NCCIA cracks down on cyber fraud, arrests 7 in Lah…

Security forces carried out intelligence-based operations in Lakki Marwat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing several militants and destroying multiple hideouts during the latest counterterrorism action. According to security sources, the operation targeted militant hideouts following intelligence reports about their presence in the area. During the operation, several militants were killed, while others were reportedly injured as security forces engaged the suspects. Officials said a cache of weapons, ammunition and other militant-related material was recovered from the sites cleared during the operation. Security sources added that the operation dealt a significant blow to the militant network operating in the area. Clearance and search activities continued to ensure that no militants remained in the vicinity. Meanwhile, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the security forces for the successful operation. He commended the professionalism, courage and commitment displayed by the personnel in carrying out the intelligence-based action. The interior minister said the forces had foiled the militants’ plans through timely action and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating terrorism from the country. He added that intelligence-based operations would continue until militant groups are completely dismantled and lasting peace is restored. He also said the nation stands with the security forces and values their sacrifices in maintaining peace and protecting the country from terrorist threats.

ISLAMABAD: The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP), headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan, has recommended the appointment and confirmation of 13 judges for the Lahore High Court (LHC) and the Balochistan High Court (BHC), marking a significant step toward addressing judicial vacancies and strengthening the country’s higher judiciary. The recommendations were made during separate meetings of the Commission held at the Supreme Court building in Islamabad under Article 175A(2) of the Constitution. Alongside judicial appointments, the Commission also reviewed proposed amendments to the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (Appointment of Judges) Rules, 2024. According to an official statement, the Commission decided that the proposed amendments to the appointment rules would be circulated among all remaining members of the Commission, including representatives of the Federal Shariat Court and the country’s high courts, for further consideration before final approval. For the Lahore High Court, the Commission, by a majority vote of its members, recommended the confirmation of Justice Tariq Mahmood Bajwa, who has been serving as an additional judge, as a permanent judge of the court. The JCP also approved the appointment of 10 additional judges for the Lahore High Court. The nominees include Amir Ajam Malik, Asad Ali Bajwa, Barrister Muhammad Usman Ghani Rashid Cheema, Ghulam Sarwar Nihang, Khalid Ibn-i-Aziz, Muhammad Ajmal Khan Zahid, Muhammad Amjad Pervaiz, Munawar Iqbal Duggal, Shireen Imran, and Syed Farhad Ali. All are senior advocates of the Supreme Court with extensive legal experience. For the Balochistan High Court, the Commission recommended the appointment of three additional judges against five vacant positions. The nominees are District and Sessions Judge Allah Dad Roshan, Senior Advocate Muhammad Rauf Atta, and District and Sessions Judge Abdul Qayyum Lehri. The Commission decided not to fill the remaining two vacancies at this stage, leaving the positions open for future consideration. The recommendations will now move through the constitutional appointment process before the judges formally assume office. Legal experts say the appointments are expected to help reduce the growing backlog of cases, improve judicial efficiency and strengthen the administration of justice in both Punjab and Balochistan. The JCP’s latest decisions come at a time when Pakistan’s judiciary continues efforts to enhance institutional capacity through timely appointments and procedural reforms. The proposed amendments to the Judicial Commission Rules are also expected to shape future judicial appointments by introducing greater clarity and consistency to the selection process.

The father of deceased businessman Mir Raza Ali has decided to seek a second post-mortem examination, saying he is not satisfied with the initial medical report or the progress of the investigation into his son’s death. Mir Hussain said he will move the court to request a fresh medical examination. He believes the first post-mortem did not fully explain the circumstances of his son’s death and has called for a transparent and impartial investigation. Mir Raza Ali, an IBA graduate and businessman, went missing on the night of July 28 after leaving his home. According to his family, he told them he would return within a few minutes. However, he did not come back. His body was found the following day in bushes in Karachi’s Gulistan-e-Jauhar area. The victim’s father has rejected the theory that his son died by suicide. He insists that Mir Raza was murdered and claims attempts are being made to present the incident as a suicide. He alleged that his son’s body showed signs of violence, including burns to the face, body and fingerprints. He also claimed that Mir Raza was shot from behind and questioned why the initial medical report focused only on the gunshot injury without mentioning other visible injuries. Mir Hussain further questioned what happened to his son during the nearly 24 hours between his disappearance and the recovery of his body. He said Mir Raza had spoken to his sister before leaving home and appeared to be in a normal mood. According to the family, the taxi driver who dropped him off also told investigators that the businessman seemed cheerful and was singing during the journey. Preliminary medical findings indicated that the victim died from a gunshot wound. The report estimated that the body was between 24 and 36 hours old when examined. Medical officials also noted facial injuries and marks on one of his hands. The bullet’s path suggested it entered from the back and exited through the front. To ensure a thorough inquiry, Karachi police have constituted a three-member special investigation team. The team has been directed to examine every aspect of the case, identify those responsible and submit daily progress reports to senior police officials. Investigators have also reviewed the victim’s mobile phone records and forensic evidence. According to officials, the data indicates that Mir Raza had been facing financial difficulties. Authorities said he had reportedly sent a message to a friend shortly before his death requesting a loan of Rs30 million. Police have recorded statements from 15 individuals, including the taxi driver who last transported the victim and the person who first informed authorities about the body.