KARACHI — Police have launched a murder investigation after the body of an 18-year-old newly married woman was discovered hanging on the rooftop of a residential building in Karachi’s DHA late on Saturday night.
The victim, identified as Zainab, had recently moved from Sialkot to Karachi after her marriage and had been staying at her husband’s maternal aunt’s home in DHA Phase V’s Badr Commercial area. According to investigators, her body was found on the rooftop of the building under circumstances that immediately raised suspicion.
Her father, Abdul Jabbar, lodged a formal complaint at the Darakhshan Police Station, stating that his daughter had been residing temporarily with her in-laws’ relatives. He said the family claimed she went to the rooftop in the evening and did not return for several hours. Later, the family informed him that Zainab had been found unconscious and was taken to a hospital, where doctors confirmed she was no longer alive.
Abdul Jabbar told police he believed his daughter had been strangled to death for reasons unknown, which prompted him to demand legal action.
Investigators have collected evidence from the scene. SSP South Mahzor Ali confirmed that a murder case has been registered and that the statements of the husband’s aunt and cousin have been recorded. He added that their accounts are currently being verified.
The police have also detained an individual considered suspicious and say more people are being questioned. SSP Ali said the aunt’s son, Abdul Hadi, is among those in custody and that any suspects found involved during the investigation will be prosecuted.
Police Surgeon Dr. Summaiya stated that the initial post-mortem indicated death due to strangulation. Samples have been sent for chemical analysis and DNA testing to determine further details.
This case comes months after another woman, model Humaira Asghar, was found dead under mysterious circumstances in DHA Phase VI. Police say they are treating both incidents separately but acknowledge growing concerns over unexplained deaths in the area.
