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Tag: Qatar

  • ‘World should severely reprimand India’: Muslim countries condemn BJP’s derogatory remarks about Holy Prophet (PBUH)

    ‘World should severely reprimand India’: Muslim countries condemn BJP’s derogatory remarks about Holy Prophet (PBUH)

    After hashtags calling for the boycott of Indian products began trending on Twitter in Arab countries over derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokespersons Nupur Sharma and Naveen Kumar Jindal, India’s ruling party suspended Sharma and expelled Jindal. The two also issued public apologies after the reaction from the Arab world. Qatar, Kuwait, and Iran have summoned Indian envoys while Saudi Arabia and  Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have issued statements against the two BJP spokespersons.

    World should take note and severely reprimand India: Shehbaz Sharif

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the derogatory remarks recently made by two leaders of India’s BJP against the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

    PM Sharif wrote: “Have said it repeatedly India under Modi is trampling religious freedoms and persecuting Muslims. The world should take note & severely reprimand India.”

    He added that Muslims’ love for the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is supreme and that all Muslims can sacrifice their lives for the love and respect of their Prophet (PBUH). 

    Pakistan Armed Forces strongly condemn blasphemous remarks by Indian officials

    The official media wing of the Pakistan army condemned the derogatory remarks of the BJP leaders. “The outrageous act is deeply hurtful and clearly indicates extreme level of hate against Muslims and other religions in India.”

    Indian chargé d’affaires summoned by Pakistan

    Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari took to Twitter and said, “Indian Cd’A summoned to convey Pakistan’s rejection and strong condemnation of the derogatory remarks by BJP officials against Prophet Muhammad PBUH. BJP leadership and GOI must condemn the sacrilegious comments and hold those responsible to account.”

    Pakistan condemns India

    Pakistan has strongly condemned the disrespectful remarks recently made by two senior officials of India’s ruling party BJP, disrespecting the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). 

    “These totally unacceptable remarks have not only deeply hurt the sentiments of the people of Pakistan but of billions of Muslims around the world,” read the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    “BJP’s attempted clarification and belated and perfunctory disciplinary action against these individuals cannot assuage the pain and anguish they have caused to the Muslim world. Muslims residing in India are equally outraged by the completely repugnant comments by the two BJP officials. The ensuing communal violence in Kanpur and in other parts of India bears testimony to this fact.”

    Pakistan urged India to ensure that decisive and demonstrable action is taken against those responsible for making derogatory remarks and attacking the dignity of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). India must also take immediate steps to protect its minorities from human rights violations, ensure their safety, security, and well-being and allow them to profess and practice their faiths in peace.

    “Pakistan once again calls on the international community to take immediate cognisance of the grievously aggravating situation of Islamophobia in India. India must be held accountable for stifling the rights of the minorities, especially Muslims, to practice their faith and religious beliefs,” said the Foreign Office spokesperson.

    Arab world’s condemnation over derogatory remarks

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar summoned the Indian Ambassador and handed over an official note on Qatar’s total rejection and condemnation of the remarks of Sharma and Kumar.

    The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Indian ambassador and handed him an official protest note expressing the State of Kuwait’s rejection and denunciation of the controversial remarks made by an official in the ruling party in India against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Islam, and Muslims.

    Saudi Arabia described the spokesperson’s comments as “insulting” and called for “respect for beliefs and religions”, according to a foreign ministry statement.

    The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also condemned the remarks, saying they came in a “context of intensifying hatred and abuse towards Islam in India and systematic practices against Muslims”.

  • Economic crisis: Finance minister in Doha to hold talks with IMF

    Economic crisis: Finance minister in Doha to hold talks with IMF

    Finance Minister Miftah Ismail along with his team left for Doha on Tuesday to hold talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    The ministry said that talks with the IMF mission started today (May 18).

    The review talks are expected to continue for a week and will focus on striking a staff-level agreement for the release of a $1 billion tranche under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF).

