Ex-Afghan senator killed in blast
By IANS,
Kabul : A former Afghan senator and three others died Saturday when their vehicle hit a roadside bomb in southern part of the country, police said.
Iraq: cell of female suicide bombers arrested
By NNN-KUNA
Baghdad : Iraqi and US Security authorities have arrested a terrorist cell that used women in suicide operations.
A source in the operations command of Diyala told KUNA on Saturday that Iraqi and US forces earlier in the day stormed a home of a terrorist cell of female suicide bombers in Al-Makhesa village north east of Diyala.
The source added that the operation also resulted in the arrest of scores of women suicide bombers without saying how many.
“Tunisia is showing that democracy can sustain in Arab World”
By TCN News,
Aligarh: The flame of Arab Spring is still burning in Tunisia, said Shiekh Rashid al-Ghannushi, the Tunisian politician, President and co-founder of the Ennahda Party of Tunisia.
“Even though unfortunate events have followed the renaissance of Arab Spring but Tunisia is showing the world that democracy can sustain in the Arab World,” Shiekh Rashid said here at the Aligarh Muslim University’s (AMU) Polytechnic during his maiden visit.
Support Syria and Iraq in fight against terrorism: Putin
Moscow : Russian President Vladimir Putin has assured Syria, Iraq and the other countries in the Gulf region of support in their fight against...
Taliban take district in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province
Kabul: Taliban militants captured a district in Afghanistan's northeastern Badakhshan province on Saturday, the local Tolo news channel reported.
"Following heavy clashes, the Yamgan district...
‘Haj won’t be affected by Makkah crane collapse’
Riyadh: Saudi authorities said late Saturday that Islam's annual haj pilgrimage won't be affected by Friday's crane collapse that killed 107 and injured 238...
संघ की छांव में जलता मध्य प्रदेश
जावेद अनीस
मध्य प्रदेश वह सूबा है जहां संघ परिवार अपने शुरुआती दौर में ही दबदबा बनाने में कामयाब रहा है. इस प्रयोगशाला में संघ ने सामाजिक स्तर पर अपनी गहरी पैठ बनाने में सफल रहा है और मौजूदा परिदृश्य में हर तरह से हावी है.
Rohingyas fleeing India stranded in no man’s land on Bangladesh border
Dhaka, Jan 21 (IANS) At least 31 Rohingya Muslims trying to enter Bangladesh from India have been stranded in no-man's land between the two...
New visa norms make travel easier between India, Pakistan
By IANS,
New Delhi : India and Pakistan Friday operationalised the new visa norms, paving the way for easier travel for the people between the two countries.
The Original Sin of Shahrukh Khan
Indian Muslims are mere pawns in the endless game of chess between India and Pakistan
By Aijaz Zaka Syed for TwoCircles.net,
Jinnah wanted undivided India, British brainwashed him: RSS leader
By IANS,
Bhopal : Pakistan's founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah was committed to an undivided and unified India till the British "brainwashed" him into demanding a separate state for Muslims, former Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief K.S. Sudarshan has said.
After attending a function organised by Gau Sewa Bharati at Indore Monday, Sudarshan was asked if he considered Jinnah secular. He said: "Jinnah had many qualities. He also remained associated with Lokmanya Tilak and was totally committed to an undivided and unified India".
TMMK writes to PM on India’s stand at UN report on Palestine
By TwoCircles.net News Desk,
New Delhi: President of Tamilnadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhgam (TMMK), Prof. Dr. M. H. Jawahirullah, has written to Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh urging him to rectify the stand taken by the government on the Goldstone Report on Palestine at the UN General Assembly.
Egypt’s Al-Azhar to set up first ever branch campus in Malaysia
By NNN-Bernama,
Rembau, Malaysia : The opening of its first ever branch campus in Malaysia by Egypt's famed Al-Azhar University will attract thousands of Muslim students from the South East Asian and enhance Malaysia's image in the world, says an Al-Azhar representative, Dr Umar Abdullah Kamil.
The establishment of the branch campus outside the Middle East also marks the changing of the mindset of Al-Azhar, which has a history of more than 1,000 years since the beginning of its foundation during the reign of the Fatimiyyah Dynasty, he said.
60 percent Pakistanis buy just one pair of shoes
By IANS,
Islamabad : Around 62 percent of Pakistanis say they purchased just one pair of shoes for personal use during the last one year, according to a survey.
Eminent journalists, writers discuss Indo-Pak friendship at IIC, Calendar with paintings
The occasion was the calendar launch with paintings from school students from both countries.
By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter,
New Delhi: India International Centre played host to intellectuals from India and Pakistan on the occasion of Aaghaz-e-Dosti, an Indo-Pak friendship initiative on December 21, organized by Mission Bhartiyam from India and The Catalyst from Pakistan.
