Recent years have seen a remarkable era of Pakistan-China friendship. Apparently, everyone in Pakistan is singing songs that China is their real friend and it will be purely due to China that their country will rise from the ashes like a miracle.

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Over the last so many decades, Pakistani rulers have been emphasising on their Islamic orientation, criticising the instances wherever they felt that Muslims are facing discriminations. For instance, Pakistan&#39;s political establishment went berserk over atrocities committed against Palestinian, Rohingya Muslims, during Balkan Conflict at Kosovo, the Chechnya debacle among. Criticism flowed fast and steady.&nbsp;

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But a serious question arises as to how much is the People&#39;s Republic of China, the mentor and &#39;best friend&#39; of Pakistan, concerned and sensitive about the second largest and the fastest growing religion in the world?

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To find the answer, you must look towards the north-west edge of Pakistan and Indian province of Kashmir. In the map, you will find Xinxiang province of the People&rsquo;s Republic of China where an ethnic Islamic minority called Uighurs have been fighting for over six decades for their existence. They have been receiving a second-class treatment from rulers of the Peoples Republic of China; their religious and cultural autonomy is under serious threat.

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Uighurs are a minority of Turkish-speaking people of about 10 million population. While Pakistan considers itself as the true defender of Islam, China has banned Islamic activities in its Xinxiang province for Uighur Muslims. Religious education is totally banned for Uighurs and is punishable by law. The religious prohibition by China includes control over religious activities, practitioners, schools, cultural institutions, publication of Islamic literature and even personal appearance and behaviour of Uighur Muslims. They cannot display any symbol of Islam, for example, beard or Islamic dresses.

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Not only this, all Imams of the mosques are supposed to vet themselves on a regular basis, attend self-criticism sessions where they are to criticise their own religion. They are forbidden to practice anything which can be termed as a symbol of slightest separatism as per the policy of China, and it is punishable by death. Last year the Imams were called for a gathering and made to dance on the tunes of China. The video is still available on social media.&nbsp;

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There are cases where people have been tortured and punished just because they were in possession of a version of Holy Koran. There have been times where the peaceful activists have been arrested, tortured and executed even without any evidence. There are so many stories of atrocities of Uighurs in the area, however, due to media censorship in the country, they don&rsquo;t come out.&nbsp;

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The mass genocide of Uighurs started in 1949 with the Chinese occupation of territory by General Wang Zhen. Things have not changed much since then. Only the Generals changed over the years, the genocide of innocent population continues.&nbsp;

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The Chinese influence in the area has risen very sharply. The Uighurs which used to dominate the region with over 90% population share in 1955 has now dropped to 43% because of a state-sponsored mass settlement of residents from the eastern part of China. Many of these settlers include retired soldiers from the Chinese military and seasonal workers employed in various industries in the region. China has already succeeded in changing the demographic pattern of the area.

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India&#39;s neighbour who is so concerned about Islam has always turned a blind eye to this matter. No one in Pakistan government ever speaks about the religious freedom of Uighurs in China. Their support for Islam falls through when it comes to Uighurs of China. If we compare the state of religious freedom across the world, China&#39;s track record would be the worst due to their treatment of Uighurs in Xinxiang.&nbsp;

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So, what is the reason for this behaviour of not only our nuclear-powered neighbour but also other Islamic countries? The reason lies in the belief of the West about the impressive growth and state-led development of China in last 30 years. In the current scenario, every country is dependent upon Chinese imports and wants to enter their multitrillion-dollar market so that they can also make money.&nbsp;

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The case of Pakistan is even worst. The economy of the country is going through a dangerous turbulence. Western countries, as well as IMF, have cut down on aid. The domestic production is on a decline and corruption among the top leaders of the country has become a common scene. The only support is Chinese investment which is aimed at making Pakistan its second territory. If Pakistan starts showing their genuine concern towards Uighur Muslims, it may lose multibillion-dollar projects of China. In the current wake of China establishing its industrial, economic and military establishments in Pakistan rapidly, the day is not far when it will be another territory of China. And in such case, another Xinxiang is in making now.&nbsp;

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(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

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Imams are forbidden to practice anything which can be termed as a symbol of slightest separatism as per the policy of China, and it is punishable by death

