“Laaton Ke Bhoot Baton Se Kaise Manenge’: UP CM Yogi Adityanath On Murshidabad Waqf Bill Violence

New Age Islam News Bureau

15 April 2025

·         “Laaton Ke Bhoot Baton Se Kaise Manenge’: UP CM Yogi Adityanath On Murshidabad Waqf Bill Violence

·         Pakistan’s Sikh, Hindu, And Muslim Communities Celebrate Baisakhi at Nankana Sahib

·         UK: Children's Plaques Among 80 Muslim Gravestones Vandalised in 'Islamophobic Hate Crime'

·         Black Christians Often Distrust American Muslims, A Study Found

·         Iraq Arrests About 150 Members of Extremist Qurban Cult

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India

·         Work On Mosque Becomes Message of Amity; Hindu Priest Joins Foundation Laying Ceremony

·         'Blatant Insult': BJP Hits Out at Jharkhand Minister's 'Muslim Keeps Quran In Heart And Constitution In Hand' Remark

·         Waqf law: Violence in Bhangar as police stop ISF march to Kolkata

·         ‘Dream of every Muslim’: J&K leaders urge Centre intervention after Saudi ‘cancels’ 52,000 Hajj slots for Indian pilgrims

·         Karnataka Woman Assaulted After Husband Complaints Against Her At Mosque

·         Waqf Act an ‘assault’ on rights of minorities: Tarigami

·         'Void used by fringe groups to cause trouble', glare on TMC's disconnect with mass in riot zone

·         Muslim, Ambedkar ironies lost on Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid vote-bank jibes

·         With Caste Survey Pitching 8% Quota For Muslims In Karnataka, BJP Gears Up To Protest

·         Should minorities remain backward? Karnataka CM defends quota for Muslims as PM Modi attacks 'appeasement policy'

·         ‘When will the RSS appoint a Dalit, Muslim or woman as chief?’ asks Congress leader after PM Modi's jibe

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Pakistan

·         KP Govt Decides to Legalise Cannabis Cultivation

·         BNP-M rejects ‘hard-state’ policy

·         NA demands immediate exit of Israeli troops from Gaza

·         Senate panel greenlights biological weapons bill

·         Seven injured in KP as explosion rocks Rescue 1122 site

·         Karachi's Qurangi fire finally doused after 17 days

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Europe

·         Two imams detained in Ingushetia over alleged links to attacks on security forces

·         France condemns Public Executions as Human Rights Violation in Afghanistan

·         After Quran Burned Outside Turkish Consulate In London

·         Manchester Arena families in 'disbelief' bomber was able to attack officers

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North America

·         Register to Attend Online Webinar ‘Know Your Rights as a Student with ICE’ Hosted by CAIR, Student Groups

·         Mark Zuckerberg defends Meta in social media monopoly trial

·         Good cops, bad cops - how Trump's shifting tariff team kept world guessing

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Mideast

·         Dozens of Settlers Storm Al-Aqsa Mosque on Second Day of Passover

·         Israeli makes new Gaza ceasefire proposal but prospects appear slim

·         Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El-Sisi visits Kuwait as part of short Gulf tour

·         How Israeli settlers are able to seize Palestinian land with impunity in the West Bank

·         Blast kills Lebanese soldier dismantling mines in tunnel in south

·         Jordan’s King Abdullah, Indonesian president discuss defense cooperation, regional developments

·         Lebanon’s Salam meets Al-Sharaa in Damascus to revive Syria ties

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Arab World

·         Saudi Arabia Rich in Potential for Quantum Research, Experts Say

·         King Faisal Prize laureates honoured at ceremony in Riyadh

·         Saudi FM receives phone call from Iranian counterpart

·         How preventive healthcare is quietly driving sustainability in Saudi Arabia

·         Fifth Global Cybersecurity Forum to be held in October in Riyadh

·         Preparations for 11th World Water Forum begin in Riyadh

·         MWL chief begins French visit with tour of ‘Gaza in Distress’ exhibition

·         KSrelief launches renewable energy training in Yemen

·         New body launched to boost ocean exploration in Saudi Arabia

·         Saudi Arabia bans accommodation without Hajj permit from April 29

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Southeast Asia

·         ‘Seeds of Hatred Being Sown’: Perak Sultan Laments Divisive Politics, Rising Religious Tension

·         Abdullah Badawi to be honoured with state funeral at KL’s National Mosque

·         Prof Khurshid Ahmad’s passing a great loss to Islamic world - PM Anwar

·         ‘Grateful for all his deeds’: King and Queen offer condolences to Abdullah Badawi’s family

·         Bersatu deputy information chief Ali Mohamad remanded for six days over alleged bribery

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South Asia

·         Pakistan’s Security Issues Are Internal Matters: Taliban

·         Kazakhstan Continues Humanitarian Support to Afghanistan

·         Purbachal plot scam: Arrest warrants issued against Hasina, Joy

·         Over 1,400 Foreign Tourists Visit Historical Sites in Balkh

·         Commerce Minister Meets Head of Kazakhstan’s Strategic Studies Institute

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Africa

·         Roadside Bomb Kills 8 Bus Passengers in Northeast Nigeria

·         Politicians Are Selfish, Not Trustworthy, Don’t Fight For Us – Aliyu Tells Nigerians

·         Tinubu Govt Declares National Emergency

·         Tinubu Condemns Plateau Attack, Issues Directive to Gov Mutfwang

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/yogi-adityanath-murshidabad-waqf-bill-violence/d/135177

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“Laaton Ke Bhut Baton Se Kaise Manenge’: UP CM Yogi Adityanath On Murshidabad Waqf Bill Violence

Apr 15, 2025

NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday launched salvos at his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee over the recent violence in Murshidabad and accused her of turning a blind eyed on rioters in her state.

While addressing a public rally in Hardoi, Adityanath said that Mamata, in the name of secularism, has enabled rioters.

“You can see that West Bengal is burning. The state CM is silent and calls the rioters a peacemaker," Yogi said.

“Laato ke bhut baton se kaise manenge’. But, in the name of secularism, they have allowed the riots to spread violence. The whole of Murshidabad has been burning for past 7 days and government is silent. There should be a full stop to this anarchy,” he added.

UP CM also attacked Congress and Samajwadi party over its silence over the violence and termed them as "burden on the land of India."

"Everyone is silent. Congress is silent over the Murshidabad riots. Samajwadi Party (SP) is silent. TMC is silent," UP CM said.

They are issuing threats after threats. They are shamelessly supporting what happened in Bangladesh. If they like Bangladesh, they should go there. Why are they being a burden on the land of India?" he added.

Yogi also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah for passing "Waqf Amendment Bill in the parliamentand reined in the loot of property of the poor."

"We are thankful to PM Modi and HM Amit Shah who passed Waqf Amendment Bill and reined in the loot of property of the poor. Now, hospitals, houses for the poor, high-rise buildings, schools and Universities would be built on the land that will come back; land bank for investment will be built," Yogi said.

"But nobody would be allowed to encroach on land and indulge in hooliganism. That is why are worried. The loot in the name of land is going to stop. So, they are worried that now that their henchmen will be free, they will turn into 'Bhasmasur' and start looting them (Opposition) now.. So, they are fooling people in the name of Waqf and misleading them," he added.

This comes after communal violence erupted in Murshidabad over recently enacted Waqf Act. A total of 210 people have so far been arrested in connection with the violence.

The clashes erupted when police stopped ISF supporters from heading towards Ramlila Maidan in central Kolkata to attend an anti-Waqf Act rally addressed by party leader and Bhangar MLA Naushad Siddique.

Meanwhile, vehicular traffic movement was normal along the Basanti Highway in Bhangar area in South 24 Parganas district, which witnessed fresh episodes of Waqf Act-related violence on Monday, they said.

Supporters of the Indian Secular Front (ISF) had clashed with the police at Bhangar on Monday, leading to several injuries, vandalising of public properties and the torching of multiple police vehicles.

The amendment was passed by the Rajya Sabha on April 4, with 128 votes in favour and 95 against, while the Lok Sabha cleared it earlier with 288 members backing the legislation and 232 voting against. President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent on April 5, turning it into law.

According to the government, the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, aimed to streamline the management of waqf properties, empower stakeholders, and enhance the efficiency of property surveys, registrations, and legal proceedings.

It aims to modify the Waqf Act, 1995, to address challenges in the regulation and oversight of Waqf properties. The amendments focus on enhancing the administration and ensuring more effective management of Waqf assets across India.

Source: indiatimes.com

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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/laton-ke-bhoot-yogi-adityanath-lambasts-mamata-banerjees-silence-over-murshidabad-violence/articleshow/120305259.cms

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Pakistan’s Sikh, Hindu, and Muslim communities celebrate Baisakhi at Nankana Sahib

Apr 14, 2025,

Amritsar: Leaders from Pakistan's Sikh, Hindu, and Muslim communities gathered at Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib on Monday to celebrate the 326th Khalsa Sajna Divas (Baisakhi) in the presence of thousands of Indian Sikh devotees and pilgrims from around the world.

Prominent attendees included federal minister for religious affairs Muhammad Yousaf, minister of state for minority affairs Khalil Das Kohistani, and Punjab's first Sikh minister for minority affairs, Ramesh Singh Arora, who celebrated the Baisakhi Mela with religious fervour and enthusiasm.

To accommodate the large number of pilgrims, the Pakistan govt organised the Sikh jathas into two groups, assigning them to different gurdwaras, to manage crowds effectively.

On Monday, both groups reunited at Gurdwara Janam Asthan for the central Vaisakhi festivities, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. On the occasion, the bhog of akhand path was also held at the gurdwara.

Talking to TOI, Ramesh Singh Arora highlighted the significance of this year's pilgrimage. "Pakistan issued around 6,800 visas to Indian devotees, which is a historic milestone. This is the largest gathering of Sikh pilgrims ever hosted here," he said.

Arora said while addressing the devotees from across the world, he announced plans to restore gurdwaras that had been closed since the Indo-Pak Partition, with restoration efforts already in progress. "All the gurdwaras in Pakistan that are closed will be made operational and have daily religious services," he said.

Representing the Hindu community, Khalil Das Kohistani expressed delight on visiting Gurdwara Janam Asthan and extended Vaisakhi greetings. He said: "Guru Nanak's teachings of love, peace, and humanity continue to inspire us all."

From Tuesday, the two groups of pilgrims will visit their designated gurdwaras as per schedule before returning to India on April 19.

Source:indiatimes.com

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UK: Children's Plaques Among 80 Muslim Gravestones Vandalised in 'Islamophobic Hate Crime'

April 14, 2025

The damage is in the Muslim burial section of Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery

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More than 80 Muslim graves, including those of babies and children, have been desecrated at a cemetery in what has been called an “Islamophobic hate crime”.

An investigation has been launched following the "utterly heartbreaking" attack at Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery near Watford over the weekend.

Images circulating online show destroyed plaques in the Islamic burial section in what police confirmed was an incident at "a very specific section" of the site.

Wadi Funeralcare, a Willesden-based Muslim funeral director, said it was "heartbroken” after being alerted by a bereaved family who had recently buried a loved one at the site.

“Some graves were subjected to unspeakable acts of disrespect,” a spokesman said. "Their pain and anguish were deeply felt by all of us.”

Officers are carrying out extra patrols around the cemetery and have appealed for witnesses and information. No arrests have been made so far.

Inspector Will Rogers-Overy, of Hertfordshire Constabulary, said: "Senior officers are working closely with local community leaders to identify those family members who will be most affected.

"In the coming days we will engage further with the Muslim community who will have been particularly impacted by this horrendous crime."

The cemetery, on Oxhey Lane, is in the Watford non-metropolitan district but is owned by Brent London Borough Council, which is contacting all affected families.

Labour’s Muhammed Butt, who leads the council, said: "It looks as though Muslim graves have been targeted in what appears to be an Islamophobic hate crime.

"We will reinstate the damaged name plaques and return Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery to a peaceful, quiet place of remembrance as quickly as possible, once the police have finished their investigation."

Carpenders Park councillor Rue Grewal added: "This cowardly incident involved the destruction of memorial plaques on children's graves and the desecration of several other graves.

"There is no place in our community for such heartless and reprehensible actions, and I condemn them in the strongest possible terms”

And Abbas Merali, a Conservative councillor at Three Rivers District Council, described it as "a barbaric act".

"These abhorrent actions have caused immense anguish to grieving families and profound hurt across our community," he added.

Zara Mohammed, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, denounced the desecrations as "disturbing" and "vile".

Source: standard.co.uk

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https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/childrens-plaques-muslim-gravestones-b1222464.html

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Black Christians Often Distrust American Muslims, A Study Found

Fiona André

April 14, 2025

Dr. Kameelah Mu'min Oseguera leads an Institute for Social Policy and Understanding “Day of Learning” workshop at Chicago Theological Seminary in Chicago. (Photo by David T. Kindler)

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(RNS) — When he remembers the sermon given at his grandmother’s funeral service, Tariq El-Amin describes feeling surprised as the Baptist minister preached. While El-Amin expected a sermon about death and the afterlife, he said the pastor mostly talked about how salvation could only be obtained through Jesus Christ.

“He went into this whole polemic, this whole tirade about how our theology was wrong. You know, saying, ‘Muhammad ain’t going to save you,'” El-Amin recalls.

The only visibly Muslim man in the audience, El-Amin said the sermon sounded like an attempt to belittle his faith. His wife, mother, sisters and aunt, who wear hijabs, also felt singled out.

“He took a moment that should have been about the emotional and spiritual well-being of all of the attendants, in particular the family, and turned it into a time to proselytize,” he said.

When a similar scene played out again at his other grandmother’s funeral, El-Amin wrote a Facebook post about it. He received hundreds of comments from Black Muslims who said they had faced similar situations during Christian funeral services. Reading the comments, El-Amin, whose parents converted to Islam in the 1960s through the Nation of Islam and whose extended family is Christian, realized many Black Muslims feel ostracized or judged by Christian family members.

The flood of responses made him eager to learn more about the relationships between American Black Christians and Black Muslims. He decided to focus his doctoral research at Chicago Theological Seminary’s Bayan Islamic Graduate School on Black Christians’ perceptions of Black Muslims, specifically how funeral services are used to represent those feelings.

Now, El-Amin co-leads workshops, along with Muslim Wellness Foundation founder Kameelah Mu’min Oseguera, that aim to educate Black Christian faith leaders on Islam and debunk misconceptions about American Muslims.

The “Day of Learning” sessions, hosted by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding and the Muslim Wellness Foundation, a nonprofit promoting well-being among American Muslims, address the findings of an ISPU study on Black Christians’ views of American Muslims.

“It really was an effort to understand, like, experientially, Black Christians’ views of Muslims, of Black Muslims in particular, and doing that exploration without sort of preconceived notions about what it meant or what their experiences would be,” said Oseguera, a Black Muslim woman and the lead researcher on the project.

The qualitative study, set to be published later this year, showed that when asked what they think of when they hear the word “American Muslim,” most Black Christians say they think of Black Muslims or the Nation of Islam, according to a summary of the study shared with Religion News Service.

In the daylong sessions, clergy, chaplains, seminarians and influential community members learn about key differences between Sunni and Shia Islam, as well as Nation of Islam. The discussions also delve into the relationships — often familial — in America between Black Christians and Black Muslims and the privileges Black Christians can enjoy compared to Black Muslims.

“There’s an assumption of interfaith solidarity or an assumption of understanding based on racial marginalization, right? But there’s never a deep dive into religious privilege that is held by a racial minority,” said Oseguera.

At the end, the Christian leaders discuss strategies to educate their congregations on Islam and improve their understanding of American Muslims.

“That’s really the whole point, right there. It’s like, ‘How do we get the family back together?’” said El-Amin.

The sessions, funded by a grant from Pew Charitable Trust, have so far had 139 participants since they began in December 2023, but the two organizations hope to have 500 Black faith leaders go through the Day of Learning discussions by the end of 2025.

This newest study was sparked by findings from a previous 2019 “ISPU’s American Muslim Poll: Predicting and Preventing Islamophobia” report, which showed non-Muslim Black Americans scored higher than Hispanic and white Americans on the National Islamophobia index.

The 2019 report assessed support for anti-Muslim opinions such as “most Muslims living in the United States are less civilized than other people” and “most Muslims living in the United States are partially responsible for acts of violence carried out by other Muslims.”

The institute’s researchers wanted to understand what was behind these opinions for Black Americans, particularly as the same study showed that, when asked directly about their view of Muslims, about half of non-Muslim Black Americans said they had “no opinion” (51%), while more than a third held positive views (35%), and only 5% admitted to holding negative views.

That’s when ISPU contacted her, said Oseguera, an ISPU adviser. They wanted to know how to interpret that Black Christians, regardless of political affiliation, were endorsing statements connected to anti-Muslim sentiment, Oseguera said.

“My first reaction was, well, what we can’t do is just say that black folks are more Islamophobic than anybody else, right? It just didn’t seem like a very nuanced explanation of that data point. So, my recommendation was that we actually asked black Christians,” she said.

In March 2020, Oseguera and ISPU began conducting focus groups with Black Christians. In total, ISPU interviewed eight focus groups of four to eight participants and conducted six in-depth individual interviews through June 2021.

