13705723

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South Asia

 

44 Busted in Kabul for Drug Trafficking, Related Crimes

2025-02-17

KABUL(BNA): Authorities have arrested 44 individuals in Kabul for drug-related crimes during multiple operations across the city, the Ministry of Interior reported.

Security forces seized 10kg of cannabis, 2kg of opium, over 2,000 narcotic tablets, and nine bottles of alcohol from the suspects.

In a separate operation, 17 more individuals were detained in Nimroz, Bamyan, Kunar, and Ghazni provinces over the past 24 hours on charges of smuggling, theft, and illegal activities. Among them, 12 were arrested for human trafficking in Nimroz, one for smuggling precious stones in Kunar, three for shoplifting in Bamyan, and one for illicit relations in Ghazni.

Authorities say efforts to curb drug trafficking and other crimes remain ongoing.

Source:bakhtarnews.af

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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/44-busted-in-kabul-for-drug-trafficking-related-crimes/

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Govt to sell meat, milk and eggs during Ramadan

Feb 18, 2025

The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (MoFL) will sell animal proteins, including meat and milk, in Dhaka during the Ramadan, which will start in around two weeks.

With support from poultry and dairy producers, the ministry will also supply eggs and beef from the first day of the month of fasting to help stabilise prices, according to a press release.

These items will be sold through mobile trucks at different 25 locations in Dhaka, Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter said at a press briefing at the ministry yesterday.

She added that all relevant ministries are working to ensure supply in their respective sectors to keep the prices of essential commodities under control during Ramadan.

The Bangladesh Poultry Industries Central Council, the Bangladesh Dairy and Fattening Farmers Association, and other stakeholders, including dairy processing companies and marginal farmers, will provide overall support.

Consumers will be able to purchase dressed broiler meat at Tk 250 per kg, pasteurised milk at Tk 80 per litre, and eggs at Tk 114 per dozen. Besides, beef will be available at Tk 650 per kg.  These prices are lower than the current market rates in Dhaka.

Each day during Ramadan, nearly 60,000 eggs, 6,000 litres of milk, and 2,000-2,500 kg of broiler meat will be sold through the mobile trucks, according to the ministry statement.

The ministry is also taking steps to expand the initiative to all divisional, district, and upazila levels in coordination with local farmers, the press release added.

Source:thedailystar.net

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https://www.thedailystar.net/business/news/govt-sell-meat-milk-and-eggs-during-ramadan-3826831

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48-hour demonstration along Teesta river continues

Feb 18, 2025

Several thousands of people, including local residents and BNP leaders and activists, are continuing their 48-hour sit-in proramme on shoals today demanding a fair share of Teesta river water for Bangladesh from India.

Asadul Habib Dulu, chief coordinator of the Teesta River Protection Movement and an organising secretary of the BNP, is leading the movement at 11 locations of Rangpur division's five districts -- Rangpur, Gaibandha, Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat and Kurigram -- to protect Teesta river.

The protest began yesterday as part of Teesta River Protection Movement Committee's two-day programme with a slogan "Jago Bahe, Teesta Bachai" (Wake Up, Save the Teesta).

Today, a group of protesters marched on the river shoal in the middle of the Teesta Railway Bridge and the Teesta Road Bridge in Sadar upazila and Kaunia upazila of Rangpur.

Along with the shoal people, BNP leaders and activists, and representatives of various political and social organisations have been participating in the protest.

Various programmes, Palagan, Sarigan and Bhawaiya songs were arranged throughout the night. All the songs were about on Teesta river. Khichuri was distributed among the participants of the movement to save the Teesta River.

Shamsul Alam, 55, a farmer from Char Gokunda area in Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila, told The Daily Star that they have joined the programme on Teesta shoal yesterday morning. He slept the night in a tent on the shoal.

BNP's acting chairman Tarique Rahman is expected to virtually exchange views with the people this evening.

Source:thedailystar.net

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Jamaat stages protest in Gazipur, demands Azharul's release

Feb 18, 2025

Thousands of leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami staged a protest in Gazipur district town today, demanding the reinstatement of the party's registration and the release of its Assistant Secretary General ATM Azharul Islam.

As part of the nationwide programme, the demonstration, organised by Jamaat's Gazipur Metropolitan and District units, began at Shibbari intersection around 10:30am.

Protesters marched while chanting slogans calling for Azharul's unconditional release and the return of the party's registration.

Speaking at the rally, Hossein Ali, nayeb-e-ameer of Jamaat's Gazipur Metropolitan unit and a central majlis-e-shura member, alleged that several Jamaat leaders had previously been executed following verdicts by what he called a "false tribunal."

"The whole world knows these were unjust," he alleged.

"Our assistant secretary general remains in jail, and we demand his immediate release."

Among others, Jamaat's Central Working Committee member Principal Izzat Ullah and former central president of Islami Chhatra Shibir Salahuddin Ayubi addressed the gathering.

Source:thedailystar.net

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529 more arrested across the country

Feb 18, 2025

The joint forces arrested 529 more people across the country in the last 24 hours till yesterday afternoon as part of the "Operation Devil Hunt", according to the Police Headquarters.

This brings the total number of arrests under the operation to 5,319 as of yesterday afternoon.

Additionally, 974 others, who were either accused or wanted in previous cases, were also arrested during this period.

Law enforcers recovered two firearms and 11 sharp weapons during the drive.

The government launched the operation on February 8 to restore law and order following an attack on "students and people" in Gazipur.

Meanwhile, at a programme in Sirajdikhan upazila of Munshiganj, Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury yesterday said Operation Devil Hunt will continue as long as "devils" (criminals) exist in the country.

Analysing reports from some districts, this newspaper found that the arrestees are mostly members of the Awami League and its associate bodies. Many are accused in cases filed after the fall of the Hasina-led government on August 5.

Source:thedailystar.net

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MoRR, DRC Signed Inks Cooperation Agreement

2025-02-17

KABUL(BNA):The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation has announced the signing of a significant cooperation agreement with the Danish Refugee Council, valued at $1.1 million.

According to a press release from the ministry, the funds will be utilized for aiding communities in Kabul, Kandahar, Parwan, Zabul, Ghazni, Maidan Wardak, Kapisa, Herat, Badghis, Farah, and Kunar. Approximately 298,556 individuals, including returnees, displaced persons, and members of the host community, are expected to benefit from this initiative.

The agreement was formally signed by Mawlavi Abdul Rahman Rashid, the Deputy Minister of Refugees and Repatriation, alongside the head of the Danish Refugee Council.

The Ministry emphasizes the importance of collaboration with international organizations to address the ongoing humanitarian needs in the country.

Source:bakhtarnews.af

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https://www.bakhtarnews.af/en/morr-drc-signed-inks-cooperation-agreement/

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Efforts Underway to Establish Specialized Hospitals Across Afghanistan

2025-02-17

KABUL(BNA): The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is set to enhance healthcare services nationwide with plans to build specialized hospitals dedicated to maternal, child, cancer, and infectious diseases in every province.

This initiative was announced by Mawlavi Noor Jalal Jalali, the acting Minister of Public Health, during a recent meeting where he outlined the new national health policy.

Minister Jalali emphasized the importance of fulfilling these responsibilities with integrity and adherence to Islamic and Afghan values. “We must carry out our responsibilities honestly and in accordance with Islamic and Afghan values,” he stated, highlighting the government’s commitment to improving public health infrastructure.

Source:bakhtarnews.af

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26 Afghan prisoners released from Pakistani prisons

By Fidel Rahmati

February 17, 2025

The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation has announced that 26 Afghan prisoners have been released from Pakistani prisons and returned to Afghanistan.

According to the statement on Monday, the 26 prisoners cross into Afghanistan through various border crossings after their release.

The ministry added that these recently freed migrants were detained in different cities of Pakistan due to lacking legal documentation before being imprisoned.

According to the ministry, the prisoners had been held in detention for two to three months before being returned to Afghanistan after their release.

It is also noted that the newly freed migrants received humanitarian aid upon their return to the country. Since the beginning of the new year, Pakistan has intensified its crackdown on the detention and deportation of migrants.

In addition to the arrests and expulsions of Afghan citizens from Islamabad and Rawalpindi, special restrictions have been imposed on visa extensions. For instance, a visa that is typically valid for one year and six months is now only extended for one month at an exorbitant cost.

Human rights activists have condemned Pakistan’s treatment of Afghan migrants and refugees, calling it “inhumane and in violation of international humanitarian law.”

The ongoing deportation and harsh treatment of Afghan nationals in Pakistan has raised serious concerns among human rights organizations. There is a growing call for the international community to intervene and ensure that the rights of refugees and migrants are upheld according to global standards.

Source:khaama.com

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Pakistan

 

Terrorist attack on police mobile injures cop in Kohat

By Web Desk

February 18, 2025

KOHAT: A police mobile was targeted with hand grenades by terrorists in Kohat's Shadipur area, which left a cop injured, the regional police officer (RPO) said on Tuesday.

The officer revealed that a terrorist was killed in retaliation by the police, several militants were also arrested.

The RPO said that hand grenades and other weapons were discovered from of the arrested terrorists. He further stated that a search operation was under way in the area in order to find more leads on the terrorists who attacked the police mobile.

In the relevance of this attack, it is important to note that the country witnessed a sharp increase in terror attacks in January 2025, surging by 42% compared to the previous month, according to data released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), which is a think tank.

The data revealed that at least 74 militant attacks were recorded nationwide, resulting in 91 fatalities, including 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants. Another 117 individuals sustained injuries, including 53 security forces personnel, 54 civilians, and 10 militants.

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

The tribal districts of KP (erstwhile Fata) witnessed 19 attacks, leading to 46 deaths, including 13 security personnel, eight civilians, and 25 militants.

Source:thenews.com.pk

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Karachi shopping centre in Clifton catches fire

By Danial Syed

February 18, 2025

A fire erupted at a shopping centre near Teen Talwar in Karachi’s Clifton area in the wee hours of Tuesday, with firefighting officials confirming that the blaze was successfully contained and prevented from spreading to other sections of the building.

According to sources, the affected shopping centre houses multiple clothing stores.

Fire brigade officials reported that the fire originated on the first floor of the building.

This incident comes nearly two months after a massive overnight fire at a furniture market in the port city, which gutted over 30 shops before being brought under control.

Upon receiving reports of the fire, the fire department dispatched 12 fire engines to the scene. Firefighters are actively working to extinguish the flames.

Police confirmed that the fire, which started on the first floor, later engulfed several shops. However, no casualties or injuries have been reported so far.

Shop owners and workers have been seen removing merchandise on a self-help basis to prevent further losses.

The cause of the fire and the full extent of the damage remain unclear. However, police officers suggested that an electrical short circuit may have triggered the blaze.

During the firefighting operation, one firefighter suffered from intense suffocation and was rushed to a nearby healthcare facility.

