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                        <title>Latest Sindh News Stories and Updates - The Express Tribune</title>
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                        <description>The Express Tribune keeps you up to date with all the latest happenings from Pakistan and across the world!</description>
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			<title>'President reviews development projects'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638377/president-reviews-development-projects-1</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638377/president-reviews-development-projects-1#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 26 01:37:41 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2638377</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Sharjeel says improving healthcare, education, infra remains top priority]]>
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				<![CDATA[Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has said that President Asif Ali Zardari is reviewing ongoing development schemes and public welfare projects across the province and during road visits he is personally inspecting various projects.

Sharjeel added that road, irrigation, health and education are top priority projects and officials are briefing the president on progress. Sharjeel further mentioned, the president has directed authorities to accelerate development work and address public concerns promptly.

Development activities are continuing across all districts in line with the president&#39;s instructions, with special focus on providing basic services to the people in both urban and rural areas.

Meanwhile, in a statement, the senior minister said, improving healthcare, education and infrastructure remains a top priority for the provincial government, adding that there would be no compromise on providing people with essential services.

He said, the government is working to upgrade public hospitals by providing modern equipment, medicines and improved treatment facilities. Specialist medical institutions are also providing care for complex conditions, including heart and kidney diseases and cancer.

He said expanding access to modern healthcare in rural areas was a priority, so residents in both urban and rural communities could receive comparable services.]]>
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			<title>SBCA invites bids for demolition of  Gul Plaza</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638362/sbca-invites-bids-for-demolition-of-gul-plaza</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638362/sbca-invites-bids-for-demolition-of-gul-plaza#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 26 01:37:15 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2638362</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Work to be completed within 3 months; minimum bid set at Rs40m]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has invited bids for the demolition of Gul Plaza on MA Jinnah Road, setting a minimum bid of Rs40 million as it moves towards clearing the remains of the fire-ravaged commercial complex.

According to an advertisement issued by the authority, interested companies can submit their bids by November 20. The successful contractor will also be entitled to the debris and scrap recovered during the demolition.

The SBCA director of Demolition said technical and financial proposals had been invited separately, adding that preference would be given to companies with experience of demolishing at least 20 buildings. The selected contractor will be required to complete the demolition within three months, with the entire operation to be conducted under the supervision of the SBCA.

Officials said the deputy commissioner District South would decide the distribution of any goods belonging to shopkeepers recovered from the debris during the operation.

Gul Plaza was struck by a devastating fire on the night of January 17, 2026, which claimed 72 lives and destroyed more than 1,153 shops. A technical committee constituted after the incident had recommended demolishing the building in its report submitted in January. The Sindh government has also announced plans to construct a new building at the site.]]>
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			<title>Rs23.95b irregularities unearthed in irrigation dept</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638376/rs2395b-irregularities-unearthed-in-irrigation-dept-1</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638376/rs2395b-irregularities-unearthed-in-irrigation-dept-1#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 26 01:37:41 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2638376</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Auditor general flags irregular payments, questionable emergency expenditures]]>
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				<![CDATA[Billions of rupees meant for managing Sindh&#39;s irrigation infrastructure and executing development schemes have come under scrutiny, with an audit uncovering financial irregularities and violations of rules amounting to Rs23.95 billion in the provincial Irrigation Department during 2024-25.

From allegedly manipulated contract awards and questionable procurements to payments made in violation of prescribed procedures, a 54-point audit report has flagged a range of financial and administrative lapses, raising serious questions about the department&#39;s handling of public funds.

The Auditor General of Pakistan has forwarded the detailed report to the Sindh irrigation secretary for further action.

According to the audit findings, irregularities included the unlawful division of contracts, payments made contrary to approved rules and procedural violations in the processing and clearance of bills.

The report also pointed to alleged circumvention of mandatory procedures during the approval and execution of development projects. Certain expenditures were reportedly justified on grounds of emergency works, despite questions over their legality and the potential losses caused to the public exchequer.

The acceptance of allegedly illegal tenders and procurement in violation of prescribed regulations also came under scrutiny.

Among the issues highlighted was expenditure running into millions of rupees on filling breaches in flood embankments. The department, however, reportedly failed to provide the audit team with satisfactory legal or documentary justification for the substantial spending.

