Shia clerics meet home secretary Sindh,

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Shia clerics demanded from government to stop illegal arrest of Shiites in Karachi in the wake of Ashura incident and arrest those who were actually responsible for the arson after blast, a delegation of Shia clerics led by President Jaffaria alliance Pakistan (JAP) Allama Abbas Kumaili met with Sindh home secretary Arif Khan on Friday.

Maulana Hussain Masoodi, Shia Action committee leader Mirza Yousuf Hussain, Majlis-e-Wehdat leader Maulana Mukhtar Imami, Salman Mujtaba, Shabar Raza, Ali Ahmar, Sabir Karbalai and other were present on the meeting.

 

Allama Kumaili deplored that after the incident innocent people of Shia community were arrested by the law enforcement agencies while the actual culprits are still at large, the delegation termed it shameful. They said that it has become known that after blast arson and looting was carried out under a preplanned strategy even there were reports that goods looted from the markets recovered from the Chanti Bazar, Old areas and still present in adjoining areas of the Bolton market.

He said that recovering of the looted goods from the old areas of Karachi were proved that the miscreants involved in the looting and arsons activities.

 

He warned home secretary that they would not tolerate illegal arrest of their innocent youths, arrest the real culprits responsible for this tragedy or else they reserve the right of protest, demonstration will be held across the country and government would be responsible for all dire consequences.

 

Jaffaria Alliance Pakistan also demanded that officials those who proved inefficient to protect lives of innocent people must also be taken into task, it also clarified that those who thinks that processions routes could be changed must know that Ashura procession routes will not be changed, these processions have never been stopped in the past and will not be stopped ever.

 

Sindh home secretary assured Allam abbas Kumaili that he would look into the matter and his complaints would soon be removed. In meeting CCPO Karachi Waseem Ahmed, Deputy DG Rangers Sindh and SP Amin yousuf were also present. CCPO Karachi informed the delgation that government was arrested the terrorists involved in the Ashura bomb blast saying that within the two days government exposed the conspiracy in front of the nation. He assured the delegation that we would monitor the issue of the arrest of innocent shia youths and nominated the SP Amin Yousuf as a focal person to address the issue

Saudi warplanes hit Northern Yemen districts again

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Saudi fighter jets have launched another round of aerial bombardment of Shia Houthi positions in northern parts of Yemen along the border with the oil-rich kingdom.

According to a statement released by the fighters on Thursday, Saudi forces carried out 13 aerial raids on Jebel al-Madood as well as villages in close proximity to the border region in northern Yemen.

The statement added that Saudi forces fired some 1400 rockets against the rugged area.

The conflict in northern Yemen began in 2004 between Sana’a and Houthi fighters. It intensified in August 2009 when the Yemeni army launched Operation Scorched Earth in an attempt to crush the fighters in the northern province of Sa’ada.

Yemen claims the fighters are seeking to revive an imamate that was toppled in 1962.

The Houthis accuse the Yemeni government of violation of their civil rights, political, economic and religious marginalization as well as large-scale corruption.

Houthi fighters say that Riyadh has also been pounding their positions, and that Saudi forces strike Yemeni villages and indiscriminately target civilians. According to the fighters, Saudis use toxic materials, including white phosphorus bombs, against civilians in northern Yemen.

Saudi forces began fighting with Yemeni Shia resistance fighters, known as Huthis, and bombing their positions on November 4 after accusing the fighters of killing Saudi border guards.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that since 2004, up to 175,000 people have been forced to leave their homes in Sa’ada and take refuge at overcrowded camps set up by the United Nations

Hezbollah Denounces Offense against Ayatullah Sayyed Sistani

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Hezbollah has denounced the statement made by a leading Saudi cleric against the Muslim Shiite sect and Iraqi Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Al-Sistani.
 
In a Friday sermon in the Saudi capital Riyadh, Mohammad Al-Ureifi launched an attack on Iraqi Shiites, accusing them, among other things, of being “majousiya” [or Magi, a priestly caste in ancient Persia supposed to have occult powers], and of conspiring with the Houthis in Yemen, with Iran’s support, against Saudi Arabia. He went on to call Sayyed Ali Al-Sistani, an “atheist and debauched.”
 
In its statement, Hezbollah condemned the mentioned speech as “inauspicious,” noting that it sought to undermine the Islamic Shiite sect, its beliefs and history and to insult one of our most prominent religious references, Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Al-Sistani.
 
“The insults against Sayyed Sistani are unacceptable and cannot be issued from a human being having just some mind or understanding or religion or dignity,” the statement read out.
 
