Latest news with #Tashkeel
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Taliban disavow 'self-styled jihad' in Pakistan
Listen to article A senior Taliban commander said on Wednesday that militants who engage in combat in a foreign country without the amir's authorisation are not justified in doing so, adding that such individuals cannot be regarded as mujahideen or jihadis. This was stated by Saeedullah Saeed, a senior commander at the Hazrat Hamza Military Academy, during a graduation ceremony for 400 police personnel in Kabul. "Those who defy the orders of Amirul Momineen Mullah Hibatullah Akhund and go to fight beyond the borders of another country (without naming Pakistan) are not justified and are disobeying the amir's orders," Saeed said. "Individuals who affiliate themselves with one group or another to engage in jihad in a foreign country are not considered mujahideen or jihadis," he added. This marks the third time that Amirul Momineen Hibatullah Akhund has directed all followers and communicated to commanders along Pakistan's western border that any jihad undertaken without the decree of the Amir or the Council of Ulema is considered fasad (illegal or corrupt). The message came following a drone strike in Janikhel, Bannu, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on Tuesday, which killed over 70 militants. Post-strike investigations revealed that more than 30 of the casualties were Afghan nationals, a source added. Following the incident, Islamabad sent a stern message to Kabul, warning that if cross-border recruitment was not halted, the repercussions would be more severe, the source added. The message from Amirul Momineen was conveyed to all military commanders along the Pak-Afghan border. A recent Tashkeel (a large Taliban formation) was successfully thwarted, and several recruiters were arrested in the provinces of Khost, Paktika, and Paktiyacollectively known as Loya Paktiya or larger Paktiya, the stronghold of the Haqqani Network. This was the second time such measures were implementedfirst after Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif visited Kabul, and now following the recent visit of Chinese and Pakistani delegations, the source said. "A total of more than fifteen recruiters were arrested, including individuals who were part of the Tashkeel," a provincial source added. According to the source, the message delivered by the senior commander at the Hazrat Hamza Military Academy was of a highly important nature, directed at all those who would be at the helm of affairs. The message came at a time when a tripartite meeting between Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan is scheduled to be held in Kabul in July. Is China a bonding force Haq Nawaz Khan, a senior security analyst and journalist with The Washington Post, told The Express Tribune's Peshawar office that "China is the bonding force behind easing tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, while regional realignment, development, and the success of CPEC projects are closely linked to the security of the region." Haq Nawaz Khan explained that multiple threats rooted in Afghanistan extend beyond the TTP, including groups such as Hafiz Gul Bahadur, ISKP and the Turkistan Islamic Party (formerly known as the East Turkistan Islamic Movement), which is known for its expertise in drone technology. He added that this group has reportedly supplied drones to the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), whose union is also referred to as BRAS. Additionally, various Baloch nationalist forces, including the BLA and BLF, maintain links to Afghan soil. The TIP was known for providing drone technology to the TTP. The BLF was also among the recipients whom Islamabad has asked to be restrained. TIP is also reportedly behind the supply of laser technology and thermal engineering systems to both TTP and Balochistan liberation forces, The Express Tribune has learned. If China were not supporting the unusual alliance between Islamabad and Kabul, the Qandharis would have allied with Iran and others, while the Haqqani network would have aligned with the UAE and Saudi Arabia. However, Beijing has severed all such ties for now, he said. Projects for Afghanistan The source revealed that upcoming rail and road initiatives include a railroad connecting Hiratan to Parachinar and Kohat, which will link to the existing Chinese-backed Karachi to Peshawar route. "During the Chinese negotiations, Mullah Hibatullah requested that the railroad also be extended to southern Afghanistan, linking Kandahar and Herat provinces, which were considered part of the project," the source added. The existing Kabul-Jalalabad road via Mahipar will be replaced by a highway connecting various eastern provinces, while another highway will link Kandahar to Kabul, and a third will run from Kabul to Mazar-e-Sharif, the senior official said.
The National
5 days ago
- Business
- The National
Best photos of May 27: Umm Qasr port in Iraq to beachfront in Beirut
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib. The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation. It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi. The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition. Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: 'The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.'
