Pakistani actress and model Humaira Asghar Ali was found dead in her Karachi apartment on Tuesday, under circumstances that have sparked investigation and revealed a tragic timeline. The 32-year-old actress, known for her roles in the film "Jalaibee" (2015) and the reality show "Tamasha Ghar," was discovered in an advanced state of decomposition, leading investigators to believe she passed away approximately nine months prior, around October 2024.
The discovery occurred when a court-appointed bailiff arrived at her flat in the Defence Housing Authority to carry out an eviction due to unpaid rent. Receiving no response, the door was broken down, revealing Ali's body inside. According to police reports, the apartment doors, including the balcony entrance, were locked from the inside, with no signs of forced entry, initially ruling out foul play.
Forensic evidence and digital records suggest a timeline leading back to October 2024. According to officials with direct knowledge of the case, Humaira's last call was made in October 2024, and her electricity was disconnected around the same time due to non-payment of bills. Furthermore, expired food items and rusted containers in the kitchen supported the theory that she had been deceased for several months. One official noted the absence of candles in the apartment.
Police surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed, who conducted the post-mortem, stated that the body's advanced decomposition made it impossible to determine the exact cause of death. Forensic and toxicology tests have been sent for further analysis. While investigators are not ruling out any possibilities, including foul play, suicide, or accidental death, the circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear.
Adding to the initial shock, reports surfaced that Humaira's family had initially refused to claim her remains. However, her brother, Naveed Asghar, traveled from Lahore to Karachi to retrieve her body. He refuted claims that the family had disowned her, explaining that miscommunication and a recent family tragedy – the death of their paternal aunt in a road accident – contributed to the initial confusion. Naveed also questioned the circumstances surrounding his sister's dealings with her landlord and demanded further scrutiny.
Humaira Asghar Ali's death has sent shockwaves through the Pakistani entertainment industry. Colleagues and fans have expressed their grief and disbelief. Actor Adnan Siddiqui, host of "Tamasha Ghar," shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, lamenting the loss of a young life. Actress Atiqa Odho, who worked with Ali on "Ehsan Faramosh," also posted a picture expressing her shock and sadness.