Sindh plans to impede Mir Raza Ali murder case inquiry? Govt clarifies stance

Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar assured the judicial commission that the government did not intend to “impede” its proceedings.

The clarification came after Sindh Advocate General (AG) Jawad Dero interrupted the previous hearing. He had objected to questions being asked by the lawyer representing Ali’s family during police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed’s testimony.

Minister offers apology

The commission had summoned Home Minister Lanjar to explain the government’s position. Appearing before the panel, Lanjar offered an “unconditional apology over the misunderstanding”.

Lanjar said the government wanted justice for Ali’s family and wanted all facts to come before the commission. He also said those found responsible would face punishment.

Commission seeks family’s confidence

According to the commission’s order, Lanjar clarified that the government had not instructed anyone to control the panel’s proceedings. He also said there was no government direction to stop the family from asking questions.

Sindh High Court Justice Omar Sial, who heads the commission, noted the minister’s assurance of “uninterrupted, continuous and complete co-operation”. Family lawyer Jibran Nasir also asked the commission to record the family’s appreciation for the clarification.

“The controversy thus stands amicably resolved,” Justice Sial wrote. He said the panel’s main aim remained to identify any negligence and bring the facts of the case to light.

Justice Sial said the concerns of Ali’s family must be considered because his parents had “very little confidence” in the investigation. “Our effort is to restore their confidence through the commission and bring the facts of the case to light,” Justice Sial said.

The judge also criticised the AG’s intervention at the previous hearing. He said it had “added fuel to the fire” and was “very humiliating” for him.

Next hearing and investigation

Justice Sial said the commission wanted to know whether the provincial government still supported the position taken when the judicial panel was formed. Lanjar said the government would provide the family with whatever support and evidence was needed.

“We do not want to interfere in the commission’s proceedings,” Lanjar said, adding that the panel could conduct the inquiry in whatever manner it deemed appropriate. “We do not want anyone to think that the Sindh government does not want an investigation,” he said.

The commission has summoned Dr Syed, Ferozabad Station House Officer (SHO) Adeel Afzal and Gulistan-i-Jauhar police station Head Moharir Zeeshan for the next hearing. They have been directed to appear before the panel at 11am on September 14.

The case was initially registered at Ferozabad police station under kidnapping charges after Ali disappeared on July 28. His body was found the following day, while the investigation was later transferred to Zaman Town police station after a second autopsy, with murder charges added to the First Information Report (FIR).

Head Moharir Zeeshan was also among the officials who visited the crime scene after Ali’s body was discovered. The commission is continuing to examine the actions of officials involved in the case.

The panel also received a response from Medico-Legal Officer (MLO) Dr Osama Sheikh regarding a show-cause notice over his conduct towards a journalist. The commission described his response as “unsatisfactory and evasive” and ordered him to appear before the panel at 11am on September 15.

The latest hearing appears to have reduced the immediate dispute between the Sindh government and the judicial commission. The minister’s assurance may help the panel continue its inquiry without further disagreement over its proceedings.

The commission is also focusing on possible negligence and the concerns of Ali’s family. The upcoming hearings could provide more information about the investigation and the role of officials involved in the case.

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