Pakistan man sentenced for killing two minor daughters
LAHORE, Jan 20: A Pakistani court sentenced a man to death for killing his two minor daughters, an official said on Tuesday. The convict, Suspect Sarfraz Ahmad, strangled his daughters Tayaba and Laiba in 2024 after suspecting the character of his wife in Bahawalpur, located about 400 km from Lahore, the court official said. Bahawalpur District and Sessions Judge Zubair Shehzad Kiani on Monday announced the verdict, sentencing Ahmad to death on two counts and imposing a fine of PKR 600,000. The fine will be paid to the mother of the deceased girls. In case of default, the convict will have to serve an additional sentence of six months for each murder. During the trial, the defence counsel argued that Ahmad killed his daughters in a fit of rage after doubting his wife’s character and questioning the paternity of the children, and sought leniency in sentencing. (PTI)
Karachi shopping plaza fire death toll reaches 28
KARACHI, Jan 20: At least 28 people have died in a massive fire at Karachi’s Gul Shopping Plaza, with around 80 more reported missing as rescue efforts continue. The blaze, which began in a basement shop, rapidly spread through the old wholesale and retail building, which contains approximately 1,200 shops. Many sections of the structure collapsed during the 34-hour firefighting operation, slowing recovery efforts. So far, 18 bodies have been identified, and DNA tests are underway for others. Families of the missing remain at the site, while authorities have closed M.A. Jinnah Road to traffic. Business owners observed a day of mourning on Monday in remembrance of the victims. Gul Plaza shop owners estimate losses of at least 3 billion PKR, with the final toll and total damage to be confirmed after rescue operations are complete. (PTI)
China urges Taliban to Protect its nationals after Kabul blast
BEIJING, Jan 20: China has urged the Taliban interim government in Afghanistan to ensure the safety of its nationals, projects, and institutions following a deadly explosion at a Chinese restaurant in Kabul on Monday. The blast killed 20 people, including one Chinese national, and injured five others. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun expressed condolences to the victims, called for urgent medical assistance to the injured, and demanded a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice. Beijing strongly condemned terrorism and emphasized its support for Afghanistan and regional countries in combating violent extremism. Given the ongoing security risks, China has advised its citizens not to travel to Afghanistan and urged those already in the country to enhance security measures, avoid high-risk areas, and leave dangerous regions as soon as possible. (AP)
