Husband, servant remanded in Hina murder case

Police say father-in-law's possible role remains under investigation

RAWALPINDI:

Police made significant progress in the alleged brutal murder of Hina Javed at Askari Apartments in the Civil Lines area, arresting her husband and a domestic employee and securing their three-day physical remand.

Both suspects, Faisal Asghar Imam and employee Zeeshan, were produced before a duty magistrate on Sunday, who handed them over to police on three-day physical remand. Police have begun formally questioning the suspects.

Rawalpindi City Police Officer Hassan Mushtaq Sukhera has constituted a seven-member investigation team headed by Investigation SSP Saif Ullah.

Police sources said mobile phones belonging to the deceased and the three household members had been taken into custody. Investigators also collected fingerprints and other evidence from the scene, including an alleged murder weapon, wire reportedly used to make a noose, a piece of cloth allegedly used to tie the victim's hands behind her back, another cloth placed over her face and her clothes.

A total of 19 evidence parcels were prepared. Police and forensic experts examined the crime scene for around six hours, while samples collected following the post-mortem have been sent for forensic analysis.

The doctor has indicated that a final opinion on the cause and manner of death will be given after receipt of the forensic report. Police have also decided to conduct DNA tests on both arrested suspects.

Hina, who married in 2025 and moved into her in-laws' home, was found partially hanging by a wire noose from a shower in the bathroom under mysterious circumstances. Her brother Fahad subsequently lodged a murder case against her husband, father-in-law Asghar Imam and the employee.

Police said the father-in-law and employee had initially reported that intruders had entered the house. However, officers found Hina's body in the bathroom upon reaching the scene.

The father-in-law, who is aged over 75, has also been nominated in the case. Police have recorded his preliminary statement and barred him from leaving the city. He reportedly referred to disputes between his son and daughter-in-law. Police said he would also be arrested if his involvement in the murder is established.

Meanwhile, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari expressed deep concern and sorrow over Hina's killing.