Mir Raza case: Judicial commission proceedings extended until October 15

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah approved on Monday an extension of the Mir Raza judicial commission’s proceedings until October 15, according to the commission’s registrar.

Mir Raza, a 25-year-old owner of Karachi-based dessert outlet Wafflix, disappeared on July 28 and was found dead the following day in Gulistan-e-Jauhar.

Police initially treated his death as a suicide, according to his family and lawyer, who disputed the account and raised concerns about the autopsy and handling of the crime scene.

Karachi Police Surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed later identified more than a dozen deficiencies in the initial post-mortem examination. A second examination was conducted days later and found a gunshot wound on Mir Raza’s upper back, along with other injuries.

His death sparked protests in Karachi, with demonstrators demanding that the provincial government establish what happened and bring those responsible to justice.

On Monday, the registrar said the commission had requested the extension, while the Sindh Home Department’s focal person informed it that the provincial cabinet would meet on October 1.

The commission’s next hearing will be held on October 2 following the cabinet meeting, the registrar said. The hearing scheduled for today was adjourned.

Investigating officer Siraj Lashari and Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) representative Muhammad Kashif have been directed to appear before the commission on October 2.

The family’s lawyer, Jibran Nasir, said the investigating officer and CPLC official were scheduled to record their statements before the commission. He added that senior police officers were also to be sent questionnaires.

According to Nasir, the commission had informed the chief justice on September 22 about the need to extend its tenure. He said the final decision on the extension was expected at the cabinet meeting on October 1.

Commission to resume proceedings on October 2

The one-member commission is headed by Sindh High Court Justice Omar Sial.

At its September 22 proceedings, the commission recorded statements from several business associates and witnesses, focusing on Mir Raza’s investments, business dealings and discrepancies between witnesses’ accounts and statements recorded by police.

Businessman Abid Farooq, his brother Asif, businessman Faizur Rehman and business associate Sarim bin Tahir appeared before the commission, with Sarim joining through video link from Malaysia.

Business dealings examined

Abid told the commission that Mir Raza had offered him a partnership in his restaurant business in 2020. He said he invested Rs7 million in 2024 and Rs7.5 million in 2025.

He also said he separately invested up to Rs10 million in a vehicle-coating business associated with Mir Raza’s family.

Abid said there was no formal written agreement for the investments, but records of transactions and discussions were available on WhatsApp.

He told the commission that he initially received payments from the business, but the payments were delayed and stopped in April 2026.

Asked whether Mir Raza had cited financial problems, Abid said Raza had told him he was expanding the restaurant business and that payments would therefore take time.

Abid said he continued meeting Mir Raza after April and noticed no significant change in his behaviour. He also said he had not heard of Raza seeking Rs30 million from anyone and did not believe Raza was being blackmailed.

His brother Asif, who also had business dealings with Mir Raza, confirmed that they had maintained good relations with him and remained in contact. The commission completed the statements of both brothers.