Karachi Defence woman’s death: Husband speaks, family opts out of legal action

The body of a 36‑year‑old woman was discovered on Monday in a flat in Defence Phase 8, police said. The deceased has been identified as Shumaila. Initial investigations suggested she may have taken her own life after cutting her hamstrings, and her remains were taken to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre for an autopsy and the required legal procedures.

Police now report that Shumaila’s husband told investigators his wife had injected a boil on her wrist. Her relatives also informed authorities that she had been experiencing mental‑health instability. South SSP Mahzoor Ali added that Shumaila’s brother declined to pursue any legal action in the case.

Following the discovery, police opened an inquiry to learn more about Shumaila, her family and the circumstances of her death. The husband’s and family’s statements have added new details, but officials said the exact cause of death has not yet been determined.

In a separate investigation, police have detained several workers while probing the murder of an elderly couple whose bodies were found in their home in North Karachi’s Sir Syed area. According to police sources, a carpenter, a plumber and a painter were on the job at the house. The plumber had finished his work, while the carpenter and painter were still on site. Their statements have been recorded and they are being questioned.

Investigators have also taken statements from the victims’ close relatives and neighbours, and have obtained CCTV footage from the neighbourhood. Police said the video showing people entering and leaving the house is unclear. A mobile phone recovered from the scene has been sent for forensic analysis. Authorities are awaiting information from family members arriving from Canada, and the couple’s children are expected in Karachi by tomorrow.

The post‑mortem report revealed severe head injuries on both victims. Muhammad Yamin, aged between 65 and 70, and his wife, Nafis Akhtar, aged between 60 and 65, were found dead inside their home, according to the police surgeon. Both suffered deep, serious injuries to the head, and investigators suspect a heavy blunt object was used in the killings.