Field Marshal Asim Munir to visit Tehran tomorrow

Karachi Police Chief Azad Khan has said that investigations into the death of Mir Raza are continuing from every possible angle, adding that recovering the missing weapon could be crucial in determining what happened. Speaking to the media, Azad Khan said the initial medical report was prepared by a doctor working under the police surgeon. The medico-legal officer (MLO) examined the body and submitted the report to the police surgeon, who kept it for two days before it was released. He questioned why any concerns regarding the report were not addressed immediately. According to the police chief, the police surgeon neither personally examined the body nor conducted the medical examination, and any reservations about the findings should have been communicated to investigators without delay. Azad Khan said police based their early investigation on the preliminary medico-legal report provided by the MLO. He added that confirmation of gunpowder residue on the deceased’s hands was also essential to the investigation. The police chief said the Crime Scene Unit collected evidence from the scene and handed all relevant material over to the medical team. He also questioned why the medical team did not visit the crime scene, noting that in many countries medical experts inspect the scene themselves, particularly in high-profile cases. He said that if Mir Raza’s family requests it, another medical examination can be conducted. Meanwhile, investigators are looking into the disappearance of the weapon believed to be linked to the case. Azad Khan also confirmed that police are searching for a waste collector seen in a video recorded near the scene. He said locating the missing weapon could help investigators resolve key questions surrounding Mir Raza’s death. The investigation remains ongoing, with police continuing to gather evidence and examine all possible leads.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has urged the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to accept its defeat in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections instead of making allegations of rigging. In a video statement, Maryam responded to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s criticism of the election results. She said the PPP should accept the outcome “with an open heart” and focus on its political responsibilities. Maryam said complaints and accusations would not change the election results. She also advised the PPP to concentrate on governance rather than questioning the electoral process. Her statement came after Bilawal strongly criticised the PML-N and raised questions about the conduct of the AJK elections. Speaking at a workers’ convention in Muzaffarabad, Bilawal questioned whether the situation in AJK could be described as genuine democracy. Bilawal claimed that PPP candidates had received strong public support and suggested that the party’s performance did not reflect the votes and expectations of the people. He also questioned whether political interests were being prioritised over the wider interests of AJK. The remarks triggered a political exchange between the two parties following the completion of polling in the first phase of the AJK Legislative Assembly elections. According to unofficial and provisional results, the PML-N emerged as the leading party by winning nine of the 13 constituencies contested in the first phase. The PPP secured the remaining four seats across the Mirpur division. The results prompted celebrations among PML-N workers and supporters, while the PPP raised concerns over the electoral process. The first phase covered constituencies in Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber. Voting was held on July 27, with polling time extended by one hour after the scheduled closing time. The electoral contest has intensified political competition between the PML-N and PPP in AJK.