Sindh Forms JIT to Investigate Mir Raza Ali Murder Case, Orders Probe into Police Officials

The Sindh government has formed a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to investigate Mir Raza Ali’s death. It has appointed DIG West Zone Karachi Irfan Ali Baloch as the convener. The move follows a judicial commission’s finding that Raza was murdered, not driven to suicide.

Raza, 25, ran a waffle-making business under the Wafflix brand. He went missing from his PECHS residence in Karachi during the early hours of July 28. Police later found his body within the jurisdiction of Gulistan-e-Johar Police Station.

Police initially treated the death as suicide. However, Raza’s family challenged this conclusion. They alleged that his body bore visible torture marks. Their concerns prompted further scrutiny of the post-mortem findings and the police investigation.

Judicial Commission Rules Out Suicide

A judicial commission headed by Sindh High Court Judge Justice Omar Sial examined the case. It submitted its report to the provincial chief minister on October 15, 2026.

The commission identified anomalies in the initial post-mortem report. Authorities exhumed Raza’s body on August 8 for further examination. The final official report reportedly attributed his death to a firearm injury entering from the back.

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The commission concluded that the medical and physical evidence did not support suicide. It cited the bullet’s trajectory, wound location, absence of blood and the condition of the body. It also referred to alleged acid burns and anaesthesia detected in the blood.

The report strongly criticised the police investigation, calling it an “epic failure”. It warned that the case had seriously damaged public confidence in the Sindh police.

According to the commission, the suicide theory relied on unconfirmed text messages and selectively obtained video footage. It also relied on a preliminary post-mortem report that did not establish suicide as the cause of death.

The commission found contradictions between medical reports prepared by Dr Osama Shaikh. It also said investigators could not conclusively rule out a possible cover-up during the early stages.

JIT to Include Intelligence Agencies

The JIT will include representatives from the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Intelligence Bureau (IB), Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) and National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).

The Sindh Home Department has asked the relevant agencies to nominate officers within seven days. They must provide each officer’s name, designation and contact details.

The federal Interior Ministry has also been asked to nominate a Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officer of Grade 20 or above. The ISI representative must hold at least Grade 18 rank.

The commission recommended a JIT because concerns over compromised evidence had undermined public confidence. It questioned whether a conventional police investigation could restore that trust.

The commission also urged the police to acknowledge their operational failures. It recommended a transparent apology and formal inquiries against officials found responsible.

Committee to Review 13 Police Officials

The Sindh government has launched a separate review of 13 police officers and personnel named in the commission’s report.

Additional Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Counter-Terrorism Department Zulfiqar Ali Larik will head the committee. DIG West Zone Irfan Ali Baloch will assist him.

The committee will examine the officials’ conduct, performance and leadership capabilities. It will submit individual findings and recommendations to the Sindh inspector general of police.

The commission recommended further investigation into Inspector Ghaus’s role. This includes allegations concerning the burning of the crime scene. It also called for scrutiny of claims that SHO Kamran Qureshi facilitated the destruction of evidence.

SHO Ferozabad Adeel Afzal and Sub-Inspector Shabbir Laghari were recommended for suspension and disciplinary proceedings. Kamran Qureshi and Inspector Ghaus have also been suspended. Disciplinary action against them has begun.

The committee will examine possible violations of Sections 201, 166(2) and 218 of the Pakistan Penal Code. These provisions relate to alleged misconduct connected with the investigation.

DIG West Zone Irfan Ali Baloch and DIG Special Branch Naeem Ahmed Sheikh will also serve on the inquiry committee.

Senior Police Officers Face Further Scrutiny

The Sindh government will communicate the commission’s observations to DIG Amir Farooqi and DIG Farrukh Lanjar.

Authorities will arrange further training for the investigation team led by SSP Samiullah Somroo. DSP Siraj Lashari and ASP Nida Junaid will be asked to explain their conduct.

SSP Zubair Nazir Sheikh and SP Usman Suduzai will also receive the commission’s observations. However, the government has decided against further action against AIG Karachi Azad Khan.

The commission recommended recognising Head Muharrar Zeeshan and Police Constable Muhammad Arif for their performance. It also recommended additional training for both officials.

The cabinet’s subcommittee has directed the inspector general of police to implement the commission’s recommendations.

Health Officials and Medico-Legal Procedures Under Review

The Sindh government has also decided to investigate Special Secretary Health Shehryar Memon’s role in implementing the recommendations. It has asked the chief secretary to arrange an inquiry by a senior officer.

The commission raised concerns about Health Secretary Tahir Sangi’s leadership and supervision. The chief secretary will convey those observations to him.

The Sindh Health Department must also formulate rules under the applicable medico-legal framework.

The Sindh Home Department has instructed the health secretary to suspend Dr Osama Shaikh. It has also directed the department to initiate proceedings under the applicable CND rules. Dr Shaikh will receive further training in line with the commission’s recommendations.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has approved the cabinet subcommittee’s recommendations.

Commission Questions Medical Board Changes

The commission questioned the process used to change the medical board examining Raza’s death. It described the change as a “highly irregular, inexplicable, legally flawed overreach”.

The report attributed responsibility to senior officials in the Sindh Health Secretariat. It also criticised the director-general of health services for failing to act despite concerns over the board’s legal authority.

According to the commission, the officials who ordered the change failed to provide a convincing explanation.

The case has raised questions about police accountability and the handling of medico-legal evidence. It has also highlighted concerns over coordination between law enforcement and health authorities.

The JIT and separate departmental inquiries will now examine the outstanding issues. Their findings should help establish individual responsibility on the basis of evidence and determine the next steps in the case.