Pakistan confirm four-day warm-up before England Tests

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has praised the services of Pakistan’s former military personnel. He said their experience and guidance remain a valuable institutional asset for the country. The army chief made the remarks while hosting a reception in honour of ex-servicemen on Pakistan’s Independence Day. A large number of retired officers and personnel attended the event. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Field Marshal Asim Munir paid tribute to the former servicemen for their contributions to Pakistan’s defence. He also recognised their role in strengthening national resilience. He said the services of retired military personnel continued to hold importance even after their formal retirement from the armed forces. Field Marshal Asim Munir said Pakistan was facing a complex and changing security environment. He noted that the experience of former servicemen could help the country better understand and respond to emerging security challenges. He described their knowledge, experience and guidance as an important institutional resource. He said the contribution of veterans could support efforts to strengthen national security and resilience. The army chief also acknowledged the sacrifices and services rendered by former members of the armed forces during their years of service. The ex-servicemen, in turn, expressed confidence in the leadership of the Pakistan Army. They reaffirmed their support for the armed forces in dealing with emerging security challenges. The retired personnel also pledged to continue playing their role in strengthening national unity. They expressed their commitment to supporting peace and prosperity in the country. The gathering provided an opportunity to recognise the continued connection between serving and retired military personnel. It also highlighted the importance of preserving institutional experience and benefiting from the knowledge of veterans.

New CCTV footage has emerged in the investigation into the murder of Mir Raza Ali Khan, whose body was found in Karachi’s Gulistan-e-Jauhar area two days after he went missing. The footage shows Mir Raza taking a firearm out of a drawer inside his home and placing it in his vehicle before leaving. He is then seen returning to the kitchen shortly afterward. Another CCTV clip recorded at 4:38am shows Mir Raza walking alone near the area where his body was later discovered. According to police, Mir Raza went missing on July 28 after leaving his home in PECHS. Investigators said he departed at 4:09am in an online taxi and was later found dead in Gulistan-e-Jauhar. Police said the victim was shot in the chest and his body was recovered in a severely mutilated condition. Investigators also revealed that all of his social media accounts had been deactivated a day before his body was found. Authorities have sought Mir Raza’s mobile phone records and data of people who were in contact with him before his disappearance. Police are also examining information obtained from the telecom company as part of the ongoing investigation. The driver of the ride-hailing taxi used by Mir Raza has also been questioned. In his statement, the driver told investigators that he dropped the victim near his destination in Gulistan-e-Jauhar before leaving. Earlier, police recovered Mir Raza’s mobile phone and a pistol holster from the crime scene, which are now being examined as evidence. Mir Raza’s father said his son was due to marry on August 30 at Bait-ul-Mukarram Mosque in Gulshan-e-Iqbal. He said Mir Raza was excited about starting a new chapter of his life, making the tragedy even more heartbreaking for the family. Police said the investigation is continuing from multiple angles and that all available evidence, including CCTV footage, digital records and witness statements, is being analysed to identify those responsible for the killing.