Latest news with #Arif
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Health
- Express Tribune
Survivors of terrorism lack access to counselling
Located just 45 kilometers from the Afghan border, Peshawar has been in the grip of terrorism since the last 15 to 20 years, with thousands of people losing their lives and livelihoods to the war on terror. However, not a single rehabilitation center could be built in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) to help victims of terrorism and their families to recover from their trauma. In 2009, Yasir Khan lost six members of his family in the horrific bomb blast in Peshawar's Pipal Mandi. "More than 15 years have passed since the incident, but even today, when a terrorist incident occurs, my mind goes into shock again for a few moments. Perhaps the trauma of that incident has been buried deep within me. About 150 people were killed in the blast while about 250 were injured. The survivors are suffering from post-traumatic stress, but they have not been able to access psychological help," said Khan. Likewise, in 2014, Arif Aqeel, a school teacher was badly injured in two suicide attacks at the All-Saints Church in Peshawar. Hailing from the Christian community, Arif lost one of his legs and a large chunk of his memory due to severe head injuries. Three years later, Arif's wounds could not heal, and he passed away. "First the shock of the explosion and then the death of Arif left a lasting impact on his wife and children. The family has not received counseling till date, due to which they are still suffering from psychological problems," shared Arif's brother-in-law, Augustine Jacob. Similarly, Sir Naeem Gulzar, who was injured in the Peshawar Qissa Khawani blasts twice, shared a poignant narration of what goes on in the mind of a survivor coping with the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Even though ten years have passed since the tragedy, even today Gulzar is fearful of leaving the house and going to work. "Whenever I hear the sound of a vehicle, rickshaw, or a tyre bursting, I run away, thinking it is an explosion. Despite my efforts, I cannot get rid of the fear in my mind. My family has taken me to a psychiatrist twice, but it has not helped," shared Gulzar. Gulzar's experience is not an isolated case. With the alarming increase in terrorist activity over the past few years, more and more people directly impacted by extremist atrocities are stuck in a cycle of trauma. According to data obtained by The Express Tribune, in 2022, 200 incidents of terrorism were reported in K-P and the tribal areas, while in 2023, 560 incidents of terrorism occurred. In 2022, a total of 83 police officers and 96 soldiers were martyred, while in 2023, 167 police officers and 101 soldiers were killed. These incidents include the Peshawar Police Lines blast, the suicide attack on the Peshawar Kocha Risaldar Mosque and the explosion at a public meeting in Bajaur. In 2023, cases of terrorism witnessed a surge of about 70 per cent in K-P and the tribal areas, while 2024, saw a further 20 per cent increase in such incidents, with 630 incidents reported throughout the year. Talking about the impact of terrorism on the quality of life, Professor Dr Jamil Chitrali, Chairman of the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Peshawar, revealed that in the past 20 years, 70,000 to 80,000 people have been killed in terrorist activity in Pakistan, out of which about 60,000 were civilians while 20,000 were personnel from the police, armed forces and other government agencies. "The APS attack, Pipal Mandi and Khyber Bazar blasts were such big tragedies that it seems that people in every street of Peshawar have experiences their trauma. Unfortunately, however, there are only 500 mental health professionals in the country for a population of over 240 million. Until or unless there is a district-level rehab center for victims of terrorism and their families, these people will continue to suffer from despair, depression and psychological problems," implored Dr Chitrali. Dr Uzma Ali, a clinical psychologist, told The Express Tribune that survivors of terrorism required clinical treatment and community support to deal with the post-traumatic stress disorder. "Furthermore, the families of such victims also need counseling. People going through trauma should be supported by family, and relevant institutions such as health, social welfare, and the district administration. These victims should be considered under the Victim Support Program, which could help them cope with their trauma," said Dr Ali.
