Pakistan News Archives - Page 31 of 54

Fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza: 27 bodies found, 81 missing

January 20, 2026 by Newsdesk

KARACHI: Fire brigade and rescue teams continue their operations at Gul Plaza in Karachi, where the ground and first floors of the building have been cleared following a massive fire.

Deputy Commissioner of Karachi South, Javed Nabi Khoso, confirmed that teams are attempting to access the second and third floors, cutting through grills with the help of specialized equipment.

According to the DC, the number of missing persons stands at 81, though some names were listed twice, with 74 confirmed as missing so far.

Police Surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed Tariq stated that 27 bodies have been brought to Civil Hospital Karachi. Samples have been collected from 14 of the deceased, with seven identified, including one through the national identity card.

DNA samples from 50 family members have been sent to the Sindh Forensic DNA Laboratory, with testing to be conducted at the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi. Human remains recovered from the site are also undergoing examination.

Shocking Revelations

Affected shopkeepers revealed that the building has a total of 26 entrances and exits, but at 10 PM on the night of the fire, only two were open. There were no emergency exits, and the fire spread rapidly throughout the plaza.

Shopkeepers described the chaotic scene: electricity was out, visibility was extremely poor due to thick smoke, and people struggled to breathe.

Many workers and customers were trapped inside, and several fainted before being rescued. Some survivors were pulled out of the building through self-help efforts by shopkeepers.

The fire at Gul Plaza has caused devastation, highlighting serious safety lapses in the building’s design and emergency preparedness, while rescue teams continue their efforts to reach all affected floors.

US journal backs Pakistan amid India’s Indus Waters Treaty actions

January 17, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Following India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (SWT), water politics in South Asia have taken a new and concerning turn. Experts warn that the move could escalate regional tensions and pose serious humanitarian risks.

According to The National Interest, India’s Dulhasti Stage-II project is a unilateral step against the treaty, effectively using water as a strategic weapon.

The report highlights that withholding river data by India violates international law, as the treaty cannot be suspended unilaterally, a point reinforced by international arbitration courts.

The Indus Waters Treaty remains a key guarantee for food security in South Asia, ensuring the flow of western rivers’ waters to Pakistan. The report stresses that India is legally obliged to provide water to Pakistan as per the treaty.

Experts also caution that India’s attempt to weaponize water could create a major humanitarian crisis in the region. Such actions are deemed unacceptable under international law and may face scrutiny in global courts.

Maryam Nawaz’s son Junaid Safdar weds Shanzeh Ali

January 17, 2026 by Newsdesk

LAHORE: Junaid Safdar, grandson of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and son of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has tied the knot with Shanzeh Ali in a grand wedding ceremony in Lahore.

The nikah was solemnised by Raghib Naeemi, Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology.

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The wedding celebrations commenced with Junaid Safdar’s baraat arriving at a private housing society in Lahore. The procession, led by Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, departed from Jati Umra.

The baraat included family members, federal and provincial ministers, as well as domestic and international guests.

The groom’s car was decorated with roses, and several prominent political figures attended the ceremony. Shanzeh Ali, the bride, is the granddaughter of senior political leader Sheikh Rohale Asghar.

The mahr for the marriage was set at PKR 125,000, and approval for the nikah was granted by Mufti Raghib Hussain Naeemi.

The walima ceremony is scheduled for January 18, 2026, at Jati Umra, where around 800 guests are expected. The mehndi ceremony was held last night at the same venue with close family and relatives from both sides.

Strict security arrangements have been put in place for the three-day wedding festivities.

Major terror attack foiled in Kharan; 12 militants killed

January 16, 2026 by Newsdesk

RAWALPINDI: Security forces successfully thwarted a large-scale terrorist attack in Kharan carried out by 15–20 militants affiliated with Fitna-e-Hindustan, targeting city police stations and banks.

According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), approximately fifteen to twenty Indian sponsored terrorists of Fitna Al Hindustan carried out multiple terrorist activities in Kharan City, District Kharan.

Wherein, terrorists attacked City Police Station, National Bank of Pakistan and Habib Bank Limited. During the activity, Rs 3.4 Million were looted from the banks by terrorists.

Security Forces effectively responded and engaged the terrorists, prompting them to retreat. During the ensuing clearance operation, twelve terrorists were sent to hell in three different engagements. Terrorists’ design to create a hostage situation at the police station was also effectively thwarted.

Sanitization operation continues in the surroundings to eliminate any other Indian sponsored terrorists. A relentless Counter Terrorism campaign under vision “Azm-e-Istehkam” (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.

Second marriage of Junaid Safdar starts amid social media spotlight

January 16, 2026 by Newsdesk

LAHORE: The wedding festivities of Junaid Safdar, son of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, have begun in full swing, drawing attention from showbiz, political circles, and social media alike.

Junaid Safdar is set to marry Shanze Ali Rohail, granddaughter of Sheikh Rohail Asghar, a senior leader of PML-N and former member of the National Assembly. The wedding celebrations, including Mehndi, Baraat, and Walima, will take place in Jati Umra from January 16 to 18, 2026.

According to reports, the Mehndi ceremony was held tonight at Jati Umra, attended by close family members of both the Sharif and Sheikh Rohail families.

