Court dismisses JIT plea
The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Wednesday dismissed a petition filed by the family of Mir Raza Ali seeking the formation of a joint investigation team (JIT) to probe his death, observing that constituting such a body was the "prerogative of the government."
A two-member bench, headed by Justice Adnanul Karim and comprising Justice Muhammad Jaffer Raza, announced the verdict after reserving it on Monday. The court ruled out directing the government to form a JIT and declined to interfere with or supervise the ongoing criminal investigation.
Background of the case
Ali, an IBA graduate and businessman, was found dead in Karachi's Gulistan-e-Jauhar on July 29, a day after he went missing. His father has maintained that his son was murdered and rejected suggestions that he died by suicide.
Ali's family had moved the SHC last week against the provincial government's decision to form a judicial commission, seeking instead the formation of a JIT. The family had accused authorities of trying to bury the facts.
Earlier, the family had approached the high court last month challenging the formation of an inquiry panel, arguing that establishing such a panel at that stage could adversely affect the investigation.
Court's order and assurances
In its seven-page written order, the high court acknowledged the family's loss but said sympathy could not override the law, and the petition was disposed of.
The court noted that the investigating officer had assured the bench that every possible effort would be made to complete the investigation. The officer said he would use all available resources in accordance with the law and could seek assistance from other investigative agencies if necessary.
The SHC directed authorities to complete the investigation impartially, fairly, and expeditiously. It also said Ali's family could pursue all legal remedies available to them to ensure a transparent and fair investigation.
Judicial commission and reactions
The case also followed the formation of a judicial commission by the SHC chief justice, with Justice Omar Sial appointed to head the panel. The commission was established at the request of the Sindh government to investigate the alleged murder.
Ali's lawyer, Advocate Jibran Nasir, opposed the government's decision to establish the judicial commission. Speaking to journalists on Aug. 27, Nasir said the commission had been formed without informing the family and that its terms of reference had not been made public.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said the commission had been given 30 days to prepare its report on the case. According to the notification establishing the commission, the panel would examine the constitutional and legal aspects of the investigation, determine the facts surrounding Ali's death, and focus on ensuring transparency in the process.