Muslims of Sri Lanka or in Sri Lanka?
By Imaad Majeed,
Former advisor on Muslim issues to the Howard government in Australia, Dr Ameer Ali is a graduate of the University of Ceylon who went on to read for a Master of Philosophy from the London School of Economics and obtained his PhD from the University of Western Australia with a thesis on the religious precepts and economic practices of the Muslim community in Sri Lanka. Dr Ali is of the opinion that Muslims have played pragmatic politics in the past by joining national parties and have achieved political gains for their community. However, he regards the advent of the Sri Lanka Muslim Council (SLMC) as unnecessary and counterproductive. Speaking to The Sunday Leader, Dr Ali claimed with conviction, “Ethnic politics is the bane of this country”.
Pak too could become part of BRICS if it continues to resolve troubles of...
World cup was a big success, says the Brazilian Ambassador to Islamabad in an interview with TCN.
By Aslam Chandio, TwoCircles.net,
Islamabad: Brazil expected 700 thousand people to visit its soil during the World Cup, but the response from the world was more than the expectations as one million people visited the South American country during the football extravaganza,” says the Brazilian Ambassador to Pakistan Alfredo Leoni.
Lakhvi bail mockery of pledge to fight terror: Sushma
New Delhi : Pakistan has made a mockery of its pledge to fight terrorism by allowing bail to 26/11 mastermind Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, External...
Explosion outside Italian consulate in Cairo
Cairo:A powerful explosion occurred in front of the Italian consulate in the Egyptian capital city of Cairo on Saturday, a security officer said.
He said...
Nine more Indians dead in Makkah mosque accident, toll 11
New Delhi: Nine more Indian Haj pilgrims have died in the crane crash accident at the Grand Mosque in Makkah in Saudi Arabia, taking...
Don’t harass innocent Muslims, Bukhari tells Modi
New Delhi : Prominent Muslim leader Syed Ahmed Bukhari on Monday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said innocent Muslims must not be harassed...
UN blames Musharraf regime for Bhutto killing
By IANS,
United Nations/Islamabad : A UN probe has blamed Pakistani authorities for their failure to protect Benazir Bhutto, saying security arrangements of the Pervez Musharraf government were "fatally insufficient and ineffective" and subsequent investigations into her death involved a whitewash.
In its devastating report, the three-member panel headed by Chilean Ambassador to UN Heraldo Muñoz, reached no conclusion as to the organisers and sponsors behind the Dec 27, 2007 assassination of former prime minister Bhutto in Rawalpindi.
Kashmir-based journalist nominated for ECO Award
By TwoCircles.net newsdesk
New Delhi: Kashmir-based journalist, Syed Ali Safvi, has been nominated for prestigious ECO Award for his reporting during Amarnath land row. The ECO Award is a global award given yearly by the British Columbia, Canada-based Global Community for achievements in several categories.
The only other person who has been nominated for the award for her reporting on Kashmir is the booker prize winner, Arundhati Roy.
The Award is a reward to both 'soft global activism' with relevant scientific efforts and balance journalism reporting in the different categories.
What do Muslims know about their prophet?
By TCN News,
This is the month of Rabiul Awwal in which universal Prophet of Allah Mohammad (SAW) was born. When this month comes Muslims celebrate it in different ways. But is this enough to express one’s love to anyone to hold some programs in his memory? Not at all. The real way to remember and offer tribute to Prophet Mohammad (SAW) is to follow his teachings and spread them in the world.
India bans visa clearance for jobs in Libya
By TCN News,
New Delhi: The Union Government today banned emigration clearance for jobs in Libya citing job safety reasons for Indian workers there. The ban will be implemented from today. However, cases attested up to 30th June 2010 by the Embassy of India, Tripoli (Libya), will be cleared.
Pakistani dailies pay tribute to Majid Nizami
Islamabad : Pakistani newspapers Sunday paid tributes to veteran journalist Majid Nizami, who died Saturday in a hospital in Lahore. He expressed his strong...
Indian education group – Vinayaka Missions University – to invest RM100 million in Iskandar...
By NNN-Bernama,
Kuala Lumpur : One of India's leading education groups, the Vinayaka Missions University, is keen to invest RM100 million to set up an engineering, technical and management branch campus in Iskandar Malaysia.
By 2015, the VMU group has earmarked RM220 million to be invested in various education-based projects as part of its expansion plans in Malaysia.
"The concept of educity or Iskandar's education-hub ambitions appeals to us and VMU is keen to be part of this development, said VMU Pro-Chancellor, Dr. S Sharavanan.
