At least 50 killed in Barkhan flooding

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QUETTA: Fifty people were killed when torrential rains unleashed flash floods in different parts of eastern Balochistan, DawnNews reported.

More than 10,000 people are reported to have been affected. Fifty people had gone missing in Barkhan which was lashed by torrential rain for more than five hours on Wednesday night. Barkhan is about 350 kilometres east of Quetta.

The Chief of Frontier Corps, Balochistan, Maj-Gen Saleem Nawaz, said the sudden downpour wreaked havoc in Barkhan and other areas of eastern Balochistan.

“We have launched a relief and rescue operation to move affected people to safe locations,” he said.

Continuing rainfall multiplied problems of the people in Barkhan, depriving them of timely assistance. Three army helicopters loaded with relief goods could not fly to the affected areas because of bad weather.

The army dispatched relief trucks to affected areas in Barkhan, Sibi and Kohlu.

Govt was not under pressure on Kayani extension: PM

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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday said the government was not under any kind of pressure with regard to its decision to extend the tenure of General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

Earlier, on Thursday, Gilani said the extension had been given in the interest of continuity at a time when the war on terror was successfully progressing against elements who wanted to impose a system of their choice on the country.

Iranian oil minister in visit to Turkey

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Iranian Oil Minister Masoud Mirkazemi has left for Turkey for energy talks, including Iran’s natural gas transit to Europe via Turkey.

According to Iranian Oil Ministry’s website SHANA, Mirkazemi and his Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz will discuss cooperation in oil, gas and petrochemicals sector.

The ministers will also discuss Turkey’s investment in the Iranian giant South Pars gas field.

In October 2009, during Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Tehran, the two countries signed memorandums of understanding on oil and gas cooperation and transferring Iran’s gas to European markets through Turkey.

Iran currently exports 25 million cubic meters of natural gas to Turkey per day and the figure could be increased to 30 million cubic meters a day.

Tehran-Ankara ties have strengthened following pro-diplomacy efforts aimed finding a peaceful solution to the standoff over Iran’s nuclear program.

On May 17, Iran, Turkey and Brazil, signed a joint nuclear fuel swap declaration under which Tehran agrees to exchange 1,200 kg of it low-enriched uranium on Turkish soil for fuel for a medical research reactor.

Mirkazemi’s visit comes amid US-sponsored UN Security Council and unilateral sanctions against Tehran over its nuclear program.

The sanctions, a number of which target Iran’s oil and gas industry, are an integral part of efforts aimed at pressuring Iran into abandoning its civilian nuclear program, amid Israeli-led charges that Tehran is harboring a military agenda.

On Wednesday, Iran’s OPEC governor told Reuters that the new sanctions would prove ineffective, noting that Iran would counter the sanctions by reducing the government subsidies on fuel as well as using a flexible trade currency.

Iran argues that as a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) it has the right to peaceful nuclear technology for civilian electricity generation and medical research.

Three Houthi Shia killed in Yemen clashes

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Media reports say a score of people have been killed in north Yemen as fresh clashes break out between Houthi fighters and army-backed tribes in the troubled region.
“Violent clashes took place overnight between Houthis and Bin Aziz tribes… leaving 20 dead from both sides,” AFP quoted a Yemeni official as saying in Thursday.
Yemeni army forces deployed in the area intervened to break up the fighting, he added.
Contacted by Press TV, a Houthi spokesman, however, denied the death toll, saying only three Shia fighters were killed in the fighting.
He acknowledged that members of tribes loyal to the central government had been killed in clashes with the Houthis, but dismissed claims that the Shia fighters had ambushed them.
The spokesman blamed the recent clashes in the area on the Yemeni army, saying the Houthis first came under attack by government forces.
Last year, the northern Yemeni province of Sa’ada and and nearby areas were the scene of bloody clashes between Houthi fighters and Saudi-backed Yemeni forces.
The Houthis agreed to a truce after Saudi troops withdrew in early 2010.

Iraqi Shia Advisor of Agriculture Minister's Secretary Martyred

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Last night in a terrorist attack Iraq’s Advisor of Agriculture Minister’s Secretary hit in Baghdad and martyred today after a few hours in coma.

According to Ahlul Bayt News Agency – ABNA.ir – “Mr. Seyed Mohammad Khalil Alverdi” Iraq’s Advisor of Agriculture Minister’s Secretary martyred in a terrorist attack in Baghdad.

After the attack on the Shia Iraqi statesman, he was transferred to the hospital and was in coma till today. Unfortunately treatment was not effective and he was martyred due to his severe injuries.

However, the terrorists has martyred his cousin due to his religious belief on Ahlul Bayt (a.s).

15,000 security elements deployed in Karbala for mid-Shaaban pilgrimage

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KARBALA, Iraq: More than 15,000 security elements have been deployed in Karbala in preparations for the Al-Ziyara al-Shaabaniya (mid-Shaaban pilgrimage), according to a media police source.

“Security authorities started to implement the security plan of the mid-Shaaban pilgrimage, which will last until next Wednesday,” Major Alaa Abbas al-Ghanemi told Aswat al-Iraq news agency.

Al-Ziyara al-Shaabaniya is a Shiite pilgrimage to revive the memory of the birth of the Messiah-like Imam al-Mahdi, the 12th holiest figure for Shiite Muslims.

Karbala, with an estimated population of 572,300 people in 2003, is the capital of the province and is considered to be one of Shiite Muslims’ holiest cities.

The city, 110 km south of Baghdad, is one of Iraq’s wealthiest, profiting both from religious visitors and agricultural produce, especially dates.

It is made up of two districts, “Old Karbala,” the religious center, and “New Karbala,” the residential district containing Islamic schools and government buildings.

At the center of the old city is Masjid al-Hussein, the tomb of Hussein Ibn Ali, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad by his daughter Fatima al-Zahraa and Ali Ibn Abi Taleb.

Imam Hussien’s tomb is a place of pilgrimage for many Shiite Muslims, especially on the anniversary of the battle, the Day of Ashuraa. Many elderly pilgrims travel there to await death, as they believe the tomb to be one of the gates to paradise.

On April 14, 2007, a car bomb exploded about 600 ft (200 m) from the shrine, killing 47 and wounding over 150.

Muslims must fight U.S./British terrorism: Leader

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Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has called on the Muslim world to stand up to the brutal terrorism promoted by the United States and Britain.
“In our region, the creation and growth of mindless and savage terrorism is born out of the wicked policies of the United States and Britain, and their state and non-state mercenaries,” Ayatollah Khamenei said in a statement issued on Wednesday to mark the seventh day of mourning for the victims of the deadly terrorist attack in the southeastern Iranian city of Zahedan.

All Muslims have an obligation to fight this wicked progeny, which is the incarnation of corruption on earth and enmity toward God, he added.

The Leader stated that the Zahedan terrorist incident was carried out to fan the flames of sectarian strife and called on the three branches of government to fight the enemies of national unity.

The ignorant fanatics put their wholehearted trust in the corrupt powers, which have displayed their hostility toward Islam and Muslims countless times, Ayatollah Khamenei said.

The Islamic Republic has always been sympathetic to the causes of the oppressed people of Palestine, Afghanistan, Kashmir, and other Islamic regions, and this is why this wicked plot was implemented by the intelligence agencies of the United States, Britain, and the Zionist regime, he noted.

They sought to entangle Iran in sectarian strife, but they were unaware that the country’s Sunnis have always stood shoulder to shoulder with their Shia brothers and courageously defended the Islamic Republic against the arrogant powers, he added.

The Leader asked the Iranian nation to maintain their unity and vigilance and to help officials bring the perpetrators of the terrorist attack to justice.

Ayatollah Khamenei also prayed for the souls of the victims of the terrorist incident and offered his condolences to their families.

Two suicide bomb attacks left 27 people dead and about 300 people injured in Zahedan on July 15.

U.S. will not benefit from spread of terrorism: Iranian commander

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U.S. officials should not think that they can promote their interests through spread of terrorism, Brigadier General Massoud Jazayeri said on Wednesday.
Terrorism will impinge on the U.S. and other NATO members and there are now some indications proving this fact, Jazayeri stated.

He said that U.S. and British presence in Afghanistan has yielded no result and now the Afghans are of the view that these countries have to pull their troops out of their land.

The U.S. is about to fail in Afghanistan and this is being facilitated since Gen. David Petraeus took command of military forces in Afghanistan.

Petraeus was in June appointed to lead all foreign forces in Afghanistan after his predecessor, General Stanley McChrystal, was dismissed for insulting remarks he and aides made about the U.S. administration in a magazine interview.

Jazayeri said it seems that even the NATO forces do not collaborate with Petraeus and therefore disagreements have been emerging in Afghanistan.

The best way to deal with the current situation would be that foreign military forces leave the country and hand the responsibilities over to the Afghan forces.

