فیچرڈ

Karachi: The investigation into the death of Mir Raza Ali took a fresh turn on Tuesday as SSP Ali Raza, a member of the newly formed investigation team, visited the location where the deceased was found. Mir Raza’s family members accompanied the SSP during the visit, where he examined the site in Gulistan-e-Johar and reviewed the spot where the body had been recovered. He also questioned the gardener who had discovered the body to obtain details about the circumstances in which it was found. Meanwhile, six samples have been received by the University of Karachi laboratory for DNA testing. Sources said four of the samples were collected from Mir Raza’s body, while two were reference samples from his parents. The laboratory is expected to release the DNA results as soon as possible. The investigation gained further significance following the emergence of an initial medical report after Mir Raza’s exhumation and post-mortem on August 8. The report reportedly identified multiple signs of injuries and possible violence on his body. According to the preliminary findings, the bullet wound was smaller on the back and larger on the front, indicating that the bullet may have entered from behind. The report also noted fractured ribs, several injuries to the head and face, and a fracture and wound measuring around 12 centimetres on the right thigh. Blood traces were also reportedly found in the tissues of the lower part of the body, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding Mir Raza’s death. The DNA results and ongoing investigation are expected to provide further clarity on the case.

  ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai has urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to initiate the process of appointing a new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and fill the vacant positions of two Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) members from Sindh and Balochistan. Achakzai made the request in a letter addressed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on August 10. The opposition leader, who also heads the Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) and serves as chairman of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, asked the premier to give immediate attention to what he described as an important constitutional responsibility concerning the composition of the country’s electoral watchdog. According to Achakzai, the official terms of the Chief Election Commissioner and the ECP members representing Sindh and Balochistan expired on January 26, 2025. He stressed that the vacant positions should be filled without further delay to ensure the commission continues to function effectively. The opposition leader argued that the timely appointment of officials to these constitutional positions was essential for maintaining the ECP’s operational continuity, institutional independence and credibility. In his communication, Achakzai referred to relevant provisions of the Constitution that outline the procedure for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner and members of the Election Commission. He cited Article 213(2A) under which the prime minister is required to consult the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly before forwarding three candidates for the post of CEC to a parliamentary committee. The committee then considers the proposed names before making the appointment through the constitutional process. Achakzai also referred to Article 218(2)(b), arguing that the appointment of ECP members from the provinces is subject to the same constitutional principle of consultation between the prime minister and the opposition leader. The opposition leader consequently called on Prime Minister Shehbaz to hold a formal meeting with him so that both sides could consult and agree on suitable candidates for the vacant constitutional positions. The demand comes against the backdrop of a prolonged delay in completing the composition of the electoral body. It is worth recalling that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had previously invited former National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub for consultations regarding the appointment of a new Chief Election Commissioner. The invitation was extended in June last year as part of the constitutional process for filling the position. However, the parliamentary situation subsequently changed after the National Assembly removed Omar Ayub and several other Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed leaders from important parliamentary positions. The move followed their disqualification by the Election Commission of Pakistan in connection with the May 9 cases in August last year. As a result, the consultation process concerning appointments to key positions within the ECP remained stalled. Achakzai’s latest letter has brought renewed attention to the issue, with the opposition leader emphasising that the vacant positions should be filled through the constitutional procedure and without further delay. The appointment of a CEC and provincial ECP members is considered crucial for ensuring the electoral watchdog remains fully functional and retains public confidence. Achakzai has therefore sought an immediate consultation process with the prime minister to resolve the matter and complete the appointments in accordance with the Constitution.

