Rawalpindi police chief rules out suicide in Hina Javaid’s death

Rawalpindi police chief Babar Sarfraz Alpa refuted reports suggesting that Hina Javaid, a 45-year-old digital media executive, took her own life. Alpa stated unequivocally that the death was indeed a murder. He added that Hina's husband, Faisal Asghar Imam, and a domestic servant, Zeeshan, were currently under police custody, while Hina's father-in-law, Asghar Ali Fayyaz, was under investigation.

The regional police officer made the announcement at a hastily convened joint press conference with City Police Officer Hassan Mushtaq Sukhera, the SSP investigations head, and SP Potohar at the Police Lines auditorium on Monday night. A special team had been assembled to conduct the murder investigation of Hina Javaid.

Though initially reported as a suicide, forensic examination of the body disproved that notion. The RPO emphasized that the case was still in its early stages, and certain details could not be disclosed at this time. However, he assured that as the investigation continued, those involved would be identified, and appropriate action would be taken once sufficient evidence was gathered against Hina's father-in-law.

According to the police account, on August 20, Asghar Ali Fayyaz contacted the police station, informing them about a burglary at his residence on Faisal Alvi Road. Upon receiving the information, the police proceeded to the location where Hina's body was found in the bathroom of the apartment. The body was discovered tied to the shower, with her hands secured behind her back.

Upon Hina's brother, Fahad Javed’s request, a murder case was registered. The FIR listed Hina's husband, father-in-law, domestic servant, and an unidentified individual as suspects. The RPO disclosed that the investigation was being carried out from multiple angles, with a special team under the leadership of the SSP investigations heading the efforts. Zeeshan and Faisal were currently in police custody.

The domestic servant had initially given a different statement but made new revelations while in police custody. The servant informed the investigators that Hina and Faisal had a quarrel that night over a dispute, during which she allegedly suffered torture. When she attempted to escape, the suspect allegedly strangled her, then took her to the bathroom to create the illusion that she had committed suicide.