The preliminary postmortem report of actress Humaira Asghar Ali, whose body was discovered in a flat in Karachi’s Defence Phase VI area, has failed to determine the cause of death due to the advanced stage of decomposition, according to police and medical officials.
Police Surgeon Dr. Samia confirmed that the body was badly decomposed and thus not fit for establishing the cause of death. She stated that samples have been collected for DNA identification and chemical analysis, and the exact cause of death will only be determined after laboratory results are received.
Dr Samia said they had reserved the cause of death for now.
The case has taken a further tragic turn as the actress’s family has refused to claim the body. According to SSP South Mehroz Ali, the heirs informed police that their relationship with Humaira had ended two years ago and they had no interest in receiving her remains.
Despite efforts to persuade him to travel to Karachi, no further contact has been made by the family since. The police have now taken the responsibility of conducting her burial.
The SSP said Humaira had been residing alone in her apartment since 2018 and had stopped paying rent in early 2024. “She had been living in complete isolation,” he said.
The Chhipa Foundation, which is assisting with the case, said the body has been placed in mobile cold storage due to its severely decayed condition.
Humaira Asghar, a lesser-known figure in local entertainment circles, was reportedly living alone in her apartment. Police sources claim that she was addicted to drugs and often had disputes with her neighbours, leading to social isolation.
Her apartment, located in Defence Phase VI, has been sealed by court order, which has temporarily halted any further searches or evidence collection at the scene.
