The Sindh cabinet has decided to seek the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the death of entrepreneur Mir Raza Ali, whose body was found in Karachi’s Gulistan-e-Jauhar area a day after he went missing on July 28.
A spokesperson for Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has said that the decision followed a letter from Ali’s family raising concerns about the investigation.
The provincial government will request the chief justice of the Sindh High Court to establish the commission to conduct an impartial and transparent inquiry.
The commission will examine whether the investigation was conducted fairly and in accordance with the law, and whether any evidence or investigative leads require further scrutiny, the spokesperson said.
It will also investigate possible negligence, dereliction of duty, professional misconduct, suppression or manipulation of evidence, or unlawful acts by police officers, medico-legal officers or other public officials.
Where necessary, it may recommend further investigation, forensic examination and legal or departmental action.
Under the Sindh Tribunals of Inquiry Ordinance, 1969, the commission will have powers similar to those of a civil court, including summoning witnesses, examining them on oath and requiring documents and records to be produced.
Government departments and agencies have been directed to cooperate with the inquiry, while the Home Department will provide secretariat support.
The commission is expected to submit its findings and recommendations within 30 days of its constitution, unless an extension is required.
Ali, an IBA graduate and businessman, was found dead in Gulistan-e-Jauhar after disappearing on July 28.
His father has maintained that his son was murdered and rejected suggestions that the death was a suicide.
However, the family has opposed the proposed judicial commission. Family lawyer Jibran Nasir said they would approach the Sindh High Court on Monday to challenge its formation and reiterated their demand for a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to probe Ali’s death.
Sindh police has said its investigation remains under way, with investigators reviewing medical reports, forensic and digital evidence and the work of the previous investigation team.
Police have stated that certain aspects of the reports require clarification from relevant institutions, while unclear findings in chemical analysis reports could provide further leads.
