Tag: Saudi Arabia
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Indonesia Defends Independent Umrah Amid Protests as Law 14 of 2025 Takes Effect
Indonesia Stands by Independent Umrah Amid Business Protests The Indonesian government, through the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, reaffirmed that the push toward a legalized independent Umrah is not only unavoidable but also designed to protect pilgrims. Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak emphasized that the policy aligns with Law Number 14 of 2025 concerning the Organization…
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Saudi Arabia Pledges Pakistan $1 Billion Oil Facility and Rolls Over $5 Billion in Deposits
Saudi Arabia Extends $1 Billion Oil Financing Facility to Pakistan In a move that underscores growing financial and strategic cooperation, Saudi Arabia has pledged to extend a $1 billion oil financing facility to Pakistan for the 2025–26 fiscal year. The commitment, announced by officials from Pakistan’s Ministry of Finance on Monday, is intended to help…
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Saudi Arabia commits $1 billion oil facility to Pakistan, renews deposits amid strategic ties
Saudi Arabia boosts Pakistan’s energy and financial resilience Saudi Arabia has pledged a $1 billion oil financing facility to Pakistan for the current 2025–26 fiscal year, alongside rolling over $5 billion in deposits with the State Bank of Pakistan. The announcements, confirmed by Pakistani finance ministry officials, underscore Riyadh’s continued support for Pakistan’s energy needs…
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Pakistan Defends Strikes in Afghanistan as Self-Defense Amid Border Clashes
Pakistan Justifies Strikes in Afghanistan as Self-Defense Pakistan on Friday defended its recent cross-border airstrikes into Afghanistan, arguing that it acted in self-defense as tensions surged along the long and porous border. Foreign Office officials said Islamabad’s actions targeted militant groups and Taliban forces it accuses of sheltering extremists, while emphasizing that the strikes were…
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Pakistan Defends Afghanistan Strikes as Self-Defense Amid Border Clashes
Pakistan Justifies Border Strikes as Self-Defense Pakistan on Friday asserted that its sporadic airstrikes across the border into Afghanistan were an act of self-defense. Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan said Islamabad had exercised its right to defend its territory and civilians against cross-border attacks. The remarks come as fierce clashes along the long, porous…
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Pakistan Defends Border Strikes in Afghanistan as Self-Defense Amid Cross-Border Clashes
Background: Tensions on the Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Fierce cross-border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan erupted last weekend along their long, porous frontier. Dozens were killed on both sides as Pakistani forces conducted airstrikes into parts of Kandahar and near Kabul. The flare-up marks the worst border fighting in decades and comes amid long-standing accusations from Islamabad…
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Aziz Ansari Defends Riyadh Festival Appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live
Aziz Ansari Addresses Riyadh Comedy Festival Backlash on Jimmy Kimmel Live Comedian Aziz Ansari faced pointed questions about his decision to perform at Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Comedy Festival during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, as critics labeled the event a strategic move by a government facing ongoing human rights concerns. Kimmel pressed Ansari on…
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Aziz Ansari’s Riyadh Stop: The Moral Tightrope of Performing at the Riyadh Comedy Festival
Overview: A comedian on a controversial stage Aziz Ansari’s decision to perform at the Riyadh Comedy Festival has sparked a global debate about art, money, and the politics of entertainment. Held in Saudi Arabia’s capital, the festival began on September 26 and runs through Thursday, drawing a lineup that includes renowned comedians such as Ansari,…
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Aziz Ansari Defends Riyadh Comedy Festival Appearance on Jimmy Kimmel, Amid Global Backlash
Aziz Ansari Defends Riyadh Appearance in Interview With Jimmy Kimmel Comedian Aziz Ansari faced tough scrutiny about his decision to headline the Riyadh Comedy Festival, a flagship event in Saudi Arabia’s capital. In a recent on‑air exchange on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, host Jimmy Kimmel pressed Ansari on why he would accept money to perform in…
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Amoral, Evil? The Backlash Over Riyadh’s Comedy Festival
The Riyadh Comedy Festival and a Moral Reckoning The Riyadh comedy festival, organized by Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, has become more than a lineup of punchlines. It has evolved into a global debate about art, money, and the costs of cultural diplomacy. With marquee names such as Pete Davidson, Louis CK, Dave Chappelle, Kevin…