The judicial commission probing the murder of Mir Raza Ali has announced a Rs100,000 reward for anyone providing credible information that could help investigators uncover the facts of the case. The decision was taken during proceedings of the commission, headed by Sindh High Court Justice Omar Sial.
The commission decided that advertisements would be published in newspapers to encourage people with relevant information to come forward. An official email address and WhatsApp number will also be provided for submitting information. Justice Omar Sial said the advertisements would invite anyone with information about Mir Raza’s murder to contact the commission. He added that a Rs100,000 reward would be given to anyone who provides important information that assists the investigation.
The commission also directed that notices be displayed at the location where Mir Raza’s body was found, asking eyewitnesses and others with relevant information to contact the commission. Justice Sial assured the victim’s family that the case would be investigated impartially and without fear or favour. Mir Raza went missing on July 28, and his body was found in Gulistan-e-Jauhar the following day. Police initially treated the incident as a suicide. However, a second autopsy report indicated that he had been murdered.
The Sindh High Court constituted the judicial commission at the request of the Sindh government, despite the victim’s family having called for the formation of a joint investigation team (JIT). During Friday’s hearing, the commission was informed that Mir Raza had left his home at around 4 am on July 28. CCTV footage reportedly showed that he was alive until approximately 4:30 am. His body was found near Masjid-e-Khiza at around 11:50 am the following day.
The victim’s lawyer, Jibran Nasir, told the commission that an FIR had been registered even before the body was recovered. He said Dr Osama conducted the autopsy in the presence of Mir Raza’s father. Nasir further informed the commission that nursery employees Yasir and Qaiser alerted police after discovering the body.
The commission decided to summon the two nursery employees, Edhi volunteers who were present at the scene, and the police officers who were among the first to arrive at the location and see the body. It also sought details of the police officers and doctors involved in the case, along with all available evidence. The Sindh government’s focal person assured the commission that all requested documents and records would be provided.
Justice Sial assured Mir Raza’s family that the commission would make every possible effort to establish the facts and ensure transparency throughout the proceedings. He said the commission would complete its proceedings within 30 days and that nothing would be kept secret. According to Justice Sial, the proceedings would remain open and could be witnessed by anyone.