Recent years have seen a remarkable era of Pakistan-China friendship. Apparently, everyone in Pakistan is singing songs that China is their real friend and it will be purely due to China that their country will rise from the ashes like a miracle. Over the last so many decades, Pakistani rulers have been emphasising on their Islamic orientation, criticising the instances wherever they felt that Muslims are facing discriminations. For instance, Pakistan's political establishment went berserk over atrocities committed against Palestinian, Rohingya Muslims, during Balkan Conflict at Kosovo, the Chechnya debacle among. Criticism flowed fast and steady. But a serious question arises as to how much is the People's Republic of China, the mentor and 'best friend' of Pakistan, concerned and sensitive about the second largest and the fastest growing religion in the world? To find the answer, you must look towards the north-west edge of Pakistan and Indian province of Kashmir. In the map, you will find Xinxiang province of the People’s Republic of China where an ethnic Islamic minority called Uighurs have been fighting for over six decades for their existence. They have been receiving a second-class treatment from rulers of the Peoples Republic of China; their religious and cultural autonomy is under serious threat. Uighurs are a minority of Turkish-speaking people of about 10 million population. While Pakistan considers itself as the true defender of Islam, China has banned Islamic activities in its Xinxiang province for Uighur Muslims. Religious education is totally banned for Uighurs and is punishable by law. The religious prohibition by China includes control over religious activities, practitioners, schools, cultural institutions, publication of Islamic literature and even personal appearance and behaviour of Uighur Muslims. They cannot display any symbol of Islam, for example, beard or Islamic dresses. Not only this, all Imams of the mosques are supposed to vet themselves on a regular basis, attend self-criticism sessions where they are to criticise their own religion. They are forbidden to practice anything which can be termed as a symbol of slightest separatism as per the policy of China, and it is punishable by death. Last year the Imams were called for a gathering and made to dance on the tunes of China. The video is still available on social media. × There are cases where people have been tortured and punished just because they were in possession of a version of Holy Koran. There have been times where the peaceful activists have been arrested, tortured and executed even without any evidence. There are so many stories of atrocities of Uighurs in the area, however, due to media censorship in the country, they don’t come out. The mass genocide of Uighurs started in 1949 with the Chinese occupation of territory by General Wang Zhen. Things have not changed much since then. Only the Generals changed over the years, the genocide of innocent population continues. The Chinese influence in the area has risen very sharply. The Uighurs which used to dominate the region with over 90% population share in 1955 has now dropped to 43% because of a state-sponsored mass settlement of residents from the eastern part of China. Many of these settlers include retired soldiers from the Chinese military and seasonal workers employed in various industries in the region. China has already succeeded in changing the demographic pattern of the area. India's neighbour who is so concerned about Islam has always turned a blind eye to this matter. No one in Pakistan government ever speaks about the religious freedom of Uighurs in China. Their support for Islam falls through when it comes to Uighurs of China. If we compare the state of religious freedom across the world, China's track record would be the worst due to their treatment of Uighurs in Xinxiang. So, what is the reason for this behaviour of not only our nuclear-powered neighbour but also other Islamic countries? The reason lies in the belief of the West about the impressive growth and state-led development of China in last 30 years. In the current scenario, every country is dependent upon Chinese imports and wants to enter their multitrillion-dollar market so that they can also make money. The case of Pakistan is even worst. The economy of the country is going through a dangerous turbulence. Western countries, as well as IMF, have cut down on aid. The domestic production is on a decline and corruption among the top leaders of the country has become a common scene. The only support is Chinese investment which is aimed at making Pakistan its second territory. If Pakistan starts showing their genuine concern towards Uighur Muslims, it may lose multibillion-dollar projects of China. In the current wake of China establishing its industrial, economic and military establishments in Pakistan rapidly, the day is not far when it will be another territory of China. And in such case, another Xinxiang is in making now. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: China censors Islamic practices. Why Pakistan is silent

The Trump administration has placed<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-needs-to-earn-the-money-provided-to-fight-terror-us-28533"> Pakistan </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-needs-to-earn-the-money-provided-to-fight-terror-us-28533">in</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-needs-to-earn-the-money-provided-to-fight-terror-us-28533"> the special watch list </a>for &#39;severe violations of religious freedom&#39;, US State Department said in a statement.

