فیچرڈ

  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.

KARACHI: A Rs65 million robbery at an Edhi Foundation centre in Karachi has sparked protests, with families of affected employees demanding the recovery of the stolen money and the immediate arrest of those responsible. The demonstration was held outside the Karachi Press Club on Sunday, where relatives of Edhi Foundation workers, labour representatives, civil society activists and citizens gathered to voice their anger. Protesters carried placards and chanted slogans calling for justice and the safe recovery of funds intended to pay workers’ salaries. Edhi Foundation Chairman Faisal Edhi joined the protest and expressed concern over the financial hardship faced by employees from low-income families. He said the money stolen from the foundation’s Sohrab Goth centre had been kept specifically for salary payments. According to Faisal Edhi, four armed men entered the centre, took the Rs65 million and escaped. He said no arrests had been made so far and urged Sindh Chief Minister to take immediate action to ensure the suspects were arrested and the stolen funds recovered. “These workers come from poor families, and their households have been left without financial support,” Faisal Edhi said, assuring employees that the foundation would stand by them during the difficult situation. Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Chairman Asad Iqbal Butt also condemned the incident, saying the robbery at a humanitarian organisation raised serious concerns about security and law enforcement. He called on the Sindh government to provide immediate financial assistance to the Edhi Foundation and compensate it for the stolen amount. National Trade Union Federation Secretary General Nasir Mansoor, Pakistan Peoples Party Labour Bureau leader Habibuddin Junaidi and other representatives also attended the demonstration in support of the affected workers. Family members of the employees appealed to the provincial government to ensure that salaries were paid without further delay. They also demanded stronger security at Edhi Foundation centres across Karachi and called for the arrest and prosecution of the robbers. The protesters further questioned the Sindh police leadership over the lack of arrests and demanded an explanation for the delay in bringing the suspects to justice. The robbery has left many Edhi employees and their families facing immediate financial uncertainty, turning the incident into not only a major security concern but also a humanitarian issue for the workers who depend on their salaries to support their households.

SWABI: Tobacco growers in Swabi took to the streets on Monday, protesting against what they described as unfairly low purchase prices for their crop and demanding enforcement of the official rate announced by the Pakistan Tobacco Board. The protest was held outside the Swabi Press Club, where farmers were joined by political and social activists as well as members of the local community. Growers said they were being offered as little as Rs350 per kilogram, despite the official rate of Rs750 per kilogram. During the demonstration, tobacco grower and former ANP district general secretary Haji Tameez Khan burned around 500 kilograms of his tobacco crop to highlight the financial pressure facing farmers. Speaking at the protest, Khan said the cost of producing tobacco had reached nearly Rs750 per kilogram, making offers of Rs350 to Rs400 per kilogram unsustainable for growers. He said farmers had already suffered substantial losses in the previous season and were now struggling to clear debts owed to labourers and suppliers. Khan said tobacco was a major cash crop and generated significant revenue for the cigarette industry, yet farmers remained uncertain about receiving a price that covered their production costs. He warned that continued failure to address the issue could lead more growers to adopt similar forms of protest. The protesters also criticised the Pakistan Tobacco Board and tobacco companies for failing to resolve the pricing dispute. They called on the authorities to ensure that tobacco-buying companies adhere to the officially approved rate and protect farmers from losses. National Awami Party district chairman Masood Jabbar said tobacco was a key source of income for Swabi’s farming community. He warned that failure to address growers’ grievances could lead to wider protests across the district, with more farmers expected to join future demonstrations.

LAHORE: President Asif Ali Zardari has left Lahore after spending around two days in the city without meeting the local leadership of his Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), adding to speculation surrounding the political situation within the party. Zardari departed for Islamabad on Sunday after a low-profile visit during which he reportedly held no formal meetings with PPP leaders in Lahore. His stay has drawn particular attention amid unconfirmed reports that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari may have left Pakistan. A senior party figure close to the leadership said the president’s visit was not intended for meetings with the party’s local leadership. According to the source, Zardari had come to Lahore to deal with sensitive and urgent matters away from public attention. The same source acknowledged hearing reports about Bilawal’s possible departure but said he could neither confirm nor reject them. During his stay, Zardari was reported to have held only one known meeting, with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who was accompanied by businessman Gohar Ejaz. The president’s arrival also appeared to catch several PPP leaders off guard, with party members saying they had not been informed beforehand. Some PPP leaders reportedly sought meetings with Zardari but were unable to secure appointments. The president’s visit comes at a politically sensitive time for the PPP, which has recently taken a strong position against the creation of new administrative units and criticised the PML-N government over what it describes as excessive reliance on the establishment. Zardari has also recently withheld his assent to the elevation of judges, adding another layer to the growing political tensions. Attempts were made to contact PPP leaders Nadeem Afzal Chan and Shazia Marri for clarification about the reports concerning Bilawal, but no response was received before the report was filed. Meanwhile, PPP Kashmir leader Chaudhary Riaz said Bilawal had left the Kashmir Valley but added that he did not know where the party chairman was currently located.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed a strong increase in remittances sent by overseas Pakistanis, with the country receiving $3.6 billion during July. Reacting to the latest figures, the prime minister described the inflow as encouraging, noting that remittances recorded a 13 per cent increase compared with the same month last year. He also highlighted a month-on-month rise, saying remittances grew by 4.5 per cent in July. The continued increase provides further support to Pakistan’s foreign exchange position and reflects the growing contribution of overseas Pakistanis to the national economy. Shehbaz praised the Pakistani diaspora for playing an important role in supporting economic stability. He said overseas Pakistanis remain an important part of the country’s economic strength and appreciated their continued support through financial transfers. The latest rise in remittances comes as Pakistan continues efforts to strengthen its external account, improve foreign exchange liquidity and maintain economic stability.