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GUL PLAZA FIRE TOLL RISES TO 73 AMID CALLS FOR JUDICIAL PROBE, RELIEF TO TRADERS
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Monday, 26 January, 2026 | 6 Sha’ban, 1447
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Rs 50.00 | Vol XVI No 202 | 44 Pages | Karachi Edition
g RESCUERS MAKING FINAL PUSH FOR POLICE SURGEON CONFIRMS DEATH TOLL MISSING PERSONS RECOVERY AS REACHES 73, WITH 23 VICTIMS IDENTIFIED THROUGH DNA, FACIAL RECOGNITION, AND CNIC FIRE GUTTED OVER 1,100 SHOPS
FUNERALS HELD IN KARACHI AND SUKKUR FOR MULTIPLE VICTIMS
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CALLS FOR JUDICIAL COMMISSION TO DETERMINE ACCOUNTABILITY
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GOVERNOR PLEDGES EDUCATION AND HOUSING SUPPORT FOR BEREAVED FAMILIES FREE FIRE-SAFETY TRAINING PROGRAMME LAUNCHED AT GOVERNOR’S HOUSE
MQM-P demands federal inquiry into Gul Plaza fire HYDERABAD
Staff report
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KARACHI
Staff report
HE death toll from the tragic Gul Plaza fire rose to 73 on Sunday after the recovery of two more bodies, while families continued to mourn the loss of their loved ones as funeral of some victims was offered in Karachi and Sukkur. Police Surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed confirmed that 23 victims have been identified, including 16 through DNA matching, six via facial recognition, and one through CNIC verification. All DNA
tests are being conducted at the Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Lab at the University of Karachi. The inferno, which erupted on the night of January 17 and took nearly two days to be fully extinguished, has left over 1,100 shops in ruins. Rescue operations are ongoing, with Rescue 1122 Chief Operating Officer Dr Abid Jalal Shaikh stating that the search is in its final phase, with only 5% of the basement still under debris. Operations were briefly halted to allow forensic teams to collect samples, after which the search resumed. The victims identified so far include
Three India proxy terrorists neutralized in Balochistan’s Panjgur IBO: ISPR RAWALPINDI
Staff report
Security forces killed three “Indian-proxy terrorists” during an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Panjgur district, the military’s media wing said on Sunday. In a statement, the the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said, “On January 25 (Sunday), security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Panjgur District of Balochistan, on the reported presence of terrorists belonging to Indian proxy, Fitna al-Hindustan.” State designated Fitna al Hindustan as the name for the Balochistan-based terror groups allegedly supported by India to target military personnel in Pakistan. The ISPR statement said that during the conduct of the operation, the security forces effectively engaged the terrorists’ location, and after an “intense fire exchange, three Indian sponsored terrorists were eliminated.” “Among the killed was a local terrorist commander, Farooq alias Soro,” the military’s media wing said. “Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the terrorists, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area.” It stated that sanitisation operations were being conducted to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area, adding that the security forces and law enforcement agencies would continue their counter terrorism campaign at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country under the vision of “Azm e Istehkam”. President, PM pay tribute to security forces for killing terrorists President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Sunday paid tribute to security forces for their operation against Fitna alHindustan terrorists in Panjgur area of Balochistan. They in their separate statements issued in Islamabad commended security forces for killing three terrorists associated with Fitna al-Hindustan in this operation.
Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Haider Abbas Rizvi on Sunday renewed his party’s demand for the formation of a federal inquiry commission under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, to probe the deadly Gul Plaza fire. Addressing a press conference in Hyderabad, Rizvi said the commission must include representatives from FIA, IB, ISI, MI, NDMA, and other federal bodies to determine whether the tragedy was a result of subversion or negligence. He added that MQM Chairman Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui had formally written to the prime minister seeking such an inquiry under the Pakistan Commission of Inquiry Kashif, Aamir, Faraz, Farooq, Furqan, Mohammad Ali, Tanveer, Mohammad Sharoz, Mohammad Athar, Sarfaraz, Mohammad Hanif, Misbah, Kausar Parveen, Mohammad Saad, Mohammad
Act 2017. Rizvi sharply criticised the Sindh government and Karachi administration for dumping the debris — which contained human remains — at Meva Shah ground, warning that it would compromise forensic investigation. “It looks like evidence is being stolen, although the crime scene’s sanctity should be preserved under international standards,” he said. He condemned the government for acting as both accused and investigator, questioning the hasty FIR registration and the handling of DNA identification for 83 victims. “You are not even able to perform DNA tests without seeking Punjab’s help,” Rizvi remarked, highlighting gaps in Karachi’s firefighting system and emergency preparedness.
