The investigation into Mir Raza Ali’s mysterious death has taken a new turn, with a new investigative team now handling the case following concerns raised by his family over the initial post-mortem report and the previous investigation.
Jibran Nasir, a prominent lawyer and human rights activist representing Mir Raza’s family, has repeatedly accused the Sindh police of serious negligence and alleged that authorities initially attempted to portray the death as suicide.
What Happened to Mir Raza Ali?
Mir Raza Ali’s body was found in Karachi’s Gulistan-e-Johar area on July 29. A three-member police team initially investigated the case, while the first medical findings led authorities to treat the incident as a possible suicide.
However, Mir Raza’s parents raised objections to the initial findings and expressed a lack of confidence in the investigation. Following objections from the police surgeon and a court order, the body was exhumed for a second post-mortem examination.
The second examination strengthened concerns that Mir Raza may have died as a result of homicide, prompting authorities to establish a new investigative team.
Jibran Nasir Raises Questions Over Evidence
Jibran Nasir has alleged that important evidence was not properly handled during the initial investigation.
He claimed that Mir Raza’s smartwatch was a key piece of evidence and that the new investigation team discovered that a member of the previous investigative team, SSP Samiullah Somroo, had been carrying the smartwatch with him.
Nasir also alleged that the digital video recorder, or DVR, from the guest house was being kept in a vehicle by the SHO of Ferozabad police station.
These claims have not been independently established, and the investigation is continuing.
Nasir also expressed concern that samples obtained during the exhumation had not been delivered to a laboratory, raising questions about the handling and preservation of potential evidence.
Why Is Jibran Nasir Facing Criticism?
Following Nasir’s criticism of the Sindh government and police, a campaign against him has gained traction on social media.
Some users have accused the lawyer of being politically biased and using the Mir Raza case to criticize the Pakistan Peoples Party-led Sindh government.
One social media user supportive of the PPP accused Nasir of bias after his allegations against a police officer involved in the earlier investigation and suggested that the officer could pursue legal action if the allegations were proven false.
Other users have questioned Nasir’s position on judicial commissions and monitoring judges, referring to his earlier comments in the Panama case.
Another criticism circulating on X alleges that Nasir has consistently opposed the PPP and is using the Mir Raza case as another platform for political criticism.
These are social media allegations and opinions, rather than established findings against Nasir.
Nasir's Previous High-Profile Cases
Jibran Nasir has been involved in several high-profile legal and human rights cases in Pakistan.
He became prominent through civil society activism and his involvement in cases including the murder of Shahzeb Khan, the Naqeebullah Mehsud case and the disappearance of Dua Zehra.
He also provided legal support to the family affected by the 2024 Karsaz road accident in Karachi and has remained active in cases involving alleged police misconduct and demands for greater transparency.
His involvement in the Mir Raza case has once again placed him at the center of a high-profile investigation.
New Investigation Team Handling Case
The latest investigation is being conducted by a team headed by DIG Investigation Amir Farooqi. Mir Raza’s family has expressed confidence in the new team.
Meanwhile, the medico-legal officer at Jinnah Hospital who prepared the initial report, Dr Usama, has reportedly been removed from his position. Investigators are expected to question him about alleged shortcomings in the initial post-mortem examination.
Nasir and Mir Raza’s family have also rejected the Sindh government’s proposal for a judicial commission into the case, saying the family has confidence in the courts and could approach them if necessary.
The investigation remains ongoing, and questions surrounding the cause of Mir Raza’s death, the handling of evidence and the conduct of the initial investigation are yet to be conclusively resolved.