The audit authorities have recommended a transparent investigation into the reported irregularities and legal action against officials found responsible.]]>
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			<title>'Dala culture' strikes again: family 'assaulted'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638363/dala-culture-strikes-again-family-assaulted</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638363/dala-culture-strikes-again-family-assaulted#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 26 01:37:15 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2638363</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Complainant claims that the suspects belonged to his neighbourhood]]>
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				<![CDATA[In another alleged display of &#39;dala culture&#39;, a family travelling in a car was harassed and its driver assaulted by men riding in a black SUV in North Karachi, with CCTV footage of the incident emerging on Monday.

A case has been registered against four nominated suspects at the Sir Syed police station on the complaint of the victim, identified as car dealer Abdul Mateen.

The CCTV footage purportedly shows the car dealer being assaulted in front of his wife and children.In his complaint, Mateen told police that he had gone to Jauhar with his wife and child for dinner. While returning home in their car, they noticed a vehicle following them. He alleged that the occupants of a black SUV intercepted his car on a service road. Several men got out of the vehicle and began assaulting him.

The complainant claimed that the suspects belonged to his neighbourhood. He further alleged that the men threatened and intimidated him and pulled at his wife&#39;s dupatta, while the incident left his son badly frightened.

Police have registered a case against the four nominated suspects and launched a search for their arrest.]]>
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			<title>Sindh, WB review $3.85b development portfolio</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638365/sindh-wb-review-385b-development-portfolio</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638365/sindh-wb-review-385b-development-portfolio#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 26 01:37:15 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2638365</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[12 projects reviewed: water, transport, health, education under scrutiny]]>
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				<![CDATA[Billions of dollars in development funding are yet to translate into completed projects across Sindh, prompting Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and the World Bank to review implementation delays, financial progress and procurement bottlenecks in a portfolio worth $3.849 billion.

At a high-level meeting at the Chief Minister&#39;s House on Monday, the two sides reviewed 12 ongoing projects, including 11 Investment Project Financing schemes and one Programme-for-Results project. Of the total allocation, $2.334 billion has been disbursed, while $1.571 billion remains to be released.

The meeting, chaired by CM Shah and World Bank Country Director Bolormaa Amgaabazar, also reviewed procurement activities and implementation challenges across key sectors, including water, transport, healthcare, education, agriculture and housing.

For the fiscal year 2026-27, the government has set a disbursement target of $381.2 million, with a higher target of $434.2 million. So far, $43.2 million has been disbursed.

CM Shah reaffirmed his government&#39;s commitment to accelerating implementation, removing administrative and financial bottlenecks and converting development investments into improved public services. He directed departments and project teams to take responsibility for pending actions and meet agreed deadlines.

Karachi&#39;s water and sewerage infrastructure featured prominently in the discussions, particularly the $240 million second phase of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Services Improvement Project (KWSSIP-II), linked to the K-IV water supply scheme.

Environmental and social documents for associated facilities have been submitted to the World Bank for approval. A fresh survey to reassess the Resettlement Action Plan for additional K-IV capacity is expected to begin soon. The agreement is scheduled for December 5, followed by a census and survey exercise from December 21 to February 20, 2027.

The meeting was also informed that repairs to the Dhabeji Rising Main had been completed, while chlorination stations had been relocated and handed over to the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation. Water and sewerage works in Sobha Nagar and Essa Nagri are expected to be completed by November 15 and December 31, respectively.

Progress on Karachi&#39;s Yellow BRT corridor also came under review. The newly constructed Taj Haider Bridge was opened to traffic in October 2025, while work on the overall bridge project, including demolition of the old structure, stands at 73.9% against a target of 92.7%. Completion is scheduled for March 29, 2027.

Work on the two Yellow Corridor bus depots remains behind schedule. Depot One has achieved 17.57% progress against a target of 93.6%, while Depot Two has recorded 46.66% against its 100% target. In another Karachi project, operations at Cell One of the Jam Chakro landfill site began on October 19. The remaining landfill cells and three waste transfer stations at Sharafi Goth, Imtiaz and Gutter Baghicha are expected to be completed by November 30.