Car Bomb Explosion Kills 30 in Iraq Near a Shia Masjid

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At least 30 people have been martyred and 46 others have been wounded in a car bomb explosion in the central Iraqi city of Baquba.
The explosion occurred near a mosque in the predominantly Shia neighborhood of Abu Sayeeda on Wednesday.
The strong blast also caused a building to collapse. Some reports, however, say that the explosion occurred near a crowded market.
Police officials say women and children are among the victims of the explosion, adding that the casualties are expected to rise.
Police have cordoned off the area, arguing that more bombs could be planted in the area.
Wednesday’s blast is the latest in a series of deadly attacks in Baquba in recent days. Seven people were killed and 21 others were wounded on Monday after a car bomb exploded in front of a coffee shop in the Iraqi city.
Seven people were also wounded in a bomb blast in Jadidat al-Shat district west of Baquba.
Analysts have warned that violence in the country may see a surge if the negotiations on forming a new coalition government continue to drag on.
The Iraqi government has been in limbo for more than four months since general elections were held. No single block has won an overall parliamentary majority. The two lists which won the most seats are still undecided on who the next Iraqi prime minister should be.

Govt announces extension of Chief of Army Staff Gen Kayani's tenure

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JNN 22.07.10 ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Thursday gave powerful army chief General Ashfaq Kayani a three-year extension in the top job.

“I have decided to extend tenure of army chief General Ashfaq Kayani for three years in consultations with President Asif Ali Zardari,” Gilani said in a brief televised address to the nation.

He said the decision has been taken after relaxing the rules and keeping in view the active role played by Kayani in the war against terror.

The premier said that the decision to give the extension to the army chief had been taken to ensure continuity of command, adding that the extension period will start from November 29.

He hoped that the war on terror will lead to a successful conclusion under General Kayani’s leadership, he added.

Kayani assumed command of the Pakistan army in November 2007 after his predecessor Pervez Musharraf relinquished command amid international pressure to end his eight years of military rule.

Gilani said that the successful military operation in northwestern regions Swat and Malakand and the tribal region of South Waziristan was possible under the dynamic leadership of General Kayani.

He added that Kayani personally supervised and planned all offensives

Demonstration in Karachi against Shia genocide in Parachanar

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JNN 22.07.10 Inhabitants  of Parachanar, Kurram Agency, living in Karachi on Wednesday staged a demonstration against the four year long blockade of Road connecting  Kurram Agency to the rest of Pakistan by the Taliban terrorists.

The demonstration was held under the aegis of Anjuman Parachanar Karachi and All Pakistan Muttahida Bangash Organization at Karachi  Press Club against the genocide of Shia Muslims in Kurram Agency Parachanar.

Maulana Rajab Ali Bangash,  Zamin Abbas Bangash and others in their address demanded  the Government to immediately deploy the Kurram Militia in Kurram Agency to maintain the peace in the agency.

The leaders asked the ANP leadership to perform their role to maintain the peace in Khyber-PukhtoonKhwa because ANP led the Government of Khyber-PukhtoonKhwa province.

They said that Taliban terrorists had slaughtered the citizens of Parachanar including the women and children, and raised a question that Killing the Muslim  Men , Women and Children or other Population of other cast creed or color In the Islamic Republic of Pakistan  Is pure terrorism , and should be taken an immediate action against the terrorist and there activities. Which have even been identified by the government as Tehrik e Taliban Pakistan , Sipah e Sahaba Pakistan, Lashkar e Jhangvi , Jundullah, Jaish Mohd and other sister concerns.

They appealed the Government and Armed forces of Pakistan to support the brave people of Kurram Agency Parachanar, who are fighting against the enemies of the Paksitan & Islam

They regretted that Government has failed to protect the common people from the Taliban terrorists saying that negligence of administration and Law Enforcement Agencies shows that they are not interested to protect the people of Kurram from Taliban terrorists, or they have surrendered to the Killers of Armed services Personnel and Especially Shia Community.

More people killed in N Yemen clashes

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JNN 22.07.10 Media reports say a score of people have been killed in north Yemen as fresh clashes break out between Houthi fighters and army-backed tribes in the troubled region.

“Violent clashes took place overnight between Houthis and Bin Aziz tribes… leaving 20 dead from both sides,” AFP quoted a Yemeni official as saying in Thursday.

Yemeni army forces deployed in the area intervened to break up the fighting, he added.

Contacted by Press TV, a Houthi spokesman, however, denied the death toll, saying only three Shia fighters were killed in the fighting.

He acknowledged that members of tribes loyal to the central government had been killed in clashes with the Houthis, but dismissed claims that the Shia fighters had ambushed them.

The spokesman blamed the recent clashes in the area on the Yemeni army, saying the Houthis first came under attack by government forces.

Last year, the northern Yemeni province of Sa’ada and and nearby areas were the scene of bloody clashes between Houthi fighters and Saudi-backed Yemeni forces.

The Houthis agreed to a truce after Saudi troops withdrew in early 2010.

US Jobless claims exceed expectations

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JNN 22.07.10 The number of new jobless claims filed last week in the United States rose by 37,000, surprising forecasters who had predicted a much lower rise.

According to the Labor Department, initial claims for unemployment benefits in the week ending on July 17 rose by 37,000 to 464,000. This is while economists initially expected 448,000 new claims.

Reports from the US say that 34 states and territories reported an increase in jobless claims. New York was leading the rise of new jobless claims with more than 18,000 people making fresh filings due to job cuts in the transportation and public administration industries.

Almost 8.5 million Americans lost their jobs in 2008 and 2009, Bloomberg quoted Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke.

He also noted “unusual” uncertainty in the US economy and said the central bank would be ready to act if more stimuli were needed.

Bernanke who was speaking to the Congress on Wednesday warned that it will probably take a significant amount of time to restore the millions of jobs lost since the start of the recession.

After hitting a 26-year high of 10.1 percent in October 2009, the unemployment rate fell to 9.5 percent in June and millions remain without job, The Washington Post reported.

The Labor Department report comes a day after US Senate voted in favor of extending unemployment benefits to 2.5 million Americans who have been out of work for more than six months.

The bill was passed by a margin of 59-39 with most Republicans opposing the extension.

The opponents of the bill argued that it would add unnecessarily to the federal budget deficit while the supporters proposed using unspent stimulus money from last year’s economic recovery plan to pay for the extension

The bill still needs to be taken up by House lawmakers before it is signed by President Barack Obama to become law.

Sargodha: 3 martyred, 13 hurt in suicide bomb blast

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At least three Shia Muslims martyred and 14 others wounded in the suicide bomb blast occurred at the main gate of Shia seminary and Mosque Darul-Uloom-e-Mohammadia near at Sharbat Chowk,sargodha. A suicide bomber belongs from Nasabis (Wahabis)Terrorisits Organizations of Taliban and Sipah-e-Sahabah wanted to enter inside the Darul uloom Muhammadia Mosque to attempt the suicide attack on worshippres.
The blast occurred when the Maghrib prayer was being offered in the Mosque of Darul-Uloom-e-Mohammadia,Three shia Muslims worshippers Martyred and 14 injured in the suicide bomb blast.
Injured were taken to the DHQ Hospital. Five worshippers out of 13 injured in critical situation.
The mob gathered outside the mosque and started chanting slogans of labbaik Ya Hussain as and Yazidiat Murdabad.
“It is possibly a suicide blast,” confirmed DPO Sargodha Zulifqar Shah.
he confirmed that Three shia worshippers has been martyred in the explosion.
He said that the suicide bomber was stopped at the gate of the mosque but he blown himself up.
DPO told that maximum security is being provided to all the sensitive places in the district.

40 criminals arrested in Zahedan: police commander

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Deputy police chief Ahmad Reza Radan has said 40 criminals who had been trying to create insecurity in Zahedan were arrested on Friday.
“One day after the bomb blasts in Zahedan city (Sistan and Balouchestan Province), certain individuals wanted to create insecurity in this city but the police in cooperation with people arrested them,” Radan stated.

On Thursday, two suicide bomb attacks claimed 27 lives and left at least 300 people injured in the southeastern city of Zahedan.

Unfortunately, two police officers were killed during the incident and 10 other who were injured are in critical condition, Radan noted.

Elsewhere in his remarks, he said there is no security problem in the city.

He also warned foreign countries which criminals use their lands as a safe haven for terrorist activities, adding Iran reserves the right to track down criminals outside national borders.

Unfortunately, Iran’s neighbors are not firm in their decision to deal with such criminals, he lamented.

Grand Ayatollah Makarem-Shirazi Zahedan bombing must not cause Shia-Sunni disunity

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In a statement issued on Saturday, Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem-Shirazi said the nation must not let the Zahedan incident create any kind of discord among Shia and Sunnis.

On Thursday, two bombs were detonated in quick succession in front of the Zahedan Grand Mosque in the southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchestan. At least 27 people lost their lives and nearly 300 others were injured in the incident.

Iranian police have arrested 40 people in connection with the twin bomb attacks.

In his statement the ayatollah blamed Wahhabisim for the vicious act.

Blind assassination and brutal killing shows Wahhabists’ alienation from Islam, and the fact that all the victims were Muslims shows their link with the Zionist regime and the global arrogance, the statement reads.

He also extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and called on security officials to identify those involved in the incident as soon as possible.

The Jundullah terrorist group, whose former ringleader Abdolmalek Rigi was executed at Tehran’s Evin prison on June 21, has issued a statement claiming responsibility for the attacks.

In a similar statement, the World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought, denounced the terrorist incident, saying that it was a plot hatched by the enemies of Islam and unity among Muslims.

