Latest news with #Shias
India Today
15-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Pakistan to ban Shias from travelling solo to Iraq
Pakistan is set to ban solo travel by persecuted Shia Muslims to Iraq for religious pilgrimages, starting January 1, 2026. The move, announced by Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, came after meetings with his counterparts from Iran and Iraq. Thousands of Pakistani Shia travel annually to Iraq and Iran for religious pilgrimages, with many overstaying their the new policy specifically targets solo travel to Iraq, the move is likely to impact a significant number of pilgrims who visit Iraq's holy sites, which drew 21.5 million visitors annually in 2024, including many who first complete their pilgrimage in Iran before continuing onward to Iraq has a significant chunk of Shias in its population, Iran is a Shia powerhouse. In Sunni-majority Pakistan, Shias face sectarian discrimination and violence. The Shias of debt-ridden Pakistan are the world's second-largest Shia community after that of Iran, comprising only 10-15 percent of the Islamic Republic's population, but face significant challenges including sectarian violence, discrimination, and political disenfranchisement. Some also flee because of lack of economic opportunities or fragile security TRAVEL MANDATORY FOR PAK SHIA PILGRIMS HEADING TO IRAQThe policy shift would mandate that Pakistani Shia pilgrims, referred to as "zaireen", travel to Iraq only under the supervision of registered group organisers, reported Riyadh-based daily, Arab News."From January 1, 2026, we will not be allowing any Pakistani to leave for Iraq without the zaireen [pilgrims] group organiser, which means that we will register people who will be allowed to take the groups to Iraq," Naqvi said."The new group-based travel system aims to curb illegal entries and extended stays," Naqvi added, revealing that Iraq and Iran have fully endorsed the new organisers of the tours will now be responsible for ensuring all pilgrims return, addressing concerns about illegal those granted special visas by the Iraqi embassy will be exempt from this requirement, reported the Karachi-based PAK PILGRIMS TAKE UP ILLEGAL WORK, STAY BEYOND VISA TERMS IN IRAQThe decision to bar Shia Muslims from travelling to Iraq alone stems from Pakistan's efforts to address the issue of pilgrims overstaying their visas in Iraq, which has at times strained diplomatic relations and affected Pakistan's reputation."The people who are overstaying there, the people who have started working there, we need to stop this," Naqvi said, calling for cooperation from Iran and Iraq to enforce the new of Pakistani Shia Muslims travel annually to Iraq and Iran to visit sacred sites, such as those in Najaf and Karbala, particularly during the 40-day-long pilgrims reportedly remain in Iraq illegally and refrain from going back. Some take up unauthorised work and keep living ABUSE BY PAKISTANIS ON RISE, EVEN AIRLINE CREW DISAPPEARED IN CANADAadvertisementIllegal migration from debt-ridden Pakistan is not confined to economically distressed neighbours or culturally close countries like Iraq and Iran, but extends even to affluent nations such as Saudi Arabia, a traditional destination for Pakistani migrants, has repeatedly raised alarms over Pakistani nationals overstaying visas and engaging in unauthorised activities, including begging. In December 2024, Saudi Arabia deported 4,700 Pakistani beggars in one April 2025, Saudi Arabia imposed a temporary visa ban on 14 countries, including Pakistan, to curb unauthorised Hajj participation and overstays. In May, Saudi Arabia deported 5,033 Pakistani beggars, reported the Pakistani English daily, issue of illegal migration out of Pakistan extends beyond the Middle East. Even in countries like Canada, Pakistani nationals, including seemingly well-placed individuals, have been involved in visa violations. In 2024, several Pakistani airline crew members disappeared after arriving in move follows repeated concerns from Iraq, Iran, and other host countries like Saudi Arabia, where Pakistani nationals have entered on valid visas but overstayed and engaged in unauthorised economic activities.- Ends
The Hindu
07-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Muharram observed with ceremonial processions in Kalaburagi
Shia Muslims observed Muharram in Kalaburagi on Sunday with religious fervour to mourn the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the battle of Karbala, Iraq, in 680 AD. The devout observe fast for the first eight days of the month and perform other religious rituals. On the 10th day, a procession is taken out as a ritual. Shias gathered at Allah Khane Zahira Irani Masjid in the city and took out a procession for ceremonial mourning that involved the ritualistic 'maatam' or beating on chests and performing self-flagellation with sharp instruments to reflect the grief over the violent deaths of Hussain and his family. The procession, which began from the masjid in Tarfile locality, culminated near the railway station. Religious heads delivered lectures on the relevance of observing the rituals and martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain. Meanwhile, during the month, Suni Muslims observe fast and indulge in prayers and take out colorful procession with Taziya and taboot, a miniature replica of the tomb of Imam Hussain, made in numerous forms and types that culminate in the burial ground. The Muharram processions began on Saturday itself in rural areas and continued till Sunday night in the city. Muharram is a significant festival observed by Hindus and Muslims together on a grand scale, particularly in rural parts, highlighting the tradition of communal harmony.