    It has been reported that Pakistan will have to convince the IMF to revive the stalled $6 billion programme at a time when the government had not started eliminating the unfunded fuel subsidy after making a commitment with the forum.

    The dollar rate is at its peak in the country. Currently, the rupee touched 200 against the US dollar in the open market. This spell of the dollar’s persistent rise against the rupee began last week.

  • PKR 1.5m needed: Snooker champion Ahsan Ramzan criticises govt’s attitude

    PKR 1.5m needed: Snooker champion Ahsan Ramzan criticises govt’s attitude

    Snooker Champion Ahsan Ramzan has expressed disappointment over the non-supportive behaviour of the government officials in a recent interview given to Geo News. He was the first youngest Pakistani who won the IBSF World Snooker Championship by defeating the Iranian player last month in Qatar.

    Ahsan is living in a room inside the club where he receives training in Lahore. He believes that support from the government departments will give more time to focus on sports.

    In a Geo News interview, he said, “I have not received any support from the government so far. However, the government has now changed which is why I’m hopeful that they will support me as they did with former champion Muhammad Asif in the past.”

    He further added, “I want a job from a department so that I can focus on snooker with a steady income,” he said. “If that doesn’t happen, I will be forced to start a business which will make it difficult for me to focus on the sport.”

    Ahsan Ramzan is considering participating in Asia-Oceania Q School if he did not receive any financial support from the Pakistan government. However, he appealed that he needs PKR 1.5 million as sponsorship to get enrolled in school.

    Asia-Oceania Q School 2022 will commence on June 1 in Bangkok, Thailand. The finalists who will earn a two-year card to the World Snooker Tour will play two tournaments. In total, four players will be awarded a place on the professional circuit for the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons.

    Interested players who are residing in Asia and Oceania can participate in the event with an entry fee of £400.

  • Aiman-Muneeb and Minal-Ahsan ooze vacay goals in pictures from Qatar

    Aiman-Muneeb and Minal-Ahsan ooze vacay goals in pictures from Qatar

    A-list celebrity couples of Aiman Khan-Muneeb Butt and Minal Khan-Ahsan Mohsin ringed in their summer vacations together in Qatar.

    The leading ladies uploaded pictures of their vacations on Instagram. It seems the country has fascinated them with its beauty and tourist spots. They have captured the beautiful night views of Doha, the capital of the country.

    The family has shared glimpses of famous Qatar’s Hilton Salwa beach resort where they enjoyed beech activities.

    Also accompanying them on the trip is Aiman-Minal’s family including their mother and brothers.

  • Pakistan’s Ahsan Ramzan wins the title of IBSF World Snooker Championship

    Pakistan’s Ahsan Ramzan wins the title of IBSF World Snooker Championship

    Pakistan’s Ahsan Ramzan has won the title of the IBSF World Snooker Championship which was held in Doha, Qatar. He defeated Iranian player, Amir Sarkhos.

    Ahsan, 16, becomes the youngest snooker player from Pakistan to win the title after Muhammad Asif, who won the title in 2012 and 2019 while veteran Mohammad Yousuf won the title of the World Snooker Championship in 1994.

    In the final match, Ramzan was leading the game with 2-0. He scored 63-60 and 91-0 in the first two frames. However, Amir Sarkhos won the four frames consecutively to put more pressure on Ramzan. Amir led with 2-4 in the game after 6 frames.

    Ahsan Ramzan was emotional after winning the final and his senior Mohammad Asif lifted him on his shoulders.

    Pakistan has won the IBSF World Snooker Championship for the fourth time.

    While talking to the media, Ahsan Ramzan expressed his joy. “I started playing snooker at the age of 6 or 7. It wasn’t an easy sail for me to get out of my home first to the streets of my vicinity, then to main roads of my city, and then play provincial and national championship before qualifying to get here.”

    He also highlighted his journey of struggle and thanked all his family, friends, and seniors for their unconditional support.

    “People usually see just one player on a snooker table, but there’s a long struggle and journey behind that one player,” he added.