Christians in India express concern over abuses of blasphemy law in Pakistan
By TCN News,
New Delhi: Indian Human Rights and Freedom of Faith activist Dr. John Dayal, who met with Mr. Abdul Basit, High Commissioner of Pakistan in New Delhi, recently has urged the Paksitan government to release the ailing Aisa Bibi, facing a death sentence and in jail since 2009 under the notorious Blasphemy laws, and to allow her to come to India where local groups have volunteered to take care of her urgent medical condition.
Indian expats in Kuwait write to FM for setting up a joint investment fund
By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter,
Kuwait: Indo – Kuwait Friendship Society has written a letter to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley urging him to take initiatives...
India frees 88 Pakistani fishermen for Ramadan
New Delhi: India said on Friday it has released 88 Pakistani fishermen lodged in Gujarat jails, following a decision Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed...
Jaswant Singh’s expulsion shows bias still exists against Pakistan: PML-N
By IANS,
Islamabad : The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party Thursday criticised the expulsion of senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Jaswant Singh from the party for his praise of Pakistan founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah saying "India still has prejudice and bias" against the country even 62 years after partition.
The PML-N said Singh's expulsion "shows the real face of India that boasts of great democracy in the world", the Online news agency reported.
Pakistan: PPP govt to accomplish BB’s vision of women emancipation, says Fauzia Gilani
By NNN-APP,
Lahore, Pakistan : First Lady Mrs Fouzia Gilani has said the PPP-led government is taking concrete steps to accomplish the vision of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed to empower women in the country.
She was giving introductory remarks at the opening ceremony of a help centre for women affected by domestic violence here at Jinnah Hospital on Saturday.
She said Benazir Bhutto Shaheed had initiated a number of measures for the uplift of women in all walks of life and the present government was working to advance her vision to redress their problems.
Aligs raise $60,000 in Washington for scholarships
By Zafar Iqbal for TwoCircles.net
Washington, D.C: "A simple scholarship to a deserving student can change the destiny of the individual," said Ms. Seemi Qadri addressing the audience of over 200 assembled Aligs and well-wishers of the Aligarh Movement at the iftar organized by the Aligarh Alumni Association of Metro Washington (AAA) to raise funds for the Scholarship Program of the association on Saturday, the 21st August, 2010.
Over 60 kg drugs seized in Pakistan
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistani security forces have seized around 60 kg of narcotics in two operations, one along the border with India, a media report said Sunday.
Sufi imam kidnapped in Libya
Tripoli : The abduction of a Sufi imam in central Tripoli today sparked small but angry protests on Friday as neighbors closed one of the capital’s main streets with burnt tires.
Libyan rebels capture British special forces troops
By DPA,
London : Eight British special forces commandos were captured by rebel forces in eastern Libya, the Sunday Times reported.
Rulers and their reigns in Middle East and North Africa
By IANS,
Cairo : Here is a list of leaders in Middle East and North Africa who have been in power for years:
Bangladesh disaster Preparedness Centre (BDPC) going global
By NNN-BSS,
Dhaka, Bangladesh : Bangladesh Disaster Preparedness Centre (BDPC) is going to transcend its origin to further cater to the cause of Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) by training 12 high level government officials of six African countries-Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Uganda, and Sudan-on Disaster Risk Management (DRM).
South Asian Council for Minorities condemns killing of Indians in Kabul
By TCN News,
New Delhi: The South Asian Council For Minorities (SACM) has condemned barbaric suicide attack on the residential facilities of the Indian Medical Staff and other civilians in Kabul and termed it as brutal and totally unjustified. Nine Indians were among those killed in the suicide attack yesterday in the capital city of Afghanistan.
Book Review: Islamisation of Pakistani Social Studies Textbooks
By Yoginder Sikand,
Book Review:
Name of the Book: Islamisation of Pakistani Social Studies Textbooks
Author: Yvette Claire Roser
Publisher: Rupa & Co
Price Rs. 195
Pages: 109
ISBN: 81-291-0221-8
Reviewed by: Yoginder Sikand
Aaghaz-e-Dosti organises discussion in Book Fair
By TCN News,
New Delhi: Aaghaz-e-Dosti, an initiative for Indo-Pak friendship, organized a discussion on the topic "Books Connect Us" (in the context of...
European Assembly of Muslim Imams and Spiritual Guides formed
By KUNA
Brussels : Muslims in Europe took another important step Saturday to preserve their identity and to present the correct image of Islam to Europeans.
The European Assembly of Muslim Imams and Spiritual Guides ( Al-Tagammu Al-Urubi Lillaimah val Murshideen) was formed today in the presence of over 100 Imams and preachers from all over Europe following a meeting in a central hotel of Brussels today.
Malaysian Indian woman wants child back from husband
By IANS,
Ipoh (Malaysia) : A Malaysian Indian woman is searching for her child who was snatched by her husband who has converted to Islam, abandoned the family and gone missing.
