Istanbul: Turkish security forces have detained 32 suspects over alleged links with Daesh terrorists who were planning attacks on churches and synagogues as well as the Iraqi embassy, a security source told AFP on Friday.
The Turkish Intelligence Organization (MIT) and police carried out dawn raids in nine cities including Istanbul and the capital Ankara against the group, the source said.
Three of the suspects were allegedly senior members of the extremist group.
The operation foiled the planned attacks on “synagogues and churches in Turkiye” as well the Iraqi embassy in Ankara, the source added.
Over the past months, Turkiye has intensified operations against Daesh jihadists.
Last week, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said police detained 304 suspects in 32 cities allegedly affiliated with the group.
Daesh extremists have carried out a string of attacks on Turkish soil, including against a nightclub in Istanbul in 2017 that left 39 people dead.
Turkiye detains 32 Daesh suspects who planned attacks on churches, synagogues
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Turkiye detains 32 Daesh suspects who planned attacks on churches, synagogues
- Three of the suspects were allegedly senior members of the extremist group
Designer unveils collection inspired by Al-Balad
- Through this collection, we invite our guests to not just wear garments, but to immerse themselves in an experience of a journey through time, culture and elegance: Makram Marzuki
JEDDAH: Saudi designer Makram Marzuki, in collaboration with Al-Balad Hospitality, hosted a captivating trunk show at heritage hotel Beit Jokhdar in Al-Balad on May 14-15.
The event showcased Marzuki’s latest collection, which draws inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of the historic district of Jeddah.
Marzuki’s latest show not only celebrated the beauty of Al-Balad but also offered a glimpse into the designer’s creative process and dedication to preserving Saudi heritage through contemporary fashion.
Speaking about the setting of the show, which emphasized telling the story beind the collection, Marzuki expressed his vision of creating a distinctive shopping experience that resonates with the history and essence of Al-Balad.
“Understanding the psychology of the Saudi woman who values luxury, we recognize her desire for more than just a generic store,” Marzuki said.
“Our goal is to provide an engaging and enjoyable shopping experience where connections are forged and memories are made. Witnessing women greet each other warmly, sharing stories and embracing the fusion of old and new, reaffirms our belief in bringing the past into the future.”
Marzuki revealed that the collection, which features luxurious and refined pieces, is a reflection of the heritage and architectural elements of Al-Balad, such as the intricate designs of “rawasheen” or “roshan,” the patterned wooden frames on windows and balconies.
The designer highlighted the attention to detail and craftsmanship that went into creating each garment, evoking a sense of quiet luxury that aligns with the ambiance of Beit Jokhdar.
“The trunk show and the hotel seamlessly blend together,” he said. “We aimed for an atmosphere of understated elegance, echoing the hotel’s over 100-year-old legacy.”
The designer shared insights into the design process, adding that the collaboration with Samaher Bashammakh from the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts was instrumental in bringing the collection to life as well as ensuring that every detail harmonized with the concept of luxury.
“The result is an intimate and luxurious experience, similar to browsing through a woman’s own closet,” he said. “We wanted to create a space that felt personal, where guests could immerse themselves in the brand’s ethos of sophistication and refinement.”
A white dress crafted from a luxurious cotton-silk blend and adorned with lace details reminiscent of the graceful lines of the roshan exemplified the fusion of traditional elements with modern design, he said. “Through this collection, we invite our guests to not just wear garments, but to immerse themselves in an experience of a journey through time, culture and elegance.”
Speaking about his favorite piece, he said: “The challenge of translating the delicate intricacy of the roshan into velvet jacquard fabric was immense, but the result is truly breathtaking. It’s a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication that went into every detail. This garment symbolizes the fusion of tradition and innovation, and it’s truly fantastic to see it come to life.”
Reflecting on the event, Marzuki emphasized the importance of storytelling in design and encouraged young designers to delve deep into their inspirations to create meaningful collections.
He hinted at a new collection set to launch in October, promising another showcase of exquisite craftsmanship and cultural references.
Digital ID launched for pilgrims arriving from outside Saudi Arabia
- The digital identity service is part of Saudi government efforts to enable digital transformation
- The move aims to facilitate pilgrims’ use of digital identity to enhance quality of services
RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Interior on Wednesday launched the digital identity service for pilgrims arriving from outside the Kingdom with a Hajj visa for this year’s season, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The digital identity service is part of the Saudi government’s efforts to enable digital transformation and harness technology to help people in accordance with the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030.
Developed in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, the service caters to those performing the annual ritual, according to the Interior Ministry, and enables pilgrims to prove their identity electronically through the Absher and Tawakkalna platforms.
The move aims to facilitate pilgrims’ use of digital identity to enhance the quality of services provided to them and enrich their experience.
It was also launched for pilgrims to experience the highest quality of service, and to keep pace with developments in digital transformation in the services provided to them throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.
The ministry’s General Directorate of Passports also launched on Wednesday a special passport stamp for those benefiting from the Makkah Route Initiative. The stamp contains the initiative’s visual identity.
