BIRMINGHAM (Sada-e-Sach News): Birmingham witnessed a large-scale religious congregation in remembrance of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (SA), the beloved daughter of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), bringing together prominent religious scholars, Zakireen, renowned Noha Khwans and devotees of Ahl-e-Bait (AS) from across the United Kingdom and beyond.

Titled “Mourning for the Heir of Ayat-e-Tatheer,” the gathering was held at Hussainia Regent Park Hall, where a large number of mourners assembled to pay tribute to the life, virtues and sacrifices of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (SA).

The congregation featured a series of religious addresses focusing on the distinguished status of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (SA), her exemplary character, the teachings of Ahl-e-Bait (AS) and the enduring message of Karbala. Speakers emphasised the importance of preserving Islamic values, promoting the teachings of the Prophet’s family and passing their legacy on to future generations.

Prominent scholars addressing the gathering included Maulana Muhammad Raza Dawoodani, Maulana Syed Bilal Kazmi, Allama Syed Ali Kazmi and Allama Asad Raza Zaidi. Renowned Zakireen Waseem Abbas Baloch, Saqlain Abbas Ghalloo, Asif Kamal Haider, Ali Imran Jafri, Zain Ali Zaidi and Qamar Kiyani also delivered religious discourses, highlighting various dimensions of the history of Karbala and the spiritual legacy of Ahl-e-Bait (AS).

The event also featured emotionally charged Noha and Marsiya recitations by some of the well-known voices of the Azadari tradition. Kazmi Brothers from Pakistan, alongside Mir Hassan Mir, Mir Qasim Mir, Mir Jawad Mir, Qais Abbas Qomi (UK), Shabi-ul-Hassan Kazmi and Zakir Chaudhry Ejaz (UK), presented their renowned elegies, creating an atmosphere of deep mourning and spiritual devotion.

The participation of Zawar Markazi Matami Dasta (UK) added further significance to the gathering. Muntazir-e-Azadaran Taqi Abbas Bukhari and other distinguished participants also attended the programme, expressing their devotion and commitment to the traditions of mourning for Ahl-e-Bait (AS).

Reflecting the international reach of the event, proceedings were broadcast live through various Azadari networks in Pakistan and the UK, allowing devotees in different parts of the world to watch and participate remotely.

Organisers said the gathering was aimed at highlighting the life and sacrifices of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (SA), promoting the teachings of Ahl-e-Bait (AS) and familiarising younger generations with her exemplary character, patience, steadfastness and unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness.

The congregation concluded with participants renewing their pledge to preserve the traditions of Azadari, strengthen their connection with Ahl-e-Bait (AS) and continue spreading their teachings and message of truth, justice and humanity across communities and generations.

LONDON (SADAESACH NEWS): British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced a partial relaxation of the government’s proposed immigration reforms following strong opposition from cabinet colleagues and health-sector unions.

Under the revised proposals, care workers will be allowed to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after five years of residence in the UK, benefiting an estimated 280,000 workers and their dependants.

According to The Guardian, care workers earning more than £25,000 annually and who arrived on the relevant visa before May 2025 will qualify for the five-year settlement route.

However, most of the government’s tougher immigration proposals remain unchanged. Migrants earning less than £50,000 a year will generally face a 10-year qualifying period for permanent residency instead of the existing five years.

Those earning more than £50,271 annually, along with certain public-sector professionals, including doctors, nurses and teachers, will remain eligible for settlement after five years. The highest earners, with annual incomes exceeding £125,000, will be able to qualify after just three years.

The government also plans to retain stricter provisions for migrants entering the UK through irregular routes, including small boats. In certain cases, the settlement waiting period could extend to 30 years.

Refugees will generally face a 10-year settlement period, while additional penalties are proposed for those entering through irregular routes.

Addressing MPs in the House of Commons, Mahmood said permanent residency should no longer be treated as an almost automatic entitlement but must be earned through contribution, eligibility and compliance with immigration laws.

The proposed retrospective application of the new rules has triggered criticism from several Labour MPs. Former shadow home secretary Diane Abbott warned that changing the residency expectations of people who had entered and worked legally in Britain could risk creating another Windrush-style controversy.

Amnesty International also criticised the proposals, arguing that migrants and their families had built their lives around previously established government requirements.

Business organisations have warned that the changes could make it harder for British companies to retain skilled international workers, potentially pushing valuable talent towards countries offering more predictable immigration pathways.

The British government estimates that around 500,000 migrants could face longer waiting periods for permanent settlement under the revised immigration framework.

ISLAMABAD: The 5th European Film Festival (EUFF) returns to Pakistan this weekend, with events scheduled across Islamabad, Sialkot and Jamshoro/Hyderabad.

The festival brings audiences together through European and Pakistani cinema, live performances, interactive experiences and cultural exchange.

Presented by the European Union and curated by Olomopolo Media, the festival will feature European feature films, documentaries and experimental shorts, alongside a curated selection of Pakistani short films. The program will also include live performances, a children’s segment, interactive installations and an industry session for filmmakers, said a release issued here on Thursday.

The European Film Festival was first held in Pakistan in 2021 and since then, the travelling festival has been held in Gilgit, Quetta, Peshawar, Gujrat, Faisalabad, Multan, Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad, with a focus on cultural exchange and dialogue through cinema.

The 2026 edition will take place in Islamabad on 12 and 13 September at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA). In addition to film screenings, the program will include a Stand-up Comedy & Improv Showcase and a Children’s Segment featuring a family-friendly European film with a storytelling and music session.

The festival will then travel to Sialkot on 16 and 17 September, with events taking place at Government College Women University and GRID by BLCK, before concluding in Jamshoro/Hyderabad on 29 and 30 September at SABS University of Art, Design & Heritages. A live musical performance will form part of the closing program.

Alongside the screenings, audiences will have access to immersive experiences which will be an integral part of this year’s festival, with installations including EUFF-Pakistan Express – a train installation, Wall of Fame, Human Slot Game alongside a Reading Nook and Kids’ Corner. This year’s program will also include the Filmmakers’ Mixer, a new Industry Program session.

The festival is aimed at young audiences, families, members of the film fraternity, film enthusiasts and diplomats. Its objectives include expanding cinematic experiences and conversations, using cinema as a means of connecting cultures, and creating spaces for collective activities and engagement.

The 5th European Film Festival (EUFF) 2026 is curated and organized by Olomopolo Media.