Kindergarten teacher M. Indira Gandhi is spending sleepless nights at the Ipoh police district headquarters, waiting for her one-year old baby Prasana Diksha to be returned to her, a media report said.
She was breast-feeding the infant when it was forcibly taken away by her husband a month ago. She is worried about how the child is doing.
Muslim pupil not allowed to pray at German school
By DPA,
Berlin : A Berlin pupil does not have the right to perform 'namaz', Islamic prayer rituals, at school, an appeals court in the German capital ruled Thursday.
In a decision that overturned a lower court ruling, the appeals court said that a curtailing of the teenager's right to religious freedom was justified as it would protect the constitutional rights of other pupils and their parents.
Those rights include freedom of belief and entitlement to a calm educational environment, it said.
Yemeni minister resigns over killing of protesters
By IANS,
Sana'a: Yemen's Human Rights Minister Huda Al-ban resigned Saturday in protest against the shooting deaths of protesters in the Yemini capital, Xinhua reported.
Rehman Malik conferred PhD degree
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan's Interior Minister Rehman Malik has been conferred an honorary doctorate degree by Karachi university.
Bangladesh SC rejects Khaleda Zia’s petition
Dhaka: Bangladesh's apex court Sunday rejected an appeal by former prime minister Khaleda Zia challenging a high court ruling that had upheld her indictment...
Arrest warrant for Khaleda Zia’s former secretary
Dhaka : A Bangladesh court Sunday issued arrest warrants against 11 people, including Khaleda Zia's former political secretary Harris Chowdhury, in the murder case...
Obama’s grandmother arrives for Umrah
Makkah : Sara Omar, paternal grandmother of U.S. President Barack Obama, attended an exhibition detailing the life of the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) at the end of Umrah pilgrimage in Makkah, local media reported Wednesday.
Sara Omar, who is in her 90s, arrived in Makkah with her son Saeed Obama, uncle of President Obama, and her grandson Mousa Obama to perform Umrah.
From the diary of an anonymous Muslim
By Anonymous,
It is the time of hate. Everyone around is outraged by the inexplicable evil of the other. How could they walk in and...
Delivering lecture at Jamia IMRC Founder presses for ‘Philanthropy works’
By TCN News,
New Delhi: Sharing his enormous experience of social works and philanthropy in India, Manzoor Ghori, founder and Executive Director of US-based Indian...
India’s crackdown on dissent may stall reforms, says NYT
Washington : Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government and its political allies of trying to silence dissent, the New York Times Tuesday suggested that...
UAE,Canada discuss relations
By IANS,
By WAM,
Ottawa: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Canada have held talks here to discuss their relations and ways to strengthen them in different areas.
Qatar to replace sponsorship system for foreign workers with employment contracts
Doha: Qatar, host of the 2022 football World Cup, said on Wednesday it will abolish its sponsorship system for foreign workers.
The sponsorship system “will...
27 killed in Yemen rebel attack
Sanaa : At least 27 people were killed Tuesday when rebels launched an attack on an army position in Yemen, an official said.
The attacks...
Islamic State executes six in Syria
Cairo: The jihadist Islamic State (IS) has executed six men in several towns under its control in the northeastern Syrian province of Deir al-Zour,...
Five women terrorists facing trial in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh : Five female terrorists, four of them Saudi Arabian nationals, are facing trial in the Gulf nation for organising a terror group and...
Indian Club in Bahrain completes 100 years
Manama : An Indian expatriates' club in Bahrain celebrated its 100th anniversary Friday.
The Indian Club was originally established in 1915 as the Bahrain Sports...
It’s time to wipe out terrorists in Pakistan: MQM
London : Leader of Pakistan's Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) party Altaf Hussain said Sunday it was time to wipe out the terrorists who are...
Dargah on India-Pakistan border jam-packed during annual mela
Jammu : Thousands of devotees from India and Pakistan Thursday thronged the centuries-old dargah of Baba Chamliyal in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir...
Biden in Afghanistan, plans meeting with Karzai
By DPA,
Washington : US Vice President Joe Biden arrived Monday in Afghanistan for an update on the progress in the war against the Taliban and Al Qaeda.
UAE blacklists doctors for violating licenses
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi : Four doctors in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been blacklisted for violating their license conditions.
The Medical Licenses Committee under the ministry of health suspended the doctors, shut down their clinics, cancelled their licenses and referred their cases to the public prosecutor after reviewing complaints from the government.
Bangladesh raises petroleum prices
By IANS,
Dhaka : The Bangladesh government Sunday night raised prices of all petroleum products by five to eight taka per litre, the energy ministry said.
Sarus cranes seen in Pakistan after a decade
By IANS,
Islamabad : Sarus cranes, the world's tallest flying bird, is back in Pakistan after more than a decade, wildlife experts have said.
