The family of late model and actor Humaira Asghar Ali has strongly refuted reports suggesting they refused to claim her remains, criticising the media for what they called a “misleading and insensitive portrayal.”
Earlier this week, authorities discovered Humaira’s decomposed body inside her rented apartment in Karachi’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA), during a court-mandated eviction. The case shocked the public, especially within the entertainment community.
Initial statements from police indicated that Humaira may have passed away around September 2024, based on food expiry dates and her last recorded mobile activity. However, a post-mortem later suggested her death likely occurred at least eight months ago, confirming significant decomposition.
Police initially said that when contacted, Humaira’s father, based in Lahore, declined to retrieve her body, prompting widespread condemnation and emotional appeals from artists and government figures. However, her brother, Naveed Asghar, later arrived in Karachi to formally take custody of the remains, pending DNA verification.
Family Responds: ‘We Were in Touch with Police’
Speaking to journalists, Naveed stated that the family was in communication with police officials and the Chhipa Welfare Association in the days leading up to the handover.
He explained that the body remained with authorities during the investigation and that the family had been waiting on legal formalities. He also cited the recent loss of another close family member as a reason for the delay, stressing that the family was emotionally distressed.
“We never refused to claim her,” Naveed emphasized, adding that the condition of the body made immediate transfer difficult. “Legal procedures had to be completed. The media should have waited before making such strong accusations.”
He went on to urge news outlets to focus more on investigating possible causes of death, rather than sensationalising the family’s grief.
A Life of Independence and Distance
Naveed described Humaira as someone who lived independently and often kept to herself. She had been residing in Karachi for the past seven years, rarely visiting home. At times, she would go months or even a year without contacting family members. Her phone had reportedly been off for over six months.
“Our mother had tried reaching out to her, but we couldn’t locate her,” he explained.
Naveed also called on local authorities to mandate CCTV installation in rented properties, suggesting it could help detect such tragedies earlier in the future.
Public Figures and Government Step In
Following early media reports about the family’s supposed refusal, both government officials and fellow artists came forward, offering to arrange Humaira’s burial.
The Sindh Culture Department issued a statement expressing sorrow over the situation and offered to take responsibility for her final rites, in recognition of her contributions to Pakistan’s cultural landscape.
Prominent actors including Yashma Gill and Sonya Hussayn reportedly contacted police with offers to help with funeral arrangements.
The Actors Collective of Pakistan, an advocacy group for performers, also pledged support. In a public message, they affirmed, “No one in our community is left behind. We ensure dignity in life and in death.”
