فیچرڈ

    The family of a young man who was killed in an alleged police encounter in the Kadhan area on the outskirts of Badin has raised serious objections to his post-mortem report, alleging that the report does not accurately reflect the condition of his body. The relatives of the deceased, identified as Moharram Dil, have declared the post-mortem report to be fake and demanded that his grave be exhumed so that a fresh post-mortem examination can be conducted. The family has called for an impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death and the preparation of the medical report. Moharram Dil’s father said that there were no visible signs on his son’s body indicating that it had been cut open for a post-mortem examination. He said that when the body was being washed before burial, the family observed gunshot wounds but did not see any other marks that would suggest that a post-mortem had been performed. The father said that the family also possesses video recordings of his son’s body taken before the burial. According to him, these videos could provide important evidence regarding the condition of the body and may help determine whether the post-mortem examination described in the official report actually took place. The controversy has emerged over the timing and circumstances of the post-mortem report. Moharram Dil was reportedly killed in an alleged police encounter on July 26, while his post-mortem report was issued five days later, on July 31, by the Rural Health Centre. The family has questioned the circumstances under which the examination was conducted and how the report was prepared. Their demand for exhumation is aimed at obtaining a new medical examination that could independently establish the cause and circumstances of the young man’s death. Badin District Health Officer (DHO) has provided an explanation regarding who can conduct a post-mortem examination. According to the DHO, if a medico-legal officer is not available, the medical superintendent or a senior duty doctor can perform the post-mortem. The clarification comes amid questions raised by the family regarding the validity of the medical report. The authorities may now face pressure to determine whether the procedure was conducted according to the relevant medical and legal requirements. Police, meanwhile, maintain that Moharram Dil was a drug dealer who was killed during a police encounter on July 26. According to the police version, an exchange of fire took place between the police and the alleged drug dealer, during which Moharram Dil was killed. Police also claimed that two officers were injured during the encounter. The law enforcement authorities have presented the incident as an armed confrontation, while the deceased’s family has challenged the official account and raised doubts about the circumstances surrounding his death. The conflicting accounts have increased calls for an independent investigation. The family believes that a fresh post-mortem could help establish whether the injuries on the body correspond with the police account and whether the original medical report was prepared accurately. The demand for exhumation and a second post-mortem is now at the centre of the controversy. The videos reportedly recorded before the burial could also become relevant if an investigation is launched. The case has raised broader questions about transparency in alleged police encounters and the importance of properly documented medico-legal procedures. A fresh examination, if authorized, could provide additional evidence and help address the concerns raised by the deceased’s family.

Gold prices in Pakistan surged sharply on Thursday, rising by Rs13,700 per tola as international bullion prices recorded a strong increase. According to the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA), the price of gold increased to Rs471,936 per tola, compared with Rs458,236 recorded on the previous day. The price of 10 grams of gold also climbed significantly, increasing by Rs11,746 to Rs404,609. The sharp increase in local gold prices came alongside a major rally in the international bullion market. International gold prices rose by $137 per ounce to $4,495, providing strong upward momentum to domestic prices. The latest increase follows significant fluctuations in Pakistan’s gold market over the past several trading sessions. On Wednesday, local gold prices had declined by Rs3,700 per tola despite a strong rise in international prices. The rate had fallen to Rs458,236 per tola, while 10 grams of gold were priced at Rs392,863. On Tuesday, gold prices remained unchanged at Rs461,936 per tola. Earlier on Monday, the precious metal had gained Rs2,000 per tola, reaching Rs461,936. The latest movement highlights the volatility currently being witnessed in the precious metals market. International bullion prices remain a key factor influencing gold rates in Pakistan, while local prices can also be affected by currency movements and domestic market conditions. Silver prices also recorded a substantial increase on Thursday. According to APGJSA figures, the price of silver rose by Rs317 per tola to Rs7,169. The price of 10 grams of silver also increased by Rs317 to Rs6,146. The sharp rise in gold prices is likely to attract renewed attention from investors, jewelers and consumers who closely monitor precious metal rates. Gold is often considered a store of value, making significant price movements particularly important for investors and households. With international gold prices reaching $4,495 per ounce and the local rate crossing Rs470,000 per tola, market participants will be closely watching the next trading sessions for signs of whether the rally will continue or prices will experience another correction.