The incident follows a series of fires in Karachi, including a blaze at a furniture market near Kamran Chowrangi in Gulistan-e-Jauhar on 31 December. Just days before that, a massive fire erupted in a multi-storey building on MA Jinnah Road on 19 December—its second fire incident within two weeks.

Rimpa Plaza, the same building, had also experienced a fire on 3 December, which started in a flat on the first floor before spreading to the upper levels.

Source:thenews.com.pk

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Marwat calls Nawaz's ouster 'wrong' after his expulsion from PTI

By Web Desk

February 17, 2025

Amid his differences with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership after his expulsion from the party, MNA Sher Afzal Marwat termed former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's ouster from power "wrong".

"No one has any doubt that former army chief Gen [retd] Qamar Bajwa conspired with ex-chief justice Saqib Nisar to oust Nawaz," the disgruntled politician said while speaking to a private news channel on Monday.

Nawaz lost the prime minister’s office in 2017 and the presidency of his party in 2018, as a result of the Panama Papers ruling. He was sentenced to seven years in jail by an accountability court in the Al-Azizia case in December 2018.

The PTI has been facing "internal rifts", with members of its senior leadership having differences on various matters after the incarceration of the party founder in 2023.

Recently party stalwart Marwat was expelled, which he blamed on "de-facto" Secretary General Salman Akram Raja. Before Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur was removed as the head of the party’s provincial chapter and replaced by Junaid Akbar.

Speaking to the private news channel today, Marwat said Nawaz was removed through a joint conspiracy hatched by the then-establishment and ex-CJP Nisar. However, he clarified, that the PTI could not have played any role in Nawaz's ouster.

"The crime for which he [PML-N president] was convicted was wrong...if he had been removed in Avenfield or Panama, it would be different," he added.

Furthermore, he said, Nawaz still does not understand why he was ousted. "Why was I removed? I too, do not understand," he said, comparing himself with the PML-N president.

He noted that the PML-N and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) distributed sweets when PTI founder Imran Khan was sentenced in the Iddat and cipher cases. "Similarly, PTI distributed sweets when Nawaz was removed," he added.

Source:thenews.com.pk

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PTI demands to expedite election rigging, 26th Amendment cases

By Haider Sherazi & Web Desk

February 17, 2025

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has demanded the judiciary to announce verdicts on its petitions related to alleged vote rigging during the 2024 general elections and the judiciary-centric 26th Constitution Amendment besides urging the release political prisoners, including its founder Imran Khan.

These demands were made at a joint press conference conducted by PTI's top leaders, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Omar Ayub Khan, Shibli Faraz, and Salman Akram Raja in Islamabad on Monday.

"One year has passed after the nation gave the mandate to the PTI," claimed Gohar, criticising the fact that a "Form 47" government had been formed by bulldozing the majority.

The former ruling party’s chairman alleged that his party had filed 74 petitions against vote rigging during the Feb 8 polls, however, the courts have failed to announce any verdicts till today.

Subsequently, he also criticised the 26th Constitutional Amendment — a judiciary-centric legislation passed by both houses of parliament in October last year.

He highlighted that under the 26th Amendment, almost 46 judges were appointed to the superior judiciary, including 12 in Sindh, 10 in Peshawar, nine in Lahore, three in Balochistan, and two in Islamabad.

It is noteworthy to mention here that the appointments to the superior judiciary drew criticism from some Supreme Court judges, the legal fraternity and the PTI which boycotted the Judicial Commission of Pakistan's (JCP) session.

The opposition party and SC judges demanded the postponement of the JCP meetings until the cases against the 26th Amendment were decided.

Reiterating the demand, Gohar said that the case related to the contentious constitutional amendment must be heard and decided by the judiciary.

Addressing the press conference, Ayub also demanded the judiciary to stand up for the rule of law and release all political prisoners, including party founder Khan — who has been behind bars since August 2023.

"Judges of the anti-terrorism courts will have to take a stand," urged the opposition leader in the National Assembly, adding that the judiciary should have stood on its feet and told everyone that "enough is enough".

He added that the former premier Khan, ex-first lady Bushra, PTI leaders Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Yasmin Rashid, Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed, Hassan Niazi, and others were political prisoners who should be released.

Ayub claimed that jail amenities have been taken back from Khan which he deserved as the former premier of the country. He also alleged that the PTI founder was kept in isolation by restricting access to him at the [Adiala] jail.

Slamming the incumbent government, the NA opposition leader claimed that the rulers were making false claims of economic progress and a reduction in inflation.

He went on to say that nobody was ready to invest due to present circumstances.

PTI Secretary General Raja also addressed the press conference and reiterated his demand to appoint more judges to the election tribunals. He criticised that only two jurists were appointed to the tribunals hearing election-related petitions in Punjab.

The senior lawyer said that the current parliament has no legal grounds as facts of the stolen mandate could not be hidden.

Leader of Opposition in the Senate Shibli Faraz said that the country could not see political stability until free and fair elections were held. He also stressed legislation aimed at providing relief to the nation.

The major opposition party has expedited efforts to form a grand opposition alliance, as incarcerated Khan proposed to start anti-government protests after Eid.

Unveiling the former ruling party's strategy, PTI founder's lawyer Faisal Chaudhry said two days ago that the PTI was working towards forming a grand opposition alliance, focused on certain objectives including restoration of the constitution and democracy.

He added that Khan ordered Asad Qaiser to contact all opposition parties, including the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Mahmood Khan Achakzai's Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), Shahid Khaqan Abbasi's Awaam Pakistan, Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Mahrang Baloch, and others.

Since Khan's ouster from power, the PTI has organised a series of anti-government protests in the past. However, they ended up abruptly following violent clashes between the protesters and law enforcers.

The party's protest after Khan's arrest in 2023 turned violent as several government and military installations were targeted by the protesters on May 9, leading to arrests and military trials of the accused.

The country once again witnessed fierce clashes between law enforcers and demonstrators when they held a protest rally on November 26, 2024, in Islamabad.

Source:thenews.com.pk

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https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1283773-pti-demands-to-expedite-election-rigging-26th-amendment-cases

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Supreme Court sees shake up after entry of new judges

Nasir Iqbal

February 18, 2025

ISLAMABAD: After the arrival of new Supreme Court judges, Chief Jus­tice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi on Monday reshuff­led a number of committ­ees which had been constituted to distribute different responsibilities among judges of the top court.

CJP Afridi through an office order reconstituted the six-member ‘Case Management Committee’ headed by himself and comprising Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan, Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan, Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui, the additional registrar (judicial). The IT director will be its secretary. The committee will ensure efficiency in judicial work by streamlining case management.

The CJP also appointed five judges of the Supreme Court to supervise and monitor the functions and performance of special courts (anti-terrorism courts) in Pakistan. Jus­tice Musarrat Hilali will act as the monitoring judge for ATCs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) while Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan, Justice Has­him Khan Kakar, and Justice Salahuddin Pan­hwar will act as monitoring judges in Punjab, Balochistan, and Sindh. Justice Aamer Farooq will be the monitoring judge for Islamabad special courts.

The CJP also tasked a committee comprising Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad, Justice Hashim Kakar, Justice Salahuddin Panhwar, and Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim with monitoring of model courts. The SC’s IT affairs committee was reshuffled, with the CJP being its chairman, and Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb its members.

CJP Afridi also issued an office order that miscellaneous appeals and applications for order in chambers under Order V of the SC Rules 1980 at the principal seat will be placed before the CJP and other judges. Likewise, an appeal against the order of the registrar under Rule 3 Order V of the SC Rules 1980 will also be placed before the CJP for assigning them to any of the five senior judges.

The applications for permission to withdraw civil cases will be placed before Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi for decisions. Justice Hashim Kakar will oversee criminal miscellaneous appeals arising out of objections to the non-surrender of the accused/appellant and applications for permission to withdraw criminal cases/NAB cases under Order V Rule 2(10) of the SC Rules 1980.

Justice Salahuddin Panhwar will deal with applications to tax bills returned by the taxing officer/registrar under Order XXVIII of the SC Rules 1980 whereas Justice Shakeel Ahmad will decide matters relating to applications for amendment of pleadings of petitions/appeals, applications for enlargement or abridgment of time, pleas to set aside ex-parte orders and for striking out or adding a party.

The CJP also nominated Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim as SC security affairs in charge. He will also supervise the security affairs of all ex-judges of the SC.

Besides, the CJP reconstituted the SC archives committee, with Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi as chairman, and Justice Salahuddin Panhwar and Justice Miangul Hassan as members. Yaqoob Bangash will be curator of the panel.

Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Miangul Hassan will be members of the law clerkship programme committee, which will make recommendations for appointment of law clerks and extension in their tenure as and when their services will be required by this court.

He also nominated Justice Miangul Hassan as a liaison judge on UK-Pakistan Protocol on Child and Family Laws.

Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui and Justice Aamer Farooq will be part of SC buildings committee to supervise affairs of all SC buildings, including the principal seat, branch registries, judges guest houses, lodges and attached assets. Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan, Justice Shafi Siddiqui and Justice Aamer Farooq will oversee the SC research centre committee.

Also, a committee constituted on Oct 8, 2022, for approval of the quality and selection of specimen of cloth for staff uniform was dissolved with an immediate effect.

Source:dawn.com

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PTI wants courts to expedite 26th amendment, rigging cases

Ikram Junaidi

February 18, 2025

ISLAMABAD: Leaders of the opposition PTI on Monday urged the judiciary to expedite the cases related to alleged rigging during the general elections and the 26th Ame­ndment, expressing concern that the matters rem­ained undecided despite the passage of a year.

The demand was reiterated by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub, Senator Shibli Faraz and the party’s General Secretary Salman Akram Raja at a press conference, held at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in the capital.

Barrister Gohar claimed the party had filed 74 petitions regarding alleged rigging in the Feb 8, 2024 ele­ctions, but the courts had failed to deliver any verdicts.

He also criticised the 26th Amendment, passed in October 2024, alleging that it resulted in the appointment of 46 judges to the high courts and Supreme Court.

He said that even judges of superior courts, lawyers and others had critici­sed the amendment, and PTI had boycotted the mee­­ting of the Jud­icial Commi­ssion of Pakistan. He called for the swift resolution of the case concerning the amendment.

Mr Ayub urged the judiciary to stand for the rule of law and demand the release of political prisoners. He pointed out that the PTI founder had been in jail for nearly 20 months and called for the release of Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Yasmin Rashid, Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed, Hassan Niazi and others.

He alleged that the ruling party was making false claims about economic growth, asserting that the situation was worsening, which had led investors to refrain from investing in the country.

Salman Akram Raja, who contested the election from Lahore and later filed a petition, said it was unfortunate that only two tribunals were hearing cases in Punjab.

Senator Faraz emphasised that Pakistan cannot achieve political stability unless free and fair elections are held.

Meanwhile, PTI lawyer Faisal Chaudhry, speaking outside Adiala Jail, criticised the irregularities in case hearings, which he said were held at the discretion of powers that be.

