فیچرڈ

KARACHI: Sindh Inspector General of Police Javed Alam Odho has acknowledged shortcomings in the handling of the Mir Raza murder case, assuring that the investigation is now being pursued transparently in light of fresh medico-legal findings. Speaking at a ceremony organised by the Sindh Bar Council, the provincial police chief described the killing of Mir Raza as deeply regrettable and said weaknesses had occurred during the handling of the case. He said a new investigation team had been directed to conduct an independent and transparent probe based on the latest medico-legal report. The IG added that the authorities would take action in accordance with the law if any wrongdoing or negligence by officials was established. Asked whether the family had demanded action against members of the previous investigation team, Odho said the police would take whatever action was legally required. He declined to comment further, saying the investigation was still under way. Addressing lawyers, the IG emphasised the importance of cooperation between the police and legal community, describing both as key components of the criminal justice system. He said police and lawyers needed to work together to strengthen the justice system and resolve disputes through dialogue rather than confrontation. Odho claimed that disciplinary action had been taken against around 27,000 police personnel over the past seven months and urged the Sindh Bar Council to make full use of its legal authority. He said Sindh has around 160,000 police personnel, of whom approximately 132,000 are currently deployed on duty. According to the IG, the overall law and order situation in Karachi has improved, with reported crime declining by around 14 per cent. The remarks come as investigators face increasing scrutiny over the circumstances surrounding Mir Raza’s death. Authorities have now been directed to examine the case afresh, with the latest medico-legal evidence expected to play a key role in determining what went wrong during the initial investigation.

  The ride-hailing driver who transported Wafflix owner Mir Raza Ali shortly before his death has shared details of the young man’s final journey, describing how Ali personally guided him through several roads in Karachi before being dropped outside a bank in Gulistan-e-Johar. Ali, 25, was allegedly abducted from the PECHS area before his body was discovered in bushes near a wedding hall in Gulistan-e-Johar. Police initially suspected that he may have been tortured before being shot. The circumstances surrounding his death remained unclear for some time, including speculation over whether he had been murdered or had died by suicide. However, a second post-mortem reportedly strengthened his family’s claim that Ali had been killed. In a video statement released on Wednesday, the driver, Ehsanullah, recalled accepting Ali’s ride during the early hours of the morning. He said the booking came through at around 3:57am. After accepting it, he reached the pickup location at approximately 4:06am and called Ali a minute later to inform him that he had arrived. According to the driver, Ali asked him to wait for a couple of minutes before coming outside. Ehsanullah said Ali arrived around 4:09am, after which the journey began. The driver said they initially left the street and headed towards Khalid bin Waleed Road. He recalled that when he was about to take a turn, Ali stopped him and instructed him to use another route towards a one-way road leading towards Imtiaz and Tariq Road. During the journey, Ali reportedly asked whether the vehicle had Bluetooth or a speaker. After connecting his mobile phone, he played music while continuing to guide the driver. Ehsanullah said he relied on the navigation system while also following Ali’s instructions. The route reportedly took them from Tariq Road to Bahadurabad and then towards Aga Khan Hospital, Stadium Road, Millennium Wall and Perfume Chowk. They subsequently travelled through Johar Mor, Mosamiyat and Samama before reaching Continental Bakery. The driver said Ali then directed him to take another turn and continue ahead before eventually asking him to stop. Ehsanullah said he dropped Ali outside a bank and then left the area. Meanwhile, Sindh Inspector General of Police Javed Alam Odho acknowledged shortcomings in the investigation into Ali’s death. Speaking at a ceremony at the Sindh Bar Council, he said the case was being reassessed following a new medico-legal report. Odho described Ali’s death as tragic and said a new investigation team had been instructed to conduct a transparent and independent inquiry. He acknowledged that there had been lapses, particularly concerning the medico-legal process, and said the shortcomings would be addressed. Ali’s body was discovered on July 29 with a gunshot wound. Investigators later recovered a .30-bore pistol casing from the crime scene on August 6, although the firearm itself had not been found. Following concerns raised by Ali’s family and evidence suggesting he had been shot from behind, the previous investigation team was dissolved. A new team, headed by DIG Investigation and Crime Amir Farooqi, was formed. The family’s lawyer, Jibran Nasir, had previously called for an impartial investigation and alleged that the family had been pressured to accept a suicide explanation. A judicial magistrate in Karachi’s East district has also directed police to submit a progress report in the case by August 15 as the renewed investigation continues.

