Latest news with #Ahmar
Daily Record
22-04-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Linwood hero set to tackle ninth Kiltwalk in a row in honour of older brother
Mariya Javed has been doing her bit to support research into the rare brain condition called arteriovenous malformation (AVM) which claimed her brother Ahmar's life when he was just 13. Local fundraising hero Mariya Javed is set to take on her ninth Kiltwalk in a row in honour of her older brother – and this time is to be joined by staff at her school. Mariya has been a regular in the pages of the Paisley Daily Express, doing her bit to support research into the rare brain condition called arteriovenous malformation (AVM) which claimed her brother Ahmar's life when he was just 13. Alongside her parents, the inspirational teenager set up the charity Another Star in the Sky, for which she has so far raised £32,000. The Kiltwalk is a poignant event for the Javed family, falling close to the anniversary of Ahmar's passing on April 30, 2017, and it's not always easy for Mariya, who said she still finds it 'very difficult to share memories of my brother with others'. But she said she's still 'very grateful to have the support of my friends and teachers around me as they cheer me up if I get upset, listen to my problems and know how to make me feel better'. Mariya - named Young Scotswoman of the Year in 2021, as well as Kiltwalk Hero 2021 and Renfrewshire Inspirational Young Citizen 2021 – is studying for seven National Five exams at St Benedict's High in Linwood. And at the Glasgow Kiltwalk this Saturday she'll be joined by staff from the school as well as friends and family. Alan Taylor, head teacher at St Benedict's High, said: 'I'm taking part in the Glasgow Kiltwalk to inspire our pupils, support a meaningful cause, and show that when we walk together - with purpose and pride - we can make a real difference in our community.' Anna Caira, depute head teacher, is also taking part and added: 'It will be my privilege and pleasure to support this worthy cause. 'The St Benedict's team recognise the hard work involved in continuing to raise the profile of this worthy charity and we will do all that we can to keep Ahmar's story alive.' Urooj Mohsan, Biology teacher, said: 'I'm taking part in my first Kiltwalk to support Mariya and raise money in honour of her brother's charity, Another Star in the Sky. 'I am extremely proud of our pupils for demonstrating the values that matter most: kindness, compassion and community. Keep going: I have no doubt you will all continue to inspire those around you!' On taking on the Kiltwalk for a ninth time, Mariya said: 'It's kind of become a part of my life now that I've been doing it for so long. 'I like walking and chatting with my friends and meeting new people. Everyone who takes part in the Kiltwalk is doing it for a particular reason and it's always good to think that hopefully I might be making a small difference to someone's life somehow. 'The main thing that keeps me motivated is the thought that I'm doing this for my older brother. I want to keep his name and memory alive. He would have done many good things if he was still here, so it's up to me to do them for him. 'Another big motivation is the support of my friends, teachers, everyone at Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity and the thousands of other people who take part in the Kiltwalk too. Certain friends and teachers join me every time, even those who didn't know Ahmar. That is very important for me and I appreciate it so much.'
Express Tribune
30-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Can enlightenment forge peace?
