Chinese National Arrested in Chiang Mai Over Altered Passport

The DNA of Karachi businessman Mir Raza has matched samples collected from his parents, officials said on Tuesday. The development is part of the ongoing investigation into his death. Authorities have also expanded the investigation team handling the case. A notification has been issued for the appointment of two additional officers. According to the notification, DSP Sirajuddin and Inspector Muhammad Ali have been included in the investigation team. Their addition has increased the strength of the team to seven members. The latest appointments come as investigators continue to examine different aspects of the case. Police are also reviewing the available evidence as part of the probe. Meanwhile, the former investigation officer appeared before the Judicial Magistrate East in connection with the case. He requested additional time to submit the investigation report. The former officer told the court that the investigation was still in progress. He also informed the court that senior authorities had changed the officer responsible for investigating the case. He said the newly appointed investigation officer would appear before the court at the next hearing. The officer is expected to continue the investigation and submit the required report. The court accepted the request for more time. It directed the former investigation officer to submit the report by August 15. The court proceedings took place as investigators continued their efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding Mir Raza’s death. The DNA match with his parents has also provided an important development in the investigation. Authorities are now expected to continue examining other evidence and findings linked to the case.

Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has announced that his party will hold simultaneous sit-ins across all four provinces on August 16, as part of its campaign against what he described as injustice and oppressive policies. Speaking about the planned demonstrations, Naeemur Rehman said a sit-in would be held outside the Punjab Chief Minister’s House in Lahore. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Balochistan, party workers will stage protests outside the respective Governor Houses. The Jamaat-e-Islami chief said the demonstrations would be held at the same time across the country. He called on the rulers to stop what he termed oppression and injustice, saying the government must pay attention to the concerns of the people. Naeemur Rehman said his party would continue raising its voice on issues affecting citizens. He maintained that the government should take practical steps to address public grievances instead of ignoring them. The announcement comes as Jamaat-e-Islami continues its political activities and prepares to mobilise workers in different parts of the country. The party is expected to organise demonstrations in provincial capitals and other major areas as part of its campaign. The JI chief also welcomed the recent defence agreement signed by Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia. He described the agreement as a positive development and said stronger cooperation among the three countries could contribute to regional security and closer ties.

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has set an ambitious target of planting 1.4 million saplings in a single day as part of its Independence Day celebrations. K-P Information and Public Relations Minister Shafi Jan said the large-scale plantation drive would be conducted across the province on August 14. He described the initiative as a major step towards expanding green cover and promoting environmental protection. The minister said extensive plantation activities would be carried out across a large area in Speen Khak, with teams taking part in the campaign to meet the record target. Shafi Jan, in his Independence Day message, said August 14 was a historic occasion that reminded the nation of the sacrifices made during the Pakistan Movement. He paid tribute to the leaders who struggled for the creation of Pakistan and those who sacrificed their lives for the country. He urged citizens to renew their commitment to building a stronger, stable, prosperous and sovereign Pakistan. According to him, national development requires collective responsibility, discipline and a continued commitment to the country’s future. The minister also highlighted the role of young people in national development. He said the younger generation should follow the ideals of Allama Iqbal and contribute towards making Pakistan more self-reliant and progressive. The provincial government has introduced a digital monitoring mechanism to improve transparency in the plantation campaign. The Ehsaas Shajarkari Web Portal will be used to identify suitable plantation locations through GPS technology. The portal will also help authorities monitor plantation activities and maintain a consolidated record of the saplings planted during the campaign. Officials will be able to track plantation sites and assess progress through the digital system. Shafi Jan said the initiative was being undertaken under the direction of K-P Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. He expressed confidence that the province would achieve its target and establish a significant plantation milestone on Independence Day.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has called for a fair and transparent electoral process in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), saying the Election Commission’s duty is to protect the people’s vote rather than support any political party. In a statement regarding the first phase of the AJK elections, Bilawal said the credibility of the entire electoral process would depend on ensuring justice and transparency at the initial stage. He urged the Election Commission to address all complaints related to alleged rigging and irregularities before August 2 through open hearings. He also demanded that polling station results and election records be made available to the public to remove doubts and increase confidence in the process. The PPP chairman said his party was not seeking anyone’s favour or special treatment. He said the demand was only for the right to participate in clean, transparent and impartial elections. Bilawal emphasized that the Election Commission should remain neutral and perform its constitutional responsibilities without any pressure. He said the institution’s main responsibility was to safeguard the mandate given by voters. He added that protecting the people’s vote was essential for strengthening democracy and ensuring that the voices of Kashmir’s residents were properly represented. The PPP leader’s statement came amid political discussions over the first phase of the AJK elections, with parties raising concerns and demanding a transparent mechanism to address electoral complaints.