Mir Raza Case: Judicial Commission Questions Police Investigation, Advises Business Partner to Meet Family
KARACHI:The judicial commission investigating the Mir Raza case has advised the young businessman’s business partner, Ahmed, to meet the deceased’s family and respond to their questions if he has information or “many secrets” related to the case.
Justice Umar Sial expressed strong displeasure with former investigating officer Shabbir Laghari during the proceedings, questioning his role in the investigation.
The judge observed that the investigating officer appeared to have played no meaningful role from the post-mortem examination through the collection of evidence. He remarked that the officer had remained seated at the police station and merely signed documents prepared by others.
Justice Sial further alleged that the officer was attempting to protect other officials involved in the case.
The commission observed that the police had handled the case poorly, adding that there were cases around the world that remained unresolved, but relatives did not necessarily lodge complaints against the police in such circumstances.
The judicial commission again advised Mir Raza’s business partner Ahmed to meet the deceased’s family if he possessed significant information about the case. The commission suggested that he should answer the family’s questions in writing and submit the responses along with an affidavit.
Speaking to the media, Barrister Jibran Nasir, counsel for Mir Raza’s father, said that statements from 23 of the 33 witnesses had been recorded by police officers other than the investigating officer.
He said the investigating officer had acknowledged this before the commission.
Jibran Nasir further alleged that the purpose of forming a new investigation team was merely to protect fellow police officers. The allegation remains the position of Mir Raza’s family’s counsel.