A Canadian Soldier Dies in Afghanistan
By Prensa Latina
Kabul : A Canadian soldier of NATO troops died of a blast in Kandahar conflictive southern province, reported military sources in that capital.
The explosive detonated when the 25-year old soldier was traveling in an armored vehicle with a convoy of supply to a military base, noted spokesman of the North Atlantic War Organization (NATO).
This death amounts to 79 Canadian soldiers killed in this Central Asian country since 2002, most of the almost 2,500 Canadian soldiers have been deployed in Kandahar province.
Islamic scholars call for collective effort to stop youth from joining IS
Hyderabad : The government, law enforcing agencies, religious scholars and media have to work together to stop Indian Muslim youth from getting attracted to...
US to build vast prison in Afghanistan: Pentagon
By ANTARA News,
Washington : The United States plans to build a vast, new detention camp at its main military base in Afghanistan, a Defense Department spokesman said on Saturday.
"I can confirm there are indeed plans to build a new detention facilty at Bagram airfield," spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Mark Wright told AFP.
"And the overall size is expected to be 40 acres (16.2 ha)."
Yemeni President commends role of Saudi Cardiac Surgery Team
By SPA,
Sana’a : Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh has expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the currently visiting Saudi Cardiac Surgery team and said their noble gesture and efforts embody the deep-rooted relations between the two countries.
The Yemeni President made these remarks during a reception today of the 40-member Pediatric Cardiology team led by Dr. Huwaida Quthami.
Bangladesh lashed by cyclone Reshmi
Dhaka, Oct 27 (IANS) Bangladesh's southern and southwestern areas were lashed by Cyclone Reshmi early Monday that brought in its wake gales at 80 kmph and heavy rains, disrupting shipping and fishing activities.
Even the interiors, right up to capital Dhaka and beyond were hit by the inclement weather caused by the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal.
The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal grew into Cyclone Reshmi Sunday, according to the Met office.
Over 45 killed in violence in Swat region of Pakistan
By NNN-PTI,
Islamabad : More than 45 people, including 16 militants, have died in violence and security operations in the Swat valley in northwestern Pakistan even as a federal minister from the region resigned on Sunday to protest the government's failure to control militancy.
At least 16 militants were killed and many others injured in gun battles with security forces at three places in Swat since yesterday, a statement from the military said.
Army troops backed by artillery and gunship helicopters began a fresh campaign against local Taliban militants in Swat last week.
OIC Islamophobia Observatory presents first report to Islamic summit
By KUNA
Dakar : The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Islamophobia Observatory's first report, to be presented to the 11th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference set to begin Thursday, expressed hope that member states would continue efforts toward combating this phenomena.
The report, covering May-December 2007, highlighted efforts by the observatory and the OIC secretary general to stand up to Islamophobia and to make it a priority on the international community's agenda.
Kuwaiti perfume bottle collector applies for world record
By RIA Novosti,
Abu Dhabi : A Kuwaiti citizen has applied to the Guinness World Records for his collection of over 5,000 perfume bottles to be recognised as a world record, the Kuna news agency said Monday.
An astronomer by profession, Adel Al-Sadoun started collecting perfume bottles some 15 years ago, as he was charmed by the unique design created by perfume companies for their fragrances.
He gained national fame for his unusual hobby. His collection grew after perfume bottles were presented to him by friends and well-wishers. Some of the items are around 100 years old.
Ask what you can do for your community
By M. Zajam, TwoCircles.net,
Many times we have heard JFK's famous quote “ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country”. We Indian tend to believe only in “what country can do for us”. When it comes to second part we fail miserably. Right from paying taxes to littering on the road, we simply become ignorant when it comes to play our part.
Haryana cancels pilgrimage to Pakistan after travel advisory
By IANS,
Chandigarh : The Haryana government Tuesday cancelled the pilgrimage to Sikh shrines in Pakistan following a travel advisory issued by the union home ministry.
The home ministry asked Indians to avoid travelling to Pakistan in view of the deteriorating security situation in that country.
The pilgrimage to Pakistan by Sikhs, Oct 28 to Nov 6 from Sirsa, has been cancelled, keeping in mind the security of the pilgrims in the wake of recent terror attacks in Pakistan's Punjab province, a spokesperson of the Haryana home department said.
Irish boat repeats determination to break Israeli siege of Gaza
By IRNA,
London : Despite Israeli threats, the Irish-registered Rachel Corrie remains determined to break the three-year siege of Gaza and directly deliver its cargo of desperately-needed aid on Saturday morning.
The 1200-ton cargo ship, named after the 23-year-old American activist crushed to death by an Israeli bulldozer in Gaza in 2003, escaped being impounded during the massacre of nine passengers by Israeli commandoes when attacking the Gaza Freedom Flotilla on Monday.
