Judicial Commission finds serious lapses in Mir Raza case investigation

A judicial commission investigating the death of young Karachi businessman Mir Raza has identified serious shortcomings in the initial police investigation and raised questions about the police’s early claim that he died by suicide.

KARACHI: A judicial commission investigating the death of young Karachi businessman Mir Raza has identified serious shortcomings in the initial police investigation and raised questions about the police’s early claim that he died by suicide.

The commission’s report was submitted to Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on October 15 and was made public following a decision by the provincial cabinet.

According to the report, the initial investigation suffered from weaknesses in evidence preservation and police procedures. The findings have raised concerns about whether the case was investigated thoroughly and whether crucial evidence was properly protected.

The report’s executive summary states that the final post-mortem examination identified a gunshot wound entering from the back as the cause of death. This finding has prompted further questions about the initial police position regarding the circumstances of Mir Raza’s death.

To ensure a more comprehensive investigation, the commission has recommended forming a joint investigation team (JIT) under Deputy Inspector General Irfan Baloch.

The proposed team would include representatives from the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Intelligence Bureau (IB), Pakistan Rangers Sindh and the cybercrime agency. The recommendation aims to bring together relevant investigative expertise to examine the case and address concerns arising from the earlier inquiry.

The commission has also proposed establishing a high-level committee under the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to investigate the role of police personnel involved in the case.

It further recommended departmental and criminal proceedings against any officials found responsible for misconduct or investigative failures.

The report stressed the need for a strict and transparent investigation, particularly because shortcomings in evidence handling may have affected the case.

The recommendations now place the focus on further investigation the conduct of the officials involved and the circumstances surrounding Mir Raza’s death. The proposed JIT and FIA-led committee are intended to help establish the facts and determine whether any individuals should face disciplinary or legal action.

The report’s findings and recommendations do not, by themselves, establish criminal liability. Further investigation will be required to determine responsibility and clarify the circumstances of the case.