The State Department also <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-is-the-honeymoon-between-pakistan-and-the-us-coming-to-an-end-28541">re-designated China, Eritrea, Iran, Myanmar</a>, North Korea, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan as countries of &nbsp;&quot;countries of particular concern&quot; under the International Religious Freedom Act.

The US said the 10 countries &quot;engaged in or tolerated egregious violations of religious freedom&quot;.

&quot;The protection of religious freedom is vital to peace, stability, and prosperity,&quot; the State Department said in a statement, adding that the designations were aimed at improving respect for religious freedom in these countries.

US and Pakistan have been involved in a tit-for-tat diplomatic row over terrorism for the past week with President alleging Pakistan engaging in &quot;deceit and lies&quot; in America&#39;s war on terror.&nbsp;

Pakistani officials hit back at the Trump administration with foreign minister Khawaja Asif asserting that the US should conduct an independent audit to find out the money spent on it in fighting terrorism in the AF-Pak region after President Trump said it had given $33 billion in aid to the country.

US and Pakistan have been involved in a tit-for-tat diplomatic row over terrorism for the past week

The Trump administration has placed Pakistan in the special watch list for 'severe violations of religious freedom', US State Department said in a statement. The State Department also re-designated China, Eritrea, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan as countries of "countries of particular concern" under the International Religious Freedom Act. The US said the 10 countries "engaged in or tolerated egregious violations of religious freedom". "The protection of religious freedom is vital to peace, stability, and prosperity," the State Department said in a statement, adding that the designations were aimed at improving respect for religious freedom in these countries. US and Pakistan have been involved in a tit-for-tat diplomatic row over terrorism for the past week with President alleging Pakistan engaging in "deceit and lies" in America's war on terror. Pakistani officials hit back at the Trump administration with foreign minister Khawaja Asif asserting that the US should conduct an independent audit to find out the money spent on it in fighting terrorism in the AF-Pak region after President Trump said it had given $33 billion in aid to the country.

US places Pakistan in special watch list for 'severe violation' of religious freedom

The Sikh community in Hangu district of Pakistan&#39;s Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province has alleged that they were &#39;being forced to convert to Islam&#39; by a government official.

The community members have lodged a complaint with the Deputy Commissioner Hangu Shahid Mehmood regarding the same, reported the Express Tribune.

Farid Chand Singh, who filed the complaint has claimed that Assistant Commissioner Tehsil Tall Yaqoob Khan was allegedly forcing Sikhs to convert to Islam.

Singh said the community has been living in the area since 1901 and have never been offended by anyone for religious believes, despite being a hotbed for sectarian conflicts.

He said that they were never approached by someone to convert to Islam and added that they have always maintained an amicable relation with the Muslims in the region.

&quot;Had it been from someone ordinary, it would have never been felt so offending but when you hear such things from a government official, it becomes something really serious,&quot; Singh told The Express Tribune.

&quot;We the residents of Doaba area are being tortured religiously,&quot; read the complaint.

On the other hand, DC Shahid Mehood said the member of the Sikh community were offended during conversation with the assistant commissioner, which the latter never really meant.

He further added that there is no such issue of converting someone forcefully to Islam, rather administration ensured religious freedom.&nbsp;

The complaint has come from the Sikhs of Hangu district in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province

The Sikh community in Hangu district of Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province has alleged that they were 'being forced to convert to Islam' by a government official. The community members have lodged a complaint with the Deputy Commissioner Hangu Shahid Mehmood regarding the same, reported the Express Tribune. Farid Chand Singh, who filed the complaint has claimed that Assistant Commissioner Tehsil Tall Yaqoob Khan was allegedly forcing Sikhs to convert to Islam. Singh said the community has been living in the area since 1901 and have never been offended by anyone for religious believes, despite being a hotbed for sectarian conflicts. He said that they were never approached by someone to convert to Islam and added that they have always maintained an amicable relation with the Muslims in the region. "Had it been from someone ordinary, it would have never been felt so offending but when you hear such things from a government official, it becomes something really serious," Singh told The Express Tribune. "We the residents of Doaba area are being tortured religiously," read the complaint. On the other hand, DC Shahid Mehood said the member of the Sikh community were offended during conversation with the assistant commissioner, which the latter never really meant. He further added that there is no such issue of converting someone forcefully to Islam, rather administration ensured religious freedom.