Pakistan’s Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) has overturned a 16-year-old Supreme Court ruling concerning land acquisition and claims for additional compensation, delivering a significant judgment on the legal rights of landowners. A three-member bench headed by FCC Chief Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan announced the decision on review petitions challenging the Supreme Court’s 2010 majority judgment. Justice Ali Baqar Najafi and Justice Syed Arshad Hussain Shah were also members of the bench. The 47-page judgment, authored by Chief Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, held that parts of the Supreme Court’s earlier decision in the Sadaqat Ali Khan case were not legally sustainable. The court ruled that a landowner who accepts compensation without raising an objection cannot subsequently claim additional compensation. It also held that a landowner who fails to file a reference within the prescribed legal period cannot later seek additional compensation. Another important finding was that landowners who were not parties to earlier proceedings cannot automatically claim the benefit of higher compensation awarded to other landowners through court proceedings. The Federal Constitutional Court observed that the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 provides a comprehensive legal framework for land acquisition and determination of compensation. Anyone seeking additional compensation must follow the procedure established under the law. According to the judgment, once the prescribed period for legal proceedings expires, the award issued by the Land Acquisition Collector becomes final. Courts cannot use their powers to bypass mandatory statutory requirements. The court further clarified that the principle of equality under Article 25 of the Constitution cannot eliminate statutory limitation periods or mandatory legal conditions. Similarly, the power to do complete justice cannot be used to create a new legal right that does not exist under the relevant law. The Supreme Court’s 2010 majority ruling had extended the benefit of additional compensation to certain landowners who were not parties to the original proceedings. The National Highway Authority chairman and other authorities subsequently challenged the ruling through review petitions. The Federal Constitutional Court accepted the review petitions filed by the concerned authorities and also allowed related civil appeals. Decisions of the Peshawar and Lahore High Courts concerning additional compensation were consequently set aside, while the original orders of the Land Acquisition Collectors and other competent authorities were restored. However, Justice Syed Arshad Hussain Shah’s additional note clarified that additional compensation already paid in good faith under the earlier judgment cannot be recovered. Recovery would not be permissible where the money was obtained without fraud, misrepresentation or an unlawful method. The ruling could have significant implications for future land acquisition and compensation disputes by emphasizing statutory procedures, legal deadlines and the finality of compensation awards.

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has imposed an immediate advance sales tax on the steel mill sector in Gujranwala, directing electricity distribution companies to begin collecting the tax through power bills. According to the FBR, eligible steel mills will have to pay an additional Rs30 per unit in advance sales tax through their electricity bills. The tax collection has been ordered to begin immediately. The FBR issued a written directive to electricity distribution companies, instructing them to recover the applicable amount from steel mills falling within the scope of the new advance tax arrangement. The revenue authority has also released a list of steel mills that are subject to the advance sales tax. The move is expected to affect the operating costs of businesses included in the notified category. However, the FBR has clarified that steel mills importing a significant proportion of their raw materials will be exempt from the advance sales tax. According to the notification, mills that import 70% of their raw material will not fall under the new tax requirement. Electricity distribution companies have been directed to start collecting the advance tax immediately and submit a compliance report to the FBR by August 23. The decision represents another significant tax measure affecting Pakistan’s industrial sector. Collecting the tax through electricity bills provides the authorities with a direct mechanism for recovering the amount from eligible industrial units. For steel manufacturers, however, the additional Rs30 per unit could increase electricity-related operating expenses, particularly for mills with high energy consumption. The impact will depend on individual production levels, electricity usage and whether a particular mill qualifies for the exemption. The steel industry is an important component of Pakistan’s manufacturing sector, supplying products for construction, infrastructure and other industrial activities. Changes in taxation and energy costs can therefore have wider implications for production costs and market prices. The latest FBR directive also places responsibility on electricity distribution companies to ensure timely collection and reporting. Mills covered by the notification will need to account for the additional charge in their electricity bills as the new collection mechanism takes effect. The government’s decision comes as the FBR continues efforts to strengthen tax collection and broaden revenue measures. The implementation deadline of August 23 means the authorities are expected to monitor compliance closely over the coming days.

