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Ayaz, Abbasi greet nation Eid-Ul-Fitr

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 5 (APP): Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq
on Tuesday extended his warm greetings to the Muslim Parliamentarians and fellow countrymen on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

In his message, Speaker National Assembly said that he felicitates
his elders, brothers, sisters and children on the joyous occasion of Eid.
“We are thankful to Allah Almighty who gave us the opportunity to
keep fasts, offer prayers and help our needy brothers and sisters during the month of Ramazan,” he said.

“The Eid day brings happiness for us; however the true joy relates with taking care of the needs of our poor brothers and sisters and to include them in our pleasures. Our acts should help to smooth the social irregularities and promote the spirit of sacrifice, mutual harmony and fraternity. Only then we can provide strong foundation for the
establishment of a welfare Islamic society”, he said.

He said that on the day let us renew our pledge and pray for the prosperity and development of entire Muslim Ummah.

He prayed to Allah Almighty to guide all the Muslims to chose
right path and help them follow the true spirit of Islam and protect
them from every evil.

“May Allah help and protect us all. Ameen”, he added.

The Speaker called upon the nation to stand united on every issue
of national importance to overcome the challenges confronting to the
country at present.

Deputy Speaker, National Assembly Murtaza Javed Abbasi also congratulated the fellow Parliamentarians and Nation on auspicious
occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Spectacular fireworks along New York City’s East River mark U.S. Independence Day

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NEW YORK, July 05 (APP): Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers braved tight security to celebrate the U.S. 240th birthday from Britain with the traditional Fourth of July fireworks display Monday night.

More than a million spectators braved a light sprinkle of rain as they watched the annual July Fourth fireworks display, sponsored by Macy’s department store.

The nearly 30 minute long show Monday featured dazzling blues, reds and whites among other colours from the more than 56,000 pyrotechnic shells launched from barges in New York City’s East River.
The 25 minute show was aired live on NBC television network, and organizers said it was the biggest firework display since the millennium show of 2000.

The tight security included police officers searching backpacks and purses. Other officers used hand held radiation detectors to scan baby carriages and large suitcases.

Police dispatched 5,000 officers to oversee the fireworks. That’s the largest detail the New York Police Department has ever assigned on July Fourth.

Authorities said there were no known, credible threats against New York but vowed to remain vigilant.

UN slams Israeli move to advance settlement plans in West Bank, E. Jerusalem

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New Syria peace talks could resume in late August: UN

UNITED NATIONS, July 5 (APP): The United Nations has condemned Israel for demolishing Palestinians’ homes and advancing plans to build new houses for Israeli settlers, amid the prospect of the two-state solution to the Middle East conflict already “slipping away”.

“The secretary-general (Ban Ki-moon) strongly criticizes the decision by Israeli authorities to advance plans to build some 560 housing units in the West Bank settlement of Maale Adumim, as well as the advancement of plans to build 240 housing units in a number of settlements in occupied East Jerusalem,” a statement issued by Ban’s spokesman said Monday.

“This raises legitimate questions about Israel’s long-term intentions, which are compounded by continuing statements of some Israeli ministers calling for the annexation of the West Bank,” the statement said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has allowed the expansion of a West Bank settlement in the wake of the stabbing death of a 13-year-old Israeli-American girl, reports said on Sunday.

The United Nations and most countries regard the Israeli settlements as illegal because the territories they are built on were captured by Israel in a war in 1967 and are hence subject to the Geneva Conventions, which forbid construction on occupied lands.

The Secretary-General “reiterates that settlements are illegal under international law and urges the government of Israel to halt and reverse such decisions in the interest of peace and a just final status agreement.”

“The secretary-general is deeply disappointed that this announcement comes only four days after the Middle East Quartet called on Israel to cease its policy of settlement construction and expansion.”

On July 1, the Quartet released the first report of its kind, which analysed the impediments to a lasting resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and offered recommendations on the way forward, urging Israel to stop its settlement policy and Palestine to end incitement to violence.

The Middle East Quartet — comprising the UN, Russia, the United States and the European Union — has been working on the report since February.

