According to Dawn, the Sindh government has formally asked multiple security and intelligence agencies to nominate senior representatives for a joint investigation team (JIT) probing the murder of 25-year-old businessman Mir Raza Ali. The request was sent to the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Intelligence Bureau (IB), National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), and Sindh Rangers. The victim went missing on July 28 after departing his home in PECHS, and his body was discovered with a bullet wound in Gulistan-i-Jauhar the next day.

Key facts

  • The Home Department sent letters on October 23 requesting nominations of officers ranked BS-18 or above within seven days.
  • West Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Irfan Baloch was designated to lead the new JIT.
  • The NCCIA was specifically asked to provide an official with expertise in digital forensics to evaluate social media, mobile devices, Apple Watch, iCloud, and Binance cryptocurrency records.
  • A 62-page report submitted on October 15 by a single-member commission led by Sindh High Court judge Justice Omar Sial faulted police for extensive procedural lapses and possible cover-ups.
  • Criminal negligence was attributed to Station House Officer Adeel Afzal and initial investigating officer Shabbir Leghari, with recommendations for Leghari's suspension.
  • Medico-Legal Officer Dr. Osama Sheikh was suspended under Efficiency and Discipline Rules after a second autopsy disproved his initial findings.

Why it matters

The judicial report highlighted the multi-agency JIT as a necessary measure to mitigate damage to the provincial government's reputation and ensure a reliable inquiry. Beyond forming the JIT, the Sindh government contacted the Ministry of Interior to request a Federal Investigation Agency officer of BS-20 rank to head a committee examining potential criminal charges against negligent police. Furthermore, a committee led by Additional IGP Zulfiqar Ali Larik was assigned to review the leadership and conduct of individual officers cited in the commission's findings.

📰 Read the Original Report

Source: Dawn - Home · Published October 24, 2026 · Photo by Iqrar Ijaz on Unsplash