ISLAMABAD :The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has reinstated the membership of 23 more legislators from the Senate, National Assembly and provincial assemblies following the submission of their annual statements of assets and liabilities for the financial year 2024-25. According to the commission, the restored lawmakers include two Senators, 11 members of the National Assembly, three members each from the Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies, and one member from the Balochistan Assembly. The parliamentarians had been suspended on January 16 for failing to meet the mandatory disclosure deadline of December 31, as stipulated under Section 137 of the Elections Act, 2017. The Election Commission had suspended the membership of 159 members for failing to submit their asset declarations. The membership of 113 members was restored after the submission of the declarationsAccording to Election Commission of Pakistan, the membership of 46 members is still suspended due to failure to submit their annual statements of assets and liabilities for the financial year 2024-25.

KARACHI – Rescue teams continued combing through the debris of Karachi’s Gul Plaza on Tuesday as the death toll from the devastating fire rose to 28, while dozens remain missing. Smoke was still visible from the rubble as heavy machinery was deployed to clear debris, particularly from the basement. According to Rescue 1122, seven bodies have been handed over to families, while 21 remain at the morgue pending DNA identification. Police officials said 38 out of more than 65 missing persons were last traced to the plaza through mobile phone data. He added that the Sindh government had formed an inquiry committee to determine the cause of the fire and investigate possible negligence.

He noted that Pakistani rice is currently priced higher in the global market, which is creating difficulties for exporters. In the case of non-Basmati rice, he said there is a price difference of about $20 per tonne, making Pakistani rice less competitive internationally. He added that if rice exports are conducted under such G2G frameworks, the use of the EDF may not be required. He said price, reliability and quality remain key considerations for importing countries and stressed the importance of reviving the Pakistan-Indonesia rice cooperation framework through renewed dialogue. He assured that the issues raised, particularly those related to rice cooperation, agricultural market access and trade facilitation, would be conveyed to Jakarta.

Blue Jays: Andruw Jones and Carlos Beltrán elected to Hall of Fame, Edwin Encarnación drops off ballotThere will be two other players joining former Toronto Blue Jay Jeff Kent in the 2026 Hall of Fame class. On Tuesday evening, the Baseball Writers’ Association of America voted Andruw Jones and Carlos Beltrán to the Hall of Fame. Earlier this off-season, Kent was voted in by the Contemporary Baseball Era CommitteeThere were two former Blue Jays on the ballot, Edwin Encarnación and Mark Buehrle. This was Jones’ ninth year on the ballot, having received 66.2% of the 75% of the needed votes in 2025. In four other seasons, Jones received at least one MVP vote.

Pakistan’s renewed commitment to strengthening its strategic economic partnership with China, particularly in agriculture and food security, reflects both pragmatic policymaking and long-term vision. Yet, chronic challenges such as low productivity, outdated farming practices, weak infrastructure and high post-harvest losses have constrained its true potential. These initiatives are not merely symbolic; if implemented effectively, they can enhance productivity, strengthen food security and expand export capacity, while fostering mutual trust between the two nations. Ultimately, the success of Pakistan–China agricultural cooperation will depend on consistent policy implementation, transparency and local capacity building. If matched with effective governance and farmer inclusion, this partnership can transform Pakistan’s agricultural landscape, reinforce food security and contribute to regional economic stability.

One of the standout moments of the evening was the revelation that the film’s visual environment, from the house and streets to the lighting and color palette, was entirely constructed. Farheen Raza Jaffry, who plays the protagonist, delivered a powerful moment during the discussion, revealing that a pivotal bruise shown in the film was real—stemming from her own experience with domestic violence. The clown costume serves as a powerful metaphor, both absurd and unsettling, representing anonymity, fleeting freedom, and an escape from her imposed identity. Farheen Raza Jaffry delivers a remarkable performance, balancing restraint with emotional depth. The screening at Cue Cinemas Lahore underscored the power of cinema to provoke thought, spark dialogue, and foster empathy.

GDB 51.0: The Oilers have improved drastically in their defensive zone (8 PM, SNW)The Edmonton Oilers are starting to find their way defensively. Kasperi Kapanen had seven points in seven games before getting injured in the first period against St. Louis. The Oilers rank third in goals scored, and while you like a bit more depth scoring, offence is rarely a major concern for the Oilers. — McDavid has scored a point in every game he’s ever played against New Jersey. — Curtis Lazar will skate in his 600th game tonight.