He alleged that on Oct 3, Imran Khan was kept in isolation for three weeks and subjected to mental torture by suspending electricity and withdrawing exercise and meeting facilities for family and lawyers.

Despite repeated requests, he regretted, they were denied the opportunity to meet the former premier and expressed concerns that some elements were deliberately obstructing his access to justice. He lamented that the jail management was not even following court orders.

‘Planted leadership’

Meanwhile, former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry alleged that the current PTI leadership was ‘planted’ and had no interest in securing the release of party founder Imran Khan from jail.

Speaking to the media at his ancestral house in tehsil Dina of Gujar Khan, the former PTI leader lashed out at the incumbent party leadership for its failure to secure Imran Khan’s release, saying that his freedom is not in its interest, just as “it isn’t in the interest of the government and the establishment”.

He claimed that opposition parties were willing to form a grand alliance but considered it “dangerous” to engage with the current PTI leadership. “Earlier, we doubted the capacity of the current PTI leadership, but now it has been proven that they are planted by the establishment and would never allow Imran Khan to come out of jail,” he asserted.

Fawad Chaudhry alleged that figures like Salman Akram Raja, Raoof Hassan and Sheikh Waqqas have no real sympathy for Imran Khan, as they had no prior affiliations with the party.

He claimed that Salman Akram Raja had previously served as a lawyer for former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in the Panama Papers case and was only interested in his financial gains as a corporate lawyer.

Fawad Chaudhry claimed that he had re-established contact with sidelined senior PTI leaders to reunite the bloc and push for a coordinated effort under the ‘Imran Khan Release Committee’. He asserted that the committee’s sole agenda would be securing Imran Khan’s release, with any decision regarding their future within the PTI to be made only after the ex-PM’s release from jail.

Hamid Asghar in Gujar Khan also contributed to this report

Source:dawn.com

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IHC restructuring strips Justice Kayani of crucial powers

Malik Asad

February 18, 2025

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court has undergone a major administrative restructuring, which has notably reduced the authority of senior puisne judge Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani — who previously held key decision-making roles — following recent amendments to the high court rules.

The changes followed the transfer of three judges from different high courts to the IHC and the subsequent reconstitution of the Administration Committee.

Justice Sardar Mohammad Sarf­raz Dogar was appointed IHC’s acting chief justice, leading to a resh­uffle within the court’s ad­­m­i­­nis­tr­a­tive framework. The move trigge­red objections from senior jud­­ges, who argue that it undermines judicial seniority and due process.

The IHC Administration Com­mittee, previously comprising the chief justice, the senior puisne judge and a senior judge, has now been restructured to include Chief Justice Dogar and two of his nominees. This reconstitution significantly alters the court’s decision-making authority.

The changes were formalised through amendments to Rule 237, Chapter 10 of the High Court Rules. The revised provision now states: “The Administration Committee, headed by the Chief Justice, ordinarily shall consist of three judges. However, the Chief Justice, if dee­m­ed appropriate, may nominate more members of the Committee.”

Additionally, Rule 239 now rea­ds: “Each member of the Admi­nis­tration Committee shall act as an Administration Judge, and the po­­w­­ers and duties of each Admi­n­i­stration Judge shall be defined by the Chief Justice from time to time.”

Previously, the senior puisne judge automatically held the position of Administration Judge, gra­nting them substantial authority over court affairs. However, under the new rules, the chief justice has discretionary power to assign ad­­ministrative duties, significantly limiting Justice Kayani’s role.

Justice Kayani, who became the senior puisne judge on Nov 11, 2022, after Justice Aamer Farooq’s elevation as IHC chief justice, was regarded as one of the most influential judges in the court. As a member of the Administration Committee, the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) and the Inspection Judge of the lower judiciary, he wielded broad administrative powers.

He was also responsible for assigning cases to benches in the chief justice’s absence, making him a key figure in the IHC’s judicial operations. However, the re­­c­ent rule amendments have remo­ved him from these roles, rendering his position largely ceremonial.

Furthermore, the IHC administration has excluded Justice Kay­ani from the DPC, further restricting his influence in judicial matters.

The reshuffle has sparked significant controversy within the IHC, with Justice Babar Sattar leading the opposition against the changes. Justice Sattar, along with four other IHC judges, has raised serious concerns regarding the exclusion of senior judges from key administrative committees, transfer of judges from other high courts into IHC’s decision-making bodies, and chan­ges in judicial seniority rankings.

Justice Sattar formally wrote to the acting chief justice, expressing his reservations over the revised seniority list issued on Feb 3, 2025, and questioning the legality of Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro’s inclusion in the Administration Committee.

Justice Soomro, who was transferred from the Sindh High Court, is ranked ninth in the IHC seniority list. Justice Sattar argue that under Rule 2 of the High Court Rules, only the two most senior judges should be included in the Adm­inistration Committee and that the chief justice did not have the discretion to bypass this provision.

Source:dawn.com

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Fazl slams govt over ‘lack of civilian decision-making’

Amir Wasim

February 18, 2025

• Deplores lack of govt writ in parts of KP, Balochistan

• Five bills passed amid opposition protest; president prorogues joint sitting scheduled for today

ISLAMABAD: Chief of his own faction of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Monday launched a blistering attack on the government’s handling of national security issues and warned that the country’s very existence was under threat due to lack of civilian decision-making.

Speaking on a point of order in the National Assembly after the house hurriedly passed five bills aimed at curbing human trafficking and organised beggary amid noisy opposition’s protest, the JUI-F chief cautioned that “Pakistan’s physical boundaries might be altered sooner rather than later” unless drastic measures were taken to address pressing concerns, including the lack of state writ in the provinces of Balochistan and KP as well as the newly-merged tribal districts.

There was a stunned silence during the Mr Rehman’s speech, and a few instances when the opposition members shouted ‘shame, shame’. PTI members, who had made two failed attempts to disrupt the proceedings by pointing out quorum and raised slogans during the passage of the bills, later heard the Mr Rehman’s speech in complete silence.

However, as soon as Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar took the floor to respond to Mr Rehman’s speech, the PTI members once again started sloganeering and one of its members pointed out quorum for the third time. Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah adjourned the sitting till Tuesday morning (today) after declaring the house not in order due to a lack of quorum, for which the presence of 84 members is required in the 336-member house.

Fazl’s warnings

Taking the floor, the JUI-F chief alleged polices were being “made in closed doors by those who are above the government, above politicians and above the parliament and we are not allowed, even for a moment, to give any proposal”.

Alleging that there has been no writ of the state in Balochistan and KP, he said armed groups were in a state of war in both provinces. “Had I asked the prime minister [Shehbaz Sharif] as to what is happening in the tribal areas, he would have simply stated that he doesn’t know,” said Mr Rehman, while lamenting the government over its failure to establish civilian authority.

“The decisions are being completely made by the establishment while sitting in palaces and behind closed doors and the government is there only to endorse them,” said the JUI-F chief, amid slogans of “shame, shame”. He said politicians and parliament had to face the people’s wrath over these decisions.

Without elaborating, Mr Rehman said there were areas in his constituency which had been ‘vacated even by the army’. “Who­­­se writ will be there and who will be occupying a war-ravaged place with no presence of the police and the army?” he asked.

The JUI-F chief warned that five to seven districts in Balochistan were “in a position to announce independence”, adding that the UN would recognise them the next day in such a case. Similarly, he cla­imed that there was no government’s writ in the southern parts of KP where police checkposts had been closed down and the police officials were under a siege of the “armed groups” controlling of the area.

Stating that long wars along the borders were warning of “geographical changes”, Mr Rehman said if US President Donald Trump could talk about Gaza, he could demand control over Pakistan’s tribal areas. He also warned that the international forces wanted to have their control over the country’s atomic bomb and missile programme. He also hit out at the government for allowing the IMF representatives to meet the bench and bar representatives.

Mr Rehman, however, offered his cooperation to the government, making it conditional to the establishment of the civilian rule and decision-making powers for parliament.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly pas­sed five bills with majority votes, including the Prevention of Trafficking in Pers­ons (Amendment) Bill, the Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants (Amendment) Bill and the Emigration (Amendment) Bill aimed at curbing human smuggling. All the bills have previously been passed by the Senate.

Joint session prorogued

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday prorogued the joint session of parliament, which was scheduled to be held on Feb 18 (Tuesday), for an indefinite period.

The session of was originally convened on Jan 24, under Article 54(1) of the Constitution.

However, the president has now prorogued the sitting.

Source:dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1892697/fazl-slams-govt-over-lack-of-civilian-decision-making

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Drugs of seven pharma firms declared ‘spurious’

Ikram Junaidi

February 18, 2025

ISLAMABAD: The Drug Testing Laboratory (DTL) has identified drugs of as many as seven pharmaceutical companies as spurious. It has claimed that some drugs may contain toxic and narcotic/psychotropic ingredients in unacceptable doses which may be life threatening.

Medicines were being sold in the market but the licence numbers on the products were never allotted to those products. Even addresses of the pharmaceutical companies, mentioned on the drugs, were fake.

According to documents signed by the DTL Sindh director, Syed Adnan Rizvi, and seen by Dawn, the lab performed testing of drugs taken by various provincial drug inspectors and products of seven pharmaceutical companies were found to be fictitious, having no existence, possessing fake manufacturing licence and registration number, and devoid of Active Pharma­ceutical Ingredients (API) hence declared as spurious.

The medicines include Eyosef 250mg capsules (used to treat infections caused by bacteria, including upper respiratory infections, ear infections, skin infections and urinary tract infections) manufactured by M/S East Pharmaceuticals, Lahore.

As many as three suspensions [used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body] including Alcoxime suspension, manufactured by M/S Alpine Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd, Karachi; Milixime suspension, manufactured by M/S Menakline Pharma, Karachi; and Mirzpan suspension,

manufactured by M/S Miraz Pharma, Kasur, were also found spurious. M/S Miraz Pharma’s product Mirzolam tablets

(used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and anxiety caused by depression) was also found spurious.

Documents reveal that M/S Porm Pharmaceuticals, Pesha­war’s Lexopam tablets [used to treat panic disorders and severe anxiety], M/S Multicare Pharmaceutical Karachi’s product Zionex tablet (used to treat panic disorders and anxiety) and M/S Brom Pharmaceuticals Lahore’s medicine Bromalex (used to treat panic disorders and severe anxiety) were also found spurious.

Risk statements

Documents shared with health facilities, health authorities and pharma manufacturers associations say that consequences of use of spurious/falsified drugs may be severe as those drugs may contain toxic and narcotic/psychotropic ingredients in unacceptable doses, which may be life threatening.

They are manufactured under unhygienic conditions without the proper inspection and approval and they are highly injurious to human health. Poor quality medicines compromise the treatment of diseases and may intensify the existing conditions, the documents say.

President of Pakistan Drug Lawyers Forum, Noor Mahar, while talking to Dawn, said that the medicines were being sold in the market, but the licence numbers of these products were never allotted.

Even addresses of the pharmaceutical companies mentioned on the drugs were fake, he said.

Source:dawn.com

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

https://www.dawn.com/news/1892696/drugs-of-seven-pharma-firms-declared-spurious

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University rules likely to undergo drastic changes in Punjab

Imran Gabol

February 18, 2025

• Under proposal, VCs will lose chairmanship of syndicates, which will be headed by CM or minister

• Conference discusses varsities’ autonomy, other issues

LAHORE: Vice chancellors of different public sector universities on Monday expressed concerns over some proposals of the Punjab government, claiming that under the amended laws the role of academia in the governance of varsities will be curtailed while the control of executives enhanced.

The vice chancellors were asked to present recommendations at a conference jointly hosted by the Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) and Higher Education Department (HED).

The conference was aimed to address key issues of governance, academic quality, financial management and curriculum alignment with national requirements.

However, some vice chancellors while talking to Dawn claimed that their recommendations, mainly pertaining to the issue of the universities’ autonomy, were ignored by the department and an entirely different set of proposals was presented to Punjab Minister for School and Hig­her Education Rana Sikandar Hayat.

HED Secretary Dr Farrukh Nave­­ed told Dawn that the recommendations were at an initial stage and claimed that not all VCs were against the department’s point of view on the matter of autonomy. He also de­­fended the government’s proposed role in the governance of universities, saying there must be a third party check to ensure quality.

The conference was attended by 32 VCs while prominent business leaders, members of the VC Search Committee, and senior officials from HED and PHEC were also present.

NUST founding rector retired Lt Gen Muhammad Asghar and Sui No­­r­­thern Gas Pipelines Limited’s BOD Chairman Muhammad Ismail Qure­shi and educationist Sohail Na­­qvi in their speeches discussed different problems facing the universities.

They said universities should be given complete autonomy in all matters and training programmes sho­­uld be launched to improve administration. They suggested appointing regular registrars and controller of examinations and starting quality enhancing centres on the campuses. They proposed that teachers should not be made heads of such centres.

The speakers said that VCs should head syndicates while registrar should serve as their secretary. Senates and board of governors (BoG) should be increased, they said, adding that members from the business community, eminent scholars, industry leaders and philanthropists should be included in it.

VCs’ proposals

The conference had developed groups of VCs to obtain recommendations to address issues of governance, academic quality, financial management and curriculum alignment with national requirements.

The VCs presented several recommendations, including providing autonomy to universities to run its affairs and oversee funds. They suggested that the government should amend the acts of those universities where there is no Senate.

The said the government should develop a Senate in universities inc­luding all women universities, Oka­ra, Layyah, Sialkot, Gujrat, Faisal­ab­­ad, Ghazi, Bhakkar, and others and make the chief minister or minister for higher education its chairman.

It may be recalled that under the 1973 Universities Act, the governor is the chancellor as well as the head of the Senate. However, new recommendations made at the moot suggest that the chief minister or the minister for higher education should be made the chancellor.

They proposed that the government should give syndicate chairmanship to the VCs rather than giving it to the minister in the new universities and also complete other bodies of these campuses.

However, a senior official while talking to Dawn on condition of anonymity said the government was planning to amend laws of all the universities of the province.

The conference proposed amendments to several sections of laws. The recommendations include chan­ging the Universities Acts and making the chief minister, minister of higher education and HED secretary as head of the Syndicates and removing the VCs from chairmanship. The CM will head the Syndicate and in its absence minister for higher education or HED secretary would head it.

Several VCs on condition of anonymity told Dawn that the government was trying to end all types of autonomy of the universities by trying to change the law.

A source said that teachers would resist any such move and would not al­low ending the universities’ autonomy.

The source apprehended that the government would try to approve the recommendations in the PHEC meeting on Tuesday (today).

According to the source, all the VCs rejected the recommendations made at the conference and their opinion was presented to the minister.

Minister’s call

Earlier, Punjab Minister for Scho­­ol and Higher Education Rana Sika­ndar Hayat in his address said that VCs would be removed from chairmanship of the Syndicates which should be given to third party for their evaluation in running the universities’ affairs. He emphasised that public-private partnerships, international grants, and endowment funds are being encouraged to enhance the financial sustainability of varsities.

Source:dawn.com

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

https://www.dawn.com/news/1892700/university-rules-likely-to-undergo-drastic-changes-in-punjab

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Polling for Senate seat from Balochistan on March 8: ECP

February 18, 2025

QUETTA: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced that the by-election for the vacant Senate general seat from Balochistan will be held on March 8.

The seat fell vacant after the resignation of Mohammad Qasim Ronjho, a senator of Balochistan National Party (Mengal) last week after the party chief’s instruction, as Mr Ronjho had voted for 26th constitutional amendment against the party decision in the joint session of parliament in October 2024.

BNP-M chief Sardar Akhtar Mengal had asked Mr Ronjho to resign from the senate seat for violating party discipline and decision. He was nominated by the party for the general seat in the Senate election held on April 2, 2024.

Interestingly, a female senator of the BNP-M, Naseema Shah, had also voted in favour of 26th amendment in violation of the party decision, she still represents her party in parliament.

The ECP has appointed the provincial election commissioner of Balochistan, Farid Afridi, as the returning officer.

The ECP issued a notice on Monday, announcing the schedule of the by-election. The collection of nomination papers is set for Feb 18 and 19. According to the schedule, the list of candidates will be published on Feb 20, scrutiny of the nomination papers will be finalised by Feb 22, appeals concerning the acceptance or rejection of nomination will be heard on Feb 25 and resolved by Feb 27.

A revised list of candidates will be released on Feb 28, followed by a window for candidates to withdraw their nomination papers until March 1. Polling is set to take place on March 8.

Source:dawn.com

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https://www.dawn.com/news/1892694/polling-for-senate-seat-from-balochistan-on-march-8-ecp

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Balochistan govt launches plan to train young pilots

Saleem Shahid

February 18, 2025

QUETTA: The Balochistan government has launched a ‘Youth Pilot Development Programme (YPDP-1)’ to provide training to young people in the aviation sector so that they could join national and international aviation industry.

Women will be encouraged to join the programme, while children of martyrs will also be given opportunities.

Provincial government spokesman Shahid Rind disclosed this while speaking at a presser along with Captain Ali Azad, Director General of the Aviation Wing of Balochistan.

In the first phase, Mr Rind said, one female candidate from Gilgit-Baltistan has been included in the programme.

He said the YPDP-1 would be a first of its kind by any provincial government in the country and serve as a milestone in promoting aviation in the region.

Giving details of the programme, he said young pilots will receive an additional 200 flight hours of training, which will greatly enhance their practical skills.

Mr Rind expressed the hope that YPDP-1 will play a key role in fostering the growth of aviation in Balochistan, helping the youth compete on a global scale and access employment opportunities both nationally and internationally.

The spokesman said the government is committed to creating more opportunities in the aviation sector, opening new horizons for the youth.

He mentioned that under the guidance of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, the implementation of the programme is being started immediately.

Mr Azad shed light on the significance and technical details of the programme.

Also present on the occasion were trainee pilots who described the initiative as an invaluable opportunity for the youth of Balochistan.

Mr Rind said the programme aims to establish Balochistan as a hub in the aviation industry and added that it would not incur additional costs for the government, as available resources will be efficiently utilised to run it.

Source:dawn.com

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

https://www.dawn.com/news/1892693/balochistan-govt-launches-plan-to-train-young-pilots

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KP plans fresh op after Kurram convoy attacks

Javed Hussain | Umer Farooq

February 18, 2025

• One soldier, four FC men martyred as forces try to rescue stranded colleagues, prevent looting of aid trucks

• Saif says locals to be relocated before action undertaken

• Two security personnel martyred in D.I. Khan; man killed by IED in Bajaur

KURRAM / PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government announced a fresh operation against militants in Kurram, after five security officials were martyred in multiple attacks on Monday.

The fresh spate of violence threatens the precarious peace prevailing in the reg­ion, since a ceasefire agreement was reached following months of conflict, that claimed around 130 lives.

The Thall-Parachinar road, the only land route connecting Upper Kurram with other parts of the country, remains closed for traffic due to these persistent attacks.

Since a ceasefire agreement was reached between warring factions in Kurram earlier this year, aid was being supplied to the region through convoys, escorted by heavy security.

Sources said that on Mon­day, an aid convoy comprising several trucks bound for Parachinar entered Lower Kurram through the Chapri Gate at noon.

The convoy, escorted by police and other security agencies, was moving on the Thall-Parachinar road when assailants opened fire at Ochat Kalay, near Mandori in Lower Kurram, around 12:30pm.

Security personnel escorting the convoy retaliated, and two army gunship helicopters shelled areas around the attack site, sources added.

Intermittent firing continued for over two hours. An army soldier was martyred in the attack, while seven, including a policeman, two truck drivers and four civilians, were injured.

A second attack took place at the same location around 6pm, when forces tried to stop militants from looting stranded aid trucks, according to sources.

Assailants opened fire on the vehicle of a Frontier Corps officer, leaving five personnel injured. However, an officer remained unhurt in the attack.

Then, around 8:30pm, a convoy of the FC’s Quick Response Force — which had arrived to recuse the injured soldiers — was ambushed near the Government High School in Ochat Kalay.

Four FC personnel embraced martyrdom in this exchange, while three vehicles were damaged. However, there was no clarity on how many militants were killed or injured in the action.

‘Attack by locals’

A truck driver, Gul Faraz, who was caught up in the attack, claimed that announcements were made over loudspeakers from mosques to attack the vehicles.

Another driver, Akram Khan, said the convoy was attacked by locals.

Several drivers are also missing since the attack, he added.

Last month, an operation was launched in different parts of central Kurram, including Mandori, Ochat, Charkhel, Chapri and Paraw to clear the areas of militants.

Security forces also used helicopters for strikes at possible militants’ hideouts during the days-long operation.

The provincial government believes that some militants could still be present in the area, sources added.

“Militants, present in Upper and Lower Kurram, plan to benefit from the situation,” sources told Dawn.

They added that an alleged militant commander, identified as Kazim and a resident of Lower Kurram, “wants to sabotage the peace accord at all cost”.

New operation

In view of the situation, the KP government decided to launch another operation in the Mandori and Ochat areas to “clear them of miscreants,” the provincial government’s spokesperson, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif said after the attack.

The decision to launch the action was taken in a late-night meeting chaired by KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

The meeting was also attended by the chief secretary, additional chief secretary (Home) and provincial police chief.

Mr Saif said locals would be relocated before the operation.

“The peace committees have failed to stop miscreants,” he said, adding that tribal elders should have handed over miscreants to the government.

The political leadership and public representatives must openly come out for peace in the area, he said, adding that any propa­ganda about Kurram would be “timely and effectively responded”.

