Mir Raza's family, supporters March for justice in Karachi

Family members and supporters of Mir Raza held a march at Sea View, demanding justice nearly 60 days after his death, with protesters calling for a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to investigate the case.

Speaking to Dialogue Pakistan, Mir Raza’s sister said 60 days had passed but the family was still waiting for justice. She said several developments had come to light, yet no suspect had been arrested and the family remained unaware of the motive behind Raza’s alleged murder.

“We are asking for only one thing, the formation of a JIT,” she said, adding that several questions had also been raised before the court regarding the police investigation.

Mir Raza’s father said the next hearing was scheduled for Monday and expressed hope that a JIT would be formed. He questioned why discussions surrounding the case continued to focus on his investments instead of identifying the person responsible for his son’s death. “If we ask about the murder, they talk about my investment. I want to know who the murderer is, just answer that,” he said.

One protester said the family had been unable to properly grieve because they had spent the past two months moving between courts and protests in their pursuit of justice.

“After 60 days, we are still marching. A person has become so helpless that they cannot even mourn the death of their own son. Instead, they have to keep going to courts and protests,” the protester said.

Another participant said she had joined the protest because she was also a mother and wanted justice for Raza’s family. “I am here because I am a mother too. Karachi is unfortunate because there is no law. We are here for justice, and we thank the media for helping us raise our voice,” she said.

Other protesters urged Karachi residents to stand with the family and support their demand for justice. “We want the whole of Karachi to stand up for its rights,” one protester said, while another added, “We are here to support Mir Raza’s family.”

Expressing doubts over the official account of the incident, another protester questioned how a person could allegedly inflict multiple injuries on himself.

“What kind of world are we living in? Are we fools? How can a person kill himself, then drink acid and break his own head? What exactly are they saying?” the protester questioned.

At another point during the march, a protester addressed the leaders and said, “If you have made mistakes, then admit them and leave your seats.”

A protester also expressed concern that the actual perpetrator might never be identified and that an innocent person could instead be presented as the culprit. “We fear that the real killer will not be found and an innocent person will be brought forward and declared the murderer,” the protester said.

The protesters maintained that they remained hopeful that a JIT would be formed and that the investigation would establish the facts of the case.