Hezbollah emphasized that the Islamic Shiite sect is not in need of a testimony concerning its Islam, belonging, history and sacrifices from this cleric and those who resemble him. “Whatever he said is rejected and turns to him,” the statement said.
 
“Sayyed Sistani is more solemn and sublime than those who can be affected by such unfair campaigns,” Hezbollah said, adding that the mentioned campaigns couldn’t have any effect on his eminence’s person and pioneer role. “Insulting Sayyed Sistani is an offense to all our references, scholars, mujahideen and martyrs and therefore is subject to condemnation.”
 
Hezbollah concluded its statement by calling on the Saudi authorities to put an end to all those who resemble the mentioned cleric, those who propagate for sedition and “incite Muslims to fight each other” in a way that only serves the Islam and the nation’s enemies, especially if these clerics were official employees in the Saudi religious institutions

The Rule of Supreme Jurisprudent (Velayat- e-Faghih) a source of honour and glory for Iran. Tehran friday prayer leader

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Tehran’s Interim Friday Prayers Leader, Hojjat-ol-Islam Kazem Saddiqi, has said the Iranian nation in the epic rallies and demonstrations on Wednesday, 30 December, showed that it had chosen Islam with foresight and wisdom.

Addressing Friday prayer worshippers and the faithful in Tehran, Hojjat-ol-Islam Kazem Saddiqi pointed to the events on the day of Ashura, Sunday 27 December, and said what happened on that day showed clearly the anti-Islamic nature of the rioters and those who instigated unrest.

In further remarks, Hojjat-ol-Islam Kazem Saddiqii referred to the post-presidential-election unrest in Iran, and said the rioters deliberately insulted the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran , the late Imam Khomeini (may his soul rest in peace), they chanted slogans against the principle of the Rule of Supreme Jurisprudent (Velayat- e-Faghih), thereby contravening the rule of law and Iran’s constitution — They also made sacrilegious and blasphemous insults against Ashura and Imam Hussein (PBUH ), thereby signaling their anti-Islamic nature, and their opposition to Islam.

In further remrks, Tehran’s interim Friday prayers leader said the Iranian people’s Islam is really their identity, their nationality, and the essence of their nature.

Turning to the status of the Rule of Supreme Jurisprudent (Velayat- e-Faghih) within Islam, Hojjat-ol-Islam Kazem Saddiqi said throughout the history of the Islamic Republic, the Rule of Supreme Jurisprudent has been a source of honour and glory for Iran, and the Iranian people do not accept Islam without the concept of the Rule of Supreme Jurisprudent.

 Elsewhere in his remarks, Tehran’s interim Friday prayers leader referred to insults by Friday Prayers Leader of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, against Iraq’s most senior religious authority, Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Al-Sistani, and said there is much in common between the insults hurled at Grand ayatollah Sistani, and the insults made to sources of emulation in Iran.

In Iran, Leader says law must be implemented

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Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said Saturday the Iranian nation must avoid taking extrajudicial measures so as not to obstruct the path of justice.

Ayatollah Khamenei warned that at a time when sedition prevails, action becomes more difficult and determining the truth becomes harder.

The Leader went on to describe how the enemies of the first Shia Imam, Ali (PBUH) had sowed the seeds of sedition during the seventh century battle of Seffein.

“In those difficult times and unclear conditions, Ammar ibn Yasir, who was one of Imam Ali’s closest, purest and most reliable companions, shed light on the situation for those who were hesitant.”

“He explained that there was no difference between those who stood against the Prophet of Islam and the enemies of Imam Ali (PBUH), other than the fact that those who opposed Imam Ali (PBUH) claimed to be the guardians of Islam, the Quran and the Prophet.”

Ayatollah Khamenei said since the 1979 Islamic Revolution and throughout the life of the late founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Rouhollah Khomeini, oppressive powers, backward people with links to the global arrogance, and deviant individuals within the country were all members of the same group.

“That is how it is today. What has been the position of the US, British and Israeli media outlets since before the election? Where do anti-religious fronts such as the communists, pro-monarchy groups and other opponents of the revolution and Imam [Khomeini] stand?” Ayatollah Khamenei asked.

“Do they all not fit in the same group of people who oppose the Islamic establishment? It is clear that the main fronts have not changed. This is an important factor.”

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution then praised the Iranian people, particularly the younger generation, for their understanding and religious fervor.

Ayatollah Khamenei said that Iranian youth, who are passionate about their religion, sometimes exercise patience, “as they should”, but when the time comes for action they are ready and on the scene.

