Islamabad: Pakistani actress Humaira Asghar Ali was laid to rest in Lahore’s Model Town Q Block graveyard on Friday after a sparsely-attended funeral, days after her body was discovered in her apartment in Karachi.
The 32-year-old actress’s death has turned into a mystery after investigators revealed she died nine months ago, contrary to earlier reports suggesting she passed away two weeks ago.
According to Arab News, investigators found that Humaira died in October last year, based on digital and forensic evidence. Her charred body was discovered on Tuesday in a flat in Karachi’s Ittehad Commercial area after the landlord complained about unpaid rent, prompting police to break open the door.
Karachi Police Surgeon Dr Sumaiya Saeed had initially said after the post-mortem that Humaira died about a month ago.
However, a fresh police probe claims the death occurred nine months ago, citing phone records showing her device was last used in October, while her last social media activity was in September 2024. Her final Facebook post was on September 11, and her last Instagram post was on September 30.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Syed Asad Raza said neighbours last saw her in September or October last year. An official, requesting anonymity, said Humaira likely died around the time her electricity was disconnected in October due to non-payment of bills.
Police said the timeframe was also determined by observing rusty kitchen utensils, spoiled food items, and dry water pipes inside the apartment.
With only one other flat on the floor, which was vacant at the time, neighbours were unaware of her death. Residents who returned to the building in February said the smell had subsided by then, while a balcony door of her flat was found open.
Police are continuing the investigation to determine the exact circumstances of her death.
