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Pakistan News

Imaan and Hadi handed jail sentence in controversial social media posts case

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Imaan and Hadi

ISLAMABAD: A sessions court on Saturday sentenced lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her spouse Hadi Ali Chattha to a total of 17 years in prison on multiple charges in a case pertaining to social media posts.

Additional Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka announced the brief verdict in court, awarding 17-year prison terms to both Imaan Mazari and Hadi Ali Chatha.

During the hearing, Special Prosecutors Barrister Fahad and Rana Usman were present in the courtroom, while no lawyers appeared on behalf of the accused.

The judge also issued a 22-page written order, stating that under Section 9 of the PECA Act, both defendants were sentenced to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of PKR 5 million.

Under Section 10, they were given 10 years imprisonment and PKR 30 million fine, and under Section 26A, 2 years imprisonment and PKR 1 million fine.

In total, both defendants received 17-year prison sentences and a combined fine of PKR 30.6 million, while under Section 11 of PECA, they were acquitted of certain charges.

Strong buying pushes PSX back into high gear

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Strong buying pushes

KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) recorded a robust performance during the outgoing week, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index gaining 4,068 points.

During the five-day trading period, the index rose from 185,098 points to close at 189,166 points, reflecting renewed investor confidence. The market successfully regained four key psychological levels over the week.

Trading activity remained mixed, as the market witnessed declines on two days and gains on three days.

During the week, the KSE-100 Index touched a high of 189,566 points, while the lowest level was recorded at 186,127 points.

Over the five trading sessions, market capitalization increased by Rs244 billion, taking the total market cap to Rs21,219 billion.

Market experts attributed the positive trend to expectations of a cut in the monetary policy rate, which encouraged fresh investment. They added that buying interest in undervalued stocks by investors further supported market capitalization growth.

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.

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.

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.

Heavy rain, snowfall sweep across Pakistan

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Heavy rain

LAHORE: Rain and snowfall continued across Pakistan’s plains and mountainous regions on Thursday, bringing relief from the winter chill but also disrupting daily life. In Punjab’s provincial capital, Lahore, showers were recorded in areas including Abbott Road, Lakshmi, Gawalmandi, Johar Town, Jail Road, Shadman, and Green Town.

The city experienced overcast skies, strong winds, and scattered rainfall, with light drizzle reported in Townships, Bagrian, and surrounding neighborhoods.

The rain caused widespread electricity outages, as over 150 LESCO feeders tripped, affecting multiple localities. Residents faced disruptions while LESCO deployed all field staff on high alert to restore power.

Meanwhile, according to the Central Region spokesperson Syed Imran Ahmed, light rain was reported on major motorways including M-2 Lahore-Islamabad, M-4 Pindi Bhattian-Multan, M-5 Multan-Rahim Yar Khan, and M-11 Lahore-Sialkot. National highways in Manga Mandi, Pattoki, Okara, Mian Channu, Khanewal, Bahawalpur, Ahmadpur Sharqia, and Rahim Yar Khan also experienced intermittent rainfall. Drivers were advised to reduce speed, maintain safe distances, and use lights while driving on wet roads.

In Balochistan, rainfall and snowfall continued overnight, with Ziarat, Kan Mehtarzai, Muslim Bagh, Toba Kakri, and Toba Achakzai recording snowfall.

Quetta and surrounding areas saw temperatures drop below freezing, with -1°C recorded in Quetta and -3°C at Koorak Top and Khawaja Imran. The NHA and PDMA are clearing snow from northern highways.

In Azad Jammu & Kashmir, most areas experienced overcast conditions, with light snowfall in high-altitude regions and increasing cold in lower areas.

Karachi saw rain and strong winds in several neighborhoods, including Sargodha Town, Saddar, Garden, Gul Plaza, Mauripur, New Nazimabad, Ahsanabad, Gadani, Hub Chowki, Gulshan-e-Maymar, Nagan Chowrangi, and Gulistan-e-Johar, bringing cooler temperatures and a pleasant atmosphere.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, rain and snowfall were reported across the province, including Peshawar, Upper and Lower South Waziristan, and Northern Waziristan. PDMA warned that the current spell could intensify, advising residents to take safety precautions.

