Sindh extends judicial probe until October 15

The Sindh government has extended the tenure of the judicial commission investigating the death of businessman Mir Raza Ali until October 15.

The single-member commission, headed by Sindh High Court Justice Omar Sial, was formed to examine the circumstances surrounding Ali’s death and determine whether negligence or irregularities occurred during the investigation.

The commission had completed its initial 30-day term, but proceedings were adjourned after officials informed it that the provincial cabinet would consider an extension. The cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, subsequently approved additional time for the inquiry.

Officials said the commission had recorded statements from dozens of witnesses but required more time to complete its findings and recommendations. Proceedings are expected to resume on Friday.

The commission has been tasked with determining whether the investigation was conducted impartially and according to law. It will also examine allegations of negligence, professional misconduct, mishandling or suppression of evidence, and any possible failure by police or other officials.

The panel has legal powers to summon witnesses, record statements under oath and seek relevant documents and records. It can also recommend further forensic examination, investigation or departmental and legal action.

Ali, a 25-year-old businessman, went missing on July 28, and his body was discovered the following day in Karachi’s Gulistan-i-Jauhar area. His death subsequently became the subject of controversy, with his family raising concerns over the initial investigation.

A court later ordered the exhumation of his body and a second post-mortem examination. The Sindh government restored the original medical board after disagreements over its composition, and the exhumation was carried out on August 8.

The investigation team was subsequently reconstituted, while the case was transferred to another police station and a murder charge was added to the first information report.

A later second post-mortem report concluded that Ali died from a gunshot wound to the chest after the bullet entered through his back. The report stated that the findings were inconsistent with suicide.