Pakistan: Sikhs 'being forced to convert to Islam' by government official

The US has announced a grant of nearly US $ 500,000 for organisations which can come up with ideas and projects to promote religious freedom in India and Sri Lanka.

The Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, in its notice, said it seeks to &quot;reduce religiously-motivated violence and discrimination in India&quot; through its USD 493,827 programme.

And for Sri Lanka, it seeks to ensure that authorities at all levels of government in Sri Lanka effectively implement national laws and policies protecting religious freedom.

Recipient of both the India Programme and Sri Lanka with similar objectives of religious freedom and protection would be announced after a screening of applications in this regard, it said.

For India, the state department wants the applying organisation to come up with proposals to develop and implement early warning systems to mitigate large-scale violence, and implement conflict mitigation programs between minority and majority groups.

The applicant also needs to ideate successful programme activities to counter hateful or discriminatory public messages with positive messages using all kinds of media.

The state department also wants the applicants to come up with ideas to educate civil society and journalists about legal protections for religious freedom, particularly for members of religious minorities; document and report religious freedom violations to authorities, and educate law enforcement on human rights standards.

The State Department did not respond immediately to a set of questions on the necessity of such a grant.

According to the information available on the state department&#39;s website, the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor supports over 28 democracy, human rights, and labor programmes in South and Central Asia (SCA).

Current funding for these programmes exceeds USD 17 million.

Programme topics include media innovation and development, gender advocacy and equality, and improving protections for political, labor, and human rights.

India is not among the countries listed by the state department as recipient of these funding programmes.

The countries currently receiving grants from the US in the region are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Kazakhastan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

In its latest International Religious Freedom report, the state department said Christian and Muslim activists stated the government was not doing enough to protect them against religiously motivated attacks.

There were reports of religiously motivated killings, assaults, riots, discrimination, vandalism, and actions restricting the right of individuals to practice their religious beliefs and proselytize, it said.

There was an increase in violent incidents by cow protection groups against mostly Muslim victims, including killings, mob violence, assaults, and intimidation.

Hindus threatened and assaulted Muslims and Christians and destroyed their property, it added.

According to the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI), there were more than 300 incidents of abuse targeting Christians during the year, compared with 177 in 2015.

Incidents included assaults on missionaries, forced conversions of non-Hindus, and attacks on churches, schools, and private property.

As for Sri Lanka, the state department notice of funding opportunity said it seeks to ensure that authorities at all levels of government in Sri Lanka effectively implement national laws and policies protecting religious freedom.&nbsp;

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The Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, in its notice, said it seeks to 'reduce religiously-motivated violence and discrimination in India' through its USD 493,827 programme

The US has announced a grant of nearly US $ 500,000 for organisations which can come up with ideas and projects to promote religious freedom in India and Sri Lanka. The Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, in its notice, said it seeks to "reduce religiously-motivated violence and discrimination in India" through its USD 493,827 programme. And for Sri Lanka, it seeks to ensure that authorities at all levels of government in Sri Lanka effectively implement national laws and policies protecting religious freedom. Recipient of both the India Programme and Sri Lanka with similar objectives of religious freedom and protection would be announced after a screening of applications in this regard, it said. For India, the state department wants the applying organisation to come up with proposals to develop and implement early warning systems to mitigate large-scale violence, and implement conflict mitigation programs between minority and majority groups. The applicant also needs to ideate successful programme activities to counter hateful or discriminatory public messages with positive messages using all kinds of media. The state department also wants the applicants to come up with ideas to educate civil society and journalists about legal protections for religious freedom, particularly for members of religious minorities; document and report religious freedom violations to authorities, and educate law enforcement on human rights standards. The State Department did not respond immediately to a set of questions on the necessity of such a grant. According to the information available on the state department's website, the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor supports over 28 democracy, human rights, and labor programmes in South and Central Asia (SCA). Current funding for these programmes exceeds USD 17 million. Programme topics include media innovation and development, gender advocacy and equality, and improving protections for political, labor, and human rights. India is not among the countries listed by the state department as recipient of these funding programmes. The countries currently receiving grants from the US in the region are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Kazakhastan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. In its latest International Religious Freedom report, the state department said Christian and Muslim activists stated the government was not doing enough to protect them against religiously motivated attacks. There were reports of religiously motivated killings, assaults, riots, discrimination, vandalism, and actions restricting the right of individuals to practice their religious beliefs and proselytize, it said. There was an increase in violent incidents by cow protection groups against mostly Muslim victims, including killings, mob violence, assaults, and intimidation. Hindus threatened and assaulted Muslims and Christians and destroyed their property, it added. According to the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI), there were more than 300 incidents of abuse targeting Christians during the year, compared with 177 in 2015. Incidents included assaults on missionaries, forced conversions of non-Hindus, and attacks on churches, schools, and private property. As for Sri Lanka, the state department notice of funding opportunity said it seeks to ensure that authorities at all levels of government in Sri Lanka effectively implement national laws and policies protecting religious freedom.

