Tag: Kuwait

  • Viva Espana; Spain refuses to cut aid for Gaza

    Viva Espana; Spain refuses to cut aid for Gaza

    The Spanish foreign minister has announced that Spain will maintain its support for The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in Gaza despite USA, Canada and Australia withdrawing its support and funding, reports Alyssa Mcmurty News Agency.

    During a parliamentary commission meeting, Jose Manuel Albares called the UN agency “‘indispensable,” and said the funding helps “alleviate the terrible humanitarian situation in Gaza.”

    His announcement comes after a growing number of Western nations are freezing funding for the agency amid an internal investigation about some employees’ roles in the Oct. 7 attack on Israel after allegations were made by Israel.

    Around a dozen nations, including the United States, Canada, the UK, Germany, France, Japan Australia, and Austria, have suspended funding. Meanwhile, a minority of Western nations like Ireland, Norway, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Belgium, Kuwait, and Qatar have spoken out against the funding cuts.

    On Monday, Spain’s foreign minister said Spain will be following the agency’s internal investigation closely, but highlighted the inquiry is looking at the acts of “around a dozen people out of UNRWA’s 30,000 workers.”

    On Sunday, the UN agency released a statement saying its “life-saving aid may end” due to the funding freezes, adding that as the primary aid agency in Gaza, it runs shelters for over 1 million people and provides food and healthcare.

    UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese has said that governments suspending funds to the UN’s agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) represents “double standards” when they continue to support Israel, whose actions “plausibly constitute” genocide.

    We are shocked by the reckless decision to cut a lifeline for an entire population by some of the very countries that had called for aid in Gaza to be stepped up and for humanitarians to be protected while doing their job,” the 21 NGOs said in a statement.

    Spain’s junior coalition party Sumar posted on X that the decision to cut aid is “an attack against humanity” and “collective punishment.” It added that it will pressure the Spanish government to boost funding for the organization.

    Meanwhile, Albares added that Spain has tripled its funding to Palestine in recent months to around €50 million ($54 million), which includes funding for UNWRA.

    The Spanish foreign minister also told politicians that Spain supports Friday’s ruling of the top UN court which calls on Israel to prevent genocide. “We urge the integral compliance with this sentence by all parties. We request an urgent cease-fire and the entrance of humanitarian aid,” he added.

    Albares warned that the violence in Israel and Palestine could spill over to neighboring nations, which could have “devastating effects for those countries, and the entire Mediterranean region, which, of course, includes Spain.”

    The Spanish government continues pushing for an international peace conference, which would, in effect, see the entire international community recognizing a “viable” Palestinian state. Albares said that 88 nations now back the idea.

    “We will not resign ourselves to watching more innocent women, men, and children killed in Gaza and more suffering of Palestinian families,” he said. “We will not resign ourselves to keep watching the suffering of the families of hostages. The violence must stop.”

  • Cabinet approves seven MoUs for $10 billion investment deal with Kuwait

    Cabinet approves seven MoUs for $10 billion investment deal with Kuwait

    On Friday, during a session of the caretaker federal cabinet, seven Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) for investments between Pakistan and Kuwait were granted approval.

    These agreements are slated to be formally signed during the upcoming visit of the prime minister to the Gulf country, signifying a commitment to fostering economic cooperation and partnership between the two nations.

    The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar.

    As a result of dedicated initiatives by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), both countries will sign MoUs encompassing a range of projects.

    These projects span various sectors, including the expansion of water reservoirs, development of mining facilities, conservation of mangrove forests in coastal areas, advancements in information technology, and initiatives to bolster food security.

    The prime minister, presiding over the session, directed the facilitation of collaboration with the provinces to ensure the prompt and equitable implementation of the projects.

    The caretaker federal cabinet also endorsed the resolutions and actions deliberated upon during the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Affairs (CCLC) meeting held on November 14, 2023.

    Additionally, it gave its approval to the determinations reached in the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) meeting held on November 15, 2023, showcasing a comprehensive review and endorsement of key decisions across various governmental committees.

  • Business community finds hope as COAS Munir vows to tackle corruption and boost investment 

    Business community finds hope as COAS Munir vows to tackle corruption and boost investment 

     
    In response to the pressing economic crisis facing the country, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir has pledged unwavering efforts to attract foreign investment and rejuvenate the economy, as reported by The News on Tuesday. General Munir made these assurances during a recent extensive meeting with members of the business community, where he engaged openly and candidly with them. 

    During an appearance on Geo News‘ “Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath” programme on Monday, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), Irfan Iqbal Sheikh, expressed optimism following their meeting with the army chief. He revealed that General Munir had conveyed discussions of a potential $25 billion investment from Saudi Arabia, encompassing sectors such as IT, minerals, agriculture, and defence. 

    Highlighting a pivotal development, General Munir disclosed that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman had committed to depositing $10 billion of this investment in the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), to be reimbursed in Pakistani rupees or goods, thereby bolstering foreign exchange reserves. 

    General Munir also acknowledged the bureaucratic obstacles hindering investment and emphasised the establishment of a Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to streamline processes and eliminate bureaucratic impediments. He assured that this initiative would protect investors from interference, bureaucratic hurdles, or legal complications. 

