Judicial commission begins probe into Mir Raza Case, assures families of unbiased fact-finding

The judicial commission formed to examine the Mir Raza case has formally begun proceedings, with the commission’s head, Justice Umar Sial

KARACHI: The judicial commission formed to examine the Mir Raza case has formally begun proceedings, with the commission’s head, Justice Umar Sial, visiting the victim’s family and expressing condolences over the death.

Justice Sial assured the family that the commission would examine flaws in the investigation, alleged police negligence and shortcomings in the handling of the case without coming under any pressure.

“ I promise that we will run the commission without being afraid of anyone,” Justice Sial said. He added that even if Sindh Chief Minister visited him during the commission’s proceedings, he would not meet him. “Whatever happens in the commission will be before everyone,” he said, stressing transparency and independence.

Mir Raza’s father expressed his lack of confidence in the police investigation, while family lawyer Jibran Nasir pointed out alleged negligence, shortcomings and carelessness in the police’s handling of the case.

The commission has issued notices to two police officers who reached the crime scene and to Dr Usama Sheikh, the medico-legal officer who conducted the initial post-mortem examination. Two nursery employees who had seen the body have also been summoned to appear before the commission.

The commission directed the Sindh government to submit all relevant documents by the following day, including statements of witnesses and lists of doctors and police officers involved in the case. Further proceedings have been adjourned until September 1. Speaking after the proceedings, Jibran Nasir clarified that the commission had made it clear that its role was not to conduct a criminal investigation but to undertake fact-finding. He said the commission would review the work carried out by the police investigation team.

Nasir criticised the pace and quality of the investigation, saying that even after 30 days, police had failed to trace or pursue the suspects. He also questioned the nature of questions being put to witnesses, saying they were being asked whether they considered Raza successful or unsuccessful.

He said the family would request the commission to remove from their positions officers who had allegedly damaged the case or compromised evidence. Nasir added that if police provided geofencing data, call-detail records and other relevant documents, the family would be able to identify the people they suspected.

Mir Raza Ali Khan, a young resident of Karachi, went missing from the Pakistan Employees Cooperative Housing Society (PECHS) on July 28. According to reports, he left his home at 4:09 a.m. in an online taxi. His body was recovered from Gulistan-e-Johar two days later.

Police officials said the body was found in a severely deteriorated condition and that Raza had suffered a gunshot wound to the chest. His family also said that all of his social media accounts had been deactivated one day before his body was recovered.

Raza’s father had said that his son was scheduled to marry on August 30 at Bait-ul-Mukarram Mosque in Gulshan-e-Iqbal and was extremely happy about beginning a new chapter in his life.

Following a court order, Raza’s grave was exhumed on August 8 for a second post-mortem, after which he was reburied the same day.

The initial post-mortem report stated that the bullet had entered from the back. It also documented signs of physical assault, fractured ribs and multiple injuries to the head and face. Dark marks were reportedly found on the body, while injuries were also noted on the feet and lower-body tissues.

The report further identified a fracture and approximately 12-centimetre-long injury on Raza’s right thigh, along with a deep injury and fracture around the jaw. Injuries were also reported to the nasal bone and several parts of the face.

The judicial commission’s proceedings are now expected to focus on determining the facts surrounding Raza’s death, examining the police investigation and identifying any negligence or procedural shortcomings.