Police in Karachi have yet to confirm the cause of death of actor Humaira Asghar Ali, whose body was discovered at her flat in an “advanced stage of decomposition” earlier this week.
According to an initial post-mortem examination, the body’s advanced stage of decay has made it very difficult—if not impossible—to reveal the cause of death. However, DNA testing is underway to establish whether her body had any toxic substances. Police have nonetheless stressed that there were no immediate signs of foul play.
Police say they arrived at her flat on court orders for eviction, as she had not paid her rent for several months. When no one answered, they broke open the door and found her lying dead on the floor. Reportedly, the actor stopped responding to messages in October 2024 and had not been in contact with anyone since then. Call records secured by police suggest her last communication was with a rideshare driver.
Local media has reported Ali was estranged from her family and did not engage with her neighbors, likely contributing to the months her body was left undiscovered.
Ali’s sudden passing has prompted her past co-stars to voice their shock and grief and call on people to ensure they regularly check on their loved ones, especially those that live alone.
One former co-star Atiqa Odho recalled the two had worked together on drama serial Ehsaan Faramosh. “We worked in Ehsaan Faramosh serial together and she was such a gentle soul. Never thought that she would leave us so soon,” she said, adding she hoped authorities would soon discover the truth of the matter.
Actor Faysal Quraishi, in a posting on social media, urged people “to keep a check on those who live alone.” Similarly, actor Hina Altaf wrote on Instagram: “She lived alone. She passed away alone. And days went by without anyone even noticing. This isn’t just a loss, it’s a wake up call. Check in on your friends and also people who never asked. May Allah forgive her and give her the highest rank in Jannah. May Allah give strength to souls who are battling so quietly.”