The interviews showed most participants conflated Islam and the Nation of Islam, a Black nationalist movement founded in the 1930s in Detroit rooted in Islam, often leading them to see Islam as a political orientation rather than a religious belief. As a result, participants showed respect for Islam as a tool of resistance against racist oppression while dismissing it as a faith, noted Oseguera.

The interviews also pointed to a sense of religious superiority that prevented participants from learning about the complexities of the Islamic faith. In interactions between the two communities, this shows up as respecting the practice while simultaneously looking down on Muslims’ conceptualization of the Divine, said Oseguera.

The participants often downplayed religious diversity within African American communities, as they feared acknowledging differences would divide the community and divert its attention from common fights, like racism, according to Oseguera.

The Days of Learning workshops were structured to address each aspect of these responses: learning about Islam, revealing Black Christian privilege and fostering mutual respect within communities and families.

El-Amin, who is also an Imam at Masjid Al-Taqwa in Chicago, kicked off one of the sessions with an “Islam 101” presentation, explaining the six articles of faith, the shahada, and the pilgrimages.

When discussing Black Christians’ privilege, El-Amin said hosts made sure participants didn’t feel trapped or accused. As they are handed “Christian privilege checklist” cards, faith leaders are invited to reflect on how Black Muslims might be perceived differently than they are.

This part of the workshop is sometimes met with defensiveness, noted Oseguera.

“We’re not talking about characterological flaws, right? We’re saying you have advantages, you have privileges that make for a qualitatively different experience than your Black Muslim cousin.”

During the session’s last part, participants brainstormed ways to transmit what they have learned to their communities.

A few weeks ago, the Rev. Stephen Jr. Thurston II, pastor at Cov, a Baptist church on Chicago’s South Side, attended a Day of Learning session. Now, he wants to discuss Islam and biases against American Muslims with the 900 members of his congregation.

The church, previously known as New Covenant Baptist Church, recently celebrated its 91st anniversary and has had a social justice ministry for years. The congregation helped raise awareness of the HIV/AIDS epidemics and the plight of formerly incarcerated individuals as they tried to reintegrate into society. Soon, Thurston hopes the assembly will have transformative discussions on Islamophobia.

“It takes Christians pushing back against other Christians to get them to stop doing harm to people of the Islamic faith,” he said.

The biggest challenge will be addressing Christian exceptionalism, said the 50-year-old minister. For those raised in theological traditions that leave no room for alternative understandings of the Divine, rooting out disdain for the Islamic faith can be difficult, as they often learn to demonize other faiths, he said.

But showing curiosity for other traditions shouldn’t sound like compromising one’s beliefs, said Thurston.

“A faith that can’t be challenged is a faith that’s already corrupted, in my opinion, and so I will put that on them … Do your work, get your weight up and do your study. You know, firm yourself in what you believe,” he said.

Thurston also wants to call his congregation not to overlook the discrimination faced by minority religious groups.

“When you don’t use your privilege to center other people and to lift up, other people will be marginalized. That’s where the sin comes in for me, and so we need to do a better job of loving, honoring and seeing our Muslim brothers and sisters,” he said.

Source: religionnews.com

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Iraq arrests about 150 members of extremist Qurban cult

2025-04-14

Shafaq News/ On Monday, the Iraqi security forces arrested 148 members of the outlawed Qurban sect, including the group’s chief ideologue known as “Al-Arif.”

Iraq’s National Security Service (INSS) chief, Abdul Karim Al-Basri, announced that the arrest took place in Basra, Muthanna, Wasit, Maysan, and Dhi Qar provinces, where the group was reportedly operating in covert locations.

“Qurban sect poses a serious societal threat, particularly as such movements attract disillusioned youth and have been linked to multiple suicides,” Al-Basri warned.

The group, locally known as “Al-Allahiya,” has gained notoriety for its extreme rituals. Followers reportedly venerate Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb, the first Imam in Shia Islam, as a divine figure and engage in sacrificial rites, including drawing lots among members, with the selected individual offered as a symbolic sacrifice.

No Shia religious authority (marja?) has recognized or endorsed the group, and the Iraqi authorities have banned it under laws criminalizing incitement to religious extremism and threats to public safety.

Source: shafaq.com

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India

 

Work On Mosque Becomes Message Of Amity; Hindu Priest Joins Foundation Laying Ceremony

Apr 14, 2025

Ludhiana: Setting an example of communal harmony, a Hindu priest joined those who laid the foundation stone of a mosque in Mandi Ahmedgarh. Shahi Imam, Punjab, Maulana Usman Rehmani Ludhianvi inaugurated work on the mosque.

Talking to TOI, 45-year-old Vikas Krishan, president, Mandi Ahmedgarh municipal committee and a social worker, said that he, along with a gathering comprising six to seven Hindus and about 30 Sikhs, attended the inauguration stone laying function for construction of the mosque at Channa Road on Sunday. Besides, he said that a crowd of 200 to 300 attended the event. The brahmin priest said that Shahi Imam, Punjab and organisers invited him to the foundation stone laying ceremony, for which they gave him a brick. Vikas Krishan expressed gratitude at being chosen for the "holy work" of uniting people.

Observing that no religious text sanctioned hatred, Vikas said that during the function, he was impressed by the messages of Shahi Imam. He also said that since devout Muslims have to say Namaz five times a day, having a mosque nearby would make it easier for them to offer prayers. President, Mandi Ahmedgarh Municipal Committee assured that he would continuously monitor progress of work on the mosque and support the cause. He added that people of various religions lived in communal harmony and brotherhood in Mandi Ahmedgarh.

Vikas Krishan said that among his acquaintances, those present at the function included Jagwant Singh Jaggi, Gursewak Singh, Maninderpal Singh, Sanjay Sood, Shankar Dutt, Subash Mittal, and Kamaljeet Singh Ubhi, chairman, market committee, Mandi Ahmedgarh. He added that MLA, Amargarh, Jaswant Singh Gajjan Majra also attended the function.

Shahi Imam, Punjab said that Punjab had always given a message of communal harmony to the country, which was exemplified in Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs coming together to lay the foundation stone of the mosque. "Punjab has always given the message of brotherhood to the rest of the country and we want this message to be repeated from time to time," he said.

Members of the mosque management committee said that construction work was likely to be completed in around four months. Qari Furkan Ahmed, secretary, Masjid management committee, said that land for the mosque had been given by the family of the late Haji Gulzar and his wife Naseeb for their Isal-e-Sawab (votive ritual of praying for the dead and doing good deeds on their behalf). He added that after construction, around 100 persons can pray at the mosque.

"There were around 50 to 60 persons in Maula Basti area of Mandi Ahmedgarh, who had to go to other mosques for prayers, especially Friday prayers, so the construction of the mosque was important," said the secretary. He added that in a few days, construction work would start after installation of a water pump.

Secretary, Masjid management committee said that Nasir Khan, president, Khair-un-Nas Society of Hyderabad, had also come for the foundation stone-laying function.

Source: indiatimes.com

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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ludhiana/work-on-mosque-becomes-message-of-amity/articleshow/120288733.cms

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'Blatant insult': BJP hits out at Jharkhand minister's 'Muslim keeps Quran in heart and Constitution in hand' remark

Apr 14, 2025

NEW DELHI: Jharkhand minister Hafizul Hassan ignited a massive political firestorm on Monday after the JMM leader said he prioritises Shariat over Constitution, and claimed that a Muslim "keeps the Quran in his heart and the Constitution in his hand".

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lashed out at Hassan calling his comments "a blatant insult" to Indian democracy.

"For those who have Sharia in their hearts, the doors to Pakistan and Bangladesh are open. India will run only under the Constitution of Baba Saheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar and will remain supreme," the Jharkhand unit of BJP said in a post on X.

Zubin Ashara, who serves as the state media co-head of Gujarat BJP, further accused the INDIA bloc of being packed with "people who treat religious law as superior to the very foundation of our nation."

"A minister like Hassan Ansari saying Sharia outweighs the Indian Constitution is not boldness, it's a blatant insult to our democracy. INDI Alliance seems packed with such mindset people who treat religious law as superior to the very foundation of our nation," he said.

On Sunday, Hassan speaking about the ongoing Waqf protests across the country said that a Muslim "keeps the Quran in his heart and the Constitution in his hand."

Hassan, who serves as the minority affairs minister in the JMM-led government, accused the Central government of targeting Muslims in order to "send them to jail."

“Waqf is not a new concept – it has existed for 1,400 years and continues today. Shariat is bigger for me. We keep Quran in our heart and the Constituion in our hand. A muslim keeps the Quran in his heart and Constitution in his hand. So we will first hold the Shariat and then the Constituion,” he said while speaking to a local news channel.

He labelled the Waqf Act a “political stunt” by BJP, warning that within the next six months, the Centre would introduce laws targeting Christians and tribal communities. Hassan's comments come as the country is witnessing widespread protests with the agitation in West Bengal leading to over 150 arrests.

“Muslims sabr mein hai kabr mein nahi (muslims are patient, but not dead),” Hassan said, adding, “If they push us too far, it will lead to massive unrest both in the country and globally.”

This is a secular nation which runs as per the Constitution: BJP

Reacting to Jharkhand Minister Hafizul Hassan, BJP MP Manish Jaiswal hit out, saying such comments undermine India’s secular foundation. Jaiswal said Hassan should have taken office swearing on Shariat if he didn’t intend to uphold the Constitution, adding that India is a nation where people of all faiths coexist. He warned that allowing leaders to prioritise religious law over the Constitution could lead to anarchy.

"I would also like to advise people who elect such people that this country runs on the Constitution. People with different faiths live here. If a Hindu or Christian says that this individual works as per Shariat and we won't listen to him, then there would be anarchy in the country. This is a secular nation which runs as per the Constitution," he said.

Comments being misrepresented: Hassan

Responding to criticism over his remark Hassan clarified that his words were being misrepresented. Hassan stressed that as a minister, he believes in and functions according to the Constitution, while also recognising the place of Shariat.

"I did not say 'main' (I), I said 'hum' (we). Watch the full statement. I am a minister, 'hum' includes everyone. A minister believes in the Constitution and functions in accordance. Shariat too has its own place," the minister said.

"People keep Lord Hanuman in their heart...it's a way of saying. I said something similar. Everyone is distorting it and presenting it. You will find out, when you watch the entire 5-6 minutes of what I said," he added.

On 5 April, President Droupadi Murmu approved the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025, both passed during the budget session.

The amendment bill aims to modernise waqf property management, streamline surveys, registrations, and dispute resolution, and empower stakeholders. However, it has triggered backlash, with parties like Congress, AIMIM, and AAP challenging it in the Supreme Court. They argue the bill could adversely affect waqf oversight.

Source: indiatimes.com

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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/blatant-insult-bjp-hits-out-at-jharkhand-ministers-shariat-bigger-muslim-keeps-quran-in-heart-and-constitution-in-hand-remark-waqf-protest/articleshow/120278177.cms

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Waqf law: Violence in Bhangar as police stop ISF march to Kolkata

April 15, 2025

After Murshidabad, a protest, led by India Secular Front (ISF), against the new Waqf law turned violent in Bhangar in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal as protesters clashed with police and set fire to vehicles after they were stopped from heading to Kolkata to take part in a protest march.

According to police, they had to resort to lathicharge after protesters sat on a dharna on Basanti highway for over four hours. The protesters also pelted stones at the police. In the Shonpur area of Bhangar, the protesters set fire to police vehicles and motorbikes. RAF personnel were then brought in to control the situation.

There was no report of any casualty in the violence that continued for over six hours.

ISF chairman and party’s lone MLA Naushad Siddiqui, meanwhile, held a rally at Ramlila Maidan instead of Esplanade in Kolkata ,and hit out at the ruling TMC.

“If TMC is also opposing the Waqf law, then why did their police stop our supporters at Basanti highway? Basically, TMC doesn’t want to protest the Waqf law. They only want to gain a political dividend. When they are in crisis, they always point at Delhi to shift the focus,” the ISF MLA said.

Addressing the gathering, Siddique criticised the Waqf (Amendment) Act and demanded its withdrawal. “This law is not just an attack on Muslims, it is an assault on the Constitution. We won’t accept this Act. The government that supports such laws must go,” he said.

The ISF also accused the BJP of trying to incite communal tension.

Source: indianexpress.com

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‘Dream of every Muslim’: J&K leaders urge Centre intervention after Saudi ‘cancels’ 52,000 Hajj slots for Indian pilgrims

April 15, 2025

Ruling and Opposition parties in Jammu and Kashmir have urged the Centre to find a resolution as reports indicate Saudi Arabia has cancelled 52,000 slots for Indian pilgrims to this year Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to engage with Saudi Arabia authorities at the earliest and solve the issue.

“The reported cancellation of Hajj slots for over 52,000 Indian pilgrims, many of whom have already completed payments, is deeply concerning. I urge the Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar to engage with the Saudi authorities at the earliest to explore a resolution in the interest of all affected pilgrims. This measure is crucial to ease the distress of thousands hoping to undertake the sacred pilgrimage this year,” Abdullah said in a post on Instagram.

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and every Muslim is supposed to undertake the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime, according to the Quran.

Ruling National Conference president Farooq Abdullah appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure that the Hajj quota for Indian pilgrims is not reduced. “I appeal to the Prime Minister to raise the issue with the Saudi government and ensure that the Hajj quota for Indian pilgrims is not reduced,” Farooq said. The former chief minister added that every Muslim dreams of going on the Hajj pilgrimage at least once in a lifetime.

When asked about some opposition leaders flagging the issue while there has been no official statement from the government on the matter so far, the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister told news agency PTI, “He (the Prime Minister) should urge them (the Saudi Arabia leadership) that this issue is related to thousands of people… they save money so that they can go on this holy pilgrimage. It is a dream of every Muslim to go there.”

PDP President Mehbooba Mufti termed it a “disturbing news” and added that it causes immense distress for pilgrims and tour operators across the country. “Disturbing news emerging from Saudi Arabia. Reports indicate that 80% of India’s private Haj quota has been cut abruptly. This sudden decision is causing immense distress for pilgrims and tour operators across the country. I urge the Ministry of External Affairs to immediately intervene by taking up this matter with the Saudi government to seek a resolution,” Mufti posted on X, tagging the External Affairs Ministry and Jaishankar.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the authority behind the pilgrimage, and as the number of pilgrims has increased over the years, the Saudi government allots country-wise quotas that determine the total number of pilgrims allowed to attend the pilgrimage.

This quota is determined by the number of Muslims residing in a particular country, and nations often lobby diplomatically for a larger quota.

Source: indianexpress.com

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Karnataka Woman Assaulted After Husband Complaints Against Her At Mosque

Apr 15, 2025

A mob of men allegedly assaulted a 38-year-old woman in Karnataka's Davanagere city after her husband filed a complaint against her at a local mosque over a domestic dispute. The incident that took place outside the mosque last week was captured on camera and circulated on social media, sparking massive outrage.

On April 7, the victim, Shabina Banu - a house help - was at home when her relative, Nasreen, visited her. During this time, a man named Fayaz also went to Shabina's house.

The three then went for a short outing before returning to Shabina's home, officials said.

Later, when Shabina's husband, Jameel Ahmed, returned home, he found both Nasreen and Fayaz at the house. Angry over this, he approached the Jama Masjid in Bengaluru's Tavarekere and filed a complaint against his wife, her relative, and Fayaz.

Two days later, on April 9, the three were summoned by the mosque.

When they reached the mosque, a group of six men assaulted Shabina by wielding sticks and pipes at her, leaving her severely injured.

The accused have been identified as Mohammad Niyaz (32) - a driver, Mohammad Gauspeer (45) - a scrap dealer, Chand Basha (35) - a sugarcane juice vendor, Dastagir (24) - a bike mechanic, Rasool T R (42) a fisherman at Bukkambudi Lake, and Inayat Ullah (51) - a local resident.

All six accused were arrested shortly after the video of the incident went viral.

A case has been filed against them under charges related to conspiracy, assault, and attempted murder, officials said.

Source: ndtv.com

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Source: ndtv.com

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Waqf Act an ‘assault’ on rights of minorities: Tarigami

Apr 15, 2025

Senior Communist Party of India (CPI Marxist) leader MY Tarigami on Monday lashed out at the Centre over the passing of the Waqf Amendment Act, terming it an assault on rights of Muslims. He said the Act will ‘weaken’ the Constitution.

Addressing a press conference, the Kulgram MLA questioned why was it that only the institutions of Muslims were being ‘targeted; on the pretext of reform.

“I was in Tamil Nadu, and we talked about the Waqf Amendment Act... why was only a Muslim organization targeted on the pretext of reform. Isn’t reform needed in the institutions of people believing in other faiths,” he said.

Tarigami said the right of reform lies with those heading Waqf and no one else. “And the CPI(M) passed a resolution in the All-India Party Congress and stressed that this interference is misplaced. The motive is to target the institutions of people of a particular faith. People of other beliefs have been deciding on their own organisations as well,” he said.

