from the timeline of Uroosa Salman
US and Middle East Tensions
US Lab Fire Incident
A massive fire broke out in a biochemistry laboratory in Georgia, USA, causing significant damage. The authorities are investigating the cause of the fire and ensuring safety protocols are followed.
Iranian Propaganda Campaign in New York
New York’s Times Square has become the center of a large-scale anti-Iranian propaganda campaign, drawing attention to US-Iranian tensions.
US Retaliatory Attacks in Syria and Iraq
In response to bombings of US bases, the US launched attacks on multiple locations in Deir Ezzor and Albukamal along the Syrian-Iraqi border. This marks an escalation in the ongoing conflict in the region.
Biden-Harris Administration Immigration Report
A recent ICE report reveals that 425,431 convicted criminals, including kidnappers, murderers, and assaulters, have been released into the United States under the current administration.
- 2,521 convicted kidnappers
- 13,099 convicted murderers
- 14,301 convicted of burglary
- 15,811 convicted of s*xual assault
- 56,533 with drug convictions
- 62,231 convicted of assault
- 222,141 with pending criminal charges
- 425,431 total convicted criminals
BRICS Currency Plans
BRICS nations are considering a new currency backed by 40% gold and 60% local currencies to create a stable alternative to the US dollar.
Lebanon-Israel Conflict
Israeli Strikes in Lebanon
Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the martyrdom of 492 people and over 1,645 wounded, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. This has escalated the ongoing conflict in the region.
Hezbollah’s Response
Hezbollah has responded with ballistic missile attacks, targeting key Israeli locations, including Jerusalem. Lebanese forces continue to retaliate against Israeli aggression.
Global Reactions
Belgium has condemned Israel’s invasion of Lebanon, calling it a violation of international law. The EU is considering sanctions against Israel.
Russia and Global Tensions
- Russia’s Accusations
Russia accused the United States of carrying out a terrorist attack in Lebanon alongside Israel. This marks another low point in US-Russian relations. - Nuclear Threats to NATO
Russian President Putin has warned NATO and Ukraine that Russia would consider using nuclear weapons if attacked with strategic or tactical aviation and other advanced weaponry.
Yemen and the Middle East
- Yemen Targets Israeli Airport
Yemen claims responsibility for a rocket attack on Tel Aviv airport, coinciding with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s arrival. This further intensifies the already volatile situation.
Iran and Political Shifts
- General Abbas Nilfaroushan Killed
The commander of the IRGC, General Abbas Nilfaroushan, was killed in an attack targeting Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah, marking a significant blow to Iran’s military operations. - Former President Ahmadinejad’s Revelations
Former Iranian President Ahmadinejad revealed that a key unit established to counter Israeli actions was infiltrated by a Mossad agent.
Israel and Regional Impact
- Israel Displacing Civilians
In 357 days, Israel displaced over 1.9 million civilians from Gaza, a figure higher than the displacement of Jews by Hitler in Germany and Austria during 1938-1939. - Hezbollah’s Counterattacks
Hezbollah has launched several counterattacks, including missile strikes on Tel Aviv, signaling a full-scale escalation. - Peace Offers
Despite ongoing aggression, 57 Arab and Muslim countries have extended a peace deal to Israel, ensuring security in exchange for a Palestinian state. However, Israel has not responded positively.
Local News: Pakistan
Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ibad to Launch a New Political Party
Former Governor of Sindh, Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ibad, has announced his plans to launch a new political party, aiming to re-enter the political landscape of Pakistan. Dr. Ibad, who served as the longest-serving governor of Sindh, plans to focus on addressing public grievances and ensuring effective governance in the region.
Reduction in Petroleum Prices Announced by the Government
The government has announced another reduction in petroleum product prices, bringing much-needed relief to the public. According to the new prices effective from midnight:
- Petrol: Reduced by Rs. 2.07 per liter, now at Rs. 247.03 (previously Rs. 249.10).
- High-Speed Diesel: Reduced by Rs. 3.40 per liter, now at Rs. 246.29 (previously Rs. 249.69).
- Light Diesel Oil: Reduced to Rs. 140.90 per liter (previously Rs. 141.93).
- Kerosene Oil: Reduced to Rs. 154.90 per liter (previously Rs. 158.47).
These changes follow a trend of price reductions that started on June 1st, 2024, with petrol prices dropping by a total of Rs. 21.23 and diesel by Rs. 18.67 since then. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the benefits of these reductions should reach the public swiftly.
Clashes During Protests in Rawalpindi: Over 26 Police Officers Injured
During the protest on September 28th in Rawalpindi, violent clashes erupted between law enforcement and political workers. Protestors attacked police parties with sticks and stones, resulting in injuries to 26 police officers, including high-ranking officials. In response, the Punjab Police registered 6 FIRs against over 250 political workers, including former Prime Minister Imran Khan and Ali Amin Gandapur, under terrorism charges.
- Injured Officers Include:
- SHO Inspector Sajid
- ASI Aamir Sajjad
- ASI Khurram Shehzad
- Constables Aziz Ahmed, Saqib Ali, Abdul Malik, Mazhar, Zaheer Abbas, Usman Ali, and others.
RPO Rawalpindi Babar Sarfraz Elpa and DPO Attock supervised the security operations on the ground throughout the day to restore order.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s UN Speech Tops Global Viewership Charts
According to the UN’s Center for Public Opinion Research, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s address at the UN General Assembly has become the most-watched speech on the UN’s official YouTube channel, with 137,000 views, surpassing the speeches of US President Joe Biden (101,000) and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (81,000).
- Comparison of Viewership:
- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar’s speeches garnered 51,000 views each.
- Additionally, on Al Jazeera’s TikTok account, Shehbaz Sharif’s speech was viewed by 1.6 million people, while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech was viewed 300,000 times.
During his speech, the Prime Minister strongly condemned Israeli aggression in Gaza, calling for an immediate halt to the violence and advocating for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital
Economic Updates
The IMF package for Pakistan is in its final approval stages, offering potential economic relief.
Kurram Clashes
Ongoing sectarian clashes between Shia and Sunni tribes in Kurram District have resulted in 21 deaths and 18 injuries, despite efforts by local elders and officials to establish a ceasefire.
Law and Order Incidents
In Karachi, an immigration raid led to the arrest of three Afghan women attempting to travel to Germany using fake documents.
Global Entertainment: Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s New Releases
Four of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s legendary tracks, including “Aaj Suk Matran Di Vadhairi Hai,” have been officially released on YouTube, preserving his iconic legacy.
Summary of Halaat Weekly Round-Up
This week has seen a significant escalation in global and local tensions, with the Israel-Lebanon conflict, Russian warnings, and US interventions in Syria. Meanwhile, Pakistan is facing its challenges with political unrest and economic struggles. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s music continues to bring solace amidst these turbulent times.