Muslim World League hosts ‘Declaration of Peace in Afghanistan’

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Updated 10 June 2021
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Muslim World League hosts ‘Declaration of Peace in Afghanistan’

  • Scholars of Afghanistan and Pakistan meet to discuss reconciliation and peace

The Muslim World League hosted on Thursday in Makkah, the conference “Declaration of Peace in Afghanistan”, with scholars of Afghanistan and Pakistan to discuss achieving reconciliation between the warring factions, under the auspices of Saudi Arabia.

The conference includes five sessions, in which more than 20 key speakers from senior scholars will speak on; peace, tolerance, moderation and reconciliation in Islam.

The opening session will be attended by Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, President of the Association of Muslim Scholars, Sheikh Dr. Noor Al-Haq Qadri, Minister of Islamic Affairs and Tolerance of Religions in the Republic of Pakistan, and Sheikh Muhammad Qasim Halimi, Minister of Hajj, Endowments and Guidance in the Republic of Afghanistan.

Senior scholars of the two countries will also attend this session, Ambassador Lt. Gen. Bilal Akbar, Ambassador of the Republic of Pakistan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Ahmed Javed Mojadidi, Ambassador of the Republic of Afghanistan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Pakistan to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and Ambassador Dr. Shafiq Samim, Permanent Representative The Republic of Afghanistan to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.


Nightclub tragedy in North Macedonia hits a generation already doubting its future

Updated 2 min 4 sec ago
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Nightclub tragedy in North Macedonia hits a generation already doubting its future

Most of the victims — the 59 killed and dozens injured in a frantic escape — were in their late teens or early 20s
In a language school in Skopje, the nation’s capital, 14-year-old Mila Krstevska said she is shocked and disappointed

SKOPJE, North Macedonia: The deadly nightclub fire in North Macedonia at the weekend has struck the young of this country the most, with the emotional devastation it brought apparent everywhere, from classrooms to the streets.
Most of the victims — the 59 killed and dozens injured in a frantic escape — were in their late teens or early 20s, enjoying a night out with friends at Club Pulse in the eastern town of Kocani. There was live music, drinks and dancing until flames ripped through the packed club.
Now the nation’s youth, already doubtful about its future amid the young republic’s economic troubles, has been at the forefront of an outpouring of grief and anger. The disaster also exposed deep-seated frustrations among them.
In a language school in Skopje, the nation’s capital, 14-year-old Mila Krstevska said she is shocked and disappointed.
“I am very angry about everything that happened,” she told The Associated Press, her voice shaking. “It’s a sad thing to go to a disco to have fun and then turn to ashes.”
“I am disappointed in our country,” she added. “I love Macedonia but I would like to go abroad when I am older.”
North Macedonia’s unemployment rate is 12.8 percent, the second-highest in Europe, according to the International Monetary Fund. Almost one-fifth of those aged 15-24 are neither working nor in school or getting training, according to most-recent data from the International Labor Organization.
The country’s population shrank by nearly 10 percent over the past two decades, dropping below 2 million, according to census data. Most of those who leave are young people seeking better opportunities elsewhere.
For those left behind, Sunday’s fire is the first major tragedy for their generation, born after North Macedonia’s independence from war-torn former Yugoslavia. Candlelight vigils and demonstrations in the wake of the tragedy have been led by the young.
At one vigil this week in Kocani, a town of about 25,000 people, students dressed in black knelt silently, placing thin yellow candles in trays of sand, their flames flickering in the night.
Nearby, angry youths began chanting “Justice! Justice!” overturned a van as police stood by without stepping in, then used chairs and umbrella stands to trash a cafeteria run by one of the nightclub’s owners.
As the nation mourns, soccer games have been postponed, schools are holding vigils, television presenters are dressed in black on air. Flowers and candles are left in central locations of every town and city.
Skopje social worker and therapist Tanja Marcekic said the fire has profoundly impacted young people.
“There is a sense of revolt and great dissatisfaction. We all feel it,” she said.
But, she added, there could be a small silver lining. “I also see another side of young people — how they organize themselves, how they want to help and be active. Maybe that is the best way to improve their mental health.”
In Kocani, home to about 25,000 people, every family was touched by the disaster.
“I am a parent of two. I can’t even talk — sorry,” said Branko Bogatinov. His grown children, who now live in Germany, used to visit the nightclub when they were still in school.
“This could have happened to anyone,” he said.

