The Sindh government has decided to constitute a judicial commission comprising high court judges to investigate the killing of young businessman Mir Raza Ali in Karachi.
The decision was announced by Sindh Home Minister Zia Lanjar after the exhumation of Ali’s body for a fresh post-mortem examination. Lanjar said the matter was discussed with Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, following which the government decided that a judicial commission was necessary to determine the facts of the case.
Speaking on Geo News programme Naya Pakistan, Lanjar said the government wanted the case to be investigated by high court judges and taken to its logical conclusion.
New Investigation Team Formed
Lanjar also announced changes to the police investigation team, with DIG Amir Farooqi appointed as its new head.
According to the minister, Mir Raza Ali’s family has also been informed that they can recommend police officers for inclusion in the investigation team.
“The government stands with the people — it is the government’s duty to deliver justice,” Lanjar said, adding that the government shared the grief of the victim’s family.
He said that, so far, the investigation had not produced any evidence indicating that a high-profile personality was behind the killing.
Judicial Commission to Review Medical Reports
Lanjar said a letter would be sent to the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court on Monday, requesting the formation of the judicial commission.
The commission will also review the two medical reports received in the case, he said. Any differences or contradictions between the reports would be left for the commission or the court to determine.
Lanjar said the government wanted to remain impartial and allow the evidence to establish what happened.
He also urged Mir Raza Ali’s parents to trust the investigation process, saying that even a seemingly minor piece of evidence could prove important in solving a major case.
Five-Member Investigation Committee
A five-member investigation committee was formed after Mir Raza Ali’s body was exhumed.
According to an official notification, DIG Amir Farooqi was appointed chairman, while SSP Rapid Response Force Ali Raza was named secretary.
The committee also includes SP Investigation Korangi Qais Khan, Central SP Investigation Anum Tajammul, and an officer from the Special Investigation Unit, Zaman Town.
The new committee was formed on the instructions of Sindh Inspector General of Police Javed Alam Odho after the previous investigation committee was dissolved.
Lanjar said the judicial commission would work alongside the new investigation team and oversee the broader investigation process.
Initial Medical Report: Mir Raza Ali Was Shot From Behind, Sources Say
Questions Over Initial Crime Scene
The home minister acknowledged that the initial crime scene had not been preserved in the required manner.
He cautioned against excessive public discussion of the case, saying that continued debate could increase controversy and potentially complicate the investigation.
Lanjar stressed that an investigation could change direction as new evidence emerged and that no individual officer’s opinion, including that of the inspector general, should be considered final while the inquiry remained ongoing.
“Even if there is 1% doubt in any case, the investigation should be 100%,” he said.
Dispute Over Post-Mortem Findings
Responding to questions about objections raised by police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed, Lanjar said that if she believed the post-mortem had not been conducted correctly, she should have informed the government and her superiors.
He said the government had faced criticism because the alleged shortcomings in the medical examination had not been communicated to senior officials at the time.
The issue is now expected to be examined alongside the two medical reports by the judicial commission, should it be formally constituted.
Mir Raza Ali Case and Exhumation
Mir Raza Ali’s body was found in Karachi’s Gulistan-e-Jauhar area on July 29, a day after he was reported missing on July 28.
His body was later exhumed for another post-mortem examination and subsequently reburied at a graveyard near Tariq Road.
According to the initial medical report, a copy of which was reportedly obtained by Geo News, the examination addressed all 14 points raised by police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed.
Sources cited in the report said Ali had suffered a gunshot wound from the rear, while signs of violence were found on different parts of his body. His ribs were reportedly fractured, and multiple injuries were identified on his head and face.
The report also mentioned black marks on his body, injuries to his feet and blood stains on tissues in the lower part of his body.
A fracture and an injury measuring approximately 12 centimetres were identified on his right thigh. The report also noted a deep injury and fracture around the jaw, along with injuries to the nasal bone and several parts of the face.
Multiple serious injuries were reported in the chest area, including a fracture of the sixth rib.
With the formation of a new investigation team and the proposed judicial commission, authorities are now expected to examine the medical findings, forensic evidence and other material together to determine the circumstances surrounding Mir Raza Ali’s death and establish responsibility through a transparent investigation.
