DOHA: With Israel continuing its relentless bombing of the Gaza Strip, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman met Palestinian resistance group Hamas’s leader Ismail Haniyeh and former chief Khaled Mashal in Qatar on Sunday.

The JUI-F chief is in Qatar where he is expected to reach out to the Arab world leadership to find a way to provide aid to Gaza which has been facing a dire humanitarian crisis due to the ongoing Israeli bombing of the strip following the October 7 attack by Hamas, sources told Geo News.

“The two sides held detailed discussions over the Palestine issue”, JUI-F spokesperson Aslam Ghauri said while shedding light on the meeting between the veteran politician and Hamas leadership.

“[The JUI-F chief] conveyed condolences and expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine in wake of Israeli atrocities in Gaza,” the statement on Fazl’s X account read.

During the meeting, Haniyeh called for Muslims to unite in the face of Israeli aggression — which has killed nearly 10,000 Palestinians since October 7.

“It is the Muslim ummah’s responsibility to unite against Israeli atrocities,” Haniyeh said.

Meanwhile, Mashal highlighted that the prevalent atrocities in Kashmir and Palestine are a slap in the face of so-called human rights advocates.

The JUI-F chief, while echoing Hamas leadership’s views, said that the developed nations have the blood of innocent children and women on their hands.

Mashal appreciated Fazl’s efforts for the Palestine cause saying that the JUI-F chief is playing the role of Palestine’s ambassador in Pakistan.

The sources said Fazl was the first religio-political leader from any Muslim country who has embarked upon the war zone.

The party said that “the movement of Maulana Fazl has been kept secret since he wanted to reach the devastated people quietly and offer them assistance”. He is carrying food and medicines with him, the sources had told The News.

The publication said that after addressing a mammoth rally “Toofan Al-Aqsa March” in Karachi and “Sindh Aman Conference”, Fazl left for “some destination” from where he would reach the oppressed people of Gaza.

Israel’s offensive continues
Israel’s war on Palestinians and an ongoing bombardment of the Gaza Strip continues to escalate the humanitarian crisis.

The Benjamin Netanyahu-led occupation forces have intensified their ground operation and bombardment in Gaza for almost the last four weeks killing thousands of Palestinians including children.

For its relentless attacks, Israel accuses Hamas of hiding among civilians and has been using this explanation as an excuse when it faces criticism for targeting besieged civilians.

With Turkey being the latest to recall its envoy from Israel, many countries have also cut their diplomatic ties with Tel Aviv, whose forces have besieged Gaza for 17 years.

Global powers, including the United States and the UN, have called on Israel to ensure that civilian casualties are avoided in its continuing pursuit to eliminate Hamas, but to no avail.

The UN is also calling for an immediate ceasefire to at least allow aid to flow smoothly to the war-torn strip and permit the exchange of hostages.

Israeli PM Netanyahu, however, has ruled out halting his forces’ assault on Gaza and stressed that they would continue to pound the Hamas-run enclave.

Lahore, NOV 5: /DNA/ – The Central Executive and Consultative Body of Pakistan Ulema Council has issued a declaration on the current situation of the country, Palestine and the Islamic world. More than two hundred members of Pakistan Ulema Council’s Executive and Consultative Body participated in the meeting. The meeting was presided over by Central Chairman Pakistan Ulema Council Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi. The meeting stated that in the declaration that the forces hostile to Pakistan, including India and its allies are involved in the incidents of terrorism inside Pakistan.

The international community must take immediate steps against India’s continued terrorism. The response of the Pakistani nation, army and security agencies to the terrorist incidents during the last two days and before is commendable. Ulemas-Mashaykh and the religious scholars from all over the country stand united by Pakistan’s Army and security agencies to contain the menace of extremism and terrorism. The way the soldiers of the Pakistan Army and security agencies foiled the terrorist attack on the Mianwali PAF Airbase is a matter of pride. The declaration issued by Pakistan Ulema Council also sid that Pakistan Ulema Council also supports and endorse Paigham-e-Pakistan narrative and the decree in this regard.

In this aegis of Pakistan Ulema Council, Paigham-e-Pakistan Conventions will be held across the country. The declaration also noted that attacks on Pakistan’s armed forces, security institutions, government and non-government installations and people are not permissible under any circumstances. Armed struggle by any individual, party or group is not legally permissible in Pakistan, and the government of Pakistan has the right to take legal action against those who do this. The declaration expressing concern over the situation in Palestine stated that for the last one month, the Zionist state of Israel has done complete siege of Gaza, the supply of water, food and fuel to 2.3 million people of Gaza has been suspended while the communication system has also been cut off. As a result of the ongoing bombing by Israel, more than 10,000 Palestinians have been martyred, including more than 3,000 children, while more than 20,000 people have been injured and hundred are burrier under the debris of demolished buildings.

