Pakistani actor Humaira Asghar Ali found dead in Karachi apartment, likely died 9 months ago

Pakistani television actor Humaira Asghar Ali, whose body was discovered in her Karachi apartment earlier this week, is believed to have died nearly nine months ago, according to a recent report by Arab News. The actor’s remains were found in an “advanced stage of decomposition”, raising concerns about how her death went unnoticed for such a prolonged period.

Police were alerted after her landlord filed a complaint over unpaid rent. Upon breaking into the flat, officers found her decomposed body, prompting a detailed investigation to uncover the timeline of her death.

Digital clues point to October 2024

Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Syed Asad Raza told Arab News, “As per Call Detail Record (CDR) the last call was made in October 2024.” Investigators believe Humaira likely passed away around the same time, with multiple clues pointing to a similar timeline.

Police found her mobile phone inactive since October, with both SIMs showing no activity. Her last outgoing communication was a text message from a ride-hailing app. A message sent to her on October 20, 2024 by stylist Danish Maqsood had not been read. Her WhatsApp account last showed her as “last seen” on 7 October. Electricity in the apartment had also been disconnected around the same time due to non-payment of bills.

“The expiry dates of food and drinks in the refrigerator are from September 2024,” DIG Raza noted during a press briefing. “The last outgoing and incoming activity on her phone also dates back to October 2024.”

Neighbours unaware of her death for months

According to police, the apartment next to Humaira’s was unoccupied, which meant that neighbours didn’t notice any unusual odour or signs of distress. Some residents who had been away returned only in February and by then, the smell had already dissipated.

One of her balcony doors was open, and water pipes in the flat were dry and rusted. “The jars had rusted, and food had expired six months ago,” an official told Arab News. Another official added, “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… There were no candles in the house.”

Post-mortem inconclusive; foul play not ruled out

The post-mortem was carried out by Karachi Police Surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed, who confirmed that the body had been in a “very advanced stage of decomposition”. Because of this, the exact cause of death could not be determined immediately.

“We have collected DNA and chemical samples. It would be premature to speculate until those tests are complete,” Dr. Syed said. While no visible injuries were noted, DIG Raza mentioned that foul play had not been ruled out and that toxicology and forensic test results are awaited.

Family initially reluctant, but brother claims body

Initially, police reported that Humaira’s family had refused to claim the body. However, her brother, Naveed Asghar, later arrived in Karachi and took custody of her remains after completing legal formalities. A DNA test was carried out for identification purposes due to the condition of the body.

“We have come here and after fulfilling all the legal requirements, have received the dead body,” Naveed said. He revealed that Humaira had moved to Karachi from Lahore nearly seven years ago and had grown distant from the family, visiting only occasionally. In the last year and a half, she had not returned home at all.

“We were shocked when we found out about Humaira and received persistent calls from the media,” Naveed said. “That is why my father said that if there is any emergency, then you can bury her there [in Karachi].”

He also questioned why no one had investigated the role of the landlord. “Whatever matters took place with the landlord, did any of you interview him?” he asked.

Who was Humaira Asghar Ali?

Originally from Lahore, Humaira began her career in the entertainment industry in 2015, featuring in supporting roles in TV dramas like ‘Just Married’, ‘Ehsaan Faramosh’, ‘Guru’, and ‘Chal Dil Mere’. She also appeared in films such as ‘Jalaibee’ (2015) and ‘Love Vaccine’ (2021).

She rose to wider fame after joining the reality show ‘Tamasha Ghar’ on ARY Digital in 2022. In 2023, she was honoured with the Best Emerging Talent & Rising Star award at the National Woman Leadership Awards.