Latest news with #AhmedAl-Fatlawi
Shafaq News
21-03-2025
- Shafaq News
Over 3 million pilgrims: Najaf gears up for dual religious events
Shafaq News/ Najaf is bracing for an influx of more than three million visitors on Friday as it prepares to host two major religious events: the anniversary of Imam Ali's martyrdom and Laylat al-Qadr, a sacred night in the Islamic calendar. Authorities have rolled out a comprehensive security and logistical plan to manage the surge in pilgrims, with heightened coordination across law enforcement, emergency services, and civic departments. Citywide Mobilization The local government has declared full-scale readiness, deploying extensive resources to ensure a seamless pilgrimage experience. Najaf's official spokesman, Ahmed Al-Fatlawi, said the province is draped in black to mark Imam Ali's martyrdom, coinciding with Laylat al-Qadr observances at the Imam Ali shrine. Al-Fatlawi noted that Governor Yousef Kanawi has led multiple strategy meetings with security, health, and service institutions to finalize a 'model operational plan.' The security apparatus is on high alert, with police, intelligence agencies, and the National Security Service securing all entry points to the old city. Reinforcements from the Popular Mobilization Forces and the Imam Ali Combat Division have been stationed at key border areas, including the Najaf desert region. On the service front, municipal authorities have mobilized resources across Najaf and its districts, extending efforts to nearby Kufa. Medical teams have been deployed at key locations, both inside and outside the old city, to handle any health emergencies. Traffic Strategy Unlike previous years, authorities have opted against road closures, keeping all major thoroughfares open—including those under maintenance—to facilitate smoother access for pilgrims. The transport department has also reinforced its fleet, ensuring shuttle services between the old city and key transit hubs to accommodate the massive influx of visitors. Emergency Preparedness The Civil Defense Directorate has activated a three-pronged plan to mitigate potential hazards. Spokesman Nuas Sabah outlined preemptive safety inspections across hotels and commercial establishments, mandating compliance with fire safety regulations and emergency exit protocols. Public awareness campaigns have also been launched, urging vendors and religious processions to observe safety measures when using gas stoves and electrical appliances. Meanwhile, rapid-response teams, including chemical, biological, and radiological emergency units, have been stationed across the city. Historic and Spiritual Significance This year's pilgrimage is expected to surpass last year's turnout of 3.5 million pilgrims. The heightened turnout underscores the deep spiritual connection many hold to Imam Ali, whose martyrdom in 661 AD remains a defining event for Shiite Muslims worldwide. Religious scholar Sheikh Haider Al-Tamimi noted that the observance coincides with Laylat al-Qadr, a night of intense worship believed to mark the revelation of the Quran. While Islamic scholars debate the exact date, many regard the 23rd night of Ramadan—falling this year on Sunday—as the most probable. As Najaf experiences the peak of its pilgrimage season, authorities remain on high alert to ensure the safety and well-being of millions gathering for this sacred occasion.
Iraqi News
15-03-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
The General Coordinator announces that the Governorates Law will soon be presented to the Council of Ministers
Baghdad-INA The General Coordinator for Provincial Affairs, Ahmed Al-Fatlawi, announced on Saturday that the Provincial Councils Law will soon be presented to the Council of Ministers. While highlighting the advantages of the new Provincial Councils Law, he confirmed that it is in advanced stages. Al-Fatlawi told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "The experience of transferring powers between ministries and governorates, which began in 2015, still faces implementation challenges." He added, "The Ministry of Construction, Housing and Public Municipalities has effectively and practically transferred most of its powers, and the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has also transferred its powers, with the exception of the Welfare and Social Protection Commissions. Meanwhile, a Federal Court recently issued a decision regarding the transfer of powers to the Ministry of Agriculture, which was implemented in accordance with the decision of the Supreme Commission. In addition, the powers of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and some of the powers of the Ministry of Finance have been transferred." He explained that "the main problem lies in determining the ceiling on what remains with the ministry and what is transferred to the governorates, and the extent to which the parties adhere to this distribution." Regarding the new provincial councils law, Al-Fatlawi indicated that "the law is about to be presented to the Council of Ministers before being referred to the House of Representatives," stressing that "the law has reached advanced stages." He continued, "The new law priorates clearer, more detailed rules regulating the relationship between the executive, legislative, and oversight bodies in the governorates. It aims to achieve better administrative stability by establishing controls for oversight mechanisms and the relationship between the executive and legislative branches." He pointed out that "the new provincial councils law will address the issues between the governorates and the federal government, whether related to the House of Representatives or the Prime Ministry," noting that "the legal text, when implemented, may be subject to different interpretations. This will require a role for the State Council in interpreting some provisions, in addition to the role of the Federal and Administrative Courts in resolving disputes. This will gradually contribute to the maturation of the experience and the stabilization of the rules."