“It is natural for the young members of the voluntary Basij force to be angry and hurt about how a small group violated the sanctity of Ashura and [insulted] Imam Hussein (PBUH),” said the Leader. “This insult broke everyone’s heart, but we must all be careful not to fuel the enemy sedition by going to far.”

The Leader made the remarks in reference to the riots on Ashura during which protesters damaged public property and clashed with security forces.

In response to the unrest, millions of Iranians took to the streets on December 30, condemning the desecration of the Ashura mourning ceremonies and expressing their anger toward the foreign-backed plot to provoke unrest in the country.

The Leader laid praise on the move and said no government in the world can call forth such an “enormous, national mobilization” in two days and bring tens of millions of people to the streets.

Ayatollah Khamenei warned that the enemy was drawing up an “intricate” plot for a “dangerous game.”

“In these unclear conditions, we must act with vigilance and open eyes. However, when the conditions require, we must also show firmness. This way we can stop the enemy in its tracks,” the Leader explained.

Ayatollah Khamenei then asked all responsible bodies of the Islamic Republic to precisely implement the articles of the law in a “full and firm” fashion.

The Leader said that “those who have no responsibility or legal duty” must not interfere in that process.

“Some innocent people, who hate these villains, may seriously be hurt. Therefore, everyone must refrain from taking any action on their own. Everything must be done according to the law.”

President Zardari visits Shrine of Hazrat Bibi Zainab(AS)

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President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday visited the Shrine of Hazrat Bibi Zainab (AS) and offered Fateha.The President remained there for some time and recited verses from the Holy Quran. The President also laid a floral wreath at the Shrine. The President was accompanied by Syrian Minister for Presidential Affairs, Mansour Azzam, Pakistan Ambassador to Syria, Nawabzada Aminullah Khan Raisani and officials.
The Syrian Minister briefed the President about history of the Shrine and the sacrifices and distress faced by the granddaughter of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and daughter
of Hazrat Ali (AS) in Karbala, where the tyrant forces of Yazid brutally killed Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) along with other ‘Ahle Bait’.
Hazrat Bibi Zainab (AS), survived in Karbala and was made prisoner along with other female members of the Ahle Bait and that was why she is called  ‘Umul Masaib’ (the Mother of hardships).

The President signed the visitors book. Custodian of the Shrine, Engineer Jameel Al-Sheikh presented the visitor book to the President which was signed by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto in 1990 and 1996-when she officially visited Syria.
President Zardari wrote his remarks next to those written by Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.
The Custodian also presented a momento an album of photographes of Shaheed Mohtarma Benzir Bhutto when she visited the Shrine.
Outline/ sketch of the Shrine was presented by the Custodain to the President requesting technical and fianancial help to build the  Shrine. President Asif Ali Zardari promised to send engineers to study the project and also assured financial help.

Shia Ulemas urges the media to publicize the problems of martyrs of Ashura procession

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Maulana Sheikh Muhammad Hassan Salahuddin and Allama Nisar Ahmed Qalandari have urged the media to play a pivotal role to aware the government and publicize the problems facing by the families of the martyrs and wounded of the Ashura mayhem.

 

They were addressing a joint press conference with a large number of well known Shiite clerics on Sunday at Karachi press club. Maulana Hassan Salahuddin and Allama Nisar Ahmed Qalandari said that media have to perform an essential role to aware the administration and expose troubles facing by the families of the martyrs and injured of the Ashura chaos adding that the procession curtailment would not be accepted.

Shiite clerics demanded the government that there must be a memorandum established at the place of the incident, funds for the injured, government jobs for the martyr’s children and the illegal apprehension of the Shiite youth by the law enforcers must be stopped saying that the arrested innocent youth must be released.

They further demanded the establishment of the higher level judicial commission for the probe into the matter and condemned the publication of the blasphemous cartoons of the Prophet Muhmmad (P.B.U.H) by the European and Indian newspapers.
Shiite clerics warned that if the management will not take effective measures on the demands so the failure of the government will be considered upon this matter.

Earlier a protest was also held outside the Karachi Press Club by Shia-ne-Hyder-e-Krar Pakistan in which a large number of Shiite youth including females participated and also demanded the release of the Shiite youths.

Maulana Mirza Yousuf Hussain, Maulana Jafar Subhani, Allama Aftab Haider Jafari, Allama Kamran haider Abidi, Maulana Muhammad Ali Rashdi and others were also attended the conference.

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Pictorial Report.Bilor & allama abbas Kumaili,molana hussain masudi Meeting

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Federal Minister express condolence with Shia leaders and demand judicial inquiry of Ashura blast.