In healthcare, the $196.7 million Sindh Integrated Health and Population Project includes nine signed civil works contracts.]]>
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			<title>Court orders production of Hindu girl on Nov 23</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638366/court-orders-production-of-hindu-girl-on-nov-23</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638366/court-orders-production-of-hindu-girl-on-nov-23#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 26 01:37:15 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Z Ali]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2638366</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Bindiya solemnised marriage with Muslim boy after converting to Islam]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Sindh High Court, Larkana, has ordered the police to produce Hindu girl Bindiya Kumari before the court on November 23. Bindiya married to a Muslim boy after embracing Islam. Renamed as Yasmeen, Bindiya solemnized marriage with Yasir Domki last month reportedly in Bharchundi Sharif, Ghotki district. Both hail from Sibi, Balochistan.

The couple, both of whom are allegedly underage according to Kumari&#39;s parents who registered a kidnapping FIR in Sibi on October 16, have also been reportedly given protection at Bharchundi Sharif by religious influential figure and politician Pir Abdul Haq, aka Mian Mithu.

Talking to the media after the hearing at SHC Larkana bench on Monday, the minority family&#39;s law advocate Athar Solangi maintained that Kumari was 14-year-old as per her school certificate.

He recalled that the girl was allegedly kidnapped from Sibi on October 14 and two days later the incident&#39;s FIR was registered on her family&#39;s complaint at Sibi police station.

He, however, lamented that they were expecting an order from the court for early recovery of the girl, who is currently living in Sindh.

Referring to the Sindh Child Marriages Restraint Act, 2013, the lawyer contended that both the girl and the boy were underage. He also claimed that a legal marriage contract, Nikkah Nama, between the two has not been signed so far. Hindu Panchayat&#39;s local leader said Domkis should wait for her to become 18 years old before she could decide about marriage. According to him, she is a student of class nine.

Domki&#39;s lawyer said Kumari, renamed as Yasmeen, has claimed that she was 18 years old and that her decision of marriage is her free will.]]>
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			<title>Gharo glitch adds fuel to city's water crisis</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638361/gharo-glitch-adds-fuel-to-citys-water-crisis</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638361/gharo-glitch-adds-fuel-to-citys-water-crisis#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 26 01:37:14 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2638361</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Power disruption threatens 14MGD supply as month-long shortage persists; residents rely on costly tankers]]>
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				<![CDATA[Just when Karachi&#39;s prolonged water crisis showed no sign of easing, a power cable fault at the Gharo Pumping Station has dealt another blow to the city&#39;s fragile supply network, threatening to deprive several localities of around 14 million gallons of water and piling further pressure on residents already enduring weeks of shortages.

According to a spokesperson for the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC), the electrical fault at the Gharo Pumping Station suspended power supply to the Gharo New Pump House, Gharo Old Pump House and the filtration plant, temporarily halting water supply from the facility to Karachi.

The disruption is expected to affect Port Qasim, Bin Qasim Town, Shah Faisal Town, PNS Mehran, PAF Base Faisal and the Karsaz area. The spokesperson said KWSC officials were in constant contact with K-Electric management to restore electricity and resume pumping operations.

The Gharo Pumping Station supplies around 30 million gallons of water to Karachi daily. However, the power disruption is expected to leave the city facing a shortfall of approximately 14 million gallons.

The spokesperson added that KWSC normally supplies around 650 million gallons of water to the city daily, while approximately 536 million gallons were being supplied despite the disruption. Water supply from Gharo would return to normal as soon as electricity was restored.

Meanwhile, severe shortages continue to plague several other parts of Karachi. Residents of Gulshan-e-Iqbal&#39;s Blocks 13-A, 13-B, 13-C, 13-D, 13-D1, 13-D2, 2, 4 and 5 have reported prolonged disruptions, while Tariq Road, Delhi Mercantile Society, Korangi and Landhi are also facing acute shortages.

Residents complained that the water utility had failed to restore normal supplies despite more than a month of shortages. They said prolonged disruptions, coupled with power failures at pumping stations and problems with water pipelines, had further aggravated the situation. With the metropolis already struggling to meet its water requirements, the latest disruption at Gharo has placed additional pressure on the supply network, raising fears of further shortages across Karachi.

