Investigators have alleged that both the victim, Mustafa Amir, and the prime suspect, Sahir Hasan, were involved in Karachi’s drug trade. A judicial magistrate extended Sahir Hasan’s police remand by one day after he was presented in court by the Special Investigation Unit (SIU).
Authorities stated that efforts to collect evidence in the case are ongoing, with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) also joining the probe. The FIA is focusing on potential money laundering and cybercrime aspects, while the SIU continues to investigate drug-related activities.
According to sources, the investigation has exposed links to an international drug network.
Connections to Karachi’s Drug Trade
Investigators claim that Mustafa Amir, Sahir Hasan, and another individual, Usman Swati, were among the major drug dealers in Karachi. The investigation revealed that drugs were being ordered through the dark web by an individual based in Islamabad, with shipments routed through Lahore and Islamabad before reaching Karachi via courier services.
Three specific types of cannabis were allegedly being distributed in Karachi:
- Mustafa handled “Jungle Boy”
- Sahir managed “Gelato and Mamila”
- Usman was responsible for “Iranian Weed”
Officials claim that both Mustafa and Usman have died—Mustafa allegedly murdered, and Usman killed in a road accident—leaving Sahir as the sole operator of the network. Communication between the suspects was reportedly carried out via social media platforms.
During questioning, Sahir disclosed that he holds a BBA degree and is fluent in Urdu and English. He mentioned that he got married two months ago and admitted to using cannabis for 13 years while selling drugs for the past two years, working alongside associates Bazil and Yahya.
Authorities allege that Sahir arranged weekly drug shipments worth Rs400,000 to Rs500,000, which he received at home via courier services. He reportedly sold cannabis at Rs10,000 per gram, with an estimated monthly sale of 1,200 grams, mostly in cash. For larger transactions, he allegedly transferred money through his father’s manager, Mukaram’s account. He also reportedly identified 12 clients, including an individual named Armaghan.
Background of the Murder Case
The murder of Mustafa Amir, a 23-year-old resident of Karachi’s DHA area, has been a major focus of law enforcement. He was reportedly abducted on January 6, but the case gained significant attention after a police press conference the following month. Six days later, Balochistan Police discovered a charred body inside a torched vehicle in Dureji and handed it over to a welfare organization.
On February 14, police claimed that Mustafa’s friends were responsible for his murder, allegedly placing his body in the trunk of a car before setting it on fire in Dureji. Authorities arrested a suspect, Sheraz alias Shavez Bukhari, who reportedly provided key information during interrogation.
The prime suspect, Armaghan, was later arrested from a bungalow in DHA following a ransom call demanding Rs20 million from Mustafa’s family. During the arrest, a gun battle ensued between police and the suspect for nearly four hours. Investigators also seized laptops and found blood samples in the suspect’s residence.
Authorities suggest that the conflict leading to the murder may have involved a woman. Mustafa’s mother, in a video statement, alleged that a woman was responsible for her son’s death and had fled to the United States.
Legal Proceedings and Investigative Findings
On February 15, an anti-terrorism court remanded Sheraz into police custody until February 21. However, officials expressed frustration as the police were unable to secure the physical remand of the prime suspect, Armaghan, due to legal technicalities. A legal expert clarified that the case falls under the jurisdiction of the anti-terrorism court after the inclusion of Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Following allegations of negligence, three police officers were suspended. Police records indicate that Armaghan was a habitual offender, previously accused of extortion, kidnapping, drug dealing, and illegal possession of weapons.
During a visit to Armaghan’s residence, authorities reportedly found a high-tech setup, suggesting the house functioned as a software facility. His father, Kamran Qureshi, defended him, alleging that Mustafa supplied drugs to his son and claiming that a police officer orchestrated the entire conspiracy.
On February 17, a judicial magistrate approved an exhumation request for Mustafa’s body, and a three-member medical panel was formed. The next day, the anti-terrorism court extended Armaghan’s police remand by four days and requested a medical report.
On February 20, Armaghan allegedly confessed to the crime, with reports claiming he offered Mustafa a chance to escape before setting him on fire. The charred vehicle in which Mustafa was allegedly burned was located in Dureji.
Kamran Qureshi, during a media appearance, claimed to have significant evidence and warned that high-profile individuals could be implicated if the case continued. He expressed his desire to lead the investigation himself, emphasizing his legal background and firearm license.
On February 22, the anti-terrorism court further extended the remand of Armaghan and Sheraz by five days. Investigators informed the court that blood samples from the suspect’s residence included traces linked to a woman. They also mentioned money laundering allegations against the suspect.
Four additional arrests were made, including the son of a well-known television actor. One of the suspects reportedly admitted to selling drugs to Mustafa.
Initial DNA analysis confirmed that the body recovered in Balochistan was indeed that of Mustafa Amir. His funeral prayers were held on February 23 at Masjid Ali in Karachi’s DHA area. His father rejected the possibility of accepting “diyat” (blood money).
