Latest news with #Ummah
The Print
7 hours ago
- Politics
- The Print
Pakistan's coldness to Iran shows idea of Ummah is poetic illusion
There is a possibility that Asim Munir will do what Pakistan has often done in such moments—remain silent, walking the tightrope between pragmatism and posturing, quietly leaving behind the cause of the Ummah and the idea of Islamic brotherhood. Because let's be honest, the same country that loudly invokes Muslim unity on Kashmir or Palestine suddenly goes quiet when it comes to Iran or Uyghur Muslims in China. When realpolitik knocks, slogans about Ummah often step aside. For a country that never misses a chance to claim it's the guardian of the Ummah (global Muslim community), Pakistan's silence right now is deafening. As Israel pounds Iran, where is the self-declared sword of Islamic brotherhood? Their army chief is on a five-day charm offensive in Washington — shaking hands, posing for cameras, sharing polite smiles with the same superpower arming Israel to the teeth. Maybe even betraying the Ummah by quietly playing a crucial role for the Israel-West alliance. Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff and effectively the most powerful man in the country, is currently on a five-day official visit to the United States. The visit aims to strengthen military and strategic ties between Islamabad and Washington. But let's not kid ourselves—timing is everything. With tensions flaring in the Middle East, particularly between Iran and Israel, speculation is running wild. Is Pakistan's de facto ruler visiting Washington just to exchange handshakes and sound bites, or is something bigger at play ? Is he there to pick a side? Speaking to reporters after a high-level interaction, US President Donald Trump didn't leave much to the imagination either. 'We spoke about the Iran-Israel issue. Pakistan understands Iran better than us — they're a key player in regional peace,' he said . And just like that, Pakistan's position is no longer neutral geography. What about Ummah? During the recent India-Pakistan conflict, Turkey sided with Pakistan, Iran offered to mediate, while Saudi Arabia sent its Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Adel Al-Jubeir, to both Islamabad and New Delhi. Iran, in fact, was the first country to recognise Pakistan after its creation. And when Pakistan conducted its underground nuclear tests in 1998 and faced immediate Western sanctions, it didn't stand alone. The response from the Islamic world was swift and clear. Within days, envoys from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Qatar — even Iran — landed in Islamabad to offer not just words, but real support, economic and moral. All in the name of shared faith and the pride of a Muslim nation asserting its sovereignty. But now, as Iran faces attacks and uncertainty, Pakistan's stance feels unusually cold. Pakistani officials quickly clarified that they never promised nuclear support to Iran. It has sealed its borders with Iran indefinitely and shut its airspace. So naturally, questions will be raised. What is left of the idea of Muslim unity worldwide? All the talk of Ummah – was it just a sermon for Friday prayers and headlines? All that chest-thumping about Islamic unity — does it dissolve every time there's a price to pay, and only valid when Pakistan is the one asking for support? Also read: Asim Munir is the first Punjabi general to attack India. It's sociologically important Pakistan's game plan Anyone with even the slightest grasp of geopolitics can see through the game. Pakistan's elite have long used Islam and the idea of Ummah not as a sacred bond, but as a convenient tool — to serve their own interests, to freeload off the goodwill of Muslim nations, to gather diplomatic sympathy when needed and at the same time, to fuel radicalisation that ruins innocent lives across borders. The irony reaches a whole new level when they try to pose as the voice of Indian Muslims — invoking shared faith as if it's a political strategy, not a matter of conscience. This is not solidarity; it is opportunism wrapped in religious rhetoric. The truth is, Pakistan couldn't even accept the Muslims who migrated there and chose it as their homeland. To this day, they are called 'Muhajir (outsiders)' in a country they helped build. And while the vast majority of Indian Muslims have rejected Pakistan's interference—including conservative leaders like Asaduddin Owaisi—there are still some who, in the name of Ummah, hold on to the illusion. They need to open their eyes to the hypocrisy. The idea of Ummah may sound poetic, but reality is far more grounded. Nations are defined by borders, by policies, by sovereignty. Your future lies with the country you belong to, not with some imagined brotherhood across the border. No fantasy of religious unity can protect you from geopolitical truth. The sooner that's accepted, the better it is for everyone. Amana Begam Ansari is a columnist, writer, and TV news panellist. She runs a weekly YouTube show called 'India This Week by Amana and Khalid'. She tweets @Amana_Ansari. Views are personal. (Edited by Zoya Bhatti)