Source: hindustantimes.com

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'Void used by fringe groups to cause trouble', glare on TMC's disconnect with mass in riot zone

Snehamoy Chakraborty

15.04.25

The disconnection of local Trinamul Congress leaders with common people, particularly Muslims, in Samserganj had left the party unaware of the buildup to the massive waqf protests that ultimately turned into a communal clash.

Since the onset of violence in Murshidabad, several local TMC leaders, including

Jangipur MP Khalilur Rahaman and Samserganj MLA Amirul Islam, have accused outsiders of hijacking the waqf protest and turning it into destructive violence.

Many TMC leaders have questioned how the local leadership in Samserganj — home to four lawmakers — failed to anticipate such a large gathering and questioned the party’s disconnect with the local people, particularly the minorities.

“Eighty per cent of the population in Samserganj and Suti police station areas are Muslims. There is complete TMC dominance. So, how could the leaders not have known about the gathering of thousands of people, including outsiders?” asked a senior TMC leader in Samserganj.

“It’s because the leaders are overconfident about their vote bank and have stopped meeting people regularly. Earlier, there was a practice of meeting people at mosques and other religious gatherings to understand public sentiment. But now, leaders don’t make time for such public interactions,” the leader added.

Multiple sources claimed that, seizing on the opportunity created by the disconnect between the local leadership and the community, some splinter Islamic outfits became active in the area and filled the void left by party leaders. There are allegations that infighting among TMC leaders is one of the reasons behind the party’s waning influence in the region.

A source claimed that the Popular Front of India (PFI), currently a banned organisation, once had a strong organisational setup in Samserganj, Suti and a few other pockets of Murshidabad. After the ban, those associated with the group formed several splinter Islamist outfits and continued pursuing their agendas.

These groups are suspected of playing a role in inciting a communal clash in a region where Hindus and Muslims had lived peacefully for years.

“Had the TMC leaders been listening to the voices of common people, they might have learned what was coming,” said the source.

A source said splinter Islamist groups became active, spreading rumours about the amended waqf law and instigating violent protests.

“We’ve learned that some groups are spreading false information about the waqf Act to mislead people. So, we have launched a campaign urging people to stay away from such instigations and protest peacefully, demanding revocation of the Act as we need the help of everyone to save our rights,” said Bakibillah Molla, president of the All India

Imam Association.

While the BJP accused the TMC of sheltering members of banned organisations that incited violence against Hindus, TMC leaders alleged that the central government used its agencies and infiltrated troublemakers from outside the country to tarnish Bengal’s image.

The Murshidabad district CPM leadership named a few Islamic organisations allegedly hand-in-glove with the TMC to create a reign of terror in the area.

“These (Islamist) organisations, operating without flags and backed by the TMC, organised the protest. The entire episode was pre-planned, as the ruling party wanted to divert attention from the agitation over the dismissal of 25,753 teachers and non-teaching staff, with the help of the BJP...,” said Jamir Mollah, CPM’s Murshidabad

district secretary.

When asked about the allegation of being disconnected from the common people, TMC’s Jangipur MP Khalilur Rahaman said: “Whatever allegations you’ve heard are not true. Our leaders are well-connected with the common people.”

Source: telegraphindia.com

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Muslim, Ambedkar ironies lost on Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid vote-bank jibes

J.P. Yadav

15.04.25

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday invoked Dalit icon Babasaheb Ambedkar and slammed the Congress for opposing the contentious Waqf Amendment Act, asking why the Opposition party was not appointing a Muslim as its president or fielding 50 per cent candidates from the community if it cared so much about Muslims.

Modi, whose party does not have a single Muslim parliamentarian, was addressing a rally in Haryana’s Hisar. He sought to project himself as the true carrier of Ambedkar’s legacy and accused the Congress of using the “sacred Constitution as a tool only to grab power” and appease Muslim fundamentalists.

The rally coincided with the birth anniversary celebrations of Ambedkar that saw the BJP go all out to embrace the Dalit icon, haunted by the electoral reverses the party suffered in the last general election due to the Constitution-change narrative.

Modi started his address by claiming that Ambedkar’s struggles inspired his government and that “each day, each decision and each policy” of his government was dedicated to Ambedkar.

“I want to ask these vote-bank-hungry leaders — if you care about Muslims, why doesn’t the Congress make a Muslim its party president? Give 50 per cent tickets in elections to Muslims. But no, they won’t give Muslims anything in the Congress. They will snatch the rights of citizens,” Modi said.

Modi, who had not participated in the debate and the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Parliament, accused the Congress of turning Ambedkar’s Constitution on its head by bringing arbitrary changes in the 1995 Waqf Act to please the “fundamentalist Muslims”.

The strong defence of the new Waqf Act came in the backdrop of violence in Bengal against the sweeping changes in the law governing waqf properties, but Modi did not make any reference to it in his address and focused on pouring scorn on the

Congress.

He accused the Congress of spreading the “virus of vote-bank politics” and violating Ambedkar’s Constitution by opposing the Waqf Act and providing reservation on religious grounds in Karnataka to Muslims.

“The Constitution talks about a secular civil code, but the Congress never implemented it. Today, a uniform civil code has been implemented in Uttarakhand. The Congress unfortunately is opposing this,” he said.

Modi said the waqf law during the Congress allowed the land mafia to control lakhs of hectares of waqf properties and through the changes in the law, his government would ensure social justice.

“If waqf properties had been used honestly, Muslim youths wouldn’t need to earn a livelihood from repairing bicycle punctures. But only the land mafia benefitted from these properties. This mafia was looting lands belonging to Dalits, backwards and widows,” he said, claiming that the amended law would stop the loot.

Referring to the Karnataka government’s decision to grant reservation to Muslims in civil work contracts, he slammed the Congress for “trampling” the Constitution. “...This is when Babasaheb’s Constitution rules out reservation based on religion,”

he said.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge countered Modi’s attack, accusing his government of making only tall claims while doing very little. “The Modi government takes the name of Ambedkar but is not ready to fulfil his aspiration. They (BJP) only pay lip service,” he said on X, demanding a caste census to ensure social justice as envisioned by the Dalit icon.

Source: telegraphindia.com

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With Caste Survey Pitching 8% Quota ForMuslims In Karnataka, BJP Gears Up To Protest

Apr 14, 2025

Bengaluru: BJP is preparing to step up its agitation against the Congress govt over the caste census, which has reportedly recommended doubling reservation for Muslims —from 4% to 8% — under the OBC category. The saffron party, which had opposed the govt's recent decision to introduce 4% quota for Muslims in civil contracts, is now set to use the new figures as fresh political ammunition.

The socioeconomic and educational survey, commonly referred to as the caste census, was presented before the cabinet on Friday. While the cabinet accepted the report, it has not been made public. However, leaked data pegs the Muslim population at over 75 lakh of a total 5.9 crore. This has triggered sharp reactions from BJP, which is accusing the govt of pursuing vote bank politics and appeasement.

Chief minister Siddaramaiah has convened a special cabinet meeting on April 17 to deliberate on the report and its implications. BJP had initially called for a meeting Monday to chart its protest strategy but has now decided to discuss it at a party core committee after the cabinet's stand becomes clear.

"People know Congress party's vote bank and appeasement politics very well, but it has taken it to another level through its so-called caste census," said BJP state president BY Vijayendra. "The census is aimed at dividing society."

He questioned the credibility of the data, insisting it was outdated and unscientific. "How can data obtained 10 years ago be relevant today?" he said. "The scientific view is that the population should be enumerated once in 10 years to accommodate a cycle of generation shift. Our basic demand is to reject this caste census and conduct a fresh, scientific survey after taking all stakeholders into confidence and hearing their views."

BJP is also reaching out to politically dominant communities like Lingayats and Vokkaligas, who are reportedly upset over their numbers being "under-estimated" in the report.

"Many communities have concerns as Siddaramaiah and his govt have been selective. It has inflated the population of only a couple of communities," said Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, leader of opposition in the legislative council. "There has been a deliberate attempt to undermine the strength of some communities. BJP will stand by them since our intention is to secure equitable social justice for all deserving communities including the most backward classes."

Narayanaswamy also criticised the govt for its lack of transparency. "The govt is insincere in ensuring social justice to all communities. People have observed that the govt periodically leaked the data of the survey since 2015, even without officially accepting the report and making it public."

Source: indiatimes.com

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Should minorities remain backward? Karnataka CM defends quota for Muslims as PM Modi attacks 'appeasement policy'

Apr 14, 2025

NEW DELHI: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Monday defended his government's move to provide 4% quota for Muslims in public contracts hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the attack against the Congress accusing the grand-old-party of politics of appeasement.

At a rally in Hisar, the Prime Minister accused the Congress of going against the Constitution and alleged that the party followed a policy of appeasement which "pleased" only a few "fundamentalists" from among Muslims, while the rest of the community remained neglected, illiterate and poor.

"Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar advocated there should be no reservation on the basis of religion and the Constitution also bars it, but the Congress government in Karnataka gave reservation in tenders on the basis of religion by "snatching away" the rights of the SCs, Scheduled Tribes and the OBC," the Prime Minister said.

Siddaramaiah, however, rubbished the charge of appeasement and defended his government's decision. "To give strength to Dalits, backward classes and minorities, economically and socially, we have given reservation in contracts. First I did it (for contracts) up to Rs 50 lakh, then increased it to Rs 1 crore. Now we have made it up to Rs 2 crore -- for OBC Category 1, 2A , and also 2B which is Muslims. They (BJP) made it a big issue alleging appeasement," the Karnataka chief minister said.

"Do Muslims have strength economically and socially? Are they educated? Are they economically capable? Then why shouldn't it be done?" Siddaramaiah asked.

"Giving strength to anyone, who doesn't have the strength economically and socially -- irrespective of whoever it is in the society -- is the mission and commitment of the Congress party," he added.

Reacting to the PM's remarks, Karnataka deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar said, the Congress and the government's aim is to uplift those who are not financially stable and to bring them to the mainstream, and to achieve this the party will look at every section of the society.

"Why should we snatch from anyone? Opportunity is being given to everyone, " he added countering Prime Minister's charge.

Karnataka home minister had last week said that granting 4% Muslim quota in government tenders was a conscious decision by the Congress government.

"Muslims make up 16 to 18 per cent of Karnataka’s population. Should this significant minority should continue to remain backward. Whether they are Christians, Jains, or Muslims -- these minority communities must also be brought into the mainstream along with us,” he had said.

The Karnataka government last month passed the 'Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (Amendment) Bill, 2025' reserving for Muslims 4 per cent of contracts in (civil) works valued up to Rs 2 crore, and goods/services procurement contracts up to Rs 1 crore.

Source: indiatimes.com

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‘When will the RSS appoint a Dalit, Muslim or woman as chief?’ asks Congress leader after PM Modi's jibe

Apr 14, 2025

Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardan Sapkal on Monday lashed out at the RSS for not appointing Dalits, Muslims, or women as the ‘Sarsanghchalak’ (chief), after Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked the Congress for its lack of Muslim representation earlier in the day, reported PTI.

Prime Minister Modi, during a rally in Hisar, had asked the Congress to make a Muslim their party president if they felt any genuine sympathy for the community.

On the occasion of the birth anniversary of B R Ambedkar, he also accused the Congress of turning Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBCs into "second-class citizens".

Harshvardan Sapkal responded to the scathing attack and said, “PM Narendra Modi's statement about the Congress party is ridiculous and inappropriate and we condemn his remarks.”

"Today, the Congress president is also a Dalit. But when will the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh appoint a Dalit, Muslim, or a woman as its Sarsanghchalak?" Sapkal added.

Modi created hatred among communities, alleges minister

Sapkal also hit out at the Prime Minister, alleging that he had created an environment of hatred in the country.

"Modi has been in power for 11 years. What good has he done for the country? All he has achieved is creating hatred among Hindus and Muslims, Dalits and upper castes and OBCs," he said.

On the issue of Muslims being included in politics, he criticised the Modi government and said that they had shown fake concern for the community by bringing up issues such as Triple Talaq and the Waqf (Amendment) Act.

"But in these 11 years, not a single Muslim woman has been made an MLA, MP, minister, chief minister, or a Union minister. Not a single Muslim candidate has been given a ticket," he added.

The Congress leader also claimed that atrocities against Muslims and Dalits had increased during Modi's tenure as PM, on top of the issue of unemployment and farmers' rights being neglected.

In light of Ambedkar Jayanti, he also stated that while Jawaharlal Nehru had appointed BR Ambedkar as law minister and respected him, the RSS and BJP had insulted Ambedkar and had never accepted the Constitution of India written by him.

He alleged that the RSS and the BJP were attempting to mislead people with false history. “But such statements will not bury real history, nor will they cleanse the sins committed by the RSS, BJP, and Modi," he added.

Source: hindustantimes.com

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Pakistan

 

KP Govt decides to legalise cannabis cultivation

 April 15, 2025

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on Monday decided to legalise the cultivation of cannabis (hemp) in specific districts of the province, marking a significant step toward its regulated industrial and medical use.

Under this initiative, cultivation would be permitted only through licensed growers, and a strict monitoring framework will be established.

Provincial minister for agriculture Sajjad Barkwal told reporters that in the initial phase, cannabis cultivation would be limited to designated areas. “A regulatory authority would be formed to oversee all aspects of cultivation, production, transportation, and usage,” he said, adding the authority would ensure compliance with the law and prevent misuse.

“A multi-departmental committee would also be established to supervise the licensing process,” he added.

“This committee would include representatives from the departments of agriculture, health, excise, and narcotics control.”

“The provincial government has already approved formal rules and regulations to support this new policy,” Mr Barkwal said.

The minister clarified that cannabis cultivation would not impact food grain production in the province and emphasised that the new policy was expected to boost economic activity.

Source: dawn.com

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BNP-M rejects ‘hard-state’ policy

Saleem Shahid

April 15, 2025

QUETTA: The multiparty conference held by the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) here at Lakpass on Monday rejected the recent decisions of the National Security Council, especially its ‘hard-state’ policy, and demanded release of all the female activists, leaders and workers.

The MPC, which was presided over by Sardar Akhtar Mengal issued a joint Lakpass declaration and nine resolutions adopted with consensus of the leaders of different political parties who attended the conference which continued for several hours.

The joint declaration, calling for the implementation of constitutional safeguards related to the 1948 Instrument of Accession of Balochistan to Pakistan and urging a national-level dialogue to resolve longstanding issues.

The leaders of political parties during their speeches said that adopting hard state policy for resolving the issue of Balochistan will cause further unrest and worsen the situation. They said that the government should avoid adopting such hard policy and resolve the issue of Balochistan through implementing the constitution.

The conference was attended by leaders of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, both factions of National Party, Awami National Party, Jamaat-i-Islami, Pashtoon Tahaf­fuz Mov­e­ment, National Demo­cratic Movement, Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen, JUI (Sherani faction), Balochistan Traders’ Association, Balochistan National Party (Awami), Jamhoori Watan Party, and various other political and tribal figures.

The parties condem­ned the suppression of democratic movements and strongly criticised the arrests of Baloch Yakjihti Committee leaders, including Dr Mahrang Baloch.

Demands

A resolution passed in the MPC condemned the harassment and arrests of BNP and BYC leaders and workers during the long march and sit-in.

The resolution slam­med the killing of activist Inayatullah Lehri during a peaceful protest in Wadh and dem­anded immediate legal action against those res­ponsible.

It also deman­ded the release of all political prisoners across the country, including Imran Khan, Ali Wazir, Dr Yasmeen Rashid, and Sindh-based Canal Tehreek activists. “The federal government should end its aggressive policies in Balochistan, including military operations, enforced disappearances, and arrests under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law,” it stated.

Other demands included cancellation of the Mines and Minerals Act 2025, termination of the PPL agreement, recognition of Balochistan’s 50 per cent share in the Reko Diq project, elimination of “exploitative check-posts” on the national highways, in border areas, and those operated by the FC, Coast Guards, and other federal agencies.

A call for national-level dialogue to resolve Balochistan’s issues, implementation of constitutional safeguards linked to the 1948 Instrument of Accession, and compensation for billions in losses suffered by farmers, traders, transporters, and business owners due to flawed government policies were also part of the demands made at the multiparty conference.

The conference was addressed by Sardar Akhtar Mengal, Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, Sardar Kamal Khan Bangulzai, Asghar Khan Achakzai, Abdul Mateen Akhunzada, Mir Israrullah Zehri, Nawab Mohammad Khan Shahwani, among others.

Source: dawn.com

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NA demands immediate exit of Israeli troops from Gaza

Iftikhar A. Khan

April 15, 2025

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Monday unanimously adopted a resolution condemning the ongoing wave of atrocities by the Zionist regime in Palestine and expressing dismay over persistent failure of international community in halting the Israeli aggression.

The House noted with utter disgust that the latest Israeli offensive, resumed on March 18, has resulted in the killing of 1600 innocent Palestinians, bringing the total death toll to over 65,000 in Gaza.

It severely rebuked the ruthless destruction of all civic infrastructure, including houses, apartments, hospitals, schools and places of worship by barbaric bombing of Israel.