To promote the peace process in the Middle East, the diplomatic group is seeking a two-state solution — a secure State of Israel to live in peace with an independent State of Palestine.

In the report, the Quartet called on each side to “independently demonstrate, through policies and actions, a genuine commitment to the two-state solution” and to “refrain from unilateral steps that prejudice the outcome of the final negotiations.”

Also on Monday, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) confirmed that the Israeli authorities demolished two homes in Qalandia Refugee Camp in the occupied West Bank in the middle of Saturday night.

“Punitive home demolitions are a form of collective punishment which are illegal under international law,” UNRWA Spokesperson Chris Gunness said. “They inflict distress and suffering on those who have not committed the action which led to the demolition and they often endanger people and property in the vicinity.”

“UNRWA condemns punitive demolitions and reminds Israel, the occupying power, that under international humanitarian law it has an obligation to protect the occupied people and provide services,” the spokesperson added.

 

Nation to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with great religious fervour on Wednesday

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 5 (APP): Eid-ul-Fitr, the biggest religious festival of the Muslims, will be celebrated on Wednesday in the country including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan with great religious fervour and festivity.

Eid is an Arabic term meaning “festivity” or “celebration” while Fitr means “to break the fast”. It falls on the first day of Shawwal Al-Mukarram, following a month of fasting.

Eid is celebrated for three days period. It is a joyous occasion for all Muslims, particularly children. It is a time for spreading peace, sharing with others and giving thanks for completing another period of fasting for the month of Ramazan.

Muslims celebrate not only the end of fasting, but also thanks Allah for the help and strength that He gave them throughout the holy month to help them practice self-control.

On the occasion, the faithful wear clean, neat clothes and offer Eid prayers at mosques, `Eidgahs’ and open places across the country – seeking divine blessings for peace, progress and prosperity.

Following the Eid prayers, Muslims will spend their time feasting with family and friends and feeding those who are less fortunate. Sweets and other special dishes would be prepared for serving the guests. People will also exchange gifts on the occasion.

Special prayers would be offered for the progress and prosperity of the country, unity of the `Ummah’, solution of their problems and liberation of Muslim territories, including occupied Kashmir.

The government has declared Eid holidays from July 5 to July 8.

In the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, the `Eid’ congregations would be held at more than 500 places.

In Islamabad, the biggest congregation would be held at the
grand Faisal Mosque, where the high-ups of the government will also
offer Eid prayers. In Rawalpindi, the biggest Eid congregation would
be held at the historic Liaquat Bagh.

The Radio and Television channels have chalked out a series of
special programmes on the occasion of Eid. While newspapers will
publish special supplements, highlighting the significance of the
day.

Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) police have devised a comprehensive security plan for Eid ul Fitr and special deployment would be made to guard worship places besides measures of effective patrolling in various areas of the city.

All police officials have been directed to remain on high alert and fully prepared to avert any untoward situation during Eid days.

According to the security plan, police spokesman said that more than 3500 policemen would perform security duties on Eid and would guard religious gatherings at open places, Masajid and Imambargahs.

Pakistan strongly condemns terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia

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Pakistan strongly condemns terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia

ISLAMABAD, July 5 ( APP): Pakistan on Tuesday while expressing solidarity with Saudi Arabia, strongly condemned the terrorist attacks
that caused loss of lives and injuries.

The Foreign Office in a statement said the Government and the people of Pakistan were in deep anguish over the tragedy and extend their heartfelt condolences to the brotherly government and people of Saudi Arabia over the loss of innocent lives.

The Foreign Office said Pakistan condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

“Our hearts go out to the bereaved families and we wish speedy recovery for the injured,” the statement said.

“The Government and People of Pakistan stand in solidarity with the brotherly people of Saudi Arabia in this hour of grief and reiterate their abiding commitment to the safety, security and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia.”

Ayaz condemns blasts in Madina Munawara

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ISLAMABAD, July 5 (APP): Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Tuesday strongly condemned the blasts near Masjid e Nabvi (PBUH), Madina Munawara and other cities of Saudi Arabia.

He said these acts were a conspiracy against the Muslim Ummah to target the sacred places.

“We stand by our Saudi brothers in this moment of grief and sorrow,” he said in a statement.

