A judicial commission has initiated its inquiry into the alleged murder of businessman Mir Raza Ali by summoning key individuals including the medico-legal officer, police officials, and ambulance drivers. Sindh High Court Justice Omar Sial extended condolences to the bereaved family during their appearance before the commission.
Jibran Nasir, representing Ali’s family, had earlier criticized the Sindh government’s decision to establish the commission without prior consultation with the family. Ali, an IBA graduate and businessman, was discovered dead in Karachi’s Gulistan-e-Jauhar area one day after he disappeared on July 28. His father has consistently maintained that his son was murdered, dismissing claims of suicide.
At the commission’s inaugural session, Ali’s father, mother, and sister gave statements, with Nasir also addressing the panel. Mir Hussain, the deceased’s father, voiced his distrust in the ongoing investigation surrounding his son’s death. Justice Sial assured that the commission’s proceedings would be transparent, unlike previous closed-door investigations.
The commission aims to address the family’s concerns by identifying investigative flaws, police lapses, and negligence as outlined in its terms of reference. Justice Sial clarified that the commission’s role is not to conduct an investigation but to highlight errors. He further pledged impartiality, stating he would refuse any meetings during the proceedings, even if approached by the Sindh chief minister.
During the hearing, Nasir accused the previous investigative team of “criminal negligence” and noted that the chief minister had been requested to review the case. He detailed that Ali’s body was found on July 29, with the family arriving at the scene around 1:30 pm. Nasir pointed out that no police officers were present between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm, although two officers arrived around 12:15 pm, their identities remaining undisclosed.
The body was transported by ambulance to Jinnah Hospital for a post-mortem, conducted by medico-legal officer Dr. Osama Sheikh. Nasir also mentioned that Ali’s missing-person report was filed at approximately 3:15 pm on July 28. He added that a nursery worker alerted the police after discovering the body.
Following this, the commission summoned the two nursery employees who spotted the body, the two police officers present at the scene, the ambulance drivers, and Dr. Sheikh. It also inquired about the availability of CCTV footage from the area. Nasir stated that footage from a mosque camera had been shown, but the family was not provided with the full recordings.
Justice Sial instructed the Sindh government to submit all relevant documents by the next day for review, including lists of police officers and doctors involved, witness statements, medical reports, and original records. He also ordered the publication of an advertisement in Urdu, English, and Sindhi newspapers to solicit information from the public.
Additionally, the Sindh government was directed to offer a reward of Rs100,000 for valuable information related to the case. Nasir informed the commission that a case had been filed against 20 individuals who had demonstrated support for the family the previous evening. The FIR alleges these individuals gathered on Shahrah-e-Faisal chanting slogans demanding “justice for Raza.”
The commission further sought clarification on whether investigating officer Siraj Lashari could assist with its proceedings. Justice Sial stated that Lashari could be questioned about the investigation if he appeared before the panel.
The judicial commission adjourned its proceedings until September 1 for further hearings.