US grants $500,000 to promote religious freedom in India, Sri Lanka

Austria&#39;s chancellor today said he will seek to ban full-face veils in public, as part of a wide-ranging government programme aimed at fending off the challenge of the far-right.

&quot;The full-face veil will be banned in public spaces,&quot; Christian Kern said after ministers signed off on the new programme of policies set to be implemented over the coming 18 months.

There was no mention of a headscarf ban for civil servants, but the text said that state representatives must &quot;present themselves as religiously neutral&quot;.

Kern said he wanted to avoid &quot;giving 600,000 Muslims in Austria the feeling that they are not part of our society&quot;.

The 35-page programme also includes beefing up surveillance and security measures, obliging migrants granted the right to stay to sign an &quot;integration contract&quot; and a &quot;statement of values&quot;.

&quot;Those who are not prepared to accept Enlightenment values will have to leave our country and society,&quot; according to the text.

It also promises the government will lower taxes and non-wage labour costs, restrict access of foreign workers to the Austrian labour market and create 70,000 new jobs.

Many of the measures set out in the programme must be hammered out in detail and receive parliamentary approval before they can come into force.

The move comes eight months after Kern, 51, replaced Werner Faymann at the head of an unhappy &quot;grand coalition&quot; between his Social Democrats (SPOe) and the centre-right People&#39;s Party (OeVP).

Both are facing a strong challenge from the Freedom Party (FPOe), which like similar groups across Europe has stoked concerns about immigration, security and the EU to top opinion polls.

There has been speculation for months that the Austrian coalition might call early elections. Monday&#39;s programme was aimed at showing it aims to govern until its mandate expires in late 2018.

(AFP)

The new programme requires security measures obliging migrants to sign an 'integration contract' and a 'statement of values'

Austria's chancellor today said he will seek to ban full-face veils in public, as part of a wide-ranging government programme aimed at fending off the challenge of the far-right. "The full-face veil will be banned in public spaces," Christian Kern said after ministers signed off on the new programme of policies set to be implemented over the coming 18 months. There was no mention of a headscarf ban for civil servants, but the text said that state representatives must "present themselves as religiously neutral". Kern said he wanted to avoid "giving 600,000 Muslims in Austria the feeling that they are not part of our society". The 35-page programme also includes beefing up surveillance and security measures, obliging migrants granted the right to stay to sign an "integration contract" and a "statement of values". "Those who are not prepared to accept Enlightenment values will have to leave our country and society," according to the text. It also promises the government will lower taxes and non-wage labour costs, restrict access of foreign workers to the Austrian labour market and create 70,000 new jobs. Many of the measures set out in the programme must be hammered out in detail and receive parliamentary approval before they can come into force. The move comes eight months after Kern, 51, replaced Werner Faymann at the head of an unhappy "grand coalition" between his Social Democrats (SPOe) and the centre-right People's Party (OeVP). Both are facing a strong challenge from the Freedom Party (FPOe), which like similar groups across Europe has stoked concerns about immigration, security and the EU to top opinion polls. There has been speculation for months that the Austrian coalition might call early elections. Monday's programme was aimed at showing it aims to govern until its mandate expires in late 2018. (AFP)

Austria agrees to ban full-face Islamic veil in public

More than two weeks after they disappeared, two Pakistani activists have announced themselves safe to their families, The Dawn reported on Saturday.

Salman Haider and Ahmed Raza Naseer&#39;s disappearance along with three others earlier this month had sparked protests and fears of a government crackdown.

