Latest news with #Mariam
BBC News
25-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Women's football: Pakistan hopes to kick off new era
Ask one of the 255 million people in Pakistan to name their favourite sport, and most will say many will say football, and even fewer will say women's that's all about to change, according to new Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) president Syed Mohsin Gilani."We want to promote mass participation of girls in football," he the PFF previously suspended by governing body Fifa, the country's national women's team had been quiet on the world stage, playing only three games in the past two those hoping to drive the game forward in Pakistan have been looking further afield to find talented players to boost its profile, such as defender Layla former Birmingham City player tells BBC Newsbeat that Pakistan's football setup "isn't the best at the moment"."But hopefully that's going to change," she says. Layla made history when, aged 16, she became the first-ever South Asian woman to play for Birmingham City, something that she hopes can inspire others."You don't really see many players in the WSL [Women's Super League] from a South Asian heritage," she says."I feel like I want to be the person that people can see and show others that you can play football."Layla is currently a free agent after leaving the Blues at the end of last season, and recently made her debut for the Pakistan women's national played in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Asian Cup qualifiers, where the side finished as runners-up."Pakistan contacted me a couple years ago but I felt like it wasn't the right time and I felt like this was the right time," she says."It was an amazing experience and I'd do it all over again."She is half-Pakistani, so when it came to choosing between England or Pakistan she says "it wasn't even a thought, I'm proud of where I'm from"."It wasn't really a debate," she says. Joining the squad alongside her is 21-year-old Mariam Mahmood, a former West Bromwich player. "When they called me up, I was really happy," she says."To know they know about me from the other side of the world is crazy."Mariam didn't have the same experience as Layla from her extended family when she decided to pursue football. "They were just like: 'Pakistani girls don't play football, they don't do sport and that it's not a career path'."But, you can't let culture hold you back, you have to follow your heart," she says. Layla and Mariam join four other diaspora players in the national side, and PFF present Syed Mohsin Gilani is happy to have them. "Anybody who's eligible for Pakistan should play for Pakistan, it's doesn't matter where you live or where you're from," he tells Newsbeat. The battle now will be to focus on developing players at home."We want to have more women's football clubs and we are setting a functioning women's football department in the federation," says president Gilani. "We want to take it all over the country."The federation also plans to launch new competitions aimed at women and girls, he says. Layla says the PFF will need to do a lot of work to raise awareness and get young girls into football."It needs to be in schools, it needs to be in the local communities and there needs to be access to it," she says. She also wants to see more girls from a South Asian Muslim background coming through "into the academies, into the systems and into Pakistan's football team". Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here.
The Sun
18-07-2025
- The Sun
Online radicalisation fuels rise of campus extremism
PETALING JAYA: Religious extremism is quietly seeping into university spaces through digital narratives aimed at influencing impressionable minds, according to Universiti Islam Selangor Faculty of Islamic Civilisation Studies associate professor Dr Mariam Abd Majid. 'Young people are in a phase of searching for identity and meaning. Extremist groups know this and exploit it by wrapping their messages in what looks like intellectual or religious reform,' she told theSun. She said social media platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Telegram and Discord have enabled radical ideologies to spread beyond public scrutiny. 'They use short, emotionally charged content that feels convincing because it mimics academic arguments. But it's a distortion,' she explained. Mariam warned that some students gradually disengage from campus activities and adopt more rigid, fringe perspectives. 'They start idolising controversial preachers, criticising mainstream institutions and joining closed religious circles off-campus. 'Not all of them become extremists, but the early signs are there, and they need to be addressed before it escalates.' To counter the threat, she proposed embedding anti-extremism modules into the national curriculum, strengthening core religious subjects such as Aqidah and Fiqh, and equipping counsellors and lecturers to recognise ideological red flags. 'We need students to think critically, not just follow charismatic voices online,' she said. Out of four students from the university who spoke to the daily, two shared that they had personally encountered extremist content online, often through platforms like Facebook, TikTok and Instagram. One student described stumbling upon a page that 'looked like it was just sharing facts about Islam' but regularly included anti-Muslim rhetoric, mistranslations of Quranic verses and posts accusing Muslims of being violent or deceptive. Muhammad Zikrul Hakim, 20, said the topic of extremism feels 'very relevant' to students today. 'We get exposed to so many things online without realising what they are. If no one teaches us how to think critically, we'll just absorb whatever we see.' He urged authorities to use more engaging visuals to reach younger audiences. 'Use things such as infographics or mind maps, something visual, something we'll actually pay attention to.' Wan Muhammad Khalis Indra, 25, noted, 'A lot of us are just curious. We want to explore ideas. But that's also what makes us vulnerable, because we don't always know when a message is dangerous.' Another student, Suafiudin, 27, called for more structured academic guidance. 'There should be proper subjects that teach us how these ideologies work. If we don't understand the mechanics of it, we won't know how to avoid it.' An anonymous respondent added, 'Universities can only do so much. We need to start from young. Parents should teach real religious knowledge from early on, not just leave us to learn from TikTok or YouTube.' As students navigate an increasingly digital landscape, both experts and young voices agree that education alone is not enough. A stronger collective effort involving families, institutions and policymakers is needed to stop ideological manipulation at its root.