The National
19-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
El Seed reveals ‘no constraints' inspiration behind new public artwork in Dubai
Culture Art & Design Takhayal is a sculptural ode to Tashkeel and shares its focus on offering a spectrum of possibility, he says
What's On
18-02-2025
- Business
- What's On
5 great design studios and spaces in Dubai for artists to use
Find your creative space with these design studios… If you're an artist, Dubai is the place to be. Here is where you'll find your footing in the world of art, and if you're looking for spaces and places to practice your skills, these design studios in Dubai are open for artists to use. Take your pick. The Makers Society If you're inro woodworking, The Makers Society is the place to be. This spot offers not just beginners classes, but also courses for you to get the low down on woodworking. You'll be provided all the materials for the one hour class at Dhs150. Class takes place on Saturdays at 3pm. But if you're a professional looking to practice your craft, they also offer longer-term courses with a studio and all the heavy machinery equipment you might need. The Makers Society, Ras Al Khor, Tel: (0) 4 329 5478, @dubaimakerssociety thejamjar Nestled in the heart of Dubai's art scene on Alserkal Avenue, thejamjar is a community arts centre striving to grow Dubai's art scene. It holds weekly art workshops for adults, teens and children. If you want an artwork space, thejamjar has you covered with its 'do-it-yourself' painting studio. thejamjar offers diverse art programs, educational initiatives and community projects, building and strengthening the Dubai art world. It's open for all levels of artists. Warehouse 74, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz 1, Sat to Thurs 10am to 7pm, Fri 1pm to 8pm, Tel: (0)4 341 7303, Tashkeel Consider this an art incubator of sorts – Tashkeel is a commercial consultancy with studio incubators for visual art and design, established in 2008 by Her Highness Sheikha Lateefa bint Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Tashkeel's facilities enable production, experimentation and discourse. Its annual programme of training, residencies, workshops, talks, exhibitions, international collaborations and publications basically offers a one-stop-shop for the artist's complete process, from conception to finding an audience. Learn more about their services and initiatives here. Tashkeel, across various locations, Tel: (0) 4 336 3313, @tashkeelstudio Jameel Arts Centre While perfect for the public to get a dose of art and culture in the city (for free), Jameel Arts Centre also nurtures growing local talent with several initiatives, including the Artists Garden and Art Jameel Commissions. Alongside the seven courtyards is an Artist's Garden, imagined as a space for artists to create, cultivate and experiment, via an annual commissions programme. Artists are invited to use the space in a way that compliments their practice. Learn more here. Jameel Arts Centre, Al Jaddaf, Sat to Thurs, 10am to 8pm, Fri, 12pm to 8pm, Tel: (0) 4 873 9800, @jameelartscentre Studio Thirteen Studio Thirteen offers residency programs to empower underrepresented artists, giving them not only a fully-funded design space to work with, but also the recognition they deserve. Here, artists get a chance to spend time in the company of like-minded individuals, draw inspiration and learn from each other and be part of a community. It's essentially an artist collective and creative space to fuel those who need it. The shared studio space brings together six growing local talents Studio Thirteen, Al Quoz, @studiothirteen_dxb Images: Unsplash > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Arab News
04-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Diriyah Storytelling Festival breathes new life into Saudi Arabia's literary heritage
RIYADH: The Diriyah Storytelling Festival brings together literary enthusiasts, publishers, and celebrated authors and provides a deep dive into Saudi Arabia's rich storytelling traditions and evolving literary landscape. The event, which lasts until Feb. 8, features panel discussions, book signings, live performances, and interactive experiences. The festival is attracting a diverse audience, including international visitors who engage with Saudi authors to explore locally published books. One of the standout sessions, 'The Roots of the Tale,' featured renowned Saudi novelist and journalist Badryah Al-Bishr, who spoke about the transformation of storytelling into modern literature. Al-Bishr said: 'My participation was all about tracing the wisdom of storytelling to the structure of novels. Since I studied folk tales in my master's degree while also writing novels, I explored how traditional narratives evolved before written literature. 'Societies have always needed this literary and cultural influence — it serves deep and indirect functions, whether in raising children, comforting sorrowful hearts, or inspiring values and ideals. 'This is what we now call 'soft power.' Storytelling has always shaped minds, transferring across cultures like the tale of 'Cinderella,' which exists in Russia, Europe, and even Najd.' A key aspect of the festival is its focus on showcasing Saudi literature to international visitors, offering translations and accessible editions of local works. Modi Al-Dossari, from the Tashkeel Publishing House, noted the growing interest from foreign attendees, and added: 'We're working on something big here at the festival. 'The visitors are quite diverse, including many foreigners eager to learn about our culture. 'At Tashkeel we have Saudi books and stories translated into English, and they are among our bestsellers. It's amazing to see our culture being shared in such a smooth and accessible way.' The availability of translated Saudi literature has helped bridge the gap between local storytelling and a global readership, highlighting the richness of Saudi narratives and their universal appeal. Beyond book discussions, the Diriyah Storytelling Festival provides visitors with a fully immersive cultural experience, allowing them to explore the historic and artistic depth of Diriyah. Entry to the festival costs SR40 ($10.66) per person, which includes access to all three locations — Bujairi Terrace, Bab Samhan Hotel, and Al-Zuhayra — as well as shuttle transportation between the venues and parking areas. The festival also features restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops, making it an ideal destination for both literary and cultural exploration. Hind Mohammed, who was attending, said: 'I loved visiting Diriyah, especially Bujairi Terrace. It's such a beautiful and enriching experience, with a vibrant atmosphere, and fantastic cafes, restaurants, and children's play areas.' Visitors can witness the breathtaking sunset over Diriyah's landscape — and see a combination of golden light, traditional architecture and peaceful surroundings creating a spectacular and serene experience. Saudi Arabia's literary scene has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, with increasing global recognition for local authors and their works. Events like the Diriyah Storytelling Festival contribute to this transformation by providing a platform for dialogue, creativity, and cultural exchange.