Iraqi News
14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Iraqi News
Najaf International Book Fair 2024: A cultural hub connecting the world
Najaf ( – The 4th edition of the Najaf International Book Fair officially opened on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, hosting an impressive 200 publishing houses from 20 Arab and foreign countries, in addition to numerous Iraqi publishers. The event reaffirms Najaf's status as a cultural, intellectual, and religious center in the Arab world. A major cultural gathering in Iraq The fair, which will run for 10 days, is considered one of Iraq's most significant literary and academic events. The event showcases over 600,000 book titles, covering a wide range of subjects, including literature, science, history, and politics. According to Ahmed Al-Fatlawi, the spokesperson for the Najaf local government, the fair is not only a platform for book lovers, researchers, and academics but also a cultural, literary, and intellectual festival that strengthens Najaf's role as a hub of knowledge. 'The local government of Najaf attaches great importance to hosting cultural exhibitions and festivals,' Al-Fatlawi stated. 'Over the past years, Najaf has hosted more than 25 cultural events, reinforcing its reputation as a capital of culture and thought.' An international presence with 20 participating countries Haider Hashem Al-Moussawi, the media director of the Najaf International Book Fair, emphasized the global scale of this year's edition. 'This year, we have publishing houses from 20 countries, making this fair a true crossroads for literature and arts, both locally and internationally,' he told the Iraqi News Agency (INA). The event has attracted renowned publishers from across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to explore rare books, recent publications, and valuable academic resources. Beyond books: cultural forums, book signings, and poetry nights In addition to the vast selection of books, the fair features an array of cultural activities, including: Book launches and signings by prominent authors Intellectual discussions and seminars Poetry evenings featuring renowned poets Panel discussions on literature, politics, and contemporary issues Al-Moussawi noted that these activities aim to enhance cultural dialogue and provide a dynamic space for knowledge exchange. Government support and commitment to cultural development This year's fair has received official endorsement from the Iraqi Presidency, demonstrating its growing national significance. 'The Najaf International Book Fair has become an essential cultural tradition, and the local government has worked tirelessly to remove any logistical obstacles for participants,' Al-Fatlawi stated. He added that the fair plays a vital role in enhancing Iraq's cultural scene, as it fosters a reading culture, supports local and international authors, and strengthens the country's literary heritage. Najaf: a historical and intellectual beacon Najaf has long been recognized as a center of Islamic scholarship and intellectual discourse. The city, home to one of the world's most prestigious Islamic seminaries, has historically served as a hub for scholars, poets, and writers. Hosting a major international book fair further solidifies Najaf's role in cultural diplomacy, allowing for intellectual exchanges between Iraqi and international thinkers. Final thoughts: a promising future for Iraq's cultural scene The Najaf International Book Fair stands as a testament to Iraq's enduring literary and intellectual traditions. Despite past challenges, events like this illustrate Iraq's commitment to reviving its cultural and literary identity on the global stage. With expanding international participation, diverse book collections, and enriching cultural events, the fair continues to bridge the gap between readers, scholars, and global publishers.
Shafaq News
12-02-2025
- General
- Shafaq News
Iraq's Najaf hosts 4th International Book Fair
Shafaq News/ On Wednesday, the Iraqi city of Najaf opened its Fourth International Book Fair. Ahmed Al-Fatlawi, spokesperson for the Najaf local government, told Shafaq News that the fair features 200 publishing, including publishers from 20 Arab and foreign countries. 'The fair is a literary, scientific, political, and media event, offering authors and researchers access to rare and valuable books essential to their work,' Al-Fatlawi said. He further stressed that the Najaf local government is committed to hosting cultural exhibitions and festivals, having organized over 25 such events in recent months to solidify the city's status as a center for knowledge and intellectual thought. The 10-day event provides a platform for those interested in literature, philosophy, and history, reinforcing Najaf's reputation as a cradle of learning and enlightenment.