UAE bank opens branch in Egypt
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) has opened its 29th branch in Egypt, it was announced Saturday.
Iran not to retreat an iota from its rights
By IANS,
Tehran: Iran will not retreat an iota from its rights under pressure of sanctions, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said.
UAE charity approves $5 mn in foreign aid
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : UAE charity Red Crescent Authority (RCA) will spend 20 million dirhams ($5.4 million) in foreign aid this year, it announced Sunday.
Hyderabad youth on street against Israeli airstrikes in Gaza
By SM Fasiullah, TwoCircles.net,
Hyderabad: People in Hyderabad have raised strong voice condemning Israel’s recent air strikes on the Palestinian lands, which killed at least 100 innocent civilians and injured thousands other while also damaging numerous properties.
World’s first eco-friendly mosque opens in Dubai
Dubai : The doors of the first environment-friendly mosque in the Islamic world were opened for worshippers here Friday by Awqaf and Minors Affairs...
Sri Lankan Muslim party joins opposition
Colombo : Sri Lanka's main Muslim party, the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), Sunday joined the opposition to oppose President Mahinda Rajapaksa's bid to...
EU opposes death penalty moratorium removal in Pakistan
Islamabad : The European Union (EU) Wednesday called for the immediate restoration of the moratorium on death penalty in Pakistan.
"We believe that the death...
Iran prepared to counter aggression: Military official
Tehran : A top military officer said Wednesday the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) is fully prepared to counter any possible military...
664 Indians being flown back from Yemen
New Delhi/Kochi : Three Indian planes carrying 664 Indian nationals evacuated from Yemen are set to arrive in India late Friday night, with the...
Indian Haj pilgrims’ toll rises to 101
New Delhi : The toll of Indian Haj pilgrims in the stampede has risen to 101, from 81 announced a day ago, the government...
Indian Americans express support for Journalist Rajeena, victimized for speaking up against child abuse
By TCN News,
Washington DC: The Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC - www.iamc.com), a US based advocacy group, has expressed support for journalist...
Talibans: Thugs or torch-bearers of Islam?
By Dr. Shah Alam Khan,
The news of beheading of two Sikh youth in the Peshawar region of Pakistan has not come as a surprise to the world. What more can we expect from a rabid race of Talibanis, born and brought up on the fodder of hate and violence. The news in fact brings to light the hollow rhetoric of the Pakistani establishment when they claim to have contained the menace of Taliban.
Malaysian cleric says Islam forbids botox
By IANS
Kuala Lumpur : Muslims in Malaysia have been advised not to undergo Botox treatments as it is forbidden in Islam, a cleric has said.
Selangor Mufti Mohamad Tamyes Abdul Wahad said the National Fatwa Council had decided to list the beauty treatment as "haram" (forbidden) as it had more adverse effects than good, The Star newspaper reported Thursday.
He said those providing Botox treatments should stop offering such services.
GCC member states celebrate environmental protection week
By NNN-KUNA
Riyadh : GCC member states are staging their first joint environment protection week under the theme "Our Shores and Sustained Development" with a view to highlighting environmental protection awareness and pointing to the most important environmental issues and problems.
The celebration was decided in 2003 during a meeting in Kuwait where officials present decided to stage a week-long celebration every year as a reminder of the importance of environmental protection.
Wedding wear in India gets new offerings from Pakistan
New Delhi: If you're shopping for your wedding trousseau, don't miss 'Wedding Collection: A journey of Pakistan from Pret to Couture', a range of...
Seven kg of heroin seized at Islamabad airport
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistani authorities have seized seven kg of heroine from a passenger who was due to leave for France, a media report said Sunday.
Karachi building collapse toll rises to 23
By Xinhua,
Islamabad : The toll in a building collapse in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi has risen to 23, TV reports said Monday.
Rescue workers have pulled out more bodies from the rubble of the five-storey building that collapsed in the Mithadar area of the city Friday night.
The chief fire officer has confirmed the toll to the media Monday.
He said it is unlikely that more bodies could remain trapped under the debris.
The rescue operation was hindered due to the narrow lanes leading to the site.
Officials said it will take more time to remove the debris.
‘Pakistan to buy German submarines’
By DPA,
Islamabad : Pakistan has formally decided to buy three Type 214 German submarines under a more than $1 billion deal that the two countries are expected to sign in coming months, a media report said Wednesday.
German shipbuilding company Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft GmbH (HDW) will construct the diesel-electric submarines in a shipyard in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi, Pakistan's English-language daily The News reported.
