Rs100,000 reward announced for clues in Mir Raza murder

The judicial commission investigating the murder of entrepreneur Mir Raza Ali has announced a reward of Rs100,000 for

KARACHI: The judicial commission investigating the murder of entrepreneur Mir Raza Ali has announced a reward of Rs100,000 for credible information that could help uncover the facts surrounding his death.

The commission, headed by Sindh High Court Justice Omar Sial, decided to invite members of the public to share any information relevant to the case.

Justice Sial said advertisements would be published in Urdu, English and Sindhi newspapers. An official email address and WhatsApp contact would also be provided so people could submit information directly to the commission.

Notices will also be placed at the location where Mir Raza’s body was discovered in Gulistan-e-Jauhar. The move is aimed at reaching anyone who may have witnessed the incident or possesses information that could assist the inquiry.

Mir Raza, the 25-year-old owner of dessert business Wafflix, went missing after leaving his home in the early hours of July 28. His body was recovered from Gulistan-e-Jauhar the following day.

The case initially raised questions about the circumstances of his death, with police treating it as a possible suicide. However, a second post-mortem later concluded that he had been murdered.

During Friday’s hearing, the commission was informed that Mir Raza left his residence at around 4am. CCTV footage from the area reportedly showed him alive around 4:30am.

His family’s lawyer, Jibran Nasir, told the commission that the first information report was registered around 11 hours after Mir Raza left his home.

The commission also sought details regarding the first post-mortem examination. Nasir said Mir Raza’s father was present during the examination conducted by medico-legal officer Dr Usama Sheikh.

The body had reportedly been located after information provided by nursery workers Yasir and Qaiser. The commission decided to summon both workers, along with Edhi ambulance personnel Mohsin and Javed and police officers who first reached the scene.

Investigating Officer Siraj Lashari was also directed to appear before the commission.

The commission requested all relevant police and medical records, as well as available evidence linked to the case. A representative of the Sindh government assured the panel that the requested documents would be provided.

Nasir also raised concerns over cases registered against people who had been protesting for justice for Mir Raza. He said around 100 protesters had been named in different cases and argued that such action was creating further pressure on those supporting the family.

Justice Sial assured Mir Raza’s family that the proceedings would remain transparent and independent. He said the commission would work without pressure from any individual or institution and would make its proceedings accessible to the public.

The judge said the commission had 30 days to complete its work and would focus on identifying shortcomings, negligence and possible failures in the police investigation.

He clarified that the commission was not responsible for conducting the criminal investigation or arresting suspects. Its role was to examine whether the investigation had been properly conducted and identify any mistakes or negligence by officials.

The family has continued to demand the formation of a joint investigation team (JIT), arguing that a broader investigation involving different institutions would strengthen public confidence in the process.

Nasir said the family believed police had failed to identify the killers and expressed concerns about alleged lapses in the investigation. He maintained that the family would continue seeking justice regardless of the influence or status of those potentially involved.

Separately, a District and Sessions Court in Karachi granted interim bail to 20 people booked over a protest demanding justice for Mir Raza. Each applicant was directed to submit a surety bond of Rs5,000.

The protesters had allegedly blocked traffic on Shahrah-e-Faisal during a demonstration in the Nursery area. Police registered cases against named and unidentified protesters under charges including rioting, obstruction of traffic and interference with official duties.