FCC refuses to halt inquiry against former NAB DG

Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) has issued two separate notifications regarding the retirement and subsequent contractual appointment of Professor Dr Nighat Shah, daughter of former Sindh chief minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah. According to the university’s notifications, Dr Nighat Shah retired from government service on August 12, 2026, but was allowed to continue working at the university as a Professor of Gynaecology (BPS-21) for another three years on a contractual basis. The two notifications were issued separately. One formally announced her retirement, while the other approved her immediate appointment on a three-year contract following her retirement. According to the retirement notification issued by JSMU Registrar Dr Azam Khan, Dr Nighat Shah, who was serving as Professor of Gynaecology and Obstetrics in BPS-21 as well as Pro-Vice Chancellor, retired from government service with effect from the afternoon of August 12. The notification also referred to an earlier order dated October 6, 2025, under which she had been appointed Pro-Vice Chancellor of the university. Her tenure as Pro-Vice Chancellor was linked to her period of government service and was therefore due to end upon her retirement. However, a separate notification issued by the university states that, following a decision by the Sindh government and approval from the competent authority, the Syndicate, Dr Nighat Shah was permitted to continue her services at JSMU as Professor of Gynaecology for three years on a contractual basis. The new contract will take effect from August 13, 2026, just one day after her retirement from government service. The arrangement means that, according to the university’s own notifications, Dr Nighat Shah formally retired from government employment on August 12 but resumed her professional duties at the same institution without any break from August 13 under a three-year contractual appointment. The development has drawn attention because of the timing of the two notifications, with the retirement order followed immediately by the contractual appointment. Dr Nighat Shah was appointed Pro-Vice Chancellor of JSMU in October 2025. Her new contractual role, however, is specifically as Professor of Gynaecology rather than as Pro-Vice Chancellor. The three-year contract will allow her to continue teaching and providing academic and professional services at the university until the completion of the approved contractual period, subject to the terms and conditions of her appointment.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has called for an impartial and independent investigation into reports of deaths and injuries during clashes between protesters and law enforcement personnel in Rawalakot. The violence was reported during the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly elections on July 27. The HRCP said it was deeply concerned by reports that several people had been killed and many others injured during the clashes. It stressed that the reported casualties must be investigated without political pressure. Videos showing unrest and violence have circulated on social media. However, the details and casualty figures shown in the reports could not be independently verified. The HRCP said authorities have a responsibility to maintain public order. However, that responsibility must not undermine the right to life or peaceful assembly. The rights body urged authorities to immediately stop further violence. It also called for restraint while dealing with protesters. The HRCP said anyone found responsible for unlawful use of force should be held accountable. It also stressed the need to restore public confidence ahead of the remaining phases of the AJK elections. AJK Prime Minister Faisal Rathore also commented on the situation. He said the “blood of innocent Kashmiris” had been spilled and blamed the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) for escalating tensions. The opposition alliance Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP) also condemned the reported violence. It alleged that protesters had faced excessive force during demonstrations. The alliance said tensions in AJK had remained high for several weeks. It described the protesters’ demands as being linked to democratic rights, justice and the rule of law. According to TTAP, protesters had been demonstrating over issues including inflation and unemployment. The alliance claimed that efforts by political figures to engage with protesters and find a peaceful solution had faced restrictions. TTAP also referred to videos circulating online. It claimed that some footage showed unarmed people fleeing on roads amid gunfire. These claims could not be independently verified. The opposition alliance condemned what it described as violations of democratic and human rights principles. It called on political parties and citizens to oppose violence and support peaceful political engagement.

The mystery surrounding the death of young businessman Mir Raza Ali Khan remains unresolved as investigators continue to examine evidence, while the victim’s family insists he was murdered and has raised questions about the findings of the preliminary medical report. Mir Raza’s father, Hussain Raza, has rejected the possibility of suicide. He claimed his son was killed and alleged that attempts were being made to present the case as a suicide. He expressed concern over the medical report, saying it mentioned only the gunshot injury and did not describe what he believes were signs of physical violence on his son’s body. According to the father, Mir Raza had injuries on his face, hands and other parts of his body. He also claimed his son was shot from behind and questioned why the report did not include details of the alleged injuries. He further asked investigators to explain what happened during the period between his son’s disappearance on July 28 and the recovery of his body the following day. He said Mir Raza had spoken to his sister before leaving home and appeared to be in good spirits. The taxi driver who transported him also reportedly told investigators that Mir Raza seemed relaxed and was listening to music during the journey. The family has appealed to senior authorities for a transparent and impartial investigation. The investigation has made further progress with the recovery of another CCTV recording showing Mir Raza’s movements before his death. The footage reportedly captures him taking his mobile phone out of his pocket and throwing it away. Investigators are conducting forensic and technical analysis of the video to determine its significance. Police said the preliminary medical examination found that Mir Raza died from a gunshot wound to the chest. However, the firearm used in the incident and the spent bullet casing have not yet been recovered, leaving investigators without key physical evidence. As part of the ongoing investigation, police are also looking into Mir Raza’s financial dealings. Initial inquiries suggest he had borrowed money from several individuals. Authorities are preparing a list of those people and are questioning them to determine whether any financial dispute may have contributed to the incident. Investigators have so far included 12 individuals in the inquiry and recorded statements from 15 people connected to the case. Earlier CCTV footage showed Mir Raza leaving his shop in Bahadurabad during the early hours after taking a security guard’s pistol from a drawer. He later returned home, where he left behind his car, smartwatch, house keys and Rs39,000 before booking an online taxi. Further footage showed him traveling alone to Gulistan-e-Jauhar. Investigators believe he switched off his mobile phone near Johar Mor before reaching Block 2, where he was last traced.