Roadside explosions

Separately, three people, including two security officials, lost their lives in two roadside explosions in Dera Ismail Khan and Bajaur.

Although there was no official word from ISPR, security sources said an improvised explosive device (IED) was planted along a road in Kulachi that went off as a convoy of security forces approached the area.

According to sources, the IED was remotely detonated, and the security forces’ vehicles caught in the blast were completely destroyed.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack but security forces started a search operation in the area to trace the attackers.

Meanwhile in Bajaur, a man was killed in an IED blast in the hilly area of Barang tehsil.

Officials and locals said that the victim was passing through the area when he was caught up in the attack.

He was shifted to the nearby Memola hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. He was identified as Walayat Khan, 57.

Muhammad Irfan Mughal in D.I. Khan and Anwarullah Khan in Bajaur also contributed to this report

Source:dawn.com

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

https://www.dawn.com/news/1892709/kp-plans-fresh-op-after-kurram-convoy-attacks

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North America

 

All passengers and crew survive plane crash at Toronto airport

18 Feb, 2025

All passengers and crew on a flight which crashed and overturned while landing at Toronto Pearson Airport in Canada have survived, the airport's chief executive said.

"We are very grateful there was no loss of life and relatively minor injuries," said Deborah Flint of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority.

One child and two adults were critically injured in the crash, according to emergency services. Images shared on social media show a plane flipped over and lying on its roof on the snow-covered tarmac. It appears to be missing at least one wing.

Toronto Pearson Airport said the crash involved a Delta Air Lines flight arriving from Minneapolis, and of the 80 people on board, 76 were passengers and four were crew.

Eighteen passengers were transported to hospital in total.

Ontario air ambulance service Ornge said it had dispatched three air ambulance helicopters and two land ambulances to the scene.

The patients with critical injuries include a child, a man in his 60s and a woman in her 40s, it added.

In an evening briefing, Ms Flint called the response by emergency personnel "textbook" and credited them with helping ensure no loss of life.

The US Federal Aviation Authority said the plane involved was Delta Air Lines Flight 4819, being operated by one of its subsidiaries, Endeavor Air.

Delta confirmed that a CRJ900 aircraft was involved in the incident at about 14:15 ET (19:15 GMT) on Monday afternoon.

Twenty-two passengers are Canadian and the rest are "multinational", Ms Flint said.

The airport was closed shortly after the incident, but flights into and out of Toronto Pearson resumed at about 17:00 local time, the airport said.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada said it was deploying a team to "gather information and assess the occurrence".

Two runways will remain closed for several days for investigation and passengers have been told to expect some delays.

Toronto Pearson fire chief Todd Aitken said on Monday night that while it was early in the investigation, they could say "the runway was dry and there was no cross-wind conditions".

That contradicts earlier reports of wind gusts of more than 64km/h (40mph) and a crosswind.

Video footage shared on social media shows people clambering out of the overturned aircraft, with fire crews spraying it with foam.

"We're in Toronto, we just landed. Our plane crashed, it's upside down," said one man as he filmed a video taken from outside the upturned plane.

The video shows passengers being helped out of the plane's doors by airport staff, with some then running away from the plane's entrance.

"Most people appear to be OK. We're all getting off, there's some smoke going on," he can be heard saying.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said provincial officials were in contact with the airport and local authorities and would provide any help needed.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said he was "grateful to the first responders and professionals on the scene".

After the crash, the airport's arrival and departure boards showed scores of delays and cancellations to flights.

Some passengers told the BBC that they were now stuck in Toronto for several days after their flights were cancelled, with none available on Monday or Tuesday.

James and Andrea Turner were in customs - located right before the departure gates - when they were suddenly told to evacuate.

"They got rid of everybody from customs to security, and then put everybody back to the general area," James said, adding that the departures hall was packed as a result.

The couple had been due to board the plane that crashed on the runway. Their flight was then cancelled - the third delay to their trip, after their previous journeys were rescheduled because of bad weather.

Toronto Pearson Airport had been experiencing weather-related delays over the last few days, with heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures battering parts of Ontario.

Two storms - one on Wednesday and one on Sunday - covered the city with a total of 30-50cm (11.8-19.6 inches) of snow.

The BBC's US partner CBS reports that there was light snow falling at the time of the crash.

Earlier on Monday, the airport warned that "frigid temperatures and high winds were moving in".

It said a "busy day" was expected, with airlines "catching up after this weekend's snowstorm which dumped over 22cm of snow at the airport".

The crash is at least the fourth major aviation incident in North America in the past month - including a deadly in-air collision between a passenger plane and a military helicopter near Washington DC's Ronald Reagan airport, which killed all 67 people on board.

Source:bbc.com

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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20g02djlv7o

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Ten best moments as stars mark 50 years of Saturday Night Live

17 Feb, 2025

A star-studded cast have taken part in a three-hour special to celebrate the 50th anniversary of legendary US comedy show Saturday Night Live.

The SNL50 show took place on Sunday (not Saturday) - but it was live, as always, from Studio 8H in New York City's Rockefeller Centre.

The programme, famed for its sketches and celebrity hosts, premiered in October 1975 and is responsible for launching the careers of comedy legends including Eddie Murphy and Bill Murray.

Some returned for the anniversary special, alongside younger acts. Here are some of the highlights:

Flashback hit

Woman of the moment Sabrina Carpenter kicked off the show by performing a duet alongside Paul Simon of folk rock duo Simon and Garfunkel. The pair sang a rendition of the band's 1966 hit Homeward Bound.

Simon first appeared on the comedy series back in 1976, singing the same song with The Beatles' George Harrison.

Espresso singer Carpenter joked that neither she nor her parents had been born then.

Nirvana reunite (again)

Nirvana returned to the stage with surprise guest Post Malone - introduced by actor Adam Sandler. The actor reminisced about the original bandmates' last SNL performance with frontman Kurt Cobain shortly before his death.

Post Malone joined Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear to play the band's iconic hit Smells Like Teen Spirit.

It came after the surviving members of the 90s rock band reunited for another special performance last month to raise money for the LA fires relief fund.

Nod to legal drama

SNL's jokes regularly centre around politics or news events, so it seemed unlikely that one of the most high-profile current celebrity showdowns - between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively - would be spared.

The It Ends With Us stars are currently embroiled in a bitter legal dispute, with a court date set for 2026.

In what appeared to be a reference to the drama, Lively's husband (who is also named in the complaint) Ryan Reynolds was part of a Q&A in which Tina Fey and Amy Poehler appeared on stage to take questions from the audience.

Asked how he was doing, Reynolds replied "Great!" Then, seeming concerned, he asked: "Why, what have you heard?"

Aubrey Plaza returns

US actress Aubrey Plaza made one of her first public appearances since the death of her husband.

Director and screenwriter Jeff Baena died in January at the age of 47. The pair had been together for more than a decade and married in 2021.

On Sunday, Plaza popped up in the audience to introduce Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard for a performance of Sinead O'Connor's Nothing Compares 2 U.

She paid tribute to Baena wearing a tie-dye shirt - it is unclear if it belonged to him but the couple wore tie-dye outfits for their wedding after the director got into the hobby during Covid.

An almost unrecognisable Meryl Streep made her SNL debut in a sketch hitting on Pedro Pascal and calling her character a "bad girl".

She also referenced her iconic film in which she played fierce fashion boss Miranda Priestly, joking: "This devil wears nada."

Blast from the past

What would this special be without a face from the very first season of the show? It was fitting for Garrett Morris, an original cast member and the first black person on set of Saturday Night Live, to return to the studio.

He started the sketch declaring "I am Garrett Morris" to a big cheer, and joked that back when he joined the cast he had "no idea ya'll that I would be required to do so many reunion shows".

Domingo was back. There was no surprise that arguably the most viral character of the last season would return for this special.

Previously, we saw him at the wedding of Kelsey and Matt, when her bridesmaids revealed in a musical ensemble that she had been having an affair with Domingo.

On the anniversary special, Domingo's brothers turned up at the couple's vow renewal. Santiago, aka musician Bad Bunny, and Reynaldo, played by Pedro Pascal, joined in when the groomsmen formed their own ensemble.

It was revealed, this time round, that Matt and Santiago had got to know one another.

Kim K is back

The last time Kim Kardashian was on SNL, she made headlines for kissing comedian Pete Davidson on Aladdin's magic carpet - a kiss that was rumoured to be the start of their relationship.

On Sunday, Kardashian returned for an updated version of the singing Maharelle Sisters with former cast members Ana Gasteyer, Kristen Wiig and Scarlett Johansson - whose husband is the regular "Weekend Update" anchor Colin Jost.

Sandler sings SNL cast list

Introduced by his rarely seen Anger Management co-star Jack Nicholson, actor Adam Sandler sang about the show's history.

He gave a long list of previous cast members, noting several who had died including veteran SNL-ers Chris Farley and Norm MacDonald along with Gilda Radner, Jan Hooks and Phil Hartman.

Spoof tributes to yesteryears

Tom Hanks, wearing a black suit and tie, aptly performed a spoof segment named "In Memoriam".

He introduced a tribute to "SNL characters and sketches that have aged horribly", describing the subsequent montage as "unquestionably in poor taste".

He pointed out to the audience in spite of that: "You all laughed at them. So if anyone should be cancelled, shouldn't it be you the audience? Something to think about."

Source:bbc.com

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

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy8x857plvdo

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Trump dispatches NY real estate dealmaker to solve global crises

18 Feb, 2025

When US President Donald Trump wanted someone to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin last week to open negotiations for a potential deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war, he didn't dispatch his secretary of state.

The man he sent to the Kremlin to handle a titanic geopolitical challenge does not even have a diplomatic background.

Instead Trump picked his personal friend, golf buddy and billionaire real estate developer Steve Witkoff.

The president has made Witkoff his Middle East envoy. But last week the Bronx-born businessman found himself in discussions about ending a conflict in Eastern Europe - having been "with [Putin] for a very extended period, like about three hours", in Trump's words.

Witkoff was in Moscow to help facilitate a deal that saw the US and Russia swap prisoners, which was seen as signalling a possible thaw in relations between the two countries.

Witkoff also played a part in brokering the current ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, for which both Trump and his predecessor Joe Biden took credit.

Though he was not yet officially in his post, Witkoff flew to Tel Aviv to meet Netanyahu before the deal was brokered in Qatar. He then spent time with Biden's envoy Brett McGurk in Doha, who later praised their cooperation, calling it a "very close partnership, even friendship", according to the Washington Post.

Witkoff is now returning to the region, specifically Saudi Arabia, for the first US-Russian face-to-face talks over the war in Ukraine after Trump had his own call with Putin. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and national security adviser Mike Waltz are also attending.

But the bold moves made by Trump's team are stirring concern among Western allies, who fear a new world order in which key players are shut out of discussions. Ukraine and other European nations were not invited to the Saudi meeting.