Renowned dancer Wahab Shah was invited to perform during the event. Around 350 guests were served at the function, with traditional Pakistani cuisine prepared by the Sharif household to offer a lavish experience.

A designed wedding card has gone viral on social media, announcing the Walima ceremony on January 18, 2026, at 1 PM at Jati Umra Sharif Farms.

This is Junaid Safdar’s second marriage; his first marriage to the daughter of prominent businessman Saif ur Rehman ended in divorce in 2023.

Social media users have been actively commenting on the wedding’s grandeur, promotional card, and event details, while political observers are noting the close economic and social ties between the Sharif family and Sheikh Rohail’s family.

Security forces kill 13 Indian-backed terrorists in KP operations

January 15, 2026 by Newsdesk

RAWALPINDI: Security forces eliminated 13 members of the Indian-backed militant group Fitna Al Khwarij in two separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), in reported presence of khwarij, an intelligence based operation was conducted by the security forces in Bannu District on 13-14 January 2026.

During the conduct of operation, own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location and after an intense fire exchange, eight khwarij were sent to hell.

Another intelligence based operation was conducted by Security forces in Kurram District. In ensuing fire exchange, five khwarij were effectively neutralised.

Sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any other Indian sponsored kharji found in the area as relentless Counter Terrorism campaign under vision “Azm e Istehkam” (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.

Pakistan-China ties will remain unshakable, says Prime Minister

January 15, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to its “One-China” policy and stated that Pakistan-China relations will remain unshakable under all circumstances during a meeting with Sun Haiyan, Deputy Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

According to an official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Sun Haiyan visited Prime Minister House in Islamabad, where she was warmly welcomed by PM Sharif. The Prime Minister noted that the visit comes at a significant time as Pakistan and China celebrate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

PM Sharif highlighted a series of recent high-level engagements, including the successful visit of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister to Beijing, the Interior Minister’s visit to Shanghai, and the upcoming visit of the National Assembly Speaker to China.

Extending best wishes to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese leadership, PM Sharif emphasized the “steel-strong strategic partnership” between the two countries. He praised China’s generous support for Pakistan, particularly under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and stressed the importance of timely and effective implementation of the next phase of CPEC projects.

The Prime Minister also reiterated an official invitation to President Xi Jinping to visit Pakistan this year, underlining the year’s special significance as a historic milestone in bilateral relations.

Deputy Minister Sun Haiyan thanked the Prime Minister and reaffirmed China’s commitment to further strengthening its long-standing, tested relations with Pakistan across all sectors.

She commended PM Sharif’s efforts to ensure economic and political stability in Pakistan and stated that the Chinese people take pride in Pakistan’s diplomatic achievements.

Sun Haiyan also highlighted the CPC’s strong ties with Pakistan’s political parties, emphasizing the importance of inter-party engagement to further deepen cooperation between the two nations.

World Liberty CEO meets CDF Asim Munir amid digital finance push

January 14, 2026 by Newsdesk

RAWALPINDI: A delegation of World Liberty Financial USA led by Mr Zachary Witkoff, Chief Executive Officer of a leading global Fintech firm called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir.

According to the Inter Services Public Realtions (ISPR), meeting reflected the growing interest of international private investment groups in Pakistan’s evolving economic landscape and also signals rising global confidence in Pakistan’s fintech potential and aims to strengthen financial inclusion and cross border digital finance.

Mr Witkoff highlighted the immense economic potential Pakistan holds and lauded the efforts of Pakistan’s leadership in embracing futuristic technologies to realize the full possibilities of its economic prowess.

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir welcomed the exchange of views and emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to economic stability, investor confidence, and enabling an environment conducive to responsible private sector participation in national development.

Pakistan signs MoU with World Liberty Financial

January 14, 2026 by Newsdesk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and World Liberty Financial have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at promoting innovation in digital payments and advancing the country’s digital financial ecosystem.

The signing ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, the Chairman of Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, and other senior officials.

Separately, Prime Minister Sharif met a delegation from World Liberty Financial USA, led by CEO Zachary Witkoff, to discuss collaborative opportunities.

During the meeting, the prime minister briefed the delegation on Pakistan’s Digital Pakistan vision, emphasizing that digital connectivity, transparency, and public access are government priorities. He noted that digital payments and financial innovation form a crucial part of the nation’s digital economy.

Prime Minister Sharif also highlighted that growing global interest in Pakistan’s digital financial markets is encouraging and that the country is steadily becoming part of the global digital finance landscape.

On the occasion, Zachary Witkoff expressed interest in working with Pakistan to develop a secure and transparent digital payment infrastructure, including innovations in cross-border settlements and foreign exchange payments.

Ex-PM Imran Khan meets wife Bushra Bibi at Adiala Jail

January 13, 2026 by Newsdesk

RAWALPINDI: Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan was allowed to meet his wife Bushra Bibi at Adiala Jail, jail sources confirmed.

According to prison officials, the meeting lasted for around 30 minutes and was held in the conference room of the jail.

Sources said such meetings between Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi are arranged once a week in line with jail regulations.

It is pertinent to note that Bushra Bibi had also met Imran Khan last week. During that meeting, the couple reportedly spent about 45 minutes together, inquiring about each other’s well-being.

Jail authorities stated that the meetings are facilitated under standard procedures and security protocols.