  Zoe Saldaña has built an impressive career in Hollywood, achieving milestones that only a small number of actors can claim. From becoming an Academy Award winner to appearing in some of the world’s most successful film franchises, the actress has established herself as one of the industry’s most recognisable stars. However, Saldaña now appears ready to explore a completely different side of filmmaking by considering a move into directing. During an appearance at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland, Saldaña spoke about her desire to eventually take control behind the camera. Addressing the festival audience, the actress said she believed there would come a point when simply watching other directors work would no longer be enough for her. Saldaña joked that after observing directors for so long, she might eventually feel compelled to take over the camera herself. Her comments reflected her growing interest in expanding her creative role within the film industry and exploring storytelling from a director’s perspective. The actress also expressed confidence in her own instincts, particularly when discussing women and their ability to recognise what they believe is right. With a humorous tone, she suggested that women often feel confident in their opinions because they are correct a significant amount of the time. For Saldaña, directing could provide an opportunity to test those instincts and prove what she can accomplish outside her established acting career. Her remarks came as she was being honoured at the prestigious Locarno Film Festival. Saldaña received a Special Honorary Pardo at the event, recognising her contribution to cinema and her successful career across a wide range of projects. During her appearance, the actress also reflected on her childhood and the experience of growing up between different cultures. Born in the Dominican Republic, Saldaña said her background and experiences of feeling like an outsider have played an important role in shaping the way she approaches acting and develops her characters. She recalled the challenges of being separated from a New York environment where she had been exposed to people from different backgrounds and cultures. According to Saldaña, living in a diverse environment allowed her to encounter different perspectives and understand the world beyond a single cultural identity. She later moved to a much smaller and more culturally homogeneous island, an experience she described as difficult during her formative years. The transition brought significant challenges, particularly because she encountered a society with a more unified religious and cultural identity. Despite the difficulties, Saldaña believes those experiences ultimately became valuable to her as an actor. She explained that the challenges of growing up between different cultural environments helped her develop a broader understanding of people and identities. That perspective, she suggested, became particularly useful when portraying some of her most famous characters, including Neytiri in the Avatar franchise and Gamora in the Guardians of the Galaxy films. For Saldaña, growing up between cultures provided both struggles and opportunities for personal development. She believes being exposed to different ways of life enriched her understanding of human experiences and gave her additional emotional depth as a performer. Now, after years of success in front of the camera, Saldaña appears interested in turning those experiences into a new creative challenge. Her potential move into directing could mark an important new chapter in her career, allowing her to bring her perspective, cultural experiences and storytelling instincts to filmmaking from behind the camera.

  The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has launched an investigation into an alleged social media campaign aimed at damaging the reputation of Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon and his son. According to NCCIA officials, the agency has received a formal complaint from Sharjeel Inam Memon regarding the alleged defamatory content circulating on various social media platforms. The complaint was received by the Deputy Director of the NCCIA’s Karachi Zone, who has initiated the process of investigating the matter. Officials said the agency is currently working to identify individuals allegedly involved in operating social media accounts, creating content and disseminating posts that are claimed to have harmed the reputation of the senior provincial minister and his son. The investigation will focus on tracing the origin of the posts, identifying the people responsible for creating and publishing the material, and determining how the content was circulated and amplified across social media platforms. NCCIA officials said the agency has contacted around 10 major social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, X, and Instagram, as part of its investigation. The platforms have reportedly been asked to provide relevant information about the accounts and individuals involved in spreading the alleged defamatory posts. The agency has also sought details of accounts that allegedly played a role in making the posts viral. Investigators are attempting to determine whether the content was originally posted by a particular account and subsequently shared or promoted by other users. In addition, the NCCIA has requested data relating to social media accounts from which the allegedly objectionable posts were later deleted. Officials are seeking information that could help investigators identify the users behind such accounts, even where the original content is no longer publicly available. The development comes amid growing concerns over the use of social media platforms to circulate unverified, misleading or allegedly defamatory material against public figures. With social media allowing information to spread rapidly across multiple platforms, cybercrime investigators increasingly rely on digital records and platform data to trace the origins of online content. The NCCIA’s investigation is expected to examine the digital trail associated with the alleged campaign, including the accounts involved in creating, sharing and circulating the material. Investigators may also examine the extent to which the content was distributed and whether multiple accounts were coordinated in spreading it. The complaint reportedly alleges that the social media campaign was intended to damage the honour and reputation of Sharjeel Inam Memon and his son. However, the allegations remain part of the ongoing investigation, and any responsibility for the content will ultimately depend on the findings of the relevant authorities. The agency’s request for information from social media platforms is aimed at obtaining additional evidence that could assist in identifying the people behind the accounts and determining the circumstances surrounding the creation and distribution of the posts. The NCCIA has not yet disclosed the identities of any suspects or announced arrests in connection with the case. Further action is expected after investigators receive and analyse the requested information from the social media platforms. The case highlights the increasing role of cybercrime authorities in addressing complaints involving online harassment, defamation and the alleged misuse of social media. The investigation will determine whether the content in question violated relevant laws and whether those responsible can be identified and proceeded against under the applicable legal framework.

