Russia frees former US Marine Robert Gilman after four years

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide held talks on Friday and reviewed bilateral relations, regional security and cooperation against terrorism. The meeting focused particularly on security concerns linked to Afghanistan. Naqvi told the Norwegian minister that militant groups were continuing to use Afghan territory for attacks inside Pakistan. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in counterterrorism and other security-related areas. They also discussed preventing illegal immigration, police training and mutual legal assistance. The Afghan situation was another key issue during the meeting. Pakistani officials briefed the Norwegian side about activities of banned organisations operating from Afghan territory and their alleged involvement in terrorism in Pakistan. Naqvi stressed the need for coordinated international efforts to eliminate terrorism. He said Pakistan was playing an important role in preventing terrorist threats from spreading beyond the region. Eide praised Pakistan’s role in the ongoing US-Iran conflict and described its approach as constructive and active. Illegal migration to Europe was also discussed. Naqvi said Pakistan had introduced strict measures against illegal migration and that these efforts had resulted in a 47 per cent decline in illegal migration from Pakistan to Europe. He said Pakistan had adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards illegal migration. He added that encouraging legal migration was essential to address the issue effectively. According to Pakistani officials, the European Union had also recognised Islamabad’s measures against illegal migration. The two ministers also discussed broader steps to improve relations between Pakistan and Norway. Eide appreciated the contribution of the Pakistani community in Norway, particularly its role in politics, healthcare and other sectors. Naqvi described Eide’s visit as an important opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation between the two countries. Eide is on a two-day visit to Pakistan. His trip is the first visit by a Norwegian foreign minister to the country in around a decade. During his engagements on Thursday, Eide met senior Pakistani civilian and military officials. Discussions covered trade, investment, technology, climate resilience, maritime cooperation, skilled labour and security. Both sides also exchanged views on developments in the region and explored areas where Pakistan and Norway can further expand cooperation.

Authorities have removed Medico-Legal Officer Dr Osama from his post following an inquiry into serious shortcomings in the initial post-mortem examination of businessman Mir Raza Ali. Officials said the doctor has been directed to appear before the relevant authorities as part of an inquiry into the alleged procedural lapses. The action comes after questions were raised over the accuracy and completeness of the initial medico-legal examination. The case came under renewed scrutiny after a dispute emerged between police investigators and the Karachi police surgeon over shortcomings in the original medico-legal report. The family subsequently approached a Karachi court, seeking a fresh examination of the body. The court later permitted the exhumation of Mir Raza Ali. A second autopsy conducted after the exhumation reportedly found evidence indicating that the businessman had sustained a gunshot injury to the back. The new medical examination identified two gunshot holes in his clothing, along with several other injuries. Medical findings also reportedly included marks of violence, injuries to the feet, a fracture and a roughly 12-centimetre injury to the right thigh, as well as a deep injury and fracture around the jaw. A separate chemical examination has also added new dimensions to the investigation. According to the report, particles consistent with acid were detected on the victim’s shirt, while material associated with gunshot residue was also found. The report further indicated that efforts may have been made to conceal the victim’s identity and that fingerprints were not detected on his hands. Family lawyer Jibran Nasir has previously raised questions about the initial investigation, including the absence of an X-ray and the failure to establish the cause of death in the first examination. He has also alleged that acid burns may have damaged the victim’s face. The family has urged investigators to examine CCTV footage, digital records and other forensic evidence. Questions have also been raised over the handling of the victim’s mobile phone, smartwatch and surveillance recordings from locations linked to the case. Investigators are now examining additional evidence and locations connected to the death. Authorities have also moved to obtain the victim’s mobile data records and conduct geofencing around the relevant crime scene. The new probe team is also coordinating with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency to determine whether Mir Raza had received threats before his death. Mir Raza’s family has said it is cooperating with investigators and has provided information about several suspicious individuals and locations. His father, Mir Hussain, has expressed hope that the newly constituted investigation team will establish the facts and take the case to its logical conclusion.