Category Archives: community

Evening Reading – September 29, 2025

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Good evening, Shacknews! It’s nighttime, which means it’s time for Evening Reading. Let’s officially close out our day of posting with a quick roundup of the latest stories and highlights from around the web.

—

### In Case You Missed It at Shacknews:

– **Hades 2 Review:** The ‘House’ always wins.
– **LEGO Party! Review:** A new kind of venue for family fun.
– **Ghost of Yotei Review:** May she who sets out on the path for vengeance dig six graves.
– **Shack Chat:** What was your favorite announcement from TGS 2025?
– **Nintendo Singapore Established:** A move to grow business in Southeast Asia.
– **What is a Leveraged Buyout?** What this means for Electronic Arts (EA) going forward.
– **Teemo Joins the 2XKO Roster:** Exciting roster news for competitive gaming fans.
– **Hearthstone: Across the Timeways:** Hits the Rewind button this November.
– **Silent Hill f:** Sold a million units in just one day!
– **EA Confirms $55 Billion Sale:** Deal involving Saudi Arabia’s PIF, Silver Lake & Affinity Partners.

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### Other Stuff From The Internet!!!

– **Your Daily Dose of Sudoku:** Nothing but lines, but plenty of fun to sharpen your mind.
– **Destiny 2 Players Are Dropping Off:** Players have had enough of the game—and some have had enough of the player base. Speaking of which, popular content creator Datto is taking a break. The Destiny 2 community can be extremely toxic at times.
– **Conspiracy Theories Are a Slippery Slope:** Sure, it’s fun to laugh about Bigfoot, but it’s a bit unsettling when someone you know believes the Earth is flat. This was quite a clickable title!
– **South Park Is Fantastic:** I need to rewatch the whole series—such a classic!
– **Legal Time!** I’d definitely recommend you pay attention to the legal stuff.
– **Mountain Climbing Seems Too Much To Me:** Too much risk, too much danger. Maybe not for everyone.
– **Check Out These Old School PC Games:** Bring back the big boxes and that nostalgic feeling!
– **SF2 Cheats Against the Player?!** I did not know this—what a wild discovery!

—

There you have it, Shacknews, your Evening Reading for tonight. If you enjoyed today’s roundup, please consider subscribing to **Shacknews Mercury** to support our site for as little as $1/month.

Don’t have a dollar? No worries! You don’t need one to check out **Shackmaps**. We’ve got a brilliant **Silksong** map to help you uncover every millimeter of that game.

Thanks for reading and have a great night!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146159/evening-reading-september-29-2025

Evening Reading – September 29, 2025

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Good evening, Shacknews! It’s nighttime, which means it’s time for Evening Reading. Let’s officially close out our day of posting with a look at everything new and noteworthy.

—

### In Case You Missed It at Shacknews:

– **Hades 2 Review:** The ‘House’ always wins
– **LEGO Party! Review:** A new kind of venue
– **Ghost of Yotei Review:** May she who sets out on the path for vengeance dig six graves
– **Shack Chat:** What was your favorite announcement from TGS 2025?
– **Nintendo Singapore Established:** Growing business in Southeast Asia
– **What is a Leveraged Buyout and What Does it Mean for Electronic Arts (EA) Going Forward?**
– **Teemo Joins the 2XKO Roster**
– **Hearthstone: Across the Timeways:** Hits the Rewind button in November
– **Silent Hill f:** Sold a million units in one day
– **EA Confirms $55 Billion Sale to Saudi Arabia PIF, Silver Lake & Affinity Partners**

—

### And Now, Other Stuff From The Internet!

– **Your Daily Dose of Sudoku:** Nothing but lines today.
– **Destiny 2 Players Are Dropping Off:** Players have had enough of the game, and some have had enough of the player. Speaking of which, Datto is taking a break. The Destiny 2 community can be extremely toxic.
– **Conspiracy Theories Are a Slippery Slope:** It can be fun to laugh about Bigfoot, but then you look up at someone you know who believes the Earth is flat. This was quite a clickable title!
– **South Park Is Fantastic:** I need to rewatch the whole series.
– **Legal Time!** I’d definitely recommend you [insert recommended action].
– **Mountain Climbing Seems Too Much to Me:** Too much risk, too much danger.
– **Check Out These Old School PC Games:** Bring back big boxes!
– **SF2 Cheats Against the Player?!** I did not know this.