Offering a provocative thesis that demonstrates Islamabad's inability to address conflict and foster peace, Professor Moonis Ahmar's latest book The Challenge of Enlightenment, Conflict Transformation and Peace in Pakistan critically explores the intersections of enlightenment, conflict management and governance in Pakistan. According to the author, the failure to embrace the fundamental principles of enlightenment such as rationality, scientific inquiry, intellectual freedom, and secularism has suppressed the country's ability to resolve conflicts. Dr Ahmar constructs an argument that is drawn from philosophy, history and contemporary socio-political realities that deliberates enlightenment as a necessary precursor to conflict transformation and peace. Outlining the historical trajectories of enlightenment in diverse civilisations juxtaposing the intellectual revolution in Europe with post-colonial struggles of Pakistan, he asserts that without an intellectual revolution and cultural transformation, Pakistan will remain entangled in phases of sectarianism, ideological rigidity, and state centric conflict management. The book begins with a historical examination of the enlightenment as an intellectual movement that has transformed European societies. Prussian Philosopher Immanuel Kant defines enlightenment as 'emergence of a man from his self-imposed immaturity,' and Ahmar emphasises how empiricism, rationality and secular form of governance drove Europe's progress. He contrasts this with the socio-political realities of Pakistan, asserting that colonial legacies, governance structure and religious orthodoxy have suppressed intellectual progress. Ahmar analyses Pakistan's socio-political stagnation within a civilisational framework and challenges the dominant discourse that credits Pakistan's catastrophes exclusively to external geopolitical factors. He accentuates endogenous failures such as religious fundamentalism, educational decay and the containment of intellectual dissent as key obstacles to enlightenment. Ahmar's work demonstrates the clarity with which it formulates and answers its core research questions. The book systematically addresses how cultural enlightenment may mitigate conflicts. He explores challenges such as intolerance, extremism, terrorism, and radicalisation in Pakistan. It also investigates the obstacles that suppress enlightenment and conflict transformation in the state and our society. As he highlights the conservative and religious extremist organisations as prime barriers in resisting modernisation, Ahmar also examines why cultural enlightenment is taken up as a threat by the reactionary forces and how the moderate version of Islam may serve as a counter force to the militant ideologies. These interrogations construct the practical and theoretical rhetoric of the book. The questions posed by the author demonstrate that the book is comprehensive in its approach and is relevant to the contemporary policy debates. The second chapter of the book 'Cultural Enlightenment' is framed around some of the significant critical questions that distinguish between culture, enlightenment traditions and cultural enlightenment. This part also illustrates the significance of cultural enlightenment in conflict transformation and peace building. As he examines how tolerance, intellectual reasoning, and critical inquiry play a pivotal role for humanism and moderation, he also portrays cultural enlightenment as a counter measure to radicalisation and social stagnation. He also investigates the emancipation of the marginalised communities to foster intellectual and cultural transformation, while recognizing the structural barriers like suppressive societal norms, orthodoxy and ignorance that thwart the progress. Ahmar believes that cultural enlightenment is required to promote open-mindedness and neutralising radical ideologies. In addition to this, he posits that enlightenment is not exclusively associated with Westernisation rather it is a universal process that promotes social progress. He criticizes Pakistan's resistance to the enlightenment norms and values and further highlights that the emergence of colonial policies that strengthened authoritarianism and post-independence governance structures that prioritized ideological conformity over the intellectual liberty. Stressing the significance of education in fostering enlightenment, he emphasises that the curricula of Pakistan's education system is designed to preserve a state sanctioned worldview rather than encourage and endorse critical thinking. The third chapter that examines the intricate relationship between conflict transformation and enlightenment in the context of Pakistan. The author raises fundamental questions regarding the significance of positive and negative transformation of human mind in shaping enlightenment and investigates the core barriers to promote societal progress and intellectual openness. The chapter accentuates that societal, political, religious and cultural transformation can act as a catalyst in demolishing parochial worldviews and therefore, strengthens a more enlightened society. The key premise here is that cultural transformation is essential in confronting