KARACHI: The remains exhumed from Edhi Cemetery on Friday have been identified as those of Mustafa Amir, according to an initial DNA profiling report. Following the confirmation on Saturday, Amir’s family announced his funeral would take place today (Sunday) after Asr prayers at Masjid-e-Ali, Main Khayaban-e-Muhafiz, DHA Phase VI.
Amir’s mother, Wajeeha, also confirmed the identification, stating that the remains recovered during the exhumation belonged to her son. The body was kept at the Edhi morgue after the procedure, despite initial expectations that DNA results could take up to a week.
Drug Case Crackdown and Key Arrest
In a related development, the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) has intensified its crackdown in connection with the Armaghan drugs case, arresting a suspect identified as Sahir Hassan, the son of a well-known television actor.
SIU chief SSP Shoaib Memon confirmed the arrest, stating that Hassan was apprehended from his residence in Defence with half a kilogram of the drug Veet. He noted that while this is the first arrest, further detentions are expected.
SSP Memon clarified that although the suspects were involved in large-scale drug trade and consumption, there is no evidence linking them to international syndicates or the dark web. “The drug trade was extensive, but there are no indications of international involvement,” he stated.
Multiple Investigations in the Case
The case is being investigated across multiple law enforcement divisions:
- Anti-Violent Crime Cell (AVCC): Handling Mustafa Amir’s murder case.
- Special Investigation Unit (SIU): Investigating the drug-related activities of the main suspect, Armaghan.
- Counter Terrorism Department (CTD): Examining the cache of weapons found at Armaghan’s residence, their legality, and possible involvement in criminal activities.
- Federal Investigation Agency (FIA): Probing Armaghan’s connections to digital currency, money laundering, and call center operations.
Conflicting Testimonies: Sheraz’s Video Statement
A video statement by co-accused Sheraz, who was arrested in connection with Mustafa Amir’s case, has raised new doubts about the circumstances of Amir’s death.
In the statement, which has circulated widely on media platforms, Sheraz claimed that Amir was alive when he was placed in the trunk of a car after being beaten at a bungalow. He alleged that had Amir been given immediate medical attention, he might have survived. Instead, after a three-and-a-half-hour drive to Balochistan, the car was set on fire with Amir inside.
Sheraz further revealed that before setting the vehicle ablaze, Armaghan briefly opened and closed the trunk but only for a second—suggesting that he may not have been able to determine whether Amir was alive or dead.
However, forensic experts say that due to the severe burns on the remains, determining the exact cause of death has proven nearly impossible, leaving the investigation at a standstill.
Interestingly, just hours after forensic teams stated they could not determine whether Amir was alive at the time of the fire, Sheraz’s unexpected video testimony surfaced. The recording was made at the AVCC office and allegedly leaked by a journalist from a private news channel who had been called in by the police.
Sheraz’s Account of the Incident
Sheraz claimed that on January 6, he received a call from Armaghan, inviting him over. When he arrived at the house, he found Armaghan using drugs. Half an hour later, Amir also arrived.
- Amir handed Armaghan a packet of drugs, receiving cash in exchange.
- After smoking together, Armaghan suddenly attacked Amir with an iron rod, hitting him repeatedly.
- When Amir tried to resist, Armaghan fired multiple shots into the air, then continued beating him.
- Eventually, Armaghan tied Amir up with a cloth sheet and placed him in the trunk of his car, which had no registration plate.
Sheraz also described how:
- Armaghan ordered his household staff to clean up the crime scene.
- He then took a container of petrol from his generator area.
- They drove for over three hours to Balochistan before setting the vehicle on fire.
Motive Behind the Attack
Sheraz said Armaghan was furious and kept asking Amir:
- “Why did you send me a picture of a banana peel?”
- “What is your connection with that girl?”
Sheraz, who had known Armaghan since childhood but had reconnected with him only recently, admitted that he was drawn to Armaghan’s lavish lifestyle but was unaware of the extent of his criminal activities.
Legal Experts Question Police Case
Senior criminal lawyer Abid Zaman cast doubt on the strength of the police case, stating that Sheraz’s video statement holds no legal value in court. He explained that Sheraz could later retract the statement, claiming it was made under duress.
Zaman emphasized that without concrete forensic evidence, proving Amir’s cause of death and securing convictions may be difficult.
