Latest news with #Ahmad
Al Jazeera
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
Inside Iran's crackdown on Afghan migrants after the war with Israel
Tehran, Iran – The wave of Afghan refugees and migrants being sent back from Iran has not stopped, with more than 410,000 being pushed out since the end of the 12-day war with Israel on June 24. More than 1.5 million Afghan refugees and migrants have been sent back in 2025, according to the United Nations' International Organization for Migration (IOM), while the Red Cross says more than one million people more could be sent back by the end of the year. Iran has been hosting Afghans for decades. While it has periodically expelled irregular arrivals, it has now taken its efforts to unprecedented levels after the war with Israel that killed more than 1,000 people in Iran, many of them civilians. Iran has also been building a wall along its massive eastern borders with Afghanistan and Pakistan to stem the flow of irregular migration, and smuggled drugs and fuel. The parliament is also planning for a national migration organisation that would take over its efforts to crack down on irregular migration. 'I'm afraid' 'I feel like we're being singled out because we're easy targets and don't have many options,' said Ahmad*, a 27-year-old undocumented Afghan migrant who came to Iran four years ago. Like others, he had to work construction and manual labour jobs before managing to get hired as the custodian of an old residential building in the western part of the capital, Tehran. At the current rate of Iran's heavily devalued currency, he gets paid the equivalent of about $80 a month, which is wired to the bank card of an Iranian citizen because he cannot have an account in his name. He has a small spot where he can sleep in the building and tries to send money to his family in Afghanistan whenever possible. 'I don't really leave the building that much because I'm afraid I'll be sent back. I don't know how much longer I can live like this,' he told Al Jazeera. Vahid Golikani, who heads the foreign nationals' department of the governor's office in Tehran, told state media last week that undocumented migrants must not be employed to protect local labour. Daily returns, which include expulsions and voluntary returns, climbed steeply after the start of the war, with average daily returns exceeding 29,600 in the week starting July 10, said Mai Sato, UN special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran. She was among four special rapporteurs who decried the mass returns on Thursday, adding their voice to rights organisations such as Amnesty International. 'Afghanistan remains unsafe under Taliban rule. These mass returns violate international law and put vulnerable people, especially women, children, and minorities, at severe risk of persecution and violence,' Sato said. Alleged security risks Authorities and state media have said undocumented immigrants may pose a security risk, alleging that some of them were paid by Israel to carry out tasks inside Iran. While state television has aired confessions from a handful of unidentified imprisoned Afghans, but their numbers do not seem to match the scale of the expulsions. The televised confessions featured men with covered eyes and blurred-out faces saying they had sent photographs and information online to anonymous handlers linked with Mossad. Hundreds of Iranians have also been arrested on suspicion of working for Israel, and several Iranians have been executed over the past weeks as the government works to increase legal punishments for spying. Mohammad Mannan Raeesi, a member of parliament from the ultraconservative city of Qom, said during a state television interview last week, 'We don't have a single migrant from Afghanistan among the Israeli spies.' He pointed out that some Afghans have fought and died for Iran, and that attempts to expel irregular arrivals should avoid xenophobia. Economic pressures Before the latest wave of forced returns, Iranian authorities reported the official number of Afghan refugees and migrants at a whopping 6.1 million, with many speculating the real number was much higher. Only about 780,000 have been given official refugee status by the government. Supporting millions of refugees and migrants, regular and irregular, takes a toll on a government that spends billions annually on hidden subsidies on essentials like fuel, electricity and bread for everyone in the country. Since 2021, there have been complaints among some Iranians about the economic impact of hosting millions who poured into Iran unchecked in the aftermath of the Taliban's chaotic takeover of Afghanistan. Amid increasing hostility towards the Afghan arrivals over the past years, local newspapers and social media have increasingly highlighted reports of crimes like theft and rape allegedly committed by Afghan migrants. However, no official statistics on such crimes have been released. That has not stopped some Iranians, along with a large number of anonymous accounts online, from cheering on the mass returns, with popular hashtags in Farsi on X and other social media portraying the returns as a 'national demand'. Again, there are no reliable statistics or surveys that show what portion of