feudal and tribal structures that inhibit intellectual progress via early social learning and quality education. A significant decline has been observed in the levels of tolerance and moderation since 1980s which may be attributed primarily to the Afghan Jihad and the rise of sectarianism and extremism. This chapter highlights that the conflict transformation must be comprehended not only as the absence of violence but as a recurring process that fosters reasoning, critical thinking, and humanistic values to neutralise radicalisation and ignorance. Dr Ahmar builds on John Paul Lederach's conflict transformation model that suggests that conflict should be regarded as an opportunity for structural and cultural change rather than a problem to be resolved. Criticising Pakistan's militarised approach to conflict transformation, he argues that force alone cannot dismantle the structural and ideological roots of extremism and sectarian violence. Rather, the author advocates for intellectual engagement, dialogue and democratic institution building as durable resolve. The fourth chapter discusses why enlightenment is required in Pakistan and secondly, it explores various ways through which enlightenment may be cultivated. According to Ahmar, enlightenment is pivotal for sustainable peace, conflict management and subsequent national progress. This assertion is built on the historical antecedents that our cultural and intellectual traditions have been surpassed by regressive ideological positions thereby, limiting the expansion of scientific inquiry, rational thought and tolerance in Pakistan. Ahmar illustrates that enlightenment is required for overcoming these impediments and it is not an imposition of exogenous values rather than an organic process that can be fostered through quality education, critical thinking and governance. The discussion highlights that the country's educational system is fragmented and divided into public, private and religious seminaries, where each system reinforces peculiar worldviews. Ahmar suggests that an education system that incorporates ethics, comparative religion and philosophy would be instrumental in strengthening an enlightened mindset, pointing out that Pakistan remains entangled in a system where political elites manipulate religious sentiments to acquire power, therefore inhibiting progressive thought and likewise reformist initiatives. The author also calls for rational discourse that may promote historical accuracy and social tolerance. The author highlights the pursuit of enlightenment as a desirable goal and an existential imperative for Pakistan's future. In the fifth chapter, the author demonstrates that ethnic, societal, sectarian, societal and resource-based conflicts may not be transformed positively without the transformation of mindset. Transformation of mindset from parochial, retrogressive, ultra-conservative and negative to positive and enlightened would require a knowledge Conflict transformation through cultural enlightenment cordial society. Similarly, the pragmatism of the justice system, order and rule of law may address conflicts that may either destabilise the society by initiating violent conflicts. According to the author, the law made and enforced must be just and accessible. Moreover, justice should be delivered through capable, ethical, neutral independent and within the reach of common masses. The chapter 'Lessons to be learned from Europe' critically investigates the European Enlightenment and its relevance to the socio-political transformation of Pakistan by emphasising on six themes. Chronologically listing scholarly work on enlightenment, Ahmar highlights Europe's transition from medieval stagnation to a knowledge-based system through Renaissance, and Treaty of Westphalia which emphasized for governance reforms and intellectual freedom. He asserts that despite the rich historical and cultural legacy, Islamabad has failed to endorse same philosophical and educational transformations due to embedded religious conservatism and a lack of critical thinking. The transformation of Europe from religious orthodox to secular form of governance established an environment conducive to enlightenment. The Thirty Years War (1618-1648) and subsequent treaty of Westphalia created a precedent for separating religion from politics, thereby fostering rational and law-based governance system to emerge. In Pakistan, the absence of a tolerant and inclusive national identity is attributed to religious extremism and sectarianism. The chapter elaborates the 1980's Islamisation policies fostered ultra-religious forces and sectarian divisions. In contrast, comprehending from Europe's experience of restricting religious dogmatism, Pakistan has let the theology led factions to influence state policies restricting intellectual discourse. The author framed the lesson acquired from European enlightenment in three categories, freedom from fear, dogmatism and exploitation. Ahmar stresses that the society of Pakistan has to liberate itself from fear-based governance system where opposition is suppressed, and critical thinking is discouraged. He believes the erosion of dogmatism is fundamental as seminaries continue to employ disproportionate power in policy making that badly effect education sector and causes ideological rigidity. Persistent religious exploitation for political gains strengthens sectarian divisions. He accentuates that the misuse of religion in the political developments, blasphemy laws and sectarian based violence are regarded as major obstructions in the pathway of enlightenment in Pakistan. The last chapter of this book delivers a critical analysis of the significance of enlightenment in conflict transformation and peace building. The research elaborates that Europe had overcome feudalism, religious orthodoxy and intellectual repression with the Enlightenment and the separation of Church and the State. However, Pakistan remained entangled in feudal, tribal, and religious conservatism. The country is unable to achieve sustainable development and peace because of the lack of knowledge friendly culture that causes perpetual social backwardness, intolerance and extremism. Dr Moonis asserts that enlightenment provides a corridor for conflict management by emphasizing on tolerance, scientific advancement, and critical thinking. The youth of Pakistan offer an opportunity to foster intellectual awakening, however the failure of the state to invest in research and education has left many youngsters vulnerable to radicalisation. This book suggests five essential areas for reform that could initiate Pakistan's process of enlightenment. First, the religious institutions must be a centre of tolerance and knowledge rather than a hub of sectarianism and radicalisation. Religious scholars may play a crucial role in countering extremism. Second, Pakistan must work to bridge the rural urban divide by focusing on education and developing modern infrastructure in the rural areas. Third, the educational system must promote critical thinking, reasoning and scientific research. Fourth, individualism and intellectual autonomy must be fostered as modernisation is not Westernisation rather innovation with discipline. Lastly, the state's commitment to eradicate extremism and intolerance is imperative. In a nutshell, the conclusion of the book highlights that the process of Pakistan's enlightenment will not be smooth because of the existing resistance from entrenched power structures that remain strong. Prof Moonis Ahmar's has authored a thought-provoking book with several strengths that are outstanding for the readers. An innovative perspective that links cultural enlightenment with conflict transformation. The book's interdisciplinary approach is pivotal as it bridges philosophy, political science, history, and religious studies to present a comprehensive analysis that is relevant with the contemporary and pressing challenges of Pakistan like extremism and intolerance among others. It offers pragmatic recommendations for advancing critical thinking and rational discourse in Pakistan. Maheen Farhat Raza is a lecturer at Department of International Relations, National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad All facts and information are the sole responsibility of the writer
Reuters
20-03-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Brazilian fund raising $176 million for loans to small cocoa producers
SAO PAULO, March 20 (Reuters) - Four Brazilian organizations on Thursday launched a fund aiming to raise 1 billion reais ($176 million) by 2030 for loans to small cocoa growers in the South American country to assist in expanding their operations. The Kawa fund, launched by the philanthropic Arapyau Institute, investment platform Violet, advocacy group Toboa, and impact investor MOV Investments, will initially lend some 30 million reais to 1,200 small-scale producers in the states of Bahia and Para. Traditionally, these producers have struggled to access credit for their operations or the know-how to improve productivity, Vinicius Ahmar, Arapyau Institute's bio-economy manager, told Reuters on the sidelines of the World Cocoa Foundation's meeting in Sao Paulo on Wednesday. "Most of the production is in the hands of small producers and producers on small holdings ... in which they are unable to invest and they do not have access to technical assistance," Ahmar said. The fund's launch comes at a critical time for the industry, as top producers Ivory Coast and Ghana have suffered crop losses due to adverse weather, bean disease, smuggling and reduced plantations in favor of illegal gold mining, sending cocoa prices upward. Brazil's cocoa production also fell nearly 20% last year and 2025 is shaping up to be "challenging," the head of the Brazilian Association of Cocoa Processing Industries, Anna Paula Losi, told Reuters separately at the event. The Kawa fund will give cocoa farmers three years to pay back the loans, with an average six-month grace period, according to a statement announcing the new fund. The loans - typically used to buy fertilizer, irrigation and equipment - will charge 12% interest per year. In Brazil, 85% of cocoa producers are on the margins of the country's financial system and struggle to access loans, the statement said, citing the country's Agriculture Ministry. With some 80% of Brazil's cocoa production coming from small-scale farmers, the combination leads to low income and low productivity, the statement said. ($1 = 5.6486 Brazilian reais)