Such incidents will not destroy the unity among the Iranians and will not undermine the values for proximity of Islamic schools of thought, the statement reads.

It said the U.S. formed the terrorist Jundallah group to sow discord between Shiite and Sunni Muslims and to destabilize the eastern part of the country in order to deal a heavy blow to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Aytullah Khamenei Urges Shia-Sunni Unity

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World Shia Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has stressed the importance of maintaining unity for Shia and Sunnis in Iran.
Imam Khamenei sent a message of condolence to the people of Sistan-Baluchestan, which was read out by the Leader’s representative in the southeastern province Mohammad Hassan Rahimian at the funeral of the victims of the Thursday terrorist attack.
On July 15, two bomb explosions in quick succession took place outside the Zahedan Grand Mosque. At least 27 people lost their lives and more than 100 others were injured in the terrorist attack, which has widely been blamed on extremist Wahabis and Salafis trained by US intelligence in Pakistan.
World Shia Leader prayed for the recovery of the victims of the Zahedan terrorist attack and urged the people of Sistan-Baluchestan to show perseverance and maintain Shia-Sunni unity, Fars News Agency reported.

Iraqi Shia leader meets Syrian president

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President Bashar al Assad on Saturday reviewed with Leader of al-Sadr Movement in Iraq Muqtada al-Sadr the latest developments in Iraqi, particularly the formation of the Iraqi government.

President al-Assad underlined Syria’s full support to the formation of the Iraqi cabinet as soon as possible to realize Iraqi people’s interest, expressing hope over reaching a unified stance between the Iraqi political forces to form a national government that could achieve stability and security in Iraq.

He added that the delay in forming the government would be reflected negatively on the situation in Iraq.

The meeting also dealt with the brotherly relations binding the people of Syria and Iraq, as al-Sadr expressed Iraqi people’s appreciation of Syria’s stances which has hosted the Iraqis since the U.S. invasion of the country and still supports them and seeks stability and security of Iraq.

The meeting was attended by Assistant Vice-President Mohammad Nassif and Assistant to al-Sadr Musstafa Yaaqoubi.

Wahabi Militants kill Shia travelers in Kurrum Agency Pakistan

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JNN 18.07.10 Pro-Taliban militants have opened fire on a convoy in Pakistan’s restive northwest, killing 16 Shia Muslims and injuring several others.

According to Pakistani officials, the bus convoy was heading from Parachinar in Kurram Agency to the city of Peshawar.

“Sixteen people from the Shiite community have been killed and four were injured in the attack,” a senior security official said in Peshawar.

A Press TV correspondent reported on Saturday that those killed included several women and children.

Officials said some of those wounded were in critical condition.

The convoy came under attack as it was escorted by Pakistani security forces.

The road linking the region with Peshawar often remains closed for security concerns. Civilian convoys have repeatedly asked for the country’s security personnel to protect them.

Shia Muslims in Pakistan’s Kurram Agency have been facing a humanitarian crisis since November 2007 when pro-Taliban militants cut off the area from the rest of the country.

According to local sources, more than 2,000 Shia Muslims have been killed in the region since the start of the campaign by pro-Taliban and al-Qaeda-linked militants.

The extremist groups have launched a violent campaign against the Shia Muslims, and are stretching their campaign southwards.

Quetta, the capital of Pakistan’s restive Balochistan Province has witnessed several instances of violence against the Hazara Shia community in recent months.

Several Shia gatherings have also been targeted in the central province of Punjab over the past few months.

Shia sources say they make up one-third of Pakistan’s population of nearly 160 million. Since the 1980s, thousands of people have been killed in sectarian-related incidents in Pakistan

3rd Shaban, Birthday of Our 3rd Imam Hussain (A.S.)

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Imam Husain ibn ‘Ali (peace be upon him)

Name: Husain ibn ‘Ali
Titles: Sayyid-as-Shuhadaa (Leader of Martyrs)
Kuniya: Abu Abdullah
Birthdate: Thursday, 3rd Shaban 4 A.H. in Madina
Father: Imam ‘Ali Al-Murtaza (peace be upon him), 1st Holy Imam
Mother: Hazrat Fatima (daughter of the Holy Prophet) (PBUT)
Died: (Martyred) Date: Friday, 10th Muharram, 61 A.H.
Place: Kerbala, IraqAge: 57 years
Cause: Massacred along with some of his family members and companions by the army of Yazid ibn Mu’awiya L.A
Buried: Kerbala, Iraq

Birth

On the third of Sha’ban in the year 4 A.H. (1) the city of Medina witnessed the birth of a boy in the house of Lady Fatimah (PBUH) and Imam Ali (PBUH); he was later nicknamed the “Master of Martyrs.” This newly born baby was the second son of a family whom the Prophet of Islam (PBUH&HP) saluted by the name of “Ahl al-Bayt” (people of the house of the Prophet). They were referred to as Ahl al-Bayt after Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) received the verse of Tat’hir (Purification) (The Holy Quran, 33:33). His mother was Lady Fatimah (PBUH), one of the greatest women in history, whose deep knowing, morality, purity, and other great characteristics are well known to all, a mother whose rank and status is described by the Holy Quran in a whole chapter.

His father, Imam Ali (PBUH), hugged his newborn second son in his arms. Imam Ali (PBUH) was the first person who became Muslim, most knowledgeable in religion, and most eloquent in the Arab language. As his exceptional record of self-sacrifice and courage in defending the religion of Allah (SWT) was passed down with the rise and expansion of Islam. He was the one whom Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) constantly announced as his successor by the command of Allah (SWT).

Naming

On such an auspicious day, Imam Ali (PBUH) took his son to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP), as was the custom of respect, in order for a name to be chosen for his newborn son, just as he had done for his first son. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) named him ?Hussain? by the order of Allah (SWT). Hussain is the Arabic equivalent of Shubayr in Hebrew. Shubayr was the name of the second son of Haroun/Aaron, the successor of Musa/Moses (PBUH).

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) once informed Imam Ali (PBUH) about the similarity found between Muhammad and Musa, Ali and Haroun, Shubbar and Hassan, Shubayr and Hussain: “O Ali, your status with respect to mine is equivalent to the status of Haroun with respect to Musa, except there will be no prophet after me.”

The Prophet’s flower

Hussain (PBUH) spent his childhood with Lady Fatimah (PBUH), Imam Ali (PBUH), and especially with Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP). The love and affection Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) had towards Hussain (PBUH) was so unique that all the companions were aware of it, had frequently seen its manifestation, and had heard of it repeatedly. Moreover, historians have recorded incidents and narrations in this respect. In one account it has been said that the Prophet’s prostration took longer than usual in his prayer. People came to the Prophet and asked, “Were you receiving a revelation or order from Allah during prostration?” Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) replied, “No, my son Hussain had climbed onto my back; I waited until he wished to come down.” This is an example showing how the best creature of Allah (SWT) treated Hussain (PBUH) while he was in the best state of worship.

The companions had seen Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) repeatedly put Hassan and Hussain (PBUT) on his shoulders and play with them. At other times he would kiss Hussain (PBUH) and say, “Hussain is from me, and I am from Hussain. May Allah love him who loves Hussain.” In other traditions the Prophet would say, “Hassan and Hussain (PBUT) are my two aromatic flowers from this world.”

Nonetheless, most people knew that the Prophet’s love for his two grandchildren, especially for Hussain (PBUH) was not a usual love of a grandfather for his grandchild. According to the Holy Quran, the Prophet’s (PBUH&HP) actions and words are apart from his desires: “Indeed in the Messenger of Allah you have a good example to follow …” (The Holy Quran, 33:21) On the other hand, although Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) had other adopted daughters and a son, the specific affection and recommendations were only shown towards Hassan and Hussain (PBUT).

Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH&HP) recommendations and affections for Hussain (PBUH) were in fact portraying an important fact. He would repeatedly inform people that salvation and prosperity can only be found through the friendship and love of Imam Hussain (PBUH). Umar Ibn Khattab narrates from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP): “Hassan and Hussain are masters of the youth in heaven. Whosoever loves them has loved me, and whosoever has animosity with them, is my enemy.” In another account the Holy Prophet has also said, “You came to awareness by me; you found the right path and were guided by Ali; you were given blessings through Hassan; but your eternal salvation is with Hussain. Be aware that Hussain is a door from the doors of heaven. Whosoever has animosity towards him can never enter heaven.”

In the mirror of Allah’s book

Imam Hussain (PBUH) was still a child when several verses of the Holy Quran were revealed either about or referring to him. One of those verses is referred to as the verse of Mubahilah (3:61). On the day of Mubahilah when a spiritual contest between Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) and the Christians of Najran was set up to invoke the curse of Allah (SWT) on the liars, Hussain (PBUH) and his family were the only ones accompanying the Prophet. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) had orders from Almighty Allah (SWT) through the verse of Mubahilah to take Hassan and Hussain (PBUT) as his children with him.

Hussain (PBUH) was one of the five people in regards to whom the verse of Tat’hir (Purification) was revealed. He, his father, brother, and mother were under the Prophet’s cloak when Allah (SWT) revealed to His Messenger: “Verily Allah desires to remove all kinds of uncleanness from only you, O Ahl al-Bayt (people of the house), and to definitely purify you.” (The Holy Quran, 33:33) This verse of the Holy Quran is clear proof of the infallibility of this family and their separation from all sins and mistakes.