the Iranian population backs the move, or under what conditions. Some tearful migrants told Afghan media after being returned from Iran that security forces beat or humiliated them while putting them on buses to the border. Others said they were abruptly deported with only the clothes on their back, and were unable to get their last paycheques, savings, or downpayments made for their rented homes. Some of those with legal documentation have not been spared, as reports emerged in recent weeks of Afghan refugees and migrants being deported after having their documents shredded by police. Government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani and Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni have separately said the government is only seeking undocumented migrants. 'In cases where legal residents have been deported, those instances have been investigated,' Momeni said last week, adding that over 70 percent of those returned came forward voluntarily after the government set a deadline to leave for early July. 'I sense a lot of anger among the people' For those Afghans who remain in Iran, a host of other restrictions make life difficult. They are barred from entering dozens of Iranian cities. Their work permits may not be renewed every year, or the renewal fees could be hiked suddenly. They are unable to buy property, cars or even SIM cards for their mobile phones. They are seldom given citizenship and face difficulties in getting their children into Iranian schools. Zahra Aazim, a 22-year-old teacher and video editor of Afghan origin based in Tehran, said she did not truly feel the extent of the restrictions associated with living in Iran for Afghans until a few years ago. Her family migrated to Iran about 45 years ago, shortly after Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution that brought the incumbent theocratic establishment to power. 'What really bugs me is the fact that I was born in Iran, and my family has been living here for over four decades, but I'm still unable to get something as basic as a driver's licence. 'That's not to mention fundamental documents like a national ID card or an Iran-issued birth certificate,' she told Al Jazeera. By law, those documents are reserved for Iranian nationals. Afghan-origin people can apply if their mother is Iranian or if they are a woman married to an Iranian man. Aazim said Iran's rules have only gotten stricter over the years. But things took a sharp turn after the war, and she has received hundreds of threatening or insulting messages online since. 'I've been hearing from other Afghan-origin friends in Iran … that this is no longer a place where we can live,' she said. 'A friend called me with the same message after the war. I thought she meant she's thinking about moving to another country or going back to Afghanistan. I never thought her last resort would be [taking her own life].' Aazim also said her 23-year-old brother was taken by police from a Tehran cafe – and later released – on suspicion of espionage. The incident, along with videos of violence against Afghans that are circulating on social media, has made her feel unsafe. 'I sense a lot of anger among the Iranian people, even in some of my Iranian friends. When you can't lash out against those in power above, you start to look for people at lower levels to blame,' she said. 'I'm not saying don't take any action if you have security concerns about Afghan migrants … I just wish they would treat us respectfully. 'Respect has nothing to do with nationality, ethnicity or geography.' *Name has been changed for the individual's protection.
New Straits Times
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Siti on nephew's talent: Ahmad is a good singer, but studies come first
KUALA LUMPUR: Biduanita Negara Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, 46, has expressed her delight that her 13-year-old nephew, Ahmad Dayyan, has captivated many with his singing talent. In a recent interview with Harian Metro, Siti expressed her happiness that Ahmad Dayyan possesses a talent similar to that of his elder sister, Umai. "It's great that he's got this talent; it clearly runs in my family," said Siti. "Ahmad's name has gone viral, and many people want him to be a guest singer. However, he has to remember that he is still at school, and his studies come first," she emphasised. When asked to comment on Ahmad's recent admission on TikTok that he felt pressure to sing well, Siti believed that with experience and exposure, her nephew would be able to handle himself well in the music industry. "I hope Ahmad doesn't feel pressured, and I believe he can carry himself well in the industry. He is still young and has a long way to go," she said. Ahmad is currently a student at a sports school and is actively involved in sepak takraw. "I hope he can balance his studies and singing, just like I did, so that his teachers don't have any complaints about him," she added. Siti also mentioned that as he grows up, Ahmad will find his own identity. Ahmad, who is also the son of singer Siti Saerah, has become increasingly well-known since his performance at the Violet Skies Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Live in Arena of Stars Concert in early July.
