Humaira Asghar Ali’s brother denies family estrangement, calls for transparent probe into her death

Dubai: The family of late Pakistani actor and model Humaira Asghar Ali, whose decomposed body was discovered earlier this week in her DHA Phase 6 Karachi apartment, has broken its silence — firmly rejecting reports of estrangement and urging for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

Her brother, Naveed Asghar, arrived from Lahore and formally received her body on Thursday after completing legal formalities, according to reports by Dawn Images and The Express Tribune. He spoke to media outlets in Karachi, calling the reports of family neglect “completely unfounded.”

“My sister was self-reliant. May Allah forgive her and ease her journey,” Naveed said. “It is incorrect to say we severed ties with her. For the past three days, we were coordinating with the police and Chhipa Foundation to release her body.”

Family response delayed by personal tragedy

Naveed explained that a recent bereavement — the loss of a younger paternal aunt in a traffic accident — delayed their ability to respond quickly. “My father was already distressed. When Humaira’s death was reported, his statement about her burial was misunderstood,” he said.

He clarified that although the family had not been in close contact with Humaira for some time, they had made multiple attempts to reach her over the past year.

“Her phone had been switched off for six months. The last time my mother spoke to her, she asked about her residence, but Humaira didn’t share any details,” Naveed added.

A call for facts — not speculation

Calling out sensational media narratives, Naveed urged the press to focus on facts rather than assumptions.

“Instead of speculating about our family, ask why the landlord didn’t check on her sooner. How was the door opened? Why were there no CCTVs in the building? We want the full truth.”

Police sources confirmed to The Express Tribune that Humaira had not been in contact with anyone since October 2024. The door to her apartment was locked from the inside. Two phones were recovered from the scene and sent for forensic analysis, while a third device is suspected missing.

According to SSP South Mahzoor Ali, no suspects have been identified as of now, and initial findings show no immediate signs of foul play.

Forensic process and funeral support

Police Surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed and SHO Gizri Farooq Sanjrani confirmed that a DNA sample was collected from Naveed Asghar for formal identification. The results of the chemical analysis in the post-mortem report are still pending.

In a symbolic gesture, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori pledged that the state would bear the costs of Humaira’s funeral. “She was not abandoned or alone,” he said. “Like all citizens of Sindh, she was my sister.”

Sindh Culture and Tourism Minister Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah had also earlier offered to assist with the burial, noting the tragic implications of a young woman lying unclaimed in a locked apartment in the heart of Karachi.

What we know so far

• Humaira was last known to be active in October 2024

• Her body was found in an advanced state of decomposition inside her locked apartment

• Two mobile phones were recovered; one or more devices may still be unaccounted for

• No CCTV footage or suspects have been confirmed

• DNA testing is underway; post-mortem chemical analysis is pending

• Her body was released to the family on Thursday after legal procedures

• The investigation remains open

Beyond the headlines

Humaira, who is survived by two brothers and two sisters, had carved her own path in the Pakistani entertainment industry. Her death — and the public’s reaction to it — has reignited conversations about mental health, media sensationalism, and the societal isolation often faced by women who choose to live independently.

“This isn’t about one actress,” Governor Tessori said. “It’s about how we, as a society, choose to show up — or not — for our own.”