—

There you have it, Shacknews — your Evening Reading for tonight.

Please consider subscribing to Shacknews Mercury to support our site for as little as $1/month. Don’t have a dollar? You don’t need one to check out Shackmaps. We’ve got a brilliant Silksong map to help you uncover every millimeter of that game.

Thanks for reading, and have a great night!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146159/evening-reading-september-29-2025

Evening Reading – September 29, 2025

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Good evening, Shacknews! It’s nighttime, which means it’s time for Evening Reading. Let’s officially close out our day of posting with a look at everything Shacknews has featured today.

—

### In Case You Missed It at Shacknews:

– **Hades 2 Review:** The ‘House’ always wins.
– **LEGO Party! Review:** A new kind of venue.
– **Ghost of Yotei Review:** May she who sets out on the path for vengeance dig six graves.
– **Shack Chat:** What was your favorite announcement from TGS 2025?
– **Nintendo Singapore Established:** A move to grow business in Southeast Asia.
– **What Is a Leveraged Buyout?** And what it means for Electronic Arts (EA) going forward.
– **Teemo Joins the 2XKO Roster.**
– **Hearthstone: Across the Timeways:** Hits the Rewind button in November.
– **Silent Hill f:** Sold a million units in one day.
– **EA Confirms $55 Billion Sale:** To Saudi Arabia PIF, Silver Lake & Affinity Partners.

—

### And Now… Other Stuff From The Internet!

– **Your Daily Dose of Sudoku:** Nothing but lines.
– **Destiny 2 Players Are Dropping Off:** Players have had enough of the game, and some have had enough of the player. Speaking of which, Datto is taking a break. The Destiny 2 community can be extremely toxic.
– **Conspiracy Theories Are a Slippery Slope:** It can be fun to laugh about Bigfoot, but then you look up at someone you know who believes the Earth is flat. This was quite a clickable title.
– **South Park is Fantastic:** I need to rewatch the whole series.
– **Legal Time!** I’d definitely recommend you…
– **Mountain Climbing Seems Too Much to Me:** Too much risk, too much danger.
– **Check Out These Old School PC Games:** Bring back big boxes!
– **SF2 Cheats Against the Player?!** I did not know this.

—

There you have it, Shacknews—your Evening Reading for tonight.

Please consider subscribing to **Shacknews Mercury** to support our site for as little as $1/month. Don’t have a dollar? You don’t need one to check out **Shackmaps**. We’ve got a brilliant **Silksong map** to help you uncover every millimeter of that game.

Thanks for reading, and have a great night!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146159/evening-reading-september-29-2025

Navi Mumbai News: Medicover Hospital Hosts Heart Health Awareness Sessions For Students On World Heart Day 2025

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**Medicover Hospital Raises Heart Health Awareness Among Youth on World Heart Day**

*Navi Mumbai:* In observance of World Heart Day, Medicover Hospital organized heart health awareness sessions at YMT College, Kharghar, and Sterling College, Seawoods, reaching over 400 students. The campaign, held under the motto **“Prevent Heart Problems and Pledge for a Healthy Heart,”** aimed to educate young adults about the causes, symptoms, and lifestyle measures essential to preventing heart disease.

### Rising Cardiovascular Risks Among Youth

Doctors highlighted a concerning rise in cardiovascular diseases among young adults in India. Factors such as poor diet, stress, lack of exercise, and unhealthy lifestyle habits are contributing to this trend. During the sessions, students were encouraged to adopt preventive measures including regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, effective stress management, and routine health checkups.

Many students took a pledge to lead heart-healthy lives following the informative events.

