Sindh cabinet on Thursday extended the tenure of the judicial commission investigating the death of businessman Mir Raza Ali until October 15, 2026.
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The decision was taken at a provincial cabinet meeting chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah. The cabinet was informed that the commission had conducted extensive proceedings and recorded statements from dozens of witnesses but required additional time to complete its work.
The one-member commission is headed by Sindh High Court Justice Omar Sial. The cabinet also authorised Justice Sial to continue the inquiry if additional time is required.
The commission’s original one-month term expired on September 27. Its proceedings were subsequently adjourned as the request for an extension awaited formal approval from the provincial cabinet.
The commission is examining the circumstances surrounding Mir Raza Ali’s death and whether the investigation was conducted impartially and in accordance with the law.
Its terms of reference also include determining whether any police, medico-legal or other officials were involved in negligence, professional misconduct, suppression or manipulation of evidence, or any unlawful act or cover-up.
The commission can also recommend further investigation, forensic analysis or departmental and legal action.
Background of Mir Raza Ali Case
Mir Raza Ali, a 25-year-old businessman and IBA graduate, went missing on July 28, 2026. His body was recovered the following day from the Gulistan-e-Jauhar area of Karachi.
His family maintained that he had been abducted and murdered, while the initial investigation reportedly considered suicide as a possible explanation for his death. The handling of the investigation subsequently became the subject of controversy.
A second post-mortem was later conducted after concerns were raised over the initial medical examination. According to the final report cited in court and media reports, the fatal firearm injury entered from the back and exited through the front of the chest. The report stated that the findings were inconsistent with suicide as the manner of death.
During its proceedings, the commission has heard statements from witnesses, business associates and officials involved in the case. It has also examined issues related to the initial investigation, medical examination and handling of evidence.
The commission has previously raised questions about the handling of CCTV footage and the circumstances surrounding the burning of part of the crime scene. It has also examined discrepancies between the initial and subsequent post-mortem findings.
With the extension now approved, the commission will continue its proceedings and work towards completing its findings and recommendations.
