PIB's claim on absence of waqf properties in Islamic countries debunked
New Delhi: The Union Minority Affairs Minister, Kiren Rijiju, introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha on 8th August. These proposed changes have sparked controversy, with several community leaders, activists, opposition figures, and legal experts raising concerns about potential misuse and threats to minority rights. A joint parliamentary committee has been established to review the proposed amendments, consisting of 31 members from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The committee has invited written suggestions from the public, NGOs, and experts.
In light of this, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) released an explainer addressing the Waqf Amendment Bill. Among its claims, the PIB stated that several Islamic countries, including Turkey, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Tunisia, and Iraq, do not have Waqf properties. This claim was widely circulated on social media.
However, upon investigation, the claim was found to be inaccurate. Research on these countries revealed that Waqf properties are present in Turkey, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Tunisia. Government websites and official documents confirm the existence and management of Waqf properties in these nations.
For instance, in Turkey, the Directorate General of Foundations under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism oversees Waqf properties. Similarly, in Libya and Egypt, respective government bodies manage Waqf matters. In Jordan, the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs handles these affairs, while Lebanon’s Dar Al-Fatwa supervises Waqf-related matters. Iraq has separate offices for Sunni and Shia Waqfs, overseeing their respective endowments.
Source: Alt News
Fact check:
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) October 16, 2024
The claim by the Union government's Press Information Bureau (PIB) that countries like Turkey, Egypt, Sudan, Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia etc have no Waqf system is FALSE. Read https://t.co/6YotfftkLX https://t.co/sn71luCt3L pic.twitter.com/PZo1KWZibk
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BJP MLA Muniratna, accused of rape, walks out of Bengaluru prison
Bengaluru: Karnataka BJP MLA Munirathna on Wednesday walked out of the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison here, where he was lodged for nearly a month in connection with a rape case. His release was initiated by the jail authorities a day after a special court granted him bail in the case filed against him by a 40-year-old woman.
Two other accused, who were booked along with him for helping him in executing the crime, were also granted bail.
"The MLA walked out of Parappana Agrahara Central Prison today following a court order granting him bail in the rape case against him," a senior police official said.
The FIR was registered against him and others at the Kaggalipura police station in Ramanagara district following a complaint by a woman, a social worker from Rajarajeshwarinagar who had been active in the BJP.
The MLA had been in judicial custody following his interrogation by the Special Investigation Team, which is probing three cases against him - two filed at the Vyalikaval police station here and the rape case at Kaggalipura station.