    Irfan Iqbal Sheikh further mentioned that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had both pledged $25 billion in investments, with Qatar and Kuwait following suit with similar commitments. 

    General Munir expressed determination to combat corruption, particularly by curbing land-grabbing and extortion mafias. To this end, he announced the formation of four task forces to address issues related to the Federal Board of Revenue of Pakistan (FBR), border control, smuggling, and social media, aiming to improve the overall situation. 

    Sheikh stressed that the business community had grown disillusioned but found renewed courage and hope through the army chief’s commitments. 

    Meanwhile, Business Group Chairman Zubair Motiwala noted the distinct approach of General Munir in engaging with traders compared to his predecessors. He highlighted the COAS’s efforts to revive the economy through engagements in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and upcoming visits to Qatar and Kuwait. 

    Motiwala reported that General Munir had instructed the corps commander to prevent the influx of Iranian diesel into Karachi and issued directives to address land encroachments, corruption, and law enforcement issues. 

    General Munir also emphasised that only registered Afghan refugees would be allowed to stay in Pakistan, while the rest would need to return to their home country. He conveyed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman’s concerns regarding corruption and bureaucracy in Pakistan. 

    Motiwala further disclosed discussions about the charter of the economy with General Munir, expressing hope that such substantial investments would significantly improve the economic conditions in the country. 

    He also pointed out that state-owned enterprises were incurring significant losses, amounting to Rs1,300 billion, and stressed the need for action, noting that political governments might not fully embrace privatisation but would seek to relieve this burden. General Munir expressed his understanding of the government’s approach to this issue and its commitment to addressing it comprehensively. 

  • Sending heart emojis to women online can land you in jail in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia

    Sending heart emojis to women online can land you in jail in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia

    In a surprising move, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia have both passed laws that criminalise the sending of heart emojis via WhatsApp and other social networking sites, considering it an act of incitement to debauchery and harassment, respectively.

    According to Kuwaiti lawyer Haya Al Shalahi, individuals found guilty of sending heart emojis in Kuwait may face severe consequences. A conviction of this offence could lead to up to two years of imprisonment, along with a fine not exceeding 2,000 Kuwaiti dinars.

    Likewise, in Saudi Arabia, the consequences are equally harsh. Sending ‘red heart’ emojis on WhatsApp may result in a jail term ranging from two to five years, accompanied by a fine of 100,000 Saudi Riyals, as per Saudi law.

    Saudi cybercrime expert Al Moataz Kutbi highlighted that certain images and expressions used in online conversations, like red hearts, could be deemed harassment within the country’s jurisdiction. The act might lead to a lawsuit being filed by the aggrieved party, turning it into a serious offence.

    Moreover, for repeat offenders in Saudi Arabia, the financial penalty could escalate to a staggering 300,000 Saudi Riyals, coupled with a maximum imprisonment of five years.

    The rationale behind these strict measures is to combat online harassment and protect individuals from potentially harmful or inappropriate content shared through emojis. Authorities in both countries view such seemingly innocuous expressions as having the potential to incite indecent behaviour or cause emotional distress to recipients.

    As social media and messaging platforms continue to play a significant role in modern communication, governments are increasingly taking measures to regulate online interactions and enforce cyber laws. Individuals in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia are now urged to exercise caution in their online communication to avoid potential legal consequences.

    It remains to be seen how these laws will be enforced and how they will impact digital communication practises in both nations. In the meantime, citizens are encouraged to be aware of these recent legal developments and adapt their online behaviour accordingly.

  • Video: Kuwait media launches AI generated newscaster

    A Kuwaiti media organisation has introduced a virtual news anchor created through AI, with plans in place to use it for presenting online news reports.
    The AI news anchor, named “Fedha”, was presented on Kuwait News website’s Twitter account.

    The Kuwait News website is linked to the Kuwait Times, which was established in 1961 as the first English-language daily in the Gulf region. Abdullah Boftain, who serves as the deputy editor in chief for both outlets, has stated that the creation of the AI news anchor “Fedha” was an experiment to explore the possibilities of AI in delivering fresh and innovative content.

    According to Abdullah Boftain, in the future, “Fedha” the AI news anchor could potentially use a Kuwaiti accent and read news reports on the Kuwait News website’s Twitter account. The account currently has 1.2 million followers.

    “I’m Fedha, the first presenter in Kuwait who works with artificial intelligence at Kuwait News. What kind of news do you prefer? Let’s hear your opinions,” she said in Arabic

    https://twitter.com/KuwaitNews/status/1644792772212260867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1644792772212260867%7Ctwgr%5E74def1acb1ad81a3678a1b64998625e68c45f989%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Fworld%2F2023%2Fapr%2F11%2Fai-generated-news-presenter-debuts-in-kuwait-media

    The use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has become increasingly prevalent in a wide range of sectors, and it is anticipated that its impact will continue to expand in the near future.

  • Billionaire Mukesh Ambani buys Dubai’s most expensive villa for $163 million

    Billionaire Mukesh Ambani buys Dubai’s most expensive villa for $163 million

    India’s second-richest man is expanding his Dubai real estate portfolio with the acquisition of a new beachfront mansion, shattering his previous record for the most expensive residential real estate transaction in the city in a couple of months.

