Call for equal relief for DG Khan school tragedy v…

KARACHI: Police Surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed has identified 14 serious deficiencies in the post-mortem examination of Mir Raza Ali and formally raised concerns with the police, calling for a thorough review of the forensic findings. In a letter addressed to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) District East, Dr Summaiya questioned the quality and completeness of the autopsy report prepared by Dr Osama Sheikh. She highlighted several procedural and forensic shortcomings that, according to her, could affect the accuracy and credibility of the investigation. According to the letter, no X-rays were conducted on the body before or during the post-mortem examination. Dr Summaiya stated that such imaging is a standard forensic requirement and can help identify bullet trajectories, fractures and other internal injuries that may not be visible during a routine examination. She further pointed out that no chemical analysis was carried out to determine the presence of gunpowder residue around the entry wound. The absence of such testing, she noted, limits the ability to determine the firing distance and other important forensic details. The police surgeon also stated that the internal examination of the skull and neck was not performed. She said these examinations are essential in cases involving firearm injuries, particularly when determining the exact cause of death and the path of the bullet. Dr Samia’s letter also criticised the documentation process followed during the autopsy. She said no measurement scale was used while recording the injuries, making it difficult to accurately assess the size of the wounds. She added that photographs of the injuries were not taken in accordance with accepted forensic standards. She further observed that the report did not adequately explain the bone characteristics associated with the entry and exit wounds, making the injury assessment incomplete. The letter also highlighted that the nature and stage of decomposition of the body had not been clearly described in the report. According to Dr Summaiya, documenting decomposition is important in estimating the time of death and assessing the condition of the body. Another major concern raised was the reported size of the wounds. The post-mortem report recorded the entry wound as significantly larger than the exit wound, a finding Dr Summaiya described as unusual and requiring immediate re-examination and verification. She also questioned the identification process, stating that although the face of the deceased was reportedly unrecognisable, no DNA sample was collected to scientifically confirm the identity of the body. Dr Summaiya urged the investigating authorities to carefully review the post-mortem findings and address the identified shortcomings to ensure that the forensic investigation meets professional standards and supports a fair and transparent legal process.

ISLAMABAD: Holders of the Pakistan Origin Card (POC) will now be able to perform Hajj under Pakistan’s official Hajj quota, according to sources familiar with the development. Sources said one per cent of Pakistan’s total Hajj quota will be reserved for POC holders. The decision is expected to provide an opportunity for overseas Pakistanis of Pakistani origin who no longer hold Pakistani citizenship or passports to perform Hajj through Pakistan’s quota for the first time. Under the arrangement, 1,792 POC holders will be eligible to perform Hajj using Pakistan’s allocated quota. The sources said Saudi Arabia has allowed POC holders to be included in Pakistan’s Hajj quota. The permission is being described as a significant development for people of Pakistani origin living abroad who have surrendered their Pakistani citizenship or passports but retain their connection with the country through the Pakistan Origin Card. POC holders will reportedly be eligible to benefit from both the government and private Hajj schemes. This will give eligible applicants the option of choosing between the two arrangements, subject to the applicable rules and requirements. The allocation of one per cent of the overall quota means that a specific number of pilgrims of Pakistani origin will be accommodated within Pakistan’s annual Hajj arrangements without holding Pakistani citizenship. The facility is particularly significant for overseas Pakistanis who have maintained strong links with Pakistan despite giving up their citizenship. The Pakistan Origin Card provides such individuals with a formal connection to the country and facilitates their access to several rights and services. Sources said the inclusion of POC holders in Pakistan’s Hajj quota has been permitted by Saudi authorities following discussions concerning arrangements for Pakistani pilgrims. The move is expected to benefit members of the Pakistani diaspora who have previously faced limitations in performing Hajj through Pakistan because they no longer possess Pakistani passports. The development comes as preparations for the upcoming Hajj season continue. A large number of Pakistani pilgrims are expected to travel to Saudi Arabia under both government and private schemes. The government has also been working on arrangements concerning accommodation, transportation, medical facilities and other services for Pakistani pilgrims. The inclusion of POC holders could further strengthen the connection between Pakistan and its overseas community, particularly those who continue to maintain cultural, family and social ties with the country.

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf has reiterated his demand for the creation of a separate Hazara province, saying there is broad political consensus on the issue and that administrative reforms are essential to improve governance and public service delivery. Addressing a joint press conference in Islamabad alongside Senator Talha Mahmood, the minister said the movement for Hazara province began in 2010 and has remained a longstanding demand of the region’s people. He said seven young people sacrificed their lives during the movement, adding that their contributions would always be remembered. According to the minister, people from different political parties have consistently supported the establishment of Hazara as a separate province. Sardar Yousaf noted that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has passed constitutional resolutions in support of Hazara province on three occasions—in 2014, 2018, and 2020. He added that bills seeking the creation of the new province have also been introduced in both the National Assembly and the Senate and have been referred to the relevant standing committees on law and justice. The minister said the creation of new administrative units has become a necessity in view of Pakistan’s growing population, which now exceeds 250 million. He argued that additional provinces would improve governance, revenue collection, and the implementation of development projects. He stressed that the demand for Hazara province is not linked to any single political party but represents a united movement supported by people from all walks of life, including political leaders, lawyers, journalists, students, traders, and religious scholars. Sardar Yousaf said several national political leaders have publicly expressed support for the Hazara province during visits to the region and public gatherings. He maintained that smaller administrative units would bring government services closer to the people, help address public issues more effectively, and strengthen the federation. He also paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the Hazara province movement, noting that Hazara Martyrs’ Day is observed every year on April 12 in their memory.