Expressing unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian brothers and sisters in their just struggle, and reaffirming their inalienable right to self-determination and to their motherland, the House expressed dismay over the persistent failure of the international community to halt Israeli aggression, and called for an immediate, permanent, and comprehensive ceasefire, along with the delivery of uninterrupted and sustainable humanitarian assistance to the besieged and beleaguered Palestinians.

It demanded immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Isr­aeli occupying forces from the Gaza Strip, in line with United Nations Security Council Resolu­tion 2735 (2024). The NA also urged the international community to take concrete steps towards the recognition and admission of Palestine as a full member of the UN.

The unanimously adopted resolution was moved by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar.

Opening discussion, the law minister said that October 7, 2023, will be remembered in the history as a black day. He recalled that this was the day when Israel launched unannounced genocide of Palestinians, particularly those living in Gaza.

Mr Tarar lamented the silence of certain global powers in the face of what he called clear violations of international law, stating that history would remember those who chose inaction.

Chairman of Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) Sahibzada Hamid Raza in his speech noted that the rulers of Muslim countries have facilitated the genocide of Palestinians in Palestine.

Federal Minister for National Health Services and Regulations Syed Mustafa Kamal recalled a previous resolution, proposing two key initiatives including relocating Palestinian children to Pakistan to continue their education and bring the wounded here for medical treatment.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali said the scale of barbarism in Palestine was so high that according to UN estimates it would take years to remove the debris.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar in his winding up speech regretted attempts for political point-scoring made from both sides of the aisle during discussion on a very serious issue.

Source: dawn.com

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Senate panel greenlights biological weapons bill

April 15, 2025

ISLAMABAD: The Se­­nate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs on Mo­­nday unanimously appr­o­ved The Biological and To­­xins Weapons Convention (Implementation) Bill, 2025, after incorporating an amendment to define the structure and ensure provincial representation in the proposed oversight body.

Originally passed by the National Assembly on January 23, the bill had previously been vetted and approved by the Cabinet Committee for Disposal of Legislative Cases (CCLC) in November 2024, and endorsed by the law ministry as well as the entire federal cabinet.

The legislation mandates the creation of a national mechanism to ensure Pakistan’s compliance with the 1972 Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC). It aims to prevent the development, production, transfer, and use of biological and toxin weapons and to implement monitoring systems in line with international treaty obligations.

Pakistan signed the BWC in 1972 and ratified it in 1974.

The bill does not require additional financial or human resources, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the Senate committee.

During the session, Senator Sherry Rehman expressed concern over the undefined composition of the proposed central authority tasked with enforcing the BWC.

She highlighted the importance of including provincial representation and clarifying the authority’s structure prior to the bill’s passage. The committee agreed to incorporate the amendment to address the concerns.

Once enacted as a law, the legislation would align Pakistan’s legal framework with its international commitments under the BWC, ensuring effective implementation and oversight mechanisms are in place.

Source: dawn.com

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Seven injured in KP as explosion rocks Rescue 1122 site

Bureau Report

April 15, 2025

PESHAWAR: A police official was martyred in Bannu, while an under-construction Rescue 1122 building in Tank came under attack on Monday, causing injuries to seven labourers.

The policeman was shot in the Narmikhel Bakkakhel area on Monday. A police official confirmed the incident and said that Constable Kiramat Khan was on leave at the time of the incident.

“The constable lost his life when armed men opened fire at him,” he said, adding that the deceased police official was deployed at the IDP camp.

The official said that the body of the martyred policeman was taken to the police lines for funeral prayer after medico-legal formalities. RPO Imran Shahid, DPO Saleem Abbas Kulachi, elders and his relatives attended the final rites.

Separately, in Lower South Waziristan, the bodies of two constables who had been abducted by militants from their houses on Saturday, were recovered in Toi Khulla tehsil of the tribal district.

The constables whose bodies were recovered after a two-day hunt were identified as Constable Hamid Shah and Constable Ashraf Dottani.

According to DSP Wana Imranullah, armed men had launched attacks targeting the residences of the police officials in three different areas of the district, including Toor Deb, Spin Tangi and Bero Kach, during the night between Friday and Saturday. The assailants kidnapped the two policemen and took them to an undisclosed location.

Following the abduction, the Dottani tribe formed a traditional tribal force known as a “Chegha Party” to track down the kidnappers.

The party launched an armed offensive in search of the kidnappers, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire, in which three militants were also killed. In the same clash, another police official, Abdul Kareem Dottani, and a minor girl sustained injuries. Both were shifted to a local hospital. Their condition is reported to be out of danger.

The attack on the houses of the police officials was condemned by residents and tribal elders of the Dottani clan besides political and social leaders. They urged the government to take effective steps to restore peace in Toi Khullah and across the entire Lower South Waziristan district.

Local sources had said that militants were regrouping and attempting to instill fear among people by challenging the writ of the state in the district. “The attacks are seen as an attempt to shake the confidence of both people and state institutions,” they had added.

It is worth noting that over the past year, the security situation in both Lower South Waziristan and Upper South Waziristan has been steadily deteriorating, causing concern among local tribes and citizens.

Labourers injured

The seven labourers were injured when a powerful explosion rocked the under-construction rescue office in Wazirabad in the jurisdiction of the city police station.

Initial reports indicated that the blast was caused by explosive material planted at the construction site. Rescue 1122 teams responded promptly and shifted the injured workers to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ), Tank, for treatment. Following the incident, police and the security forces cordoned the area and launched a search operation.

Authorities have yet to ascertain the indentity of attackers, while no group has claimed responsibility so far. Further investigations are underway.

A.K. Wazir in South Waziristan, Muhammad Irfan Mughal in D.I. Khan, and Ghulam Mursalin Marwat in Lakki Marwat contributed to this report

Source: dawn.com

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Karachi's Qurangi fire finally doused after 17 days

By Qamar Ali

April 15, 2025

KARACHI: The unabated fire in the city's Qurangi area has finally come to an end and has been extinguished on Tuesday after burning on for 17 days, with the pit still emitting gas resulting in boiling water at the site.

The fire, which started after a 1,200-foot-deep bore was drilled at the site on March 29, had led to concerns about the type and volume of gas responsible for the blaze.

Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan said the blaze extinguished itself, adding that a gas pocket existed at the site.

Pointing out that such incidents are common in Balochistan's Sui area — known for gas reserves — Khan said that no loss of life occurred due to the Qurangi fire and that a fire brigade team is still present at the site as the smell of gas was spreading around the affected area.

The unexpected and rather abrupt end to the blaze comes after not only the Ministry of Petroleum had established a committee to test methane gas but also engaged a team of experts from Cudd Well Control — a US-based firm globally renowned for its expertise in well control and emergency response — to consult on the Qurangi Creek fire.

A joint site visit was recently conducted by technical teams from Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) and United Energy Pakistan Limited, comprising professionals from the drilling, completions and QHSE (quality, health, safety & environment) disciplines.

Key observations from the visit revealed that the fire intensity remained consistent with the early stages of the incident, suggesting a substantial connected gas volume.

The crater at the site has expanded due to water overflow and sand loosening. Additionally, hot water continues to flow from the site with visible vapour emissions.

Meanwhile, preliminary chemical analysis, as per PPL sources, of the water breaking out of the ditch at the site of the ongoing fire in the Qurangi area had earlier revealed the presence of hazardous chemicals.

The initial report, compiled following water sampling from the fire site, has detected excessive quantities of benzene, toluene, and tetrachloroethylene.

The report states that tetrachloroethylene was measured at 33 microgrammes per litre, significantly above the standard limit of 5 mg. Benzene concentrations were recorded at 19 mg per litre, again surpassing the permissible threshold of 5 mg.

Similarly, toluene was found at 15 microgrammes per litre, three times higher than the recommended safety level. Additionally, a slightly elevated quantity of o-xylene was also detected in the water sample, though the exact amount was not specified.

However, the overall hydrocarbon content in the water was found to be within permissible limits, according to the preliminary findings.

Source: thenews.com.pk

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Europe

 

Two imams detained in Ingushetia over alleged links to attacks on security forces

by Elizaveta Chukharova

14 April 2025

On 10 April, security forces in Ingushetia reportedly detained two well-known imams — Mukhammad Tamaskhanov from Nazran and Magomed Sultygov from Karabulak. They are reportedly suspected of helping prepare attacks against law enforcement officers in 2023.

The Telegram channel Mash Gor was the first to publish information about the detentions, along with a video allegedly filmed during the official operation. The footage shows armed security officers and what appears to be a police van. The channel claimed the video depicts the moment Tamaskhanov and Sultygov  were taken into custody.

The detentions were later confirmed by Ingush human rights advocate Magomed Mutsolgov, who wrote about it on his social media.

Later that same day, citing local sources and online community pages, Mutsolgov reported that both Tamaskhanov and Sultygov had been released.

As of publication, no official bodies in the republic have commented on the situation.

According to posts by the Telegram channel Rozysk Ingushetiya, which is considered to be close to security structures, Tamaskhanov and Sultygov are suspected of having prior knowledge of militants’ plans, including actions allegedly organised by Amirhan Gurazhev and his associates. They are also suspected of discussing possible fundraising for the group under the guise of charity.

Another Telegram channel, Sapa Kavkaz, citing its own sources, claimed that criminal cases have already been opened against both Tamaskhanov and Sultygov, and that they were released only on the condition that they do not leave the area.

There has been no official confirmation of these claims.

The accusations against Tamaskhanov and Sultygov come against the backdrop of an ongoing investigation into a string of attacks on law enforcement officers that occurred in Ingushetia in late March and early April 2023. On the night of 27–28 March, unknown assailants opened fire on a police checkpoint at the border with North Ossetia, injuring two officers. A few days later, on 3 April, police officers in the Malgobek district were fired upon. On 5 April, in the village of Zyazikov-Yurt in the same district, another shootout occurred — three officers were killed and eight more wounded.

On 15 April, Ingushetian authorities announced the killing of four suspects, including Gurazhev, who was named as the group’s leader. Another special operation took place in March 2024 in Karabulak, during which security forces also reported killing individuals allegedly linked to the same series of attacks from 2023.

Source: media.org

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https://oc-media.org/two-imams-detained-in-ingushetia-over-alleged-links-to-attacks-on-security-forces/

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France condemns Public Executions as Human Rights Violation in Afghanistan

By Fidel Rahmati

April 15, 2025

France condemned the recent public executions in Afghanistan, calling them a severe violation of human rights and a concerning development.

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the execution of four individuals by the Taliban, calling it a violation of human rights. The ministry issued a statement on Tuesday, April 15, highlighting that these executions further contribute to the growing list of human rights abuses committed by the Taliban.

The French government also emphasized the impact of such actions on the rights of women, noting that the continuation of such practices worsens the already dire situation for women and girls in Afghanistan. The statement reflects growing international concern regarding the erosion of basic human rights in the country.

In its statement, the French Ministry reaffirmed its strong opposition to the death penalty, regardless of the circumstances. France reiterated its unwavering commitment, along with its international partners, to uphold the fundamental freedoms of the people of Afghanistan.

The European Union had previously condemned the executions, aligning with France’s position on the matter. Both France and the EU have expressed grave concern over the Taliban’s disregard for human rights and the growing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

The executions took place last Friday in the provinces of Farah, Nimroz, and Badghis. These killings further highlight the Taliban’s authoritarian actions and their disregard for international norms and human rights standards.

The international community continues to strongly criticize the Taliban’s actions, including the recent executions. France’s stance is clear, emphasizing a commitment to human rights and the abolition of the death penalty.

These executions represent the ongoing deterioration of human rights in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime. The continued international pressure may play a crucial role in advocating for the protection of basic freedoms in the country.

Source: khaama.com

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https://www.khaama.com/france-condemns-public-executions-as-human-rights-violation-in-afghanistan/

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After Quran Burned Outside Turkish Consulate In London

14 APR 2025

A man has admitted attacking a protester who burned a copy of the Quran outside the Turkish Consulate in central London. Moussa Kadri, 59, of Kensington and Chelsea, pleaded guilty to assaulting Hamit Coskun, 50, from Derby.

The incident took place in Rutland Gardens, Knightsbridge, on February 13. But, appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, Kadri denied possession of a bladed article in relation to the incident.

Kathryn Hughes, prosecuting, said Coskun had been burning a Quran, which is the central religious text of Islam, outside the consulate in “protest”.

She told the court that Kadri left a nearby building carrying a large bread knife and proceeded to “assault” Coskun, from Derby. The charge of possessing a bladed article carries a maximum sentence of four years’ imprisonment.

Kadri was granted conditional bail, with a condition not to contact Coskun directly. The case was sent to Southwark Crown Court, where Kadri will stand trial for the weapon charge and be sentenced for the assault on May 12.

Kadri, wearing blue jeans and a navy jacket, spoke only to confirm his name and address and to enter his pleas. Coskun has denied religiously motivated harassment over the same incident and is due to go on trial at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 28.

Source: derbytelegraph.co.uk

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Manchester Arena families in 'disbelief' bomber was able to attack officers

15 April 2025

The families of five people murdered by Hashem Abedi in the Manchester Arena bombing have told the justice secretary of their "absolute disbelief" that he was allowed to attack prison officers in HMP Frankland.

Despite being held in a high-security unit, Abedi, 28, attacked three prison officers on Saturday with improvised blades and hot cooking oil.

In a letter seen by the BBC, the families say Abedi "should not have access to anything that he can weaponise" and urged the government to ensure he "cannot be allowed to hurt anyone else".

Abedi was jailed for life with a minimum 55 years in prison after being convicted of murdering 22 people in the 2017 attack carried out by his brother, Salman.

Separately, Russell Hayward, the boyfriend of Martyn Hett who was also killed in the attack, told BBC Newsnight the latest incident was "sickening and outrageous".

Since the letter was sent to Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood on Monday, inmates of separation centres have been barred from using kitchens.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's spokesman said it was "clear that something went terribly wrong" with how Abedi had been handled.

Abedi had been held in a separation centre - which holds a small number of inmates deemed to be dangerous and extremist - at Frankland.

He moved to Frankland after carrying out an earlier attack on prison officers in London's Belmarsh prison in 2020, for which three years and 10 months was added to his sentence.

Two prison officers remain in hospital with serious injuries from the latest attack, while a third had been discharged.

One suffered a severed artery after being stabbed in the neck and the other received severe stab wounds to the back, the chairman of the prison officers' association said. Abedi is suspected of fashioning the blades from a baking tray, Mark Fairhurst added.

The letter says "we are writing in absolute disbelief" that, once again, the "evil Hashem Abedi has been allowed to cause danger to life".

They go on: "As the families of Megan Hurley, Eilidh Macleod, Chloe Rutherford, Liam Curry, and Kelly Brewster, our beautiful, beloved children who were so tragically murdered along with 16 others in the Manchester Arena terror attack in May 2017, we find this situation beyond comprehension."

The families say they understood prison to mean "confinement in a cell for 23 hours a day, meals served through a hatch, and a single hour outside the cell, accompanied by a prison officer" - which they described as "the very minimum measure of justice for the devastation he caused".

They write: "In our view, he should not be allowed any privileges whatsoever while serving a sentence for the deaths of 22 innocent lives and the injuring of many more.

"He should not have access to anything that he can weaponise, such as hot oil or items he can turn into blades."

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has said there would be a full, independent review into the incident, which saw the three prison officers suffer stab wounds and burns.

The families asked Mahmood to "consider the full gravity of Abedi's actions when determining any further punishment".

They wrote "His continuing violence in prison, attacking prison officers in Belmarsh and now attempting to murder three more, shows he feels no remorse and has no respect for human life.

"We send our heartfelt sympathies to the three prison officers who were injured on Saturday, as well as their families. Hashem Abedi cannot be allowed to hurt anyone else.

"As broken families, we firmly believe the appropriate punishment for this individual should be permanent solitary confinement. In truth, anything harsher would be more fitting."

The MoJ said in a statement responding to the letter: "Our thoughts remain with the victims of the Manchester Arena bombing and their families who are understandably concerned by the shocking attack at HMP Frankland this weekend.

"We've already taken immediate action to suspend access to kitchens in separation and close supervision centres."

It added that it would be setting out the terms and scope of the review into the incident in the coming days.

Mahmood has said separately that she will be pushing for the "strongest possible punishment" for Abedi.

Speaking on Newsnight, Mr Hayward said Abedi needs to be "watched all the time".

"I didn't expect someone of his status to be so freely near a kitchen, let alone there long enough to construct this weapon and then traumatise more people," he said.

"This person has caused more pain and inflicted more trauma on people.

"I think he should be in solitary confinement, 24/7.

"I think his life inside should be so horrific, there should be no treats. He should be in a straightjacket."

With his brother, the suicide bomber Salman Abedi, Hashem Abedi planned and prepared the attack on the Ariana Grande concert in 2017.

He was in Libya when the blast took place and was later extradited to the UK to face trial.

Hashem Abedi was found guilty in 2020 of 22 counts of murder, attempted murder and conspiracy to cause an explosion likely to endanger life, and sentenced to a minimum term of at least 55 years before he could be considered for parole.

The sentence was a record for a fixed-length prison term.

It is understood that Hashem Abedi has been moved to the separation centre at HMP Full Sutton following the kitchen attack.

Source: bbc.com

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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1jxngl8207o

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North America

 

Register to Attend Online Webinar ‘Know Your Rights as a Student With ICE’ Hosted by CAIR, Student Groups

April 14, 2025

On Wednesday, April 16, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s leading Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, plans to partner with several student groups at Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland Baltimore County and University of Maryland College Park to hold a webinar for students in higher education regarding recent student visa revocations at these institutions and how to respond if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) appears on your campus.

Register and attend to learn what ICE can and cannot do, how to respond safely, and who to contact for support. Know your rights, stay informed, and empower yourself and others.

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

Source: cair.com

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Mark Zuckerberg defends Meta in social media monopoly trial

April 15, 2025

Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg has taken the witness stand in a landmark antitrust trial to defend his company against allegations that his company operates a social media monopoly.

His testimony is part of a case first brought by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 2020 during the final days of the first Trump administration.

The US competition watchdog alleges Meta unfairly dominated the market through its acquisitions of photo-sharing app Instagram in 2012 and the messaging service WhatsApp in 2014.

The FTC is seeking to break up Meta by forcing a spinoff of Instagram or WhatsApp. Meta says there's plenty of competition in social media, including from apps such as TikTok, X, and YouTube.

Wearing a dark suit and light blue tie, Mr Zuckerberg was the first witness in the case on Monday at a federal court in Washington DC. The trial is expected to last for two months.

The FTC pointed to a 2011 email Mr Zuckerberg sent saying: "Instagram seems like it's growing quickly."

The following year, he sent another email saying the company was "so far behind that we don't even understand how far behind we are... I worry that it will take us too long to catch up".

On the stand, Mr Zuckerberg defended his statements, calling the emails "relatively early" conversations about buying the app. He added that Meta had improved Instagram over the years.

Mr Zuckerberg also said he wanted to buy Instagram because of its camera technology, not because of its social network. He is expected to continue his testimony on Tuesday.

The FTC says the company overpaid when it acquired Instagram for $1bn and WhatsApp for $19bn as a defensive move.

"They decided that competition was too hard and it would be easier to buy out their rivals than to compete with them," said FTC lawyer Daniel Matheson in his opening statement at Monday's trial.

Meta countered that the lawsuit from the FTC, which originally reviewed and approved both those acquisitions, was "misguided".

Meta "acquired Instagram and WhatsApp to improve and grow them alongside Facebook", the company's attorney Mark Hansen argued.

The FTC lawyer cited a 2012 memo from Mr Zuckerberg in which he discusses the importance of "neutralising" Instagram.

Mr Matheson called that message "a smoking gun".

Meta, on the other hand, said the purchases made the consumer experience better.

"Acquisitions to improve and grow" have never been found unlawful, Meta's lead litigator, said on Monday, "and they should not be found unlawful here".

Meta said last year that it had 3.27 billion daily active users across its products.

Instagram was expected to account for more than half of Meta's advertising revenue in the US in 2025. according to research firm Emarketer.

Meta has been making regular overtures to Trump since his election.

The company contributed $1m to Trump's inaugural fund, and has added former Trump adviser Dina Powell McCormick and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) boss Dana White, a Trump ally, to Meta's board of directors this year.

The company also announced in January that it was rolling back content moderation policies that Republicans said had amounted to censorship.

It also agreed to pay Trump $25m to settle a lawsuit over the suspension of his accounts after the US Capitol riot in 2021.

Mr Zuckerberg has also visited the White House in recent weeks.

The Meta boss has lobbied Trump in person to have the FTC drop the case, according to the Wall Street Journal.

When asked by the BBC to confirm that report, Meta sidestepped the question but said in a statement: "The FTC's lawsuits against Meta defies reality."

FTC v Meta begins as another major antitrust case - USA v Google - grinds on.

The Department of Justice won the first phase of that case last summer when Judge Amit Mehta found that Google holds a monopoly in online search, with a market share of around 90%.

Last month, government attorneys reiterated a demand made during the Biden administration that a court break up Google's search monopoly.

The FTC's case against Meta will be tougher to prove, says Laura Phillips-Sawyer, an associate professor of business law at the University of Georgia.

"I think they have a real uphill battle," Ms Phillips-Sawyer said of the FTC.

"They have a long road before any consideration of divestiture of Instagram or WhatsApp is considered."

That's because compared to online search, there's more competition in the personal network services space that Meta operates in, Ms Phillips-Sawyer said.

Amazon and Apple also face antitrust lawsuits by US enforcers.

Source: bbc.com

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Good cops, bad cops - how Trump's shifting tariff team kept world guessing

April 15, 2025

In the chaotic minutes after US President Donald Trump's administration abruptly reversed course and paused dozens of sweeping "reciprocal" tariffs, one man quickly became the public face of the decision: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

"It took great courage," the bespectacled 62-year-old former hedge fund manager told the dozens of reporters gathered around him on 9 April. "Great courage to stay the course until this moment."

Notably absent during the press briefing - after which markets rocketed - were the other two men tasked with delivering Trump's tariff message to the American people: Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and trade adviser Pete Navarro.

Bessent's centre-stage role in the tariffs announcement, some trade policy veterans have suggested, starkly highlights how shifting power dynamics within the White House brought the US back from the brink of an all-out global trade war, even if all the players are broadly supportive of Trump's economic agenda.

"He's playing the good cop," William Alan Reinsch, the former head of the National Foreign Trade Council, told the BBC. "And Lutnick and Navarro are playing the bad cop."

Publicly, the White House has been largely quiet on the chain of events that led to Trump's market-shaking decision to pause reciprocal tariffs for most countries while raising levies on China, with the president saying only that he had been "thinking about it" for a "few days" before it "came together" early on the morning of 9 April.

But according to US media reports, it was Bessent, inundated with calls from business leaders, that played a key part in swaying Trump, including with conversations on Air Force One the weekend beforehand and in the Oval Office on the morning of the decision.

Earlier in his career, Bessent expressed reservations about tariffs. Some observers believe these views, together with long experience in the bond market, ultimately made it possible for him to gain the president's ear over Navarro and Lutnick, both of whom represented a harder-line stance on the tariffs.

"I think what happened was that Trump wasn't paying attention to the bond market," added Mr Reinsch, now an economics expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "And Bessent got him to pay attention."

Mr Reinsch, who was also undersecretary of commerce for export administration in the 1990s during President Bill Clinton's administration, said that Bessent's approach, so far, has been "a classic way to deal with Trump".

"Don't tell him he's wrong or made a mistake," he added. "Tell him there's a better way forward to achieve his objectives, and that the market is not reacting the way we want it to react."

On the morning of the announcement on 9 April, Trump met in the Oval Office with Bessent as well as National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett and Lutnick, the 63-year-old former chief executive of Cantor Fitzgerald and a noted China hawk.

Two other key players in tariffs policy were notably absent, prompting one source close to the White House to tell Reuters news agency there had been a "pecking order change".

One, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, was just a short drive away on Capitol Hill, testifying about tariffs before a House of Representative committee.

He would later that day learn of the tariffs announcement in real-time along with the lawmakers, prompting a tense exchange in which he was accused of having the "rug pulled out" from underneath him.

The other, Peter Navarro, was similarly absent despite being one of the most visible figures in the media on tariffs, prompting speculation his stance had fallen out of favour with the president.

At times, the various figures involved in tariffs gave contradictory statements on the policy, which experts say contributed to confusion and market volatility.

"They are not singing on the same page," said Mark Sobel, who spent nearly 40 years at the Treasury Department, including as deputy assistant secretary for international monetary and financial policy.

"You hear Navarro, you hear Bessent, you hear the president and you feel you're getting whiplash," he added. "This is not a disciplined group."

Terry Haines, the founder of Washington DC-based consultancy Pangaea Policy, told the BBC he believes that it was "deliberate" that the administration put forward various people to become the public faces of tariffs.

"[They wanted to] throw as many spokespeople out there, say different things, and flood the zone with opinion," he said. "It may have efficacy in politics, but it confuses the hell out of markets."

As an example, Mr Haines pointed to Navarro, who he said gets "more leeway than you'd expect" owing to the four-month jail term he served for contempt of Congress after ignoring a subpoena from a House committee investigating the 2021 US Capitol riot.

"They appeal to different audiences. Bessent would be interested in the financial press, while Navarro has a different message," he said.

Haines, however, cautioned against assuming that any one person contributed the most to Trump's decision.

"Markets want winners and losers, like People magazine-style stuff," he said. "But we need to know who to listen to, and that became, pretty much by default, Bessent."

Several experts contacted by the BBC said they expect Bessent to now take a much more prominent public role in tariff policy, with Lutnick taking charge of the negotiations, while Navarro, Hassett and Greer play supporting roles.

Haines, for example, said he believes Bessent will become, in real terms, "the spokesman for economic policy".

Ultimately, a more structured approach could contribute to market stability, according to Andrew Hale, an economist at the conservative Heritage Foundation.

"I imagine it will get more certain as we go forward," he said. "It's what businesses and investors want."

Source: bbc.com

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Mideast

 

Dozens of Settlers Storm Al-Aqsa Mosque on Second Day of Passover

14 Apr 2025

Dozens of Zionist settlers stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque through the Mughrabi Gate on Monday morning, under heavy guard from Israeli police, on the second day of the Jewish Passover holiday.

These incursions come in response to calls by the so-called "Temple Groups" to organize large-scale incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque to commemorate the so-called Passover holiday.

The Islamic Endowments Department in occupied Quds reported to the Palestinian Safa News Agency that dozens of settlers stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque and toured its courtyards.

During the incursion, the settlers performed provocative tours and Talmudic rituals in the mosque's courtyards, amid dancing, singing, and clapping.

Israeli police imposed strict restrictions on the entry of worshippers entering the mosque, checking their IDs and detaining some at its outer gates.

Source: saba.ye

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https://www.saba.ye/en/news3465437.htm

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Israeli makes new Gaza ceasefire proposal but prospects appear slim

April 15, 2025

CAIRO: Mediator Egypt has presented a new Israeli proposal for a Gaza ceasefire to Hamas, Egyptian state-affiliated Al Qahera News TV said on Monday, but a senior Hamas official said at least two elements of the proposal were non-starters.

Citing sources, Al Qahera said mediators awaited Hamas’ response.

Hamas said in a statement later in the day that it was studying the proposal and that it will submit its response “as soon as possible.”

The militant group reiterated its core demand that a ceasefire deal must end the war in Gaza and achieve a full Israeli pull-out from the strip.

Earlier, senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters that the proposal did not meet the Palestinian group’s demand that Israel commit to a complete halt of hostilities.

In the proposal, Israel also for the first time called for the disarmament of Hamas in the next phase of negotiations, which the group will not agree to, Abu Zuhri said.

“Handing over the resistance’s weapons is a million red lines and is not subject to consideration, let alone discussion,” Abu Zuhri said.

Israel did not immediately comment on the reported proposal.

The head of the Egyptian state information service told Al Qahera: “Hamas knows very well the value of time now and I believe that its response to the Israeli proposal will be quick.”

Israel restarted its offensive in the enclave in March, ending a ceasefire that went into effect in late January.

The latest round of talks on Monday in Cairo to restore the ceasefire and free Israeli hostages ended with no apparent breakthrough, Palestinian and Egyptian sources said.

Hamas insists Israel commit to ending the war and pull out its forces from the Gaza Strip as agreed in the three-phase ceasefire accord that went into effect in late January.

Israel has said it will not end the war unless Hamas is eliminated and returns the remaining hostages held in Gaza.

“Hamas is ready to hand over the hostages in one batch in exchange for the end of war and the withdrawal of Israeli military” from Gaza, Abu Zuhri said.

Since restarting its military offensive last month, Israeli forces have killed more than 1,500 Palestinians, Gaza health authorities have said. It has displaced hundreds of thousands of people and imposed a blockade on all supplies entering the enclave.

Meanwhile, 59 Israeli hostages remain in the hands of the militants. Israel believes 24 of them are alive.

Source: arabnews.com

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https://www.arabnews.com/node/2597046/middle-east

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Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El-Sisi visits Kuwait as part of short Gulf tour

April 14, 2025

LONDON: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi arrived in Kuwait on Monday afternoon on the second leg of a two-state tour of the Arabian Gulf.

He was greeted at the Amiri Airport by Kuwait’s emir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, senior ministers and other officials. The national anthems of both countries were played and the Egyptian president and his delegation were honored with a 21-gun salute.

The two leaders were expected to discuss several of issues of mutual interest, as well as enhanced cooperation between their countries, following the signing of 10 memorandums of understanding in September last year covering the industrial, environmental, tourism, housing, construction, media and sports sectors, the Kuwait News Agency reported.

The emir of Kuwait visited Egypt in April last year, his first state visit after assuming power in December 2023.

El-Sisi flew to Kuwait from Qatar, where he discussed economic partnerships with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. They agreed to a package of direct investments worth up to $7.5 billion, with the aim of supporting and strengthening sustainable economic development in both countries, the Middle East News Agency reported.

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How Israeli settlers are able to seize Palestinian land with impunity in the West Bank

JONATHAN GORNALL

April 14, 2025

LONDON: Attacks on Palestinian villagers in the West Bank by Israeli settlers, and the seizure or demolition of their properties under lopsided laws, are nothing new. But, ever since the start of the war in Gaza, the number and nature of such incidents has intensified.

Several attacks over the past few weeks have added to the impression that not only have settlers been given carte blanche to do as they please, but also that discipline within the ranks of the Israeli army operating in the West Bank is breaking down.

Since the Gaza war began in October 2023, Israeli troops and settlers have killed at least 917 Palestinians, including militants, in the West Bank.

On March 27, the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, revealed that in the first three months of this year alone, 99 Palestinians had been killed during operations by Israeli forces in the West Bank.

Tens of thousands had been displaced from their homes, 10 UN-run schools had been forced to close, and 431 homes lacking impossible-to-acquire Israeli-issued building permits had been demolished — twice as many as over the same period last year.

Occasionally, such attacks are caught on camera. That was the case at the beginning of this month, when footage circulated purportedly showing masked settlers attacking the village of Duma in the northern West Bank, setting fire to homes.

On Feb. 29, dozens of settlers, accompanied by Israel Defense Forces personnel, descended on Jinba, a shepherding community, where, according to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, “uniformed and civilian-dressed Israelis raided the village, broke into all the homes, dumped food, vandalized appliances and terrorized the locals.”

The supposed trigger for the attack on the village, after which dozens of Palestinian men were rounded up and arrested, was an alleged assault on a settler shepherd. In fact, phone footage later emerged appearing to show the man in question approaching Palestinians and their flock on an all-terrain vehicle and physically assaulting one of them.

“Land seizures and violence by settlers is not new, but there has been a huge increase,” Alon Cohen-Lifshitz, an architect and adviser to the Israeli nongovernmental organization Planners for Planning Rights, or Bimkom, told Arab News.

“What has changed is that there is now widespread collaboration between the settlers, the army, the authorities, and the police. Now, the army is the settler.”

Often those involved in violence and intimidation are from IDF reserve units, whose members are settlers and are deployed near their own settlements, and “sometimes they are wearing uniforms, sometimes not.”

Rarely is anyone arrested. “The police put obstacles in the way of Palestinians who come to submit complaints,” said Cohen-Lifshitz.

“The army, the police, and the settlers have become a single unit, working together against the poorest, most fragile and marginalized communities that don’t do any harm. These people are not involved in anything, but they live in fear of the settlers.”

Their “crime” is that “they are living on land which Israel and the settlers want to control and ethnically cleanse,” he added.

Planning law is also being deployed against Palestinians in the West Bank. “Israel is using it like a weapon to conquer land,” said Cohen-Lifshitz.

It was planning law, he said, that led to the creation of settlements and the fragmentation of the West Bank, and “there are plans for the Palestinians, too, but the aim of these is to limit the development, to create very small areas in which building is allowed, but at a very high density, which is not how it used to be in Palestinian villages.

“There, it was about 10 units per hectare. Now the plans for Palestinian areas propose urban densities of 100 units, allowing the authorities to justify demolitions outside these areas.”

Over the past two years, however, “there has been a huge expansion in settlement outposts and farms. But, as far as we know, not a single permit for Palestinian building has been approved.”

Apparent indiscipline in the IDF ranks has not escaped the notice of the military top brass, who appear keen to ascribe poor conduct to reserve soldiers rather than core personnel.

Although he did not comment on the violence in Duma, Israel’s top commander in the occupied West Bank, Major General Avi Bluth, condemned the actions of reservists during a raid on the Dheisheh refugee camp near Bethlehem on April 2.

Images shared on social media showed vandalized apartments, where furniture was broken and Israeli nationalist slogans spray painted on walls. In a video shared by the army last week, Bluth said that “the conduct in Dheisheh by our reserve soldiers is not what we stand for.”

“Vandalism and graffiti during an operational mission are, from our perspective, unacceptable incidents. It is inconceivable that IDF soldiers do not act according to their commanders’ orders,” he added.

It would be a mistake, however, to interpret the escalation in violence in the West Bank as the result of a collapse of discipline, said Ahron Bregman, a senior teaching fellow in the Department of War Studies at King’s College London, who served in the Israeli army for six years and took part in the 1982 Lebanon war.

