Nikahnama rules face review, registrars could face jail

The investigation into the murder of young Karachi resident Mir Raza has taken a significant turn after investigators prepared a list of 10 people who had allegedly lent money to the deceased. According to investigative sources cited by Express News, Mir Raza had borrowed more than Rs50 million (Rs5 crore) from the 10 individuals. Investigators have decided to question the people on the list as part of efforts to determine whether the victim’s financial dealings were connected to his death. The details obtained by Express News show that one lender, identified as Abid, had allegedly given Mir Raza more than Rs17.5 million (Rs1.75 crore). Another individual, identified as Muni, had reportedly lent him Rs500,000 (Rs5 lakh). Authorities have compiled the financial information concerning all 10 lenders and are expected to question them about their dealings with Mir Raza, including the nature of the loans, outstanding amounts and their last interactions with the deceased. The financial trail has emerged as an important part of the investigation following questions surrounding Mir Raza’s death. His body was recovered from Gulistan-e-Johar on July 29, 2026. The death was initially allegedly presented as a suicide, but concerns were later raised following protests and observations by the police surgeon. On August 8, the body was exhumed for a fresh medical examination. An eight-member medical board subsequently prepared a report detailing its findings about the cause of death. Following the medical team’s report, the government changed the investigation team. A new team was formed under the leadership of Aamir Farooqi. Two additional members were also included in the team following a request submitted by Mir Raza’s parents and lawyer. The latest development indicates that investigators are now examining not only the circumstances surrounding Mir Raza’s death but also his financial relationships and outstanding debts. Questioning the 10 lenders could help investigators establish whether any financial dispute, pressure or other connection may have played a role in the case. However, the identities of most of the lenders and the exact amounts allegedly owed to each person have not been publicly disclosed in the available report. The investigation remains ongoing, and the financial information alone does not establish that any lender was involved in Mir Raza’s death.

  MANSEHRA: Young people were encouraged to expand their perspectives, develop stronger social networks and turn their ideas into practical actions at the ninth annual Qalb Conference, held on August 8 and 9 at Sirin Resort in Naran. The two-day event was organised by the District Youth Office Mansehra in partnership with the Qalb Welfare Foundation under the Directorate of Youth Affairs, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The conference brought together young people, volunteers, social workers and tourism enthusiasts from different parts of Pakistan to discuss youth leadership, community participation, volunteerism and the role of young people in the country’s social development. The conference was held under the theme “Explore, Connect, Change,” which encouraged participants to discover new opportunities, establish meaningful connections and contribute towards positive change in their communities. Adviser to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Sports and Youth Affairs, Taj Muhammad Khan Tarand, attended the event as the chief guest. Chairman of the District Development Advisory Committee (D-DAC) Mansehra Ikramullah Ghazi, along with other officials and guests, also participated in the gathering. Speaking at the conference, Mr Tarand highlighted the importance of young people in the social and economic development of the province. He said youth represented a valuable part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s social capital and needed greater opportunities to improve their skills, exchange ideas and participate in productive activities. He also stressed that young people should be actively involved in community-based initiatives. According to him, meaningful participation could help youth transform their abilities, creativity and ideas into practical contributions that benefit society. Director Youth Affairs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Abbas Khan Afridi said the Directorate was working to provide young people with platforms where they could strengthen leadership abilities, meet people from different backgrounds and discuss challenges faced by their communities. He emphasised that youth development should not be limited to occasional conferences or events. Instead, young people should have continuous opportunities for learning, collaboration, skill development and practical involvement in social activities. The conference took place in the scenic surroundings of Naran, providing participants with an environment that combined learning and interaction with personal development. Various activities focused on teamwork, leadership, communication and learning. Participants also shared their experiences in areas including social welfare, voluntary blood donation and tourism promotion. The presence of participants from different regions of Pakistan added diversity to the discussions and allowed attendees to exchange experiences and perspectives. Speakers and participants highlighted the potential of Pakistani youth to contribute to community welfare, promote volunteerism and create a more positive image of the country. The organisers said the main purpose of the conference was not only to encourage discussion but also to motivate young people to take practical steps towards bringing positive change to their communities. The two-day conference concluded on August 9 with participants reaffirming the message of “Explore, Connect, Change.” The event emphasised the importance of discovering new possibilities, building meaningful networks and empowering young people to play an active role in shaping a better future for Pakistan.

  ISLAMABAD: Adviser to Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah has said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is expected to secure a two-thirds majority in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly after elections for the reserved seats. Speaking about the political situation in Azad Kashmir, Rana Sanaullah said that PML-N would form its government in the region with a clear majority. He stated that the party had secured victory on 25 seats and would achieve a two-thirds majority once the elections for reserved seats were completed. The prime minister’s adviser also expressed his appreciation for Sajid Iqbal, who was elected from LA-14. He thanked the newly elected lawmaker for deciding to support PML-N and said that Sajid Iqbal would work alongside the party for the development and improvement of Azad Kashmir. Rana Sanaullah said that the people of Azad Kashmir had given PML-N a mandate to improve the situation in the region and address the issues faced by its people. He emphasized that the party would fulfill the commitments it had made during the election campaign and would work to bring positive changes to the lives of citizens. He further said that the AJK Legislative Assembly would be allowed to function with its full constitutional powers. According to him, the new government would focus on governance, development and resolving the problems of the people instead of engaging in political confrontation. Commenting on the ongoing protests and sit-ins in Azad Kashmir, Rana Sanaullah said that the citizens participating in the demonstrations were their brothers and should not be viewed as opponents. He stressed that the people of Azad Kashmir were as much owners of Pakistan as citizens living in other parts of the country. However, he claimed that only a very small portion of the protesters, estimated at around one to one-and-a-half percent, might be influenced by elements attempting to create unrest or provoke violence. He maintained that the majority of the people participating in the protests were ordinary citizens expressing their concerns. Rana Sanaullah’s remarks come amid heightened political activity in Azad Kashmir following the recent elections. The expected formation of a PML-N government, along with the possibility of the party securing a two-thirds majority through reserved seats, could significantly strengthen its position in the AJK Legislative Assembly. The PML-N leadership has indicated that its priority will be to address governance and development-related challenges in Azad Kashmir. Rana Sanaullah reiterated that the party would honor its election commitments and work toward improving the region’s overall situation. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining unity between Azad Kashmir and Pakistan, saying that the people of the region have an equal stake in the country. His comments appeared aimed at reassuring protesting citizens while also distinguishing them from what he described as a small number of potentially disruptive elements. With the reserved-seat elections still to be completed, the final composition of the AJK Assembly will determine whether PML-N achieves the two-thirds majority claimed by the prime minister’s adviser. The party is nevertheless confident that it has secured sufficient political support to form the government and pursue its legislative and development agenda in Azad Kashmir.