Mir Raza judicial commission hearing put off until October 2

Proceedings of the judicial commission investigating the death of Mir Raza Ali have been postponed until October 2 after the commission’s current mandate expired while the Sindh government considers whether to extend its tenure.

Proceedings of the judicial commission investigating the death of Mir Raza Ali have been postponed until October 2 after the commission’s current mandate expired while the Sindh government considers whether to extend its tenure.

The commission was established by the Sindh Home Department on August 24 to investigate the death of 25-year-old Mir Raza Ali, the owner of dessert business Wafflix. Justice Omar Sial was appointed to head the commission following his nomination by the chief justice of the Sindh High Court.

The commission began its hearings on September 1. According to an order issued by Justice Sial, its existing term ended on September 28.

The commission had requested that its mandate be extended until October 15. Sindh government representative Javed Ahmed Abro informed the panel that the extension summary had received approval from the chief minister and had subsequently been sent to the Sindh Cabinet.

The provincial cabinet is expected to consider the matter during its October 1 meeting. The commission has therefore fixed its next hearing for October 2 at 10am.

The order stated that if the cabinet rejects the extension the commission will not call additional witnesses and will prepare its report using the evidence and statements already available.

If the extension is approved witnesses will receive fresh notices and further proceedings will continue.

The commission also plans to send questionnaires to three senior police officials.

During Monday’s proceedings, Investigation Officer DSP Siraj Lashari and a Citizens-Police Liaison Committee representative appeared before the panel. However, their statements could not be formally recorded because the commission’s term had already expired.

The development follows the commission’s recent decision not to summon senior police officers in person after a request from Mir Raza’s family. Instead, the panel directed the family to submit its questions in writing.

The family’s lawyer, Advocate Jibran Nasir has alleged that police did not properly investigate the case and were attempting to establish Mir Raza’s death as suicide. The allegation remains disputed and forms part of the issues under investigation.