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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.

Heavy monsoon rains lashed Lahore on Thursday, causing widespread flooding, traffic disruptions and severe inconvenience for residents. Torrential downpours submerged roads, streets and underpasses, bringing routine life in many parts of the provincial capital to a standstill. According to official data, Lahore received 343 millimetres of rainfall over the past 48 hours. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) warned that the second spell of monsoon rains could increase the risk of urban flooding in different parts of the city. Rainwater accumulated at more than 130 locations, affecting both residential and commercial areas. Several major roads, intersections and low-lying neighbourhoods remained submerged for hours, making it difficult for motorists and pedestrians to move around the city. The worst-hit areas included DHA Phases 1 to 5, where standing water disrupted traffic on several important roads. Water also collected on routes connecting Defence Mor, LUMS Road, Main Boulevard DHA, Watain Chowk and Ghazi Chowk, resulting in long traffic jams and slow vehicle movement. Authorities temporarily closed the Ghazi Underpass and Masjid Chowk Underpass after they were flooded. Traffic police diverted vehicles to alternative routes to prevent accidents and reduce congestion. Waterlogging was also reported in Harbanspura, Mall Road, Cooper Road, Lakshmi Chowk and Chouburji Chowk, where drainage teams continued water removal operations. The heavy rainfall exposed weaknesses in the city’s drainage system as rainwater entered houses in several low-lying areas. Residents complained that they were forced to remove water from their homes themselves because drainage operations were unable to reach many affected neighbourhoods quickly. The rain also damaged road infrastructure. Large sinkholes appeared on Canal Road, Johar Town Main Boulevard, Bhekay Wala Mor and Khayaban-e-Firdousi. Traffic police immediately cordoned off the affected sections, diverted vehicles and called in repair teams to secure the damaged roads. PDMA said rain-related incidents across Punjab have so far claimed 21 lives during the ongoing monsoon season, while 154 people have been injured. Most fatalities resulted from building collapses, while others were caused by lightning strikes, electrocution and drowning. Authorities also reported damage to dozens of houses across the province. Following the latest spell of rain, district administrations were directed to remain on high alert and prepare for possible urban flooding and emergency situations. Officials advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain, stay away from electricity poles, exposed wires and weak buildings, and follow official safety instructions. The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) activated emergency drainage operations across Lahore. Disposal stations continued operating at full capacity, while dewatering pumps, heavy machinery and additional staff were deployed to remove rainwater from flooded roads and underpasses. Emergency control rooms also monitored conditions around the clock to coordinate the response.