Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab stated on Monday that the judicial commission established to investigate the death of young businessman Mir Raza Ali will scrutinize the roles of all concerned departments and officials, while the police inquiry will continue independently.
During a press briefing, Wahab emphasized that the government’s foremost goal is to satisfy the grieving family and ensure transparency in uncovering all details surrounding Mir Raza’s death. The judicial commission, headed by Sindh High Court Justice Omar Sial, has been tasked with submitting its report to the Sindh government within a proposed 30-day period.
Wahab assured that the police would fully cooperate with the commission, and the Sindh government would provide all necessary support through the home department. He highlighted the importance of the commission’s terms of reference (ToRs), which include examining the involvement of all relevant departments and officials.
The mayor also noted that the police investigation team, led by DIG Amir Farooqui, will carry on with its probe independently alongside the judicial commission, focusing on gathering evidence while the commission addresses its designated scope.
The case dates back to the incident on July 28, which became public on July 29, prompting the police to launch an investigation. Initially, the Karachi police chief formed a special investigation team; however, doubts arose following discrepancies between the medico-legal officer’s report and the police surgeon’s findings, raising concerns about the thoroughness of the initial probe.
In response, the police chief replaced the investigation team with a new one. The family’s lack of confidence in the police inquiry led the government on August 9 to consider establishing a judicial commission. Wahab and the Sindh home minister personally met with Mir Raza’s family to communicate the government’s commitment to delivering justice.
During the meeting, the family expressed their demand for justice and showed renewed confidence. Notably, Mir Raza’s mother conveyed concerns that the police were steering the investigation toward a suicide narrative, which Wahab assured her the government would address responsibly. Later that night, the family indicated they did not want a judicial commission at that stage, leading the Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and the provincial home minister to defer the decision out of respect for the family’s wishes.
The newly appointed investigation team began working with the family on August 12, summoning and examining individuals suspected by the family. Police officers also accompanied family members to the crime scene and maintained regular contact with them. Despite expectations for progress, the family’s lawyer sent a letter to Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on August 19, accusing the police, inspector general, and interior minister of failure, and raising concerns about the chief minister himself. The letter demanded an inquiry into the police.
In response, the chief minister convened a meeting on August 21 with the chief secretary, inspector general of police, and investigation team members to address these concerns. Wahab reiterated that satisfying the family remains the government’s top priority. Following this, the chief minister deemed it appropriate to refer the case to a judicial commission for a high court judge to conduct an impartial inquiry and identify any police shortcomings.
The provincial cabinet approved the proposal, and on August 22, a letter was sent to the Sindh High Court chief justice. Subsequently, Justice Umar Sial was appointed to lead the judicial commission on Monday.
Wahab also mentioned that the family requested forensic analysis of three items—SIM cards, an Apple Watch, and a mobile phone—at the Punjab Forensic Science Agency, with reports expected soon. DIG Amir Farooqui has reached out to Apple and Meta to obtain relevant data, ensuring the investigation remains transparent and thorough. Administrative support for the commission will be provided by the home secretary, with full government cooperation.
Despite the commission’s formation, Wahab stressed that the police investigation will continue independently, focusing on evidence collection. Statements from Dr. Osama and police surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed Tariq have been recorded, and the name of Siraj Lashari has been included in the investigation at his lawyer’s request.
Wahab declined to comment on the family lawyer’s role, noting that justice ultimately rests with the courts. He reiterated the government’s duty to present all facts before the appropriate forum and emphasized the commitment to delivering justice to Mir Raza’s mother.
He added there has been no request for a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) from the family, and the government has consistently respected their views. The appointment of a high court judge to lead the commission aims to guarantee an unbiased inquiry, with all facts expected to come to light.
The investigation team has met the family several times, and during Wahab’s initial visit, Mir Raza’s mother expressed concern for her daughter. The government has offered the family security, and two vehicles identified by Mir Raza’s sister were inspected without finding any suspicious items. Wahab encouraged the family to continue sharing concerns, assuring them of protection.
In a related development, the Sindh High Court formed the judicial commission on Monday following the provincial government’s request. Earlier that day, the court accepted for urgent hearing a petition filed by Mir Raza’s parents challenging the commission’s formation and issued notices to 19 respondents for August 31.