  Sindh government spokesperson Sadia Javed has accused Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman of distorting the context of what she described as sincere national agreements reached in the past. In a statement issued from Karachi, Sadia Javed said that Hafiz Naeem was presenting previous national agreements in a misleading manner. She criticised the Jamaat-e-Islami leader for allegedly attempting to portray past understandings between political stakeholders in a way that did not reflect their original spirit or context. She questioned Hafiz Naeem’s position on electricity generated from Thar coal, asking why he remained silent about what she described as some of the cheapest electricity being produced through the country’s indigenous coal resources. “Why is Hafiz Naeem silent on the inexpensive electricity generated from Thar coal?” she questioned, while responding to his criticism of the Sindh government and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). Sadia Javed also strongly rejected what she described as allegations against the Sindh government, saying that Hafiz Naeem had no justification for issuing what she termed “mafia certificates” to others. She challenged the Jamaat-e-Islami leader to examine his own political record before making accusations against others. According to her, political leaders should first reflect on their own actions and positions before questioning the credibility or performance of others. The Sindh government spokesperson further defended the provincial government’s policies and highlighted the importance of Thar coal in meeting Pakistan’s energy requirements. She suggested that criticism of the provincial government should be based on facts and a complete understanding of the agreements and projects under discussion. Another Sindh government spokesperson, Ghanhor Khan, also criticised Jamaat-e-Islami and Hafiz Naeem, accusing them of making allegations based on what he described as political hypocrisy. Ghanhor Khan said that making accusations against the PPP over the issue of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) was part of what he called Jamaat-e-Islami’s unsuccessful political strategy. He argued that the party was attempting to use the controversial issue of IPPs to create political pressure against the PPP and the Sindh government. The dispute comes amid renewed political debate over Pakistan’s electricity sector, particularly the cost of power generation, agreements with IPPs and the role of domestic energy resources. Political parties have frequently criticised successive governments over electricity prices, power-sector contracts and energy policies. The Sindh government has continued to highlight Thar coal as an important component of its energy strategy, while its political opponents have raised questions about governance, transparency and the broader impact of energy-sector agreements. The exchange between the Sindh government and Jamaat-e-Islami reflects growing political tensions over energy policy and the interpretation of past agreements. While Hafiz Naeem has criticised the government’s handling of the power sector, Sindh government representatives have rejected his allegations and questioned the consistency of his political position. Both sides have continued to defend their respective positions, with the Sindh government emphasising its energy initiatives and Jamaat-e-Islami maintaining its criticism of the power-sector policies.