NBC News
18-07-2025
- Politics
- NBC News
Syrian government forces set to reenter Sweida province after renewed sectarian clashes
The Druze form a substantial community in Israel, where they are seen as a loyal minority and often serve in the Israeli military. After the ceasefire and withdrawal of government forces, clashes once again flared between the Druze and Bedouin groups in parts of Sweida province. State media reported Druze militias carried out revenge attacks against Bedouin communities, leading to a wave of displacement. The governor of neighboring Daraa province said in a statement that more than 1,000 families had been displaced to the area from Sweida as a result of 'attacks on Bedouin tribes by outlaw groups.' Meanwhile, Bedouin groups arrived Friday from other areas of Syria to join the fight. On the outskirts of Sweida, groups of them gathered in front of buildings that had been set ablaze. An armed man who gave his name only as Abu Mariam ('father of Mariam') said he had come from the eastern province of Deir ez-Zor to 'support the oppressed.' 'We will not return to our homes until we crush Al-Hijri and his ilk,' he said, referring to a prominent Druze leader opposed to the government in Damascus, Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri. 'We have nothing to do with civilians and innocent people as long as they stay in their homes.' The Druze religious sect began as a 10th-century offshoot of Ismailism, a branch of Shiite Islam. More than half of the roughly 1 million Druze worldwide live in Syria. Most of the other Druze live in Lebanon and Israel, including in the Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria in the 1967 Mideast War and annexed in 1981. While predominantly Druze, Sweida is also home to Bedouin tribes who are Sunni Muslim and have periodically clashed with the Druze over the years. The latest escalation began with members of a Bedouin tribe in Sweida setting up a checkpoint and attacking and robbing a Druze man, which triggered tit-for-tat attacks and kidnappings. Ahmed Aba Zeid, a Syrian researcher who has studied armed groups in southern Syria, said there is 'no specific reason' for the historic tensions between the groups. 'All of Syria is full of social problems that have no reason,' he said. In this case, however, 'The state exploited the latest problem to try to change the situation in Sweida, and this only increased the scope of it,' he said.
Mid East Info
17-07-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Statement by H.E. Mariam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Director General of the Family Development Foundation On Union Pledge Day
H.E. Al Rumaithi: On Union Pledge Day, let us recall the legacy of the founders and the spirit of sacrifice. H.E. Mariam Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Director General of the Family Development Foundation, highlighted the UAE's pioneering position among developed nations, as a world-class model of excellence across diverse fields. Her Excellency remarked that this exemplary growth is a testament to the wise leadership's forward-looking vision for investing in people, while fostering a culture rooted in innovation and sustainability. It also aligns with the approach of the nation's founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brothers, the rulers of the Emirates. Moreover, H.E. Al Rumaithi underscored that the nation has positioned itself as a regional and global hub for impact and decision-making, as well as a key enabler in shaping a more prosperous and advanced world. In a statement made on the Union Pledge Day, Her Excellency said: 'On this momentous occasion, let us reaffirm our commitment to the noble principles upon which this great was founded, emphasising our loyalty to the wise leadership and this nation which knows no retreat and is hard-wired to lead. Let us also recall the timeless legacy of the founders and the spirit of sacrifice, through which we harness the resilience to strive towards an ambitious future vision. The Union Pledge Day is also a reminder for every Emirati to build upon past achievements and actively contribute towards the nation's ongoing growth journey, inking a brand-new chapter of achievement and progress every day.' H.E. Mariam continued: 'The Union Pledge Day is a remarkable milestone in the nation's rich legacy, a source of inspiration for generations to come and an important opportunity to reconnect with the nation's founding values and the spirit of determination. It serves as the ideal occasion to renew our commitment to national development, and continue this journey with utmost dedication and sincerity, ushering in a prosperous tomorrow built on the values of charity and hard work, while preserving and enhancing the UAE's leading position on the global stage.' Her Excellency also remarked that the occasion showcases the UAE's unwavering commitment to upholding humanitarian values, by prioritising the role of family and senior citizens in the sustainable development process. H.E. Mariam noted that this noble vision focuses on enhancing family cohesion, empowering various societal segments, and honouring senior citizens as powerful symbols of wisdom. Her Excellency further stated that through qualitative initiatives and supportive policies, the nation affirms its dedication to building a cohesive society which preserves the dignity of its members and upholds loyalty. This is also vital to ensuring that the spirit of the union remains present in all achievements pertaining to both individual and family development.