In another verse, Allah (SWT) commands all Muslims to love those closely related to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP): “Say: I do not ask of you any reward for it but love for my near relatives?” (The Holy Quran, 42:32). When the companions asked Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) who these “near relatives” were, the Prophet (PBUH&HP) replied: “They are Ali, Fatimah and their two children.”

Years of youth

Unfortunately, the sweet years of Hussain’s childhood were soon over. He was about seven years old when the Prophet departed from this world, after having said his final words about his Ahl al-Bayt. Alas the Islamic world mourned.

The Prophet’s burial ceremony was not over yet, when the conspiracies were applied to rob the caliphate. People ignored all the numerous commandments and recommendations the Holy Prophet had made in regards to his successor. The great event of Ghadir had been veiled by negligence and disregard, and despite Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH&HP) frequent emphasis on Ali (PBUH) as his successor, his right for Islamic governorship was usurped. Even Fadak, a fertile land given by the Prophet to his daughter, was seized from the Prophet’s progeny by the government. The Prophet’s basil witnessed the harms and injuries caused upon his mother over the conflicts of allegiance, and as a result, lost his mother at the age of eight because of the crisis. The loss of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) and Imam Hussain?s (PBUH) mother on the one hand, and the oppression upon Imam Hussain?s (PBUH) father on the other hand, in addition to the pressures he faced from the government, were bothering Hussain’s (PBUH) clean soul. This period coincided with the three caliphates’ era.

During this time Hussain (PBUH), as a Muslim and a follower, followed the path of Ali (PBUH) and was determined to defend truth with any opportunity he received, even though he was in his youth. He would warn people about the alterations made to Islam after the demise of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP). In the best of manners Hussain (PBUH), his father, and brother would express their objection to the alterations rulers of their time had made to the religion. In one of the cases for example, the third Caliph had exiled Abu Dhar, a close companion of the Prophet, for the ?wrongdoing? of expressing his complaints about the Caliph’s deviation from the path of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP). Although the Caliph had banned all from bidding farewell to Abu Dhar, Imam Ali, Hassan, and Hussain (PBUT) all went to bid their farewells to Abu Dhar to express their objection. Upon departing, Hussain (PBUH) turned to Abu Dhar and said,

“Dear Uncle, the Almighty Lord is powerful and able. He can change everything that has happened to you. These people seized your comfort, world, and life. Yet, you protected your religion from their deviations; truly you are not in need of this world and the people dependant upon this world. Their world has no value in your eyes, even though they are in great need of your way in life. Strengthen your heart and refrain from greediness and lowliness. Do not fear, and seek refuge in Allah, for perseverance is a sign of faithfulness and greatness.”

Hussain (PBUH) supporter of father

Hussain (PBUH) was about 32 when authority over Muslims was handed back to its rightful owner, as people paid their allegiance to Ali (PBUH). After some time, Imam Ali (PBUH) migrated to Kufah with his sons, and therein established the new capital of the Islamic government. During the span of his father’s rule, Hussain (PBUH) was a true supporter and close assistant to his Imam and father in all political and military stages. He showed his utmost respect to his father and remained obedient to his commands at all times.

Hussain (PBUH) was trained and raised by the greatest defender of Islam; he had learned courage and bravery from his father; and he was seriously involved in the three wars during his father’s Caliphate. In the battle of Jamal, Hussain (PBUH) was responsible for commanding the left side of the army of Amir al-Mu’minin (PBUH). He also achieved the first victory for the army of Ali (PBUH) in the battle of Siffin, where he and his companions freed the Furat (Euphrates) River.(2) Moreover, his role as a witness in the Hakamiyah arbitration between Muawiyah and his father, Imam Ali (PBUH), is clear proof of his active participation in the society.

Hussain (PBUH) a follower of his brother

After the martyrdom of Amir al-Mu’minin (PBUH), Imam Hassan (PBUH), by the will of Allah (SWT) and the recommendations of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP), became the Imam and leader of the Muslims. He took responsibility in leading the Islamic society and in preaching the religion of Allah (SWT).

As in the case of his father, Hussain (PBUH), like a true follower, continued to obey and respect his brother, while remaining firmly obedient in even the smallest matters. His manners and obedience towards his brother was so exemplary that historians have acknowledged and recorded many of the cases. In one example, they have recorded a narration from Imam Baqir (PBUH) as follows: “Due to the high respect that Imam Hussain (PBUH) held for his brother, he refrained from walking ahead of or talking before his brother, Imam Hassan (PBUH).”

As mentioned, Hussain (PBUH) was always in a state of obedience and support to Imam Hassan?s (PBUH) actions in political and social matters, especially concerning peace treaty with Mu’awiyah. Despite the unfaithfulness of all Muslims towards Imam Hassan (PBUH), Hussain, the son of Ali (PBUT), a known character in the world of Islam, defended Imam Hassan’s (PBUH) decision on the peace treaty. Imam Hussain (PBUH) believed peace was the key factor in Islam’s maintenance.

After the peace treaty, Hussain (PBUH) and his brother moved from Kufah to Medina, their birth place and city, in which the Prophet’s shrine was built. In Medina, they continued to educate, enlighten, interpret, and explain the commandments of Allah (SWT) to the people. Not long after, however, Imam Hassan (PBUH) was poisoned and martyred by the order of Mu’awiyah. As Imam Hassan (PBUH) departed this world, the divine position of Imamate was once again passed to the most deserving. His brother Hussain (PBUH) became the next Imam in Islam.

The Status of Imam Husain (A.S.)

Imam Husain (Abu Abdulla) (A.S.) had a lofty position in the Qur’anic verses which mentioned his high position with the position of Ahlul-Bait (A.S.). next to the verses of the Glorious Qur’an like the verse of Purification, Malediction, Affection and others, we quote statements, from the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) as additional evidence expressing the lofty position occupied by Imam Husain (A.S.) in the world of Islam and the Muslim Ummah.

Some of them are:
In the Sahih of Tirmidi, The Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) said:
“Husain is from me and I am from Husain, Allah loves whoever loves Husain.”

2. Salman Farsi is reported to have said: I heard the Prophet of Allah (S.A.W.) saying:
“Hasan and Husain are my two sons. Whoever loves them, then he loves me and whoever loves them then Allah loves him. And whomsoever Allah loves, He will make him enter Paradise. And whoever dislikes them then dislikes me. And whoever Allah dislikes, He will throw him into hell face downward.”

Ali bin Husain (A.S.) said, on the authority of his father, on the authority of his grandfather (A.S.), “The Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) took the arms of Hasan and Husain and said, ‘Whoever loves me and loves these two and their father, he will certainly be with me on the Day of Judgement.”

Aspects of His Character:

Under the supervision of his grandfather (S.A.W.), his father, and his mother, al-Zahra’ ( peace be upon them all), the aspects of his characters fused together personifying the Message of Allah, the Blessed and Exalted, in thought, action and conduct. Here, we cite some examples regarding him:
Shu’aid bin Abdul-Rahman is reported to have said:
“On the way to Taf (Battle of Karbala’), wherein he was martyred) a mark was seen on the back of Husain bin Ali (A.S.). Imam Zainul-Abideen (A.S.) (his eldest son, and the son who survived the battle) was asked about it. “It is the trace,” he replied, “of the bag, which he puts on his back (carrying food) to the house of the widows, orphans and the poor.”

Another example, reflecting his humble nature is that of his acceptance of an invitation to having food with the poor. He encountered a number of poor men. Having had their food they hastened to ask him to share with them. He dismounted from his horse saying: “Surely, Allah does not like the haughty.” He partook of their food and said: “I have accepted your invitation won’t you accept mine?”
“Certainly, we will,” said they. He took them to his house and said to al-Rabab, his wife, “Bring us what you have been storing.”
One day he was asked, “How great is your fear of your lord?”
“No one would be secure on the Day of Judgement except those who feared Allah” he replied.”

The night before the tenth of the month of Muharram, Imam Husain (A.S.) asked the Ummayad army to delay the battle till the following morning. He said: “This night we want to offer our prayers to our Lord, and we want to ask His forgiveness. He knows that I love to offer my prayers to Him, recite His Book, and pray much asking for His forgiveness.”

Solar Powered Drone flies 7 Days Non Stop

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JNN 16.07.10 The UK-built Zephyr solar-powered plane has smashed the endurance record for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

The craft took off from the US Army’s Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona at 1440 BST (0640 local time) last Friday and is still in the air.

Its non-stop operation, day and night, means it has now gone five times longer than the official mark recognised by the world air sports federation.

The plane has been developed by the defence and research company Qinetiq.

Zephyr (Qinetiq)Zephyr is launched into the early morning Arizona sky

It also has a wider configuration near the main body to accommodate more equipment. In addition, the team has upgraded the avionics and power management systems on board.

“The launch was absolutely beautiful; it was just so smooth,” said Mr Saltmarsh. “We had five people lift it above their heads, start running and it just lifted away into the sky.”

The current official world endurance record for a UAV is 30 hours, 24 minutes. This was set by the US robot Global Hawk. Zephyr itself has already recorded an 83-hour continuous flight but representatives from the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) were not present to witness proceedings.

