Aseefa Bhutto calls for transparent probe into Hina Javed’s alleged murder

ISLAMABAD: First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari has expressed deep concern over the alleged murder of 45-year-old Hina Javed in Rawalpindi and called for a thorough and transparent investigation to ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice.

In a post shared on the President of Pakistan’s X account, Aseefa conveyed her condolences and solidarity to Hina’s bereaved family, saying the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident required a complete and transparent probe.

She called for those found responsible to be brought to justice and made an example of, while stressing the need for effective measures to protect women and prevent such crimes.

The post also said the first lady expressed concern over the reported rise in such incidents and called for steps to strengthen the protection of women.

First Lady expresses concern over the brutal murder of Hina Javed

First Lady Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari MNA has expressed deep concern and sorrow over the reported brutal murder of Hina Javed in Rawalpindi, and conveyed her solidarity and condolences to the bereaved family.

She…

— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) August 23, 2026

The statement comes as police investigate the death of Hina, whose body was found in the bathroom of an apartment in Rawalpindi’s Lal Kurti area on Thursday morning.

Police have taken her husband, Faisal Asghar, and a domestic worker, Zeeshan, into custody for questioning, while Hina’s father-in-law, Asghar Ali Fayyaz, has also been named in the FIR.

Her family has demanded his immediate arrest and a full investigation into his alleged role in the incident.

According to the FIR registered at the Civil Lines Police Station on the complaint of Hina’s brother Fahad Javed, the victim was found dead in the bathroom with both hands tied behind her back.

The complaint stated that a piece of cloth had been placed over her mouth and a wire was found around her neck, with the wire attached to the bathroom shower.

Hina’s brother told police that he received a call from her father-in-law informing him of an emergency at the residence. He rushed to the apartment with family members and found his sister dead in the bathroom.

The FIR also stated that blood was coming from Hina’s mouth and that blood was present on the bathroom floor.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death as a murder.

A post-mortem examination has been conducted and the report is awaited, while investigators have collected evidence from the crime scene.

Family alleges domestic abuse

The FIR contains allegations that Hina had been subjected to repeated physical and psychological abuse following her marriage to Faisal Asghar around nine months ago.

Her brother alleged that Faisal had repeatedly harassed and tortured Hina and subjected her to physical violence.

The complaint further alleged that Faisal’s previous marriage also ended in divorce following domestic violence and abuse.

These allegations are part of the complainant’s account and have yet to be established in court.

The family also alleged that Hina may have been forced to consume a poisonous substance before her death and that an attempt was made to portray the killing as suicide.

Police have not yet established these allegations, with investigators awaiting forensic and post-mortem findings.

Hina’s husband and the domestic worker are currently in police custody as investigators examine their alleged involvement.

The victim’s father-in-law remains a key concern for the family, which has repeatedly called for his arrest and investigation.

Family demands full accountability

In a statement issued after the incident, Hina’s family said it had faith in the country’s legal and judicial system but demanded that every person who allegedly participated in or facilitated her death be held accountable.

The family specifically raised concerns over Asghar Ali Fayyaz, saying he had been nominated in the FIR but had not been arrested.

It called on Punjab police and other relevant authorities to ensure that the investigation proceeds transparently and without pressure, delay or influence.

The family also urged the media and civil society to continue highlighting the case, arguing that domestic violence should be treated as a serious crime rather than a private family matter.

The case has also triggered widespread anger and calls for justice on social media, with several public figures drawing attention to Hina’s death.

Police await forensic findings

Rawalpindi police said the investigation is continuing from all angles and that forensic and post-mortem findings will help determine the precise circumstances and cause of Hina’s death.

The case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code, while investigators are examining evidence recovered from the apartment and questioning the suspects in custody.

The incident has once again drawn attention to concerns over violence against women in Pakistan and the need for timely intervention and effective legal protection in cases involving domestic abuse.