Al Bawaba
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Al Bawaba
Five Ways to Spark: Chevrolet's Fully Unlocked Lineup of the All-New Spark EUV Now Available at Showrooms
Chevrolet Middle East is putting personality in the driver's seat this summer with the complete rollout of the all-new Spark EUV - now available in five distinct personality-driven themes. Following the debut of the Retro, Adventure, and Gaming themes, the lineup is now complete with the addition of two fresh new faces: Camo and Active. With this final drop, the Spark EUV becomes Chevrolet's most customizable, personality-packed vehicle yet - smart, stylish, and unapologetically you. Meet the five themes and the personas that bring them to life: 2026 CHEVROLET SPARK EUV – CAMO THEME Hey, I'm Mariam, not exactly an EV person… or so I thought. Mariam wasn't sure she was ready to go electric - until the Spark EUV Camo Theme caught her eye. Bold, unexpected, and completely her vibe, the Camo Edition felt like a perfect match from the very first glance. For Mariam, camouflage isn't about hiding, it's about discovering a new kind of confidence. And that includes stepping into the EV space, on her terms. Why the Camo Theme Works: • Style that speaks volume. It's edgy, expressive and doesn't look like a typical EV. That's exactly why she loves it. • Affordable pricing for the base vehicle, exceptional quality with no compromises and flexible charging options, it makes the switch easy. • It reflects her mindset: stepping into something new, different, and unapologetically bold. 2026 CHEVROLET SPARK EUV – ACTIVE THEME Hey, I'm Vanessa - a lifestyle influencer who isn't just driving, she's documenting. She lives for the details: the perfect lighting, the right angles and of course the best matcha spots in town. Between photo shoots, brunch runs and 'OOTD - Outfit of the Day', Vanessa needed a ride that could keep up with her feed and her schedule. Why the Active Theme Works: • Advanced features and built-in safety keep her connected and protected, wherever content takes her. • Sleek, social-ready, and effortlessly cool inside and out - the perfect backdrop for every reel and post. • Easy to park, effortless to maneuver, but roomy enough for her camera gear, tripod, and two outfit changes. It's tiny on the outside, roomy where it counts. • Customizable features and a compact, city-smart design to match her every vibe, mood and content. 2026 CHEVROLET SPARK EUV – RETRO THEME Hello, I'm Frank – the "I Might Be Older, But I'm Young at Heart and Still the Coolest!' A little vintage, a lot of fun, and with a serious love for classic style, Frank is the life of every gathering. He may have a soft spot for the good old days, but he also knows a smooth, fun drive when he feels one and the Spark EUV Retro Theme is his kind of ride. With its '70s, '80s, and '90s design influences, this car blends nostalgia with tech-savvy innovation - because staying ahead of the curve has always been his style. Why the Retro Theme Works: • Retro body lines and bold colors to keep Frank feeling young and stylish. • Modern tech like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto1 for a seamless driving experience. • A drive that thrills - quick response, smooth handling and pure fun behind the wheel. • A playful, quirky charm – just like Frank, it's packed with personality. 2026 CHEVROLET SPARK EUV – ADVENTURE THEME Meet Ali – an outdoor photographer and a weekend warrior. Ali lives for adventure, chasing the perfect shot and exploring breathtaking landscapes. His weekends are all about exploring new terrains, and his Spark EUV Adventure Theme is always ready for the journey. With rugged accessories, plenty of storage, and a bold, go-anywhere attitude, Ali's Spark is the perfect companion for his spontaneous spirit. Why the Adventure Theme Works: • A customizable, outdoor-ready design that screams 'adventure' at every turn. • Enough room for 4 passengers and their gears – adventures are better together! • Sufficient ground clearance ready to conquer unpaved trails with ease. 2026 CHEVROLET SPARK EUV – GAMING THEME Hi, I'm Omar – a software developer by day, hardcore gamer by night! Omar lives in a world of pixels, processors, and high-level gaming. The Spark EUV Gaming Theme brings the virtual thrill into the real world. With gaming-inspired features and tech that make every ride feel like the ultimate challenge, Omar's ready to level up his driving experience. Why the Gaming Theme Works: • Futuristic, high-tech design that screams 'game on!'. • Gaming-inspired controls and features to express his passion, all in a practical vehicle. • Fun-to-drive performance with 180Nm of instant torque, smooth acceleration and an impressive range2 of up to 360KM (NEDC). *Pre-production accessory concepts are shown. Customization options and production accessories may vary by dealership and market. SO WHICH ONE ARE YOU? The future of driving is here and it's personal. Are you ready to claim yours? Now available across UAE, KSA, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Lebanon, Iraq, Oman, and Egypt, the Spark EUV is a compact electric SUV designed to reflect who you are, how you live, and where you're headed next. Visit your nearest showroom to experience what might just be the coolest — and most attainable — EV in its class. Starting prices: • UAE: AED 79,900* • KSA: SAR 79,800* • Oman: OMR 8,360* • Bahrain: BHD 7,680* • Qatar: QAR 75,300* • Lebanon: USD 25,700* • Jordan: USD 20,500* • Kuwait: KWD 6,999 including accessories and charger installation *Starting price is for the standard Spark EUV and includes VAT, a Level 1 charging cord and a 7kW Wallbox. Installation not included. Accessories and themes are not included unless otherwise stated. For more information, please visit or contact your local Chevrolet showroom.