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Saudi Wahhabi insult to Ayatollah Sistani outrages Iraq

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Insulting remarks by a Saudi cleric about the most revered Shia cleric in Iraq, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, have strained relations between Baghdad and Riyadh.

In a Friday sermon in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, a leading Wahhabi cleric, Mohammad al-Ureifi, called Ayatollah al-Sistani an “atheist and debauched.”

He also launched an attack on Iraqi Shias accusing them of conspiring with Yemen’s Houthis against Saudi Arabia with Iran’s support.

Meanwhile, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki strongly criticized the Saudi religious institutes after the cleric’s remarks.

He said Saudi religious institutes had a tendency to launch attacks on Shia clerics due to their hostile attitude towards Shia Muslims, AFP reported.

Iraq’s Parliament also condemned the remarks by calling on the Saudi government to take transparent position on the issue. In a statement, Iraqi lawmakers said the Saudi cleric had intended to create a rift among Muslims.

They called on the Saudi government to warn the clerics against making provocative statements.

The Iraqi Parliament also called on the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), the Association of Asian Parliaments and Iraqi President Jalal Talabani to condemn the remarks

Shiite Ulema’s warns to block the main streets of karachi on friday against the illegal apprehension of their youths

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Jafaria news ulema-300x225Correspondent:
 Shiite ulema’s on thursday warned to block the main artilleries of Karachi to protest against the  illegal apprehension  by the police of the Shia youth.

While addressing the press conference at Karachi Press Club.Maulana Sheikh Hassan Salahuddin, Maulana Mukhtar Imami, Mirza Yousuf Hussain along with other Shiite Ulema’s said that, on Friday all the main roads of the city will be blocked and the squads of the Shiites will flagellate against the unlawful detainment of their innocent youths who were arrested in raids in different areas of the city on Wednesday.

They mentioned that the procession will pass through its old routes and if anyone tried to interfere or curtail the march they will protest on the country level.

They warned the high-ups to take effective measures upon this development otherwise the protests will be escalated in every part of the country adding that the blockage of the thoroughfares will be the first step.

During the conference a Shiite woman appealed the authorities to release her innocent brother Muntazar Naqvi who were arrested in a raid last night in the jurisdiction of Peoples Colony.

Shiite Ulema’s informed that about 86 people were arrested and accumulated in Darakhshan police station who belonged to different sects including Shiites and Sunnis last night.

They appealed the authorities to release the innocents and take immediate action against the terrorist elements who arson and ransacked the Boltan market instead of implicating the false cases on the Shiite youths.

Moreever, At least 6 more Shia youths were nabbed by the police in connection with riots and arson inflicted following Karachi bombing at Asuhra procession on M.A Jinnah Road.
The new arrests have been made from separate parts of metropolis including Ancholi(Saddat Colony), Samanabad, Peoples Chowrangi, Gulistan-e-Johar, Malir and Jafar Tayyar areas.

According to police sources, those apprehended were allegedly accused of triggering riots and setting ablaze many government and private vehicles, shops located in Bolton and Light House Markets, buildings and ransacking banks after bomb attack at main Ashura procession on M.A. Jinnah Road on 10th of Muharram.

However, denying any likeliness of torture on held alleged culprits, police said they will only be investigated but the families of detained youths alleged the brutal torture on their beloved by the police person.

Maulana Dr Aqeel Moosa, Maulana Abbas Waziri, Ghulam Muhammad Fakhruddin and others attended the conference.

Federal Minister express condolence with Shia leaders and demand judicial inquiry of Ashura blast

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Federal Minister for Railways Ghulam Ahmed Bilour and Jaffaria Alliance President Allama Abbas Kumaili on Wednesday demanded the high level judicial probe of the Ashura bomb blast. They said that this was not the only a conspiracy against the people of metropolis but also a conspiracy against the country. They were addressing the joint press conference at Allama Abbas Kumaili House, followed by a meeting to express condolence to the Shia leaders regarding the bomb blast in Ashura. Awami National Party Sindh Chief Shahi Syed, Provincial Secretary General Ameen Khattak, ANP’s Provincial minister Ameer Nawab and others accompanied the Federal Minister.

Ghulam Ahmed Bilour underlined the need to crush the hands involved in the Ashura bomb blast saying that bomb blast on Ashura procession and arsons incidents were well-planned. He appealed to the Ulema’s and religious scholars to play their role to end the religious differences among the religious school of thoughts saying that this kind of situation was the threat for the stability of the country.