However, they are at Yuma this time and so the latest flight will go down as an official world record provided the FAI is satisfied its rules have been followed.

“This is a huge milestone that puts us at the leading edge,” Mr Saltmarsh told BBC News. “It’s a practical system that can actually be used rather than simply a demonstration of small technical achievements.”

The Zephyr flight is the second event of note this year in solar-powered aviation. Last month, Andre Borschberg became the first person to pilot a manned solar plane through the night.

Blasts leave 20 Shia Martyred in southeast Iran

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JNN. 16.07.10 More than 20 people have been killed and over 100 others have been wounded after two explosions hit the southeastern Iranian city of Zahedan in Sistan-Baluchestan Province.

“Two explosions in the front of Zahedan’s Grand Mosque have left more than 20 martyrs and over 100 injured,” Fariborz Rashedi, the head of Sistan-Baluchestan’s emergency unit told.

The first explosion occurred at 9:20 p.m. local time (1650 GMT) in front of the city’s Grand Mosque, and was followed by a second blast within minutes, IRNA said.

Jalal Sayyah, a police official, said emergency forces have arrived at the scene of the incident, adding that an investigation into the incident was underway.

Deputy Interior Minister Ali Abdollahi described the incident as a “terrorist act,” Fars news agency reported.

“The explosions were two suicide attacks. At first some one wanted to enter the Masjid Jame of Zahedan with Hijab, but the authorities didn’t let him enter. Then he exploded himself in front of the Masjid. As a result three or four people martyred. After a while the second explosion happened and many people who gathered to help the injured of the first explosion martyred and injured.” Hussain Ali Shahriari, the MP of Zahidan said.

Last year in a terrorist attack in Masjid of Ali ibn Abitalib (a.s) 24 people martyred and 80 injured


Chechen President on pilgrimage in Mecca

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JNN 14.07.10 The President of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov, who is currently on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia’s Mecca, took part in the ceremony of washing the Kaaba inside the Grand Mosque.

He was accompanied by the Saudi Prince Khaled al-Faisal, governor of Mecca.

Mr. Kadyrov prayed Namaz at Islam’s most sacred shrine.

It’s been the first time in history when a foreign political leader was allowed to take part in Kaaba`s washing ceremony.

The Chechen leader asked the governor of Mecca to allow 29 other pilgrims from Chechnya to enter the Kaaba as well.

Mr. Kadyrov said that in his prayers he asked God’s mercy upon the Chechen nation.

French Parliament approves ban on face veils

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JNN 12.07.10 PARIS: France’s lower house of parliament on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved a ban on wearing veils, part of a concerted effort to define and protect French values that has disconcerted many in the country’s large Muslim community.

Proponents of the law say face-covering veils do not square with the French ideal of women’s equality or its secular tradition. The bill is controversial abroad but popular in France, where its relatively few outspoken critics say conservative President Nicolas Sarkozy has resorted to xenophobia to attract far-right voters.

The ban on veils will go in September to the Senate, where it also is likely to pass. Its biggest hurdle will likely come after that, when France’s constitutional watchdog scrutinizes it. Some legal scholars say there is a chance it could be deemed unconstitutional.

Spain and Belgium have similar bans in the works. In France, which has Europe’s largest Muslim population, about 5 million of the country’s 64 million people are believed to be Muslim. While ordinary headscarves are common in France, only about 1,900 women are believed to wear face-covering veils.

The main body representing French Muslims says such garb is not suitable in France, but it worries that the ban will stigmatize all Muslims.

In Tuesday’s vote at the National Assembly, there were 335 votes for the bill and just one against it. Most members of the main opposition group, the Socialist Party, walked out and refused to vote, though they in fact support a ban. They simply have differences over where it should be enforced, underscoring the lack of controversy among French politicians on the issue.

The bill passed on Tuesday bans face-covering veils everywhere that can be considered public space, even in the street, but the Socialists only want it in certain places, such as government buildings, hospitals and public transport.

France’s government has sought to insist that assimilation is the only path for immigrants and minorities, and last year it launched a grand nationwide debate on what it means to be French. The country has had difficulty integrating generations of immigrants and their children, as witnessed by weeks of rioting by youths, many of them minorities, in troubled neighborhoods in 2005.

At the National Assembly, few dissenters spoke out about civil liberties or fears of fanning anti-Islam sentiment. Before the vote, Greens lawmaker Francois de Rugy said the conservatives ”are throwing oil on the fire _ you are reviving tensions just to win votes.”

Legislator Berengere Poletti, of Sarkozy’s party, said face-covering veils are a prison for women, they are the sign of their submission to their husbands, brothers or fathers.

The veils are also seen here as a gateway to extremism and an attack on secularism, a central value of France for more than a century.

Discussions in France have dragged on for more than a year, since Sarkozy declared in June 2009 that the veil is not welcome in France.

There has been some concern the bill could prod terror groups to eye France or its citizens as potential targets.

The legislation would forbid face-covering Muslim veils in all public places in France and calls for euro150 ($185) fines or citizenship classes, or both.

The bill also is aimed at husbands and fathers, anyone convicted of forcing someone else to wear the garb, risks a year of prison and a euro30, 000 ($38,000) fines, with both penalties doubled if the victim is a minor.

Officials have taken pains to craft language that does not single out Muslims. While the proposed legislation is colloquially referred to as the “anti-burqa law,” it is officially called the bill to forbid concealing one’s face in public.

It refers neither to Islam nor to veils. Officials insist the law against face-covering is not discriminatory because it would apply to everyone, not just Muslims. Yet they cite a host of exceptions, including motorcycle helmets, or masks for health reasons, fencing, skiing or carnivals.

In March, France’s highest administrative body, the Council of State, warned that the law could be found unconstitutional. It said that neither French secularism nor concerns about women’s equality, human dignity or public security could be legal justifications.

Anticipating a ban on the veils, an entrepreneur who tried to run for president in 2007, Rachid Nekkaz, is creating a fund to pay the fines of anyone caught wearing a niqab or burqa.

While he says he opposes the full veils, he says a ban would be anti-democratic, and he is creating the fund so that my country is not the disgrace of the whole world.

India has more poor people than Africa

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JNN 12.07.10 A new UN-backed poverty index finds that eight Indian states have more indigent people than the 26 poorest African countries combined.

According to Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), the poorest Indian states include Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.

The study says that the Indian states in question have 421 million indigent people which are more than the 410 million poor in the poorest African countries.

According to the report, a half of the world’s indigent population lives in South Asia while just over a quarter are located in Africa.

The rapidly increasing population of India is expected to surpass that of China by 2050, official figures show.

Over the past 100 years, India has witnessed a five-fold increase in population. Experts say that the rapid growth will hamper the sustainable development of the country, which is already grappling with rampant hunger and poverty.

Meanwhile, the Indian government says it has launched several programs to alleviate poverty across the country.

Atlast Punjab Government says it ordered 'crackdown' on militants

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JNN 12.-7.10 LAHORE: Pakistan’s political heartland has ordered a crackdown on militants after a series of devastating attacks and accusations of links to banned groups, officials said Monday.

General Public of Pakistan  have long demanded that Pakistan root out extremist militant groups that use its soil to launch attacks across the country, as well as in neighbouring Afghanistan and India.

But the details and scope of the apparent crackdown – which comes just days before Pakistan is due to host India’s Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna for talks in Islamabad – were unclear.

“The government has ordered a policy of zero tolerance against all these groups. There are at least 2,000 to 2,200 activists of banned outfits being closely monitored in Punjab,” police official Akram Naeem Bharoka told AFP.

“We have very clear instructions from the government that no outlawed organisation should be allowed to continue their activities in any part of the province,” Bharoka said.

Asked how many people had been arrested and offices targeted, the senior official in Punjab police said only that figures were being compiled.

Police confirmed raids and arrests of militants from extremist Wahabi Muslim group Sipah-e-Sihaba Pakistan (SSP) and Jamaat-ud-Dawa, a charity seen as a front for the Lashkar-e-Taiba group India blamed for the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

“We have arrested at least eight people belonging to different banned organisations,” Lahore city police chief Aslam Tareen told AFP.

“These organisations have been involved in distributing hate material and promoting sectarianism,” he said. The government ordered police to curb the activities of these groups, he added.

While the Sindh Government is still in Watch and wait situation , even after the continued target Killing in the Capital of the Province , the Biggest City of Pakistan , Karachi , with a Population of about 20 Million People , from where even High Value Targets Like Mulla Braader are being arrested , where the presence of these high value target itself shows that they dont travel to places where they dont have there whole community to guard them and mingle in them , Jafaria News Network correspondent Research and Analysis says  that Taliban , and there associated Terrorist Organisations are now trying to hide in the Mega Metropolis City of Karachi, where they are now trying to re organize , and recruit the local people , which can mingle and operate easily in the city , and can perform there duties deputed to them, without being Marked . Which is a very alarming situation and if  an early notice is not taken and a Major Crack down against these Wahabi Terrorist proclaimed offenders and there Organisations  is not done before any Big disaster in the city happens, God forbid.Then it will be too late.

