Humaira Asghar’s Family Finally Claims Body, Denies Estrangement

News Desk

Karachi: The family of actress and model Humaira Asghar has finally arrived in Karachi to collect her body, days after it was found decomposed in her apartment and remained unclaimed in the morgue.

The family’s arrival follows widespread media criticism and public concern over the delay in claiming the body.

Speaking to reporters outside the SSP South office, Humaira’s brother, Naveed Asghar, dismissed rumours that the family had distanced themselves from the late actress.

“There’s a false impression being circulated that we abandoned her or refused to take her body. That’s simply not true,” he said, adding that they had remained in contact with both the police and the Chhipa Welfare Association over the past three days.

He explained that certain legal formalities had to be completed before the body could be handed over. “We’ve now completed the process and taken her body into our custody,” Naveed said.

He further clarified that although the family hadn’t been in touch with Humaira for the past six months, this was not unusual for her. “She often travelled frequently and didn’t stay in regular contact. Her phone had been switched off during this period. We were concerned, but she had been living independently for years,” he said. He also mentioned that the family had recently suffered the loss of a close relative, which added to their emotional burden.

The sudden calls from the media after the discovery of Humaira’s body had come as a shock to the family, he added. “This has been an emotionally painful experience.”

SSP: Legal Procedures Underway

SSP South Mahzoor Ali confirmed that legal proceedings to transfer the body to the family were in progress.

“Her brother and brother-in-law are in Karachi and plan to take her body to Lahore for burial,” the SSP stated. He added that the family had not raised any suspicions about the circumstances of her death and were waiting for the postmortem report.

According to the SSP, Humaira lost contact with her family around October 2024. “There have been no utility payments since then, and the condition of household items suggests she likely died around that time,” he said.

The officer explained that the flat had only two apartments per floor, and the adjacent flat was unoccupied as its residents were abroad. “They returned in February 2025. This could explain why the smell from the decomposing body went unnoticed,” he added.

SSP Ali also said that Humaira was known to have long gaps in communication with her family. “They say she would sometimes disappear for months due to her travels.”

Days-Old Body of Actress Found in Karachi Flat

The decomposed body of a woman, later confirmed to be Humaira Asghar, was discovered in an apartment in Ittehad Commercial, DHA Phase 6.

Police said the woman had been living alone in the flat since 2018. However, she reportedly stopped paying rent in 2024, prompting the landlord to file a legal case with the Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC).

A court-appointed bailiff arrived to execute a legal eviction order and found the body inside. Rescue officials shifted the remains to Jinnah Hospital for autopsy. Authorities estimated the deceased was between 30 and 35 years of age.

Residents of the area initially identified her as Humaira Asghar, but the body was too decomposed for visual identification. “DNA testing was necessary for confirmation,” the SSP South stated. At the time, no family members had come forward to claim the body.

Preliminary Findings Suggest Natural Death

Police and forensic experts said that initial observations did not suggest foul play, and the case is currently being treated as a suspected natural death. However, final conclusions will only be drawn after the autopsy and forensic analysis are complete.

“The apartment has been sealed, and further investigation is ongoing,” the SSP confirmed.

Mobile Phone Recovered

Police recovered a mobile phone from the apartment registered in Humaira Asghar’s name. Her national identity card and a magazine featuring her photos were also found inside the flat.

Investigators used the SIM registration data to access her identity records. Her identification was later confirmed through this evidence and matched against the ID card and other personal belongings.

Landlord-Tenant Dispute

Officials revealed that Humaira had an ongoing rent dispute with the landlord. Due to unpaid dues, the landlord had approached the court for eviction. Acting on the court’s directive, a bailiff entered the apartment and found the body.

The flat was re-sealed, and the case was referred back to the court for further legal proceedings, with additional action expected after the judge’s orders.