 

He said that the mourners were not involved in the fire and looting incidents saying that miscreants had involved in the looting and arsons incidents on Ashura.

 

Bilour said that holy Quran is prohibited the killing of innocent people saying that those who involved in the killing and bloodshed of innocent people are not to be called Muslims.

He said that ANP is the secular party but we are following the teachings of Islam saying that secularism gives the lesson to respect humanity and religions.

He said that we came here to express condolence to the community over the lost of precious lives.

 

He said that Pukhtoon community was suffering the decisions of former General and religious leaders, who used the Pukhtoon community for their vested interest in the name of Jihad in Afghanistan.

 

Allama Abbas Kumaili said that Ashura blast was a conspiracy against the country adding that there is no shia and sunni conflict in the country.

He said that some extremist’s elements were involved in the heinous acts to fulfill their vested interests.

He asked the religious parties to end their double views regarding the bomb blast and suicide incidents in the country saying that these are the enemy of Pakistan and Islam.

He demanded of the government to arrest the real culprits involved in the Ashura blast and denounced the arrest of Shia youths in the connection of arsons incidents saying that after the media revelations of facts the picture was cleared.

Earlier, the ANP leaders were held the meeting with the Jaffaria Alliance leaders at Allama Abbas Kumaili house. Allama Nisar Ahmed Qalandari, Allama Aftab Jafari, Maulana Hussain Masoodi, Salman Mujtaba, Shabar Raza, Ali Ahmar, Sabir Karbalai, Allama Ali Karar Naqvi and others were present on the occasion.

Egypt police injure 35 Palestinians

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Egyptian forces injured at least 35 Palestinians on Wednesday when they clashed with protesters who staged rallies against Cairo’s steeling its border with the blockaded Gaza Strip.

The incident occurred when security forces confronted the protesters on the Egypt-Gaza border, Reuters reported. Two of the injured are in critical condition.

The Egyptian government is building a steel wall along the border to prevent the trafficking of any goods to the strip.

The coastal sliver continues to suffer from an all-out Israeli-imposed blockade which has deprived it of its basic necessities for over two years.

Cairo has also been keeping shut the Rafah border crossing — the Gaza Strip’s only border that bypasses Israel— claiming that the border post is an Egyptian-Israeli crossing and should not be used without the Tel Aviv’s permission.

The Egyptian riot police earlier injured 55 people in the port of El-Arish during clashes with the Gaza-bound human rights activists Viva Palestina.

The scuffles broke out after Egypt said it would not allow 59 humanitarian assistance trucks of Viva Palestina‘s relief convoy to enter Gaza.

The convoy is comprised of 210 trucks carrying basic food items and medical supplies.

The 450-strong group, led by British lawmaker George Galloway, set out for the port after being barred from taking the most direct route into Egypt by entering the country via the Red Sea.
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Saudi Wahhabis remove banners and signs of Imam Hussain (A.S)

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On 2 January 2010 Saudi Wahhabi authorities have pulled down posters of the third Shia Imam in the coastal city of al-Qatif, which hosts the country’s largest community of Shia Muslims.

Municipality staff escorted by a security team and a police convoy removed all Hussaini signs and banners during the morning hours when the city’s residents were at work or school, leaving most streets fairly clear of any bystanders, then insensibility burned them in front of people .

The posters displayed Hadith (Arabic for narrations) of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) about Imam Hussein (AS), as well as quotes by the Imam himself.

The posters had been put up in al-Qatif city and the road to al-Awamiyah, a town situated further south in the county.

In Saudi Arabia , any practices contrary to the Wahabi sect, are discouraged. The Government prohibits Shia public processions during the Islamic month of Muharram in the Shia cities as Dammam and al-Ahsa and restricts them in some cities as Qatif .

It is worth mentioning that it is not the first time in which the Saudi regime removed all Hussaini banners and signs , where on 26th of December 2009 the security authorities removed all banners and signs fixed on the streets of the town of Rumaila in al-Ahsa.

Pakistani Shia Women Demands Arrest of Ashura day bombing masterminds+ Pic

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QUETTA, January 03rd, 2010:Shia women in Quetta have demanded of the Sindh government to impartially probe into Ashura day bombing and expose the elements behind the inhuman act.

 

QUETTA, January 03rd, 2010:Shia women in Quetta have demanded of the Sindh government to impartially probe into Ashura day bombing and expose the elements behind the inhuman act.

Speaking at a press conference in Hazara Nichari Imambargah, they criticized the Sindh government and its law enforcement agencies for their failure to check the gory incident and said the poor performance of Sindh government as well as federal government can judged from the fact that they could not ascertain the actual cause of the blast even after a week of the incident.

