Pakistani actress Humaira Asghar Ali found dead in apartment, body decomposed

THE Pakistani entertainment world was rocked by the tragic discovery of 32-year-old actress and model Humaira Asghar Ali, whose body was found in an advanced state of decomposition in her rented apartment in Karachi’s upscale Ittehad Commercial area.

Her death triggered widespread speculation about family estrangement, claims her brother has now publicly denied.

Police made the discovery after executing a court-ordered eviction due to unpaid rent.

According to Senior Superintendent of Police Mehroz Ali, the landlord had filed a court case to have the premises vacated.

“Today, when the bailiff arrived with a court-issued break-and-enter order and forced open the door, the woman’s body was found inside,” he said.

Forensic reports suggest the actress likely died in October 2024, nearly nine months before her body was discovered.

Though her body was unrecognisable with decayed facial features, melted fingers and internal organs turned black, authorities found no signs of trauma or foul play.

DNA and toxicology results are pending to confirm the exact cause of death.

Initial reports indicated Humaira’s family, particularly her father, had refused to accept her body.

One quote that sparked outrage allegedly came from her father, retired army doctor Dr Asghar Ali, who reportedly told police: “We have cut off ties with her long ago. Do whatever you want with her body. We will not receive it.”

In a twist, her brother, Naveed Asghar, later travelled from Lahore to Karachi to claim her remains and rejected claims of abandonment.

“We have come here and after fulfilling all the legal requirements, have received the dead body,” he told reporters.

Naveed said his sister moved from Lahore to Karachi seven years ago and chose to live independently, rarely disclosing details of her life.

“She was responsible for her own affairs, she had not contacted the family for the past year and a half. We attempted to trace her about six months ago, but her numbers were off and she never shared her exact address.

“When we contacted one of her friends, they told us they did not know the actress. We were suddenly shocked, especially since there was already a situation at home with our paternal aunt.

"That is why my father said that if there is any emergency, then you can bury her in Karachi. Whatever matters took place with the landlord, did any of you interview him? You created noise all over Lahore, across Pakistan and even around the world. But we have come here to take our sister,” he said.

He criticised the media for focusing more on the family's alleged absence than on the circumstances of her death.

Humaira had not paid rent since 2024, prompting her landlord to seek legal intervention.

Electricity to her apartment had also been disconnected in October last year and expired food items were found inside.

Police believe her last phone activity occurred in October 2024, consistent with statements from neighbours who hadn’t seen her since around that time.

Best known for her appearance on ARY Digital’s Tamasha Ghar, Humaira also acted in Jalaibee (2015), Love Vaccine (2021) and several TV dramas, including Just Married, Ehsaan Faramosh, Guru and Chal Dil Mere.

She was the Veet Miss Super Model 2014 winner and described herself on social media as an actress, theatre artist, painter, sculptor and fitness enthusiast.

Her Instagram account, which once showcased a glamorous life to over 732,000 followers, had not been updated since October 2024.