German defense firm Hensoldt warns Europe still needs US

Updated 8 min 56 sec ago
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German defense firm Hensoldt warns Europe still needs US

  • “It will only be possible in the medium term for Germany and the EU to achieve autonomy in armaments without relying on American capabilities,” Doerre said
  • The firm, based in the southern state of Bavaria, provides radars used in Ukraine to defend against Russian airstrikes

FRANKFURT: German defense firm Hensoldt has warned it will take time before European militaries can operate without American support as the continent races to rearm amid worries about US commitment to its security.
“It will only be possible in the medium term for Germany and the EU to achieve autonomy in armaments without relying on American capabilities,” Oliver Doerre, CEO of the defense electronics maker, told journalists on Tuesday.
The firm, based in the southern state of Bavaria, provides radars used in Ukraine to defend against Russian airstrikes.
European nations have been unsettled by signs of US President Donald Trump’s uncertain commitment to the continent’s defense and NATO, and were also shocked after he made overtures to Russia on the Ukraine war.
Responding to the geopolitical turmoil, German lawmakers Tuesday approved a plan to dramatically ramp up defense spending pushed by leader-in-waiting Friedrich Merz while the EU is seeking to mobilize huge sums for the continent to rearm.
But Doerre cautioned that it was “essential to continue our trusted collaboration with the American industry, particularly with Lockheed Martin,” in the areas of naval command systems and radar technologies.
He called for defense firms, both in Germany and Europe, to focus more on greater cooperation and less on competing with one another, and for Europe to improve when it comes to procurement of military gear.
Doerre, who served in the Germany military for over 20 years, said there were still “significant deficits in terms of capabilities” in the Germany army, despite a 100-billion-euro special fund set up to boost the armed forces after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
Germany needs an estimated 300 billion to 500 billion euros for investments in equipment, infrastructure and extra personnel, he said.
Doerre said that Hensoldt was “ready” to boost its operations in response to growing demand, noting the company had invested one billion euros in recent years to ramp up production, and had hired 1,000 people alone last year.


Pakistan, Russia conduct joint naval exercise in North Arabian Sea

Updated 11 min 38 sec ago
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Pakistan, Russia conduct joint naval exercise in North Arabian Sea

  • Both navies hold ‘Arabian Monsoon-VI’ exercise in Arabian Sea to enhance interoperability
  • Russian navy delegates meet Pakistan Navy officials, pay tribute to Pakistan founder Jinnah

KARACHI: Pakistani and Russian navies conducted a bilateral naval exercise named “Arabian Monsoon-VI” in the North Arabian Sea on Wednesday, the Pakistan Navy said in a statement, in their bid to counter maritime security threats and enhance interoperability. 

Pakistan and Russia, once Cold War rivals, have strengthened their relations through increased dialogue, trade and cooperation in energy and defense. Regular port visits and joint exercises between the Pakistan Navy and the Russian Navy have deepened bilateral ties, enhanced naval collaboration and fostered mutual trust.

“Various assets of Pakistan Navy, including a Destroyer, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, a Fast Attack Craft (Missile), a Maritime Patrol Aircraft and a UAV, participated in the exercise alongside Russian Federation Navy ships,” the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR) of the Pakistan Navy said. 

Multi-faceted maritime warfare serials and a coordinated patrol featured in the exercise, which also aimed at enhancing the interoperability of both navies, it added.

The exercise also featured participation from the Pakistan Air Force fighter aircraft. 

The Russian navy delegates also called on Pakistan Navy officials and paid tribute to the nation’s founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah, laying a floral wreath at his mausoleum.

“Joint maritime exercises with key naval forces underscore Pakistan Navy’s commitment to maintaining maritime security and ensuring a stable maritime order in the region,” the statement added.

On Mar. 13, the Russian navy flotilla arrived in the southern port city of Karachi where cross-ship visits, harbor drills and table-top discussions between the two sides were conducted. 