The United States and its Western allies have not only supported Israel’s inhuman attacks, but are also complicit in Israel’s war crimes. The United Nations Human Rights Organization has definitely condemned the Israeli aggression, but this problem is not going to be solved by condemnations. The United Nations (UNO), OIC and Human Rights Organizations have to take immediate steps to ensure ceasefire in Gaza, otherwise, the sparks of this war can engulf the entire world.

The declaration said that the situation in Palestine is a test for the entire Ummah, as infants and children are being martyred in Gaza by barbaric bombardment, on which every Muslim living on earth is heartbroken and looking towards their rulers. Amidst all this situation, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia should play a leadership role, as currently the OIC is headed by Saudi Arabia. From the forum of OIC of the Muslim Ummah, lively and a bold decisions should be made on the situation in Palestine. Turkey, Bahrain and Jordan have cut off diplomatic relations with Israel and the rest of the Islamic countries that have diplomatic relations with Israel should also show courage in this regard.

A boycott of all Jewish products should be announced from the platform of the OIC. The Pakistan Ulema Council thanks Russia and China for their support to the Palestinian people. In the declaration, it was said that the state of Pakistan stands firmly on its principled stand on the Palestinian issue, and the stance expressed by Army Chief General Hafiz Syed Asim Munir in the meeting with the Palestinian ambassador is the voice of the heart of the entire nation. The State of Pakistan, the Pakistan Army and the people stand with their oppressed Palestinian brothers in this hour of difficulty and will provide them with all possible help. In the declaration, it was said that Afghans are our brothers, Pakistan has served Afghans for more than forty years and will continue to do so in the future, but we can’t support the illegal residents in the country.

It is the right of the State of Pakistan and the people of Pakistan to evict illegal residents from its territory. Legal foreigners are still living in Pakistan, it is the responsibility of the state to take action against them and expel them, and the entire nation stands by the state in this regard, said declaration of Pakistan Ulema Council. This operation is not against the residents of any particular country, but against all illegal people residing in Pakistan without legal documents. Unfortunately, the forces hostile to Pakistan, India and its allies elements are trying to spread propaganda on this legal right of Pakistan.

We also appeal to Afghan leaders to negotiate with Pakistan and address all these issues. Irresponsible statements on part of some Afghan leaders are very sorrowful an the leadership of the Afghan Interim Government should take notice of this. Baseless accusations and threatening behavior against Pakistan should end, said declaration. In the meeting, Chairman Pakistan Ulema Council Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, Allama Abdul Haq Mujahid, Maulana Muhammad Rafiq Jami, Maulana Nauman Hasher, Maulana Asad Zakaria Qasmi, Maulana Muhammad Shafi Qasmi, Maulana Asadullah Farooq, Allama Zubair Abid, Maulana Muhammad Ashfaq Patafi, Maulana Abu Bakr Hameed Sabri, Maulana Tahir Aqeel Awan, Maulana Aziz Akbar Qasmi, Maulana Haq Nawaz Khalid, Maulana Ubaidullah Gormani, Allama Tahirul Hasan Maulana Hanif Usmani, Maulana Muhammad Asghar Khosa, Maulana Anwarul Haq Mujahid, Maulana Abdul Malik Asif, Maulana Aslam Siddiqui, Maulana Abdul Hakeem Athar, Qari Muhammad Aslam Qadri, Maulana Abdullah Haqqani, Maulana Abdul Waheed Farooqui, Maulana Abu Bakar Hamza, Maulana Habib Rehman Abid, Maulana Aminul Haq Ashrafi, Maulana Izharul Haq Khalid, Sahibzada Hamza Tahirul Hasan, Maulana Saadullah Ludhianwi, Maulana Anisur Rehman Baloch, Maulana Abdul Rasheed, Mufti Muhammad Umar Farooq, Maulana Abdul Ghaffar Shah Hijazi, Maulana Muhammad Ahmad Makki, Maulana Azizur Rahman Muawiya, Mufti Imran Muawiya, Maulana Saadullah Shafiq, Maulana Yasir Alvi, Qari Abdul Rauf, Maulana Mustaal Mahar, Maulana Zubair Khatana, Maulana Aqeel Zubairi, Qari Azizur Rahman, Maulana Shabbir Khatana, Maulana Zubair Khatana, Qari Abdul Majid Lahori, Maulana Khanpuri, Maulana Qasim Farooq Sangi, Maulana Ashraf Malik, Maulana Ijaz Malik, Qari Abdul Wahab Muawiya, Maulana Muhammad Bilal Saqib, Qari Ibrahim, Qari Riaz, Maulana Amir Muawiya, Maher Abdul Khaliq Murali, Maulana Muneebur Rahman Haidari, Qari Mohabbate Ali Qasmi, Qari Zul Qarnain, Maulana Tayyab Qureshi, Qari Mahmood Al Hasan, Qari Abdul Majid Malik, Maulana Waqas Iqbal and others participated.

