Protests in Tripoli to Demand End of Transitional Phase

Protesters in Tripoli’s Martyrs Square on Friday. Asharq Al-Awsat
Protesters in Tripoli’s Martyrs Square on Friday. Asharq Al-Awsat
TT

Protests in Tripoli to Demand End of Transitional Phase

Protesters in Tripoli’s Martyrs Square on Friday. Asharq Al-Awsat
Protesters in Tripoli’s Martyrs Square on Friday. Asharq Al-Awsat

Libyan demonstrators protested in Tripoli’s Martyrs Square on Friday, demanding the unity of state institutions and the termination of the transitional phase by holding a referendum before elections.

The protest was organized by a group of young Libyans under the title “March 30 Movement.” Hundreds began appearing in the square on Thursday evening to take part in Friday's protests.

As protest calls for the sake of changing the “political map” circulated on social networks, the official page of Al-Jazeera urged Libyans to demonstrate in the square.

On its Facebook page, the movement announced that it received security approval from the Security Directorate in Tripoli to protest peacefully in the square based on agreed demands and objectives.

“It is time to resort to the streets and unite through peaceful protest, to demand our rights and put an end to our suffering,” said the movement.

The protest, which coincided with the second anniversary of Chairman of the Presidential Council Fayez Sarraj’s entrance to Tripoli in line with the Skhirat Agreement, was preceded by several arrangements including preparing unified posters in the square and distributing white caps to the protesters.

Local media reports said that some figures close to the Islamic movement in Libya are promoting for the movement for the sake of changing the country’s “political map.”

Libyan journalist Hussein Masouri stated to Asharq Al-Awsat that the movement’s demands represent the majority of Libyans except for the referendum on the constitution.

UN envoy to Libya Ghassan Salame is seeking to organize elections in Libya by September.

In his latest remarks to the Security Council, he said efforts are underway to hold just and free elections by the end of the year.



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.