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Investigators have uncovered new evidence in the mysterious death of Karachi resident Mir Raza Ali, whose body was found in Gulistan-e-Jauhar, as police continue to investigate whether he was murdered or died by suicide. According to investigation sources, CCTV footage obtained by police shows Mir Raza leaving his shop near Bahadurabad at around 3:30am on July 29 after taking a security guard’s pistol from a drawer. He then drove to his home, where he left behind his car, smartwatch, house keys, and Rs39,000 before booking an online taxi. Police said Mir Raza departed his home at 4:08am and headed toward Gulistan-e-Jauhar alone. CCTV footage also captured him walking by himself in the area. His mobile phone was switched off at around 4:22am near Johar Mor Hilltop, and he was dropped off in Block 2 of Gulistan-e-Jauhar at approximately 4:28am. Authorities are still trying to determine whether Mir Raza was killed or took his own life. Investigation sources said Mir Raza was involved in the digital currency business in addition to his other commercial ventures. He had reportedly managed investments for several people and regularly paid profits to investors. However, officials said his digital currency business began suffering losses in December 2025, with financial difficulties worsening significantly in April 2026. To cover the losses, he allegedly started borrowing money and eventually accumulated debts estimated between Rs50 million and Rs80 million. Sources further claimed that an overseas friend invested Rs7.5 million in his business but did not receive the promised returns. Police have also recorded the statement of Mir Raza’s fiancée. According to investigators, the two remained in contact until around 11:30pm on July 28. She attempted to contact him again at around 3:00am, making more than 40 calls and sending numerous messages within 20 minutes, but received no response. Investigators also revealed that Mir Raza had deleted all of his social media accounts before leaving home. He reportedly transferred Rs250,000 to his father’s bank account and carried the shop security guard’s .30-bore pistol with him. While police recovered the pistol holster from the scene, the firearm itself has not yet been found. Another CCTV recording from the area where Mir Raza’s body was discovered has provided a new lead. The footage shows a motorcycle arriving at the deserted location at 3:36am on July 29 and remaining there for approximately 22 seconds before leaving. Based on preliminary evidence, investigators suspect the body may have been dumped at the site during the early hours of July 29. They believe those involved may also have discarded the pistol holster at the scene, which could become a crucial piece of evidence. Police have expanded their investigation, using CCTV footage and other forensic evidence to identify and arrest those responsible while examining every possible angle of the case. Investigation sources also disclosed that Mir Raza had thrown away his mobile phone along University Road. The device was later found by three labourers working in the area. Police tracked down the workers and recovered the phone as part of the ongoing investigation.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Sharmila Faruqui has alleged that her party believes in the power of the vote, while the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) relies on other means to secure political success. Speaking during a television programme on Monday, Faruqui claimed that an atmosphere of fear and intimidation was created in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), giving the impression that the election mandate had already been secured. She argued that announcements of development initiatives, including Green Bus projects, before polling day amounted to pre-poll rigging. According to her, even if the PML-N succeeds in forming a government in AJK with the current mandate, it will struggle to effectively serve the people. Faruqui also questioned the handling of polling in constituencies where the PPP traditionally enjoys strong public support. She alleged that polling staff arrived late in several such areas, raising concerns about the transparency of the electoral process. Referring to the killing of a PPP worker, she claimed that the incident was initially described as resulting from either a push or a heart attack, despite the party maintaining that the worker had been deliberately targeted. The PPP leader further said the AJK elections should not be viewed through the political lens of Lahore or Karachi, as the region has its own unique issues and priorities. She maintained that the people of Azad Kashmir have a longstanding bond with the PPP and asserted that no other political party enjoys the same level of public support in the region. The PML-N has not publicly responded to Faruqui’s allegations. Meanwhile, results from the second phase of the AJK elections continue to emerge, with the PML-N maintaining a clear lead according to unofficial results.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi arrived in Karachi on Monday to preside over a two-day sitting of the Supreme Court’s Karachi Registry. Following his arrival, the Supreme Court issued the official cause list outlining the benches that will hear a wide range of civil and criminal cases during the proceedings. According to the cause list, Bench No. 1 will be headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi and include Justice Musarrat Hilali. The bench will hear several important civil and criminal matters listed before the Karachi Registry over the next two days. Bench No. 2 will comprise Justice Muneeb Akhtar and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail. The judges will hear cases assigned to them under the published schedule and dispose of pending matters brought before the court. Bench No. 3 will consist of Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Irfan Saadat Khan and Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi. The three-member bench is also expected to hear a number of civil and constitutional cases during the two-day session. The Karachi Registry is scheduled to hear a variety of petitions and appeals filed by individuals, government departments and private parties. The hearings are part of the Supreme Court’s regular judicial work aimed at ensuring timely disposal of pending cases across the country. Lawyers and litigants are expected to appear before the respective benches according to the published cause list. The two-day sitting will provide an opportunity for the court to hear several pending matters and issue rulings in accordance with the law. The Supreme Court periodically holds sittings at its regional registries to improve access to justice and reduce the backlog of cases. The Karachi Registry remains one of the court’s busiest benches, handling a significant number of legal disputes from Sindh and surrounding areas. During the current session, the three benches will conduct hearings simultaneously to ensure efficient disposal of cases listed before the court.