Newsdesk, Author at FutureSoch

Gul Plaza fire report details cause, casualties, and rescue response

January 28, 2026 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: The Commissioner of Karachi, along with an additional IG-led committee, has finalized the investigation report on the Gul Plaza fire incident. The report is expected to be presented to Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah soon.

According to sources, the report includes details on the cause of the fire, firefighting efforts, and rescue operations, as well as information gathered from victims, eyewitnesses, and rescue officials.

The investigation found that the fire originated in a flower shop on the ground floor, reportedly caused by a child’s activity, and spread rapidly via the air-conditioning ducts.

Sources further stated that the tragedy resulted in 79 deaths, with the majority occurring on the mezzanine floor.

The fire reportedly started at 10:15 pm, and the fire brigade received the first alert at 10:26 pm.

The Deputy Commissioner South reached the site at 10:30 pm, while the first fire tender arrived at 10:37 pm. Rescue 1122 personnel reached Gul Plaza at 10:53 pm.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Ali Khursheedi expressed dissatisfaction with the inquiry in the Sindh Assembly, calling for a judicial inquiry.

He argued that the current investigation lacks credibility as it is being conducted by officials who should be held accountable.

Khursheedi said, “The officer responsible for accountability is conducting the inquiry. Who will accept this investigation? How can the Commissioner of Karachi investigate the Gul Plaza tragedy? If the PPP believes we are politicizing the matter, a judicial inquiry will settle the issue once and for all.”

German Chancellor issues strong warning to Iranian government

January 28, 2026 by Newsdesk

BERLIN: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned that the days of the Iranian government are numbered. Speaking at a press conference alongside Romanian Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă, Merz said,

“A regime that maintains power through open violence and fear against its own people has its days counted.”

Merz added that the collapse of the Iranian government could happen in just a few weeks, emphasizing that the regime no longer has any moral legitimacy to govern the country.

The statement comes at a time when US President Donald Trump is issuing renewed threats of intervention in Iran following a crackdown on protests.

On the other hand, President Trump once again warned Iran, stating that a large US naval fleet is advancing toward the country with full force, determination, and a clear mission.

In a statement shared on social media, Trump said the fleet, led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, is even larger than the one previously sent to Venezuela.

“Like the Venezuela deployment, this fleet is capable of completing its mission quickly and forcefully if necessary,” Trump said.

He added that he hopes Iran will return to the negotiating table promptly and engage in discussions for a fair, balanced agreement, including commitments to no nuclear weapons, ensuring a deal beneficial to all parties involved.

Dubai announces world’s first ‘Gold Street’ in iconic Gold District

January 28, 2026 by Newsdesk

DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates city of Dubai has unveiled a groundbreaking project that has captured global attention — the world’s first Gold Street, set to be constructed within the Dubai Gold District.

According to Arab media, the construction of the Gold District is already underway. Once completed, it will serve as a global hub for gold and jewelry trade, offering a unique landmark for the industry and tourists alike.

The Gold Street will be specially designed with gold elements to create a memorable destination for visitors and buyers from around the world.

The project aims not just at aesthetics but at positioning Dubai as the most modern and distinctive center for gold and jewelry trade globally.

The district will function as a comprehensive gold hub, integrating retail, wholesale, investment, and the full jewelry value chain under a single roof.

More than 1,000 retailers, including internationally renowned brands, are expected to operate in the district.

Beyond commerce, the Gold District is set to become a major tourist attraction for international visitors, buyers, and investors.

Facilities will include at least six hotels offering over 1,000 guest rooms to accommodate global tourists.

Notably, the UAE exported approximately $53.41 billion worth of gold last year, making it the second-largest physical gold trading hub in the world, with major trade partners including Switzerland, the UK, India, Hong Kong, and Turkey.

This ambitious project further reinforces Dubai’s position as a global capital for gold and luxury jewelry.

PSL 11: Franchises announce updated retention categories

January 27, 2026 by Newsdesk

LAHORE: Pakistan Super League franchises have released the revised retention category lists for the 11th edition of the tournament, outlining player placements across Diamond, Gold, Silver and Emerging categories ahead of the PSL 11 draft process.

The updated lists provide clarity on player movements, promotions and possible retentions before the official auction.

Silver Category

According to the revised list, the following players have been placed in the Silver category:

Islamabad United: Mohammad Faizan, Haneen Shah

Peshawar Zalmi: Arif Yaqoob, Mehran Mumtaz

Karachi Kings: Mirza Mamoon Imtiaz

Quetta Gladiators: Ali Majid

Lahore Qalandars: Mohammad Akhlaq

In addition, Mohammad Naeem, Mohammad Aazib, Yasir Khan, Aamir Barki, Mohammad Junaid, Mohammad Altaf, Ali Imran, Jehanzaib Sultan and Ubaid Shah have also been included in the Silver category.