  Former Pakistan Test cricketer Basit Ali has been hospitalized after experiencing a heart-related health issue. The 55-year-old former international cricketer was taken to a private hospital, where doctors are currently treating him. According to Basit Ali’s wife, the former cricketer was brought to the hospital for an angioplasty procedure. She said that Basit Ali is currently under medical care and that doctors are monitoring his condition. Further details about his health are expected to emerge following the treatment. Basit Ali is a well-known former Pakistani cricketer who represented the national team during the 1990s. He was regarded as a talented middle-order batsman and became known for his aggressive approach at the crease. During his international career, he represented Pakistan in both Test and One Day International cricket. Basit Ali played 19 Test matches for Pakistan, scoring 858 runs. In the longer format, he was part of the national side during a period when Pakistan had a highly competitive cricket team and several established international batsmen. In One Day International cricket, Basit Ali represented Pakistan in 50 matches and scored 1,265 runs. His ability to score quickly and play attacking strokes made him a notable member of Pakistan’s limited-overs squad. The former cricketer’s hospitalization has drawn attention from the Pakistani cricket community, with fans and former players expressing concern over his health. His family has confirmed that he is receiving treatment at the private hospital. Angioplasty is a medical procedure commonly used to restore blood flow through narrowed or blocked arteries. During the procedure, doctors generally open the affected blood vessel to improve circulation. The decision to perform angioplasty depends on the patient’s medical condition and the assessment of the treating doctors. Basit Ali’s illness comes as a reminder of the importance of timely medical attention when symptoms related to the heart occur. His family brought him to the hospital for treatment, where specialists are currently attending to him. Born in Karachi, Basit Ali made his international debut for Pakistan in the early 1990s. Although his international career was relatively short, he remained a familiar figure in Pakistani cricket. Following his playing career, he continued to remain associated with the sport through cricket-related activities and analysis. His experience as a former international player has also allowed him to remain connected with Pakistan’s cricketing circles. Over the years, he has regularly shared his views on Pakistan cricket and the performances of national players. The cricket fraternity is now awaiting further updates regarding his condition. His family has requested prayers and good wishes as he undergoes treatment. At present, Basit Ali remains under medical supervision at the private hospital. His wife has confirmed that he was admitted for angioplasty and that treatment is underway. Fans and cricket supporters across Pakistan are hoping for his speedy recovery and a return to good health.

  Overseas Pakistanis have welcomed the proposal to create new provinces in the country, describing it as a positive step toward improving administrative efficiency, strengthening governance and bringing public institutions closer to citizens. Rajah Nasir Hussain, a representative of overseas Pakistanis and a prominent businessman from Gujar Khan, expressed his support for the proposal . He said the idea of creating seven provinces should be considered alongside the establishment of an eighth province comprising Islamabad and the Potohar region. According to Hussain, the creation of new provinces could help address administrative challenges and improve the delivery of public services. He stressed, however, that any decision regarding the creation of new provinces should be made through constitutional amendments and broad political consensus. He said the issue should not be treated as a matter of political rivalry or regional competition. Instead, it should be viewed as an administrative reform aimed at improving governance and ensuring that citizens in different parts of the country receive better access to state institutions and public services. Hussain also highlighted the important role played by overseas Pakistanis in the national economy. He said millions of Pakistanis living and working abroad contribute significantly to the country through remittances. The funds sent by overseas Pakistanis provide vital support to Pakistan’s economy and help strengthen the country’s financial system. He noted that overseas Pakistanis continue to make economic contributions despite living outside the country. Their remittances support families, increase foreign exchange inflows and contribute to economic stability. In his view, their role should therefore be recognised not only in economic terms but also through greater representation in the country’s administrative and political framework. Hussain argued that the government and political leadership should explore new mechanisms through which overseas Pakistanis can participate more effectively in national affairs. He said their experience of living and working in different countries gives them exposure to modern administrative systems, business practices and governance models that could potentially benefit Pakistan. He further suggested that overseas Pakistanis should have greater opportunities to contribute to policy discussions concerning economic development, investment, governance and administrative reforms. Their participation, he said, could help policymakers understand international practices and identify approaches that may be adapted to Pakistan’s circumstances. Regarding the proposed new provinces, Hussain emphasised the importance of consultation among all stakeholders. He said political parties, provincial governments, civil society, constitutional experts and representatives of the affected regions should be involved in the discussion before any final decision is taken. He maintained that the creation of provinces should be based on administrative requirements, population, geographical considerations, economic viability and the interests of local communities rather than short-term political objectives. The proposal to consider Islamabad and Potohar as an eighth province, he said, should also be examined within this broader framework. Such a move, if supported by constitutional and political consensus, could potentially improve administrative management and representation in the region. Hussain reiterated that overseas Pakistanis support reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s administrative structure. He said the debate over new provinces provides an opportunity to consider broader governance reforms while ensuring constitutional procedures and national consensus. He concluded that overseas Pakistanis should be regarded as important stakeholders in Pakistan’s future. Given their economic contributions and national role, developing effective mechanisms for their political and administrative representation should be considered a priority alongside wider institutional reforms.