26/11 could have been planned on a ship: Pakistani envoy
By Dipankar De Sarkar, IANS,
London : The Mumbai terror attacks of 26/11 were planned in a “third place” outside Pakistan and Britain, Pakistani High Commissioner to Britain Wajid Shamsul Hasan said Friday.
Hasan said Pakistan's official report on the Mumbai attacks in which over 170 people were killed will be ready “by Saturday or Sunday".
“I have spoken to the interior ministry to check on Pakistani newspaper reports that said the attacks were planned in the UK,” Hasan told IANS.
26 schoolgirls die in Iran accident
By IANS,
Tehran: A total of 26 schoolgirls were killed and 18 others injured when their bus overturned in Iran's southwestern Khuzestan province, reported Xinhua, citing local media reports.
Bahrain ruler pardons 225 prisoners
By IANS,
Dubai : Bahrain ruler King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa Wednesday pardoned 225 prisoners ahead of the holy festival of Eid-ul-Fitr.
The king’s move came following a meeting he held with leading religious figures in the country, the state-run Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported. Eid-ul-Fitr is to be celebrated in October this year.
According to the report, the prisoners who have been pardoned were not involved in criminal acts that harm the security of the nation and its citizens.
King Hamad has issued orders to adopt appropriate procedures to release the prisoners.
44 candidates register for Afghan presidential elections
By RIA Novosti,
Kabul : Forty-four candidates, including two women, have registered for the Aug 20 presidential elections in Afghanistan, officials said Saturday.
To register, a candidate has to deposit about $1,000 to the election committee and submit at least 10,000 signatures endorsing the candidate. A presidential candidate must be at least 40 years old and have no prior criminal record.
According to the Afghan constitution, the elections should have been held in April. However, polls were put off until Aug 20 due to concerns over funding and security.
265 killed in Malaysian traffic accidents during Eid Al-Fitr holidays
By NNN-Bernama,
Kuala Lumpur : A total of 265 people were killed in traffic accidents during the recent holidays for the Muslim Eid Al-Fitr festival which saw millions of Malaysians making their way to their home towns to spend the holidays with their families.
However, Royal Malaysia Police Traffic Division chief Abdul Aziz Yusof said the increase in the death toll in the police operation conducted in conjunction with the festive period -- Ops Sikap XX -- which ended last Sunday, did not reflect the failure of the operation.
Etisalat launches unlimited push-to-talk package
By IANS,
Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates based communications services provider Etisalat has announced a new package for its Push-to-Talk (PTT) service customers, providing unlimited use of the service.
"Etisalat constantly strives to enhance services and improve the customer's overall telephony experience. Push-to-talk is an all encompassing service that fulfils the need of a wide range of our customers," WAM news agency reported, quoting Khalifa Al Shamsi, senior vice president, Consumer Marketing, Etisalat.
Muslim Ulema delegation to go to Yemen for peace
By IRNA,
Tehran : World Union of Muslim Ulema will dispatch a delegation to Yemen to make compromise between Yemen government and Zeydi Shia Muslims.
According to the report of public relations office of World Assembly for Proximity among Muslim Schools, the body in its meeting on January 15-16 in Beirut decided to send a delegation to Yemen.
Secretary General of World Assembly for Proximity among Muslim Schools Ayatollah Taskhiri, who is also deputy head of World Union of Muslim Ulema would be among delegation members.
Mumbai carnage, terrorist groups and Afpak policy
By Dr Shabir Choudhry,
When Mumbai carnage took place many people pointed fingers to Pakistan and especially Lashkar e Taiba (LeT). Pakistan first claimed that its territory was not used for this terrorism, but in view of mounting evidence, reluctantly agreed that ‘non state actors’ could have be involved in it.
Six dead, 25 held hostage in Pakistan police station attack
By IANS,
Islamabad : Militants Saturday stormed a police station in northwest Pakistan, killing at least six policemen and taking 25 others hostage, Xinhua reported.
Five Pakistanis murdered in Greece
By IANS,
Islamabad : At least five Pakistanis have been murdered in Greece in recent days, causing panic among the Pakistani community, a media report said Saturday.
Pakistan graveyard caretaker held for desecrating female bodies
By IANS,
Islamabad : A graveyard caretaker has been arrested in Karachi on charges of "sexually desecrating" female bodies, a media report said Sunday.
Gaddafi scavenged for food in his final days
By IANS,
London : Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi scavenged for food and hid in abandoned houses during his final days, it was reported here.
Islamic Declaration on Climate Change calls Muslims to support Paris meet in December 2015
By A Mirsab, TwoCircles.net,
Istanbul/New Delhi: An ‘Islamic Climate Change Declaration’ has called on the world's Muslims to play an active role in combating...
Aaghaz-e-Dosti urges PMs of India, Pakistan to resolve Siachen dispute
By TCN News,
New Delhi: Aaghaz-e-Dosti, a group of youths working for Indo-Pak Peace through various ways such as peace education, advocacy and others, has...