Maroc
4 days ago
- Politics
- Maroc
MAP Seals Cooperation Agreements with Three Mediterranean News Agencies
Maghreb Arab Press Agency (MAP) signed three cooperation agreements in Marrakech on Thursday, with the Italian News Agency (ANSA), the Syrian News Agency (SANA) and the Bosnia-Herzegovina News Agency (FENA) respectively, as part of the 33rd General Assembly of the Alliance of Mediterranean News Agencies (AMAN). Inked by MAP Director General Fouad Arif and ANSA CEO Stefano de Alessandri, the first agreement establishes a framework for the reciprocal exchange of the two agencies' news services, and authorizes the provision of dispatches in English to enrich the respective international news offer. It also provides for the possibility of joint projects in favor of institutional and economic communication in the two agencies' respective countries. The second agreement, initialed by Arif and SANA Agency Director General Ziad Al-Mahamid, establishes a framework for the free, reciprocal exchange of multimedia content, including text, images, videos and computer graphics. The agreement further tackles direct, secure access to both agencies' editorial platforms, as well as priority given to each for coverage of events in their respective countries, in addition to facilitating correspondents missions' on the field, organizing professional visits and joint training in editorial, technical and digital fields. The third agreement, signed by Arif and FENA Managing Director Ilija Musa, focuses on free exchange of the two agencies' online content. It also includes a logistical cooperation component, facilitating joint coverage of events and official visits, as well as reciprocal access to multimedia content and likely exchanging newsletters, books, archives and professional expertise. Furthermore, this partnership encourages exchanges of visits between managers and journalists from the two agencies, as well as arranging targeted training related to their professional activities. At the 33rd General Assembly of this Mediterranean Alliance, held in Marrakech on May 28-29, MAP was elected president of AMAN for the 2025-2026 period. Held under the theme "Football and Media in the Mediterranean: Building Bridges Beyond Borders," this Assembly was an opportunity to highlight the large-scale projects implemented in Morocco, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, as part of hosting the 2030 Football World Cup. MAP: 29 mai 2025
Hans India
22-05-2025
- General
- Hans India
Not lifting piled-up garbage on time irks even GHMC babus
Rangareddy: The delay in lifting the garbage emanating from different areas under Rajendranagar circle is not just causing annoyance for the locals but it now appears that the issue has even irked the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) officials as well. The reports regarding tailed-off sanitary system in the south circle – given the rise of complaints like no proper sweeping and timely garbage lifting from many areas, has spurred the deputy commissioner K Ravi Kumar to make strict vigil during his visits to the areas early in the morning to take stock of the situation. It is learned that the deputy commissioner found many things appalling on the ground during the field visits that prompted him to take impromptu correctional measures against the unwholesome situation. Finding fault with the way the heaps of refuse left unattended, the Deputy Commissioner, GHMC Rajendranagar on Monday imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on Ramky, the contract company helming the task of treatment and disposal of legacy leachate. According to officials, the penalty was imposed on the contract agency for not lifting the garbage during night hours. It is said that Ramky Infrastructure entered into a contract with the GHMC for the treatment and disposal of legacy leachate. It is said that the Rs 250 crore BOO (Build, Operate, Own) contract has a two-year initial period with a potential 10-year extension. It is learned that the deputy commissioner was on a routine visit of the area when he found that the delay in garbage lifting in Shastripuram area under Rajendranagar is leading to piling up of refuse at the garbage vulnerable points, thereby polluting the ambiance. Miffed over the way the refuse is being pulled up and not being lifted timely, the Deputy Commissioner imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on Ramky and instructed the local officials to make impromptu arrangements to address the issue. However, the local people say that there is no element of plausibility in the approach. 'Throwing garbage in the open has already been revoked in the cosmopolitan city and outskirts after considerably debating it as an unhygienic approach and the same is replaced with door-to-door garbage collection mechanism,' contended Arif, a resident of Shastripuram. However, he said, the GHMC itself planted trash containers helping the people to dump the refuse into the containers instead of handing over the same to trash collection teams. A Anil, another resident, said, 'People, unwilling to pay the paltry monthly amount to trash collection teams, follow the old unhygienic practices, leading to unwholesome ambiance in colonies. The civic law mandating imposition of fine or penalties against unhygienic practices remains confined to the rule book'.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Time of India
Notorious Gangster Raja Ghouse Arrested Again in Nagpur
