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Police have intensified their investigation into the death of 25-year-old former Institute of Business Administration (IBA) student and aspiring entrepreneur Mir Raza Ali Khan, saying several pieces of evidence point toward the possibility of suicide. However, investigators have not ruled out other possibilities as key questions remain unanswered. The young businessman was found dead with a gunshot wound to his chest in bushes near Shahi Qila in Gulistan-i-Jauhar, opposite the University of Karachi. His body was recovered two days after he was reported missing from his residence in PECHS. According to investigators, Raza had returned home after closing his business in Bahadurabad before leaving again after collecting a pistol from his office. Before departing, he reportedly left the keys to his house and car, along with his wristwatch and some cash for his mother. Police also found that all data on his iPhone had been deleted before his disappearance. The investigation revealed that he booked an online ride to Gulistan-i-Jauhar. The cab driver told police that Raza requested his favourite song during the journey and paid more than the required fare. CCTV footage reviewed by investigators showed him walking alone after being dropped off, with no one seen accompanying him. Police later recovered his mobile phone after tracing it to a person who inserted a SIM card into the device. The individual was detained, and investigators recovered the phone for forensic examination. Authorities also found the holster of Raza’s pistol hanging from a tree near the location where his body was discovered. However, the firearm used in the incident has not yet been recovered. Investigators believe it may have been taken away by someone passing through the area after the incident. The investigation has further revealed that Raza had been facing significant financial difficulties. Police said he had suffered losses worth millions of rupees through business investments and was under pressure to repay investors. Investigators also learned that he had sought a loan of Rs30 million from one investor, but the request was declined. According to statements recorded by police, the investor claimed Raza had spoken about experiencing disturbing thoughts before his death. His fiancée also told investigators that he had become deeply focused on cryptocurrency investments, particularly Bitcoin. She said she sent him a message on the night of his disappearance, but it was never delivered because his phone had already gone offline. Despite the evidence gathered so far, investigators say three major questions remain unresolved. They are trying to determine why Raza chose the isolated location where his body was found, where the missing pistol is, and why forensic experts did not detect gunshot residue on his hands despite the bullet being fired from close range. Officials noted that the body’s partial decomposition may have affected forensic findings.

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Police have accused the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) of pursuing an agenda aimed at creating unrest in the region. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Khawar Ali Shaukat made the allegations during a press conference in Rawalakot on Wednesday. The police official said recent violence in Rawalakot had raised serious questions about the group’s claim that it was engaged in peaceful protests. Shaukat alleged that armed groups attacked security personnel at several locations across the city over the past two days. According to the police official, the attackers used sophisticated weapons during the clashes. He said security personnel came under repeated fire during the incidents. The SSP said one Rangers official was martyred in the violence. He added that around 15 police officers and other law enforcement personnel were injured. Shaukat claimed that several suspects had been arrested in connection with the attacks. He said a significant quantity of weapons and ammunition was recovered from those taken into custody. The recovered weapons allegedly included heavy arms. Police also claimed to have seized an automatic weapon believed to be of American origin. The SSP said the recovery raised concerns about the nature and objectives of the group involved in the violence. He accused the proscribed organisation of attempting to disrupt peace in AJK and create divisions within society. Shaukat also rejected claims circulating on social media that security forces had deliberately targeted peaceful protesters. He said the situation on the ground was different from the narrative being presented online. According to the police official, law enforcement agencies exercised restraint throughout the unrest. He claimed that security personnel responded only after coming under attack. The latest police statement comes after clashes between protesters and security forces in different parts of AJK. Violence was reported in Rawalakot on Monday and in Mirpur on Tuesday. The clashes reportedly resulted in several casualties, although details surrounding the losses remained disputed. The JAAC has been holding protests across the region for several weeks. Among its demands is the abolition of 12 seats in the local legislature reserved for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir. The dispute has led to growing tensions between protesters and the authorities. The government has also accused militant elements of exploiting the protests. It has alleged that some groups involved in the unrest are pursuing a foreign agenda and receiving financial support from India. The JAAC has rejected such allegations and accused security forces of using excessive force against its supporters. The group has claimed that dozens of its supporters were killed during clashes. However, the claim has not been officially confirmed. The competing claims have added to uncertainty surrounding the situation in AJK. Authorities are now investigating the violence and the alleged involvement of armed individuals. Police have also indicated that further arrests could follow as the investigation progresses.