Economist
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Economist
Can Donald Trump force a ceasefire in Gaza?
Middle East & Africa | The would-be peacemaker Photograph: AFP via Getty Images Jul 7th 2025 | JERUSALEM | 3 min read T WO WEEKS after Israel's dramatic war against Iran, Binyamin Netanyahu is arriving in Washington to bask in glory alongside Donald Trump. But to receive a victor's reception at the White House, Israel's prime minister may have to yield to America's president on another matter. Peace deals may be elusive, and Gulf states fear the war is far from over William Ruto's tenure is a how-to guide for sowing cynicism about democracy But today transnational political Shiism is struggling for its survival Making peace with the Palestinians looks much harder than with Iran's regime or Shias in Lebanon The truce signed by Congo and Rwanda leaves out some important details The government is failing to protect them
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Mini Iraq in Lucknow and marks of Lucknow in Iraq
1 2 Naresh Dayal, district magistrate of Lucknow (1986-88), had the occasion to visit Iraq as secretary in petroleum ministry of govt of India. While in Baghdad, he expressed the desire to visit Kazman near Baghdad (shrine of 7th Shia Imam Musa Kazim). The request intrigued his hosts about the purpose of his visit to the shrine. Dayal told them that he is coming from a city which has a kazman too. Kazman in old Lucknow is quite like the original kazman in Iraq. The Lucknow kazman was built by a Hindu minister of King Amjad Ali Shah (1842-47) of Awadh named Jagan Nath titled Sharaf-ud-daula, is different from the original shrine in Iraq only by poor upkeep. Whereas, in look, form and measurements both are alike. The original domes of the shrine in Iraq are made of pure gold and the domes of its replica in Lucknow are made of gold plated thick silver pattar (sheet). Kazman is not alone. There are many religious monuments in Lucknow which are exact replicas of Shia shrines in Iraq. In vicinity of kazman there is a mosque known as shabih e masjid e kufa (replica of kufa mosque). Again in design, structure and in paimaish (measurements) this mosque is the exact replica of then kufa mosque where Hazrat Ali was martyred. Like the then kufa mosque this structure is still painted in reddish brown. Over the period of time the mosque in kufa has undergone changes. Karbala of Awadh noble Dayanat-ud-daula in old Lucknow is also the exact replica of Imam Hussain shrine in Karbala. There are couple of wooden pillars having intricate carvings in this Karbala like of which are placed at outer gate of Imam Hussain shrine in Iraq where they are displayed as pieces of antiquity. May be those pillars were placed over there as offering to the shrine by Awadh rulers as the pillars are said to be made of some wood from Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Being devout Shias, Awadh rulers contributed generously to the enlargement, upkeep and facilities for pilgrims in Karbala and Najaf (shrine of Hazrat Ali). Awadh begums made offerings of precious jewelleries to the shrine which are displayed on makhsusi (specific significant days) In the midst of Arabic display boards one finds "imambara of Taj Bahu saheba" in Karbala where majlis is still conducted in Urdu. Taj Bahu saheba was the wife of Prince Jawad Ali, younger brother of King Wajid Ali Shah. In the post second Gulf War uprising, Iraq ruler Saddam Hussain got many buildings flattened and this imambara was also enormously damaged. However, the Lucknow style alams and zardozi embroidery patkas survived the onslaught. In its original form, this imambara was typical Awadh style building. The road between Najaf and Karbala is dotted with Hussainas, buildings which are actually sarais (enroute resting places) for the