### Expert Advice on Early Detection

“Currently, a majority of youngsters are struggling with heart problems such as heart attacks, heart failure, and sudden cardiac deaths due to poor eating habits, lack of exercise, smoking, and stress,” stated Dr. Keshav Kale, Senior Interventional Cardiologist.

He further emphasized, “Symptoms like chest pain, breathlessness, palpitations, and fatigue should never be ignored. Early attention can prevent severe complications and save lives.”

### Educational Impact of the Program

Dr. Rishi Bhargava, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, added, “The hospital’s initiative was an eye-opener for students. The sessions explained risk factors, warning signs, and simple lifestyle changes that are vital to maintaining heart health.”

### Hospital’s Mission and Vision

Neeraj Lal, Regional Director for Maharashtra and Karnataka at Medicover Hospitals, highlighted the significance of awareness campaigns. He said,

“Guiding the younger generation today means creating healthier families tomorrow. Our mission is not just to treat diseases but to empower people with knowledge and healthier choices. Every awareness drive brings us one step closer to a heart-healthy India.”

### Student Feedback

Student participant Varsha Soni shared her thoughts, “This program taught us how to take care of our hearts from a young age and made us realize the risks of stress and unhealthy habits. We will follow the expert guidelines to protect our heart health before it is too late.”

—

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/navi-mumbai-news-medicover-hospital-hosts-heart-health-awareness-sessions-for-students-on-world-heart-day-2025

Kanpur ‘I Love Muhammad’ row: Samajwadi Party member arrested

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**Kanpur ‘I Love Muhammad’ Row: Samajwadi Party Member Arrested**

*By Snehil Singh | September 29, 2025, 10:45 AM*

—

**Overview**

A former police constable, Zubair Ahmed Khan—also known as Zubair Gazi—has been arrested by the police for allegedly inciting violence in Kanpur’s Railbazar area. Khan, who was dismissed from the Unnao Police, had recently joined the Samajwadi Party (SP). His association with the SP’s Kanpur district president Fazal Mehmood has sparked political controversy after photos of the duo went viral on social media.

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**What Sparked the Controversy?**

The incident traces back to September 4 during the Barawafat procession in Rawatpur, Kanpur, where a banner displaying the slogan “I Love Muhammad” was unveiled. Several Hindu groups opposed the banner, claiming it introduced a new tradition into religious processions.

While no FIR was filed against the slogan itself, 24 people were charged with disturbing communal harmony after they relocated a traditional tent and installed the banner at another location, escalating tensions.

—

**Political and Social Escalation**

The issue gained further momentum on September 15, when All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi spoke out, asserting that expressing love for the Prophet Muhammad is not a crime. He stated on social media platform X, “If it is, then I accept any punishment. But Muslims should not be penalized for expressing love and respect for the Prophet.”

Since then, the controversy has spread beyond Kanpur to several districts and states, including Unnao, Kaushambi, Lucknow, Maharajganj (Uttar Pradesh), Kashipur (Uttarakhand), and Nagpur (Maharashtra).

—

**Protests and Law Enforcement Responses**

– **Unnao:** Processions featuring “I Love Muhammad” banners led to clashes with the police.
– **Kaushambi:** A viral video showing youths chanting objectionable slogans resulted in multiple detentions.
– **Lucknow:** Muslim women held peaceful demonstrations outside Vidhan Bhavan.
– **Maharajganj and Kashipur:** Police intervened to stop unauthorized processions, registering cases against numerous individuals.
– **Nagpur:** Political and social groups organized protests demanding respect for religious freedom.

—

**Political Reactions**

The Samajwadi Party has criticized the police for allegedly mishandling the situation and has stood in defense of free expression rights. On the other hand, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokespersons have vowed strict action against those violating the law.

Prominent religious figures, including Maulana Sufiyan Nizami, representatives of Jamat Raza-e-Mustafa, and officials from the World Sufi Forum, have condemned the violence. They have called for calm and urged respect for constitutional freedoms.

