The family of businessman Mir Raza has renewed its demand for the formation of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT), arguing that a separate investigation is necessary to ensure transparency in the case.
The family’s lawyer, Jibran Nasir, said during court proceedings that the Sindh government’s counsel had acknowledged that the existing judicial commission was established for fact-finding and inquiry purposes and was not responsible for conducting the criminal investigation.
Nasir said the distinction strengthened the family’s case for establishing a JIT, particularly as questions that should be directed towards investigating authorities were instead being put to the petitioners.
He also raised concerns about the judicial commission’s scope, saying its Terms of Reference had initially lacked clarity.
According to Nasir, the court repeatedly asked the Sindh government whether it had any objection to constituting a JIT. While the provincial government said it shared the family’s grief and did not view the proceedings as a confrontation, it opposed the proposal on the grounds that there was no legal provision for such a team.
Nasir questioned the government’s resistance, stressing that the family was not accusing the entire provincial administration of involvement in Mir Raza’s death.
He argued that the Sindh government comprised numerous ministers, officials and secretaries and that the possibility of an individual within the system being involved in the crime or providing protection to those responsible could not be ruled out without a thorough investigation.
The family has maintained that an independent and transparent investigative process is necessary to establish responsibility for Mir Raza’s death and determine whether anyone assisted or protected those involved.