Emerging Category

The Emerging category includes:

Islamabad United: Saad Masood, Mohammad Shehzad, Ghazi Ghori

Karachi Kings: Riyazullah, Fawad Ali, Saad Baig

Lahore Qalandars: Momin Qamar

Peshawar Zalmi: Abdullah Fazal, Ali Raza, Moaz Sadaqat

Multan Sultans: Shahid Aziz, Mohammad Zulkifal

Quetta Gladiators: Mohammad Zeeshan, Shamil Hussain

Diamond Category

Ahead of PSL 11, franchises have also confirmed the updated Diamond category list.

Karachi Kings: Abbas Afridi, Shan Masood

Abbas Afridi has been downgraded from Platinum to Diamond.

Lahore Qalandars: Abdullah Shafique, Salman Mirza

Multan Sultans: Usama Mir, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed

Quetta Gladiators: Saud Shakeel, Wasim Jr, Usman Khan

Peshawar Zalmi: Sufiyan Muqeem

Sufiyan Muqeem was promoted from Gold to Diamond at the final stage.

Gold Category

The revised Gold category list has also been issued, with franchises allowed to retain one Gold player prior to the auction.

Lahore Qalandars: Jahandad Khan, Zaman Khan, Asif Ali, Asif Afridi

Asif Ali and Asif Afridi were part of the Silver category last season.

Islamabad United: Azam Khan, Haider Ali, Salman Irshad, Rumman Raees

Azam Khan was previously in the Diamond category, while Rumman Raees featured in Silver.

Karachi Kings: Khushdil Shah, Aamir Jamal, Irfan Niazi, Mir Hamza, Zahid Mahmood, Umair Bin Yousuf, Shahnawaz Dahani, Arafat Minhas

Peshawar Zalmi: Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Ali, Abdul Samad, Hussain Talat, Sufiyan Muqeem, Ahmed Daniyal, Ehsanullah

Quetta Gladiators: Khawaja Nafay, Haseebullah Khan, Khurram Shahzad, Hasan Nawaz, Danish Aziz

Multan Sultans: Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Faisal Akram, Aakif Javed, Tayyab Tahir

Possible Platinum Category Players

Franchises have also shared provisional lists of Platinum-category players ahead of official confirmation by the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Islamabad United: Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Imad Wasim

Karachi Kings: Hasan Ali

Lahore Qalandars: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf

Multan Sultans: Mohammad Rizwan

Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam, Saim Ayub

Quetta Gladiators: Mohammad Amir, Faheem Ashraf, Abrar Ahmed

The PCB is expected to officially announce the final list of Pakistani Platinum-category players on Wednesday.

Foreign Players’ Retention

Meanwhile, the retention categories for foreign players will be finalized after the completion of auction registration.

According to PSL regulations, the retention category for overseas players who featured in the previous season will be determined based on their base price during registration. However, franchises and players may mutually agree on retention categories for PSL 11.

Under the rules, each of the six PSL franchises will be allowed to retain one player in each of the four categories.

Foreign direct investment drops 43.3% in July–Dec FY2026

January 27, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan witnessed a sharp decline of 43.3 percent in foreign direct investment (FDI) during the first half of the current fiscal year, from July to December 2025, while the country’s exports also fell by 5 percent to $15.5 billion.

According to the Finance Ministry’s Economic Outlook Report, total FDI during the six-month period stood at $810 million. Meanwhile, imports surged by 12.3 percent, crossing $31 billion.

The report stated that workers’ remittances increased by 10 percent to $19.73 billion during the same period, while the current account deficit was recorded at $1.17 billion.

The exchange rate showed slight depreciation, with the dollar rising from Rs 278.7 to Rs 279.9. However, large-scale manufacturing (LSM) output posted a 6 percent growth during the first five months of the fiscal year.

The Finance Ministry reported a primary surplus of Rs 3,651 billion, reflecting improved fiscal discipline.

According to the outlook, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) collections increased by 9.5 percent to Rs 6,160 billion, while non-tax revenue rose by 4.8 percent to Rs 3,581 billion.

The report further noted that State Bank of Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves increased to $16.1 billion.

It added that overall economic stability remained intact during the first half of FY2026, with expectations of sustained economic momentum in the ongoing fiscal year.

The Finance Ministry said improved fiscal management helped support macroeconomic stability. Inflation is expected to remain between 5 and 6 percent in the current month, while price pressures remain under control and LSM growth has shown noticeable improvement.

The report also highlighted that foreign exchange reserves remain strong, the rupee has stayed stable, and the Pakistan Stock Exchange has witnessed a strong rally, ranking among the best-performing markets globally.

India, EU agree on landmark trade deal termed ‘Mother of All Deals’

January 27, 2026 by Newsdesk

New Delhi: India and the European Union have reached a major trade agreement, described by both sides as the “mother of all deals,” marking a significant milestone in bilateral economic relations.

According to the European Union, the agreement will reduce or eliminate tariffs on nearly 97 percent of European exports to India, potentially saving up to €4 billion annually in customs duties.

