Judicial commission concludes proceedings in Mir Raza Ali case

The judicial commission investigating the Mir Raza Ali case has concluded its proceedings after recording the statements of key witnesses, including a CPLC official and the investigating officer, according to a written order issued on Wednesday.

The order, issued by commission chairman Justice Omar Sial, said that Mir Hussain Ali Khan, Maryam Hussain, and Barrister Jibran Nasir were present during the proceedings, along with Additional Secretary Javed Ahmed Abro, CPLC witnesses Kashif Iftikhar and Taha Pracha, and Investigating Officer DSP Siraj Lashari.

The statements of Kashif Iftikhar and DSP Siraj Lashari were recorded.

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A K-Electric representative, Rabia, also appeared on behalf of Managing Director Syed Muhammad Talha and submitted a sealed envelope, which was taken on record.

Justice Sial thanked and commended Talha for his “prompt and effective” response to the commission’s request.

The commission’s email and WhatsApp accounts have now been deactivated, while the Rs100,000 reward announced earlier has also been withdrawn, the order said.

In his concluding remarks, Justice Sial thanked Sindh Chief Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput for entrusting him with the responsibility of heading the commission.

He also acknowledged the support extended by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Home Minister Zia Ul Hassan Lanjar, describing their cooperation as unwavering and complete.

Justice Sial thanked Faryal Talpur, who he said had proposed the commission to bring the facts to light and address public concerns and speculation surrounding the case.

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He praised Maryam, Alishba and Mir Hussain for displaying “exceptional patience, courage, dignity and civility” throughout the proceedings.

The chairman also thanked Additional Home Secretary Javed Abro, Section Officer Ejaz Ali Bhatti, and Deputy Home Secretary Naveed Arain for promptly responding to the commission’s directions and requests.

“They have worked very hard,” the order stated.

Justice Sial commended Nasir, counsel for the Mir Hussain family, for assisting the commission with dedication and maintaining a dignified attitude.

He also thanked Sindh Advocate General Javad Dero for appearing before the commission with dignity and civility after making a mistake on one occasion.

The commission chairman acknowledged lawyers Maruf Hussain and Khalid Mumtaz, who represented some of the witnesses, for complying with the commission’s requests and helping maintain its dignity and decorum.

He also praised members of the press and media for attending every hearing and reporting the proceedings professionally, accurately and seriously.

Justice Sial specifically mentioned journalists Babar Saleem and Sault Jafri, saying their investigative work had greatly assisted him, although they were unaware that their reporting was helping the commission.

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The chairman thanked all witnesses who appeared before the commission and maintained restraint and dignity while answering its questions.

He also acknowledged people who provided information that assisted him in his work, as well as those who had consistently criticised the commission.

Justice Sial concluded by praising the commission’s staff for working with dedication and commitment, often until late at night.

He requested the Sindh government to consider granting the staff a bonus equivalent to two basic salaries, noting that their pay was relatively low.

With the recording of statements completed and its communication channels deactivated, the commission has formally brought its proceedings to an end.