Bharde to face Raza's family in commission-brokered meeting

Ahmed Bharde, business partner of slain Mir Raza Ali, is expected to meet the victim's family after the Judicial Commission investigating the case proposed that the two sides sit together and address any questions directly. Bharde's counsel, Advocate Khalid Mumtaz, said on Thursday that the commission's head, Justice Umar Sial, had made a "very good" suggestion during the proceedings, which he described as commendable. Speaking to reporters outside the SHC, Advocate Mumtaz said the commission had suggested that Bharde meet Mir Raza's family either Thursday or Friday. Neither he nor the family's lawyer would accompany Bharde to the meeting, Mumtaz said, adding that the commission had asked both lawyers to stay away. "The commission wants that if the family has any questions regarding Bharde, they should ask him directly," he said. "They should sit together and speak openly to each other." Advocate Mumtaz said his main interest during Thursday's proceedings was Bharde's statement, adding that the commission held a detailed discussion on the matter. He said Mir Raza's father, Mir Hussain, had described Bharde as being like his son. "What could be better than the two sitting together and talking to each other?" he said. Mumtaz added that Bharde had shared a close relationship with Raza and that his father had spoken warmly about him during his statement before the commission. He said Mir Raza's father had become emotional while recording his statement. "We have confidence in the commission and are satisfied with today's proceedings," Mumtaz said. Commission grills IO Laghari The Judicial Commission subjected former investigating officer (IO) Shabbir Laghari to tough cross-examination over alleged lapses in the probe. Justice Sial questioned Laghari over CCTV footage, case property, forensic samples, police diaries and witness statements, repeatedly expressing concern over shortcomings in the investigation. The commission also questioned why Laghari appeared to have relied heavily on information provided by PS Ferozabad SHO Adeel Afzal rather than independently verifying key aspects of the case. "You did not investigate; you simply kept signing evidence brought by others," Justice Sial remarked, adding that such practices contributed to public distrust of the police. The commission questioned Laghari, who said the case was assigned to him between 3pm and 4pm on July 28.