The Sindh government officially established a one-member Commission of Inquiry on Monday, appointing Sindh High Court Justice Omar Sial to investigate the death of young businessman Mir Raza Ali. The commission is tasked with thoroughly examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The notification from the Sindh Home Department mandates the commission to ascertain the precise facts related to Mir Raza Ali’s death, evaluate the impartiality and legality of the ongoing investigation, and identify any areas or evidence that require further scrutiny.
Additionally, the commission must determine if any police officers, medico-legal officers, or other officials were negligent, derelict in their duties, engaged in professional misconduct, or involved in evidence suppression or manipulation. It will also recommend further investigative, forensic, legal, or departmental actions as necessary.
Empowered by the Sindh Tribunals of Inquiry Ordinance, 1969, the commission holds civil court authority to summon and examine witnesses under oath, and to demand production of documents and records. All relevant departments, agencies, officials, and individuals are directed to fully cooperate and provide necessary information and assistance.
The commission is required to submit its findings and recommendations to the Sindh government within 30 days from its formation, unless an extension is granted. The Home Department will support the commission administratively.
The case concerning Mir Raza Ali’s death is registered as FIR No. 795/2026 under Sections 365, 302, and 201 of the Pakistan Penal Code at Ferozabad Police Station in Karachi. The commission was constituted following the Sindh government’s request to the Sindh High Court for a transparent and impartial inquiry into the circumstances of the death and the investigation process.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab emphasized that the judicial commission will review the roles of all relevant departments and officials, while the police investigation proceeds independently. Speaking at a press conference, he stressed the government’s commitment to ensuring justice for the bereaved family and bringing all facts to light.
Wahab noted that Justice Omar Sial’s commission has a 30-day timeline for submitting its report to the government. The police, led by DIG Amir Farooqui, will cooperate fully with the commission, while the government will provide all necessary support via the Home Department.
The mayor highlighted that the commission’s terms of reference include examining the involvement of all concerned departments and officials. Concurrently, the police investigation team will continue its separate probe.
The incident occurred on July 28 and was reported on July 29, after which the police initiated their investigation. Initially, a special investigation team was formed, but discrepancies arose between the medico-legal officer’s report and the police surgeon’s findings, creating doubts about the initial inquiry’s integrity.
Subsequently, the police chief replaced the investigation team with a new one. Due to the family’s expressed lack of confidence in the police probe, the government considered establishing a judicial commission on August 9. Mayor Wahab and the Sindh Home Minister met the family, assuring them of the government’s determination to pursue justice.
Mir Raza’s mother reportedly expressed concern that the police were leaning towards a suicide explanation. Wahab assured her that the government’s priority was to satisfy the family’s concerns. However, the family initially preferred not to have a judicial commission, leading the Sindh Chief Minister and Home Minister to defer the decision.
The new investigation team began working with the family on August 12, summoning individuals mentioned by the family and conducting thorough examinations. Police officers also revisited the crime scene with family members and maintained regular communication.
Despite expectations for resolution, on August 19, the family’s lawyer sent a letter to Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah alleging failure by the police, inspector general, and interior minister, 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 allegations. Ensuring the family’s satisfaction remains the government’s top priority.
Following this, the Chief Minister decided it was appropriate to refer the matter to a judicial commission for an impartial inquiry led by a High Court judge, aiming also to uncover any police shortcomings. The provincial cabinet approved the proposal, and on August 22, a letter was sent to the Sindh High Court Chief Justice, who appointed Justice Omar Sial to head the commission on Monday.
Mayor Wahab mentioned that the family requested forensic analysis of three items at the Punjab Forensic Science Agency, including SIM cards, an Apple Watch, and a mobile phone, with reports expected soon. DIG Amir Farooqui has also contacted Apple and Meta to obtain relevant data to aid the investigation.
The investigation is being conducted transparently, exploring all available leads. The Home Secretary will provide administrative support to the commission, and the government pledges full cooperation.
Despite the judicial commission’s formation, Wahab stressed that the police probe will continue independently to ensure a comprehensive examination of the case.
