Mir Raza Murder: Sindh Seeks ISI, IB, Rangers for JIT

The Sindh government has asked the ISI, the IB, the NCCIA and the Sindh Rangers to nominate officers for a joint investigation team (JIT) into the Mir Raza murder, it emerged on Saturday. The letters, dated October 23, follow a judicial commission’s recommendation to form the team after the 25-year-old businessman was found dead in Karachi.

What Happened to Mir Raza Ali

Mir Raza Ali, a 25-year-old businessman, went missing on July 28 after leaving his home in PECHS.

His body, bearing a gunshot wound, was found in the bushes in Gulistan-i-Jauhar a day later.

Sindh Government Writes to Intelligence and Security Agencies

The Home Department sent the letters to the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the Intelligence Bureau (IB), the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) and the Sindh Rangers. Each agency has been asked to nominate a senior officer not below the rank of BS-18.

The nominees will serve on the JIT headed by West Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Irfan Baloch. The agencies have seven days to respond so the team can begin its work.

The Sindh Home Minister announced on Thursday that the JIT would be formed under DIG Baloch. The summary has been sent to the chief minister.

Why the Sindh Rangers Are on the JIT

The inclusion of the Sindh Rangers reflects the commission’s push for a broader, more independent investigation. Justice Omar Sial of the Sindh High Court headed the single-member commission.

He recommended senior representatives from the ISI, IB, NCCIA and Pakistan Rangers Sindh to “ensure an impartial, comprehensive, and credible resolution”.

The commission called the JIT the “most viable path” to limit the reputational damage to the Sindh government. Its 62-page report was submitted to the government on October 15.

Digital Forensics Expertise Requested from NCCIA

The Home Department asked the NCCIA for an official with expertise in digital forensics. The probe involves analysing mobile phones, an Apple Watch, iCloud, social media and cryptocurrency (Binance) records.

The NCCIA’s role in this case is purely investigative. Readers searching for NCCIA internship 2026 details or the NCCI women’s prison will not find any connection to this inquiry.

Commission Slams Police Investigation

The report was blunt about the police work. “This case demonstrates an epic failure by the police in their investigation,” it declared.

It said police breached required procedures, both knowingly and unknowingly, and failed in their “most basic duty: to establish the truth”.

The commission said an active cover-up in the early stages could not be conclusively ruled out. It noted that senior officers swept investigative lapses under the carpet without acknowledging or addressing them.

Dozens of officers, authorised and unauthorised, collected evidence and questioned key persons, often without documenting anything. As a result, no officer was willing to take responsibility.

Officers Named in the Report

The panel identified “criminal negligence” by Station House Officer (SHO) Adeel Afzal of Ferozabad police station.

It also found criminal negligence by Sub-inspector Shabbir Leghari, the first investigating officer. The commission called for disciplinary proceedings and his suspension.

The provincial government has written to the Sindh inspector general of police (IGP), asking him to act against officials found negligent.

Medico-Legal Officer Dr Osama Sheikh Suspended

The commission criticised Medico-Legal Officer Dr Osama Sheikh for “extreme immaturity” and “childish behaviour”. He conducted the first medico-legal examination, whose findings a second autopsy later proved incorrect.

The commission said he must not receive medico-legal duties until he completes at least two years of rigorous academic and practical training.
A government sub-committee, set up to implement the recommendations, has decided to suspend him. The government will proceed against him under the Efficiency and Discipline (E&D) Rules and send him for training.

Request to the Interior Ministry and the FIA

The commission said it lacked investigative powers and could not conclusively determine whether a cover-up occurred. It noted that certain inexplicable actions “raise the possibility”.

It therefore recommended a high-level committee, preferably headed by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), to start criminal proceedings against any guilty police officials.

The Sindh government wrote to the Ministry of Interior. It asked the FIA to nominate a senior officer, not below BS-20 and with investigative expertise, to lead the committee. DIG Baloch and Special Branch DIG Naeem Ahmed Sheikh would be its members.

Committee to Examine Police Officers

A one-member committee led by Additional IGP Counterterrorism Department (CTD) Sindh Zulfiqar Ali Larik has also been notified. DIG Baloch will assist it.

Its terms of reference are to:

• Examine each officer named in the report and assess their leadership and efficiency against the commission’s observations.
• Evaluate their overall policing performance.
• Probe further the role of Inspector Ghaus in the burning of the crime scene.
• Submit findings and recommendations on each officer to the Sindh IGP.

FAQs

Who was Mir Raza Ali?
Mir Raza Ali was a 25-year-old businessman from PECHS in Karachi. He went missing on July 28, and his body was found in Gulistan-i-Jauhar a day later.

Who will lead the JIT in the Mir Raza murder case?
West DIG Irfan Baloch will lead the JIT, as recommended by the judicial commission. The Sindh Home Minister announced this on Thursday.

Which agencies has the Sindh government asked to join the JIT?
The government has written to the ISI, the IB, the NCCIA and the Sindh Rangers. Each must nominate an officer of at least BS-18 within seven days.

Why is the NCCIA part of the investigation?
The Home Department wants a digital forensics expert. The case involves mobile phones, an Apple Watch, iCloud, social media and Binance cryptocurrency records.

What action has been taken against police officials?
The Sindh government is suspending Dr Osama Sheikh and will proceed against him under the E&D Rules. It has asked the IGP to act against negligent officers, and a committee will examine each named official.