—

The Kanpur ‘I Love Muhammad’ row continues to evoke strong reactions across India, highlighting the sensitive nature of communal sentiments and the ongoing debate around freedom of expression and religious respect.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/kanpur-i-love-muhammad-row-ex-constable-arrested-sp-links-surface/story

Kanpur ‘I Love Muhammad’ row: Samajwadi Party member arrested

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**Kanpur ‘I Love Muhammad’ Row: Samajwadi Party Member Arrested**
*By Snehil Singh | September 29, 2025, 10:45 AM*

—

**Overview**

A former police constable, Zubair Ahmed Khan—also known as Zubair Gazi—has been arrested by police for allegedly inciting violence in Kanpur’s Railbazar area. Khan, who was dismissed from the Unnao Police force, recently joined the Samajwadi Party (SP). His association with SP’s Kanpur district president Fazal Mehmood gained widespread attention after their photos went viral on social media, sparking political controversy.

—

**Background: The Kanpur Communal Violence Case**

The controversy began on September 4 during the Barawafat procession in Rawatpur, where a banner reading “I Love Muhammad” was displayed. Hindu groups objected to the slogan, alleging that it introduced a new tradition to religious processions.

Although no FIR was filed directly against the slogan, 24 individuals were charged with disturbing communal harmony for relocating a traditional tent and installing the banner elsewhere. This incident triggered tensions within the community.

—

**Political Escalation**

The situation intensified after All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi publicly stated on September 15 that expressing love for the Prophet Muhammad is not a crime. He further asserted, “If it is, then I accept any punishment. But Muslims should not be penalized for expressing love and respect for the Prophet,” in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Since then, the controversy has spread to several districts and states, including Unnao, Kaushambi, Lucknow, Maharajganj (Uttar Pradesh), Kashipur (Uttarakhand), and Nagpur (Maharashtra).

—

**Protests and Reactions**

In neighboring regions, the issue has sparked diverse reactions:

– **Unnao:** Processions featuring “I Love Muhammad” banners resulted in clashes with police.
– **Kaushambi:** A viral video showing youths raising objectionable slogans led to arrests.
– **Lucknow:** Muslim women held peaceful demonstrations outside Vidhan Bhavan.
– **Maharajganj and Kashipur (Uttarakhand):** Police intervened to stop unauthorized processions, registering cases against numerous individuals.
– **Nagpur (Maharashtra):** Political and social groups organized protests demanding respect for religious freedom.

—

**Political and Social Responses**

The Samajwadi Party has criticized the police for their handling of the situation, emphasizing the importance of protecting free expression rights. On the other hand, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokespersons have promised strict action against those violating the law.

Prominent Islamic clerics, including Maulana Sufiyan Nizami, members of Jamat Raza-e-Mustafa, and officials from the World Sufi Forum, have condemned the violence. They have appealed for calm and called for respect for constitutional freedoms.

—

The Kanpur ‘I Love Muhammad’ controversy highlights deep-rooted communal sensitivities and the challenge of maintaining peace amid political and social tensions. Authorities and community leaders continue to seek ways to defuse the situation and promote harmony.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/kanpur-i-love-muhammad-row-ex-constable-arrested-sp-links-surface/story

Kanpur ‘I Love Muhammad’ row: Samajwadi Party member arrested

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**Kanpur ‘I Love Muhammad’ Row: Samajwadi Party Member Arrested**

*By Snehil Singh | Sep 29, 2025, 10:45 AM*

—

**Overview**

A former police constable, Zubair Ahmed Khan—also known as Zubair Gazi—has been arrested in Kanpur for allegedly inciting violence in the Railbazar area. Khan, who was dismissed from the Unnao Police force, recently joined the Samajwadi Party (SP). His association with SP’s Kanpur district president Fazal Mehmood stirred controversy after their photos went viral on social media.

—

**Background: The Kanpur Communal Violence Case**

The controversy began on September 4 during the Barawafat procession in Rawatpur, when a banner reading “I Love Muhammad” was displayed. Hindu groups opposed the slogan, claiming it introduced a new tradition into religious processions.