&ldquo;Salman has been in contact with the family. He is safe and in good health,&rdquo; his brother Zeeshan Haider told Dawn.

The days the activist were missing &quot;were the most painful period in my life,&quot; the relative told AFP, adding the returned blogger was now &quot;in (a) safe place for some days&quot;.

&ldquo;He (Naseer) told us there was nothing to worry about, but said that he could not come home yet,&rdquo; his brother, Tahir, told Dawn.

The five men ? who campaigned for human rights and religious freedom ? went missing from various cities between January 4 and 7, triggering nationwide protests. The interior minister had vowed to ensure the activists&#39; safety.

There is no information about the whereabouts of three others. No group claimed responsibility for their disappearance. The families of the activists were harassed through campaign on social media that attempted to malign their names.

Human Rights Watch and other rights groups said their near simultaneous disappearances raised concerns of government involvement, which officials and intelligence sources have denied, AFP said.

Earlier this month Shaan Taheer, son of Punjab governor Salman Taseer who was killed five years ago, received death threats after he posted a Facebook video asking for people to pray for those charged under Pakistan&#39;s blasphemy laws.

Pakistan charged more than 200 people under blasphemy laws in 2015, many of them minorities. The charge is hugely sensitive in deeply conservative Muslim Pakistan, where even unproven allegations have stirred mob lynchings and murder, according to AFP.

(With inputs from agencies)

The two men ? who campaigned for human rights and religious freedom ? went missing between January 4 and 7

More than two weeks after they disappeared, two Pakistani activists have announced themselves safe to their families, The Dawn reported on Saturday. Salman Haider and Ahmed Raza Naseer's disappearance along with three others earlier this month had sparked protests and fears of a government crackdown. “Salman has been in contact with the family. He is safe and in good health,” his brother Zeeshan Haider told Dawn. The days the activist were missing "were the most painful period in my life," the relative told AFP, adding the returned blogger was now "in (a) safe place for some days". “He (Naseer) told us there was nothing to worry about, but said that he could not come home yet,” his brother, Tahir, told Dawn. The five men ? who campaigned for human rights and religious freedom ? went missing from various cities between January 4 and 7, triggering nationwide protests. The interior minister had vowed to ensure the activists' safety. There is no information about the whereabouts of three others. No group claimed responsibility for their disappearance. The families of the activists were harassed through campaign on social media that attempted to malign their names. Human Rights Watch and other rights groups said their near simultaneous disappearances raised concerns of government involvement, which officials and intelligence sources have denied, AFP said. Earlier this month Shaan Taheer, son of Punjab governor Salman Taseer who was killed five years ago, received death threats after he posted a Facebook video asking for people to pray for those charged under Pakistan's blasphemy laws. Pakistan charged more than 200 people under blasphemy laws in 2015, many of them minorities. The charge is hugely sensitive in deeply conservative Muslim Pakistan, where even unproven allegations have stirred mob lynchings and murder, according to AFP. (With inputs from agencies)

Missing Pakistani activists returned 'safe' two weeks after disappearance

Morocco has banned the production and sale of full-face Islamic veils, citing security reasons, media reports said on Tuesday.

There has been no official announcement but the reports say the ban comes into effect from this week.

&quot;We have taken the step of completely banning the import, manufacture and marketing of this garment in all the cities and towns of the kingdom,&quot; the Le360 news site quoted a high-ranking interior ministry official as saying.

Security concerns prompted the decision &quot;since bandits have repeatedly used this garment to perpetrate their crimes,&quot; reports stated.

Most women in Morocco, whose King Mohammed VI favours a moderate version of Islam, prefer the hijab headscarf that does not cover the face, AFP said.

The burqa, which leaves the area around the eyes uncovered, is also worn in in more conservative regions in the north.

The Media 24 website reported that the interior ministry officials conducted awareness campaigns in some commercial districts of Casablanca to &quot;inform them of this new decision&quot; on Monday.

Reports also said that authorities have directed traders in Taroudant in southern Morocco to stop making and selling burqas and to liquidate their stock within 48 hours. Similar instructions were given to retailers in the northern town of Ouislane.

It is illegal to wear full veils in public in France and Belgium. It is unclear whether Morocco plans to follow suit.

