ML-1 project review to be completed by October 30

KARACHI: Investigators probing the murder of young businessman Mir Raza are facing challenges in completing geo-fencing around the crime scene, with the passage of several days making it harder to accurately reconstruct movements in the area. According to investigative sources, the crime scene is located near a hilly area that has been subjected to geo-fencing. Mobile towers belonging to three different telecom companies are situated around the location, allowing investigators to collect data on mobile activity in the vicinity. Sources said geo-fencing has so far produced location data covering several blocks of Gulistan-i-Jauhar. However, because considerable time has elapsed since the incident, investigators are finding it difficult to establish which individuals were present near the crime scene at the relevant time. Police have also collected various pieces of evidence from the surrounding area. Investigators reportedly conducted a search within a radius of around 500 metres from the location where the body was found. Meanwhile, the newly formed investigation committee has obtained details linked to Mir Raza’s smartwatch. Investigators are now attempting to retrieve the device’s complete data, which could potentially provide additional information about his movements and activities before his death. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to combine digital records, physical evidence and device data to determine what happened in the final hours of Mir Raza’s life.

Fresh CCTV footage has surfaced in the investigation into the murder of Mir Raza Ali, providing investigators with another potential lead as police continue to examine the circumstances surrounding his death. The newly obtained footage, captured by a surveillance camera overlooking the area where Ali’s body was discovered, shows a motorcycle stopping briefly at the location. According to investigators, the recording is timestamped at 3:36 a.m. on July 29, with the motorcycle remaining at the scene for approximately 20 seconds before leaving. Due to poor lighting, the footage does not clearly reveal the number of people riding the motorcycle or provide any identifying details, making further forensic analysis necessary. Mir Raza Ali, a resident of Karachi’s Pakistan Employees Cooperative Housing Society (PECHS), went missing on July 28 after leaving his home at around 4:09 a.m. in an online taxi. His body was found two days later in Gulistan-e-Jauhar. Police said the victim had sustained a gunshot wound to the chest, and his body was recovered in a severely deteriorated condition, indicating that it had remained at the location for some time before being discovered. Investigators have also revealed that all of Mir Raza Ali’s social media accounts were deactivated a day before his body was found, adding another element to the ongoing probe. Authorities are continuing to review CCTV footage, forensic evidence, and digital records as they work to determine the motive behind the killing and identify those responsible for the crime.

  The Karachi Traffic Police have announced a comprehensive traffic management plan for the city’s central Chehlum procession, informing residents that M.A. Jinnah Road will remain closed to traffic throughout the event. The special arrangements have been introduced to ensure the smooth movement of the religious procession while minimizing inconvenience for commuters. Citizens have been advised to plan their travel accordingly and use the designated alternative routes to avoid delays. According to the traffic police, all traffic traveling from Saddar toward Tower will be diverted through Preedy Street and I.I. Chundrigar Road. In addition, several key intersections and commercial areas, including Lighthouse, Empress Market, Regal Chowk, and Tibet Centre, will have temporary traffic diversions in place. These measures are intended to keep vehicles away from the procession route and maintain public safety during the event. Motorists approaching from Shahrah-e-Quaideen will be redirected toward Kashmir Road and Peoples Chowrangi. Vehicles arriving from Korangi, Landhi, and the National Highway will be diverted through Rashid Minhas Road before proceeding to the Super Highway. Traffic officials have urged drivers from these areas to follow diversion signs and cooperate with law enforcement personnel deployed along the routes. Commuters traveling from Nazimabad will be able to reach their destinations through Lasbela, Garden, and Nishtar Road. Similarly, traffic coming from Liaquatabad will be diverted at Lasbela Chowk toward Nazimabad No. 10. These alternate routes have been identified to reduce congestion and facilitate the movement of vehicles while the main procession route remains inaccessible. The traffic plan also outlines arrangements for vehicles coming from Hassan Square. Such traffic will be directed through Shahrah-e-Quaideen, Society Light Signal, and Teen Hatti before reaching Lasbela Chowk. Meanwhile, motorists traveling from Shahrah-e-Faisal will be guided through Society Light Signal and Sher Shah Suri Road to continue their journeys. Drivers using Jamshed Road and intending to travel toward Gurumandir have been advised to use Bahadur Yar Jang Road or Soldier Bazaar Road as alternative routes. The Karachi Traffic Police have imposed strict restrictions on heavy vehicles for the duration of the procession. Heavy traffic will not be allowed to enter the city from 10:00 a.m. until the conclusion of the Chehlum procession. The restriction is aimed at preventing congestion and ensuring the safety of participants and the general public. Transport operators have been instructed to adjust their schedules accordingly and avoid entering restricted areas during the specified hours. Authorities have also announced a complete ban on parking along the procession route. Any vehicle found parked in prohibited areas will be immediately towed away without prior notice. Traffic police have warned motorists to comply with parking regulations and follow the instructions of officers on duty to avoid penalties and unnecessary inconvenience. The central Chehlum procession is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4, from Nishtar Park. A large number of mourners are expected to participate in the religious gathering, prompting extensive security and traffic arrangements across the city. Police and traffic officials will remain deployed throughout the procession to manage vehicle movement, assist commuters, and maintain public order. Residents are encouraged to stay updated through official traffic advisories before leaving their homes and to use alternative routes wherever possible. The Karachi Traffic Police have appealed to the public for patience and cooperation, emphasizing that the temporary restrictions are necessary to ensure the safe and peaceful conduct of the central Chehlum procession while minimizing disruption to daily life.