Latest news with #Sharia-based
Scoop
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Afghanistan: Taliban Restrictions On Women's Rights Intensify
1 May 2025 The mission continued to receive reports that Afghan women are being denied the opportunity to join the workforce, are unable to access services without a male relative while girls are still deprived of their right to education. Since the Taliban took over the country from the democratically-elected Government in August 2021, women and girls have been systemically excluded from equal participation in society, the report confirms. UNAMA, whose mandate includes monitoring human rights, also reported public floggings, shrinking civic space, and brutal attacks on former government officials. Beauty salons shuttered Officials have reportedly shut down beauty salons run by women in their homes and women's radio stations in various provinces, UNAMA said. In the province of Kandahar, de facto inspectors asked shopkeepers in a market to report women unaccompanied by a guardian (mahram) and deny them entry into their shops. At one hospital, authorities ordered staff not to provide care to unaccompanied female patients. Forced conversions Taliban authorities have also increased enforcement of repressive restrictions on media outlets, ramped up corporal punishment, and the clampdown on religious freedom and re-education. Between 17 January and 3 February, in Badakhshan province in northeastern Afghanistan, at least 50 Ismaili men were taken from their homes at night and forced to convert to Sunni Islam under the threat of violence, the report details. More than 180 people, including women and girls, have been flogged for the offences of adultery and practicing homosexuality during the reporting period, in public venues attended by Taliban officials. Taliban claim support for women's rights Despite documented evidence from the report that de facto authorities are continuing to violate international norms and rights protections, Taliban officials disagree. 'Ensuring the dignity, honor, and Sharia-based entitlements of women remains a paramount priority for the Islamic Emirate,' Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said in a social media post on March 8, International Women's Day. 'All fundamental rights afforded to Afghan women have been safeguarded in strict accordance with Islamic Sharia law, as well as the cultural and traditional frameworks of Afghan society,' he added. International legal action UNAMA has called for action to restore women's and girls' rights at the international level. In January, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Taliban Leader Haibatullah Akhundzada and Chief Justice Abdul Hakim Haqqan over persecution on gender grounds, a crime against humanity under the Rome Statute. The Taliban rejected the ruling, citing national sovereignty and religious traditions.
The Star
26-04-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Sexual violence on the rise in Pakistan: over 2 000 gang rapes reported in a year
Pakistan reported a disturbing increase in violent crimes over the past year, with official data revealing 2 142 cases of gang rape, 4 472 incidents of rape, and 11 074 murders nationwide. The alarming statistics point to a worsening security and justice situation, particularly in Punjab and Islamabad, where the majority of cases were documented. Punjab, Pakistan's most populous province, recorded the highest number of violent crimes, including 2 046 gang rapes and 4 908 murders. These figures account for nearly half of the country's reported cases, highlighting the region's growing struggle with lawlessness and ineffective enforcement. The nation's capital, Islamabad, has also emerged as a hotspot for sexual crimes, despite the presence of strict legal frameworks, including Sharia-based laws. Rights groups and legal analysts argue that the frequency of such incidents indicates a gap between legislation and its implementation. Under Sharia law, punishments for sexual violence can include lashes or even the death penalty, but conviction rates remain low. The increase in reported cases has prompted concerns over the safety of women and girls across the country, particularly in vulnerable communities. Human rights advocates say that systemic issues — including underreporting, victim-blaming, and slow judicial processes — contribute to the persistence of sexual violence. 'Laws exist, but their enforcement is inconsistent,' said a representative of a women's rights organisation based in Lahore. 'Victims often face immense social stigma and legal hurdles, which discourage them from coming forward. Meanwhile, perpetrators exploit these weaknesses.' The numbers also raise alarms about the security of minority communities, with activists warning that women from Hindu and Sikh backgrounds face even higher risks, both from criminal acts and from discriminatory neglect by law enforcement. Experts emphasise the need for comprehensive reform, including faster prosecution of sexual crimes, better victim support systems, and public education to challenge societal taboos surrounding sexual violence. The troubling trend has sparked calls from both civil society and some political figures for a national action plan to combat gender-based violence. As the country reckons with rising crime rates, many are demanding that authorities take urgent and meaningful steps to restore public trust and ensure the safety of all citizens, regardless of gender, class, or religion.
