Mir Raza case: SHC allows early hearing of parents’ plea against judicial commission

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has accepted a request for an early hearing of a petition filed by the parents of slain businessman Mir Raza against the decision to establish a judicial commission to investigate his death.

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, a two-member bench of the Sindh High Court headed by Justice Saleem Jesar will hear the parents of Mir Raza's petition.

Meanwhile, Sindh High Court (SHC) Chief Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput nominated Justice Umar Sial as the head of the Judicial Commission to investigate Mir Raza murder case.

According to the registrar office, the Sindh Home Department will issue a formal notification of the formation of the Judicial Commission and the terms and conditions of the Commission.

The Sindh government had decided on Sunday to request the chief justice of the SHC to establish a judicial commission for a transparent inquiry into the investigation into Mir Raza’s murder.

The government wrote to the chief justice, saying the commission would examine the investigation conducted so far and review any shortcomings, important aspects or evidence requiring further inquiry.

It would also examine the role of police officials, medico-legal officers and other authorities involved in the case.

The commission could recommend action if negligence, dereliction of duty, professional misconduct or tampering with evidence was established. It could also recommend further investigation and forensic analysis where necessary.

The proposed commission would have powers similar to those of a civil court under the Sindh Tribunals of Inquiry Ordinance, 1969, including the power to summon witnesses, record statements on oath and seek official records.

The Home Department would provide secretarial support, while all relevant government departments and officials would be required to cooperate with the commission. The commission will submit its findings and recommendations to the Sindh government within 30 days of its establishment, although the period could be extended if required.

However, Mir Raza’s family has rejected the decision, saying they had demanded the formation of a Joint Investigation Team instead of a judicial commission. The family said the Sindh government had not consulted them before making the decision.

The heirs also questioned why a judicial commission was formed before the police investigation report had been submitted and asked what grounds the government had relied upon.

Meanwhile, the mystery surrounding Mir Raza’s death remains unresolved after 26 days. The investigation officer sought more time from the sessions court to submit the investigation report on Monday.

The court directed the investigation officer to submit the report by September 7.

The investigation officer told the court that forensic reports of Mir Raza’s mobile phone, Apple Watch and other items were still awaited. He said a comprehensive report would be submitted after the forensic results were received.

Police sources said investigators were waiting for the reports of the phone and Apple Watch from Lahore. The shell casings recovered from the crime scene have also not undergone ballistic testing because the ballistic machine has reportedly been out of order for three years.

Police sources said the case remained suspicious even after footage from different locations had been obtained. The investigation committee has so far been unable to determine how Mir Raza’s body reached the location where it was found.

Reporters: Shaukat Korai and Salman Saleem