No FIR was filed against the slogan itself; however, 24 individuals were charged with disturbing communal harmony for relocating a traditional tent and installing the banner in a different location.

—

**Political Escalation and Spread**

The situation escalated when All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi stated on September 15 that expressing love for the Prophet is not a crime. Owaisi further declared, “If it is, then I accept any punishment. But Muslims should not be penalized for expressing love and respect for the Prophet,” in a post on X.

Since then, the controversy has spread beyond Kanpur to several districts and states, including Unnao, Kaushambi, Lucknow, Maharajganj (Uttar Pradesh), Kashipur (Uttarakhand), and Nagpur (Maharashtra).

—

**Protests and Law Enforcement Actions**

– **Unnao:** Processions carrying “I Love Muhammad” banners clashed with police forces.

– **Kaushambi:** A video showing youths chanting objectionable slogans went viral, resulting in several detentions.

– **Lucknow:** Muslim women staged peaceful demonstrations outside Vidhan Bhavan.

– **Maharajganj and Kashipur (Uttarakhand):** Police intervened to stop unauthorized processions and registered cases against dozens of individuals.

– **Nagpur (Maharashtra):** Political and social groups protested, demanding respect for religious freedom.

—

**Responses from Political and Religious Leaders**

The Samajwadi Party has criticized the police for mishandling the situation while defending the right to free expression. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokespersons emphasized that those breaking the law will face strict action.

Prominent religious clerics—including Maulana Sufiyan Nizami, members of Jamat Raza-e-Mustafa, and officials from the World Sufi Forum—have condemned the violence and urged calm, calling for respect for constitutional freedoms.

—

**Conclusion**

The “I Love Muhammad” controversy continues to stir communal tensions across multiple regions, with protests, police action, and political statements shaping the unfolding events. Authorities and community leaders alike have called for peace and adherence to constitutional rights as the situation develops.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/kanpur-i-love-muhammad-row-ex-constable-arrested-sp-links-surface/story

Bhopal News: Gau Rakshak Group, Locals Clash Over Calf At Kolar Road Area

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Tension Erupts Over Calf’s Condition in Bhopal’s Kolar Road Area

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Tension flared in the Kolar Road area on Sunday when members of a self-proclaimed Gau Rakshak Dal and a local family got into a scuffle over the condition of a calf. The incident took place at the residence of Saroj Trivedi in Vandana Nagar and ended with complaints being filed by both parties, prompting police to initiate an investigation.

According to reports, around four to five persons identifying themselves as members of Bajrang Dal and Gau Raksha arrived at Trivedi’s house, claiming that a calf on the premises was unwell. Trivedi denied the claim and insisted the calf was fine. The discussion quickly escalated into an argument, followed by verbal abuse and a physical altercation.

Following the incident, Saroj Trivedi submitted a written complaint at the Kolar Road police station. Meanwhile, Gau Rakshak members—Priyanshu Gupta, Rohit Balmik, and Abhishek Rajput—filed a counter-complaint. They alleged that they had come only to help the calf based on information received but were instead verbally abused and physically assaulted by the family.

Kolar police station in-charge Sanjay Soni confirmed that written complaints from both sides have been received. He added that legal action will be taken after a thorough investigation into the matter.

Cow Slaughter Accused Arrested Under NSA in Aishbagh

In a separate development, Aishbagh police arrested an accused in a cow slaughter case under the National Security Act (NSA) on Sunday. Vijay Bahadur Singh Sengar, in-charge of Aishbagh police station, said a special team was formed to execute the NSA arrest warrant.

The accused, identified as Mohd Rusi (48), son of Mohd Jabbar and resident of Kammu Ka Bagh, Aishbagh, was wanted in connection with cow slaughter. An NSA warrant had been issued against him earlier.

On Sunday, police received a tip-off that the wanted man was seen near Subhash Crossing. The team rushed to the spot and took him into custody. After a medical examination, the accused was produced before the magistrate and later sent to jail.

https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/bhopal-news-gau-rakshak-group-locals-clash-over-calf-at-kolar-road-area

Covering the basics

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Thousands of residents of Farash Town and James Town in the twin cities are pleased because they now have access to clean drinking water. Not just that, they have also learned useful skills like how to reuse water and recharge the water table by employing rain harvesting techniques. This positive change has come through a megaproject focused on water security.

