Pakistan extends commission’s work in Mir Raza Ali case until October 15 — Dawn
The government of Pakistan’s Sindh province has extended until October 15 the term of a judicial commission examining the circumstances of Mir Raza Ali’s death and possible negligence during the investigation. As Dawn reports, the decision was approved by the provincial cabinet chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.
The one-member commission was established in late August under the chairmanship of Sindh High Court judge Omar Sial. Its initial 30-day term expired on Monday, after which proceedings were adjourned pending the cabinet’s decision on an extension. The commission is due to resume hearings on Friday.
Commission’s tasks
According to the chief minister’s office, the commission has completed a substantial amount of work, including hearing testimony from dozens of witnesses. The additional time was granted to complete the review and prepare findings and recommendations.
The commission is to establish the facts and circumstances preceding Ali’s death, as well as verify whether the investigation is being conducted impartially and in accordance with the law. It is also to determine whether particular theories or evidence require further examination.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
The commission’s powers include examining possible negligence, failure to perform official duties, professional misconduct, concealment, or manipulation of evidence by police officers, forensic personnel, or other officials. The commission may summon witnesses, question them under oath, and request documents and other materials.
Course of the case
Mir Raza Ali’s body was found on July 29, the day after he disappeared. The deceased’s family accused the police of attempting to conceal facts, while investigators initially considered suicide as a possible explanation.
On August 6, a court in Karachi authorized the exhumation of the body and ordered a repeat autopsy. Following a dispute over the composition of the medical commission, the Sindh government restored its original composition, and the exhumation was carried out on August 8. The following day, police renewed the investigative team, transferred the investigation to Zaman Town police station, and added a murder charge to the crime report.
The final repeat autopsy report found that death resulted from a gunshot wound entering through the back, which caused a rupture of the heart. The document stated that the findings were incompatible with the suicide theory.