Ayaz Sadiq underscored the need for the Muslim Ummah to stand united at this critical juncture, adding all Pakistanis condemned terrorism in all its manifestations.

He prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the souls of martyred in eternal peace and sympathized with bereaved families and prayed for early recovery of the injured.

Bangladesh politician ‘stunned’ by son’s role in attack

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DHAKA, July 5, (APP/AFP) A Bangladeshi politician has spoken of his shock on discovering his son was one of the suspected gunmen who murdered foreign hostages, and said many young men from wealthy, educated families had gone missing.

Imtiaz Khan Babul said he was “stunned” to learn of his son Rohan’s
involvement in the attack, and that he believed young Bangladeshi men were becoming radicalised online.

His comments came after Bangladesh’s home minister said the attackers who stormed the upmarket cafe on Friday night, taking dozens of diners hostage and killing 20, were highly educated and from wealthy families.

“We never imagined this,” said Babul, an official with the ruling Awami League party, in an interview with the BBC.

“There was nothing at home, no books or anything to indicate that he was leaning that way. So we had no inkling.”

Babul, whose son was among those killed when Bangladeshi security forces stormed the cafe, said he had shared his concerns with friends in Dhaka.

“When I was searching for my son I found that many other boys are missing. Well educated boys from good, educated families, children of professionals, government officers,” he said.

“I used to share my sorrows with them. We do not know how this is
happening.”

Six young men were shot dead Saturday at the end of the all night siege in a Dhaka cafe claimed by the Islamic State group. One was taken alive and is being questioned.

One of those killed may have been an innocent bystander, but among the remaining five are a graduate of Bangladesh’s leading private university, an 18 year old student at an elite school, and Rohan, Babul’s son.

Another was a former madrasa student from the northern district of Bogra which is seen as a hotbed of Islamist radicalism.

The government has said all the attackers were members of the Jamaeytul Mujahdeen Bangladesh (JMB), a banned local Islamist group.
• Fifth attacker identified

Rohan reportedly studied at Monash University in Malaysia after leaving Scholastica, where his mother teaches.

Babul said he could only guess at how wealthy young Bangladeshis were becoming radicalised, but that believed it could be through the Internet.

On Tuesday, police said they had identified a fifth attacker as Shafiqul Islam Uzzal, a 26 year old from Bogra who had been working as a kindergarten teacher in Dhaka.

“His father and brother identified him by seeing the photos of his dead body. They said they had no idea how he joined the JMB,” Bogra police spokesman Gaziur Rahman told AFP.

“They said Uzzal left home on January 2, saying that he was going to a pilgrimage. And he never returned,” said Rahman.

Witnesses say the perpetrators of the attack spared the lives of Muslims while herding foreigners to their deaths, killing many with machete style weapons.

They included nine Italians, seven Japanese, a US citizen and a 19 year old Indian student.

On Tuesday the assistant commissioner of Dhaka police Rafiqul Islam told AFP police had filed an anti terrorism case against five known Islamists and an unspecified number of “unidentified attackers”, without giving further details.

6 Air Commodores promoted to rank of Air Vice Marshal

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ISLAMABAD, July 5 (APP): The government of has promoted Air
Commodore Muhammad Athar Shams, Air Commodore Aamir Masood, Air Commodore Sarfraz Khan, Air Commodore Nadeem Tariq, Air Commodore Fawad Yunus Hussain and Air Commodore Shahab Shafqat to the rank of Air Vice Marshal.

According to a press release of Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Air Vice
Marshal Muhammad Athar Shams was commissioned in GD (P) Branch of Pakistan Air Force in April, 1987. He is a qualified Flying Instructor.
During his illustrious career, he has commanded a Fighter Squadron,
a Fighter Wing and an Operational Air Base.

In his staff appointments, he has served as Deputy Director Infra
(Installation) and Senior Staff Officer (Operations) at Northern Air
Command.

He has also served as Air Attache to Saudi Arabia. He is a graduate
of Combat Commanders’ School, National Defence University and Armed Forces Staff College (Malaysia). He holds Master’s degree in War Studies & Defence Management. He is a recipient of Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military).

