Syria Formulates New Comprehensive Security Roadmap

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (SANA)
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (SANA)
TT

Syria Formulates New Comprehensive Security Roadmap

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (SANA)
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (SANA)

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad chaired a meeting for commanders of the security apparatus in the army and the armed forces to formulate a comprehensive security roadmap.
The chief of the National Security Office and the Security Affairs Advisor in the Presidency General Secretariat attended the meeting.
The presidency said in a statement that the meeting focused on the expected impact of restructuring the security sector and fortifying coordination between different security agencies.
It also addressed the development of counter-terrorism tools.
The presidency added that the meeting formulated a comprehensive security roadmap that aligns with strategic visions to address international, regional, and domestic challenges and risks, ensuring a profound impact on the nation's security, citizens, and the armed forces.
Assad emphasized the proactive and preventative roles that security agencies must play in the fight against terrorist organizations.
The meeting also stressed the need to maintain continuous surveillance and tracking of cells attempting to undermine the nation's security and safety.
The meeting comes a few days after unofficial Syrian media reported sudden security changes targeting sensitive security institutions in Syria.
According to unofficial information, Major General Ali Mamlouk was appointed a presidential advisor for security affairs, and Major General Kifah al-Moulhim was appointed head of the National Security Office.
Major General Kamal Hassan was appointed head of the Military Intelligence Division, succeeding Moulhim.
Conflicting reports addressed the transfer of Mamlouk, whether it was a decision to remove or promote him.
Russian "Sputnik" agency reported, quoting a Syrian security source, that the appointment of Moulhim as head of the National Security Office to succeed Mamlouk came after the latter's illness and admission to the hospital.
According to the information, these changes come as part of Damascus's efforts to restructure its security and political forces.
Unofficial sources also indicated that the security services became warring powers during the war.
However, this clashed with Damascus's rapprochement with Arab countries, as it hindered the activation of the Arab initiative and the step-for-step approach to reconstructing the regime with the Arab system.



Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
TT

Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)

Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain sparked controversy when he revealed that 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq over the years.

He urged the Baghdad government to immediately launch a probe into how the Pakistanis entered Iraq to visit religious sites during the month of Muharram, he was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s Ummat newspaper.

Islamabad is investigating how people have traveled outside Pakistan through illegal means, he remarked.

The permanent committee for religious affairs and interfaith harmony has since proposed new policies for trips to holy sites in foreign countries, including Iraq.

In Iraq, the minister’s comments drew mockery and condemnation on social media and sparked renewed debate over illegal workers in the country.

Politician Mishaan al-Juburi urged the government to make a statement over Hussain’s comments, warning that they may impact security and the labor force.

Hussain’s comments coincided with Iraqi police announcing the arrest of six Pakistanis in Baghdad on charges of theft.

Previously, military intelligence also announced the arrest of a nine-member Pakistani kidnapping and extortion gang in Baghdad. The gang had kidnapped foreigners for ransom.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi expressed his concern and condemnation over the increasing number of illegal workers in Iraq.

He said his ministry will investigate the disappearance of the Pakistanis.

He confirmed that several tourists, including Pakistanis, have flocked to Iraq in recent days, and many have taken up employment without the necessary legal permits.

He warned that this phenomenon is negatively impacting the national economy.

The ministry will not be lenient in taking the necessary legal measures against the violators, he vowed.

Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether they are here on a religious visit or otherwise, but they must respect local laws and regulations, declared Asadi.

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala.