Overview
- The Sindh cabinet approved the extension on Thursday, Oct. 1, giving Justice Umar Sial’s single‑member judicial commission more time to finish its inquiry and to continue beyond Oct. 15 if needed.
- The commission was set up to review whether the original probe was impartial and to identify negligence or misconduct by police or medico‑legal officials.
- Investigators have highlighted major forensic gaps in the first post‑mortem, including no X‑ray, no gunshot‑residue swabs and no chemical exam of powder marks, while a later exhumation autopsy reportedly found a firearm entry wound, multiple ante‑mortem injuries and internal bleeding.
- Justice Sial’s panel has recorded statements from dozens of witnesses, publicly questioned Medico‑Legal Officer Dr. Osama Sheikh’s conduct and sent sealed questionnaires and notices to senior police officers such as AIG Azad Khan and DIGs Amir Farooqi and Farukh Lanjhar.
- If the commission finds failings, it can recommend further forensic tests, departmental discipline or criminal action, and the extension responds to the family’s demand for a transparent, accountable inquiry into Mir Raza Ali’s death.