Meanwhile, a K-Electric spokesperson said teams were working to rectify the fault that had disrupted power supply to the Gharo Pumping Station.]]>
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			<title>Hospitals witness protest over 'harassment'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638364/hospitals-witness-protest-over-harassment</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638364/hospitals-witness-protest-over-harassment#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 26 01:37:15 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2638364</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Doctors say the medical profession was already grappling with numerous administrative and professional challenges]]>
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				<![CDATA[Doctors and paramedical staff staged protests at Karachi&#39;s major public-sector hospitals, demanding protection of their professional rights, dignity and security amid growing resentment over what they described as harassment, unjustified legal action and policies imposed without consultation.

The demonstrations were held at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) and the National Institute of Child Health (NICH) in response to a nationwide protest call by the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA), Joint Action Committee and other medical organisations.

The protests were attended by representatives of the Young Doctors Association (YDA) Sindh and Karachi Division, along with doctors and healthcare workers from the participating hospitals.

The protesters voiced concern over what they termed unjustified registration of FIRs against doctors, legal proceedings, harassment, humiliation and character assassination. They also opposed the Federal Board of Revenue&#39;s (FBR) policy making the Point of Sale (POS) system mandatory for private clinics and healthcare facilities.

Doctors said the medical profession was already grappling with numerous administrative and professional challenges, while the threat of allegedly unfair criminal proceedings and harassment had further heightened insecurity among healthcare workers.]]>
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			<title>Forum calls for protection of Tharis' rights</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638369/forum-calls-for-protection-of-tharis-rights</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2638369/forum-calls-for-protection-of-tharis-rights#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 26 01:37:15 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2638369</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Further demands included transparency in royalty and CSR funds]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Thar Citizens Forum has called for local communities&#39; rights to be protected alongside the development of Thar coal resources. The forum&#39;s demands included emergency assistance for drought-hit areas by providing food, water, medical care, and fodder and vaccines for livestock. Adoption of a drought policy and establishment of an authority, independent testing of groundwater and the environment; and the restoration of reverse-osmosis (RO) plants also included in the demands.

The forum also called for investigations into the Danodhandal incident, compensation and rehabilitation for affected families, and the restoration of access routes. Further demands included transparency in royalty and CSR funds, protection of wildlife, measures to prevent deaths.]]>
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			<title>Fire destroys 35 shops at furniture market in Karachi</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2637762/fire-destroys-35-shops-at-furniture-market-in-karachi</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2637762/fire-destroys-35-shops-at-furniture-market-in-karachi#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 30 Oct 26 10:33:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Yaseen Jabalpuri]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category><category><![CDATA[Karachi]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2637762</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Blaze near Kamran Chowrangi also damages an adjacent residential building; no casualties reported]]>
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				<![CDATA[A fire that broke out at a furniture market near Kamran Chowrangi in Karachi&rsquo;s Gulistan-e-Jauhar was brought under control after a firefighting operation, destroying around 35 shops and 10 to 12 shanties, along with the goods stored inside them. No casualties were reported.

The fire also spread to an adjacent residential building, but firefighters brought the blaze under control there before it caused further damage.

According to details, the fire erupted late on Thursday night at an open-air furniture market near Kamran Chowrangi in Block 11 of Gulistan-e-Jauhar. Two fire engines and a Rescue 1122 team, accompanied by a fire truck and an ambulance, reached the site shortly after receiving the alert and launched firefighting operations.

The Fire Brigade spokesperson said the department received the alert at 1:35am and its vehicles reached the site within 10 minutes. However, dry weather and strong winds caused the fire to spread rapidly within minutes.



Massive fire engulfs furniture market in Karachi&rsquo;s Gulistan-e-Johar. major fire erupted overnight at a furniture market near Kamran Chowrangi in Gulistan-e-Johar, Karachi, causing heavy financial losses to local shopkeepers.
Flames quickly spread across multiple shops and&hellip; pic.twitter.com/rqPNVUb0hp
&mdash; The Express Tribune (@etribune) October 30, 2026


According to the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation spokesperson, an emergency was declared at the Safoora hydrant to ensure a continuous supply of water following a request by Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Humayun Khan.

Police and Rangers personnel also arrived at the scene, while a K-Electric team disconnected the area&#39;s power supply as a precautionary measure. A large number of onlookers gathered on surrounding roads to watch the operation, causing severe traffic congestion.

As the fire intensified, three additional fire engines and a water bowser were dispatched to the site. The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) Fire Brigade deployed four fire engines and a water bowser, while three additional fire tenders from other departments, including Rescue 1122, also took part in the operation.

Read:&nbsp;Ambulance fire death toll rises to 10

Firefighters brought the blaze under control after approximately one-and-a-half hours of effort, while cooling operations continued until around 5am.

Affected shopkeepers said the market had been operating for around 50 years and that valuable furniture and other goods worth millions of rupees had been reduced to ashes. They added that the same market had also witnessed a fire last year.

Appealing to the Sindh government for financial assistance, the traders said the affected shopkeepers had lost their livelihoods within a few hours and needed support to rebuild their businesses and get back on their feet.

CFO Khan said fire incidents tended to increase during dry weather. He said the blaze had erupted at furniture shops established on an open plot and that negligence on the part of people living in the nearby shanties could have caused it, possibly after a spark landed on the furniture.

He added that the extent of the financial losses had yet to be assessed and that an investigation was underway to determine the cause of the fire.

Previous fire incidents

Early in September, a&nbsp;fire broke out at an old-clothes factory in Karachi&rsquo;s Landhi Export Processing Zone (EPZ), prompting a large-scale response from the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) Fire Brigade, Rescue 1122, Sindh Rangers and police.

The blaze later spread to an adjacent factory, while part of the original factory building also collapsed, a Rescue 1122 spokesperson said.

According to fire brigade officials, the factory comprised a ground floor and two upper storeys. The fire initially broke out on the ground floor before spreading to the upper floors. Officials said the smoke was particularly intense, with firefighting operations being conducted from outside the building.

Two men and a woman were initially reported to be in critical condition due to suffocation at the time, according to Chhipa sources. The woman was taken to Jinnah Hospital after rescue teams and ambulances reached the scene.

In August, a fire tore through the nursery of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) on Wednesday morning, killing 14 babies and leaving only one newborn girl among those inside rescued alive.

The fire prompted authorities across Pakistan to review fire-safety arrangements at healthcare facilities and other public buildings.

In Sindh, a fire-safety assessment of 22 government hospitals found widespread shortcomings, including a lack of fire alarms, sprinklers and adequate firefighting equipment. The provincial chief secretary subsequently gave departments 15 days to certify that public buildings under their control complied with fire-safety regulations.

The tragedy also led to increased inspections and enforcement in Islamabad. The CDA sealed three buildings over fire-safety violations and later conducted a fire drill at Parliament House, while the Islamabad High Court sought a government report on fire-safety audits and mandatory NOCs for buildings in the capital.

Punjab also ordered fresh safety checks following the fire at PIMS. The provincial health regulator directed public and private hospitals to strengthen emergency preparedness, conduct fire-safety audits and hold regular drills, while Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ordered reviews of firefighting equipment, emergency exits, hydrants and electrical systems at public health facilities.

On January 17, 2026, a fire at the Gul Plaza shopping mall killed over 70 people and injured over 20. The Sindh government formed a single-member judicial commission on February 4 to probe the cause of the tragedy.

The commission found that the dangers at the plaza were known well before the tragedy. Civil Defence inspections in 2024 and 2025 had identified the absence of fire-safety equipment, the presence of inflammable commercial material and deficiencies in exit routes. Yet the identified shortcomings were not rectified and no effective legal action followed.

The building&#39;s management was also held responsible for failing to rectify known defects. Its regularised plan provided for 1,102 shops, while 1,153 shops were actually operating in the building, with large quantities of inflammable commercial goods stored inside.

The Sindh Building Control Authority, too, could not escape responsibility by relying on the position that inspections were conducted only on complaints, the commission said. The Sindh Building Control Ordinance gave the authority powers to take corrective action against dangerous buildings, while Gul Plaza&#39;s incomplete records and ineffective fire-safety oversight also reflected institutional failure.

Read More: Fire safety crackdown puts fuel stations on the block

Overall, the commission rejected the idea that the tragedy could be attributed to one department, one institution or one government. It found that the legal powers, audit mechanisms, building-control authorities, firefighting services and emergency-response institutions existed across different periods.

