Karachi (HRNW): Speaking to the media regarding the Mir Raza murder case, prominent lawyer Jibran Nasir said the victim’s family had demanded the formation of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to investigate the case. However, according to him, the government has maintained that there is no provision for forming a JIT under the existing legal framework.
Jibran Nasir said the government has acknowledged that the commission established in the case is not an investigative body but a fact-finding commission. He added that the court has also outlined reasons concerning the formation of a JIT, although the court is not legally bound to agree with the family’s position.
He said that due to the non-arrest of the suspects, the motive behind the killing remains unclear. According to Nasir, there are concerns that the investigation may have been compromised at a senior level, while no action has reportedly been taken against police officers whose conduct in handling the case and evidence has raised questions.
Jibran Nasir said that in departmental proceedings, officers can be removed from their positions, but the same officers allegedly remain posted in this case. He questioned why the family was being asked questions that should instead be directed to the police, adding that identifying and apprehending the suspects is the responsibility of the investigation team.
He further claimed that since August 6, police have been providing information to the media but not to the victim’s family, while the complainant’s statement under Section 161 was allegedly not recorded for 13 days.
Jibran Nasir also alleged that, similar to the crime scene in the assassination case of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, the crime scene in the Mir Raza case was also allegedly compromised after the site was set on fire. He further claimed that police had declared the case closed even before the exhumation.
He reiterated that the family believes a JIT should be constituted to ensure an independent and effective investigation into all aspects of the case. Nasir also thanked the court for hearing the family’s position in detail.
Meanwhile, the Advocate General of Sindh told the court that the judicial commission was established specifically to examine alleged shortcomings and maintained that the Sindh government was not against the victim’s family.
The court observed that the government had established the commission for the family. Jibran Nasir, however, expressed concern that the judicial commission would receive assistance from the same investigation team that had allegedly failed to trace the suspects even after a month.
Human Rights Perspective
Transparent and impartial investigation, preservation of evidence and timely access to information for an affected family are fundamental requirements of justice. Allegations of investigative negligence or evidence being compromised should be independently examined to maintain public confidence in the justice system and ensure that those responsible are identified and proceeded against according to law.
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Disclaimer
This report is based on Jibran Nasir’s media statements, remarks made during court proceedings and the position presented by the Advocate General of Sindh. Allegations concerning the case and the investigation remain subject to the final findings of the competent authorities and courts. All individuals involved are entitled to due process and the right to a fair legal proceeding.