So, who is Witkoff - dubbed by US media as "the man in the room", taking centre stage as more potentially consequential international talks take place?

He was one of Trump's first picks for his top team after his presidential election win in November. Trump wrote: "Steve will be an unrelenting voice for PEACE, and make us all proud."

"The president sees Steve as one of the world's great dealmakers," a White House official told Axios. Witkoff's preferred negotiating tactic was to use charm, according to another associate, but he could also turn up the pressure.

The 67-year-old was raised in Long Island, New York and trained as a real estate developer in one of America's most cut-throat markets.

As a long-time Republican donor, he has known Trump for decades, and, like the president, made his fortune in real estate in both New York and Florida.

Addressing last year's Republican National Convention, during which he recalled speaking to Trump in the aftermath of an assassination attempt, Witkoff called the other man his "true and dear friend... in good times and bad times".

The two men are also long-time golfing companions, US Senator Lindsey Graham told NBC News. "Steve and I would be the two guys who would play Trump and somebody else, and lose," Graham said.

It was during a shared golfing session in Florida last September that another alleged would-be Trump attacker was foiled by the Secret Service. Trump said he and Witkoff were bundled into golf carts as agents moved to counter a suspect in the bushes.

Graham also said that Witkoff first mentioned his interest in becoming Middle East envoy to Trump during a lunchtime conversation. "That stunned me, because I didn't know he was interested in the Mideast," Graham said.

Witkoff's remit as Middle East envoy is also reported to include diplomacy with Iran. People familiar with the matter told the Financial Times he had been chosen to spearhead a nuclear deal with Tehran as part of a broader plan to "stop the wars" in the region.

Witkoff's deal-making skills were on display during Trump's 2024 campaign. He helped to ease tension between Trump and his defeated Republican presidential primary rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

Witkoff also reportedly met Georgia Governor Brian Kemp to smooth things over, after Kemp drew Trump's scorn for refusing to support his unfounded claims of fraud in the 2020 election which Trump lost to Biden.

He currently serves as chairman of the University of Miami's business school real estate advisory board, and was appointed by Trump during his first term to the board of trustees of the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Source:bbc.com

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At least 10 dead in US floods and heavy rain

17 Feb, 2025

At least 10 people have died as torrential downpours over the weekend drenched parts of the south-eastern US, submerging roads and houses.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said nine people have died in his state, after making an emergency disaster declaration.

About 1,000 people stranded in flood waters had to be rescued, he also said on Sunday.

The same areas could now be affected by drier but colder conditions, and the risk of snow, ice and significant disruption - according to BBC forecaster John Hutchinson.

The other death over the weekend was in Georgia, where a man lying in his bed was struck by an uprooted tree that crashed into his home.

Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina were under some type of storm-related alert over the weekend. Almost all of those states also suffered catastrophic damage in September from Hurricane Helene.

Hundreds of thousands of homes ended up without power - a number that reduced to tens of thousands early on Monday, according to monitoring site Poweroutage.us.

Some parts of Kentucky received up to 6in (15cm) of rain, National Weather Service (NWS) figures show, resulting in widespread flooding issues.

The rapid influx of rain caused river levels to rise quickly and trapped vehicles in feet of water, images posted online show. Hundreds of roads were closed.

Among those who died in the state were a mother and her seven-year-old child, and a 73-year-old man.

A resident of rain-lashed Knott County told CNN he was anxious he would "lose everything again", as he was still rebuilding his home from devastating flooding two years previously. Danny Laferty told the broadcaster the type of flooding he had seen in recent years was "different".

Beshear said that he had written to the White House requesting an emergency disaster declaration and federal funds for affected areas.

President Donald Trump approved the declaration on Sunday, authorising the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) - which he has suggested abolishing - to co-ordinate disaster relief efforts.

In Obion County, Tennessee, heavy rains caused a levee to break, "resulting in rapid onset flooding", according to an X account for the local National Weather Service (NWS) station.

The town of Rives along the Obion River, with a population of about 300 people, was deluged from the breached flood barrier. Footage showed brown water rushing over rocks and past trees, as rescue workers in red boats passed flooded homes.

Steve Carr, the Obion County mayor, declared a state of emergency himself, ordering mandatory evacuations in Rives. Meanwhile, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey issued his own state of emergency in more than a dozen counties over the weekend.

Kristi Noem, head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees Fema, said she had been in contact with the governors of affected states.

"While emergency management is best led by local authorities, we reinforced that DHS stands ready to take immediate action to offer resources and support," Noem said.

The same weather system is now bringing heavy snow to parts of Canada. Meanwhile, the NWS warns that arctic air could bring record-breaking cold and dangerous wind chills to the central US this week.

Source:bbc.com

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Hundreds fired at aviation safety agency, union says

18 Feb, 2025

The Trump administration has begun firing hundreds of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees, according to the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS) union, weeks after a fatal mid-air plane collision in Washington DC.

Several hundreds of the agency's probationary workers - who have generally been in their positions for less than a year - received the news via email late on Friday night, a statement from PASS's head, Alex Spero said.

It is a part of a cost-cutting drive, driven by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), that aims to drastically cut the federal workforce.

Spero called the firings "shameful" and said they "will increase the workload and place new responsibilities on a workforce that is already stretched thin".

The BBC has contacted the FAA and department of transport for comment.

According to Spero's statement, workers affected include systems specialists, safety inspectors, maintenance mechanics and administrative staff, among others.

Criticising the move, Spero said the FAA is "already challenged by understaffing", and that the decision to cut staff was "unconscionable in the aftermath of three deadly aircraft accidents in the past month", including the crash near Washington DC's Ronald Reagan airport, in which 67 people were killed.

Jason King, who is among those laid off, said he was worried about how the move would impact on aviation safety.

He told WUSA9, an affiliate of the BBC's US partner CBS, firing people directly involved with air safety is "concerning for public safety in our national airspace."

Mr King, whose work at the FAA involved directly addressing safety concerns, said the move "threatens public trust and increases the likelihood of future accidents".

"Aviation safety should never be treated as a budget item that can just be completely cut," he added.

On Monday, a team from Elon Musk's SpaceX was set to visit the FAA to suggest improvements to the US's air traffic control system, following the Washington DC plane collision in January.

Though the National Transport Safety Board has not yet determined the cause of the collision, staffing levels in air traffic control at the airport, were reportedly below normal levels on the evening of the crash.

Transport Secretary Sean Duffy said the SpaceX team's visit to the FAA would give them a "first-hand look at the current system", and would allow them to figure out how they make "a new, world-class air traffic control system that will be the envy of the world."

He added that he plans to visit the FAA Academy - which provides training for the organisation's workforce - later this week, to learn more about staff member's education "and how we can ensure that only the very best guide our aircraft".

President Donald Trump caused controversy last month when he suggested diversity programmes supported by his predecessors had lowered hiring standards that could have affected the Washington DC plane crash.

The Trump administration has ordered government agencies to fire nearly all of their probationary employees, who have not yet earned job protection. It is a move that could potentially affect hundreds of thousands of people.

Among those losing their jobs in Friday's cuts were half of the Centers of Disease Control's so-called "disease detectives", multiple health officials told CBS.

The researchers - officially officers serving in a two-year programme in the organisation's Epidemic Intelligence Service - are often deployed on the front lines of major disease outbreaks.

Many members of the scheme have gone on to rise in the agency's ranks.

President Trump has also asked the Supreme Court to allow him to fire the head of an independent ethics agency that protects whistleblower federal employees.

Hampton Dellinger, the head of the US Office of Special Counsel, sued the Trump administration after being fired last month.

It is thought to be the first case related to Trump's series of executive actions to reach the country's highest court.

Since taking office, the president has cut more than a dozen inspectors general at various federal agencies.

Source:bbc.com

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Musk reacts to upcoming US-Russia talks

18 Feb, 2025

Billionaire Elon Musk, a major ally of US President Donald Trump, has welcomed the arrival of a Russian delegation in Saudi Arabia ahead of the first direct Russian-US negotiations over the Ukraine conflict.

The Tesla, SpaceX, and X owner reposted an excerpt from a Russian news segment about the arrival of the delegation led by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Riyadh. “This is what competent leadership looks like,” he wrote on X.

In a video shared by Musk, journalist Evgeny Popov asked Yury Ushakov, President Vladimir Putin’s top foreign policy aide, about the mood ahead of talks on Tuesday local time.

“We will see. The most important thing right now is to begin a real normalization of relations between us and Washington,” Ushakov told Popov on the tarmac.

Musk, who donated 20,000 Starlink internet terminals to Ukraine in 2022, has since advocated against further escalation between Russia and the US. “We are sleepwalking our way into World War III with one foolish decision after the other,” Musk said in 2023.

The meeting on Tuesday will be the first in-person US-Russian negotiations since Moscow launched its military operation in Ukraine in 2022.

While the administration of former US President Joe Biden pursued a policy of “isolating” Russia on the world stage, Trump has vowed to quickly mediate an end to the conflict and criticized his predecessor for abandoning diplomacy in favor unconditional military support for Kiev. President Vladimir Putin said last year that the campaign to isolate Russia “has failed,” given Moscow’s deepening ties with major economies outside of Europe and North America, including China, India, and Brazil.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammd bin Salman on Monday and is expected to meet with Lavrov.

Trump spoke with Putin over the phone on February 12, angering Ukraine’s EU backers, who were blindsided by the conversation.

Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky has said Kiev will “not recognize” any negotiations that take place without his approval. He acknowledged, however, that Ukraine has a “low chance” of winning without American support.

Source:rt.com

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US pressuring Romania to lift travel restrictions on Andrew Tate – FT

17 Feb, 2025

The administration of US President Donald Trump has intensified efforts to persuade Romanian authorities to lift travel restrictions on Andrew and Tristan Tate, prominent social media influencers facing serious criminal charges in Bucharest, Financial Times reported on Monday.

The brothers, who are dual US and UK citizens, were arrested in Romania in 2022 on allegations including human trafficking, sexual misconduct, and forming an organized crime group. They have consistently denied wrongdoing.

US officials initially raised the issue during a phone call with the Romanian government last week, several sources told FT. Subsequently, President Trump’s special envoy, Richard Grenell, reportedly met with Romanian Foreign Minister Emil Hurezeanu at the Munich Security Conference, held from February 14-16, to advocate for the return of the brothers’ passports, allowing them to travel while awaiting the conclusion of legal proceedings. Hurezeanu reportedly declined to comment on the specifics of the meeting but emphasized the independence of Romania’s judiciary, stating that courts operate based on the law and due process.

Grenell, while acknowledging his support for the Tates, told FT that he had “no substantive conversation” with Hurezeanu during their encounter in Munich.

The US official has previously expressed concern over the allocation of funds by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) in Romania. In a post on X earlier this month, Grenell suggested that the organization had been “weaponized against people and politicians who weren’t woke.” His comments aligned with the Trump administration’s broader effort to reduce USAID expenditures and reassess its global engagements.