    Ahsan Ramzan requested the Pakistani government and society to treat cueists with respect as they give to cricketers.

    “I wish that when I go back home, I also get the heroic welcome that any other world champion would receive, it is my wish that we — snooker players — also get the same treatment from the society that our cricketers receive from them.”

    “I want the government to support snooker; I want society to support snooker.”

    Ahsan Ramzan defeated world defending champion, Mohammad Asif, who is also a Pakistani, to reach the final.

  • Pakistan’s Ahsan Ramzan reaches final of IBSF World Snooker Championship

    Pakistan’s Ahsan Ramzan reaches final of IBSF World Snooker Championship

    Pakistan’s 16-year-old Ahsan Ramzan has qualified for the finals of the IBSF World Snooker Championship, which is being played in Qatar.

    Ahsan Ramzan defeated world defending champion, Mohammad Asif, who is also a Pakistani, to reach the final.

    Ramzan got emotional after beating his senior, Mohammad Asif with deciding frames 5-4 in the semi-final match.

    Mohammad Asif was leading a game with 2-0. However, the game became crucial in the third frame. The margin of victory in the frame decreased drastically as Ahsan Ramzan leveled the score with 2-2. He knocked out Asif in the ninth set.

    Ahsan Ramzan will play the final match today with Iranian player, Amir Sarkhosh who defeated Pakistani player with 5-4.

    Mohammad Asif was leading a game with 2-0. However, the game became crucial in the third frame. The margin of victory in the frame decreased drastically as Ahsan Ramzan levelled the score with 2-2. He knocked out Asif in the ninth set.

    Ahsan Ramzan will play the final match today with Iranian player, Amir Sarkhosh.

  • Pakistan rescues woman in love gone wrong, saves wife left in Indian jail by husband

    Pakistan rescues woman in love gone wrong, saves wife left in Indian jail by husband

    Pakistan has issued a nationality certificate, which will lead to becoming a citizen of Pakistan, to a stateless woman, Sumaira who has been stranded in India for four years. It was issued after verification by National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and her family. Pakistan Interior Minister has sent her nationality certificate to Foreign Ministry.

    Pakistan High Commission in India, New Delhi will issue travel documents and she will be able to come to Pakistan with her daughter who is four-years-old.

    According to her lawyer, Sohana Biswapatna, Sumaira was born in Qatar to Pakistani parents who moved from Karachi for employment. She married an Indian Muslim for love in Qatar without the consent of her parents. She illegally moved to India with her husband in 2016.

    Sumaira and her husband were arrested in 2017. However, her husband, who faced the charges of facilitating a foreign intruder, was released on bail after a few months. She remained in jail.

    She gave birth to a daughter in prison.

    The message she sent through her lawyer to BBC, “I have been punished by law for the mistake I made, but my sorrows and pains are not diminishing. The family had already separated, but now the husband in India has also turned away. At the moment, my only recourse is my country, Pakistan.”

    According to Sumaira, she wanted to confess her crime but her husband stopped her from giving a statement. The husband thought that India would deport her if she confessed. He was trying to find a way to release her from jail and settle her in India.

    Her case was stalled in India for three years as she did not confess to her crime.

    Her husband stopped visiting her and attending her calls without any explanation around after two to three years. After losing hope of reunion, she confessed to her crime.

    She was sentenced to a three year imprisonment, which she has already completed.

    Currently, she is living in a state shelter in Bengaluru, Karnataka, a state of India.

  • New Zealand denies re-entry of pregnant national, Taliban offers refuge

    New Zealand denies re-entry of pregnant national, Taliban offers refuge

    A former Al Jazeera pregnant journalist, Charlotte Bellis, who is a New Zealand national, was denied re-entry by her home country on the basis of strict Covid-19 protocol. She was offered refuge by the Taliban government in Afghanistan.

    While speaking to Radio New Zealand(RNZ) from Kabul, she said, “This just feels like such a breach of trust.”

