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Police have made significant progress in the murder investigation of IBA student Mir Raza Ali, who was abducted and later found dead in Karachi. Authorities have recovered the victim’s mobile phone and other evidence from the crime scene while denying reports that the body showed signs of torture or burning. According to police officials, the investigation into the killing of Mir Raza Ali, a resident of PECHS Society, is ongoing. The young student’s body was found on Wednesday from a hilly area in Gulistan-e-Johar Block 1 after he went missing during the night between Tuesday and Wednesday. Police said Mir Raza Ali had left his residence through an online taxi service before disappearing. Following the discovery of his body, a special investigation team and crime scene experts visited the area to collect evidence and determine the circumstances behind the murder. During the search operation, police recovered the victim’s iPhone from behind Nasir Tower Apartments, located around 200 metres away from the crime scene. The mobile phone is reportedly password-protected, and investigators are making efforts to access its data for further clues. Police also recovered a weapon cover, believed to be linked to the firearm used in the incident. Authorities have obtained the victim’s call data record (CDR) and are preparing a route map to track his movements before the murder. The police surgeon stated that Mir Raza Ali was shot once in the chest from the front. The bullet passed through his body, but officials found no evidence of physical torture or burning on the victim’s body. A team comprising SSP District East Zubair Nawaz Sheikh, SP Gulshan-e-Iqbal Ghulam Shabbir Saraki, SHO Ferozabad Adeel Afzal, and other investigation and crime scene experts inspected the site and surrounding areas. Investigators are currently examining approximately 50 phone numbers identified through the call data record. Police officials have claimed that around 50 percent of the case investigation has been completed and further developments are expected as evidence is analyzed. The recovered mobile phone, weapon-related evidence, and digital records are being considered important parts of the investigation. Police officials have assured that all available resources are being used to identify those responsible for the killing and bring them to justice.

Chief Election Commissioner of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, retired Justice Ghulam Mustafa Mughal, has said that the law and order situation in Muzaffarabad has improved, following concerns over uncertainty and security challenges in the city. Justice (retd) Ghulam Mustafa Mughal said that while there had been an atmosphere of uncertainty in Muzaffarabad the previous day, the situation had now become more stable and peaceful. He added that additional security personnel had been deployed at the two most sensitive constituencies in the region to ensure peaceful polling. The chief election commissioner said that security arrangements for elections on migrant seats in Pakistan were the responsibility of the relevant provincial governments. He explained that election materials had been dispatched to polling stations and that presiding officers had also left for their assigned areas. “Election equipment has been sent to the polling stations, and presiding officers have moved toward their respective locations,” he said, adding that in some remote areas, the transportation of election materials was continuing gradually due to logistical challenges. Justice Mughal confirmed that polling in Muzaffarabad would take place the following day and identified two constituencies—LA-5 Khawora and LA-3 Lajrat—as highly sensitive areas requiring additional security arrangements. He said extra security forces had been deployed at sensitive polling stations, while Quick Response Force units would also remain available throughout the polling process. In the event of any emergency or disturbance, the quick response teams would immediately intervene to control the situation and maintain peace. The chief election commissioner expressed confidence that the security arrangements would help ensure a smooth and transparent election process. He emphasized that all necessary measures were being taken to protect voters, polling staff, and election officials. Meanwhile, preparations for the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections have been completed. Polling will be held in three districts of the Muzaffarabad division as well as on 12 seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan. According to the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission, the Muzaffarabad division consists of three districts: Muzaffarabad, Neelum, and Jhelum Valley. More than 890,000 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots across these areas. A total of 208 candidates are contesting elections in nine constituencies across the three districts. The voting process will also include refugee seats representing Jammu and Kashmir Valley migrants who are currently residing in Pakistan. The Election Commission stated that six seats representing Jammu and six seats representing the Valley will be contested by Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan. These seats are part of the legislative structure of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and allow displaced communities to participate in the political process. Authorities have increased security arrangements across polling areas to prevent any disruption and ensure that voters can exercise their right peacefully. Election officials have also directed security agencies and administrative departments to remain alert throughout polling day. The second phase of voting is being closely monitored due to the importance of the constituencies involved and previous concerns regarding security. Officials have assured that all necessary steps have been taken to conduct free, fair, and peaceful elections in the region.

Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, accompanied by Chinese Consul General Sun Yan, visited the village of Ratwal in Attock district to inaugurate a newly established dispensary built with the support of the Chinese government. The inauguration ceremony marked another milestone in the long-standing friendship and development cooperation between Pakistan and China, particularly in the healthcare sector. The event was attended by local government officials, community leaders, residents, and representatives from both Pakistan and China. The newly inaugurated dispensary is expected to provide essential primary healthcare services to the people of Ratwal and surrounding villages, where access to medical facilities has traditionally been limited. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan said that the establishment of the dispensary would significantly improve access to basic healthcare for local residents. He noted that the project reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and China to improving the well-being of communities through practical development initiatives. The governor emphasized that many rural communities face challenges in accessing quality medical care due to the shortage of healthcare facilities and long travel distances to major hospitals. He expressed confidence that the new dispensary would help address these challenges by offering timely medical treatment, basic health services, and preventive care closer to people’s homes. Sardar Saleem Haider Khan also highlighted the historic relationship between Pakistan and China, describing it as a friendship with unique significance and a remarkable history. He stated that the partnership between the two countries has continued to grow stronger over the decades through cooperation in infrastructure, education, healthcare, trade, and economic development. He added that China has consistently supported Pakistan during times of need and has played an important role in the country’s development through various collaborative projects. According to the governor, initiatives such as the Ratwal dispensary demonstrate that the friendship between the two nations extends beyond economic cooperation and directly benefits ordinary citizens by improving their quality of life. Chinese Consul General Sun Yan also addressed the gathering and reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Pakistan. She described the friendship between the two countries as everlasting and famously remarked that it is “higher than the Himalayas,” a phrase often used to symbolize the extraordinary bond shared by Pakistan and China. The Consul General further stated that China considers Pakistan its second home, reflecting the deep mutual trust and respect that characterize bilateral relations. She emphasized that China values its partnership with Pakistan and will continue to support projects that contribute to the country’s social and economic development. Sun Yan noted that healthcare cooperation is an important component of the broader partnership between the two nations. She expressed hope that the newly inaugurated dispensary would improve healthcare services for local residents and strengthen people-to-people ties by demonstrating the practical benefits of bilateral cooperation. Residents of Ratwal welcomed the opening of the dispensary, expressing optimism that the facility would reduce the burden of traveling long distances for routine medical treatment. The project is expected to provide essential healthcare services, including primary medical consultations, basic medicines, and preventive healthcare support, thereby improving the overall health and well-being of the surrounding communities. The inauguration of the China-assisted dispensary in Ratwal highlights the continued cooperation between Pakistan and China in promoting public welfare. It also reflects the shared commitment of both countries to investing in community development and strengthening their enduring partnership through projects that deliver tangible benefits to the people.