The Pakistan Navy regularly collaborates with allies and friendly nations, conducting joint military exercises to enhance synergy, promote regional peace and stability, deter piracy, drug trafficking and other illicit maritime activities.


Pakistan stocks hit record high on strong buying from local institutions

Updated 22 min 49 sec ago
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Pakistan stocks hit record high on strong buying from local institutions

  • The KSE-100 Index hit a record high of 117,974 points, rising by 973 points
  • Overall, 543 million shares were traded, with a turnover of Rs 32 billion

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s benchmark stock index (PSX) hit an all-time high on Wednesday, nearing the barrier of 118,000 points due to strong buying activity from local institutions, Topline Securities said. 

The KSE-100 Index hit a record high of 117,974 points, rising by 973 points (0.83 percent). 

“The market continued its upward momentum, fueled by strong buying activity from local institutions, peaking at 118,244 points during the day,” Topline Securities said in its market review. 

The rally was primarily driven by Hub Power Company, Mari Energies, Engro Holdings, Systems Limited and Pakistan Petroleum, which together contributed 551 points to the index. On the other hand, Fauji Fertilizer Company, Engro Fertilizer, and Pakistan Oilfields exerted downward pressure, pulling the index down by 54 points.

“Overall, 543 million shares were traded, with a turnover of Rs 32 billion. Pakistan International Bulk Terminal topped the volume chart with 52 million shares traded,” Topline added. 

Mohammed Sohail, a chief executive at Topline Securities, attributed the bull run to “expectations that the government will agree with banks to resolve old circular debt issues that will help listed energy companies.”

In Pakistan, “circular debt” refers to a cascading cycle of unpaid liabilities within the energy sector, where power distribution companies (DISCOs) fail to pay the Central Power Purchasing Authority-Guarantee (CPPA-G), which in turn cannot pay power generation companies (GENCOs), and so on.

The government last week announced it had reached an agreement with banks to extend PHL, a state-owned entity, Rs1.25 trillion in financing at a favorable floating interest rate of Kibor minus 0.90pc per annum.

The move was described as part of a broad strategy to eliminate circular debt in the power sector, which has been fueled by unpaid bills, theft, and distribution losses that have continued to accumulate over the past decade. Circular debt is one of the most contentious issues in Pakistan’s negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the first review of its $7 billion bailout program.

Sana Tawfik, head of research at Arif Habib Limited, said the positive momentum in stocks was continuing since last week.

“Secondly, volume levels have improved since Ramazan’s first week — that is, buying activity is visible,” she said. “On the economic front, there has been significant progress made regarding the IMF deal.” 
 


EU should fund Ukraine’s access to satellite Internet, Commission says

Updated 24 min 52 sec ago
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EU should fund Ukraine’s access to satellite Internet, Commission says

  • EU in talks with satellite operators to replace Starlink in Ukraine
  • Providers looking to increase capabilities over Ukraine

BRUSSELS: The European Union should fund Ukraine’s access to space services that can be provided by EU-based commercial providers, the European Commission said in its white paper on the future of European defense published on Wednesday.
Europe has been rushing to shield Ukraine’s Internet access after sources close to the matter told Reuters last month that the war-torn country faced imminent shutoff of Elon Musk’s Starlink if it did not sign a minerals deal with the United States.
European satellite operators are in talks with the EU as they have been asked if they can step in and replace Starlink.
The EU should act “in support and upon demand of the Ukrainian Armed Forces,” the paper said, adding that Kyiv should also be granted access to the bloc’s space program.
“This will help Ukraine to enhance its resilience by diversifying its sources of space-based services,” it said.
Alternative to Starlink
Poland, whose foreign minister at the center of a social media spat with Musk said Ukraine might need an alternative to Starlink, pays for a part of Kyiv’s Starlink connectivity.
Spain’s Hisdesat, one of the satellite companies approached by the EU, said it would increase commercial and military capabilities over Ukraine once its Spainsat NG I satellite enters into service.
“Hispasat (Hisdesat’s largest shareholder) is currently analyzing the different capacities available to provide these services in Ukraine,” a company spokesperson told Reuters.
Franco-British Eutelsat, which manages the only other constellation of low Earth satellites besides Starlink’s, declined to comment.
Luxembourg-based SES did not respond to a Reuters’ request for comment.