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Sindh Govt approves reconstruction of fire-hit Gul Plaza

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Sindh Govt

Karachi: The Sindh government has announced plans to rebuild Gul Plaza, which was recently damaged in a fire.

According to sources, the reconstruction will be funded from the provincial budget, and the multi-storey plaza is expected to be completed within one year. Once rebuilt, shops will be allotted to their original owners.

The government has reportedly consulted construction experts to ensure the rebuilding is carried out efficiently.

Meanwhile, to support affected businesses, temporary commercial spaces have been arranged. Three locations have been selected by the Sindh government to accommodate shopkeepers during the reconstruction period.

This initiative aims to restore business activity quickly while ensuring the long-term rebuilding of Gul Plaza.

On the other hand,  Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has announced that each shop owner affected by the Gul Plaza fire will receive Rs500,000 in the first phase, alongside plans for the complete reconstruction of the plaza.

Delivering a policy statement in the Sindh Assembly, Shah expressed deep sorrow over the incident, which claimed multiple lives and left several people missing.

He confirmed that out of 88 reported missing, 82 were verified, 67 bodies have been recovered, and DNA identification is ongoing for the remaining victims.

The fire, Shah explained, started at 10:14 AM on a ground-floor shop, with the fire brigade called at 10:26 AM. A government representative reached the site 16 minutes later.

The CM emphasized that politics should not be played over such tragedies and that responsible parties will face accountability.

Shah also addressed past administrative issues, stating that the lease of Gul Plaza was approved decades ago and had been renewed over time. He said, “We are still cleaning up the legacy issues from before the Eighteenth Amendment.”

Regarding relief measures, Shah announced:

Rs500,000 compensation to each affected shop owner in the first phase, distributed via the Karachi Chamber of Commerce.

Temporary shops will be provided for two years until reconstruction is completed.

The Sindh government will ensure security for affected traders.

Loans of up to Rs10 million will be available to shop owners, with interest covered by the government.

The CM assured that Gul Plaza would be rebuilt in its original form within two years, with expert consultation to ensure safety and modern compliance standards. Temporary arrangements for shops will be made within two months.

Shah stressed the importance of coordination among government departments, calling for a unified approach to disaster management and highlighting the need for insurance legislation for such incidents in the future.

During the assembly session, members of MQM and Jamaat-e-Islami stood up in protest over certain statements, but the Speaker reminded members to follow house rules.

This announcement follows widespread criticism and concern over the Gul Plaza fire, which has prompted scrutiny of safety measures, emergency response, and long-term urban planning in Karachi.

PCB announces Pakistan squad for T20 series against Australia

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PCB announces

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially announced the national squad for the upcoming T20 International series against Australia.

For the three-match series, Salman Ali Agha has been appointed as captain, while Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi have made their return to the T20 side.

The squad also includes Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Naseem Shah, Faheem Ashraf, and Mohammad Wasim Jr.

Other players named in the squad are Mohammad Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Tariq, Khawaja Mohammad Nafi, Sahibzada Farhan, and Usman Khan (wicketkeeper).

According to the PCB, the Australian team will arrive in Pakistan on January 28, while all three T20 matches will be played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on January 29, January 31, and February 1.

The series is expected to attract strong fan interest as Pakistan prepares to face Australia at home in a high-profile T20 contest.

Three short films on Gaza selected for Oscar nominations

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Three short films

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the nominations for the 98th Academy Awards, including three short films centered on the Gaza conflict—two from Israel and one from Tunisia.

The Tunisian film, The Voice of Hind Rajab, has been nominated in the Best International Feature Film category. Directed by Kawsar Ben Haniya, the documentary-drama tells the story of five-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab, who was reportedly killed by Israeli forces in Gaza last year.

 The film also dramatizes the efforts of the Palestinian Red Crescent, incorporating authentic audio of Hind calling for help amid the deaths of her family members.

The film has garnered widespread support from Palestine-supportive filmmakers, with British Jewish director Jonathan Glazer as one of its co-producers.

In Israel, the short film “Butcher’s Stain” was nominated for Best Live Action Short Film. Created by Meir Levinson-Blount of Tel Aviv University’s film school, the story follows Arab butcher Samir, accused of removing posters of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 attack and brought to Gaza.

The film explores Samir’s struggle to prove his innocence amid abuse, coercion, and a lengthy legal battle, and previously gained recognition at the Student Academy Awards.

