A judicial commission investigating the death of Mir Raza questioned his business partner Ahmed Bharade over claims that Raza kept cigarette packets containing cannabis, and challenged him on how he knew about the alleged drug use.

During proceedings on Thursday, the commission repeatedly questioned Bharade after he told members that Raza kept cigarette packets on a shelf in his room, some of which sometimes contained cannabis.

The commission asked Bharade why he considered it necessary to mention the cannabis and whether he had personally seen it.

Members also questioned how he knew about the contents of the packets and why Raza’s family had not been allowed to check the room themselves.

Bharade responded that he had come before the commission to clear himself.

The commission also questioned him about searching Raza’s private space and asked why such a detailed search had been necessary.

Bharade said he had known Raza since childhood and had studied with him from the first grade through college. He said they had also organised events together before starting a joint business in 2020.

He told the commission that their business comprised two dessert shop branches and two cloud kitchens, and that a partnership deed had been prepared at the outset.

He said both partners managed the branches, although Raza handled more business matters because his home was near Bahadurabad.

Bharade said the business was performing well and had suffered no losses. The partners had agreed to withdraw Rs5,000 each per day for personal expenses, while additional withdrawals were to be communicated to the other partner.

He said they handled the financial affairs themselves until an accountant was appointed in July and denied that they had ever considered selling the business.

Raza’s family attended the proceedings with lawyer Jibran Nasir.

Sindh government’s focal person, Additional Secretary Home, Shahrah-e-Faisal Sub-Divisional Police Officer Arshad Afridi and Ferozabad Station House Officer Adeel Afzal were also present.

Bharade, Abdullah, friends Razzaq and Haitham, and driver Ehsan Ali also appeared before the commission.