Forecasts indicate intermittent rain and snow in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa plains until January 23, including areas such as Chitral, Upper and Lower Dir, Bajaur, Malakand, Swat, Buner, Shangla, Upper and Lower Kohistan, Kohlay Palas, Battagram, Torghar, Mansehra, and Abbottabad.

Authorities have urged citizens to exercise caution during travel, especially on mountainous routes prone to heavy snow and slippery conditions.

Pakistan accepts invitation to join Board of Peace for sustainable Gaza peace

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Pakistan accepts invitation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has accepted an invitation to join the “Board of Peace”, a US-led initiative aimed at achieving sustainable peace in Gaza, the Foreign Office confirmed.

According to the spokesperson, the invitation was extended by US President Donald Trump to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Pakistan’s participation aligns with UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and the country’s commitment to supporting practical measures for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

The Foreign Office highlighted that Pakistan also emphasized the need for increased humanitarian assistance for Palestinians and reaffirmed support for the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people. Pakistan continues to advocate for an independent Palestinian state within pre-1967 borders, with Jerusalem (Al-Quds) as its capital.

Pakistan’s engagement in the Board of Peace is expected to facilitate practical steps toward conflict resolution, while the platform could support constructive contributions to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.

The US has encouraged several world leaders to join the Board, which requires a $1 billion fee for permanent membership. While initially focused on Gaza reconstruction, documents indicate that the Board’s mandate is not limited to Gaza and may position itself as an alternative or rival to UN-led mechanisms.

Flash flood risk in KP and Kashmir amid heavy rain, snow forecast

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Flash flood risk

ISLAMABAD: Authorities have issued warnings of potential flash floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Azad Kashmir as heavy rain and snowfall are expected due to a powerful western weather system from today until January 24.

The system is likely to affect the upper regions of the country, increasing water levels in the Kabul River and its tributaries, raising the risk of sudden floods.

The Federal Flood Commission has issued alerts for multiple districts, including Swat, Chitral, Dir, Malakand, and Mansehra.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has instructed the KP provincial and district administrations to remain on high alert and closely monitor vulnerable areas.

In addition, most districts of Balochistan are also expected to experience rain and snowfall during this period, prompting authorities to prepare for possible local flooding and related emergencies.

Karachi’s Gul Plaza tragedy death toll rises to 31

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Karachi’s Gul Plaza

KARACHI: The death toll in the Gul Plaza incident has risen to 31 as rescue teams continue clearing the debris. Authorities recovered parts of three more bodies, which were immediately transferred to Civil Hospital Karachi.

Officials confirmed that 86 people remain missing, with families still seeking updates from authorities. One more family recently contacted the Deputy Commissioner’s office regarding a missing relative.

Speaking to the media, Karachi Commissioner said the investigation into the Gul Plaza incident has become highly complex, involving multiple angles. He added that responsibility cannot be attributed to a single agency and that the investigation would aim to provide recommendations to the government to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner South, Javed Nabi Khoso, stated that the building cannot be demolished until all missing individuals are accounted for. Once the search is complete, the entire structure will be safely taken down.

Khoso also noted that the adjacent Rumpa Plaza has been temporarily closed, and authorities have requested building plans and other documents from SBCA to ensure safety measures.

COAS stresses strong, public-friendly police as key to internal security

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COAS stresses

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Tuesday emphasized that a strong and people-oriented police force is crucial for maintaining internal security.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Field Marshal Asim Munir visited the National Police Academy in Islamabad, where he met with officers of the Police Service of Pakistan and engaged in discussions on law enforcement and internal security.

The Federal Minister of Interior and Minister of State for Interior were also present during the visit.

Field Marshal Asim Munir was warmly received by the Commandant of the National Police Academy and was presented with a Guard of Honour by a disciplined police contingent. He paid tribute to police martyrs by laying flowers and reciting Fatiha at the Police Martyrs’ Memorial.

Highlighting the sacrifices of police personnel in the fight against terrorism, crime, and security challenges, Field Marshal Munir addressed IGPs, Additional IGPs, and senior officers, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency cooperation and modern policing techniques.

He stressed that public trust forms the foundation of law enforcement agencies. “A strong and people-friendly police is indispensable for internal security. Enforcement of law and order is the sacred trust of the police,” he said.

Field Marshal Munir also assured that the armed forces will always stand shoulder to shoulder with the Pakistan Police in maintaining law, order, and public safety.