  Security experts have claimed that technology allegedly provided by India to the Afghan Taliban for use against Pakistan has also failed to achieve its intended purpose. According to a report, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) are receiving what the report describes as full support from the Afghan Taliban regime, along with financial assistance from India. The report further claims that the groups are being supported through various means as part of activities directed against Pakistan. The report stated that the Afghan Taliban regime claimed to have carried out a drone attack against Pakistan in June 2026. However, according to the report, the drone was intercepted and destroyed in the air by Pakistan’s air defence system before it could reach its intended target. Security experts cited in the report said the drones allegedly used in the attack were supplied by India. They described the drones as relatively low-grade in terms of technology, with limited operational capabilities. According to the assessment, the systems lack the sophistication required to effectively penetrate Pakistan’s modern air defence network. The reported incident has once again drawn attention to the growing use of unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, in regional security and military operations. Drones have increasingly become an important tool for surveillance, reconnaissance and attacks because of their relatively low operating costs and ability to operate without putting pilots at direct risk. However, experts say the effectiveness of a drone depends heavily on its technological capabilities, including its range, navigation system, communication links, payload capacity, electronic protection and ability to avoid detection. Less sophisticated drones can be vulnerable to modern radar and counter-drone technologies, particularly when they are detected at an early stage. According to the report, Pakistan has developed and deployed defence mechanisms capable of detecting and neutralising such aerial threats. The country’s air defence network is equipped to identify incoming objects and take appropriate measures to prevent them from reaching sensitive targets. The report claims that the destruction of the drone demonstrates the limitations of the technology allegedly supplied by India and highlights the challenges faced by armed groups attempting to use relatively unsophisticated unmanned systems against a country with established air defence capabilities. Security experts further maintained that the incident demonstrates the importance of advanced detection and interception systems in countering the increasing drone threat. As unmanned systems become more widely available, countries across the region are investing in technologies designed to detect, track and neutralise hostile drones. The report also linked the alleged use of Indian-supplied drones to broader security concerns involving militant groups operating in and around the region. It claimed that the TTP and BLA have benefited from support from the Afghan Taliban and financial assistance from India. These claims, however, remain allegations and would require independent verification. The reported June 2026 incident is likely to remain a subject of discussion among security analysts as Pakistan continues to strengthen its air defence and counter-drone capabilities. The episode also highlights the technological competition surrounding unmanned aerial systems and the growing importance of electronic and aerial defence measures. According to the report, Pakistan’s ability to detect and neutralise the drone before it could cause damage demonstrates that its existing defence mechanisms can pose a significant challenge to low-capability unmanned aerial systems.

  Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) Javed Alam Odho has said that the death of Mir Raza is a tragic and deeply concerning incident, stressing that the case must be investigated and resolved properly  Speaking at a press conference in Sukkur, the Sindh police chief said that a committee had been formed to investigate the case and that a new investigation team would now carry out the inquiry. Commenting on the circumstances surrounding Mir Raza’s death, Odho said he believed that a communication gap or miscommunication had emerged in the case. He described the incident as unfortunate and said that the authorities were committed to ensuring that the matter was investigated in a proper and transparent manner. “We are not the policymakers; we are responsible for implementing the law,” the IGP said, adding that the investigation would eventually establish the facts surrounding the incident. Javed Alam Odho described the Mir Raza case as sensitive and said that both the police and the Sindh government wanted to ensure that it was handled appropriately. He said that much of the confusion surrounding the case had emerged because of the medical-legal report. According to him, an earlier report prepared by one doctor had presented in different findings, which contributed to uncertainty surrounding the case. The IGP said that a new committee had now been formed to investigate the matter and restore public confidence in the process. He explained that the previous committee had continued its work on the basis of the evidence that had been provided to it at the time. However, according to Odho, the evidence available to investigators had subsequently changed significantly. In light of the new evidence, he said, there was a need to restart the investigation using a different approach. The new investigation team has also been instructed to maintain open communication with the victim’s family and the media throughout the investigation, he added. Earlier, reports emerged that an attempt had allegedly been made to burn Mir Raza’s body with acid. According to forensic sources, traces of acid were reportedly found on his shirt, adding another dimension to the investigation. Meanwhile, the Sindh government had decided to have the Mir Raza case investigated through a judicial commission involving High Court judges. Sindh Law Minister Zia Lanjar said that a meeting had been held with the Chief Minister regarding the case. He said the government had decided to establish a judicial commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mir Raza’s death. Mir Raza Ali Khan went missing on July 28 from the Pakistan Employees Cooperative Housing Society (PECHS). According to reports, he left his home at around 4:09am in an online taxi. His body was recovered two days later from the Gulistan-e-Johar area. Police officials said that the body was found in a severely damaged condition and that Mir Raza had suffered a gunshot wound to the chest. Authorities also said that all of his social media accounts had been deactivated one day before his body was recovered, a development that investigators are expected to examine as part of the case. Mir Raza’s family has been seeking answers about the circumstances surrounding his death. His father previously said that Mir Raza was scheduled to get married on August 30 at Bait-ul-Mukarram Mosque in Gulshan-e-Iqbal. According to his father, Mir Raza had been extremely happy about starting a new chapter of his life and was looking forward to his upcoming marriage. The formation of a new investigation committee and the proposed judicial commission are expected to bring greater clarity to the case and address concerns raised by the victim’s family and the public.

  Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, during which the two sides discussed matters of mutual interest as well as regional and international developments. According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office spokesperson, the two foreign ministers exchanged views on a range of issues of common interest during the telephone call. The conversation focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and maintaining close coordination on important regional and global matters. During the discussion, Ishaq Dar and his Saudi counterpart also reviewed the prevailing regional situation. The two ministers exchanged views on developments affecting peace and stability in the region and discussed the importance of continued diplomatic engagement and cooperation among countries. The foreign ministers also discussed multilateral cooperation and matters related to international forums. They emphasised the importance of maintaining coordination between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on issues of common concern at both regional and international levels. According to the Foreign Office, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close contact and cooperation through bilateral and multilateral platforms. The telephone conversation comes as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia continue to maintain close and longstanding relations based on political, economic, diplomatic and people-to-people ties. Both countries regularly consult each other on regional developments and issues of mutual interest. Pakistan considers Saudi Arabia an important partner in the Middle East, while Saudi Arabia has maintained close relations with Pakistan over the years. High-level exchanges between officials from both countries have remained an important feature of their bilateral relationship. The discussion between Ishaq Dar and Prince Faisal bin Farhan also reflects the importance attached by both countries to regular diplomatic consultations. Such contacts provide an opportunity for the two sides to exchange assessments of emerging regional developments and coordinate their positions on matters discussed at international forums. Multilateral cooperation was another important aspect of the conversation. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have worked together at various international platforms and have frequently supported closer coordination on issues affecting the Muslim world and the broader international community. The two ministers also reiterated the importance of continued engagement between their respective governments. By maintaining regular communication, both sides aim to strengthen their strategic partnership and enhance cooperation on matters of mutual interest. The telephone conversation is expected to contribute to ongoing diplomatic efforts to further deepen Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations. Both countries have repeatedly expressed their desire to expand cooperation across multiple areas and maintain strong institutional and political contacts. The Foreign Office spokesperson did not provide further details about the specific regional issues discussed during the call. However, the reference to the regional situation and multilateral cooperation indicates that the conversation covered broader developments beyond bilateral relations. The reaffirmation of close coordination on bilateral and multilateral platforms demonstrates the continued importance of the relationship between Islamabad and Riyadh. Regular communication between senior officials remains a key mechanism for both countries to exchange views, coordinate diplomatic positions and respond to developments in the region. The latest telephone conversation between Ishaq Dar and Prince Faisal bin Farhan therefore underscores the two countries’ commitment to maintaining close diplomatic engagement and strengthening cooperation at both bilateral and international levels.

