Karachi (HRNW): The judicial commission constituted to inquire into the mysterious death of young businessman and IBA graduate Mir Raza Ali held its first hearing, announcing a Rs1 lakh reward for anyone providing significant information that could help clarify the case.
The commission, headed by Sindh High Court Justice Omar Sial, heard statements from Mir Raza’s father Mir Hussain, mother and sister. Lawyer Jibran Nasir was also called to the rostrum.
During the hearing, Jibran Nasir briefed the commission on the initial circumstances of the case. He said Mir Raza left his home at around 4 a.m. on July 28 and was last seen alive on CCTV at approximately 4:30 a.m.
According to the lawyer, Mir Raza’s body was taken to Jinnah Hospital on July 29, where a post-mortem examination was conducted the same day. He said the body was taken to the hospital without completion of police formalities.
Nasir told the commission that the post-mortem was conducted by Dr. Osama Sheikh, who was serving as a medico-legal officer at the time.
Commission Clarifies Its Role
Justice Omar Sial emphasized that there is a distinction between an inquiry and an investigation. He said the commission would examine shortcomings in the inquiry process, police performance and possible negligence within the scope of its terms of reference, but would not itself conduct the criminal investigation.
Justice Sial said the commission’s proceedings would remain open and transparent and would not operate like a traditional closed-door commission.
He said the commission would attempt to find answers to the questions raised by the family and other stakeholders.
Mir Raza’s father, Mir Hussain, told the commission that the family did not have confidence in the ongoing investigation.
Justice Sial expressed condolences to the family, saying he understood their pain and that they needed closure in the case.
Rs1 Million Reward for Information
The judicial commission decided to publish advertisements in Urdu, English and Sindhi newspapers seeking information from the public regarding Mir Raza’s death.
Justice Sial said an official email address and WhatsApp number would also be provided so that people with relevant information could contact the commission.
He announced a Rs1 million reward for significant and useful information that could assist the inquiry.
The commission also directed that notices be displayed at the location where Mir Raza’s body was found so that anyone possessing relevant information could approach the commission.
Police Officers and Doctors’ Records Sought
The commission has sought from the Sindh government a list of all police officers and doctors who were involved in the Mir Raza case.
It also directed that all available evidence, witness statements, medical reports and original documents be submitted to the commission.
Justice Sial said the matter was not only about Mir Raza but about everyone who wants to live with dignity and security. He expressed hope that the inquiry could help prevent similar incidents in the future.
He also said he would not meet any individual during the commission’s tenure in order to maintain impartiality.
Family Raises Concerns Over Cases Against Protesters
After the hearing, Mir Raza’s family and lawyer Jibran Nasir spoke to the media and expressed concern over cases registered against young people who had been protesting and raising their voices for Mir Raza.
The family said the young people named in the cases had been supporting them and thanked young lawyers who were providing legal assistance to those facing the cases.
What Happened to Mir Raza?
Twenty-five-year-old businessman and IBA graduate Mir Raza Ali went missing from the Ferozabad area of Karachi on July 28. His body was recovered the following day near a guest house in Gulistan-e-Johar.
Police initially treated the incident as a possible suicide. However, following the family’s concerns and a court order, Mir Raza’s grave was exhumed on August 8, and a second post-mortem examination was conducted.
The preliminary medical findings reportedly indicated multiple injuries, including a gunshot wound, fractured ribs, injuries to the head and face, and a fracture and wound measuring approximately 12 centimeters on the right thigh.
The Karachi Police Surgeon subsequently identified 14 serious shortcomings in the initial post-mortem examination, reportedly including the failure to conduct an X-ray, collect hand samples for gunshot residue, properly document and photograph injuries, and obtain a DNA sample for identification.
An abduction case was initially registered at Ferozabad Police Station. Following the emergence of post-mortem findings and other evidence, Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code relating to murder was subsequently added to the case.
Police questioned several individuals and formed a special investigation team. CCTV footage reportedly showed a suspicious motorcycle stopping briefly near the location where the body was found, prompting investigators to examine additional aspects of the case.
Questions Remain Unanswered
Questions surrounding the alleged loss of evidence, discrepancies in the post-mortem reports, the firearm, CCTV footage and alleged shortcomings in the investigation remain central to the case.
The judicial commission has now summoned relevant officials and sought records and documents as it begins its inquiry.
The circumstances surrounding Mir Raza’s death and the identification of those responsible remain subject to investigation and the judicial process.
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Disclaimer
This report is based on judicial proceedings, information provided by the parties, and details concerning medical reports cited during the proceedings. No individual should be treated as guilty unless guilt is established by a court of law. The final cause of death and identification of those responsible remain subject to the ongoing investigative and judicial process.