    Bellis said that the Taliban told her, “We’re happy for you, you can come and you won’t have a problem”.

    She did not get to know about her pregnancy until she returned back to the Al-Jazeera headquarter in Doha, Qatar.

    She kept quiet about her pregnancy as it is unlawful to conceive a baby out of wedlock in Qatar.

    She left Al Jazeera in November 2021 while working in Afghanistan as a journalist and went to Belgium, the home country of her partner, Jim Huylebroek. As Bellis is not a resident of a country, she could not stay for a longer period.

    She was left with only one option: to travel to Afghanistan with her partner as they had visas. She is currently in Afghanistan.

    Meanwhile, she started her preparation to return back to New Zealand.

    Her application was rejected by authorities in New Zealand for an emergency return.

    New Zealand’s Covid-19 response minister, Chris Hipkins, said on Monday, “I understand she wanted to return on a specific date and that officials reached out to her for more information shortly after looking at her application. The emergency allocation criteria includes a requirement to travel to New Zealand within the next 14 days. Ms Bellis indicated she did not intend to travel until the end of February and has been encouraged by MIQ (Managed isolation and quarantine) to consider moving her plans forward.”

    Bellis applied for a MIQ option through the medical treatment pathway however authority asked her to sign up under the different category where its nationals are in a location that is under serious risk to their safety, she told to RNZ.

    Currently, she is in contact with officials in New Zealand who claimed her rejected application is under review now.

    The New Zealand government has closed down its borders after the emergence of the omicron variant, including for its nationals who want to return back to the country except for special circumstances.

  • FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 tickets go on sale

    FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 tickets go on sale

    Tickets for the FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) World Cup Qatar 2022 have been put on sale which is set to be played from November 21 until December 18 2022.

    Qatari residents will benefit from subsidised tickets, with prices starting from just under $11 (Rs1,938). However, for international fans prices are starting from $69 (Rs12,158) that go up to $1,607 (Rs283,175). There will also be cheaper accessibility tickets available for those with disabilities.

    Fans applying for tickets until February 8 will go into a draw with those who are successful to be notified by March 8.

    It is reported that seven stadiums in Qatar have been purpose-built and one refurbished for the World Cup but as there will not be enough hotels some fans may have to stay on cruise ships for the event.

    Qatar is the first Arab and Middle Eastern country to be hosting the biggest event of football. However, it has not yet been announced by either FIFA or the local organising committee how many fans will be allowed into stadiums.

    Currently, the Arab country has imposed tight restrictions on visitors including quarantine for new arrivals.

  • Miracle baby delivered by passenger during flight to Uganda

    Miracle baby delivered by passenger during flight to Uganda

    A Canadian doctor helped a woman deliver a baby during an overnight flight to Uganda. The mother, a migrant worker who was on her way home was about to deliver her first child on the plane to Uganda from Saudi Arabia , when the Qatar Airways staff asked if there was a doctor on board.

    Dr. Ayesha Khatib, a professor at the University of Toronto, sprang into action when she answered an urgent appeal on Qatar Airways’ intercom for a medical professional.

    The baby, named ‘Miracle Ayesha’ after Dr Khatib, was born healthy, despite being early at 35 weeks.

    “I see a crowd of people gathered around the patient,” Dr Khatib told BBC. At this point, she was wondering if someone was having a heart attack.

    “As I got closer, I see this woman lying on the seat with her head toward the aisle and feet towards the window. And the baby was coming out!”

    Dr Khatib was helped by two other passengers, an oncology nurse and a pediatrician. She said that the baby was crying “robustly”. After she quickly checked the baby, she passed her on to the pediatrician for further checks.

    “I looked at the baby, and she was stable, and I looked at the mom and she was OK,” said Dr Khatib.

    “So I was like, ‘Congratulations it’s a girl.’ Then the entire plane started clapping and cheering and was like ‘Oh right, I’m on a plane and everybody is watching this.’”

    “The best part of the story is that she decided to name the baby after me,” says Dr Khatib.