ISLAMABAD, NOV 05 (DNA) — Islamabad Capital Police apprehended 13 outlaws including five professional baggers from different areas of the city during the last 24 hours and recovered drugs and weapons with ammunition from their possession, a public relations officer said.

He said that, following the special directions of Islamabad Capital City Police Officer (ICCPO) Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan, the Islamabad Capital Police has intensified crackdown against the criminal elements in order to eliminate the crime from the city.

Following these directions the Aabpara police team arrested an accused namely Zeeshan Masih and recovered one dagger from his possession. The Karachi Company police team arrested an accused namely Umair Nazeer involved in liquor selling and recovered 10 bottles liquor from his possession.

Likewise, the Sumbal police team arrested an accused namely Muhammad Ali involved in drug peddling and recovered 540 gram hashish from his possession. The Tarnol police team arrested an accused namely Uzair Rehman and recovered one 30 bore pistol with ammunition from his possession.

Similarly, the Industrial Area police team arrested two accused namely Mumtaz and Asif and recovered 380 gram heroin and 20 liters liquor from their possession. The Sihala police team arrested an accused namely Mohsin Jamshed involved in liquor selling and recovered 15 liters liquor form his possession.

Moreover, the Shahzad Town police team arrested two accused namely Mohib Ali and Gulfam and recovered Tariq and recovered 1030 gram hashish from their possession. Cases have been registered against the nabbed accused and further investigation is underway.

During the ongoing crackdown against professional beggars, the Islamabad Capital Police arrested five professional baggers and registered cases against them under the beggar act.

ICCPO Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan directed the police officials to further intensify the crackdown against the criminal elements. “Safety and security of the citizens is our foremost priority and no laxity will be tolerated in this regard”, he maintained. — DNA

ISLAMABAD, NOV 4: /DNA/ – Apart from many entertainment programs for the visitors, the exhibition of the work of the artisans is a special attraction for the visitors at the ongoing “Lok Mela” organized by Lok Virsa.

More than 400 artisans are seen showcasing their work of making aestheticallymade handicrafts, using their creativity in folk arts and crafts and mesmerizing the visitors with their unique craftsmanship.

Handicrafts on display include embroidery (including Multani, Bahawalpuri, Hazara, Swati, Balochi and Sindhi embroidery), block printing, wood lacquer work, khusa making, pottery, chunri work, doll making, khaddar weaving, truck art, wood carving, namda and gaba, metal work, shawl weaving, zari work, bead work, ajrak, stone carving etc.

Lok Virsa being an important institution for promoting Pakistani folk culture, is well aware of the need for gender equality, that is why the stalls of women artisans are seen in every pavilion. Bothmen and women have an equal opportunity to express their talents in the mela.

Many women artisans can be seen displaying their skills in the melaas well. The most prominent among them is Kaneez Fatima. She is an expert craftsman of Balochi embroidery and is carrying forward this centuries-old tradition of her ancestors and has dedicated 35 to 40 years of her life to this profession and making this art useful for future generations too.

Men artisans are also no less than women in demonstrating their art, among them Muhammad Riaz, an expert craftsman of lacquer work hails from Silanwali, Punjab. His father was also an expert craftsman. He continued to exhibit his art in many fairs and exhibitions across the country and was awarded several times with cash prizes and certificates. He was recently conferred upon President’s medal for Pride of Performance.

Fayyaz is an expert block printing artisan using the natural dyes from KahrorPakka. The centers of the ancient art of wood block making are in the lower part of the Indus Valley which encompasses southern Punjab and the whole of Sindh. It is a more than 9,000-year-old craft dating back to the Mehrgarh civilization in Balochistan, which is the earliest evidence of pottery production.

The Indus Valley Civilization of MohenjoDaro in Sindh and the Harappan Civilization of Punjab (5,000 BC) indicate traces of cotton and woolen cloth production. The form, design and color of Pakistani handicrafts still have a dominant historical influence at the core. Handicrafts represent a valuable material heritage, a solid part of our historical and contemporary culture. Unlike in the West, most traditional crafts in Pakistan are neither a profession nor a hobby, but an integral part of a diverse cultural pattern.

The impact of the industrial age is destroying the heritage of this craft in rural areas as well, but there is a recent trend towards the use of handicrafts as art in urban homes. Historical motifs and designs are being revived by an increasing number of artisans and designers for the tourist and export trade.

Keepingthe tradition alive, a match of traditional wrestling of Punjab Kabaddiwas held at Mela grounds on 4th November. Two teams from Faisalabad arrived and gave thrilling performance of Kabaddi amid loud beating of drums, which was appreciated by a large number of crowd.

At the evening, a Qawwaliconcert was organized at the Open Air Theater featuring the famous QawwalBakshi Brothers. He performed Qawwali in their unique style and gave an electrifying and riveting performance and received great applause from the fans.