Judicial commission summons Sindh home minister in Mir Raza case

KARACHI: The judicial commission investigating the Mir Raza case has directed that a notice be issued to Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar over his conduct during the proceedings.

Mir Raza’s father and sister appeared before the commission on Tuesday. Police Surgeon Dr Summaiya also appeared and answered questions from the commission.

During the proceedings, lawyer Jibran Nasir told the commission that samples collected from Mir Raza’s body had reached the laboratory after a delay. The commission asked whether such samples had a shelf life.

Dr Summaiya said that, generally, a delay did not make a significant difference. However, she said that if a chemical trace was not detected because of the delay, it would be difficult to determine the reason. She added that delays were generally avoided in high-profile cases.

Sindh Advocate General raised an objection, saying that questions should be asked by the commission rather than by Jibran Nasir.

The commission questioned the objection and asked why the Sindh government had a problem if the family wanted to ask questions. It also questioned whether anything was being concealed.

The commission then decided that a notice should be issued to Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar and directed him to appear before it.

The proceedings were temporarily suspended following the Advocate General’s intervention. The commission subsequently ordered that a notice be issued to the provincial home minister.