In addition to the charges in Romania, the UK is seeking the extradition of the brothers as part of an investigation into allegations of rape and human trafficking. A Romanian court has stated that any extradition proceedings will be addressed after the resolution of the current case.

The Tate brothers achieved a legal victory in January after a Romanian appeals court returned their case to prosecutors. While they have been released from house arrest, they are still barred from leaving the country.

In a written statement, cited by the FT, the brothers emphasized their commitment to working with their legal team to pursue all available legal options.

“Their sole focus is on ensuring that due process is followed and that their innocence is established in a court of law,” the statement read.

Andrew Tate, a former kickboxing champion, rose to fame after appearing on the British reality show Big Brother in 2016. He has cultivated a bold and controversial presence on social media, frequently flaunting his wealth and promoting courses that claim to help young men achieve financial and personal success.

While he has amassed a large following, critics accuse him of promoting misogyny and having a negative influence on young men – a claim he strongly denies.

Source:rt.com

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Arab World

 

Saudi aid agency sends food to Sudan, clears mines in Yemen

February 18, 2025

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has sent 30,000 food baskets to vulnerable people in Sudan’s Sennar state, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

The program seeks to support those displaced by the civil war, which is now approaching the two-year mark.

KSrelief’s food-security program helps people returning to their homes in the states of Gezira, Khartoum, Red Sea, Sennar, and White Nile.

Separately, the Saudi Project for Landmine Clearance, known as Masam, removed 536 mines from war-ravaged Yemen during the second week of February.

The cleared ordnances included nine anti-personnel mines, 48 anti-tank mines, 478 unexploded ordnance, and one improvised explosive device, the SPA reported.

“Up to 5 million people are estimated to have been forced to flee their homes since the beginning of the conflict in Yemen — many of them displaced by the presence of landmines on their land,” stated the project in a release on Monday.

A total of 481,766 explosive devices have been removed from Yemeni territory since the project’s inception in 2018.

Source:arabnews.com

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UK science minister visits King Faisal Specialist Hospital’s heart center

February 18, 2025

RIYADH: The United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology visited the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh on Monday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Peter Kyle was shown the hospital’s cardiac facilities, which have pioneered advancements in cardiac care and medical innovation.

Kyle visited the Heart Center of Excellence, where he observed cutting-edge technologies and medical breakthroughs that have positioned KFSHRC as a global leader in specialized healthcare.

He was received by Dr. Hani Al-Sergani, the center's executive director, and his deputy, Prof. Feras Khaliel.

The British official met with the medical team responsible for the world’s first fully robotic heart transplant, a landmark achievement led by Khaliel.

Kyle also reviewed the latest advancements in minimally invasive organ transplantation, which reduce surgical risks and improve patient recovery times.

His visit follows the international recognition of KFSHRC’s medical milestones, particularly after the groundbreaking robotic heart transplant.

KFSHRC ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa region and 15th globally among the world’s top 250 academic medical centers for the second consecutive year.

It was also named the most valuable healthcare brand in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East by Brand Finance 2025, and was included in Newsweek’s World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2025 list.

Source:arabnews.com

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Canadians helping to deliver Vision 2030, says ambassador

LAMA ALHAMAWI

February 17, 2025

RIYADH: Canadian expatriates are helping Saudi Arabia to deliver Vision 2030 at various levels, as the two countries continue to enjoy closer ties, according to the Canadian ambassador to the Kingdom.

Jean-Philippe Linteau underlined the growth in relations between the two countries, describing these as the “core” of diplomatic ties, during celebrations for National Flag Day of Canada in Riyadh on Sunday.

The ambassador told Arab News that more than 14,000 Canadians are now living and working in the Kingdom.

“These Canadians are working in the private sector, they are CEOs, they are in mid-management, they work in government, in universities — you find them everywhere,” he said.

“The Canadians are here helping to deliver on the Vision.”

Linteau expressed how proud he is to see Canadians supporting Vision 2030, saying that it will deliver “a bright future for all Saudis, and will also be a tool to bring peace and stability in the broader Middle East.”

During his interview, the ambassador also extended a message to the “tens of thousands of (Saudi) alumni” of Canadian universities saying: “Canada is your second home and you are always welcome there.”

The ambassador gave the opening remarks during Canadian Flag Day, speaking about how relations between the two countries are growing, adding that many Saudis have a connection to Canada and vice versa through education, work, and tourism.

Saudi Arabia and Canada restored ties in May 2023 following talks between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum in Bangkok in November 2022.

During his remarks, Linteau also announced that he will lead a delegation of Canadian companies working in the Kingdom’s smart and green cities on a visit to Madinah.

“Following my earlier visit to Madinah we decided to take them to see how the holy cities are changing and becoming a tourist hub and a tourist attraction, and how much there are opportunities to work together to make these cities more green and sustainable,” he said.

As a part of Flag Day festivities, the Embassy of Canada hosted a photo exhibition titled “Unceded” celebrating the culture, heritage, and lives of the indigenous peoples of Canada.

“As Canada comes to grip with its colonial past, this exhibition is about our commitment to reconciliation, cultural preservation, and fostering deeper understanding across nations,” Linteau said.

Flag Day also celebrates the national symbol of Canada, the maple leaf, which was adopted on the flag and raised for the first time 60 years ago over Parliament Hill.

“Flag Day is about celebrating our national symbol, the maple leaf. In 1965, Canada adopted the maple leaf in the flag that you know today,” the envoy said.

The maple leaf “is a symbol that unites Canadians and reflects their common values of democracy, inclusion, and equality,” he added.

Source:arabnews.com

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Ukrainian child finds hope in KSrelief prosthetics center

February 17, 2025

RIYADH: When Matilda, an 8-year-old Ukrainian girl confined to a wheelchair, visited a prosthetic limbs center in Poland affiliated with Saudi aid agency KSrelief, it was with hope for the future.

Before the war in Ukraine, Matilda was like any other child, full of life and laughter, playing in the alleys of her village. However, in an instant, her life changed irrevocably. The war tragically resulted in the amputation of both her legs below the knees. This sudden transformation from an active, energetic child to one facing an uncertain future was devastating.

Matilda’s parents were struck with shock and despair as their daughter faced a life-altering loss of mobility, unable to walk, play, or even sit comfortably. The sudden change weighed heavily on her physical and mental health.

Overwhelmed by financial burdens and uncertainty, the family found a glimmer of hope when KSrelief announced its prosthetic limbs program, offering rehabilitation services to victims of war and disaster.

Matilda’s parents learned about this vital program, targeting those affected by the war in Ukraine residing in Poland. Upon learning that the Polish Ministry of Health had included their daughter on the list of eligible amputees, they finally saw a glimmer of hope.

Her journey to regain her life began with a complex logistical process that brought her to the prosthetics center in Poland. Greeted by the warm smiles of the medical team, she felt hope that the pain would soon begin to subside. A comprehensive medical assessment was conducted, and a detailed medical file was created, outlining a personalized treatment plan that considered Matilda’s physical and psychological needs.

This plan carefully assessed the level and type of amputation, the characteristics of the remaining limbs, and most importantly, Matilda’s goals, expectations, and desires. The Saudi medical team reassured Matilda, explaining the journey ahead and emphasizing that this center was more than just a medical facility; it was a place dedicated to restoring lives.

Before the prosthetic limbs were fitted, Matilda underwent a rigorous rehabilitation program focused on strengthening her muscles, improving her balance, and alleviating the pain associated with the amputation.

Matilda’s journey with the prosthetics center, managed by a team of dedicated Saudi specialists, marked the beginning of her recovery. The multidisciplinary team included orthopedic and rehabilitation doctors, prosthetic limb specialists, and experienced physiotherapists. The team also included dedicated volunteers who provide essential support services, including logistics and organizing activities within the rehabilitation centers.

In Matilda’s case, the specialized team determined the final measurements and selected the appropriate materials for her prosthetics based on her individual needs and condition. After the manufacturing process was complete, Matilda entered a pre-installation rehabilitation phase. The team also provided invaluable guidance on coping with the amputation and adapting to the changes in her body and life.

After weeks of evaluation and rehabilitation, the day Matilda had been eagerly anticipating, yet also dreading, finally arrived. With the assistance of the team, she stood for the first time with both prosthetic limbs in place. Step by step, she began the journey of regaining her balance, learning to walk again, and reclaiming the life she thought she had lost.

The specialized team also provided crucial psychological support, helping her accept her new body and build her self-confidence. They diligently trained her on how to use her prosthetic limbs in everyday activities, from walking and running to playing games.

Matilda underwent regular follow-up sessions to ensure a smooth transition and adaptation to her new life with the prosthetics. Gradually, she regained her independence, no longer reliant on others for assistance.

The prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation center reflects the Kingdom’s pioneering role in international humanitarian work. Recognizing the critical importance of alleviating human suffering and enabling individuals to live dignified lives, the Kingdom, through KSrelief, implements and expands humanitarian and relief projects.

The center prioritizes localizing and improving prosthetic limb services and rehabilitation programs, while also building the capacities of local health institutions to ensure the sustainability of these vital services.

KSrelief adopts a meticulous approach to selecting and classifying beneficiaries for the prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation program. The selection process relies on lists of amputation patients provided by the Ministry of Health in the respective countries where the project is implemented.

Priority is given to amputation patients resulting from direct war injuries, mines, or the remnants of war, encompassing all age groups, children under the age of 18 suffering from motor disabilities due to amputation or congenital deformities, and other categories, such as individuals injured in traffic accidents or those affected by various diseases.

The program empowers target groups by providing them with the opportunity to reintegrate into society and engage in various activities independently. This enhances their economic, social, and psychological well-being. Through its four centers, the program offers free, high-quality services to beneficiaries in countries in critical need, including Yemen, Syria, those affected by the earthquake in Turkiye, and those impacted by the Ukrainian war in Poland.

Since its inception in 2020 through 2024, the program has provided services to over 109,000 beneficiaries, delivering 298,999 free, high-quality services. Moreover, 10,851 modern prosthetic and orthotic limbs were manufactured and fitted. Notably, 98,612 beneficiaries received rehabilitation services.

According to program statistics, female beneficiaries constituted 33 percent, while males comprised 67 percent. Approximately 24 percent of cases stemmed from pathological injuries, while a significant 76 percent resulted from war injuries, including those caused by mines, war remnants, and unexploded ordnance.

Today, Matilda is no longer the little girl who entered the center confined to a wheelchair. She has transformed into a confident young girl walking independently, her eyes filled with hope as she embraces the future.

Matilda’s story is one among countless others that exemplify KSrelief’s commitment to embodying the Kingdom’s message of support for people in need, wherever they may be.

Source:arabnews.com

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Saudi deputy minister meets Korean official in Muscat

February 17, 2025

MUSCAT: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi met with Eui-hae Cecilia Chung, Korea’s special representative for the Indo-Pacific, at the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat on Monday.