The project was a collaborative programme started by the World Wildlife Fund-Pakistan (WWF-Pakistan) and the Australia-Pakistan Water Security Initiative, an Australian Aid-funded project aimed at strengthening cooperation between Australia and Pakistan on urban water resources management. The megaproject consisted of a series of smaller projects, all scheduled to be operational by the end of December. It is expected that these will be maintained and run with community help.

The primary goal was to tailor, adopt, and demonstrate the Water Sensitive Cities approach in Pakistan. Islamabad and Rawalpindi—two major cities in the country—are among those expected to face water scarcity over the coming years.

### Focus Areas: James Town and Farash Town

The pilot project focused on two neighbourhoods of the twin cities:

– **James Town, Rawalpindi:** Home to over 450 Christian households, James Town has faced acute water shortage problems.
– **Farash Town, Islamabad:** This neighbourhood, with a population of over 20,000, has also been struggling with water scarcity.

“Our area had a severe water shortage. The water table had also gone down. With the help of these projects, we were able to recharge the aquifer and get water from filtration plants installed at various places in the town,” says Yasmin Bibi, a resident of Farash Town.

### Clean Water Access and Community Involvement

WWF installed seven water filtration plants—five within the locality and two in larger schools. As many as 24,500 people now have access to clean drinking water. Impressively, the filtration plants are maintained by the community itself.

“This is a blessing for us,” says Imran Ali, another resident. “Earlier, many families had to go to the Chak Shahzad government filtration plant to get water. We even had to hire rickshaws to fetch water from there. Now, we have clean drinking water at our doorstep.”

Before these interventions, people were so distressed by the water scarcity that those who could afford to were selling their properties and moving to other parts of the city. “But now, with this project, our lives and priorities have changed. It is such a relief not to have to go out of our way to get something as basic as water,” Imran adds.

### Project Interventions

Started in April 2021, the project included several key interventions in both neighbourhoods:

– **James Town:**
– 275 rainwater harvesting systems (RWHS)
– Six water recharge interventions
– Two green spaces
– Two large and one small filtration plants
– 15 solid waste skips
– Two rain gardens
– A sewerage system for 450 houses

– **Farash Town:**
– 375 rainwater harvesting system interventions
– Four ablution water reuse systems
– 31 recharge interventions
– Three green spaces
– Three communal RWHS
– Five large and two small filtration plants
– Four solid waste skips
– Two rain gardens

### Promoting Water Security Awareness

“Such projects are very important. They provide a serious demonstration of models creating awareness about water security,” notes Farah Nadeem, the project lead.

“We have also included water security issues in the curriculum of local schools under this initiative,” she adds.

Through this project, WWF-Pakistan has helped improve access to safe water and sanitation services for two disadvantaged communities. The initiative has also ensured community resilience to climate change and other water-related shocks, while building the capacity of key stakeholders regarding water use and conservation.

### The Bigger Picture: Water Stress in Pakistan

Pakistan is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world, with an average per capita water availability of only 964 cubic meters per annum. Scientific studies suggest that Pakistan is undergoing significant depletion of groundwater resources. This problem adds to the climate change-induced vulnerabilities faced by millions of people already affected by the lack of water, food, health services, and energy security.

The success of the Farash Town and James Town water security megaproject offers a hopeful example of how community involvement, innovative techniques, and international cooperation can address critical water challenges in Pakistan.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1346830-covering-the-basics

Faith, friendship and quiet harmony

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At dawn, when the first rays of sunlight hit the snow-capped peaks of Speen Ghar — [trans: The White Mountain] — the valley below glows in soft gold. Parachinar, the only Shiite-majority city among the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa tribal districts, lies cradled in this rugged frontier along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

For decades, these hills were known for sectarian clashes and roadblocks, not peace. Yet, beneath the towering ridges of Speen Ghar, a quieter story unfolds; one of faith, friendship, and lasting coexistence.