1 2 Nagpur: Sharpshooter Raja Ghouse , a name synonymous with terror in Nagpur's underworld, was arrested late Wednesday with accomplice Salim Sajid Khan for allegedly abducting and extorting Rs 8 lakh from former business partner, Mohd Arif Ansari. The incident stemmed from a bitter dispute over a rice grain business. Ghouse, known for his manipulative tactics, lured Arif into a partnership, only to seize control and siphon off profits. When Arif resisted, Ghouse's gang abducted him from his Senapati Nagar residence in Wathoda, forcibly taking him to Mankapur. Here, Arif endured horrific torture. He was assaulted, fed human excreta, and urinated upon. The gang demanded information on another partner's whereabouts. A traumatised Arif escaped and alerted Wathoda police. Ghouse's arrest marks another chapter in his long criminal saga, as detailed in earlier TOI reports. Ghouse's criminal history is extensive and chilling. In 2015, he orchestrated a daring escape from Nagpur Central Jail alongside five accomplices, including Satyendra Gupta and Bisen Singh Uikey, who were also involved in a jailbreak in Madhya Pradesh. The escape, fuelled by a gang war after rival Sohail attacked Ghouse's family, exposed rampant corruption in jail authorities, with mobile phones aiding the breakout. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Despite a chronic leg injury, Ghouse allegedly provided financial support for the meticulously planned escape, highlighting his strategic prowess. His reign of terror extends beyond jailbreaks. He has a murder charge and a history of firing at police, cementing his reputation as a ruthless gangster. His operations, including robbery and murder, terrorised Nagpur and Jabalpur after fleeing Madhya Pradesh due to police pressure. In 2020, Ghouse tested positive for Covid in Nagpur Central Jail alongside another notorious don, Santosh Ambekar. Recently, he flaunted ties with Pune gangster Gajanan Marne on social media, triggering a crime branch crackdown. Under police chief Ravinder Singal, police led by senior inspector Harish Borade and DCP Rashmitha Rao, are planning to slap MCOCA charges to dismantle Ghouse's network. The crime branch, under DCP Rahul Maknikar, executed a high-stakes operation to nab him. With investigations ongoing, the city braces for further revelations on Ghouse's criminal empire.
News18
18-05-2025
- News18
‘Rarest Of Rare': Malda Youth Who Killed 4 Of Family In ‘Water Coffins' Sentenced To Death
Last Updated: According to Arif, the only surviving member, he lost consciousness after lunch and woke up inside a coffin-like box, partially submerged in water, with his hands and legs bound Calling the sensational 2021 coffin killings 'rarest of rare", the district and sessions court in Malda awarded death penalty to Asif Mohammed, 23, for killing four members of his family. The verdict was delivered by Malda District and Sessions Judge Shubhayu Bandopadhyay. Asif was found guilty under Sections 302 (murder) and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence) of the Indian Penal Code. The court ruled that the case qualified as the 'rarest of rare", warranting capital punishment. THE CRIME: A CHILLING AFTERNOON IN 2021 The crime took place on February 28, 2021, at the family's home in Malda. The family – Asif's father, mother, grandmother, sister, and elder brother Arif — were having lunch. Asif sat separately and later asked his mother to bring him a soft drink, which he claimed he would drink upstairs. According to Arif, the only surviving family member, he lost consciousness after lunch and later woke up in a horrifying scene – inside a coffin-like box, partially submerged in water, with his hands, legs, and waist bound with cello tape. He soon realised he was not alone. Four other water-filled coffins lay beside him, each containing the lifeless body of a family member. The room, as later discovered, was a secret chamber built by Asif in a newly constructed house adjacent to their old home. It was fitted with pipes continuously pouring water into each coffin, essentially turning them into instruments of drowning. Arif described how he regained consciousness and found Asif standing next to him. When he tried to lift his head, Asif pounced on him, attempted to drown him, and punched, bit, and tried to strangle him. After a violent struggle, Arif managed to break free, grab Asif by the hair, and escape through a hole in the wall into their old house. There, he confronted Asif, demanding to know why he had killed their family. Asif reportedly replied, 'Being part of the family was a mistake. You all would have been obstacles to my future." He also warned that the house was under surveillance and rigged with bombs. DISCOVERY OF THE BODIES Despite Arif's escape, it took nearly three months before police recovered the bodies. On June 19, 2021, acting on Arif's formal complaint, authorities exhumed the mummified remains of the victims from the kitchen floor of the newly constructed house. Investigators also recovered sophisticated computer equipment and lakhs of rupees in cash, allegedly linked to Asif's planning and activities on the dark web. PUBLIC PROSECUTOR'S STATEMENT Speaking to News18, public prosecutor Bibhas Chatterjee described the case as 'deeply disturbing and an example of modern-day moral decay." 'This was a rarest of the rare case. Asif murdered his entire family in a premeditated and brutal manner and showed no remorse. He even admitted it was a 'mistake'. He belongs to a generation so obsessed with gadgets and virtual life that he planned and executed a mass murder based on information sourced from the dark web," Chatterjee said. 'He turned a hidden room into a water-filled reservoir of death, using coffins as tools of murder. This verdict sets an important precedent for society." First Published: May 18, 2025, 11:48 IST