  Jibran Nasir, lawyer for Raza Mir, the father of young businessman Mir Raza who was found dead in Karachi’s Gulistan-e-Johar area, has said that he has no expectations from the Sindh government led by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), urging police officials to perform their duties and calling on the provincial government not to adopt a “double policy” in the case. Speaking to the media after the first meeting of the investigation committee formed to probe Mir Raza’s death, Nasir said the family had made a mistake by identifying an honest police officer who had tried to bring facts to light. “We made the mistake of finding an honest officer,” Nasir said, referring to an officer who had written a letter to the authorities on August 3, informing them about alleged mistakes made by officials working under him. The lawyer alleged that those attempting to bring the facts of the Mir Raza case before the public were being targeted. He said the medical board had been constituted on the orders of the court and criticised what he described as unfair criticism of officials who had performed their duties during the past 11 days. Nasir also defended Dr Samia, saying that targeting her with criticism was unjustified. He maintained that the Sindh government had corrected its earlier mistakes and had moved the investigation in the right direction. According to the lawyer, certain individuals had attempted to quickly portray the case as suicide. He said the government itself had not failed, but rather those who had adopted an incorrect position regarding the case had been proven wrong. Nasir said that after new facts emerged, evidence indicating that Mir Raza had been murdered was acknowledged. He added that those who had initially insisted that the death was a suicide had been proven wrong and that officers who helped move the investigation in the correct direction should be encouraged. Speaking on the occasion, Mir Raza’s father said that if these steps had been taken earlier, there would have been no need for the exhumation of his son’s body. He said the family had provided investigators with all the information they had and only wanted justice for their son. Earlier, Jibran Nasir had written to the Sindh government, stating that Mir Raza’s parents did not want a judicial inquiry. He said the family had complete confidence in the judiciary but believed that the government wanted to make the case controversial under the name of a judicial commission. He also maintained that, under the law, the police had the authority to conduct the investigation. Later, Sindh Home Minister Zia Lanjar said that the decision to establish a judicial commission had been postponed for the time being following a request from Mir Raza’s parents. Mir Raza’s body was recovered from Gulistan-e-Johar on July 29. Following the exhumation of his body, a second post-mortem examination was conducted on August 8. The examination reportedly revealed traces of acid in Mir Raza’s stomach. His lungs were also found to have been severely affected by acid, while signs of acid exposure were reportedly detected on his shirt, hands and feet. Police have sealed a guesthouse near the location where Mir Raza’s body was recovered. Six people working at the guesthouse have reportedly been taken into custody. So far, 21 people, including Mir Raza’s friends and business partners, have been detained for questioning, and their statements have been recorded. Meanwhile, a five-member investigation committee headed by DIG Crime Branch Amir Farooqi held a meeting to review the case. Authorities said Section 201 of the Pakistan Penal Code has also been added to the case, in addition to Sections 365 and 302. Section 201 relates to causing evidence of an offence to disappear or giving false information with the intention of screening an offender. The investigation is continuing as authorities examine the emerging evidence and statements from people connected to the case.