Pakistani television anchor Rabia Ahsan was found shot dead at her home in Rawalpindi on Sunday, 8 November, prompting a murder investigation and the detention of her husband.
The 41-year-old journalist, who worked for private broadcaster 92 News, was discovered inside the bedroom of her residence in the Gulshanabad area, police said.
According to the first information report filed by her brother, Khurram Ahmed, Ahsan’s mother and sister were sitting in the garden when they heard a gunshot at around 2.30pm.
Her sister rushed into the bedroom and found Ahsan lying on the floor with a gunshot wound. The husband, identified as Ahsan Tahir, was reportedly holding a pistol, according to the complaint.
Police recovered the firearm and ammunition from the scene. An initial examination found a gunshot wound below Ahsan’s neck, while forensic investigators collected evidence from the house.
Husband claims shooting was accidental
During initial questioning, Tahir told investigators that the gun had discharged accidentally. He reportedly said he had not intended to shoot his wife and claimed he did not know the weapon was loaded.
Police have not confirmed that account. Investigators are examining the circumstances of the shooting, and the case was registered under Section 302 of Pakistan’s Penal Code, which concerns murder, along with provisions of the provincial arms law.
Police also said the recovered pistol was unlicensed, as the suspect had not produced a valid permit for it.
Court extends police custody
A Rawalpindi court on Tuesday, 10 November, extended Tahir’s physical remand by four days to allow investigators to continue questioning him.
Senior Civil Judge Muhammad Nasrullah Wattoo approved the extension after police requested additional time for the investigation. The court directed investigators to produce the suspect again on 13 November and submit the investigation and post-mortem reports.
The case was registered following a complaint by Ahsan’s brother, who accused Tahir of shooting his sister. The suspect remains under investigation, and no final determination has been announced on whether the shooting was deliberate or accidental.
Tributes and calls for an impartial inquiry
Ahsan was known for presenting the current affairs programme Muqabil on 92 News. She had also worked alongside senior Pakistani journalists Amir Mateen and Rauf Klasra.
She was the mother of two daughters. Her death prompted tributes from colleagues and calls for a thorough investigation.
Pakistan’s First Lady, Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, expressed sadness over the killing and called for an impartial and transparent inquiry to establish the facts and ensure accountability.
Police have said the investigation is continuing.