Malay Mail
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Foreign minister to represent Malaysia at OIC summit, highlight Palestine and religious hatred
PUTRAJAYA, June 20 — Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan will lead Malaysia's delegation to the 51st Session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting in Istanbul, Turkiye, from June 21 to 22, 2025. The Foreign Ministry, in a statement released yesterday, said that the meeting will involve the participation of foreign ministers and representatives from 57 OIC Member States. 'The Foreign Minister will deliver a National Statement highlighting Malaysia's views and position on issues of common concern under the OIC, such as the situation in Palestine and their rights to self-determination,' said the ministry. The National Statement will also address the rise of Islamophobia and all forms of hatred towards religion, emphasise economic cooperation, and initiatives that Malaysia has undertaken in pursuing the objectives of the OIC, it added. With the theme of 'OIC in a Transforming World', this meeting is expected to deliberate and agree on common approaches for addressing the political, socio-economic, and cultural challenges faced by the Ummah, through the adoption of the Istanbul Declaration and nearly 146 proposed resolutions, the ministry stated. The meeting also serves as a platform to expand cooperation and solidarity among OIC Member States in promoting peace and security for the Ummah and the global community at large, particularly amid the current escalating tensions in the Middle East region, it said. — Bernama
Malay Mail
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Anwar receives Aidiladha greetings from Iranian and Turkish leaders, reaffirms Malaysia's support for Palestine
KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 — In the spirit of Aidiladha, which upholds the values of sacrifice and justice, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed appreciation for the steadfastness of Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian in defending the plight of the Palestinian people, particularly in Gaza. In a phone call with Masoud earlier today, Anwar said Malaysia stands firmly with Iran in strongly rejecting all forms of occupation and the ongoing expulsion of Gaza's people, who continue to be oppressed by the Zionist Israeli regime. 'I also conveyed that Malaysia's foreign policy is not dictated by external powers but is built on national interests and firm convictions. 'Malaysia condemns the hypocrisy of certain countries that claim to uphold human rights yet silently allow mass killings without any dignified action. Silence in the face of oppression is a betrayal of universal human values,' he said in a statement on Facebook. Anwar said Masoud also extended Aidiladha greetings for the celebration on Saturday. Anwar prayed that hajj pilgrims from both nations currently in the holy city of Makkah would be granted a blessed hajj and contribute to the development of the 'Ummah' upon returning to their respective countries. The prime minister also expressed gratitude to Masoud for his noble efforts in facilitating the repatriation of two Malaysian citizens previously detained in Iran. He said during the conversation, he conveyed appreciation to Masoud following the recent visits by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir to Tehran, as part of joint efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation. He noted that the cooperation spans education, technology, food security, trade, investment and the oil and gas sector. 'In the same discussion, Malaysia welcomes the decision to resume Mahan Air flights from Tehran to Kuala Lumpur, which will undoubtedly open more opportunities and avenues for economic ties and people-to-people connections,' he said. In a separate post, Anwar said he received a phone call from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan this afternoon, during which they discussed, among other things, the suffering of the Palestinian people. 'We agreed that while the world chooses to remain silent and selective about the plight of Gaza's people, we cannot stand idly by. Malaysia wholeheartedly welcomes and fully supports President Erdogan's stance to utilise all available platforms and capabilities to defend the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people,' he said. Anwar said they also discussed Erdogan's recent official visit to Malaysia, which he described as the most successful and meaningful in the nation's diplomatic history, further strengthening the long-standing bilateral ties. He said the visit was not merely a ceremonial exchange but was underpinned by substantive discussions addressing shared interests. 'I view the visit as a manifestation of the alignment of values and the clear direction both nations share in upholding justice, sovereignty and the development of the global ummah,' he said. Anwar said Malaysia is committed to working closely with Turkiye, particularly in forming a strategic partnership capable of amplifying the voice of the ummah on the global stage. 'In the spirit of Aidiladha, embodying sacrifice, resilience and faith in divine guidance, Malaysia will continue to stand with Turkiye in fostering a more peaceful, just and humane world,' he said, noting that he also received Aidiladha greetings from Erdogan. — Bernama