    According to reports, Mukesh Ambani purchased the Palm Jumeirah property from the family of Kuwaiti tycoon Mohammed Alshaya last week for approximately $163 million.

    Starbucks, H&M, and Victoria’s Secret have local franchises owned by Alshaya’s company. Ambani, whose net worth is $84 billion, is the chairman of Reliance Industries Ltd., the largest firm in India by market value.

    The tycoon has been buying up properties abroad and is increasingly searching for second residences in the west. According to Bloomberg, Ambani is looking into purchasing a home in New York and Reliance spent $79 million last year purchasing Stoke Park, a renowned country club in the United Kingdom.

    According to Bloomberg, the $80 million mansion that Ambani bought earlier this year is only a short stroll from his most recent purchase in Dubai. Until another mansion on the palm-shaped island sold for $82.4 million, that transaction represented the largest residential sale in the history of the city.

    This Thursday, the Dubai Land Department reported a $163 million real estate transaction in Palm Jumeirah without identifying the purchaser. Reliance’s spokesman declined to comment, and Alshaya’s representatives did not respond to calls for comment.

  • ‘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”.

  • Kuwaiti parliamentarians demand ban on the entry of India’s BJP members

    Parliamentarians of Kuwait have demanded an immediate ban on the entry of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members into the country.

    Al Sharikal, who is a Kuwaiti lawyer, posted a letter on Twitter addressed to the parliament to stop BJP members from entering Kuwait.

    He wrote, “A group of powerful Kuwaiti parliamentarians have demanded the govt of Kuwait to put an immediate ban on the entry of any member of the ruling BJP of India into Kuwait. We can’t sit back and watch Muslim girls being publicly persecuted they said. Time for the Ummah to unite.”

    This tweet was also reshared by Congress leader, Shashi Tharoor.

    He wrote, “Domestic actions have international repercussions. I hear from friends across the Gulf of their dismay at rising Islamophobia in India &the PM’s unwillingness to condemn it, let alone act decisively against it. “We like India. But don’t make it so hard for us to be your friends”.

    This retweet was highly criticised by the Indian Embassy in Kuwait and dupped as an “anti-national” tweet by a “Pakistani agent.”

    Recently, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also condemned the recent incidents of the genocide of Muslims by the Hindutva groups in India.

    It said, “The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation expresses deep concern over recent public calls for genocide of Muslims by the Hindutva proponents in Haridwar in the State of Uttarakhand and reported incidents of harassment of Muslim women on social media sites as well as banning of Muslim girl students from wearing hijab in the State of Karnataka.”

  • Kuwait allows women in Army combat roles after permission from male guardian

    Kuwait allows women in Army combat roles after permission from male guardian

    Kuwait has allowed women in Army combat roles. However, they will need permission from a male guardian. Women are also banned from carrying weapons which sparked controversy among Kuwaiti women.

    Activists have dubbed its policy as “one step forward, two steps back” after Defence Ministry announced women have to wear headscarves in the armed forces.

    Ghadeer al-Khashti, a sports teacher and member of Kuwait Football Association’s women committee, “I don’t know why there are these restrictions to join the army. We have all kinds of women working in all fields, including the police force.”

    She also revealed that her mother also took part in the resistance force when the Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in 1990.

    She further added, “My mum during the Iraqi invasion used to hide weapons under her abaya and transport them to members of Kuwait’s resistance, and my father encouraged it. I don’t understand on what basis they see women as weak.”

    In October 2021, Kuwait Defence Ministry decided to allow women in combat roles. However, it was questioned by orthodox lawmaker Hamdan al-Azmi. Later, the ministry imposed some restrictions.

    The lawmaker had criticised women’s roles in combat by saying, “does not fit with a woman’s nature.”

    Head of the Kuwaiti Women’s Cultural and Social Society, Lulwa Saleh al-Mulla also condemned the discriminatory law.

    She said, “We are a Muslim country, that is true, but we demand the laws not be subject to fatwas. Personal freedom is guaranteed in the constitution, on which the country’s laws are based.”

    Women were given the right to vote in 2005 in Kuwait.

  • Israeli star Gal Gadot’s ‘Death on the Nile’ gets banned in Kuwait

    Israeli star Gal Gadot’s ‘Death on the Nile’ gets banned in Kuwait

    Kuwait’s government has banned the upcoming Hollywood film Death on the Nile starring Israeli actress Gal Gadot. This film is the adaptation of whodunnit written by Agatha Christie.

    The decision was made after the outcry on social media over the casting of Israeli actress Gal Gadot who served two years in the Israel Defense Forces as a soldier.

    A spokesperson for Information Ministry, Anouar Mourad, told Agence France-Presse (AFP) that cinemagoers will not be able to watch Death on the Nile.

    This film will be released on February 11 in the United States (US) which is directed by and co-starring Kenneth Branagh.

    An Indian film actor, Ali Fazal is also starring along with Game of Thrones star Rose Leslie alongside Gadot and other lead actors.