The second Israeli short nominated, Children No More: Were and Are Gone, directed by Hila Medalia, is nominated for Best Documentary Short Film.

The film documents a silent protest in Tel Aviv beginning in March 2025, where demonstrators gathered weekly holding photos of children killed in Gaza, a movement that eventually grew into a symbolic nationwide campaign.

Several other Israeli films submitted for Oscar consideration were reportedly rejected, as the Academy found them largely propagandistic attempts to portray Israel in a humanitarian light.

These nominations mark a significant recognition of films addressing the Gaza conflict, bringing international attention to stories of civilian experiences and political struggles in the region.

Avalanche in Chitral’s Domel kills 9, injures 1 child

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Avalanche in Chitral

Chitral: Tragedy struck in Domel, Chitral, when an avalanche hit a house, killing nine people and injuring a child, officials confirmed.

According to the Deputy Commissioner’s Office Chitral, the deceased include five men and four women. The bodies have been recovered, and rescue efforts at the site have concluded.

Meanwhile, in Wadi Tirah, Khyber District, heavy snowfall has left internally displaced persons (IDPs) stranded. Rescue operations are underway to transfer affected families to safe locations.

Deputy Commissioner Khyber, Bilal Shahid, said that timely action under district administration supervision ensured that all affected families were safely relocated, preventing further casualties.

Authorities continue to monitor snow-affected areas to prevent additional incidents and ensure public safety.

Snap elections called as Japan’s PM dissolves parliament

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Snap elections

Tokyo: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has declared that it is now up to the public to decide whether she should continue as the country’s leader, following her announcement to dissolve the lower house and call for snap elections on February 8.

According to international news agencies, Takaichi stated that the purpose of the new elections is to secure a parliamentary majority to push forward key initiatives, including economic reforms, changes to defense policies, and stricter immigration laws.

“I am putting my political credibility on the line to obtain a clear mandate from the people,” Takaichi said, emphasizing that a strong parliamentary majority is essential for implementing her agenda.

The dissolution of the lower house has triggered a 12-day election campaign for all 465 seats, with parties intensifying efforts to secure voter support.

In the 2024 elections, the ruling coalition held a slim majority, while the upper house lacked a clear majority, creating obstacles for smooth lawmaking. Increasing disagreements and competing interests within the coalition further complicated governance.

After longtime ally Komeito broke away, Takaichi formed an alliance with the right-leaning Japan Innovation Party, agreeing on key policies such as a stronger military, male-only imperial succession, and the restart of closed nuclear reactors.

Meanwhile, Komeito has joined opposition forces under the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan to form a “Centrist Reform Alliance”, promoting agendas on gender equality, inclusive society, and prioritizing citizens’ needs.

The upcoming elections are being widely seen as a referendum on Takaichi’s leadership and her ambitious reform agenda.

Five Nipah virus cases confirmed in West Bengal, India

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Five Nipah virus

Authorities in West Bengal, India have confirmed five cases of Nipah virus, including infections among doctors and nurses, local media reported. One patient’s condition is reportedly critical.

According to international news agencies, affected individuals are receiving treatment in Kolkata and nearby hospitals, while approximately 100 people have been placed under precautionary home quarantine. The health department has intensified monitoring to contain the situation.

The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies Nipah virus as a high-risk pathogen. Experts note that the virus is primarily transmitted from bats to humans, often through contaminated fruits. Currently, no vaccine or specific treatment exists for the infection.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that early symptoms of Nipah virus, such as fever, headache, and weakness, are nonspecific, making timely diagnosis challenging. The virus has an incubation period ranging from 4 to 21 days.

Health authorities have urged residents to take precautionary measures and report any symptoms immediately to prevent further spread.

Psychologist criticizes Fiza Ali’s over daughter’s social media exposure

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Psychologist criticizes

LAHORE: Pakistani clinical psychologist and social media influencer Maheen Anwari has strongly criticized actress and host Fiza Ali for frequently featuring her young daughter on social media, warning that such exposure can have long-term psychological consequences for children.

In a video shared on her social media account, Maheen Anwari expressed concern over what she described as a growing trend among parents — particularly mothers — who showcase their minor children online to gain views and public attention.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mahin Anwari (@iammaheenanwari)

Fiza Ali often shares photos and videos of her 10-year-old daughter Faraal Fawad on Instagram alongside her daily activities.