“This is not about discipline. This is something else — the execution of a plan,” he said. “The war in Gaza is all but over. The main front now is the West Bank, where I think the Israelis are trying to implement a big plan to empty it of its people and annex it.”

The IDF, in Bregman’s view, has changed.

“Many IDF units, especially infantry, are now dominated by right-wing settlers. They have managed to penetrate these units to such an extent that I think it is not an exaggeration to say that many units, especially infantry, which is relevant because they are on the ground, are led by settlers.”

The driving force, he believes, is Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, who is also a defense minister and is responsible for the administration of the West Bank.

Leader of the far-right Religious Zionism party, Smotrich is himself a settler, who, in the words of a profile in The Times of Israel, “has long been a vociferous supporter of West Bank settlements and just as strongly opposes Palestinian statehood, subscribing to the view that Jews have a right to the whole land of Israel.”

The support of Israeli ministers for the settlers goes beyond mere words. Last year, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir gave more than 120,000 firearms to settlers. More recently, Smotrich and Orit Strock, the settlements and national missions minister, gifted 21 ATVs to illegal farms and outposts in the South Hebron hills, to be used “for security purposes.”

Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, a US-registered non-profit that collects data on conflict and protest around the world, says its findings support the anecdotal evidence that violence against Palestinians in the West Bank is escalating.

“It is not always clear who is responsible,” Ameneh Mehvar, ACLED’s senior Middle East analyst, told Arab News.

“Is it always settlers, or soldiers, security squads, regional defense battalions? There is a blurring of lines. But we have definitely seen problematic behavior by soldiers in the past few weeks.”

Traditionally, she said, “the IDF’s rules of engagement in the West Bank were different. The policy of the Central Command was to limit violence and maintain the status quo — for practical reasons, as much as anything else, because settlers and Palestinians live side by side.

“But since Oct. 7, things have become much worse. There is a spirit of revenge and the soldiers feel they have the support of the rhetoric of far-right, pro-settler politicians. It isn’t necessarily that senior commanders are ordering more violence, but that junior commanders on the ground are allowing it.

“So what we’re seeing is a mix of this permissible environment, and the redeployment to the West Bank of soldiers from Gaza, coming back from the war there with the mindset that Palestinians are not humans. They use the same rules of engagement — that everyone is dangerous, anything is allowed, shoot first, and ask questions later.”

The pro-settlement parties in Israel, she said, “are no longer fringe actors, but are part of the mainstream in Israeli politics, and their aim is obviously annexation of parts of the West Bank.

“Prime Minister Netanyahu’s biggest interest is staying in power, and in order to keep his coalition together he has been giving a lot of incentives to the pro-settlement parties and politicians.”

The IDF’s ongoing so-called “Iron Ball” operation in the northern West Bank is taking place against this background. According to the UN Relief and Works Agency, UNRWA, the assault on Jenin Camp, which began two months ago, is “by far the longest and most destructive operation in the occupied West Bank since the Second Intifada in the 2000s.”

The UN says that tens of thousands of residents from Jenin, Tulkarm, Nur Shams, and Far’a refugee camps have been displaced, as the IDF has embarked on “systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure and homes, aiming to permanently change the character of Palestinian cities and refugee camps at a scale unjustifiable by any purported military or law enforcement aims.”

Although the world’s attention has been focused on Israeli actions in Gaza and Lebanon, “what is happening in the West Bank is not a sideshow,” said Mehvar.

“Before Oct. 7, settler attacks were already on the rise. But now the West Bank is a powder keg that could explode at any time.”

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Blast kills Lebanese soldier dismantling mines in tunnel in south

April 14, 2025

BEIRUT, Lebanon: Lebanon's army said a soldier was killed and three others wounded Monday in an explosion in the country's south, where President Joseph Aoun said they had been dismantling mines in a tunnel.

"While a specialised army unit was carrying out an engineering survey of a site" in south Lebanon's Tyre district, "a suspicious object exploded, killing a member of the unit and moderately injuring three others", an army statement said.

A statement from Aoun's office said the soldiers had been "dismantling mines and explosive materials in a tunnel" in the area.

"Once again, the Lebanese army... is paying the price of extending state authority over the south and achieving stability there by implementing Resolution 1701," said Aoun, according to the statement.

United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 ended a 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah and formed the basis of a November truce that largely ended more than a year of fresh hostilities between Israel and the Iran-backed group.

The resolution called for the disarmament of all non-state armed groups, and said Lebanese troops and UN peacekeepers should be the only forces in south Lebanon.

Under the truce, Hezbollah was to withdraw its forces north of the Litani River, about 30 kilometres (20 miles) from the Israeli border, and dismantle any remaining military infrastructure in the south.

Israel was due to complete its pullout from Lebanon by February 18 after missing a January deadline, but it has kept troops in five places it deems "strategic".

During the war, Israel's army said it uncovered Hezbollah tunnels and tunnel shafts in south Lebanon.

A source close to Hezbollah told AFP on Saturday that the group had ceded to the Lebanese army around 190 of its 265 military positions identified south of the Litani.

Qatar-based network Al Jazeera quoted Aoun on Monday as saying that the army had dismantled tunnels and confiscated weapons without objection from Hezbollah, but had not yet deployed across the whole of the south.

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Jordan’s King Abdullah, Indonesian president discuss defense cooperation, regional developments

April 14, 2025

LONDON: King Abdullah II of Jordan and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto attended a signing ceremony for a defense cooperation agreement and three memorandums of understanding in Amman.

King Abdullah received Subianto on Monday at Al-Husseiniya Palace during the Indonesian leader’s first visit to Jordan since assuming office in March 2024.

Indonesia and Jordan agreed to collaborate on defense and signed memorandums of understanding in agriculture, education and religious affairs.

King Abdullah highlighted Indonesia’s vital role in promoting international stability and peace, Petra news agency reported.

The two leaders condemned Israeli violations of the sanctity of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and attempts to divide the site temporally and spatially. King Abdullah said Jordan will continue its religious and historical role in safeguarding Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. He said the war in Gaza and developments in Syria and Lebanon are causing regional instability, Petra added.

Subianto reaffirmed his country’s solidarity with Jordan in defending Palestinian rights and said that Jakarta supports the establishment of a Palestinian state.

The two leaders addressed ways to stop the Israeli war on Gaza, reinstate the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, resume the entry of humanitarian aid and support Palestinians remaining in the coastal enclave.

Subianto said that Jordan and Indonesia have been longtime friends, highlighting his country’s eagerness to continue collaboration with Amman, Petra reported.

Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, the king’s office director Alaa Batayneh, Jordan’s Ambassador to Indonesia Sidqi Omoush, and Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, the king’s chief adviser for religious and cultural affairs, attended the meeting.

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Lebanon’s Salam meets Al-Sharaa in Damascus to revive Syria ties

NAJIA HOUSSARI

April 14, 2025

BEIRUT: Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa held a meeting on Monday with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam at the People’s Palace in Damascus.

It was Salam’s first official trip to Damascus, and the second visit by a Lebanese prime minister after Najib Mikati traveled in January, following the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime and the rise to power of Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham under the leadership of Al-Sharaa.

It comes ahead of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s official two-day visit to Doha on Tuesday, following a formal invitation from Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.

An official source told Arab News that Salam’s Syria visit aims “to explore a new path for correcting relations, based on mutual respect for each country’s sovereignty, and to establish and reinforce stability.”

The visit’s agenda includes unresolved issues between the two countries.

Salam was accompanied by Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji, Defense Minister Michel Menassa, and Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar.

At the end of March, Saudi Arabia sponsored an agreement in Jeddah between Menassa and his Syrian counterpart Murhaf Abu Qasra.

The agreement addressed border issues following bloody clashes between smugglers, which escalated into confrontations between members of the new Syrian authority and armed Lebanese tribe members in overlapping villages in eastern Lebanon.

It prompted the Lebanese military to intervene, deploy reinforcements to stop the clashes, shut down illegal crossings, and later form a liaison committee to monitor the agreement’s implementation and prevent violations.

A joint operations room is planned to enhance security, reduce smuggling, and set up army monitoring points along the border to ensure stability in preparation for demarcation.

During the meeting between the Lebanese and Syrian defense ministers in Jeddah, also attended by Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman, it was decided that they would return to Riyadh soon to assess the situation.

The agreement signed by the two ministers emphasized “the strategic importance of demarcating the borders between Lebanon and Syria.”

It also called for the formation of legal and specialized committees in various fields, along with the activation of coordination mechanisms to tackle security and military challenges, especially regarding any developments along their shared border.

The border between Lebanon and Syria spans 375 km and features a geographical intertwining of mountains, slopes, and plains. Notably, there are no visible markers indicating where one country ends and the other begins.

Six official border crossings connect the two nations, while numerous unofficial crossings exist in the north and east.

Over the years, Hezbollah exploited these unofficial routes, transforming them into areas of influence for smuggling weapons, money, people, and drugs.

Before his departure to Damascus, Salam met in Beirut with Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit, who was in the Lebanese capital to participate in the opening of the Sustainable Development Forum, which was held in partnership with the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia.

The Prime Minister’s media office reported that Aboul Gheit emphasized the depth of Lebanese-Arab relations, as the Arab world has consistently stood by Lebanon during times of crisis.

“We have highlighted the importance of Lebanon committing to its reform agenda. This includes providing necessary support to Arab countries to uphold Lebanon’s sovereignty, exerting pressure on Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon, and ensuring that the Lebanese state has full authority over its territory,” the office said.

The forum addressed developments in the Gaza Strip, calling for an immediate end to Israeli military operations.

It also tackled the ongoing Arab and international efforts to uphold the principles of the 2002 Arab League Summit in Beirut, which endorsed a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Prime Minister Salam reviewed bilateral agreements during his discussions with Syrian leaders in Damascus.

Other issues include canceling the Lebanese-Syrian Higher Council, addressing the border issue in preparation for demarcation through a joint committee under Riyadh’s sponsorship, and the matter of Syrian refugee repatriation.

Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri has developed a plan to expedite the return of 400,000 refugees if an agreement is reached with Damascus.

The discussion includes investment agreements in agriculture, transit, oil and gas, which aim to transform both countries into secure export platforms for Arab goods.

The case of the missing Lebanese persons in Syrian prisons is also on the agenda, as well as the situation of detained Syrians in Lebanese jails, who currently account for about 45 percent of the total prison population in Lebanon, contributing to overcrowding in the cells.

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Saudi Arabia rich in potential for quantum research, experts say

TAMARA ABOALSAUD

April 14, 2025

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia holds significant potential for quantum research, according to experts.

Celebrating 100 years since the initial development of quantum mechanics, the Kingdom’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution hosted World Quantum Day for the second time at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology in Riyadh.

Ahmed Abdul Majeed, a recent physics graduate originally from Nigeria, told Arab News that Monday’s conference gave him the platform to further explore his passions in quantum science.

“During my third year as an undergraduate I grew this sudden interest in quantum … since then, everything about me revolves around quantum,” he said.

The first World Quantum Day was in 2021 as an effort to promote understanding of quantum science, which deals with miniscule particles smaller than atoms and has the potential to revolutionize computing power.

The KACST event hosted numerous industry experts including David E. Keyes, senior associate to the president for strategic projects at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology.

A longtime admirer of Keyes’ work, Abdul Majeed has been working with him for more than a year at the Quantum Computing Reading Group at KAUST, a group of academics and interested individuals that regularly gathers to discuss the latest developments in quantum computing and often invites companies abroad to join the conversation.

Operating for two years now, the reading group at KAUST is trying to introduce quantum science to more university courses in the Kingdom.

“I know Saudi is working towards (quantum research) and I believe they will achieve more than any other country,” Abdul Majeed said.

Richard Schoebel, regional director at ID Quantique, a Swiss company that develops quantum safe cybersecurity solutions, told Arab News that the Kingdom has made significant strides over the past couple of years in the field.

“We finally see there’s a lot of movement happening in the terms of quantum here in the region. When I look back a couple years ago … it was really very slow, but now you see it’s picking up pace … and it’s getting a lot of traction.”

Schoebel said that it is important to push quantum research forward because it is “the next big thing.”

Quantum computing is going to change the world as we know it, and together with AI it opens new possibilities, he said.

On the other hand, as quantum technology develops it has the potential to bypass traditional cybersecurity methods, making it essential to develop more secure practices.

With such a large number of young people in STEM fields with strong educational backgrounds, there is a lot of space for quantum to reach its full potential here, he said.

Abdul Majeed, having recently been accepted to undertake a graduate degree in quantum technology at the University of Sussex, told Arab News that he has big dreams of taking the education and experiences he gained back home and establishing a school to teach others, as well as creating his own start-up and partnering with other industry leaders.

“I want to do my PhD also; I really want to get to the peak of learning.”

Quoting Nobel Prize in Physics winner Richard Feynman, Abdul Majeed said: “If you think you understand quantum mechanics, you don’t understand quantum mechanics.”

World Quantum Day featured experts from 65 countries who spoke and discussed various topics in quantum science including global strategies for technology development, real-world applications of quantum solutions, bridging academia and industry, Quantum AI, and more.

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King Faisal Prize laureates honoured at ceremony in Riyadh

RASHID HASSAN

April 15, 2025

RIYADH: The King Faisal Prize ceremony, held on Monday night under the patronage of King Salman in Riyadh, honored six distinguished laureates whose contributions have significantly advanced their fields and enriched humanity.

Held under the auspices of King Salman, Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar handed over the awards to laureates at the event’s 47th edition.

Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, Makkah’s governor, adviser to the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and chairman of the KFP board; several other princes; senior government officials; academics and scientists attended the ceremony at Prince Sultan’s Grand Hall at the Al-Faisaliah Center.

Prince Turki Al-Faisal, the chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, thanked the dignitaries for attending and congratulated the laureates.

Scholars and experts in service to Islam, Islamic studies, medicine, and science gathered in the Saudi capital to celebrate excellence, knowledge, and service.

This year’s Service to Islam Prize was awarded jointly to two laureates from Saudi Arabia. The Tebyan Qur’an Project by Liajlehum Association for Serving People with Disabilities was recognized for developing the world’s first complete Qur’anic interpretation in sign language, making the sacred text accessible to the deaf community and promoting inclusivity in Islamic education.

The second laureate, Sami Abdullah Almaqlouth, was honored for his outstanding efforts in mapping and preserving historic Islamic sites through his work at the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information. His documentation supports cultural preservation and public awareness of Islamic heritage.

The Islamic Studies Prize, awarded for archaeological studies in the Arabian Peninsula, was also shared between two scholars. Prof. Saad Abdulaziz Alrashid, a leading Saudi archaeologist, was recognized for his foundational contributions to the study of Islamic inscriptions and archaeological heritage. His work has laid the groundwork for a new generation of scholars and brought international attention to the region’s historic richness.

Prof. Said Faiz Alsaid, another prominent Saudi figure in the field, was honored for his comparative studies of Arabian epigraphy and his contributions to decoding the ancient civilizations of the peninsula, bridging pre-Islamic history with Islamic archaeology.

The Arabic Language and Literature Prize on the topic of studies of identity in Arabic literature was withheld this year as the works nominated did not meet the standards of the selection committee.

The Medicine Prize, awarded for cellular therapy, went to Prof. Michel Sadelain, director of the Center for Cell Engineering at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

He was recognized for his pioneering work in CAR-T cell therapy, a breakthrough cancer treatment that involves genetically modifying immune cells to target and destroy tumors. His research has opened new possibilities in treating leukemia and other previously incurable diseases, marking a milestone in medical innovation.

The Science Prize, focusing on physics this year, was awarded to Prof. Sumio Iijima of Japan. Known as the father of carbon nanotubes, his 1991 discovery of these cylindrical nanostructures revolutionized the field of nanotechnology.

Carbon nanotubes are now used in cutting-edge applications across electronics, materials science, energy storage, and even biomedicine. His discovery laid the foundation for countless technological innovations in the 21st century.

The KFP was established in 1977, and was awarded for the first time in 1979 in three categories — service to Islam, Islamic studies, and Arabic language and literature. Two additional categories were introduced in 1981 — medicine and science. The first medicine prize was awarded in 1982, and in science two years later.

Since its inception in 1977 and its first awards in 1979, the KFP has recognized 301 laureates from 45 nationalities who have made outstanding contributions to Islam, knowledge, and humanity.

Each of the five prize categories is endowed with SR750,000 ($200,000), a 24-carat gold medal and a certificate signed by Prince Khalid Al-Faisal.

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Saudi FM receives phone call from Iranian counterpart

April 14, 2025

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call on Monday from his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the call, the two officials discussed developments in the region and efforts being made with regard to them.

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How preventive healthcare is quietly driving sustainability in Saudi Arabia

WAAD HUSSAIN

April 14, 2025

RIYADH: As global conversations about sustainability expand, one sector is emerging as an unlikely player in the environmental movement: healthcare.

Experts say a growing shift toward prevention — rather than reaction — is not only improving personal health outcomes but reducing long-term resource strain on hospitals, supply chains, and the planet.

“Preventive care and longevity-focused medicine play a critical role in promoting environmental sustainability by reducing the overall burden on healthcare systems,” said Dr. Walid Zaher, a Saudi scientist and founder of Rewind.