Following high-level talks in New Delhi with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the agreement as historic.

“This is the mother of all deals,” Modi said, adding that the pact would create vast opportunities for India’s 1.4 billion people as well as millions across the European Union.

EU officials stated that this is India’s most comprehensive and wide-ranging trade agreement to date, expected to significantly benefit key European sectors including agriculture, automobiles, and services.

Foreign news agencies reported that the agreement also includes a security partnership component, opening new avenues for defense-related cooperation and business opportunities.

Prime Minister Modi noted that the deal would equally boost India’s textile industry, gems and jewellery sector, leather products, and services industry.

According to a senior Indian official quoted by international media, the formal signing of the agreement is expected within the next five to six months, once all legal and procedural requirements are completed.

Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta declares use of AI Apps for Quran interpretation impermissible

January 27, 2026 by Newsdesk

Cairo: Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta has declared the use of artificial intelligence applications for interpreting the Holy Quran to be religiously impermissible, warning that reliance on such tools may lead to misinformation and doctrinal misunderstandings.

According to Arab media reports, the Egyptian religious authority stated that trusting AI-based applications for Quranic interpretation does not meet Islamic scholarly standards and may result in the spread of inaccurate or misleading explanations.

Dar Al-Ifta emphasized that the interpretation of the Holy Quran must be based on authentic classical commentaries, qualified scholars, and recognized religious institutions, rather than automated digital tools.

The statement warned that artificial intelligence lacks the theological depth, scholarly methodology, and contextual understanding required for Quranic exegesis, which could create confusion among believers.

Arab media reports added that the ruling includes popular AI platforms such as ChatGPT. The fatwa was issued in response to a query submitted by a citizen seeking guidance on the religious validity of using AI applications for Quranic interpretation.

Religious scholars reiterated that while technology may assist in general learning, matters of faith and Quranic interpretation require verified human scholarship and established religious authority.

Hania Aamir’s cousin breaks silence on actress’s natural dimples

January 27, 2026 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: Popular Pakistani actress Hania Aamir’s cousin has clarified the reality behind the actress’s much-admired dimples, dismissing recent claims of cosmetic surgery circulating on social media.

A few days earlier, a dermatologist had alleged online that Hania Aamir underwent “dimpleplasty,” sparking widespread discussion across digital platforms.

In response, the actress’s cousin shared several throwback photographs from Hania’s school, college, and university days to counter the claims.

In her social media post, she stated that as Hania Aamir’s first cousin and a close family member, she felt it was necessary to address the misinformation spreading on YouTube and Instagram.

She emphasized that the actress’s dimples and fair complexion are completely natural and not the result of any cosmetic or surgical procedure.

According to her, the older photographs clearly show that Hania possessed the same facial features long before entering the entertainment industry.

The cousin further noted that Hania Aamir began her media career at the age of 18 with the film Janaan and that her appearance has naturally evolved over the past decade.

She also clarified misinformation regarding the actress’s background, stating that Hania does not belong to Rawalpindi but was born and raised in Karachi in an upper-middle-class family with access to proper facilities.

Addressing personal rumors, she added that no marriage decision has been made by the family so far and urged the public to refrain from spreading baseless speculation about the actress’s private life.

Nipah virus cases emerge in India ahead of ICC T20 World Cup

January 27, 2026 by Newsdesk

MUMBAI: As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup approaches, reports of Nipah virus cases have emerged in India, raising health concerns just weeks before the event. The tournament is scheduled to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.

According to Indian media, at least five Nipah virus cases have been reported in West Bengal, prompting authorities to place approximately 100 individuals under quarantine as part of emergency medical measures.

The infected individuals include healthcare personnel, with two nurses from Kolkata reportedly in serious condition.

The outbreak comes at a time when international teams and large numbers of cricket fans are expected to arrive in India for the T20 World Cup.

Nipah virus is a highly dangerous zoonotic disease transmitted primarily by fruit bats. It can also spread through contaminated food and close contact with infected individuals. The virus is considered deadly, with reported fatality rates reaching up to 75 percent in some cases.

India’s Kerala state has previously reported dozens of deaths due to Nipah virus since 2018. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified Nipah virus as a “Priority Pathogen” due to its potential to cause a global outbreak.

Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and have urged caution as the World Cup draws near.

Gul Plaza fire report details cause, casualties, and rescue response

German Chancellor issues strong warning to Iranian government

Dubai announces world’s first ‘Gold Street’ in iconic Gold District

PSL 11: Franchises announce updated retention categories

Foreign direct investment drops 43.3% in July–Dec FY2026

India, EU agree on landmark trade deal termed ‘Mother of All Deals’

Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta declares use of AI Apps for Quran interpretation impermissible

Hania Aamir’s cousin breaks silence on actress’s natural dimples

Nipah virus cases emerge in India ahead of ICC T20 World Cup

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