Commenting on one such video, the psychologist said she felt “deeply disappointed” by the practice, stressing that turning children into social media content could negatively impact their mental well-being in the future.

To highlight the issue, Maheen Anwari cited an example of a 15-year-old girl she had counseled, who reportedly suffered emotional distress due to her mother’s online behavior. She urged parents to protect their children’s innocence and avoid using them for digital content.

Addressing Fiza Ali directly, the psychologist advised her to reflect on the potential psychological effects such exposure may have on children as they grow older.

Following the video’s circulation, the issue sparked widespread debate on social media. While many users praised the psychologist for raising awareness about child protection, others came forward in support of Fiza Ali, defending her parenting choices.

 Rare wedding in China as twin brothers tie knot with twin sisters

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 Rare wedding

FUYANG, CHINA: In a remarkable ceremony in central China’s Fuyang region, twin brothers tied the knot with twin sisters, creating a wedding that has captured the imagination of netizens worldwide.

The families had known each other for over 20 years, but the couples themselves were introduced in 2022, leading to a blossoming relationship between the siblings. The wedding gained further attention when it was revealed that both families’ twin uncles were also present at the ceremony.

Photos from the wedding quickly went viral on Chinese social media, amassing over 10 million views, leaving viewers amazed by the unusual family alignment.

A wedding guest remarked, “In my 60 years, I have never seen anything like this.” One bride shared that her in-laws often struggle to distinguish between her and her twin sister, while even her parents sometimes mix up the two brothers.

The brothers now live in separate homes, and both families are reportedly planning to submit the event for Guinness World Records, seeking recognition for a family hosting four sets of twins in such a unique union.

Death toll in Gul Plaza fire rises to 67 as search operation continues

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Death toll

KARACHI: The recovery and search operation at Gul Plaza on M.A. Jinnah Road continued for the sixth consecutive day on Thursday, as authorities recovered additional human remains, raising the death toll to 67.

According to a spokesperson for the Sindh Health Department, post-mortem examinations of all recovered bodies have been completed. A total of 45 DNA samples have been collected from bodies and body parts, while eight victims have been positively identified through DNA testing.

The spokesperson added that six bodies were recovered intact, while one victim was identified through a national identity card.

Earlier, rescue officials stated that the search operation is being carried out with the support of the plaza association and is expected to be completed soon.

They confirmed that debris removal is ongoing, during which more remains were discovered and shifted to Civil Hospital Karachi for legal formalities.

Rescue teams also reported that 16 out of 61 motorcycles parked on the rooftop have been removed so far.

Building declared unsafe

Following a joint inspection by the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) and the Pakistan Engineering Council, the technical committee declared Gul Plaza structurally unsafe and recommended its demolition after completion of the rescue operation.

Officials said the plaza covers 8,124 square yards and consists of 1,102 shops. Adjacent buildings have also been inspected for safety concerns.

Karachi Mayor visits affected families

Meanwhile, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab visited the homes of victims, including Rahman, Hissam, and Sarfaraz, to offer condolences.

“Human life has no substitute. We will not rest until the affected families are fully rehabilitated,” the mayor said.

He also announced financial and business rehabilitation support for the victims, adding that rescue personnel of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation remain actively engaged in the operation.

Authorities reiterated that every effort is being made to recover and hand over victims’ remains to their families at the earliest.

Babar Azam leaves BBL early to join Pakistan squad

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Babar Azam leaves BBL

LAHORE:Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam has concluded his stint in Australia’s Big Bash League as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) called him back to prepare for the upcoming T20 series against Australia. He will no longer be available for the remaining matches with the Sydney Sixers.

PCB officials confirmed that Babar’s early return was due to his national duties, and he is expected to report to the Pakistan team’s training camp shortly.

Speaking on his departure, Babar said, “It has been a great experience playing for the Sydney Sixers. I am grateful for the love and support of the fans. Now it’s time to focus on my national duties. Playing in the Big Bash has taught me a lot, and the memories will always stay with me.”

He added that he would continue to support the Sydney Sixers in their upcoming matches.

During his 11-match stint, Babar scored 202 runs, including 19 fours and 3 sixes. With his departure, all Pakistani players have now exited this season of the Big Bash League.