Nine Guantanamo detainees transferred to Saudi Arabia
Washington : At least nine Guantanamo Bay detainees have been transferred to Saudi Arabia, cutting the number of inmates of the notorious US detention...
Gujarat riots: High Court upholds life imprisonment for 14
Ahmedabad (IANS): The Gujarat High Court on Friday upheld the life imprisonment awarded by a SIT court to 14 people for the massacre of...
Pakistan to block mobile service for Eid security
By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan will temporarily block mobile phone services in sensitive areas of the country as part of security measures during Eid celebrations Saturday.
Afghan students march against attacks on Hazaras in Pak
By TwoCircles.net Staff Reporter,
First SAARC secy gen Abul Ahsan dead
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladeshi diplomat Abul Ahsan, who was the first secretary general of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), is dead. He was 71.
Admitted to hospital some days back, he died following cardiac arrest early Sunday, New Age newspaper quoted his family members as saying.
Ahsan, who was also Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary, was appointed SAARC's top official on January 16, 1987 and continued through to Oct 15, 1989.
OIC to hold extraordinary meeting on Gaza
By IRNA
Riyadh : Iran's Ambassador to the Organization of Islamic Conference( OIC) Mostafa Boroujerdi declared that OIC's extraordinary meeting of foreign ministers of member states will be held in Jeddah on February 3, 2008.
Speaking to IRNA on Friday, Boroujerdi added the meeting is held upon Iran's proposal to consider pitiful situation of Gaza Strip.
Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki sent a message to OIC's secretary general early this week.
Countries in Indian Ocean Rim set up istitutionalised mechanism to secure Indian Ocean
NEW DELHI, Feb 15 (APP): Twenty six countries including India in Indian Ocean region on Friday decided to set up institutionalised mechanism for cooperation among their navies to secure the Indian Ocean from transitional crimes including terrorism.
The decision was taken in a conclave of Naval Chiefs of Indian Ocean Rim hosted by India here. India also hosted an Indian Ocean Naval Symposium which was inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday.
100-year-old Saudi man takes 26-year-old as third wife
By IANS
Dubai : A more than 100-year-old Saudi widower has married for the third time - to a 26-year-old woman.
Ahmed Ateeq Al-Hariri Al-Zahrani, who lives in Taif, near Mecca, faced no opposition from either his bride-to-be or his family when he decided to marry for the third time. His previous two wives are dead.
"We didn't oppose dad's marriage. We agreed to his marriage and we wish him happiness for the rest of his life," Al-Zahrani's oldest son Abdul Rahman told the Saudi Gazette newspaper.
Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood not to nominate presidency candidate
Cairo, Feb 5, IRNA – IRNA correspondent here quoted dispatches as reporting Egypt’s Islamic Brotherhood says it will have no candidates for upcoming September presidential election.
Jinnah now dividing BJP: Karunanidhi
By IANS,
Chennai : Six decades after Mohammad Ali Jinnah divided India, he is now doing the same to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), says Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi.
Speaking to reporters here Saturday, Karunanidhi said: "Jinnah sowed the seeds for dividing India. Now he is instrumental for the divisions within the BJP."
The BJP is teeming with internal strife after it expelled former defence and finance minister Jaswant Singh for his book that argues the Pakistan founder was wrongly being demonised in India for the partition.
UK wants to strengthen ties with UAE
By IANS/WAM,
Abu Dhabi : British Prime Minister David Cameron has asserted that Britain is committed to strengthening economic and defence ties with the UAE.
"The deep friendship between the UK and the UAE is based on a unique, shared history and common interests. We are committed to strengthening our cooperation on defence and security," a statement issued by the British embassy here quoted Cameron as saying Saturday.
"Also, we both want to build and develop our economic ties", Cameron, who was on a visit to the UAE, said.
Bangladesh baby boom bigger than earlier estimates
By IANS,
Dhaka : Bangladesh's family planning programme has shown a declining trend and its population may touch 185 million by 2020, higher than the earlier projection of 178 million, making their sustenance difficult, a senior official has said.
The country's family planning programme, which had earned kudos from international agencies some years ago, has shown a declining trend in the use of contraceptives among married women.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation's 1984 estimates projected the country to have a population of about 178 million by 2020.
Bangladeshi rich take to Eid tourism
By IANS,
Dhaka : Many of Bangladesh's well-off families are utilising the Eid-ul-Fitr festival this year to take a holiday abroad, moving away from the grime and jostling crowds at home.
‘Gaza rebuilding might take 100 years if Israeli blockade persists’
Gaza: An international charity organisation Thursday warned that rebuilding the Gaza Strip following last summer's military offensive by Israel might take "100 years," if...