While another crackdown is also badly needed in and around  Kurram Agency to free it from terrorist , because of whom its  Capital Parachinar and it’s linking road is being besieged by the terrorists for the last three years , and the citizens are paying up a heavy cost , as they are cut off from Pakistan , and have to travel to Afghanistan for all there necessities of life.

God bless Pakistan and its Peace Loving Citizens, Especially the Shia Muslim community which has shown there patience and courage , even after bearing over a dozen shahdats of there Youth and Elders being Targeted and Killed .

New militant group emerges in Pakistan

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JNN. 12.07.10 ISLAMABAD: Pakistani authorities now believe a dangerous new militant group, out to avenge a deadly army assault on a mosque in Islamabad three years ago, has carried out several major bombings in the capital previously blamed on the Taliban.

The emergence of the Ghazi Force was part of the outrage among many deeply religious Pakistani Muslims over the July 2007 attack by security forces against the Lal Masjid, or Red Mosque, a stronghold of militants.

The fierce attack, in which scores of young, heavily armed students died, inspired a new generation of militants.

These Pakistanis have turned against a government they felt has betrayed them and, to their dismay, backed the US role in neighboring Afghanistan.

The brief but bloody history of the Ghazi Force illustrates the unintended results of Pakistan’s policy of promoting extremists to fight India in the disputed area of Kashmir.

That policy— which Pakistan denies it pursues —now threatens regional stability as the US and Pakistan’s other Western partners pour billions of dollars into the country to stop the rise of militancy.

The new group is made up of relatives of students who died in the Red Mosque assault.

It is named after the students’ leader, Maulana Abdul Rashid Ghazi, who was also killed. The mosque’s adjacent religious school, or madrassa, had been a sanctuary for militants opposed to Pakistan’s support of the US-run war in Afghanistan.

Private television stations broadcast vivid scenes of the assault —commandos in black fatigues rapelling down ropes, the crackle of gunfire, bodies of black-shrouded girls carried out through the smoldering gates.

Those images stunned the nation, especially families of the students and Pakistanis with deep religious feelings.

Islamabad’s inspector general of police, Kalim Imam, told The Associated Press that the Ghazi Force was behind most of the deadliest attacks in the capital during the last three years.

The attacks targeted the military, the Inter-Services Intelligence agency or ISI and a five-star hotel frequented by foreigners and the Pakistani elite.

The Ghazi Force helped recruit a security official who blew himself up inside the office of the World Food Program last October, killing five people, according to Imam.

The force also sent a suicide bomber in September 2007 into the mess hall of the commando unit that attacked the Red Mosque, killing 22 people, he said.

Ghazi Force members may also have been involved in the audacious June 9 attack north of the capital that killed seven people and destroyed 60 vehicles ferrying supplies to Nato and US soldiers next door in Afghanistan, Imam said.

Many of those attacks had been attributed to the Pakistani Taliban, which operates in the remote tribal areas of the northwest along the border with Afghanistan.

There is evidence of close ties between the Ghazi Force and the Pakistani Taliban, which the government has vowed to crush.

The Ghazi Force is believed to be headquartered in the Orakzai region of the border area, where the leader of the Pakistan Taliban, Hakimullah Mehsud, held sway for years. The leader of the Ghazi Force is believed to be Maulana Niaz Raheem, a former student at the Red Mosque.

Anger over the bloodshed at the mosque was all the greater because many of the militants and their supporters felt betrayed by a government that had once supported them.

Both Ghazi and his brother Maulana Abdul Aziz Ghazi, who was freed on bail this year after two years in jail, were widely believed to have been on the payrolls of both the government and the ISI intelligence service.

Their father, Maulana Mohammad Abdullah, enjoyed a close relationship with the late President Mohammad Zia ul-Haq, and the mosque was a center for recruiting volunteers to fight against the Soviets in Afghanistan in the 1980s.

As opposition grew to Pakistan’s support of the US role in Afghanistan, the mosque became a center of religious agitation against the government, with armed students taking over the complex and police laying siege.

A former senior official in the Interior Ministry told The Associated Press that the police wanted to storm the mosque and end the siege at its outset, send the students home and shut down the religious school and a neighboring library until tempers cooled.

President Gen. Pervez Musharraf refused, the official said, even though police knew that members of al-Qaida’s affiliate organization Jaish-e-Mohammad, which is banned in Pakistan, were bringing in weapons for the students.

Musharraf relented and ordered the assault after militants kidnapped several Chinese nationals running a massage parlor in Islamabad, accusing them of prostitution. The death toll remains in dispute. Red Mosque officials say hundreds died. The government says fewer than 100 were killed.

Prejudice verdict for the Murder of African-American provokes violent protests in US

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JNN 10.07.10 Hundreds of protesters have taken to streets in the US city of Oakland to oppose a court ruling on a white police officer’s killing of an unarmed African-American.

The protest turned violent on Thursday night, with the demonstrators throwing rocks and bottles at police. At least 50 people have been arrested for fighting with the police.

Former Bay Area Rapid Transit officer Johannes Mehserle was found guilty of “involuntary manslaughter” of Oscar J. Grant III, on New Year’s Day of 2009.

The conviction usually carries a maximum four-year sentence. But some in Oakland expected a tougher penalty for the former police officer, on the grounds that he committed hate crime.

“This is not an involuntary manslaughter case,” said John Burris an attorney for the Grant family. “This is a true compromise verdict that does not truly and accurately reflect the facts, and we are extraordinarily disappointed at that,” Burris said, according to AFP.

“My son was murdered. He was murdered. He was murdered. My son was murdered,” said Grant’s mother, Wanda Johnson, CNN reported. “The system has let us down, but God will never ever let us down.”

The killing of the 22-year-old African-American took place at an Oakland train station.

The protesters say the verdict is racially-motivated.

They say the defendant should have been convicted of at least second-degree murder.

“We do believe that this was a murder case, a second-degree murder, and we are surprised” by the decision, Burris said.

Karbala commemorates Imam Kazem [as] Martydrom anniversary

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25th Rajab Martyrdom Anniversary of Imam Musa ibn Ja'far al-Kazim (A.S.)

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Imam Musa ibn Ja’far al-Kazim(A.S.),the Seventh Holy Infallible Imam of the Shi’ites whose matchless devotion and worship of God has earned him the titles of “Abd-e-Saleh” and “Bab-ul-Hawaij” (The Door to Fulfilling Peoples’ Needs).

The Holy Imam (A.S.) was confined in prisons for 14 years by the ruling Abbasid caliphs and was finally martyred by poisoning in the prison of Baghdad on 25th Rajab, 183 A.H., by the tyrant and cruel Abbasid caliph Harun al-Rashid.

On this heartbreaking and sad occasion we extend our Heartfelt Sorrow and Condolences to all the Shia Muslims and the Lovers of Holy Ahlul Bayt(A.S.) in the world.

JAP conducts APC on ongoing Target Killing and Shrines Bombing

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JNN 07.07.10 Karachi : Jafaria Alliance Pakistan conducts a successful All Parties Conference at Art Council , Karachi, which was attended by all the Major Political and Religious Parties of the Pakistan, where all the Participants of the conference unanimously condemned the Ongoing Target Killing in different cities of Pakistan , and especially in Karachi, and the suicide attack on Data Darbar and other Shrines of the Saints by the terrorists of the banned Organisations namely , Sipah e Sahaba , Lashkar e Jhangvi, Tehrik e Taliban , Jaish e Mohd, Jundullah and all similar organisations.

The Participants of the conference were namely, Raza Haider (MQM) , Haseeb Ahmed( MQM) , Asad ullah Bhutto ( Jamat e Islami ), Waqar Mehdi ( PPP) ,  Najmi Alam (PPP),  Feroz ud din Hazarvi ( PPP), Sardar Akhtar Baloch ( PPP),  Sardar Abdul Rahim ( PML N ),  Anwar Ahmed Khan (PML F) , Kamal Ahmed( PML F),  Ameen Khattak (ANP),  Shahid Ghori ( Sunni Tehreek ), Shabbir Abu Talib ( JUP Noorani ) , Md. Sarfraz Naeemi (JUP Noorani ) , Faisal Azizi (Tehreek e Minhajul Quran) ,  Dr. Idrees Edhi (President Pakistan Medical Association ),  Dr.Samreena Hashmi ( Ex G Sect PMA ) , Dr Amir Raza ( PMA ) , Dr.Habib Soomro ( PMA ),  Nazim Haji ( Ex Chief CPLC ), Micheal Javed( Minority ) , Ramesh Singh ( Minority ) ,Masood Jamal ( Faroogh e Insaniat ), Pir Ghulam Mujadid Sirhindi, Molana Murtaza Rehman , Ameer Abdullah Farooqi , Bostan Ali Hoti and others .

The conference was conducted by S. Shams . Rizvi , in the Chairmanship of Allama Abbas Kumaili , where the other cabinet member of JAP , Mohd. Hussain Masoodi , Shabbar Raza , Salman Mujtaba and others were also Present.

All the Participants of the conference showed there 100% support for  Allama Abbas Kumaili ,and  vowed to stand by him for all the initiatives taken by him in the Planning and making of policies for the elimination of terrorism. And in the end 14 resolutions were also presented for the eleminations of terrorism and terrorists from Pakistan, which were unanimously accepted by all the Participants of the conference .