The stamp will be made available through designated lounges at 11 airports around the seven countries benefiting from the initiative, which are Morocco, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye and Cote d’Ivoire.
The Makkah Route Initiative is one of the ministry’s initiatives within the program of serving pilgrims.
In major relief for consumers, Pakistan slashes petrol price by Rs15.39 per liter
- After Rs15.39 per liter reduction, new price of petrol has been set at Rs273.10 per liter
- Finance Division says decision taken due to declining prices of petroleum products in global market
KARACHI: Pakistan’s government on Wednesday slashed the price of petrol by Rs15.39 per liter for the next 15 days, with the move expected to bring major relief for consumers in a country reeling from inflation over the past two years.
Pakistan typically adjusts petroleum prices on a fortnightly basis, taking into account fluctuations in the international energy market and the rupee-dollar exchange rate. The latest decrease brings the price of petrol down from Rs288.49 to Rs273.10 per liter.
According to an official notification by the Finance Division released on Wednesday night, the price of high-speed diesel has also seen a downward revision of Rs7.88 per liter, setting it at Rs274.08 from Rs281.96.
“The prices of petroleum products have seen a decreasing trend in the international market during the last fortnight,” the Finance Division said in a press release.
“The Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has worked out the consumer prices, based on the price variations in the international market. The prices of Motor Spirit & HSD for the next fortnight, starting from 16th May, 2024, are accordingly being lowered.”
Pakistan slashed prices of petrol by Rs5.45 per liter on May 1 due to declining prices of petroleum products in the global energy market.
The South Asian country significantly increased fuel prices after securing a short-term, $3 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) last year.
The rising rates also led to spiraling inflation in the country, though the government started offering relief to the people by gradually bringing down the petroleum prices.
Pakistan is already in talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to secure another loan which is expected to be bigger in terms of size and duration.
US working to get American doctors out of Gaza, White House says
- “We’re tracking this matter closely and working to get the impacted American citizens out of Gaza,” Jean-Pierre said
- The Biden administration has been warning Israel against a major military ground operation in Rafah
WASHINGTON: The Biden administration is working to get US doctors out of Gaza, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said on Wednesday, as fighting intensified in the seaside enclave.
A group of American doctors from the Palestinian American Medical Association told the Washington Post this week that they were stuck in Gaza after Israel closed the border crossing in the southern city of Rafah.
“We’re tracking this matter closely and working to get the impacted American citizens out of Gaza,” Jean-Pierre said.
Jean-Pierre said the United States was engaging directly with Israel on the matter.
The Biden administration has been warning Israel against a major military ground operation in Rafah, but Jean-Pierre said efforts to get the doctors out are continuing regardless of what happens there.
“We need to get them out. We want to get them out and it has nothing to do with anything else,” she said.
Israeli troops battled militants across Gaza on Wednesday, including in Rafah, which had been a refuge for civilians, in an upsurge of the more than 7-month-old war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians.
Gaza’s health care system has essentially collapsed since Israel began its military offensive there after the Oct. 7 cross-border attacks by Palestinian Hamas militants on Israelis.
Humanitarian workers sounded the alarm last week that the closure of the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings into Gaza could force aid operations to grind to a halt.
The Israeli assault on Gaza has destroyed hospitals across Gaza, including Al Shifa Hospital, the Gaza Strip’s largest before the war, and killed and injured health workers.
Pakistan’s religious affairs minister arrives in Saudi Arabia to review Hajj arrangements
- Around 15,819 Pakistani pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia weeks before Hajj begins
- Minister to review pilgrims’ accommodations and other Hajj arrangements during trip
ISLAMABAD: Religious Affairs Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday to inspect Hajj arrangements in the Kingdom, as thousands of pilgrims from Pakistan begin to arrive in the holy cities for the annual Islamic pilgrimage.
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and requires every adult Muslim to undertake the journey to the holy Islamic sites in Makkah at least once in their lifetime if they are financially and physically able.
Pakistan has a Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims this year, of which 63,805 people will perform the pilgrimage under the government scheme, while the rest will use private tour operators. This year’s pilgrimage is expected to run from June 14-19.
“Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain has reached Saudi Arabia to inspect Hajj arrangements,” the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) said.
The minister was accompanied by Dr. Syed Ata ur Rehman, the additional secretary of the religious affairs ministry, on his visit to Saudi Arabia. Officials of the Pakistan Hajj Mission in Saudi Arabia welcomed the minister upon his arrival at Jeddah airport.
“The federal minister will meet senior officials of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umra and the Pakistani Hajj Mission,” MoRA said.
Hussain will be briefed about Pakistan’s Hajj operations at the control office in the Pakistan Hajj Mission, the ministry said, adding that he would also meet Hajj pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah during his trip.
“He will also review accommodations of the Hajj pilgrims, catering companies and various other arrangements,” the ministry said.
Pakistan’s religion ministry has confirmed that around 15,819 pilgrims from the country have arrived in Saudi Arabia weeks before the Hajj begins.
The government has set up two control rooms, one each in Makkah and Madinah, to facilitate Hajj pilgrims and ensure their pilgrimage remains hassle-free.
