Rawalpindi: A television anchorperson was found dead at her residence in Rawalpindi's Gulshanabad area on Sunday, prompting police to take her husband into custody and launch an investigation into the circumstances of her death.
City Police Officer (CPO) Hassan Mushtaq Sukhera confirmed that the victim’s husband was detained for questioning and a suspected weapon was recovered from the residence.
Police said the circumstances surrounding the shooting remained under investigation, with forensic evidence being collected to establish whether it was accidental or deliberate.
According to the initial police statement, a male domestic worker informed investigators that the victim's husband described the incident as an accidental discharge.
The husband's account was not independently verified, and police did not announce any conclusive findings concerning responsibility for the death.
Police launch forensic investigation
Following the incident, CPO Sukhera visited the residence alongside the senior superintendent of police for operations, the senior superintendent of police for investigations and a team of forensic specialists.
Officials examined the scene and initiated the process of collecting evidence.
Teams from the Punjab Forensic Science Agency were also called in to assist investigators, while the victim’s body was transferred to hospital for a postmortem examination.
Police said the findings of the forensic examination and postmortem would be considered alongside statements from individuals present at the residence.
According to reports, the victim's husband told investigators that the incident occurred accidentally and denied intentionally firing the shot.
He also reportedly stated that the victim’s mother and sister were present in the house and could be questioned about the incident.
Investigators are examining these statements as part of the inquiry.
CPO Sukhera said legal proceedings were being initiated and assured that the investigation would be conducted on merit.
First Lady demands transparent investigation
First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari expressed grief over the victim’s death and called for a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation.
Investigation continues
Police did not publicly establish a motive or confirm whether the shooting resulted from an accident or a deliberate act.
The detention of Ahsan’s husband forms part of the investigation and does not establish criminal responsibility.
Further developments are expected following the forensic examination, postmortem findings and recording of witness statements.
Authorities said the case will be investigated on merit to determine the circumstances surrounding the anchor person’s death.
