KARACHI: The post-mortem examinations of five members of the same family found dead inside an apartment in Karachi’s Ahsanabad area have been completed, but the cause of death remains undetermined pending chemical analysis, police officials said.
The bodies of Dr Umar, his wife Mehwish and their three daughters were recovered from a flat at Lakhani Twin Towers in the SITE Super Highway area. Investigators said the bodies appeared to have been there for approximately two to three days.
Dr Umar, Mehwish and one of their daughters, identified as Zainab, have been identified. The identities of the two younger girls had not been formally established at the time of the initial report. Both were reported to be under the age of 10.
According to police, the preliminary post-mortem findings did not establish a definitive cause of death. Samples have been sent for chemical examination, and investigators said further legal proceedings would be determined after the final medical findings are received.
Police Examine Family’s Financial Circumstances
Investigators are also examining reports that the family had been experiencing financial difficulties before the incident.
According to initial police inquiries, a neighbour told investigators that Dr Umar had been under considerable financial pressure. Police said his wife had recently attempted to sell a household oven for Rs10,000. The neighbour reportedly declined to purchase the appliance but instead provided the family with Rs2,000 in financial assistance.
Police are treating these details as part of the investigation and have not established financial difficulties as the cause of the deaths.
Investigators have also been told that Dr Umar had recently been diagnosed with kidney cancer and had subsequently left his job at a hospital. Authorities are examining whether his health and financial circumstances had any relevance to the case, but no final conclusion has been reached.
Flat Reportedly Locked From Inside
Police said the apartment was locked from the inside when officers arrived. They forced their way into the flat and later recovered a key near Dr Umar.
A search of the residence did not lead to the recovery of mobile phones belonging to the family, according to initial police information. Investigators are expected to examine this aspect of the case as part of efforts to reconstruct the family’s final days.
Dr Umar was originally from Bahawalnagar, while police said one of his brothers lives in Punjab.
SSP East Zubair Nazir Sheikh said investigators were gathering evidence and statements to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Authorities have stressed that the exact cause of death cannot be determined until the chemical examination and other forensic findings are completed.
The investigation remains ongoing.