But the system as a whole failed to function effectively. The victims did not die from fire alone. Delays, darkness, blocked exits, obstructive windows, inactive safety systems, ineffective oversight and rescue opportunities that were not used in time all contributed to the loss of life.

In March, a fire erupted at a private supermarket in the Zamzama area, but emergency teams successfully evacuated all management personnel inside the building, and no casualties were reported.

Six fire tenders were deployed to control the fire and while the blaze was largely brought under control, it was dense smoke that remained a major challenge.

It was reported in March that the port city had witnessed nearly 240 fire incidents that far into the year, leaving at least 99 people dead, several others injured, and causing financial losses worth millions of rupees.]]>
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			<title>Three 'robbers' killed in shootouts</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2636448/three-robbers-killed-in-shootouts</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2636448/three-robbers-killed-in-shootouts#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 26 02:02:37 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2636448</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Police recovered two pistols and a motorcycle from their possession]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Three suspected robbers were killed in separate alleged police encounters in Karachi&#39;s Taimuria and Shah Faisal Colony areas on Thursday, while a police constable was injured in an exchange of fire, police said.

According to police, Shaheen Force personnel from Taimuria police station killed two suspected robbers near the Deputy Commissioner Central&#39;s office in Buffer Zone, while Shah Faisal Colony police killed another suspect near the Azeempura Bridge.

Taimuria SHO Saqib Khan said Shaheen Force personnel were patrolling the road from Sakhi Hassan Chowrangi towards the Buffer Zone when they signalled two suspicious motorcyclists to stop. The suspects allegedly opened fire and attempted to flee, prompting the police to pursue them. Both were killed in the ensuing exchange of fire.

Police recovered two pistols and a motorcycle from their possession. The bodies were shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for medico-legal formalities. The identities of the deceased had not been established immediately, and police were attempting to identify them through the relevant search application.

In a separate incident near Azeempura Bridge, Shah Faisal Colony police killed a suspected robber during an alleged encounter, while his accomplice escaped. Constable Yaseen sustained a bullet wound to his foot during the exchange of fire.

Police recovered a weapon and a motorcycle from the deceased suspect and shifted his body to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre. The injured constable was receiving medical treatment, and his condition was reported to be stable.]]>
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			<title>Blackmailer remanded to NCCIA custody</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2636452/blackmailer-remanded-to-nccia-custody</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2636452/blackmailer-remanded-to-nccia-custody#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 26 02:02:37 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2636452</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Suspect allegedly invited the woman to a private hotel]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[A judicial magistrate east has remanded a man, Shoaib Nawaz Afridi, in the custody of the NCCIA for three days in a case involving the alleged blackmail of a woman.

The investigating officer told the court that the woman had lodged a cybercrime complaint against the suspect, alleging that he had befriended her under the pretext of dealing in cars. The suspect allegedly invited the woman to a private hotel, where he took her pictures and videos without her consent. He subsequently shared the material with her friends on Snapchat and allegedly used it to blackmail her and pressure her to meet again.]]>
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			<title>'Robbers' face 'mob justice'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2636251/robbers-face-mob-justice</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2636251/robbers-face-mob-justice#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 26 02:02:46 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2636251</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had allegedly robbed a family travelling on a bike]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Two suspected robbers were injured after being caught and beaten by public near Lucky One Mall following an alleged robbery of a family riding a motorcycle on Rashid Minhas Road, police said on Wednesday.

Yousuf Plaza police reached the scene after receiving information between 2:30am and 3am on the night between Tuesday and Wednesday that two men had been caught and were being assaulted by a crowd. The suspects were taken into custody and shifted to the police station.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had allegedly robbed a family travelling on a bike. Citizens reportedly chased them, intercepted them and subjected them to violence. A case has been registered against the suspects.]]>
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			<title>Cellphones worth Rs7m stolen</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635143/cellphones-worth-rs7m-stolen</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635143/cellphones-worth-rs7m-stolen#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 26 02:13:49 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2635143</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Five to six suspects arrived on two motorcycles]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Unknown suspects broke into a mobile phone shop in Gulshan-e-Hadeed Phase-I and stole mobile phones worth more than Rs7 million.