Telegraph
06-03-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Drax employee sacked after accusing renewable energy company of greenwashing
A Drax employee was sacked after raising concerns about the greenwashing of the wood-burning firm's environmental credentials, a tribunal has heard. The renewable energy company has received billions in taxpayer subsidies to support the burning of wood pellets at the UK's biggest power plant, in north Yorkshire. Rowaa Ahmar was employed by the company in 2022, when BBC Panorama released a documentary which alleged the company used wood from healthy forests in Canada instead of waste wood. Ms Ahmar claims she was dismissed after raising concerns with senior figures that Drax covered up its use of unsustainable wood. An employment tribunal in London was told that Drax commissioned a fact-finding investigation, carried out by consultants KPMG, into the sustainability of its wood following the Panorama programme. The tribunal heard that Ms Ahmar was told not to pass on to senior managers the interim findings of a report which her lawyers claim found the company did use unsustainable wood and had misreported data to the regulator Ofgem. However, she later raised concerns with Brett Gladden, the Drax company secretary. She also raised concerns with senior managers on several occasions, the tribunal was told, including claims of an internal cover-up of the use of unsustainable wood. She also accused Drax of inaccuracies in its communications with the Government, Ofgem and the public. Ms Ahmar was eventually dismissed on Jan 17 2024 after she was placed on a prolonged 'special leave' on full pay. 'Total' breakdown in working relationships Lawyers for Drax claim that during Ms Ahmar's time at the company, there was 'a total, fundamental and intractable breakdown in working relationships' with numerous colleagues. The tribunal was told this 'pre-dated, and was entirely unrelated to' any of the disclosures Ms Ahmar later made. The case is expected to continue for a further 20 days. Last month, Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, signed off hundreds of millions of pounds in further subsidies to Drax, despite controversy over the environmental impact of burning wood.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Drax employee sacked after accusing renewable energy company of greenwashing
A Drax employee was sacked after raising concerns about the greenwashing of the wood-burning firm's environmental credentials, a tribunal has heard. The renewable energy company has received billions in taxpayer subsidies to support the burning of wood pellets at the UK's biggest power plant in north Yorkshire. Rowaa Ahmar was employed by the company in 2022, when BBC Panorama released a documentary which alleged the company used wood from healthy forests in Canada instead of burned waste wood. Ms Ahmar claims she was dismissed after raising concerns with senior figures that Drax covered up its use of unsustainable wood. An employment tribunal in London was told that Drax commissioned a fact-finding investigation, carried out by consultants KPMG, into the sustainability of its wood following the Panorama programme. The tribunal heard that Ms Ahmar was told not to pass on to senior managers the interim findings of a report which her lawyers claim found the company did use unsustainable wood and had misreported data to the regulator Ofgem. However, she later raised concerns with Brett Gladden, Drax company secretary. Ms Ahmar raised issues with senior managers on several occasions, the tribunal was told, including claims of an internal cover-up of the use of unsustainable wood. She also accused Drax of inaccuracies in the company's communications with the Government, Ofgem and the public about its sourcing. Ms Ahmar was eventually dismissed on Jan 17 2024 after she was placed on a prolonged 'special leave' on full pay. Lawyers for Drax claim that during Ms Ahmar's time at the company there was 'a total, fundamental and intractable breakdown in working relationships' with numerous colleagues. The tribunal was told the breakdown 'pre-dated, and was entirely unrelated to' any of the disclosures Ms Ahmar later made. The case is expected to continue for a further 20 days. Last month Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, signed off hundreds of millions of pounds in further subsidies to Drax, despite controversy over the environmental impact of burning wood. Biomass is classed as renewable energy, despite concerns over the short-term emissions from burning wood, and questions over sourcing of wood pellets. The Government halved the subsidies paid to the company under the new deal announced last month, but it said continued backing for Drax was necessary for energy security. Drax has maintained that it uses wood from sustainable sources, but last year agreed to pay £25million after Ofgem found it had submitted inaccurate data on the sources of biomass from Canada. The regulator said the breach was 'technical in nature' and there was no evidence it had been deliberate. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