They categorically stated that the Ashura procession participants were not involved in arson and other violence which erupted after the blast on M.A Jinnah Road in Karachi as they were busy in shifting their bodies and injured to hospitals. They demanded of the Sindh government to release all mourners of Hazrat Imam Hussain (A.S) who have arrested in this connection.

They also demanded payment of compensation to legal heirs of the victims who have fallen prey to sectarian target killings.

Later, Quran Khuwani and Majlis were also held in the imambargah Hazara Nichari wherein special prayers were offered for departed souls of the Karachi blast martyrs.

World Shia Leader condolence message to demise of Ayatollah Ali Safi Golpaygani

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Ayatollah Khamenei offered his condolences in a message to Grand Ayatollah Sheikh Lotfollah Safi Golpaygani the demise of his brother, Ayatollah Ali Safi.

 

Ayatollah Khamenei offered his condolences in a message to Grand Ayatollah Sheikh Lotfollah Safi Golpaygani the demise of his brother, Ayatollah Ali Safi.

Grand Ayatollah  Haj Shaikh Lotfollah Safi ;

“I condolence the demise of Ayatollah Ali Safi to you, his survivers and his companions, especially the believers of Golpaygan.
 
The senior jurisprudent Mr. Ali Safi, who was one of the outstanding students of Ayatollah Boroujerdi, spent his valuable life at the service of science and religion.

We hope bestow mercy and forgiveness on him.”

Iran bans contact with 60 groups including BBC, HRW

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TEHRAN: Iran has banned its citizens from having contact with 60 organisations including the BBC, Human Rights Watch and opposition website Rahesabz as well as US-funded broadcasters, state media have reported.

The deputy intelligence minister in charge of external affairs said that the 60 blacklisted groups were suspected of being involved in efforts by Western governments to topple the Islamic regime as part of a “soft war” and that it was an offence to communicate with them.

“Any kind of contact by individuals or legal entities with those groups involved in the soft war is illegal and prohibited,” state media quoted the deputy minister as saying on Monday without giving his name.

The blacklisted organisations also included US government-funded Voice of America and Radio Farda as well as US-based pro-monarchist satellite channels, Israeli public radio and the outlawed rebel People’s Mujahedeen.

The deputy minister also called on the public to avoid “irregular contacts with embassies or foreign nationals or centres linked to them”.

Karachi blast: Bomb planted in sacred papers’ box

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KARACHI: The chief of the Investigative Committee, probing the Karachi incident, Shafqat Malik has submitted the report to the IG Sindh.

According to the report, Karachi Ashura blast was not a suicide attack.

Talking to Geo News in Peshawar, AIG Bomb Disposal Squad Shafqat Malik said after examining the evidence recovered from the site of the blast, it is established that the Karachi blast was not a suicide attack but a 12 to 15 kilogram explosives was planted in a box meant for keeping sacred papers.

The bomb was exploded with the help of remote controlled device, he added.

Malik further said initial investigation revealed that the blast doest not seem to have the connection with the group carrying out blasts in the country but a new group is behind the Karachi Ashura blast, which seems to have experience of such activities.

“It is a new trend. Previously, vehicles were being used for such attacks but Karachi blast was carried out through a planted bomb, which was exploded through remote controlled device at a time when the Ashura procession was crossing the blast site,” he said.

Malik chairs high-level sitting over Karachi mayhem

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ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Rehman Malik has chaired a high-level meeting over the law and order situation in Sindh province especially in metropolis city of Karachi here in Islamabad on Monday morning, Geo news reported.

According to sources, Federal Secretary for Interior Affairs, the heads of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and National Crisis Management Cell (NCMC), Chief Secretary of Sindh, IG and Director General (DG) Rangers also attended the meeting.

At the beginning of the meeting, the attendees offered prays for the martyrs of Karachi debacle, following which, the investigation report over the Karachi terrorism, occurred after bomb blast on Ashura procession, was also submitted from investigation agencies and analysis over various evidences in regard to incident were tabled before meeting, sources privy to interior ministry claimed.

Meeting also mulled over the measures to thwart such tragedies in future and discussed steps necessary to be taken to bring to justice, the anti-state elements that are involved in plotting such attacks, sources added.

Talibani Terrorist Commander:We will Kill Shias again and again

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We carried out the suicide bombing against Shias in Karachi,” Asmatullah Shaheen, one of the commanders of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan Terrorist Group said”.

