Asian Football Confederation joins UEFA and CONCACAF in FIFA proposal standoff

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ruled that the widow of a deceased retired employee is the lawful recipient of the employee’s pension and post-retirement benefits, clarifying that siblings cannot claim such benefits solely on the basis of being legal heirs. The ruling was issued in a detailed four-page written judgment authored by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi. The decision provides important legal clarification on the distribution of pension and retirement benefits after the death of a retired government employee. According to the judgment, pension is not treated as inherited property that can automatically be divided among all legal heirs. Instead, the court held that pension payments are governed by the relevant laws, service rules and institutional regulations. The Supreme Court stated that the widow of a deceased retired employee has the primary legal right to receive the pension and related benefits. It further observed that if a person has been legally nominated under the applicable rules, that nominee would also be entitled to receive the benefits. The court made it clear that brothers and sisters cannot claim a deceased employee’s pension merely because they are legal heirs under inheritance laws. It explained that pension rights arise from specific statutory provisions and are separate from the general rules governing inheritance. The judgment emphasised that all pension payments must be made strictly in accordance with the applicable laws and the regulations of the concerned institution. Authorities responsible for disbursing pensions must follow these legal provisions while determining the rightful beneficiary. The case reached the Supreme Court after the siblings of a deceased employee of the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) challenged an earlier court ruling and sought a succession certificate to claim pension-related benefits. After reviewing the case, the apex court dismissed the appeal and upheld the decision of the Peshawar High Court, which had ruled that the siblings were not entitled to receive the deceased employee’s pension. The Supreme Court observed that pension is a statutory benefit and cannot be distributed under ordinary inheritance principles unless specifically permitted by the relevant legal framework.

Investigators have uncovered new evidence in the mysterious death of Karachi resident Mir Raza Ali, whose body was found in Gulistan-e-Jauhar, as police continue to investigate whether he was murdered or died by suicide. According to investigation sources, CCTV footage obtained by police shows Mir Raza leaving his shop near Bahadurabad at around 3:30am on July 29 after taking a security guard’s pistol from a drawer. He then drove to his home, where he left behind his car, smartwatch, house keys, and Rs39,000 before booking an online taxi. Police said Mir Raza departed his home at 4:08am and headed toward Gulistan-e-Jauhar alone. CCTV footage also captured him walking by himself in the area. His mobile phone was switched off at around 4:22am near Johar Mor Hilltop, and he was dropped off in Block 2 of Gulistan-e-Jauhar at approximately 4:28am. Authorities are still trying to determine whether Mir Raza was killed or took his own life. Investigation sources said Mir Raza was involved in the digital currency business in addition to his other commercial ventures. He had reportedly managed investments for several people and regularly paid profits to investors. However, officials said his digital currency business began suffering losses in December 2025, with financial difficulties worsening significantly in April 2026. To cover the losses, he allegedly started borrowing money and eventually accumulated debts estimated between Rs50 million and Rs80 million. Sources further claimed that an overseas friend invested Rs7.5 million in his business but did not receive the promised returns. Police have also recorded the statement of Mir Raza’s fiancée. According to investigators, the two remained in contact until around 11:30pm on July 28. She attempted to contact him again at around 3:00am, making more than 40 calls and sending numerous messages within 20 minutes, but received no response. Investigators also revealed that Mir Raza had deleted all of his social media accounts before leaving home. He reportedly transferred Rs250,000 to his father’s bank account and carried the shop security guard’s .30-bore pistol with him. While police recovered the pistol holster from the scene, the firearm itself has not yet been found. Another CCTV recording from the area where Mir Raza’s body was discovered has provided a new lead. The footage shows a motorcycle arriving at the deserted location at 3:36am on July 29 and remaining there for approximately 22 seconds before leaving. Based on preliminary evidence, investigators suspect the body may have been dumped at the site during the early hours of July 29. They believe those involved may also have discarded the pistol holster at the scene, which could become a crucial piece of evidence. Police have expanded their investigation, using CCTV footage and other forensic evidence to identify and arrest those responsible while examining every possible angle of the case. Investigation sources also disclosed that Mir Raza had thrown away his mobile phone along University Road. The device was later found by three labourers working in the area. Police tracked down the workers and recovered the phone as part of the ongoing investigation.