PM rebukes Islamabad officials over ceremonial bug…

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.

  Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, in Manila, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation under the Pakistan-European Union Strategic Engagement Plan. According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting focused on enhancing bilateral relations and expanding collaboration in areas of mutual interest. The two leaders discussed ways to deepen political dialogue, economic cooperation, and strategic engagement while emphasizing the importance of maintaining close coordination on regional and global issues. During the meeting, Ishaq Dar and Kaja Kallas also exchanged views on the evolving situation involving the United States and Iran. Both sides discussed recent regional developments and stressed the importance of preventing further escalation that could threaten peace and stability in the wider region. They agreed that continued dialogue and diplomatic engagement remain essential in addressing international challenges and resolving disputes through peaceful means. The Foreign Office stated that both leaders recognized diplomacy as the only effective and sustainable path to ensuring lasting peace and stability. They emphasized that constructive dialogue, mutual respect, and international cooperation are critical to reducing tensions and promoting regional security. The discussion reflected a shared understanding of the need for peaceful conflict resolution in an increasingly complex global environment. A key area of discussion was the Pakistan-European Union Strategic Engagement Plan, which serves as the framework for cooperation across a broad range of sectors, including trade, governance, climate action, human rights, education, and sustainable development. Both sides reaffirmed their determination to continue working together under this framework and to further strengthen institutional ties between Pakistan and the European Union. The meeting also highlighted the importance of expanding economic cooperation. Pakistan reiterated its commitment to strengthening trade and investment relations with the European Union, which remains one of the country’s largest trading partners. Both sides acknowledged the value of continued economic engagement in supporting sustainable growth, job creation, and long-term prosperity. According to the Foreign Office, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to the effective implementation of all international conventions linked to the European Union’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) programme. The GSP+ status provides Pakistan with preferential access to European markets, benefiting several export sectors, particularly textiles and garments. Islamabad emphasized that it remains committed to fulfilling its obligations under the programme by implementing the relevant international conventions related to human rights, labour standards, environmental protection, and good governance. The two sides also discussed the importance of maintaining regular dialogue to address shared challenges and explore new opportunities for cooperation. They expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of Pakistan-European Union relations and agreed to continue working closely to achieve common objectives. The meeting in Manila reflects the ongoing efforts by both Pakistan and the European Union to further strengthen their partnership through constructive engagement, expanded economic cooperation, and coordinated diplomatic efforts. As global and regional challenges continue to evolve, both sides reaffirmed that sustained dialogue and collaboration remain essential for promoting peace, stability, and mutually beneficial relations. The discussions concluded with a renewed commitment to advancing bilateral ties, reinforcing strategic cooperation, and building a stronger partnership that supports shared interests and contributes to regional and international stability.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s security forces killed 32 terrorists during two intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan over the past 24 hours, the military’s media wing said on Wednesday, describing the raids as part of an intensified campaign against militant groups operating in the country. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), 24 militants were killed during a series of targeted operations in Khyber district, while another eight were eliminated in separate operations in Nushki district of Balochistan. The operations were launched following recent terrorist attacks in both provinces and were carried out to dismantle militant networks and their support infrastructure. The military said security forces conducted multiple intelligence-driven raids in Khyber during the night of July 28–29, successfully engaging terrorist hideouts and neutralising militants identified as members of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to by the state as Fitna al-Khawarij. In Balochistan’s Nushki district, security personnel launched coordinated operations against militants linked to the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), referred to officially as Fitna al-Hindustan. After an intense exchange of fire, eight militants were killed, while weapons, ammunition and improvised explosive devices were recovered and destroyed. The ISPR said clearance operations were continuing in both regions to ensure that any remaining militants or facilitators were eliminated. It reaffirmed that Pakistan’s nationwide counterterrorism campaign under the Azm-e-Istehkam strategy would continue with full force to eradicate terrorism and restore lasting peace. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for the successful operations, commending their professionalism and determination. He reiterated the government’s resolve to continue the fight against terrorism until the threat is completely eliminated, adding that the nation stands united with the armed forces in defending the country’s security. The operations come amid a renewed surge in terrorist violence, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Just a day earlier, separate attacks in Balochistan claimed the lives of a deputy superintendent of police and two others, while labourers were abducted and several vehicles were set ablaze. International reports have also highlighted the growing security challenge. Recent United Nations assessments noted an increase in attacks by the TTP and BLA, with concerns over improved coordination among militant groups and access to advanced weapons through cross-border networks. Pakistan has continued to intensify intelligence-based operations to curb the escalating threat and dismantle terrorist infrastructure across the country.