Air Vice Marshal Aamir Masood was commissioned in GD (P) Branch
of Pakistan Air Force in January, 1988.

During his illustrious career, he has commanded a Fighter Squadron,
a Fighter Wing and an Operational Air Base. In his staff appointments, he has served as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Safety) at Air Headquarters.

He is a graduate of Combat Commanders’ School, Air War College
and National Defence University. He holds Master’s degree in Strategic
Studies and MS Degree in Defence Analysis (USA). He is a recipient of
Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Sitara-i-Basalat.

Air Vice Marshal Sarfraz Khan was commissioned in GD (P) Branch
of Pakistan Air Force in January, 1988.

During his illustrious career, he has commanded a Fighter Squadron,
a Fighter Wing and an Operational Air Base. He has also served as Senior Air Staff Officer at Central Air Command. In his staff appointments, he has served as Director Operations and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations) at Air Headquarters.

He is a graduate of Combat Commanders’ School, Air War College,
General Staff College (Germany) and National Security Course from Canada.
He holds Master’s degree in Strategic Studies. He is a recipient of Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military).

Air Vice Marshal Nadeem Tariq was commissioned in Engineering
Branch of Pakistan Air Force in April, 1987.

During his illustrious career, he has served as Chief Engineer and Director JF-17 Co-Production Project.

Presently, he is serving as Deputy Managing Director (JF-17
Project) at Aircraft Manufacturing Factory, Kamra. He holds Master’s
Degree in Aerospace Engineering from China and participated in Design/ Development of JF-17 aircraft. He is a recipient of Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military).

Air Vice Marshal Fawad Yunus Hussain was commissioned in
Engineering Branch of Pakistan Air Force in April, 1987. During his
illustrious career, has commanded an Engineering Wing and also served as Director Weapon System Management (Mirage). Presently he is serving as Managing Director at Mirage Rebuild Factory, Kamra. He holds Master’s Degree in National Security & War Studies from National Defence University.

He is a recipient of Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military).

Air Vice Marshal Shahab Shafqat was commissioned in Engineering
Branch of Pakistan Air Force in January, 1988. During his illustrious career, has commanded an Engineering Depot and also served as Director Avionics at Air Headquarters. Presently he is serving as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Electronics) at Air Headquarters. He holds Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies from Air War College. He is a recipient of Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military).

Suicide attack on Indonesian police station, officer injured

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JAKARTA, July 5, (APP/AFP) A suicide bomber riding a motorbike attacked a police station in the Indonesian city of Solo on Tuesday, leaving one officer injured, an official said.

The attacker forced his way into the yard of the station in the city on Java island at 7:35 am (0035 GMT), said national police spokesman Boy Rafli Amar.

“He argued that he wanted to go to the canteen. He forced his way in using a motorbike and blew himself up,” the spokesman told television station Metro TV

“The information is the perpetrator died.”
According to initial information, a member of the police was injured, he added.

In January, a suicide bombing and gun attack in Jakarta left four civilians and four attackers dead, the first major attack in Indonesia for seven years.

Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim majority nation, has suffered several Islamic extremist attacks in the past 15 years, including the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 people.

A crackdown had weakened the most dangerous networks, but the emergence of the Islamic State group has proved a potent new rallying cry for radicals.

Hundreds of Indonesians have travelled to the Middle East to join the
jihadists, stoking fears that extremist groups are being revived and more attacks could be on the horizon.

Iran condemns suicide attacks in Saudi Arabia

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TEHRAN, July 5, (APP/AFP) Iran on Tuesday condemned three suicide bombings that rocked Saudi Arabia, one of them targeting Islam’s second holiest place, the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina.

“There are no more red lines left for terrorists to cross. Sunnis, Shiites will both remain victims unless we stand united as one,” Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Twitter.

Four security guards were killed in the Medina bombing. The other attacks on Monday targeted the US consulate in the Red Sea city of Jeddah and the Shiite minority in the east of kingdom.

“Terrorism knows no border or nationality and there is no solution except creating an international and regional unity against this phenomenon,” foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi told state broadcaster IRIB.

There were no immediate claims of responsibility.

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