Express Tribune
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
'Youm-e-Takbeer' hailed as golden chapter in history
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday extended heartfelt congratulations to the people of the country and the Ummah on the occasion of Youm-e-Takbeer, calling it a day of pride, power and unwavering national resolve. In a message she said, "Youm-e-Takbeer is not just a date on the calendar, it is a powerful reminder of Pakistan's historic decision to become a nuclear power, a decision that continues to inspire pride and confidence in the nation." She said 27 years had passed, yet the people of Pakistan continue to hold their heads high and they will continue to do so. "This is the day when Pakistan's leadership, under prime minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, chose national interest and public aspiration over global pressure." The CM said, "Pakistan's nuclear capability is not only a strategic asset for the country but a symbol of strength and pride for the entire Muslim world. "By the grace of Almighty Allah, Pakistan earned the historic distinction of becoming the first Muslim nuclear power," she said. The CM emphasised that "the enemy no longer dares to cast an evil eye on our land, because of the bold and visionary decision taken on May 28, 1998. The foundation for the victory on May 10 was laid on May 28. Our nuclear programme remains a key pillar of Pakistan's defence strategy." CM Maryam Nawaz praised the leadership of Nawaz Sharif, saying that the nation remains indebted to him for his brave and historic decision. Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan also extended warm congratulations to the people of Pakistan and the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of Youm-e-Takbeer, describing it as a golden chapter in the nation's defence history. In a statement, Speaker Khan said, "Youm-e-Takbeer is not merely a date on the calendarit is a day that reaffirms our unwavering commitment to national sovereignty, pride, and defence." Recalling the events of May 28, 1998, Khan said the successful nuclear tests conducted on that day sent a decisive message to Pakistan's adversaries.
The Sun
28-04-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
M'sia-Maldives reaffirm commitment to Muslim unity, peaceful resolution of global conflicts
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu have reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting the unity of the Ummah (Muslims) and upholding the core principles of Islam. In a joint statement issued following their meeting here today, both leaders stressed that global issues, including the longstanding Palestinian conflict, should be resolved through peaceful means with full respect for international law and United Nations resolutions. 'Anwar and Muizzu also addressed critical international issues, particularly the ongoing conflicts affecting Muslims across the world and the dire humanitarian situation in Myanmar due to the devastating earthquake. 'Both leaders also highlighted the importance of a just and lasting solution to the challenges in bringing peace and stability in the region,' the statement said. Muizzu, who arrived yesterday for a four-day official visit to Malaysia, was earlier accorded an official welcome at the Perdana Putra Complex here. This marks Muizzu's maiden visit to Malaysia since assuming the presidency in November 2023, following an invitation from Anwar. Anwar and Muizzu also expressed strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, reaffirming their commitment to reject terrorism and bring all perpetrators to justice. 'Both sides also agreed to continue sharing information and best practices to address the challenges posed by terrorism, and other traditional and non-traditional threats,' the statement added. The leaders further discussed the importance of fostering people-to-people connections and mutual understanding, including enhancing cooperation between higher education institutions in Malaysia and the Maldives. They reaffirmed their commitment to creating more opportunities and a supportive environment for students, particularly through the relaxation of visa regimes, to pursue higher education in each other's country. Both leaders also acknowledged the ongoing success of the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) in strengthening bilateral ties.
