A judicial commission investigating the alleged murder of businessman Mir Raza Ali has begun proceedings and summoned the medico-legal officer (MLO), police officials and ambulance drivers involved in the case.
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The commission, headed by Sindh High Court Justice Omar Sial, held its maiden proceedings and heard the concerns of Ali’s family regarding the investigation into his death.
Justice Sial expressed condolences to the bereaved family as Ali’s father, mother and sister appeared before the commission. Family lawyer Jibran Nasir also attended the proceedings.
Ali, an IBA graduate and businessman, was found dead in Karachi’s Gulistan-e-Jauhar on July 29, a day after he went missing on July 28. His father has maintained that his son was murdered and rejected suggestions that his death was a suicide.
Family Expresses Lack of Confidence in Investigation
During the proceedings, Ali’s father, Mir Hussain, expressed a lack of confidence in the ongoing investigation into his son’s death.
Justice Sial said the commission would examine the questions raised by the family and investigate potential flaws in the police investigation, performance of officials and possible negligence under its terms of reference.
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He clarified that the commission would not conduct a criminal investigation itself but would identify mistakes and shortcomings in the handling of the case.
Justice Sial also said he would maintain impartiality throughout the proceedings and would not meet individuals privately in connection with the commission.
Jibran Nasir Raises Questions Over Police Response
Nasir alleged that the previous investigation team had committed “criminal negligence” and highlighted several questions surrounding the discovery and handling of Ali’s body.
According to Nasir, Ali’s body was discovered on July 29, with the family reaching the location at around 1:30pm.
He claimed that no police officer arrived at the scene between 11:30am and 1:30pm, although two police personnel reportedly reached the location at around 12:15pm.
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Nasir said the body was subsequently transported by ambulance to Jinnah Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
The commission asked who conducted the post-mortem, and Nasir identified MLO Dr Osama Sheikh.
He also said Ali’s missing-person case had been registered at around 3:15pm on July 28, after a nursery worker contacted police upon seeing the body.
Commission Summons Witnesses and Officials
Following the hearing, the commission summoned:
- The two nursery employees who reportedly saw the body
- The two police personnel who reached the scene
- The ambulance drivers who transported the body
- MLO Dr Osama Sheikh
The commission also questioned the availability of CCTV footage from the area.
Nasir said footage from a mosque camera had been shown, but the complete recording had not been provided to the family.
Sindh Government Asked to Provide Records
Justice Sial directed the Sindh government to submit all relevant documents by the following day for examination.
The commission sought police and doctors’ lists, witness statements, medical reports and original case-related documents.
The judge also directed that advertisements seeking information from the public be published in Urdu, English and Sindhi newspapers.
He said the Sindh government would be asked to offer a Rs100,000 reward for information that could assist the proceedings.
FIR Against Supporters Also Discussed
Nasir informed the commission that a case had been registered against 20 people who had expressed support for Ali’s family the previous night.
According to the lawyer, the FIR alleged that the individuals had gathered on Shahrah-e-Faisal and chanted slogans demanding “justice for Raza”.
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The commission also sought clarification regarding whether investigating officer Siraj Lashari could assist in its proceedings.
Justice Sial said Lashari could be questioned about the investigation if he appeared before the commission.
The judicial commission adjourned further proceedings until September 1.
