The body of Humaira Asghar Ali, a Pakistani television and film actress, was discovered in her Karachi apartment in July 2025, though forensic evidence now suggests she passed away as far back as October 2024. The case has raised concerns about negligence, isolation, and the breakdown of social support, while sparking public discussion over how her death went unnoticed for so long.

Police surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed, who conducted the post-mortem, reported that the body had undergone extensive decomposition. “Viscera completely autolyzed and reduced to an unidentifiable blackish mass. We have collected hair and specimen from the abdomen for chemical analysis,” she stated. Due to the body’s condition, DNA testing was required to confirm her identity.

Her brother, Naveed Asghar, later arrived in Karachi to receive her remains. He clarified: “We have come here and after fulfilling all the legal requirements, have received the dead body.” Contrary to early media reports suggesting that the family had refused to take responsibility, he emphasised that no such decision had been made.

Humaira had reportedly lived alone in a DHA Phase 6 apartment. According to investigators, her last known phone call occurred in October 2024, and there had been no activity on her social media accounts since the previous month. Electricity at her residence was disconnected during the same period due to non-payment of bills, and officials noted the absence of candles or backup lighting. One 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.”

Unpaid Rent Leads to Grim Find

Her landlord filed a legal complaint after repeated attempts to collect overdue rent. It was only when a court bailiff came to enforce the eviction that police broke into the apartment and found her lifeless body inside, locked from within.

The case has also drawn attention to the building’s lack of security and oversight. Naveed questioned, “Why weren’t there any CCTV cameras in the building? If there had been cameras, much would be clear by now.” The floor she lived on had only one other apartment, which remained vacant. Neighbours said they hadn’t seen her since September or October 2024. When some returned in February 2025, they noticed no odour, likely because the decomposition smell had already dissipated and a balcony door had been left ajar, allowing for ventilation.

Inside the apartment, authorities found expired food, rusted jars, and dry water pipes, indicating the property had gone untouched for several months. A police official remarked, “The jars had rusted, and food had expired six months ago.”

As the investigation continues, law enforcement has yet to identify any suspects. SSP South Mahzoor Ali confirmed that two mobile phones were recovered and sent for forensic examination, while reports suggested there might have been a third device, which remains unaccounted for.

Family Calls for Transparent Probe

Humaira’s brother also called for transparency in the inquiry, urging journalists to shift their focus away from criticising the family and instead probe those who may have been closer to her in her final days. “Whatever matters took place with the landlord, did any of you interview him?” he asked. “Instead of speculating about our family, the media should question the landlord… We want a transparent investigation.”

The case has also drawn commentary from public officials. Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori announced that the government was prepared to cover her burial expenses, stating, “She was not abandoned or alone. Like all citizens of Sindh, she was my sister.” Culture and Tourism Minister Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah echoed similar sentiments, offering support before the family stepped in.

Naveed explained that his sister had grown distant from the family after moving to Karachi around seven years ago. She kept in limited contact, visiting only once or twice a year. “She was her own person,” he said. “Our parents, like any others, had concerns and would ask questions, but it’s a natural part of being responsible guardians.”

Their last contact with Humaira had been nearly eighteen months ago, and efforts to reach her had failed. “For the last six months, her phone was off. We tried to locate her several times but failed,” Naveed shared. At one point, the family even contacted one of her friends, but the individual denied knowing her. The emotional weight of her sudden death was further compounded by the recent loss of a younger paternal aunt in a traffic accident, which had left their parents devastated. “When Humaira’s death was reported, my father, overwhelmed, gave a statement about her burial which was misunderstood,” Naveed clarified.

Humaira and her Career

In her career, Humaira Asghar Ali had gained recognition through both television and film. She made her debut in 2015 and later appeared in dramas such as Just Married, Guru, Ehsaan Faramosh, and Chal Dil Mere. She acted in the film Jalaibee in 2015, followed by Love Vaccine in 2021. Her popularity surged after her participation in the 2022 reality show Tamasha Ghar, and she earned the Best Emerging Talent & Rising Star Award at the National Woman Leadership Awards in 2023. Earlier in her career, she had also won the Veet Miss Super Model title in 2014.

Her death and the circumstances surrounding it have sparked national introspection. As Governor Tessori stated, “It’s a reflection on us as a society when a young woman’s body lies unclaimed. We must uphold the dignity of our mothers, sisters, and daughters.”