A spokesman threatened to carry out more such attacks in the coming days against Shia Muslims.

Dozens of people were injured in the bomb, which struck as Shias marked the climax of the holy month of Muharram.

After the explosion, marchers turned their anger on ambulance workers, security forces and journalists.

The death toll from a suicide bomber’s attack on a Shia religious procession in Karachi was reported to have risen to 43.

‘Our man’

“We carried out the suicide bombing in Karachi against Shia mourners,” the AFP news agency quoted Asmatullah Shaheen, one of the commanders of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan Terrorist Group(TTP) as saying.

“He [the bomber] was our man. His name was Hasnain Muawia and we did it to remove Shias all over the world”, said Mr Shaheen whose name is on a government list of 20 most-wanted militants.

“We will carry out more such attacks on Shia Muslims and also target government installations just who are Shias,” he said.

Hundreds of Shia civilians have martyred in bomb attacks as Pakistan’s army concludes an offensive against Taliban Terrorist militants in South Waziristan and surrounding areas.

pakistan: Ashura blast not a suicide attack, says Malik

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ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Monday said the Karachi Ashura blast was not a suicide attack. He said the federal government has constituted a committee to investigate the arson attacks in Karachi.

The interior minister, after chairing a high level meeting at the interior ministry in Islamabad, announced the government’s decision to constitute a committee to investigate the issue. The committee will be headed by the ministry’s Additional Secretary Asif Nawaz.

Arson and rioting, which followed the Ashura procession blast, caused losses worth billions of rupees to the government and the private sector.

He said that the government had instructed law enforcement agencies to patrol the streets of Karachi. Rangers and Police will jointly conduct patrolling operations in the city, said Malik.

The interior minister also said that the government will not tolerate target killings anywhere in the country. — DawnNews

Zardari calls for national commitment against terror

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However, he said “our desire for peace must not be taken as a sign of weakness and our armed forces are ready to meet all challenges”.

He said “we have full faith in our armed forces and the people to defend our country”.

The President said “our armed forces are ready to meet all the challenges and guard against all external and internal threats”.

He stated it was every Pakistani’s duty to fight against external and internal enemies who disrupt the country’s peace and progress.

Zardari also pointed out that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) would not disappoint the nation.

The president, at the occasion, emphasised that a strong navy was necessary to meet any challenge to Pakistan’s maritime security.

He said the recent induction of PNS Zulfiqar and helicopters was intended to strengthen the country’s naval fleet.

Zardari said he was pleased that Pakistan Navy was following the path of self-reliance and the construction of submarines in the country was a significant step forward in this direction.

Zardari urged that there should be optimum use of the national resources.

He said “the country is facing new challenges to its security…extremism is a big threat to our existence. We need a united national commitment to fight and defeat militancy.”

The President pointed out that the government has given political ownership to the fight against militancy and terrorism.

He said Pakistan Navy’s participation in the Coalition Maritime Campaign (CMCP) has enhanced the navy’s professional capabilities in checking arms, drugs and human smuggling.

President Zardari said it has also improved Pakistan’s capacity to fight the threat of militancy to our national security.

“It is reassuring that Pakistan Navy commanded the Maritime Task Force 150 thrice…it shows our resolve towards international peace,” he said.

On the occasion, President Zardari urged young naval officers to dedicate themselves to their profession and protect the sea lanes of the country’s communication.

He said he was pleased to learn that Pakistan Naval Academy was training cadets from the brotherly countries of Kazakhstan, Maldives, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Sudan.

The President also congratulated the passing out Midshipmen and the SSC Class cadets.

The President said he was particularly pleased to note that for the first time women officers were also part of this passing out parade.

He said the women officers’ presence at the ceremony reflected the policy of the government to encourage women to play their role in all areas of the national progress including defence.

The ceremony was also attended by the Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Tariq Majeed and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Noman Bashir. — APP

Ayatollah Ali Safi Golpayegani passes away

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TEHRAN, Jan. 4 (MNA) – Ayatollah Ali Safi Golpayegani passed away late Sunday.

Ayatollah Golpayegani was the brother of Grand Ayatollah Sheikh Lotfollah Safi Golpayegani.

 

He was a student of top religious figures including the late Ayatollah Mohammad Hossein Broujerdi and the late Ayatollah Mohammad Taghi Bahjat.

 

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani, and Head of Islamic Propagation Organization Hojjatoleslam Mahdi Khamoushi, and Qom Seminary Teachers Society have issued separate statements expressing their condolences over the demise of Ayatollah Golpayegani.

