KARACHI: The Mir Raza Ali murder case has taken a major turn as the Sindh cabinet has decided to establish a judicial commission for an impartial and transparent investigation.
The Sindh government has written a letter to the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court, requesting formation of a judicial commission to probe the killing of the young Karachi businessman.
According to the spokesperson for the Chief Minister of Sindh, the chief minister has expressed heartfelt sympathy and solidarity with the family of the late Mir Raza Ali Khan.
The government said it has taken the family’s concerns very seriously and has received the letter sent by the family to the chief minister.
Commission to have powers of civil court
The spokesperson said the judicial commission will conduct an impartial and transparent investigation into the Mir Raza Ali murder case. It will review any shortcomings, significant aspects or evidence requiring further investigation.
The commission will also review the role of police, medico-legal officers and other relevant authorities.
Officials said action may be recommended if negligence, dereliction of duty, professional misconduct or tampering with evidence is proven.
According to the government, the judicial body will have the authority to recommend further investigation and forensic analysis. It will exercise powers of a civil court under the Sindh Tribunals of Inquiry Ordinance 1969.
The commission will be able to summon witnesses, record statements on oath and call for documents and records. The chief minister has directed all government departments, institutions and officers to fully cooperate with the commission. The Home Department will provide necessary secretariat support.
Mir Raza judicial commission to submit report in 30 days
The Mir Raza judicial commission will submit its report, findings and recommendations to the Sindh government within 30 days of its establishment. The government said the term may be extended if required for a complete and fair investigation.
The spokesperson said the commission will fully review the investigation process and the role of the relevant authorities. It has full authority to recommend appropriate action in accordance with the law.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Mir Raza murder has triggered widespread public concern in Karachi and elsewhere, and calls for justice on social media.
The spokesperson said a transparent judicial inquiry will address the legitimate concerns of the family and further strengthen confidence in the rule of law.
“The Sindh government stands with the family of the late Mir Raza Ali Khan,” the spokesperson said.
Background of Mir Raza Ali murder case
It should be recalled that on Aug. 9, the Sindh government announced the formation of a judicial commission on the mysterious death of Mir Raza Ali. Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar assured Mir Raza Ali’s parents of full cooperation and an investigation by a High Court judge.
Later, Mir Raza Ali’s father, Mir Hussain, rejected the government’s proposal, alleging that the government wanted to make the matter controversial in the name of a judicial inquiry. The family had earlier demanded a probe free from political and external influence.
Mir Raza Ali, 25, was found dead on July 29 in Gulistan-i-Jauhar. Police initially termed the death a suicide, but a second postmortem after exhumation, ordered by the court, confirmed homicide. The findings revealed a bullet wound, broken ribs and chemical burns, after which Section 302 was added to the FIR.
Investigators have since expanded the probe team, retrieved the victim’s phone and smartwatch for forensic analysis in Lahore, and are examining CCTV footage and travel records. The Sindh High Court Bar Association has also demanded a transparent investigation into the Mir Raza Ali murder case.
The government said the new judicial inquiry aims to ensure that the Mir Raza Ali murder case is taken to its logical conclusion based on evidence and law.