The investigation into the murder of young Karachi resident Mir Raza has taken a significant turn after investigators prepared a list of 10 people who had allegedly lent money to the deceased. According to investigative sources cited by Express News, Mir Raza had borrowed more than Rs50 million (Rs5 crore) from the 10 individuals. Investigators have decided to question the people on the list as part of efforts to determine whether the victim’s financial dealings were connected to his death. The details obtained by Express News show that one lender, identified as Abid, had allegedly given Mir Raza more than Rs17.5 million (Rs1.75 crore). Another individual, identified as Muni, had reportedly lent him Rs500,000 (Rs5 lakh). Authorities have compiled the financial information concerning all 10 lenders and are expected to question them about their dealings with Mir Raza, including the nature of the loans, outstanding amounts and their last interactions with the deceased. The financial trail has emerged as an important part of the investigation following questions surrounding Mir Raza’s death. His body was recovered from Gulistan-e-Johar on July 29, 2026. The death was initially allegedly presented as a suicide, but concerns were later raised following protests and observations by the police surgeon. On August 8, the body was exhumed for a fresh medical examination. An eight-member medical board subsequently prepared a report detailing its findings about the cause of death. Following the medical team’s report, the government changed the investigation team. A new team was formed under the leadership of Aamir Farooqi. Two additional members were also included in the team following a request submitted by Mir Raza’s parents and lawyer. The latest development indicates that investigators are now examining not only the circumstances surrounding Mir Raza’s death but also his financial relationships and outstanding debts. Questioning the 10 lenders could help investigators establish whether any financial dispute, pressure or other connection may have played a role in the case. However, the identities of most of the lenders and the exact amounts allegedly owed to each person have not been publicly disclosed in the available report. The investigation remains ongoing, and the financial information alone does not establish that any lender was involved in Mir Raza’s death.

  A major initiative has been announced to establish an automotive zone on 150 acres of land at Port Qasim in Karachi, with the government expecting the project to create new opportunities for exports and generate significant foreign exchange for Pakistan. The announcement was made during a meeting of the Port Qasim Authority Board, chaired by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry. The meeting reviewed plans aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s maritime infrastructure and promoting industrial and export-related activities through the country’s major port facilities. Speaking at the meeting, Federal Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the proposed auto zone would cover approximately 150 acres at Port Qasim. He said the project was expected to generate around $500 million in annual exports, while contributing approximately $200 million in foreign exchange earnings each year According to the minister, the auto zone will provide a range of facilities linked to the automotive industry. These will include refurbishment facilities, display areas and spare-parts services. The development is expected to support businesses involved in the import, refurbishment and export of automotive products and components. The minister said the project would create new export opportunities for Pakistan’s automotive sector and help the country strengthen its position in international markets. He described the proposed auto zone as an integrated framework that would bring together automobile imports, refurbishment and exports at a single location. The initiative is also expected to encourage greater investment in the automotive sector by providing businesses with dedicated infrastructure and facilities. By bringing different stages of automotive-related activities together, the project could help improve efficiency and create opportunities for companies seeking to expand their operations in Pakistan. Port Qasim’s strategic importance as one of Pakistan’s major ports could further support the project. The location provides access to maritime transportation and international trade routes, potentially making it easier for automotive businesses to handle imported vehicles, spare parts and other related products before exporting refurbished or finished products to overseas markets. The government expects the auto zone to contribute to the country’s broader efforts to increase exports and generate foreign exchange. Pakistan has been seeking new avenues to expand its export base and reduce pressure on its foreign exchange reserves. In this context, the proposed automotive zone could provide a platform for developing value-added activities rather than relying solely on the import and sale of automotive products. The inclusion of refurbishment facilities is particularly significant because it could allow imported vehicles and automotive components to be repaired, upgraded or prepared for resale and export. Similarly, dedicated spare-parts facilities could support both local businesses and export-oriented automotive operations. The project is therefore being presented as more than a conventional industrial development. It is intended to establish an integrated automotive ecosystem connecting imports, refurbishment, display, spare parts and exports. If implemented as planned, the Port Qasim auto zone could attract investment, support businesses associated with the automotive industry, create employment opportunities and increase Pakistan’s export earnings. The government believes that the project will open new avenues for growth in the automotive sector while contributing to the country’s overall foreign exchange generation and export expansion efforts.

Pakistani singer Atif Aslam has said that he misses his Indian fans and appreciates the support they have continued to show him despite restrictions affecting his work in India. The internationally popular singer shared his thoughts while speaking during a podcast in Dubai, where he is currently involved in various music-related activities and media appearances. Atif Aslam recently appeared on Chris Fed’s podcast, One on One with Chris Fed, where he discussed his career, his Indian audience and his upcoming musical plans. Addressing his Indian fans, Atif said they should not feel sad or disappointed because of the restrictions. He clarified that what he misses is not simply working in India but, more importantly, the fans he has built there over the years. The singer expressed gratitude to his Indian audience for continuing to support him during a difficult period. He acknowledged that their loyalty and encouragement remain important to him. Atif Aslam also reflected on his experience of working in the Indian music industry. He said his time as a playback singer in India taught him a great deal and contributed significantly to his development as an artist. According to the singer, if the restrictions had not been imposed, he might not have moved toward producing his own music in the same way. The experience ultimately encouraged him to explore new creative directions and become more involved in creating music independently. Atif is now working on a new musical project titled “Borderless Music.” The project is expected to bring together artists from different areas of the music industry, including emerging musicians, established singers, legendary performers, composers and lyricists. The project reflects Atif’s continued interest in creating music that can reach audiences beyond geographical boundaries. Known for songs such as “Aadat,” “Kuch Is Tarah,” “Bakhuda” and “Dil Diyan Gallan,” Atif Aslam has developed a large international following over the years. His popularity extends across South Asia and beyond, making him one of Pakistan’s most recognizable contemporary singers. His latest comments have once again highlighted the strong connection between the singer and his Indian audience. While he did not focus on returning to work in India, his message made it clear that the bond with his fans remains significant. Atif also hinted that fans can expect more music under the “Borderless Music” project in the coming days, potentially giving listeners a new chapter in his evolving musical journey.