Rehabilitation of arson-hit shops underway in Karachi

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KARACHI: The contractors of the City District Government Karachi (CDGK) and Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) are in the process of repairing and reconstructing the affected buildings of M.A.Jinnah Road, in response to the appeal of Nazim Karachi, Syed Mustafa Kamal.

The contractors have employed a work force comprising 1500 people with heavy machinery in the rehabilitation work and so far completed the work on 10 to 12 shops. Services of civil engineers have also been hired to oversee the work.

The contractors are trying to finish the work within a week so that the shops could be handed over to the traders for resumption of the business activities at the earliest.

Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) has restored electricity to the shops where rehabilitation work has been completed.

Meanwhile, over 3,000 survey forms have distributed for estimation of the losses.

Holy Kaaba washed

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Governor of Makkah Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, washed the Kaaba on Saturday.

A number of Muslim scholars, government officials, dignitaries and diplomats attended the event, which takes place twice a year on the 15th of Shabaan (the month preceding the fasting month of Ramadan) and in mid-Muharram (the month after Dhul Hijjah when Muslims perform Haj).

The House of God is given a new Kiswa (covering) on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah when pilgrims proceed to Arafat for the main event of the Haj.

The washing ritual of the Kaaba begins with the performance of two raka’hs inside the cuboidal structure. The interior walls will then be cleaned with rose, oud and musk perfumes using white cloth. Zamzam water mixed with rose perfume will then be splashed on the floor and then wiped with bare hands and palm leaves.

Before entering the Kaaba to do the washing, Prince Khaled circumambulated the Kaaba seven times (Tawaf) during which he will touch the Black Stone. He will then receive the key to the Kaaba presented in a bag made of green velvet from its custodian (Bani Shayba). On entering the House of God, the prince will perform two raka’hs on a marble sheet, the spot where it is believed that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) prayed.

The washing ceremony began after the guests have exited. The marble floor and the walls were washed with Zamzam water mixed with rose perfume.

After the cleaning, the floor and the walls were dried again with white cloth and tissues. The walls are then perfumed using large quantities of oud and rose perfume. The Kaaba was then be incensed.

The Kaaba is 14 meters high from the eastern side, 12.11 meters from the western and southern sides, and 11.28 meters from the northern side. Its inside floor is laid with colored marble. Its ceilings are supported by three wooden columns, each with a diameter of 44 cm.

The structure has two ceilings, a lower one and an upper one. Its inside walls are covered with curtains made of green velvet that are changed once every three years. The top of the upper roof has a vent, which is 127 cm long and 104 cm wide to allow sunlight to enter. This vent is covered with strengthened glass and is opened during the washing ceremony. The vent can be reached via a glass staircase of 50 steps.

The door of the Kaaba is made of wood and covered with 280 kg of pure gold. It is 310 cm in height and 190 cm in width. The length of the Kaaba’s key is 40 cm. The door is erected 225 cm above ground level.

Lakki Marvat suicide attack toll rises to 99

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PESHAWAR: The death toll from a suicide attack at a volleyball game in Lakki Marvat rose to 99, police said Sunday, as authorities struggled to cope with one of the country’s bloodiest ever bombings.

“A total of 99 people have been killed. There are 87 injured who are being treated in three different hospitals,” Bannu district police chief Mohammad Ayub Khan told foreign media by telephone from the northwest region.

Another police officer in the area, Habib Ullah Khan, confirmed the toll.

There has been no claim of responsibility for the attack, but police said the bomber came from South Waziristan, the neighbouring district where Pakistan has been waging an offensive on Taliban militants since October.

The area also neighbours North Waziristan, where suspected US drone attacks have increasingly targeted Al-Qaeda fighters and the Haqqani network, which is known for staging attacks on foreign troops in Afghanistan.

The volleyball tournament in Shah Hasan Khan village had been arranged by a local anti-Taliban militia, whom police suspect may have been the target.

“We have arrested 41 suspects and are interrogating them… This village is adjacent to the Bhitni area of South Waziristan and the bomber came from that area,” the district police chief told media.

Medics at the hospital in the nearby town of Lakki Marwat said they were short of medicine and beds, overwhelmed with casualties.

“Even now the injured are under going treatment on the hospital floor. Some have brought their own beds,” Doctor Usman Ali told media by telephone.

“My daughter died because of the poor facilities in the hospital. There was no bed, no medicine and not even the X-ray machine was working,” shopkeeper Riaz Khatok told media from the hospital.

“There was nowhere else in Lakki Marwat to take the wounded. Most of the dead died because of bleeding,” he added.