“When individuals stay healthier for longer through early detection, lifestyle interventions, and personalized medicine, there is less need for resource-intensive treatments, hospitalizations, and pharmaceutical use — each of which carries a significant environmental footprint.”

According to Zaher, every reduction in high-intensity care translates to real-world savings in emissions, energy, and medical waste.

“Fewer medical interventions mean reduced energy consumption, lower emissions from healthcare facilities, and less medical waste,” he said. “By shifting focus from reactive to proactive care, we create a more efficient, sustainable healthcare model that benefits both people and the planet.”

Dr. Ksenia Butova, founder of Detki Family Clinic and Molodost Clinic, agrees. She believes early diagnostics and family-centered wellness are not only medically superior — they are environmentally responsible.

“The costliest treatments — both financially and environmentally — come when disease is already in full swing,” she said. “Hospital admissions, emergency interventions, aggressive medications. But most of it can be prevented.”

She emphasized that check-ups today are no longer just routine, but predictive. “Conducting in-depth check-ups designed to detect diseases at their earliest, pre-symptomatic stages — or rule them out entirely — helps alleviate the pressure on the healthcare system,” Butova said.

Among the pillars of preventive medicine are targeted vaccination programs and ongoing wellness tracking — both of which lower overall consumption of antibiotics, emergency care, and overprescribed supplements.

“Nutrition science, mental health support, sleep optimization, hormone and micronutrient balancing — these are not ‘luxuries,’” Butova said. “They’re the new foundation of long-term health.”

The Kingdom is also investing in long-term well-being through national policy. “Saudi Arabia is taking bold steps to integrate health, wellness, and sustainability through a series of forward-looking initiatives aligned with Vision 2030,” said Zaher. “From national events like Saudi National Sports Day to wellness-centered urban planning, the aim is to embed health and wellness into the fabric of daily life.”

On the technology front, digitization of care is helping clinics become more efficient and less wasteful.

“Clinics that operate paper-free are sustainable,” explained Butova. “Everything from scheduling and medical records to treatment plans and follow-ups becomes digital. Patients have easy access to their data, and doctors spend less time on bureaucracy and more time on meaningful care.”

She also noted that online consultations reduce traffic, emissions, and time lost to travel. “One Zoom consultation means one less commute through city traffic, one less plastic coffee cup, one less parking hassle,” she said. “It saves time, energy, and reduces our environmental footprint.”

Both experts also pointed to a growing trend: longevity tourism — the merging of high-end medical care with eco-conscious lifestyle services.

“Longevity tourism is increasingly becoming a natural extension of the broader eco-wellness movement — one that merges sustainable living with proactive health optimization,” said Zaher. “In regions like the Gulf, there’s a unique opportunity to position longevity tourism at the intersection of luxury wellness and sustainability.”

Butova confirmed the trend is already gaining traction. “People are flying to us from Russia and Kazakhstan for access to rare vaccines … From Europe, the UK, and the US, we welcome patients seeking comprehensive check-ups, personalized recovery programs, and cutting-edge aesthetic treatments,” she said.

Still, awareness remains a challenge. Both Zaher and Butova stressed the importance of education in shifting habits and norms.

“When we educate the public about the benefits of preventive health measures, sustainable diets, and active lifestyles, we can shift societal norms toward more eco-conscious behaviours,” Zaher said.

Butova added: “Public awareness is everything. Without awareness, even the most advanced medical system won’t work.”

Her clinics run webinars, host “health school” events for families, and engage with communities through live Q&As. “One of the most important missions of healthcare professionals is raising awareness about obesity and metabolic health … That shift alone changes lives and reduces wasteful, unconscious consumption,” she said.

At a time when sustainability often means sacrifice, these experts argue that in medicine, it is quite the opposite: the more proactive the system, the less wasteful it becomes.

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Fifth Global Cybersecurity Forum to be held in October in Riyadh

April 14, 2025

RIYADH: The fifth Global Cybersecurity Forum will be held from Oct. 1-2 in Riyadh under the theme “Scaling Cohesive Advancement in Cyberspace.”

To be held under the patronage of King Salman, the GCF 2025 will bring together global leaders, senior decision-makers, policymakers, industry experts and other international stakeholders for action-oriented collaboration around key challenges and opportunities in cyberspace.

This year’s forum aims to scale the cohesive advancements accomplished by the GCF community, elevating their scope, capacity, and impact to advance toward a more secure and resilient cyberspace for all, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It will focus on five sub-themes: “Beyond the Inflection Point,” “Cyber Economics Redefined,” “Strengthening Cyber Inclusion,” “Behavioral Lens in Cyberspace,” and “Opportunities at the Cyber Horizon.”

Across the sub-themes, the GCF 2025 will advance dialogue toward building a secure and reliable cyberspace that supports economic growth, societal prosperity, individual security, and national stability.

Within this framework, it will address shared priorities such as fostering alignment in a rapidly evolving global landscape, advancing cyber economic cohesion to enable scalable growth and shared prosperity, strengthening collective action for a human-centered and inclusive cyberspace, leveraging behavioral insights to influence actions, counter manipulations, and foster safe cyber environments, and harnessing technological advancements to tackle fast-evolving challenges in cyberspace.

From its inception as an annual event in 2020, the GCF has evolved into a platform that works year-round to strengthen the safety and resilience of cyberspace.

Today, GCF is a global, non-profit organization that is accelerating progress on its objectives of catalyzing social impact, enabling economic prosperity, pushing knowledge boundaries, and advancing global, collaborative action.

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Preparations for 11th World Water Forum begin in Riyadh

HAIFA ALSHAMMARI

April 14, 2025

RIYADH: Preparations for the 11th World Water Forum, which will be held in 2027, officially began today in Riyadh.

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture held a ceremony attended by officials to kick off the preparations.

Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, Saudi minister of environment, water and agriculture, attended the event, as did Loic Fauchon, president of the World Water Council.

Fauchon revealed how the council and authorities in Saudi Arabia are preparing for the event and stressed the importance of tackling water scarcity.

Saudi Arabia called for international cooperation from governments and private organizations to address water challenges and mitigate the severity of water scarcity.

The Kingdom also emphasized the importance of achieving sustainable development goals by making water and sanitation services accessible for all.

A panel was set up to discuss global water priorities by a group of local and global experts, including Abdulaziz Al-Shaibani, deputy minister for water, and Wu Wenqing, chief planner at the People’s Republic of China’s ministry of water resources.

“Water security is an urgent, global crisis … half of the world faces water scarcity every year,” Al-Shaibani said.

Al-Shaibani during his speech underscored the gap between water demand and water supply and called for an urgent global effort to address this issue.

He also highlighted how rising demand for water creates financial pressure on governments, eventually affecting the economy.

“Water infrastructure is essential. Some say water needs money, but money needs water, meaning the economy needs the water as an enabler for industries.

“Of course, water is a basic human right, as well as an economic enabler,” Al-Shaibani said.

The World Water Forum is organized by the World Water Council and partners with host countries.

The international conference provides a platform for countries to display sustainable practices and promote efforts to secure the management of water resources.

Source: arabnews.com

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MWL chief begins French visit with tour of ‘Gaza in Distress’ exhibition

April 14, 2025

RIYADH: Secretary-General of the Muslim World League Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa has commenced his official visit to France with a series of high-profile engagements in Paris, focusing on interfaith dialogue and contemporary Islamic issues.

At the invitation of leading global think tanks, Al-Issa, who also serves as the chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, participated in a seminar hosted by the French Institute for International Relations, where he addressed commonly misunderstood religious terminology and contemporary challenges facing Muslim communities worldwide.

The event drew attendance from the institute’s secretary-general alongside prominent researchers and thought leaders.

Al-Issa also engaged with representatives from research centers, politicians, and opinion leaders during a roundtable discussion at the headquarters of French daily L’Opinion.

The wide-ranging conversation covered the league’s positions on current affairs, clarifications of religious perspectives, frequently misunderstood intellectual concepts, and ethical considerations regarding artificial intelligence.

Al-Issa also toured the “Gaza in Distress” exhibition at the Arab World Institute. The museum documents Gaza’s rich cultural heritage through photographs and footage of UNESCO-listed historical landmarks — including mosques, churches, and archaeological sites — that have been destroyed in recent conflicts.

Following the museum tour, Al-Issa participated in an extensive discussion with Jack Lang, president of the Arab World Institute, exploring the organization’s efforts to build cultural bridges and counter harmful narratives, slogans and practices of civilizational clash — objectives that align with the Muslim World League’s own mission to promote Islam’s message of peace.

During the discussions, Al-Issa highlighted the league’s “Building Bridges of Understanding and Cooperation Between East and West” initiative launched at UN headquarters in New York, emphasizing that meaningful cross-cultural engagement has been a hallmark of Islamic civilization throughout history.

Source: arabnews.com

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KSrelief launches renewable energy training in Yemen

April 14, 2025

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency, KSrelief, is providing humanitarian assistance to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

In Yemen, KSrelief launched a training course in Lahij governorate focused on renewable energy products, such as solar ovens and lamps.

The Training of Trainers course is being held in collaboration with the UN Development Programme in the Al-Qabbaytah district.

The 10-day course aims to equip participants with the scientific and practical skills needed to become professional trainers in renewable energy, according to the SPA.

It is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to empower Yemenis by providing tools to generate income and strengthen their roles in society.

Meanwhile, the KSrelief-supported Al-Jadah Health Center provided medical services to 8,748 people in one month in Hajjah governorate.

In the Syrian Arab Republic, KSrelief distributed clothing aid to 144 families in Damascus to help alleviate hardship.

In Sudan, 1,650 food packages were distributed to displaced and needy families in Northern State, benefiting 3,542 people.

Since its launch in May 2015, KSrelief has carried out 3,393 projects worth almost $7.9 billion across 106 countries, in partnership with more than 309 organizations.

Source: arabnews.com

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New body launched to boost ocean exploration in Saudi Arabia

April 14, 2025

JEDDAH: OceanQuest, a Saudi Arabian nonprofit foundation, was launched in Jeddah on Monday to accelerate ocean discovery, drive innovation in the field, support global cooperation and engage the public.

Aligned with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, the foundation is set to lead a new era of deep-ocean discovery, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

By forming partnerships that advance multidisciplinary ocean studies, the foundation aims to enhance ocean literacy, raise public awareness and benefit humanity.

Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan, chairman of OceanQuest, said: “As a nation rooted in progress and innovation, we are committed to unlocking the mysteries of the deep ocean for the benefit of humanity. This initiative showcases our Kingdom’s ambition to lead in science, foster global collaboration and create opportunities for future generations.

“Through this collective effort, OceanQuest will address some of the most urgent challenges of our time,” Prince Bader said.

The foundation supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by driving innovation in ocean exploration, building global partnerships and advancing sustainable development.

It plans to contribute to the Kingdom’s research and development goals by investing SR3 billion ($800 million) in research by 2050 and supporting more than 150 scientists annually.

Additionally, OceanQuest will support the Kingdom’s goal of protecting 30 percent of its marine habitats by bolstering biotech and pharmaceutical strategies, and identifying sensitive marine ecosystems.

The foundation will also enable sustainable projects along the Red Sea and use deep-sea corals as natural carbon sinks to support Saudi Arabia’s decarbonization efforts.

Based at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Thuwal, OceanQuest is committed to unveiling the wonders of the ocean and exploring its secrets for the benefit of humanity.

Source: arabnews.com

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Saudi Arabia bans accommodation without Hajj permit from April 29

April 14, 2025

Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism has issued a directive banning all hospitality establishments in the holy city of Mecca from providing accommodation to individuals lacking an official Hajj permit or authorisation to work or stay in the city during the upcoming Hajj season.

The restrictions will take effect on Dhul Qada 1, 1446, corresponding to April 29, 2025, and will remain in place until the end of the pilgrimage period. The move is part of an inter-ministerial effort to ensure a safe and orderly Hajj.

The announcement follows a statement by the Ministry of Interior, which stressed that individuals entering Mecca without a valid Hajj visa or special permit will not be allowed to stay in the city starting Tuesday, April 29. The policy applies to all visa holders except those officially cleared for pilgrimage or essential work.

The ministry emphasised that hospitality providers in Mecca are “strictly prohibited” from accommodating individuals who fall outside the official Hajj guidelines as defined by the Ministry of Interior.

The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, draws millions of Muslims from around the world each year. Saudi authorities routinely implement comprehensive safety and crowd management protocols to manage the massive influx of worshippers.

The tourism ministry called on all accommodation providers to comply fully with the 2025 Hajj regulations and to work closely with government agencies to uphold public safety and the sanctity of the pilgrimage.

Source: gulfnews.com

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Southeast Asia

 

‘Seeds of hatred being sown’: Perak Sultan laments divisive politics, rising religious tension

By John Bunyan

15 Apr 2025

IPOH, April 15 — The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, today said that the nation seems to be drifting further away from unity as racial and religious issues are increasingly sensationalised.

In his speech at the opening of the Perak state legislative assembly at the Perak Darul Ridzuan Building, Sultan Nazrin said some individuals are exploiting these issues to gain recognition as champions of their community or faith.

His Majesty said these matters are being deliberately magnified and manipulated, risking the triggering of wider tensions.

“The recent relocation of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliaman Temple in Kuala Lumpur — undertaken to make way for the construction of a mosque, continues to echo in public discourse.

“Although a long-standing impasse spanning over a decade was ultimately resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding among the involved parties, certain quarters persist in sensationalising the issue.

“What had been settled amicably is now being stirred, debated, and politicised in ways that unsettle public sentiment,” he said.

He also expressed deep concern over hate-driven politics, which he said has become a favoured tactic in the current political landscape.

He pointed out the nation may face a future where its people are divided, harbouring hatred and animosity towards each other.

“The seeds of hatred are being sown across the nation, eroding our moral compass and diminishing our empathy when dealing with those who hold differing views.

“It is apparent that the culture of slander is becoming more rampant, with a growing acceptance of actions that seek to demean and disgrace political opponents.

“The values of human decency and humanity seem to be fading away, and the truth itself appears to have lost its value and significance,” he said.

Sultan Nazrin added that peace is not something that simply falls into place and should not be taken for granted.

“Peace is the hard-won result of the struggles and sacrifices of those who came before us and who toiled to preserve this nation’s stability and prosperity,” he said.

He urged the public to be vigilant by choosing to meet challenges not with hostility or provocation, but with wisdom and a steadfast commitment to peaceful resolution.

He said a prime example of this spirit was seen during the gas pipeline explosion incident in Putra Heights.

“In a profound act of solidarity, the leaders of Masjid Al-Falah in Subang Jaya and the Sri Maha Kaliamman Temple on Jalan Putra Harmoni opened the doors of their respective houses of worship to victims and emergency responders — offering refuge, regardless of race or religion.

“In a deeply moving gesture, the temple even welcomed Muslims to perform their prayers within its premise.

“Such conduct speaks volumes. It rekindles hope and soothes our collective unease about inter-ethnic relations in this country.

“In truth, ordinary Malaysians are unclouded by divisive political rhetoric and are more than capable of living together in harmony and mutual respect,” he said

Sultan Nazrin also said that the health service plays a vital, often unspoken role in uniting Malaysia’s diverse society, bridging differences in ethnicity, faith, culture, language, and social standing.

“In our hospitals, we have never heard of a doctor refusing to treat a patient because of different religion, race, or economic status.

“Nor have we heard of patients questioning the origin of a blood to be transfused, whether the donor is Muslim, Hindu, Christian, Buddhist, or from a different social or economic status,” he said.

He also noted shared sorrow is a common sight in times of loss within a hospital ward.

“Medical staff and fellow patients alike, regardless of background or how recently they met the deceased, often feel the weight of grief and some even shedding tears.

“This quiet compassion reflects the human spirit that binds us all, often more powerfully than any policy or programme can,” he said.

“Indeed, hospital wards can be viewed as classrooms, a profound space of learning for all, whether king or citizen, president or minister, imam or priest, judge or lawyer, lecturer or teacher, police officer or soldier, pilot or taxi driver, farmer or fisherman,” he added.

He said these spaces teach us the true meaning of divinity, servanthood, shared humanity, and the essence of compassion, empathy, unity — not as something imposed, but as something that naturally arises from the human heart.

Source: malaymail.com

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Abdullah Badawi to be honoured with state funeral at KL’s National Mosque

15 Apr 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 — The government has decided to accord a state funeral to former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who died today.

According to the Prime Minister’s Department (JPM), the remains will be brought to the National Mosque at 8am for funeral arrangements, with the lying-in-state to take place at the Main Prayer Hall of the mosque from 11am to 1pm.

“The funeral prayer will be performed after the zuhur prayer at the National Mosque, and the burial will follow at the Heroes’ Mausoleum, National Mosque, Kuala Lumpur,” it said in a statement last night.

The statement said that the dress code for male Muslim visitors is a black baju kebangsaan with a plain black samping and a black songkok, while non-Muslim male visitors are required to wear a dark lounge suit.

For female Muslim visitors, the dress code is a dark-coloured baju kurung or kebaya labuh with a white headscarf or shawl, while non-Muslim women are to dress modestly in dark-coloured attire with a white shawl.