Ramzan, Mohammad Usman, Mohammad Rizwan, Marium Wafa, Mohammad Arif, Mohammad Shees, Churchill, Mohammad Rafiq, and Abdul Haseeb.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
FM Dar, Bangladesh Adviser discuss trade, economic cooperation in phone call ISLAMABAD
Staff report
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar held separate telephonic discussions with Bangladesh’s Adviser for Foreign Affairs Touhid Hossain and Qatar’s Minister of State Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi on Sunday, strengthening Pakistan’s diplomatic engagements in the region. According to a Foreign Office (FO) statement on its X account, during the conversation with Bangladesh’s Adviser, both officials reviewed Pakistan-
Bangladesh relations, including trade and economic cooperation, and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen collaboration across multiple sectors. They also exchanged views on current regional and international developments, underscoring the importance of sustained engagement to advance shared interests and promote regional peace and prosperity, the FO statement added. It is notable that on the invitation of the Government of Bangladesh, FM Dar had paid an official visit to Dhaka on August 23-24, 2025, marking the
first visit of a Pakistani foreign minister to Bangladesh in around 13 years. Meanwhile, FM Dar also spoke to Qatar’s Minister of State, Dr. Al-Khulaifi, discussing bilateral cooperation, key issues of mutual interest, and ongoing global and regional developments, according to another Foreign Office press release. These engagements reflect Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to maintain active and productive ties with its neighbors and strategic partners, strengthening cooperation on trade, diplomacy, and regional stability.
KP CM draws ‘red line’ against plots for governor’s rule and ‘backroom decisions’ SWAT
Syed Shahabuddin
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Sunday asserted that he and his party would firmly resist decisions taken “behind closed doors” and would not accept any “unconstitutional” move or “attempt to impose” Governor’s rule in the province. Addressing supporters during a PTI street movement at Do Jangi Chowk in Mingora city of Swat district, the chief minister said that such “backroom decisions” were against the public mandate and would be “challenged openly.” Earlier, CM Afridi arrived in Mingora, where party workers and leaders accorded him a grand welcome. His convoy was received red welcome at several key points, including Qamber Chowk, Balogram Chowk and Brikot Chowk. He was accompanied by PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar, Provincial Minister for Higher Education Mina Khan Afridi, Information Minister Shafi Jan, MNAs Shahid Khan Khattak, Dr Amjad Ali, Saleem Rehman and Sohail Sultan, MPAs Fazal Hakeem Khan, Hamid Rehman and Ali Shah Khan, as well as advocates Akhtar Khan and Muhammad Naeem, along with other party leaders. In his address, CM Afridi said that when former prime minister Imran Khan nominated him for the post of chief minister, there was resistance. However, he said, the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa gave a clear mandate to Imran Khan through their votes, and the provincial government’s performance reflected that mandate. He alleged that organised narratives were built against him, attempts were made to portray him as a terrorist, and a senior official even held a press conference displaying videos against him. The chief minister further alleged that plans were hatched to impose Governor’s rule, disqualify him and even “target him for assassination,” while security operations in his native constituency led to the displacement of local residents. CM Afridi emphasized that his party was not against the armed forces or state institutions, but would openly oppose any decision taken against the “will of the people” and would “act as dissenters” in such circumstances. He warned that deliberate efforts were underway to create friction between the provincial government and institutions in an attempt to undermine the KP government. Recalling an incident, he said he had once left an official meeting to attend the funeral of a fallen soldier, underscoring his respect for the armed forces. The chief minister announced that all future communication with the federal government would be formally documented and treated as evidence. He also announced that an “Afridi Qaumi Jirga” would be held on Sunday to ask the public whether they were forced to leave their areas or did so voluntarily, adding that if forced displacement was confirmed, he would personally accompany the affected people. Afridi said that notifications issued over the past two to three days would be formally apologised for. Calling Swat a land of dignity, he said its people would not remain silent spectators.