Government complete failure to Protect the Shia Community , Another Young Shia Shot dead

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JNN 06.07.10 Karachi : The Provincial and the Federal Government has completely failed to Protect the Shia Community from the Ongoing Target Killing of the Youth of the Shia Muslim of Pakistan.

Today at 7.30a.m in the morning when Faiyaz Hussain Rizvi s/o Suleman Hussain Rizvi  came out from his Shah walliullah Colony , Orangi 11 1/2 residence , on his bike to go on his duty  at a local MotorBike Assembly Plant, then just a little away from his residence he was intercepted by two men on a Bike , who shot him twice , one on his temple and the other on his shoulder , which caused his instant shahdat.

From where his body was shifted to ImamBargah Shah e Karbala , Rizvia Society , after the Ghusal , the body was taken for Namaz e Janaza , which was held at Muhammadia Imambargah ,Orangi Town 11 1/2 , led by Molana Ali Mohd. Naqvi, and burial was done at the near by  local Orangi town Grave Yard.

There is a sense of complete insecurity within the Shia Muslim community , due to the Total failure of the Government , which have drastically failed to protect the lives of Shia Community in the ongoing Target Killing in all Over Pakistan ,and especially in Karachi. They have even now big questions Marks for the Political Parties on Provincial as well as federal level , who claims to be the friends and well wishers of the community , and who even won elections due to there support, but at this hour of need , they have even failed to do any thing which can obstruct and penalize these terrorists , who are involved in this bloodshed and daily taking the lives of the Innocent and Peace Loving Shia Muslim Pakistanis.

Jafaria Alliance Pakistan take a step ahead to increase sectarian Harmony

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JNN 05.07.12 Karachi : Jafaria Alliance Pakistan’s Leadership has taken a step ahead to increase the sectarian Harmony in the country , to nip in the bud the nefarious designs of the enemies of Islam and Pakistan , who want to devide and Disintegrate the Population of Pakistan on Sectarian Grounds , and in this regard they have started contacts with the leaders of the different sects and Religious Parties , to Harmonise and Defuse if there is any misunderstandings to give boost to the United and One Pakistan Concept.

In continuation of this Mission the Leadership of Jafaria Alliance Pakistan , took a delegation to the office of Shah Turab ul Haq, and discussed the Ongoing target Killling of Shia Muslims in Karachi and other Parts of the country and the Brutal and the Most condemnable acts of Suicide Bombing on Data Darbar and other shrines of Aulias , while Allama Turab ul Haq also showed his unconditional support in increasing the sectarian Harmony and also clearly declared that there is no sectarian issue in the country , Between Shia and Sunni sects of Islam , it is only American and Saudi funded Wahabi banned Organisations , which are trying to paint the picture of sectarianism in the ongoing Target Killing and Bombing of Shrines.

Strong security in Kazimain

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As the yearly ceremonies marking the eight-century martyrdom of Imam Moussa al-Kadhim are 3 days away, Baghdad Operations Command said that security measure to protect the visitors were taken in Kazimiyah and its surroundings adding that a curfew will be imposed during the ceremonies. Baghdad Government and Operations commend mentioned the services that will be offered for the visitors.
In fact officials said that hundreds of buses will be provided for visitors and dozens of health care units will be deployed.
To that, in order to protect the security of the visitors heading towards Kazimiah, Baghdad Operations Command issued a decision that bans holding any kinds of arms and branding pictures for any political figure or religious men

Top Shia cleric dies in Lebanon

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JNN 05.07.10 Lebanon’s leading Shia Muslim cleric, a key figure in the founding of Hezbollah, has died aged 74, hospital sources have said.

Grand Ayatollah Fadlallah died in a Beirut hospital on Sunday where he was admitted on Friday for internal bleeding.

Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Mohammed Hussein Fadlallah was regarded as Hezbollah’s spiritual guide after it was founded in 1982.

A vocal critic of the United States, Ayatollah Fadlallah used to slam US warmongering policies in the Middle East, particularly its alliance with Israel.

Born in Najaf, Iraq, Fadlallah studied Islamic sciences in Najaf before moving to Lebanon in 1952.

In the following decades, he delivered many lectures, engaged in intense scholarship, wrote dozens of books, founded several Islamic religious schools, and established the Mabarrat Association.

Through that association he established a public library, a women’s cultural center, and a medical clinic.

The Grand Ayatollah was the target of several assassination attempts, including the CIA-sponsored and Saudi-funded March 8, 1985 Beirut car bombing that killed 80 people.

'Saudi Arabia training Iraq terrorists'

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JNN 05.07.10 Saudi Arabia has set up a military base near its border with Jordan for training militants to conduct terrorist activities in war-weary Iraq, informed sources say.

The sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the terrorists were receiving training from ranking Saudi army officers.

Leak intelligence documents embarrassed Saudi officials in May when Iraq’s Buratha news agency revealed that Riyadh has been transferring large sums of money to al-Qaeda terrorists in neighboring Iraq.

The new agency later said up to 37 people had been arrested in connection with the leak, after Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz ordered a special committee to investigate the disclosure.

According to the sources, Riyadh is also supporting the Mujahedin Khalq Organization (MKO) — an anti-Iran listed terrorist group listed as a terrorist organization by much of the international community.

They said Saudi Arabia is providing MKO terrorists with equipment free of charge.

Aside from conducting numerous acts of terror in Iran, the MKO is also known to have aided Iraq’s notorious dictator Saddam Hussein in suppressing the 1991 Shia uprisings in southern Iraq and the massacre of Iraqi Kurds

Jafaria Alliance Pakistan calls APC for a Joint Strategy to counter Terrorism

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JNN 04.07.2010 Karachi : Jafaria Alliance Pakistan has decided to invite all the Political , Regional and Sectarian Parties of Pakistan , for All Parties Conference to discuss and evolve a strategy to counter the ongoing Target Killing of Shia Community Members in all Over Pakistan and especially in Karachi , and the destruction and bombing of Mazarat of Aulia Allahs, like Data Darbar and Rehman Baba , Member of all the Parties are requested to contact the Press & Media Wing of Jafaria Alliance for the Registration & confirmation of there Presence in the All Parties Conference , to be Held at Arts council on 7th July 2010.

Jafaria Alliance Pakistan team meets Mufti Munib ur Rehman

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JNN 04.07.10 Karachi : Jafaria Alliance Pakistan senior executive comitte in the chairamanship of Allama Abbas Kumaili met Mufti Munib ur Rehman at Darul Ulloom Naeemia , Federal B Area to Discuss the Current Situation which have occured after the recent Target Killing of Shia Community Member all over Pakistan and especially Karachi and the Tripple Suicide Attack on Data Darbar in  Lahore , The Team members of JAP , which comprises of Molana Hussain Masudi, Shabbar Raza , Nisar Qalandari , discussed in detail the Recent scenario , and codemned it . They Unilaterally admitted that this killing and attack are not of sectarian nature , as there is complete Harmony and collabration between the Sunni and Shia sects of Islam , Rather this is the work of Terrorists , which are working against Islam and especially Pakistan.

A Joint Press conference was also addressed by the Mufti Muneeb ur Rehman and Allama Abbas Kumaili , to show the solidarity and harmony between the Shia and Sunni sects of Islam. It was also declared that these target Killing and Bomb Blast at Mosques and shrines of Aulia Allah are not of sectarian nature , rather the terrorist who are doing these things just want to paint the Picture of Disharmony among Shia and Sunni sects of Islam . And want to create chaos and Panic in the general Pakistani People. And they are even funded by the enemies of Islam and Pakistan.

Karachi : Government Failure to arrest the Target Killers of Shain e Haider e Karar , Leads to Another Shahadat of a Young Shia

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JNN 02.07.10 , Another Young Man belonging to the Shia Muslim Community of Karachi embraced Shahadat , due to the failure of Government and law enforcement agencies to nab the culprits of these Target Killing in Karachi and the other Parts of the country  of Shian e Haider e Karar , which has raised the alarm of high alert in the country , as this Target Killing is not stopped , it may lead to any big disaster , which is in the planning of the enemies of Islam and especially Pakistan.

Rizwan Hussain s/o Ansar Hussain , aged 24 was shot dead by two persons who came on a motor bike and shot multiple rounds , due to which he embraced shahadat, who ran away after firing on the same bike , on which they came , unhindered by any body, in the limits of NORTH Karachi , sector 5D, near 2 minute Chowrangi , in the jurisdiction of Ajmer Nagri PS. His body has been shifted to the Masjid Khair ul Amal , Sadaat Society (Incholi), where  his Namaz e janza was performed after  Zuhrain on 03.07.10, and after the Zuhrain Prayers his funeral Procession , which was attended by thousands of Momineen were taken to the 5E Graveyard in scheme 33, where the his burial took place in the presence of thousands of momineen.