Hindustan Times
17 hours ago
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Brace for more rain in J&K from July 22
Jammu and Kashmir is bracing up for moderate to heavy rains as the weather office has predicted four days of wet weather from Monday. A vegetable vendor speaks on his mobile phone while the monsoon rain in Jammu on Monday. (AP) The meteorological centre in Srinagar said that heavy rains were recorded in some parts of Jammu since Sunday and the weather system is expected to impact the whole of J&K. 'In the past 24 hours, the rainfall in Katra was 184.2 mm, Udhampur recorded 97.4 mm and Kathua 22 mm,' MeT director Mukhtar Ahmad said on Monday. The centre predicted intermittent spells of light to moderate rain, thunder and gusty winds at many places with intense showers at few places & heavy to very heavy rain at isolated to scattered places of Jammu division on July 22. July 23-24 will also be generally cloudy with moderate rain at many places and intense showers at few places with heavy rain at isolated places of J&K. 'There is a possibility of intense showers, gusty winds and heavy to very heavy rain at isolated to scattered places of J&K during 21-24 July,' said Ahmad. He warned of flash floods at few vulnerable places with landslides, mudslides & shooting stones. 'There are chances of rise in water level in rivers, streams, local nallas & water logging in few Low lying areas,' he said. Farmers have been advised to suspend farm operations from July 21-24. The weather will improve from Friday. 'July 25-27 will experience hot & humid weather with the possibility of brief showers at a few places,' Ahmad said. After largely dry and hot weather since the beginning of summer in May-June, Kashmir has received very good rains in July breaking the dry spell, bringing heatwave-like conditions under control and rejuvenating the water bodies of the Himalayan valley.
The Sun
19 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Malaysia needs more funds for road maintenance, says deputy minister
KUALA LUMPUR: The Works Ministry has requested additional funding to address urgent road maintenance needs across Malaysia. Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan highlighted that weather, overloaded vehicles, and aging infrastructure are major contributors to road damage. He stated, 'To properly maintain roads this year, we need RM4 billion. However, we only received RM2.2 billion – a shortfall of RM1.8 billion or 45 per cent.' Despite the budget constraints, the ministry remains committed to securing more funds for next year. According to the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), poor road conditions account for 13% of accidents. Issues like missing road markings, potholes, and inadequate lighting pose significant risks. Ahmad added, 'The annual death toll from road accidents remains high at around 6,000.' Human error remains the leading cause of accidents at 80%, while vehicle-related factors contribute 7%. To improve reporting, the MyJalan app allows the public to submit complaints under a 'no wrong door' policy. Reports are forwarded to relevant agencies, including those overseeing rural and municipal roads. - Bernama
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Time of India
Not many kanwariyas, cops reopen DME within an hour
Ghaziabad: Traffic cops in the city reopened the Delhi-Meerut Expressway (DME) on Monday, barely an hour after shutting down its entry and exit points. The closure, initially planned to facilitate kanwar pilgrims, particularly 'Dak Kanwariyas ', was lifted after authorities observed minimal pilgrim movement and emerging traffic bottlenecks. It was around 11.30am that the traffic cops blocked all entry and exit points of DME — Khoda, ABES College, Crossings Republik, Dasna, and Bhojpur, deploying two constables at each location. However, the expressway was reopened by 12.30pm after an assessment of the situation. "We observed very few kanwariyas on their vehicles in the DME section, while minor traffic congestion began developing at some entry and exit points. After analysing the situation, we decided to reopen the expressway," said Ziauddin Ahmad, ACP (traffic). You Can Also Check: Noida AQI | Weather in Noida | Bank Holidays in Noida | Public Holidays in Noida The temporary closure was part of the authorities' preparations for 'Dak Kanwar', where pilgrims run barefoot in relay teams supported by vehicles. "We wanted to ensure a safe passage for 'Dak Kanwariyas', who primarily use the DME while returning from Haridwar. Our priority was to prevent any law and order situation," Ahmad said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top 15 Most Beautiful Women in the World Undo The ACP, however, didn't rule out future closures. "We will continue monitoring the presence of pilgrims on the DME. The entry and exit points might be closed again by tonight or Tuesday, with only essential services like ambulances being permitted on the Ghaziabad stretch," he added. The closure, which followed several changes in plans and missed deadlines of July 17 and 19, comes amid expectations of increased pilgrim movement ahead of Shivratri on July 23. Currently, light vehicles from Meerut are being diverted to Ghaziabad via the Hapur route and NH-9, while heavy vehicles, restricted since July 11, are being redirected from Ghazipur to NH-9 up to Dasna and then to the Eastern Peripheral Expressway towards Meerut. The annual kanwar yatra sees pilgrims utilising three main routes through Ghaziabad to reach Haridwar for collecting Ganga water. While traditional pilgrims mainly use the Pipeline Road from Loni Border to Niwari, 'Dak Kanwariyas' prefer the DME. A significant number also travel via NH-34 through GT Road, with these routes collectively covering 150km within Ghaziabad.