IOL News
25-04-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Sexual violence on the rise in Pakistan: over 2 000 gang rapes reported in a year
The alarming statistics point to a worsening security and justice situation, particularly in Punjab and Islamabad, where the majority of cases were Pakistan's most populous province, recorded the highest number of violent crimes, including 2 046 gang rapes and 4 908 murders. Pakistan reported a disturbing increase in violent crimes over the past year, with official data revealing 2 142 cases of gang rape, 4 472 incidents of rape, and 11 074 murders nationwide. The alarming statistics point to a worsening security and justice situation, particularly in Punjab and Islamabad, where the majority of cases were documented. Punjab, Pakistan's most populous province, recorded the highest number of violent crimes, including 2 046 gang rapes and 4 908 murders. These figures account for nearly half of the country's reported cases, highlighting the region's growing struggle with lawlessness and ineffective enforcement. The nation's capital, Islamabad, has also emerged as a hotspot for sexual crimes, despite the presence of strict legal frameworks, including Sharia-based laws. Rights groups and legal analysts argue that the frequency of such incidents indicates a gap between legislation and its implementation. Under Sharia law, punishments for sexual violence can include lashes or even the death penalty, but conviction rates remain low. The increase in reported cases has prompted concerns over the safety of women and girls across the country, particularly in vulnerable communities. Human rights advocates say that systemic issues — including underreporting, victim-blaming, and slow judicial processes — contribute to the persistence of sexual violence.'Laws exist, but their enforcement is inconsistent,' said a representative of a women's rights organisation based in Lahore. 'Victims often face immense social stigma and legal hurdles, which discourage them from coming forward. Meanwhile, perpetrators exploit these weaknesses.' The numbers also raise alarms about the security of minority communities, with activists warning that women from Hindu and Sikh backgrounds face even higher risks, both from criminal acts and from discriminatory neglect by law enforcement. Experts emphasise the need for comprehensive reform, including faster prosecution of sexual crimes, better victim support systems, and public education to challenge societal taboos surrounding sexual violence. The troubling trend has sparked calls from both civil society and some political figures for a national action plan to combat gender-based violence. As the country reckons with rising crime rates, many are demanding that authorities take urgent and meaningful steps to restore public trust and ensure the safety of all citizens, regardless of gender, class, or religion.
Zawya
09-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sohar Islamic recognized as ‘Most Innovative Islamic Bank in Oman' at IFN Awards
Muscat: Sohar Islamic, the Islamic banking window of Sohar International, has been recognized as the 'Most Innovative Islamic Bank in Oman' by Malaysia-based Islamic Finance News at its awards ceremony held in Dubai, UAE. This accolade underscores the bank's unwavering commitment to driving innovation in Sharia-compliant financial solutions, further reinforcing its leadership in the evolving landscape of Islamic banking. The award is a testament to Sohar Islamic's excellence in digital transformation, product innovation, and customer-centric services, setting new benchmarks in the industry. Representing Sohar Islamic at the event were Mr. Fahad Akbar Al Zadjali, Head of Islamic Banking, and Dr. Al Muatasim Al Mutairi, Vice President & Head of Investment Islamic Banking. Commenting on the recognition, Mr. Fahad Akbar Al Zadjali stated: 'Innovation is integral to the evolution of Sharia-compliant banking, ensuring that we meet the dynamic financial needs of a diverse clientele. At Sohar Islamic, we continuously push the boundaries by integrating advanced financial technologies with Sharia-based principles, offering solutions that are both ethically grounded and future-ready. By embracing digital transformation and maintaining a customer-centric approach, we deliver sophisticated and adaptable financial products that align with modern financial aspirations while upholding Islamic values.' Sohar Islamic's recognition is built upon its ability to integrate cutting-edge fintech solutions, such as AI-driven financial tools and seamless digital banking platforms, ensuring a modern yet fully Sharia-compliant banking experience. The bank has consistently pioneered unique Islamic financial products, including structured Islamic investments, that cater to the evolving needs of retail, corporate, and wholesales banking clients. With a strong focus on market leadership, Sohar Islamic continues to expand its offerings, support national economic growth through Sharia-compliant financing, and actively contribute to financial inclusion, ensuring that more individuals and businesses benefit from ethical and innovative Islamic banking solutions. Sohar International and Sohar Islamic were recently honored with the "IPO Deal of the Year 2024" for their pivotal role as Sharia Advisor in the region's most significant Initial Public Offering (IPO). This landmark transaction stands as the largest equity capital deal from Oman and the biggest in the Middle East in 2024, reinforcing the bank's expertise in capital markets. As the financial landscape continues to evolve, Sohar Islamic remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering innovative, customer-focused solutions. The bank's strategic initiatives are poised to further solidify its position as a leader in Islamic banking, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of providing value-driven services that resonate with the principles and aspirations of its clientele. About Sohar International With the vision to become a world-class Omani services company that helps customers, community and people to prosper and grow, Sohar International operates with a purpose to help people 'win' by delivering responsive banking for their ever-changing world, complementing their growth and prosperity with international standard service delivery. The Bank seeks to redefine banking in Oman through transformational developments centred on the principles of More Velocity, making everything simple and fast; More Value, ensuring relevance and connectivity to customers' world; and More Vision, liberating stakeholders through talented leadership.