These Target Killing should be an eye opener to all the law enforcement and Intelligence agencies of Pakistan , as this is a begining of some huge disaster , if these terrorist belonging to the well know banned organisations like Jundullah , Jaish e Mohd, Lashkar e Taiba, Tehreek e Taliban , Sipah e Sahaba , Lashkar e Jhangvi , Punjabi Taliban, all working under one  umbrella are not nabbed, as if this continues, it will be lead to some thing of an altitude , which is unimaginable, as if this is not countered with all the force ,  according to the correspondent of Jafaria News Network , if we go through the history then , we have ample of literature , that even the Mukti Bahani , in East Pakistan , started to capture the cities of East Pakistan , Now Bangladesh in the same Manner , they use to roam free in the street of East Pakistan , and killing whom ever they want, which finally led to a disaster , in which half of Pakistan was cut , which even the Bengali’s now regret , who favoured it then , just on ethenic grounds, and which is proved in History as the Person who did the deal with these Mukti bahni’s was even assasinated with all his family members , accept one , as when the Bengali Population realized that Mujeeb ur Rehman have sold all of them to Indian Intelligence agencies , for his personal fortune and Power, He was no more accepted and the revolutionary army members assassinated him.

The Army should also interfere and take some corrective actions against such elements as they have openly challenged them and even have by now taken lives of thousands of Services Personnel , as if the time is passed then it will be uncontrolable , or some big price has to be paid , if this is not nipped in the bud. As it is quite evident from even the recent happenings , that these terrorist Organisation start there onslaught with the Killing of Shia Community members,to give it a sectarian look , which even our Media portray it like that , but actually it did not stop there , as it says for it self , that the attack on Parade Lane Mosque , triple Suicide attack on Data Darbar , these all proves that it is the beginning of a big planned disaster ,  which even a common man on the street can judge , then why our electronic Media intellectual show some other dimension , and why some major steps are not taken by the Defenders of the Nation , at this time of need.

May God Bless Pakistan , and Safe Gaurd the citizens of Pakistan from the Evil forces of Devil. Ameen

Translation of Quran and Hadith into Pashtu on Al-Mustafa University’s Agenda

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According to Mirsane’i, head of the University’s education and research office in Afghanistan, the translation will be done the aim of promoting the culture of the holy Quran and Hadith in Afghanistan and in other countries where Pashtu is spoken.

The Al-Mustafa International University also plans to hold general and specialized Quranic courses in Afghanistan including Quran reading, Tajweed, Lahn, Sowt, Quranic concepts and interpretation, he noted.

He said that since Afghanistan is an Islamic country, there is a lot of potential for training a large number of individuals in the field of Quranic activities and paving the way for the dissemination of thoughts and teachings of the Book of God.

Mirsane’i went on to say that the new approach of Al-Mustafa University aims to promote Quran and Hadiths in the world through organizing scientific, seminary-related and international Quranic activities.

Iran nuclear Scientist Shahram Amiri escaped from US agents

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In a video shown on Iran TV, he says he has escaped in the US state of Virginia and is now on the run.

Mr Amiri disappeared a year ago while undertaking the Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

Two videos purportedly showing him surfaced three weeks ago. One said he had been kidnapped, the other that he was living freely in Arizona.

In the new video, broadcast on Tuesday, June 29, he says: “I, Shahram Amiri, am a national of the Islamic Republic of Iran and a few minutes ago I succeeded in escaping US security agents in Virginia.

“Presently, I am producing this video in a safe place. I could be re-arrested at any time.”

He says the video broadcast earlier this month, in which someone claiming to be Mr Amiri says he was kidnapped by Saudi and US agents, tortured, forced to say he had defected and was living in Tucson, Arizona, is “completely authentic and there are no fabrications in it.

“The second video which was published on YouTube by the US government, where I have said that I am free and want to continue my education here, is not true and is a complete fabrication.

I was not prepared to betray my country under any kind of threats or bribery by the US government

“I am not free here and I am not permitted to contact my family. If something happens and I do not return home alive, the US government will be responsible.”

He finishes the video by urging Iranian officials and human rights organisations to “put pressure on the US government for my release and return”.
“I was not prepared to betray my country under any kind of threats or bribery by the US government,” he adds.

Turkey re-builds Albanian Muslim Community's headquarters

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The 90-year-old headquarters of the Muslim Community in Albania has been re-constructed by the Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA).

The new building in Tirana was inaugurated Tuesday with a ceremony attended by Albania’s Minister of Culture, Tourism, Youth & Sports Ferdinand Xhaferri, TIKA’s head Musa Kulaklikaya and Albania Muslim Community’s President Selim Muca.

Speaking at the ceremony, Kulaklikaya said Turkey and Albania had common values dating back to history.

Kulaklikaya also noted that TIKA would soon take over the renovation of a Bektashi cultural center in the Albanian capital.

Officials said the re-construction of the Muslim Community building cost nearly 250,000 Euros.

Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA) is the Turkish government’s development and cooperation agency.

TIKA has coordination offices in 20 countries and operates in many countries across Africa, Asia and Europe, delivering development assistance to partner countries through its projects and activities.

Mastung: Abdul Aleem Shot Martyred

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The target killing of Shia Muslims continues across the country including Mastung Balochistan as the terrorists of outlawed Nasabi’s outfit Sipah-e-Sahaba and Taliban were martyred Abdul Aleem Mangi in Mastung, Balochistan.
Abdul Aleem who was owner of barber Shop in Mastung was martyred on last night on 28th, 2010 at 11:30 PM while he was going to home after closing his shop.
The killing of Abdul Aleem Mangi was a part of a series of Shia target killing incidents that have been going on in Quetta and Balochistan from the last five years.
The genocide of Shia Muslims in Pakistan continue unabated. Recent reports from Quetta and Mastung (Balochistan), Dera Ismail Khan, Kurram Agency, and Karachi are incontrovertible fact that the Holocaust of Shia Muslims, anti-Shi’ism and anti-Shia Pogrom have no match in the human history.
Where is United Nations, where are self-claimed champions on war on terrorism and their local allies? Where are human rights organisations, civil society, lawyers? Where are those who are legally bound to ensure safety and security of life, property and honour of all Pakistani citizens.

Bangladesh arrests party leaders for 'hurting Muslim sentiment

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Dhaka – Bangladeshi police Tuesday arrested three leaders of a religious political party on charges of hurting Muslim sentiments, police said.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami party chief Motiur Rahman Nizami,general secretary Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojaheed and vice president Delwar Hossain Saydee were arrested on a court order, police officer.

Dhaka’s Metropolitan Magistrate Mehedi Hasan Talukder issued the warrant after the defendants failed to comply with summons to appear in court in a lawsuit Tuesday.

Syed Rezaul Haque, a leader of Bangladesh Tarikat Federation, filed the suit on March 21 accusing the party of having compared Nizami to Prophet Muhammad – a serious offence in Islam.

The party is also widely blamed for supporting Pakistani occupiersduring the country’s liberation war of 1971.

Learn the Al-Quran as a habit

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Brunei Darussalam — Muslims in the country are urged to read, memorise, and learn the Al-Quran as a habit. The Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs said that effort to learn the Al-Quran needs to be carried out continuously because learning Al-Quran is a life long learning.

According to Pengiran Haji Bahrom bin Pengiran Haji Bahar, for those who are unable to read the Al-Quran or unable to read fluently, efforts to learn the reading of Al-Quran must to be carried out continuously. This is in-line with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s hopes in his titah to produce Bruneians who are able to read Al-Quran and understand the religion.

The Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs was speaking at the 47th Al-Quran Interpretation Oratory Contest for Religious School students throughout the country. The contest was won by Awang Azhar Aziz bin Haji Dullah from Pengiran Digadong Haji Mohd Salleh Religious School, Brunei Division One, and Dayangku Nurhazirah Binti Pengiran Haji Duraman from the Pelambayan Religious School, Brunei Division Two, in their respective categories.

Saudi King in U.S. Assures Obama of Commitment to 2-State Mideast Solution

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President Barack Obama and Saudi King Abdullah met Tuesday at the White House to discuss the Middle East peace process.

Obama stressed on the importance of securing a Palestinian homeland alongside a strong Israeli state. “They expressed their hope that proximity talks between Israelis and Palestinians will lead to the resumption of direct talks with the aim of two states living side-by-side in peace and security,” the White House said in a statement.

The US president said, “As representatives of two G-20 countries, we also continued the conversation that took place this weekend about how the Saudi – how the Saudi government and the United States government can work with our other partners around the world to keep the economic recovery going and to help bring about the strong economic growth that’s necessary to put people back to work.”

“The President and King Abdullah also discussed the importance of resuming the Israeli-Syrian and the Israeli-Lebanese tracks in order to achieve a comprehensive peace in the Middle East. The President welcomed the King’s continued leadership in support of the Arab Peace Initiative.”

Obama said their meeting ranged over a number of strategic issues, including Iran’s nuclear program, Pakistan and Afghanistan, as well as “the importance of moving forward in a swift and bold way in securing a Palestinian homeland that can live side by side with a secure and prosperous Israeli state.”

King Abdullah only spoke briefly after their meeting, thanking Obama for his hospitality and praising the friendship between their two countries. “I would like to say to the friendly American people that the American people are friends of Saudi Arabia and its people, and they are friends of the Arab and Muslim people, and they are also friends of humanity,” he said.

Analysts say the Saudis want Obama to take a stronger stance with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over stalled peace talks with the Palestinians and on freezing settlements. Netanyahu meets Obama on July 6.

The leaders also discussed building a Saudi army that would be capable of facing any threat. The possible purchase of 72 F-16 jets by the Saudi was also discussed.