“Other appropriate attire may also be worn,” it added.

The statement also said that all buildings within a two-kilometre radius of the National Mosque must fly the Jalur Gemilang at half-mast until the completion of the funeral ceremony.

Abdullah breathed his last at the National Heart Institute (IJN) at 7.10pm at the age of 85. — Bernama

Source: malaymail.com

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Prof Khurshid Ahmad’s passing a great loss to Islamic world - PM Anwar

14-04- 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has described the passing of renowned economist Prof Khurshid Ahmad as a significant loss to the Islamic world.

In a Facebook post today, Anwar said Ahmad was not only a scholar but also a prominent thinker, a pioneer of modern Islamic economic thought and co-founder of The Islamic Foundation in the United Kingdom.

“My deepest condolences. May Allah SWT accept all his good deeds, forgive his sins, grant him peace in the hereafter and place him among the martyrs and the righteous,” he said.

Anwar also expressed hope that Ahmad’s intellectual legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

International media reported that Ahmad, born on March 23, 1932 in New Delhi, India, died at the age of 93 in Leicester, United Kingdom, yesterday.

In a separate posting, Anwar expressed his sadness over the passing of renowned Peruvian author Mario Vargas Llosa, describing the Nobel laureate as a literary titan whose works stirred minds and challenged power.

“When I received the Order of the Sun of Peru last year, I reflected on the privilege of receiving a distinction previously awarded to him.

“His writing captured something uniquely Peruvian yet profoundly universal. His legacy will endure,” Anwar wrote.

According to media reports, Vargas Llosa died in Lima on Sunday at the age of 89.

He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2010 for his acclaimed works, including Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter, Death in the Andes and The War of the End of the World.

Source: thesun.my

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https://thesun.my/malaysia-news/prof-khurshid-ahmad-s-passing-a-great-loss-to-islamic-world-pm-anwar-AI13931122

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‘Grateful for all his deeds’: King and Queen offer condolences to Abdullah Badawi’s family

15 Apr 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, King and Queen of Malaysia, expressed their condolences to the entire family of former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on his passing yesterday.

“Our condolences to the wife of the statesman, Tun Jeanne Abdullah, and the entire family.

“We are truly grateful for all his deeds and contributions to the country. May his soul be blessed and placed among the righteous,” Their Majesties said in a post on Sultan Ibrahim’s official Facebook page today.

Tun Abdullah, 85, breathed his last at the National Heart Institute at 7.10pm yesterday.

Members of the public who wish to pay their last respects to the country’s 5th Prime Minister can do so from 10 am to 1 pm today during the lying-in-state at the main prayer hall of Masjid Negara (National Mosque).

After Zohor prayers, Tun Abdullah will be accorded a state funeral at the Heroes’ Mausoleum.

Born on Nov 26, 1939, in Bayan Lepas, Penang, Abdullah helmed the country’s premiership from Oct 31, 2003, until April 3, 2009, following the resignation of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. — Bernama

Source: malaymail.com

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Bersatu deputy information chief Ali Mohamad remanded for six days over alleged bribery

theSun

15-04- 2025

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has remanded Bersatu deputy information chief Ali Mohamad to assist in an alleged bribery probe.

According to Free Malaysia Today, Ali’s lawyer, Rafique Rashid said the former Tangga Batu assemblyman’s house was raided by MACC officers yesterday.

“He was brought to the MACC office (in Melaka) along with his wife and children at around 9.30pm yesterday (to record his statement),” he was quoted as saying.

His wife and children were later released.

In May 2024, Umno revoked Ali’s party membership after he decided to join Bersatu.

Source: thesun.my

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South Asia

 

Pakistan’s Security Issues Are Internal Matters: Taliban

By Fidel Rahmati-

April 14, 2025

Taliban has stated that Pakistan’s security issues are internal matters, denying any responsibility for terrorism or instability in Pakistan.

Hamdullah Fetrat, the Deputy Spokesperson for the Taliban, has responded to recent comments made by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Fetrat emphasized that the security issues in Pakistan are Islamabad’s internal matter and not the responsibility of the Taliban.

In a statement issued on April 14, Fetrat made it clear that the Taliban cannot be held accountable for Pakistan’s security challenges. According to him, the Taliban’s involvement in Pakistan’s internal security problems has been misrepresented.

Fetrat strongly rejected accusations that the Taliban is harboring terrorists who carry out attacks in Pakistan. He asserted that these security issues are domestic concerns for Pakistan to resolve, rather than being linked to the Taliban’s governance in Afghanistan.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during a discussion with journalists in London, expressed concerns about the Taliban’s role in allowing terrorist groups to operate from Afghanistan’s soil. He urged the Taliban to take stronger measures to prevent such groups from using Afghanistan as a base for attacks against Pakistan.

Sharif added that the Taliban must adhere to the commitments made under the Doha Agreement, which includes preventing terrorist organizations from using Afghanistan’s territory to launch attacks. This statement reflects ongoing tensions between the two neighboring countries.

The exchange of statements between Pakistani officials and the Taliban highlights the ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two countries. While Pakistan demands more action from the Taliban to control terrorist activities, the Taliban continues to deny responsibility for these issues.

As the situation evolves, the unresolved security concerns in both Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to impact regional stability. The Taliban’s response to Pakistan’s demands will likely shape the future of their relationship and influence broader regional security dynamics.

Source: khaama.com

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Kazakhstan Continues Humanitarian Support to Afghanistan

2025-04-15

KABUL(BNA): In a meeting today, Mullah Nooruddin Turabi, the Head of Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority, received a comprehensive list of food and non-food aid from Kazakh Ambassador Gaziz Akbasov.

During their discussion at the Authority’s office in Kabul, Mullah Turabi highlighted the friendly relations between Afghanistan and Kazakhstan, emphasizing the need to strengthen these ties further. He expressed appreciation for the recent humanitarian aid delivered via 36 cargo wagons at Hairatan port, calling for continued support from Kazakhstan.

Ambassador Akbasov acknowledged Turabi’s hospitality and presented the list of aid items, which includes 20,000 sacks of 50-kg flour (totaling 1,000 tons) and 49,720 sacks of 25-kg rice (approximately 1,243.839 tons), among other essential supplies. He also announced the imminent shipment of 3.5 tons of medicine and medical supplies, set to arrive at Kabul International Airport next week.

The Ambassador reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to collaborate with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in various sectors, including mining, logistics, transportation, and agriculture. He indicated that a second phase of humanitarian aid is expected to follow shortly, tailored to meet the evolving needs of the Afghan population.

In addition, Mullah Turabi raised concerns regarding the forced deportation of Afghan migrants from neighboring countries, emphasizing the need for a coordinated response to support vulnerable populations.

Source: bakhtarnews.af

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Purbachal plot scam: Arrest warrants issued against Hasina, Joy

Apr 15, 2025

A Dhaka court today issued arrest warrants against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, and 16 others in two cases filed over irregularities in allocation of plots in Purbachal New Town.

Purabi Goldar, senior assistant secretary, and Rajuk official Anisur Rahman Mia are among the accused.

Judge Md Zakir Hossain of Dhaka Metropolitan Senior Special Judge's Court passed the order after accepting the charges brought against them.

The judge directed the officers-in-charge of over a dozen police stations in Dhaka and other parts of the country to submit progress reports on the execution of the arrest warrants by April 29.

The court has now accepted charges against Hasina and her family in all six cases filed over the plot allocation irregularities, said an official of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

The ACC officials showed all the 18 accused as fugitives in the two cases, as they did not secure bail from any courts in the country.

According to ACC documents, Hasina, in collusion with senior Rajuk officials, had six plots allotted to herself, her son Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, younger sister Sheikh Rehana, Rehana's son Radwan Mujib Siddiq Bobby, and Rehana's daughters Azmina Siddiq and Tulip Siddiq in violation of rules.

The ACC filed total six cases over alleged irregularities in the allocation of the six plots, each measuring 10 kathas, in the diplomatic zone of Sector-27 in the Purbachal New Town project.

On April 10, the same court issued arrest warrants against 18 people, including Hasina and Saima Wazed, in one of the six cases.

On April 13, the same court issued arrest warrant against Hasina, Rehana, and 21 others in three other cases.

Hasina has been made a common accused in all the six cases filed in connection to the irregularities.

Earlier on March 25, the ACC pressed charges against Hasina, Joy and 16 others in two of the cases. On the same day, charges were pressed in the four other cases as well.

Source: thedailystar.net

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Over 1,400 Foreign Tourists Visit Historical Sites in Balkh

2025-04-14

BALKH(BNA): 1,405 foreign tourists from 71 countries have visited Balkh’s historical attractions over the past year, according to Abdul Wahid Ahadi, the tourism director of the Balkh Information and Culture Department.

Tourists from diverse nations, including the United States, Italy, China, Germany, France, Slovenia, Nepal, Turkmenistan, and Brazil, have explored the province’s rich cultural and historical monuments. Many visitors expressed their satisfaction with the security provided by the Islamic Emirate, highlighting Afghanistan’s potential as a tourist destination with its wealth of history and culture.

Officials from the Balkh Information and Culture Department emphasized their commitment to creating a welcoming environment for both domestic and international tourists, ensuring they can explore the region’s attractions with confidence.

Source: bakhtarnews.af

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Commerce Minister Meets Head of Kazakhstan’s Strategic Studies Institute

2025-04-15

KABUL(BNA): Nooruddin Azizi, the Minister of Industry and Commece of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, met with Yerkin Walitkhanovich Tukomov, the Head of the Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of Kazakhstan, in Kabul.

The press office of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce reported on Monday that during the meeting, both sides emphasized the need for each other’s export goods and transit routes. They discussed and exchanged views on expanding trade relations, Afghanistan’s economic growth, economic programs, increasing Afghanistan’s exports, and Kazakhstan’s support for Afghanistan’s transit initiatives.

Nooruddin Azizi welcomed Mr. Tukomov’s visit to Afghanistan and expressed gratitude for Kazakhstan’s cooperation, especially thanking Serik Zhumangarin, the Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan.

Source: bakhtarnews.af

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Africa

 

Roadside bomb kills 8 bus passengers in northeast Nigeria

14 Apr 2025

A roadside bomb suspected to have been planted by Islamic extremists in northeastern Nigeria struck a passenger bus, killing eight people and wounding more than a dozen others, authorities said.

The bus was traveling along the Damboa-Maiduguri highway in the conflict-battered Borno state on Saturday when it drove over the explosive device, Borno state police spokesman Nahum Daso said in a statement.

Islamic extremists with the Boko Haram group took up arms in 2009 to fight Western education and impose their radical version of Islamic law. The conflict, Africa’s longest struggle with militancy, has spilled into Nigeria’s northern neighbors and has left some 35,000 civilians dead and more than 2 million displaced, according to the U.N..

The insurgents who once controlled dozens of villages in the region have mostly been pushed to remote forests and the fringes of the Lake Chad. However, they still carry out ambushes and rampant attacks on communities where security forces are outnumbered and outgunned.

The latest attack renewed fears among residents and travelers in the state.

Source: africanews.com

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https://www.africanews.com/2025/04/14/roadside-bomb-kills-8-bus-passengers-in-northeast-nigeria/

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Politicians Are Selfish, Not Trustworthy, Don’t Fight For Us – Aliyu Tells Nigerians

April 14, 2025

By Udeze Ekene

Former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Farouk Aliyu, has urged Nigerians to unite and shun ethnic divisions.

Naija News reports that Aliyu said that politicians only activate religious and ethnic divides when they lose out on politics.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Chieftain made the call on Monday while speaking on AIT. He told Nigerians that elites do not fight themselves irrespective of religious and ethnic differences.

He reminded Nigerians that some politicians provoking ethnic attacks on President Bola Tinubu supported Muslim Muslim ticket in 2023 general election.

His words: “I want the downtrodden, the masses of this country to see us as what we are, politicians. Most of us are not trustworthy, most of us are selfish, most of us care just for ourselves. Because whenever you are part of a system, you don’t fight it.

“I want the people of this country to understand that we the elites, we are one and the same. We are one and the same. We are not enemies. And then Muslims and Christians, we are one and the same. Whenever it’s convenient for an elite, you will see him, like a Muslim elite and a Christian elite, they are one and the same. Elite in PDP and elite in APC are one and the same. So, this is what I want the people to understand, that look, at the elite level, we are one and the same.

“So, please, the people of this country, downtrodden, you should not fight your brother because he’s a Muslim or because he’s a Christian. Either because he’s a Fulani or because he’s an Igbo man. Because at the level, at our own level, we don’t fight, we don’t insult each other, we don’t kill, we don’t ban ourselves.

“So, I want down the ladder to also understand that, look, don’t kill yourselves over these elite issues. Because most of these fights, they are elites’ fights. Simple.

“Once you lose out, then you start saying that,  like some of the northern, my brothers are in the North now. All of a sudden, now, Tinubu is a tribalist. Tinubu does not like the northerners. Tinubu does not like Muslims. These are the same people who campaign for Muslim Muslim in this country.

“And then some of them are now saying, now, all of a sudden, we don’t go for Tinubu again because we don’t want to be Muslim Muslim again. So, it’s elitist thing. And I hope the people understand.”

Source: naijanews.com

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https://www.naijanews.com/2025/04/14/politicians-are-selfish-not-trustworthy-dont-fight-for-us-aliyu-tells-nigerians/

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Tinubu Govt Declares National Emergency

April 15, 2025

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a national emergency on food security, urging African nations to adopt innovative strategies to tackle irrigation and water management challenges across the continent.

Naija News understands that the declaration was made on Monday during the opening of the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage in Abuja, where the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, represented him.

Tinubu emphasized that addressing the challenges in irrigation and water management was critical to achieving sustainable agriculture and economic resilience in Africa.

“Africa continues to face major challenges in unlocking its irrigation potential due to inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, climate change, and governance issues,” he said. He described the conference’s theme, “Tackling Irrigation Development and Water Management Crisis in Africa,” as a call to action, urging participants to work collectively towards solutions.

Highlighting Nigeria’s irrigation potential, the president noted that the country has more than 3.1 million hectares of irrigable land located near key river basins such as the Niger and Benue rivers.

He further stressed the need for expanded irrigation infrastructure and participatory water resource management to support national food security.

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, also addressed the conference, announcing that Nigeria’s Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project had achieved significant progress.

He revealed that the successor initiative, the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project, would build on TRIMING’s successes and address remaining gaps to optimize the economic value of water resources.

“The TRIMING project, which lasted over seven years, led to the completion of the Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori irrigation schemes and nearly completed the Middle Rima Valley irrigation project,” Utsev explained. The project also helped develop Water Users Associations (WUAs), supported market linkages for crops like rice and tomato, and encouraged private sector investment through River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs).

Utsev also referenced the 2025 Flood Outlook and Risk Management Strategy, which aims to minimize flood-related impacts on agriculture.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Wilson-Jack, called for renewed commitment from all levels of government to ensure national food security.

Former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Godknows Igali, highlighted the urgency of strategic planning in light of Nigeria’s growing population and stressed the need for proper management of river basins.

Source: naijanews.com

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

https://www.naijanews.com/2025/04/15/tinubu-govt-declares-national-emergency/

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Tinubu Condemns Plateau Attack, Issues Directive To Gov Mutfwang

April 14, 2025

By George Oshogwe Ogbolu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed profound sorrow over the recent bloodshed in Plateau State, a tragedy that has claimed the lives of over 40 individuals.

At least 45 people were confirmed dead and many others injured following a brutal attack on Zike Kimakpa community in Kwall District of Irigwe Chiefdom, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Naija News understands that the attack, which occurred late Sunday night, has left the community in grief and devastation.

In a statement to journalists, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that the President strongly condemned the violence and extended his sympathies to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, the state government, and the people of Plateau while urging him to summon the necessary political will to resolve the crisis and establish enduring peace.

The statement added: “In his call for harmony among the people of Plateau State, President Tinubu emphasises the importance of love and unity beyond religious and ethnic lines. He encourages community, spiritual, and political leaders within and beyond the state to unite and end the cycle of retaliatory attacks that have made life unbearable for affected communities.

“‘The ongoing violence between communities in Plateau State, rooted in misunderstandings between different ethnic and religious groups, must cease,” President Tinubu asserts.

“‘I have instructed security agencies to thoroughly investigate this crisis and identify those responsible for orchestrating these violent acts. We cannot allow this devastation and the tit-for-tat attacks to continue. Enough is enough.

“‘Beyond dealing with the criminal elements of these incessant killings, the political leadership in Plateau State, led by Governor Caleb Mutfwang, must address the root cause of this age-long problem. These problems have been with us for more than two decades. We can no longer ignore the underlying issues. It is time to tackle them fairly and find a lasting solution. I have discussed these problems with the governor over time and offered suggestions for lasting peace.

“‘The Federal Government remains committed to supporting Governor Mutfwang and the Plateau State government in promoting dialogue, fostering social cohesion, and ensuring accountability—crucial steps towards permanently resolving the conflict in Plateau.”‘

Source: naijanews.com

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

https://www.naijanews.com/2025/04/14/breaking-tinubu-condemns-plateau-attack-issues-directive-to-gov-mutfwang/

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