Near Parachinar, in the village of Malana, tucked amid walnut groves and spring-fed streams, an Imambargah and a Sikh Gurdwara stand right next to each other. Their shared wall tells a story older than the conflicts that have scarred this borderland.

“This is Baba Nanak House,” says Barkat Ali, aged 60, the caretaker of the Gurdwara, pointing to the modest building marked by an orange Sikh flag. Inside, a green cloth drapes the Takht, where ceremonial kirpans (daggers) gleam softly in the morning light.

“Sikhs are our brothers. During their festivals, we open our Imambargah doors for them and offer them accommodation. We even provide wood for their cooking,” Barkat Ali explains.

Centuries ago, the Turi tribe, a Shiite Pashtun community in Kurram, donated this very land to the Sikhs and helped build their Gurdwara, a gesture of solidarity that continues to resonate through the village’s stone courtyards and narrow alleys.

Though no Sikh families remain in Malana today, devotees travel from across Pakistan to visit Baba Nanak House, where tradition holds that Guru Nanak, the early 16th-century founder of Sikhism, once stayed.

In nearby Parachinar’s bustling Turi Market, the Singh brothers — Mukesh and Rakesh — carry that legacy into the present. In their early thirties, the twins run a family spice shop and speak fluent Pashto, dressed in the same shalwar kameez as their Muslim neighbours.

Every Muharram, as Shiite mourners mark the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the Singhs serve tea, sweet drinks, and baskets of candies to participants.

“This is our way of honouring our friends,” Rakesh says. “Our fathers and grandfathers did it, and we will pass it on to our children.”

“Before 2007, Shiite, Sunni, Sikh, Hindu, and Christian neighbours celebrated each other’s festivals,” he adds. “We danced the Attan together at weddings. Those were beautiful days.”

Their Muslim neighbours return the affection. Gul Hassan, a dry fruit vendor, recalls attending the brothers’ weddings and gifting them a traditional sehra, a bridal headdress.

“We share tea, lunch, and life,” he says with a smile.

Kurram once had a thriving Sikh community, with three functioning Gurdwaras and nearly 80 families before sectarian violence erupted in 2007. Today, only seven families, around 45 people, remain. Many left for larger cities such as Peshawar, Lahore, and Hasan Abdal, seeking safety during years when the main Parachinar-Tal Road remained sealed by conflict.

Yet even in those violent times, Sikh lives were spared. Local Muslim elders ensured safe passage for those who chose to leave.

“During the conflict, the roads were opened and security provided so Sikh families could leave safely,” recalls Mukesh Singh.

Santokh Singh, who migrated to Peshawar, remembers the Parachinar of his youth with fondness.

“Before 2007, Shiite, Sunni, Sikh, Hindu, and Christian neighbours celebrated each other’s festivals,” he says. “We danced the Attan together at weddings. Those were beautiful days.”

Despite the shrinking population, acts of generosity continue to knit the communities together.

During Ramadan, Mukesh discreetly distributes food to poor Muslim families, fulfilling the Sikh tradition of charity without seeking recognition.

Local Muslim leaders, too, step forward in times of need.

“Nazir Hussain, secretary of the Parachinar Shopkeepers Union, often donates to Sikh religious events. ‘Whenever the Sikh community asks for help, we provide every possible support,’ he says.”

Farther west in Tirah Valley, near central Kurram, Bhagat Singh, a shopkeeper with a long white beard wrapped in a dark blue turban, reflects on three centuries of shared history.

“Our families have lived here for 300 years,” he says softly. “These valleys are my home. I was born here and here I will die.”

In a region once synonymous with bloodshed, the quiet companionship of an Imambargah and a Gurdwara offers a different narrative.

As the golden light of Speen Ghar falls over Parachinar, it illuminates not just mountains, but a truth often overlooked: that faith, when rooted in respect, can build bridges where politics too often builds walls.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1346828-faith-friendship-and-quiet-harmony