DND Special Article on January 20, 1990, tragedy that took place in AzerbaijanGreat nations do not forget their heroes, their tragedies, or their victories. Each year, the Azerbaijani people solemnly commemorate the tragedy of January 20, 1990; an event etched in blood and sacrifice, remembered as both a day of profound sorrow and enduring national pride. On the night of January 19–20, 1990, military units of the former Soviet Union attacked the civilian population of Baku from both land and sea. The January 20 tragedy had a decisive impact on shaping Azerbaijani national identity. The staff of DND News Agency Pakistan stand in solidarity with the people of Azerbaijan in observing the tragic events of January 20, 1990, honoring the martyrs whose sacrifice forged a nation’s unbreakable resolve.

Sialkot: During her recent visit to Sialkot, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Pakistan Natalie A. Baker praised the city’s vibrant business community and underscored the potential for even stronger bilateral U.S.-Pakistan trade and investment to increase mutual prosperity. Speaking at a lunch hosted by the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce, CDA Baker underscored the depth of the bilateral commercial relationship. These engagements underscored the importance of U.S.-Pakistan collaboration in global supply chains, job creation, and trade-led economic development. For example, nearly 70 percent of FAC’s exports are to the United States, highlighting the strength of American markets and consumer demand. The visit coincides with the United States’ celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

ISLAMABAD : Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted cold and dry weather for most parts of the country during next 24 hours, while very cold conditions are likely in hilly areas. However, cloudy weather with light rain and light snowfall is expected at isolated places in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. Punjab will experience cold and dry weather in most districts, while very cold and partly cloudy conditions are likely in Murree, Galiyat and nearby areas. In Balochistan, cold and dry weather is expected across most districts, while very cold conditions are likely in northern parts of the province. Very cold and cloudy weather is expected in Kashmir, while light rain with light snowfall may occur at isolated places in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Twenty-two people were also injured in the Gul Plaza inferno that was brought under control after 33 hours, while more than 70 people are still reported missing. He added that rescue operations are being carried out cautiously, saying that no timeframe for their completion can be given. Chief Fire Officer Humayun Ahmed stated that the main fire at Gul Plaza has been completely extinguished and that cooling operations are currently underway. Earlier, all fire brigade vehicles stopped operations on the back side of Gul Plaza after sounds began coming from the building during firefighting operation. The firefighting and rescue operations at Gul Plaza involved the Pakistan Navy, Sindh Rangers, KMC, Rescue Sindh officials, and volunteers, who risked their own lives to save others.

KARACHI : Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Tuesday achieved another historic milestone amid strong buying rally. During intraday trading, the KSE-100 index gained over 900 points to reach all-time high of 188,709 points compared to previous close of 187,76169 points. A day earlier, the stock market saw a significant rise of over 2,662 points, with the benchmark index closing at 187,761 points. Meanwhile, in the interbank market, the value of the US dollar remained stable at Rs279.92 against Pakistani rupee.

ISLAMABAD : A list of six Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawyers, who will meet PTI founder Imran Khan today (Tuesday), has been handed over to Adiala Jail authorities. According to sources, those scheduled to meet the PTI founder include Barrister Gohar, Salman Akram Raja, Ali Zaman, Farooq Sabir, Javed Hayat, and Saeed Ahmed. Additionally, Aleema Khan and other sisters of PTI founder will also come to meet Imran Khan. The party lawyers included in the list will come to Adiala Jail for a meeting with PTI founder today. It is pertinent to mention here that Tuesday is the day for the party lawyers and family members to meet the PTI founder at the Adiala Jail.

AHORE : A miscellaneous petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC) seeking to suspend the enforcement of the Kite Flying Act 2025 and have it declared unlawful. It argues that the Kite Flying Act 2025 was passed in violation of the Constitution. The petition states that kite flying is ordinarily banned and classified as a non-bailable offense, while the holding of Basant poses risks of loss of life and property to citizens. Despite this, enforcing the Kite Flying Act 2025 is said to be against the public interest. The petition requests the LHC to declare the Kite Flying Act 2025 null and void and to order a stay on its implementation, along with all notifications issued under it, until a final verdict is announced.

KARACHI – It took firefighters more than 33 hours to bring the Gul Plaza fire under control which claimed 14 lives and injured 30 people, 11 of them seriously, with the fate of dozens of trapped people unknown. The fire which started on Saturday night has damaged the basic structure of the building which caused a major portion to collapse. He said that the lack of ventilation in the mall, which housed more than 1,200 shops, caused the building to fill with smoke and slowed rescue efforts. Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab told media at the scene that 65 people were still missing. Reuters adds: The fire erupted on Saturday night, with rescue services receiving a call at 10:38 pm (1738 GMT) reporting that ground-floor shops at the multi-storey Gul Plaza shopping centre were ablaze.