In a shocking discovery, the decomposed body of Pakistani actor Humaira Asghar Ali was found in her Karachi apartment on Tuesday, nearly nine months after her presumed death. Authorities believe she passed away in October 2024, but her remains were only uncovered following a complaint from her landlord over unpaid rent.
According to Arab News, the police broke into her apartment and found her body in an advanced state of decomposition. Investigators stated, "Humaira’s body is likely nine months old. She probably died between paying her last utility bills and when her electricity was disconnected in October 2024, probably due to non-payment of the bill."
One of the most puzzling aspects of the case is how her death went unnoticed for so long. Police noted there were no strong odours to alert neighbours. The reason? A combination of environmental factors. “There was an open balcony door and the apartment next to hers was vacant,” an officer explained, which helped diffuse any potential smells.
The apartment bore signs of long neglect. Utilities had been disconnected, jars in the kitchen were rusted, and food had expired at least six months ago. These clues supported the timeline suggested by investigators.
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Deputy Inspector General of Police Syed Asad Raza confirmed, "As per Call Detail Record (CDR) the last call was made in October 2024," which aligned with forensic findings. The post-mortem report had initially indicated that the death occurred at least a month before the body was found.
Her brother, Naveed Asghar, travelled to Karachi to claim her remains. Speaking to the media, he said, "We have come here and, after fulfilling all the legal requirements, have received the dead body." The family, he admitted, was stunned by the tragic circumstances.
“Shocked” was the word Naveed repeatedly used to describe the family's reaction. He added, "That is why my father said that if there is any emergency, then you can bury her there [in Karachi]." Humaira had become increasingly distant from the family, with minimal contact over the last seven years.
Naveed also raised concerns about whether enough was done to investigate the landlord’s role or responsibility in the delay of discovery. "Whatever matters took place with the landlord, did any of you interview him?" he asked reporters.
In the weeks leading up to her death, Humaira had stopped using her phone and ceased all social media activity, contributing further to the delay in realising she was missing. Her tragic, solitary death has left many questions and a family in mourning, searching for answers.
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