&quot;Is Morocco moving towards banning the niqab that Muslim women have worn for five centuries?&quot; Salafist sheikh Hassan Kettani wrote on Facebook.

&quot;If true it would be a disaster,&quot; he added.

(With inputs from AFP)

Security concerns have prompted the decision 'since bandits have repeatedly used this garment to perpetrate their crimes'

Morocco has banned the production and sale of full-face Islamic veils, citing security reasons, media reports said on Tuesday. There has been no official announcement but the reports say the ban comes into effect from this week. "We have taken the step of completely banning the import, manufacture and marketing of this garment in all the cities and towns of the kingdom," the Le360 news site quoted a high-ranking interior ministry official as saying. Security concerns prompted the decision "since bandits have repeatedly used this garment to perpetrate their crimes," reports stated. Most women in Morocco, whose King Mohammed VI favours a moderate version of Islam, prefer the hijab headscarf that does not cover the face, AFP said. The burqa, which leaves the area around the eyes uncovered, is also worn in in more conservative regions in the north. The Media 24 website reported that the interior ministry officials conducted awareness campaigns in some commercial districts of Casablanca to "inform them of this new decision" on Monday. Reports also said that authorities have directed traders in Taroudant in southern Morocco to stop making and selling burqas and to liquidate their stock within 48 hours. Similar instructions were given to retailers in the northern town of Ouislane. It is illegal to wear full veils in public in France and Belgium. It is unclear whether Morocco plans to follow suit. "Is Morocco moving towards banning the niqab that Muslim women have worn for five centuries?" Salafist sheikh Hassan Kettani wrote on Facebook. "If true it would be a disaster," he added. (With inputs from AFP)

Morocco bans production and sale of burqas: Reports

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said today he backed a bill limiting the volume of calls to prayer from mosques, a proposal government watchdogs have called a threat to religious freedom.

Netanyahu, who spoke as a ministerial committee was to discuss the draft bill later in the day, said he would support such a move that some have labelled unnecessarily divisive.

Israeli media reported that the bill would stop the use of public address systems for calls to prayer.

&quot;I cannot count the times -- they are simply too numerous -- that citizens have turned to me from all parts of Israeli society, from all religions, with complaints about the noise and suffering caused them by the excessive noise coming to them from the public address systems of houses of prayer,&quot; Netanyahu said at the start of a cabinet meeting.

While the draft bill applies to all houses of worship, it is seen as specifically targeting mosques.

Israel&#39;s population is roughly 17.5 per cent Arab, most of them Muslim, and they accuse the Jewish majority of badly discriminating against them.

East Jerusalem is also mainly Palestinian and traditional calls to prayer by muezzins through PA systems can be heard in the city.

The Israel Democracy Institute, a non-partisan think tank, has spoken out against the proposal.

Today, one of the watchdog&#39;s officials accused Israel&#39;s right-wing politicians of dangerously using the issue to gain political points under the guise of improving quality of life.

(AFP)

Israeli media reported that the bill would stop the use of public address systems for calls to prayer

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said today he backed a bill limiting the volume of calls to prayer from mosques, a proposal government watchdogs have called a threat to religious freedom. Netanyahu, who spoke as a ministerial committee was to discuss the draft bill later in the day, said he would support such a move that some have labelled unnecessarily divisive. Israeli media reported that the bill would stop the use of public address systems for calls to prayer. "I cannot count the times -- they are simply too numerous -- that citizens have turned to me from all parts of Israeli society, from all religions, with complaints about the noise and suffering caused them by the excessive noise coming to them from the public address systems of houses of prayer," Netanyahu said at the start of a cabinet meeting. While the draft bill applies to all houses of worship, it is seen as specifically targeting mosques. Israel's population is roughly 17.5 per cent Arab, most of them Muslim, and they accuse the Jewish majority of badly discriminating against them. East Jerusalem is also mainly Palestinian and traditional calls to prayer by muezzins through PA systems can be heard in the city. The Israel Democracy Institute, a non-partisan think tank, has spoken out against the proposal. Today, one of the watchdog's officials accused Israel's right-wing politicians of dangerously using the issue to gain political points under the guise of improving quality of life. (AFP)

Israel PM backs bill to limit noise from mosques

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