During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral cooperation on various issues. They also discussed regional and international developments and efforts to address them, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.

Meanwhile, Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, the governor of Jeddah, received Kuwait’s Consul General in Jeddah Yousef Al-Tunaib on Monday.

During their meeting, they discussed various topics of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

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Wild hares thrive in King Salman reserve

February 17, 2025

RIYADH: Wild hares are among the many species of wildlife found in the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, where they thrive in areas with essential plants for survival and adapt to various environments.

The gestation period for a female wild hare lasts about 40 days, and she can give birth to four to 12 young per litter, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Wild hares are characterized by their long, thin bodies, and their fur ranges in color from gray to reddish-brown. Their sharp eyesight and keen sense of smell allow them to detect danger and quickly escape predators, the SPA added.

The reserve’s development authority seeks to breed wild hares and reintroduce them into their natural habitats through conservation programs.

As the largest terrestrial nature reserve in the Middle East, the reserve spans 130,700 sq. km across four administrative regions: Jouf, Hail, Northern Borders, and Tabuk. The reserve features diverse habitats, terrains, and unique geographic formations.

Recently, it earned several international environmental certifications. It was listed on the Green List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, becoming the first Saudi reserve to achieve this recognition.

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Al-Sudais launches Ramadan operational plan

February 17, 2025

MAKKAH: Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, launched the operational plan for Ramadan, in Makkah.

The plan focuses on enhancing the spiritual significance of the holy month by highlighting its virtues and reinforcing the sacred status of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

It aims to provide an enriched religious experience for visitors and pilgrims through high-quality services and innovative programs.

The strategy is designed to ensure a seamless and spiritually fulfilling experience while maintaining institutional excellence, the SPA added.

Al-Sudais said that the plan includes a series of initiatives aimed at increasing worshippers’ religious and cultural engagement.

More than 120 scientific, intellectual and guidance programs have been introduced to deepen visitors’ understanding of Ramadan’s spiritual value.

The plan also features 10 enriching pathways to support the experience of those visiting the Two Holy Mosques during the holy month.

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Jeddah conference highlights Saudi-French archaeological discoveries on Farasan Islands

AFSHAN AZIZ

February 17, 2025

JEDDAH: French archaeologist and researcher Solene Marion de Proce hosted a conference titled “The Saudi-French Archaeological Project in the Farasan Islands: Past and Present” at the Alliance Francaise Saudi Arabia in Hay Jameel, Jeddah, on Sunday.

The conference explored the history and recent archaeological discoveries on the Farasan Islands, highlighting the outcomes of the unique scientific collaboration between France and Saudi Arabia.

In her presentation, Marion de Proce provided a comprehensive overview of the collaborative efforts between the Heritage Commission of the Ministry of Culture and the University Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne as part of the Saudi-French archaeological mission on the Farasan Islands.

“We discussed the project’s history, sharing both past results and the most recent discoveries, as our team just completed the winter season of 2025,” she said. “The interest in the Farasan Islands began with the discovery of a Latin inscription by Farasani scholar, writer, and poet Ibrahim Miftah. The implications for understanding ancient maritime trade and Roman history were game-changing.”

She said that subsequent surveys and excavations led to the establishment of the Saudi-French mission on the Farasan Islands.

“The archipelago is a unique archaeological laboratory. The sites are well preserved, offering a window into the region’s cultural traits over time. It acts as a time capsule, a dream for every archaeologist."

The Saudi-French archaeological project has unearthed several significant discoveries, and Solene highlighted some key findings.

“The archipelago hosts many sites from the Late Bronze Age to Late Antiquity, which is the focus of our project. Led by Saudi archaeologist Mohammad Ali Al-Malki and myself, the team uncovered a South Arabian-style temple, long-duration settlements, and a Roman military camp — the southernmost ever discovered.”

Marion de Proce expressed optimism about the future of archaeological research in the region. “I am confident that the future of archaeological research in the Jazan/Farasan region is promising. It has so much to offer and much remains to be discovered. People are genuinely eager to learn more about their past.”

Larry Lamartiniere, managing director of Alliance Francaise Saudi Arabia, said: “Alliance Francaise, alongside the French Consulate in Jeddah, launched a series of conferences last month where French experts and scholars shared their research on Saudi Arabia and the Middle East with our community.

“This conference is a prime example of the excellence of the Saudi-French relationship, particularly through the ongoing archaeological project on the Farasan Islands. Our goal with these lectures is to make our space a hub for knowledge and discussion, providing experts with a platform to share their work. This time, we decided to present the lecture in English so that even non-French speakers could attend.”

Source:arabnews.com

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Authorities bust drug smugglers across Saudi Arabia

February 17, 2025

RIYADH: Saudi authorities have reported multiple drug-related arrests and seizures across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Security officers in Asir region arrested two Ethiopians for smuggling 4 kg of qat, and two Yemenis with 10 kg of qat, in separate operations in Al-Farsha governorate.

In addition, officers in Jazan region arrested three Ethiopians for selling amphetamine; and in Jeddah, a citizen was arrested for selling hashish.

Border Guard patrols in Al-Dayer governorate, Jazan, thwarted the smuggling of 116 kg of hashish; and in another operation, two Yemenis were arrested for smuggling 240 kg of qat.

Border Guard patrols in Asir’s Al-Raboah sector thwarted the smuggling of 32,900 medically-regulated tablets, and arrested five Ethiopians for smuggling 100 kg of qat.

Preliminary legal procedures were completed and all seized items were handed to the relevant authorities.

The authorities have urged the public to report drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions.

Reports can also be submitted, in strict confidence, to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or via email at 995@gdnc.gov.sa.

Source:arabnews.com

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Princess Sara announces launch of Misk heritage museum ‘Asaan’ in Diriyah

February 17, 2025

RIYADH: Princess Sara bint Mashhour bin Abdulaziz, the wife of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, announced the launch of Misk Heritage Museum program “Asaan,” a cultural institution expected to open in the coming years in Diriyah.

The goal of the museum, backed by the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation “Misk,” is to become a global cultural hub celebrating Saudi Arabia’s heritage.

It will play a key role in cultural sustainability through various exhibitions and educational programs.

“Asaan will showcase the Kingdom’s rich legacy, including artifacts, customs, and societal values,” Princess Sara, chairperson of Asaan, said in a statement.

“Our goal is to cultivate a generation that takes pride in its heritage and actively works to preserve and revitalize it.”

The museum will cover more than 40,000 sq. meters and will feature Zaha Hadid Architects’ designs, and blend traditional Najdi architecture with contemporary creativity.

Exhibits will include thousands of heritage artifacts that illustrate Saudi history and cultural evolution.

The site will also feature permanent exhibitions, art galleries, an arts courtyard, and the “Asaan’s Majlis,” a dedicated space for dialogue, workshops, and cultural discussions.

The museum will also house conservation laboratories and interactive learning programs, providing visitors with immersive experiences that bring Saudi history and traditions to life.

Princess Sara is a strong advocate for cultural preservation and empowerment, particularly in supporting young people and individuals with disabilities through educational and professional initiatives. Her efforts align with Saudi Vision 2030’s focus on heritage conservation and national identity, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Asaan is expected to become a major cultural landmark, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s leadership in heritage preservation and its commitment to celebrating its historical legacy on a global stage.

Source:arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2590546/saudi-arabia

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Gulfood 2025: Food prices drop for UAE consumers – but just not to pre-Covid levels

February 17, 2025

Dubai: UAE shoppers are paying much less on their food bills – except on coffee and cocoa - than they did a year ago as commodity prices ease from their highs and shipping costs into the UAE also turn favorable. In fact, even compared to what they were paying in 2022, UAE shoppers are getting a good price break.

But shoppers expecting to soon start paying what they forked out in pre-Covid days on food will be disappointed.

“Two years or 18 months ago, we were talking about record inflation for food prices,” said Alan Smith, CEO at Agthia, the Abu Dhabi headquartered F&B focused holding company. “Yes, today’s prices have certainly come down – but to levels that are the ‘new normal’.

“But compared to pre-2020 prices, it’s still inflated.”

Shoppers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and elsewhere in the GCC will, for the most part, be OK with that. With Ramadan starting next month, softer food retail prices will be easy on their spending needs. (In the UAE, the authorities continue to maintain strict oversight of retail prices on key food and non-food retail prices, which too will help with shopping during the month of Ramadan.) 

For Agthia, the three big imports are wheat, corn and soya required to run its multiple business units. “If anything prices of these are moving sideways rather than going up or down,” said Smith. “This seems to be a new kind of baseline for these commodity costs.”

Thankfully, for UAE food companies and shoppers, the Red Sea crisis of late 2023 and all of last year – brought on by Houthi attacks on commercial shipping – has eased up. So, less of shipping companies taking longer routes to get to ports in the UAE and the GCC.

It's not just food prices alone

According to Philip Werle, President and founder of the Intercontinental Commodity Exchange (ICE) Dubai, “The consumer often ignores the fact that the price of the raw material - i.e., the price of wheat in your granola - only represents a relatively small part of the price you are paying.

"There are many costs, like transportation, who depend on the oil price, storage, financing, packaging, store rent and margin for the supermarket, which have an influence on the product price.

“On many occasions the oil price has a bigger effect on the consumer prices, than a price increase for the raw material (coffee, cocoa, flour, etc.) itself.”

But companies like Agthia have also benefited from going as wide as possible to source its food commodity requirements. For instance, it had to look to other suppliers when India put a stop to wheat exports from the country.

“We have never been out of stock on any of our key ingredients,” said Smith. “That comes from having quite a diversified supply network for the grains we import. It’s that ability to react to supply changes or whatever’s going on in the market that’s helped us.”

Agthia 2024 numbers

The Abu Dhabi company saw 7% plus gains on revenue and net profit during 2024, with the bottom-line totaling Dh321.8 million. This came from revenues of Dh4.9 billion, with the snacking, agri-business and water and food divisions contributing the most. (Excluding Egypt’s currency devaluation, Agthia’s top-line would have seen a 16.7% growth.)

Less active on M&A?

Another trend that’s defined Agthia’s activity in the last 4 years has been its acquisition spree, which has helped it widen its network across the region. There have also been new capacity expansions outside of the UAE.

But, in the recent past, Agthia has slowed down on that level of M&A action. “We consolidated all the acquisitions from 2021-22 into our business, quite successfully,” said Smith. “And from 2023 onwards, there’s the increase on the inflationary environment, which went with interest rates going up. The cost of financing increased, and we were careful about new deals.

“We will continue to look at M&A deals, but ones that’s a right fit for the business and for our shareholders.”

Source:gulfnews.com

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

https://gulfnews.com/business/markets/gulfood-2025-food-prices-drop-for-uae-consumers-but-just-not-to-pre-covid-levels-1.500038789

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