pilgrims. Many of these Hussainas were constructed by devout Lucknowites. I remember Syed Rasul, an Iraqi gentleman who was the caretaker of the Sarai of Meer Sadiq in Karbala. For settling the books of the charitable properties, Syed Rasul and many Arab caretakers like him used to visit Lucknow. They were conversant in Urdu. For the benefit of Karbala pilgrims there is Asifi Nahar,a canal which was constructed by Nawab Asifudaula Bahadur of Awadh. King Nasiruddin Haider had commissioned architects, designers and civil engineers to grasp the design of Karbala and recreate it in Lucknow. Unfortunately, the project could not be completed as the king passed away and he was buried in this karbala in Daliganj. All Shia burial places are called karbala where during muharram Tazias, paper replica of imam Hussain shrine, are also buried. Wish for burial in Karbala in Iraq is a Shia custom among the rich and the resourceful. As shifting of body from India to Iraq was time taking it was a kind of twice burial. Before final journey to Iraq the bathed embalmed body was stored in Indian graveyard. To my memory, Sakina Begum, wife of Nawab Murtuza Ali Khan of Rampur, was the last person to be taken to Karbala for final burial (2012). That too after years of waiting as the way to Iraq was not open. The sea voyage to Karbala also added an expression to popular food vocabulary. Jahazi roti has rooting in the extra large khameeri roti served on ships. Among the faithful several pilgrimages to Karbala is honourably flaunted. Grave stone of Chacha Bahadur of Kashmiri Moholla in Karbala Talkatora of Lucknow proudly reads : "Dasta-e-Anjuman ke rohey Rawan Wo bahadur wo shai ke matamdaar They jo attharah baar ke zair Shai ke qadmon mein hai ye unka mazaar" (Soul of matami sangat That Bahadur, that mourner of Hussain He who travelled to karbala for eighteen timeUnder the feet of his master, it is his grave) (The writer is an oral history and culture exponent)
India.com
04-07-2025
- Politics
- India.com
J-K: Iran, Palestine Flags And Khamenei Posters Seen During Muharram Procession In Srinagar
New Delhi: Flags of Palestine, Iran flags, and pictures of Iran's supreme leader, Syed Ali Khamenei, and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrullah were seen during the 8th Muharram procession in Srinagar to show solidarity with Iran and Palestine. Police had asked Shias not to hoist Iran, Palestine, or Hezbollah flags and display Iran's supreme leader or any other picture but despite the restrictions they displayed flags of Iran and Hezbollah and banners supporting Iran, Palestine and Hezbollah during the Muharram procession to express solidarity amid rising tensions in West Asia even as police had warned against such actions. They also displayed pictures of Ayatullah Aga Syed Ali Khamenei, Ayatullah Aga Khamenei, and Hassan Nasrullah, Hezbollah. These Shia people said that these demonstrations reflect a historical and emotional connection between the Shia community of Kashmir and the geopolitical conflicts of Iran and Palestine, often seen as a form of resistance against oppression. Today, on 4 June 2025, the Shia community in Srinagar took out a Muharram procession through the traditional route from Guru Bazar to Dalgate amid tight security. The procession passed through Lal Chowk and M A Road to Dalgate. Security was kept very vigilant, and the entire route of the procession was kept traffic-free so that the procession could proceed smoothly. There is no restriction on the size of Tazia here, like other states, but the authorities have issued several instructions on what to do and what not to do. It is worth mentioning that this 8th day procession was banned from 1991 to 2023 due to terrorism, but in 2023, when the LG government said that the situation is better and the ban on this procession was lifted.
