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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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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CM Murad visits Gul Plaza, pledges full support to fire victims
Karachi – Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah visited Gul Plaza following the devastating fire, reviewed ongoing rescue and firefighting efforts, and met with affected shopkeepers and families. He assured that the government will conduct a thorough investigation and provide all possible assistance to the victims.
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PM, President express grief over Gul Plaza fire in Karachi
Islamabad, January 18, 2026 – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic fire incident at Gul Plaza in Karachi, which resulted in the loss of precious human lives. He said the government stands in solidarity with the families of the deceased during this difficult time.
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Inferno at Gul Plaza Kills Six, Karachi Battles Deadly Overnight Blaze
KARACHI: A devastating fire at Gul Plaza on Karachi’s busy MA Jinnah Road has claimed at least six lives, including a firefighter, as rescue and firefighting operations continue under extremely dangerous conditions.
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Pakistan weekly inflation rises 0.25%, PBS reports
Islamabad, January 16, 2026 – The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) has reported a 0.25% increase in weekly inflation for the week ended January 15, 2026, compared with the previous week. The rise is measured through the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI), which tracks short-term price movements of essential commodities across the country.
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No fuel relief as government keeps petrol, diesel prices unchanged till January 31
Islamabad, January 15, 2026 – The federal government on Thursday announced no change in petroleum prices, disappointing citizens who were expecting further relief in fuel costs. The decision was taken during the government’s fortnightly fuel price review, keeping rates unchanged until January 31, 2026.
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