Five to six suspects arrived on two motorcycles, while three broke the shop&#39;s locks and entered the premises.

CCTV footage of the incident has emerged, showing three suspects collecting mobile phones from inside the shop. Two of them had their faces covered with masks, while the face of the third was visible. The stolen items included new and used mobile phones, as well.

The shopkeeper said the stolen stock accounted for his life savings and appealed to the Sindh IG to ensure the suspects&#39; arrest and recovery of the stolen phones. Mobile and Electronics Dealers President Minhaj Gulfam condemned the incident, expressing concern over repeated crimes targeting traders and shopkeepers.]]>
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			<title>Man crushed under train</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2634741/man-crushed-under-train</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2634741/man-crushed-under-train#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 26 01:46:57 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2634741</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Victim, believed to be in his 30s]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A man was killed after being hit by a train near Bhains Colony, rescue officials said. The body to Jinnah Hospital. The victim, believed to be in his 30s, could not be identified immediately. Railway police are investigating the incident.]]>
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			<title>Attempt to kidnap girls foiled</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635147/attempt-to-kidnap-girls-foiled</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2635147/attempt-to-kidnap-girls-foiled#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 26 02:13:50 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2635147</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Police apprehend the suspect, identified as Zahid]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The immediate action by the Site-B police has prevented an attempt to kidnap three young girls.

The spokesperson of district Keamari police said that the three girls, residents of Sher Shah, were being lured away by two suspects near Paracha Chowk.

When the girls raised an alarm, a police patrol on duty in the area reached. Area people also intervened promptly.

The police apprehended the suspect, identified as Zahid. His accomplice escaped.]]>
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			<title>'Killer' brother-in-law held</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2633839/killer-brother-in-law-held</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2633839/killer-brother-in-law-held#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 09 Oct 26 02:26:40 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2633839</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Incident took place on September 9 inside the victim's house in Sabu Gabol Goth, Shah Town]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Bin Qasim Police have claimed to solve a murder case and arrested the victim&#39;s brother-in-law as the alleged prime suspect, a District Malir police spokesperson said.

According to the spokesperson, the incident took place on September 9 inside the victim&#39;s house in Sabu Gabol Goth, Shah Town. Najeebullah was shot dead while his wife, Naghma, was also present in the house. Police registered a murder case and launched an investigation. During the probe, investigators used technical resources and intelligence-based information to identify a suspect who had travelled to Waziristan after the incident.

After his return, police questioned the man. He initially claimed to be an eyewitness and provided important information about the incident. Based on his statement and other evidence, investigators allegedly identified the victim&#39;s brother-in-law, Noor Akbar.]]>
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			<title>Road rage: Mercedes driver opens fire</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2633419/road-rage-mercedes-driver-opens-fire</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2633419/road-rage-mercedes-driver-opens-fire#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 26 01:35:54 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2633419</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Police says a heated exchange followed the collision]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A minor traffic dispute in Gulshan-e-Iqbal turned into a shooting when an elderly man driving a Mercedes allegedly opened fire, injuring a 30-year-old painter sitting on a footpath.

The injured man, identified as Salman, sustained a gunshot wound to his foot. Reportedly, the incident followed a minor collision between a Mercedes and a Suzuki Swift.

The Swift was being driven by a student identified as Ghasharib. Police said a heated exchange followed the collision, during which the Mercedes driver allegedly drew a weapon and fired at the other vehicle.]]>
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			<title>Wall collapse kills one, injures two in Narayanpura</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2633838/wall-collapse-kills-one-injures-two-in-narayanpura</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2633838/wall-collapse-kills-one-injures-two-in-narayanpura#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 09 Oct 26 02:26:40 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2633838</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Deceased was identified as 60-year-old Narsi, son of Rana]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A 60-year-old man was killed and two others were injured when a wall adjoining a staircase collapsed on the third floor of a residential building in Ranchore Line&#39;s Narayanpura area on Thursday.

The deceased was identified as 60-year-old Narsi, son of Rana, according to Chhipa officials.

The injured were identified as 30-year-old Ajay, son of Kishore, and 25-year-old Shama, daughter of Shankar. They were shifted to Civil Hospital for treatment.]]>
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