Islamabad, January 21, 2026 – The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Wednesday issued a heavy snowfall alert for upper and mountainous regions of the country, warning of severe winter conditions from January 22, 2026 onward. The advisory has been issued to inform the public, tourists, and relevant authorities about possible disruptions due to intense weather activity.
(more…)Author: Mrs. Anjum Shahnawaz
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Senate unanimously passes amendments to EDF and NTC Bills 2026
Islamabad, January 20, 2026 – The Senate on Tuesday unanimously approved two key legislative measures, passing the Export Development Fund (EDF) (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the National Tariff Commission (NTC) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, marking an important step toward strengthening Pakistan’s trade and tariff framework.
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Chill returns to Karachi: Showers forecasted over next 72 hours
Karachi, January 20, 2026 – Karachi, Pakistan’s financial and commercial hub, is set to experience a drop in temperatures as cold weather returns, accompanied by expected showers over the next three days. Residents are advised to prepare for cooler conditions and intermittent rainfall, which may impact daily activities and commuting.
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IMF Lowers Pakistan’s Growth Forecast for FY26
Islamabad, January 20, 2026 – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised downward Pakistan’s economic growth outlook, cutting its GDP growth projection for fiscal year 2025–26 (FY26) to 3.2 percent, compared with 3.6 percent estimated earlier in the October 2025 edition of the World Economic Outlook (WEO).
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Gul Plaza Karachi fire tragedy: Death toll climbs to 26, 65 still missing
Karachi, January 20, 2026 – The death toll from the devastating fire at Gul Plaza shopping Centre in Karachi has risen to 26, including a firefighter, as search and recovery operations resumed on Monday following extensive cooling measures. Rescue teams continue to search for dozens still missing, with Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab confirming 65 people unaccounted for.
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Witchcraft now a crime: Senate passes tough new punishment law
Islamabad, January 19, 2026 – The Senate on Monday gave its approval to a landmark bill amending the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), introducing strict penalties for witchcraft, black magic, and sorcery, including imprisonment of up to seven years and fines reaching Rs1 million.
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Pakistan, Saudi Arabia finance ministers discuss deepening economic partnership at Davos
Islamabad, January 19, 2026 – Pakistan’s Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, held a high-level meeting with Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Aljadaan on Monday on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, focusing on strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.
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Sindh government announces relief package for Gul Plaza fire victims
Karachi, January 19, 2026 – The Sindh government on Monday announced a monetary relief package for the victims and families affected by the deadly Gul Plaza fire in Karachi, aiming to provide immediate financial support and assist in the rehabilitation of affected traders and businesses.
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Death toll in Gul Plaza Karachi fire rises to 14, over 60 missing
Karachi, January 19, 2026 – The death toll from the massive Gul Plaza fire in Karachi has risen to 14, while more than 60 people remain missing, as rescue teams continue their search for survivors, media reported on Monday. The blaze, which engulfed the multi-storey shopping mall in the city’s business district late on Saturday, burned for over 24 hours, hampering rescue efforts in the densely packed market area.
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Pakistan launches digital petrol pump system to curb fuel smuggling
Islamabad, January 19, 2026 – The Government of Pakistan has launched a nationwide campaign to digitalize petrol pumps and the petroleum supply chain as part of its comprehensive reform agenda. The initiative aims to prevent fuel smuggling, eliminate illegal sales, and protect the interests of authorized dealers, according to an official statement from the Ministry of Petroleum.
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