Rabiya Ahsan Case Takes New Turn as Family Calls Death Accidental
Rabiya Ahsan Murder Case: Family Decides to Withdraw Case Against Husband
RAWALPINDI: The family of television anchorperson Rabiya Ahsan, who died from a gunshot wound inside her home in Rawalpindi, has decided not to pursue the murder case registered against her husband, Ahsan Tahir Khan.
Rabiya’s sister, Alvina, told Hum News Digital that her sister’s death was entirely accidental, insisting that the family did not intend to pursue the case further.
“My sister’s death was 110 per cent accidental,” Alvina said, adding that the family was still struggling to cope with the tragedy. She said they would share further details once they had recovered from the initial shock.
Alvina also criticised media coverage of the incident, alleging that her statements were being taken out of context and presented in different ways.
Rabiya’s body was recovered from a house in Gulshan Abad, near Adiala Road, Rawalpindi. Following the incident, police registered a murder case against her husband and arrested him.
According to police sources, Ahsan told investigators that he was handling a locally manufactured pistol and pointing it towards his wife in a joking manner when the weapon suddenly discharged. The bullet reportedly struck Rabiya in the neck.
A domestic employee was also present in the room at the time of the incident. Police sources said no dispute between the couple had been reported.
A local court has granted police one-day physical remand of the suspect for further investigation.
Police Investigation to Continue Despite Family’s Decision
The murder case, registered under FIR No. 1231/26 at Sadar Bairuni Police Station, was filed on the complaint of Rabiya’s brother, Khurram Ahmed.
The FIR included Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), relating to murder, and Section 13-2(a) of the Punjab Arms (Amendment) Ordinance 2015, concerning illegal possession of firearms.
According to the FIR, Khurram was on his way to meet his sister when he received a telephone call from Alvina informing him that gunshots had been heard inside the house at approximately 2:30pm.
The family reportedly rushed into the room and found Rabiya lying in a pool of blood near the bed, while her husband was holding a pistol.
Police records indicate that two bloodied injury marks were found on her body, one below the front of her neck and another on the right side of her back.
Investigators also recovered a .30-bore pistol from Ahsan, who reportedly failed to produce a valid licence or permit for the weapon.
Police officials have maintained that the investigation will continue regardless of the family’s reported decision not to pursue the complaint.
Legal Experts Explain the Case
Legal experts have clarified that a complainant cannot simply withdraw a registered murder FIR at will.
Although murder under Section 302 PPC is legally compoundable in certain circumstances, any compromise or pardon by the deceased’s legal heirs during trial requires the court’s approval and must follow the applicable legal procedure.
Supreme Court lawyer and criminal law expert Usman Gul said that where an unlicensed weapon is involved, the matter cannot simply be treated as an accidental death or culpable homicide by mistake. The illegal arms possession charge is separate and is pursued by the state.
Aseefa Bhutto Calls for Transparent Investigation
Meanwhile, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari has called for a complete, impartial and transparent investigation into Rabiya Ahsan’s death.
In a statement shared on the President’s official X account, Aseefa expressed concern over violence against professional women, recalling the killing of another working woman, Hina Javed, in Rawalpindi less than three months earlier.
She stressed that women must have the right to work and live without fear for their lives.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari also commented on the case, saying that during the initial investigation, the suspect had maintained that the gun went off accidentally while he was handling the weapon. However, she pointed to the locations of the injuries recorded in the FIR.
Rabiya’s Previous Social Media Posts
Rabiya Ahsan had previously attracted attention on social media for her comments about the One Constitution Avenue controversy.
In her posts, she had referred to previous joint investigation team reports, cabinet committees and court proceedings concerning the controversial project. She had also commented on individuals allegedly receiving apartments in connection with the development.
However, no official evidence has so far emerged establishing any connection between her social media posts or comments about One Constitution Avenue and her death.
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Rawalpindi Journalist Rabia Ahsan Shot Dead at Home, Husband Arrested