Tarar calls Tirah evacuation rumours ‘baseless and fabricated’ KOT MOMIN
Staff report
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Sunday categorically denied rumours linking the evacuation of Tirah Valley residents to security forces, describing the reports as baseless, fabricated and contrary to facts. Speaking to the media after offering condolences to senior journalist Aun Sherazi in Kot Momin, the minister said the government had taken serious notice of the matter and issued an official clarification. He stressed that no forced evacuations were being carried out, and called the claims misleading.
Referring to a notification issued by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, Tarar said Rs4 billion had been allocated for the rehabilitation of people voluntarily leaving Tirah Valley due to harsh weather conditions. The Deputy Commissioner Khyber also clarified that funds were earmarked to meet relief needs in anticipation of possible, temporary and voluntary population movement. He dismissed as unfounded any suggestion that security forces were compelling evacuations. Tarar added that the relocation plan reflected the wishes of local residents, conveyed through a representative jirga, and intelligence-based operations
were carried out without inconvenience to citizens. Addressing governance, Tarar urged the KP government to strengthen law and order by establishing a Safe City project, raising a Counter Crime and Detection (CCD) force, and setting up a forensic laboratory. He also called for investment in health, education, and social sectors to ensure meaningful relief and development. Praising KP’s citizens as “brave and honourable,” he said they deserved facilities equal to those in other provinces and advised leaders to resolve public issues locally rather than staging protests elsewhere, adding: “The politics of protest
has become obsolete. Future electoral victories will be determined by performance and public service, not agitation.” Earlier, Tarar visited the native home of journalist Aun Sherazi to offer condolences on his wife’s demise, expressing grief and praying for her eternal peace. He also visited Rajoa Sadat to condole the passing of Syed Ghulam Murtaza Shah, father of PPP leader Syed Hassan Murtaza, and extended support and prayers to the bereaved family. Additionally, the minister condoled with Pakistan Television Sports Producer Arsalan Shirazi on the loss of his newborn daughter, praying for strength and solace for the family.
‘Privatisation of airports’: Govt shifts from G2G approach to open bidding for Islamabad airport g
PRIVATISATION MINISTRY DISMISSES REPORTS OF SCRAPPING UAE LEASE, SAYS NO AGREEMENT WAS EVER SIGNED ISLAMABAD
Staff report
Amid the government’s ongoing privatisation drive of state-owned entities, the federal government has announced the inclusion of Islamabad International Airport (IIAP) in its active privatisation programme. The move, the Ministry of Privatisation said, is consistent with the ongoing privatisation process for Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport (JIAP) and Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport (AIIAP). The privatisation of the three key airports aims to enhance efficiency, improve service delivery, maximise revenue generation, upgrade infrastructure, and attract domestic and international private-sector investment, the ministry added. The devel-
opment, as reported by The News, effectively ends months of stalled talks with the United Arab Emirates, officials said. Pakistan has held discussions with potential partners from the UAE, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and other international players as part of a broader effort to modernise the aviation sector. The government plans to outsource airport operations through management contracts or long-term commercial concessions to improve efficiency, upgrade infrastructure, and boost revenue. Officials stressed that the shift is based purely on economic and procedural considerations. The competitive process, they said, is designed to ensure transparency, fair competition, and the best possible outcome for Pakistan’s economy, while keeping doors open for
partners from friendly countries and beyond. The ministry further underscored ongoing constructive engagement with entities from valued partner nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, as well as other international stakeholders. Addressing reports suggesting the cancellation of a proposed agreement with the UAE for Islamabad airport, the ministry categorically refuted the claims, stating that “no such agreement or lease was ever signed for any of the airports, including Islamabad International Airport.” The competitive outsourcing process will prioritise inclusivity, welcoming participation from all eligible entities — local and foreign — including those from partner nations and beyond. “This approach is intended to promote
transparency and fair competition, deliver optimal results for Pakistan’s economy, and
reinforce enduring relationships with international partners,” the ministry said.