KARACHI: The judicial commission investigating the Mir Raza case, headed by Justice Umar Sial, recorded the statements of the victim’s friends, Muhammad Haitham and Raziq, during ongoing proceedings. During the hearing, Muhammad Haitham stated that his last in-person meeting with Raza took place at a Padel court on July 27 at 3:00 AM, followed by a final video call on July 28 at 1:00 AM. Haitham was alerted to the disappearance after receiving a panicked call from Raza’s fiancée, Salwa, which prompted him to contact Raziq, Raza’s mother, and initiate a search. Both friends maintained that they did not search Raza’s room or car themselves. Raziq revealed that they had dined together on July 28, during which Raza made an odd remark that this might be his last meal today. Raziq added that he suggested searching the room and vehicle to find clues, which ultimately led to the discovery of a restaurant receipt involving an individual named Ahmed Raja. Furthermore, Raziq noted that Raza routinely discussed his financial gains and losses regarding currency trading with a contact named Mujtaba, and had not mentioned any severe business troubles prior to his death. Concluding the session, Justice Umar Sial expressed strong dissatisfaction with the police, stating that incomplete records had been submitted to mislead the commission and validate the parents’ concerns. Consequently, the commission issued a notice to DIG Amir Farooqi, head of the investigative team, demanding a formal explanation and the submission of all withheld records.
