RAWALPINDI: A Rawalpindi court has extended the physical remand of two suspects arrested in connection with the murder of digital designer Hina Javed for another four days.
The suspects, Hina’s husband Faisal Asghar and domestic worker Zeeshan, were produced before Duty Judicial Magistrate Nadia Yaqoob on Saturday after the completion of their previous remand.
The court directed police to complete the investigation and ordered that both suspects be presented again on September 2.
Police Seek More Time to Recover Evidence
The Civil Lines police station requested a seven-day extension of the suspects’ physical remand.
Police told the court that the suspects had already spent six days in custody but investigators needed additional time to recover evidence linked to the murder.
According to the police application, investigators are searching for a screwdriver and other tools allegedly used during the crime.
Police are also seeking documents related to Faisal Asghar’s first marriage and divorce as part of the investigation.
Investigators said they have yet to recover some alleged evidence, including the rope, wire and cloth reportedly used during the incident.
The court subsequently granted a four-day extension and ordered police to complete their investigation before the next hearing.
Hina Javed Found Dead at In-Laws’ Home
Forty-five-year-old Hina Javed was found dead at her in-laws’ residence on August 20.
Her father-in-law had initially informed police that burglars had entered the house.
Police later found Hina’s body in the bathroom, with her hands allegedly tied behind her back and her body positioned near the shower.
Her death triggered a murder investigation, leading to the arrest of her husband and domestic worker.
The two suspects have since been placed on consecutive physical remands as investigators attempt to establish what happened inside the house.
Domestic Worker Gives Conflicting Statements
The investigation took another turn after police claimed that domestic worker Zeeshan had confessed to the murder.
However, police sources said Zeeshan allegedly gave three different accounts after being taken into custody.
In his first statement, he reportedly claimed that the murder was planned in collaboration with Faisal Asghar.
In a second statement, he allegedly accepted responsibility for the killing.
During the formal investigation, however, he reportedly gave another account, claiming that he was called after an argument between Hina and her husband.
According to police sources, Zeeshan later alleged that Hina resisted and attempted to escape before both men allegedly caught her. He claimed she was strangled during the struggle.
Investigators are continuing to examine these conflicting statements rather than relying on any single account.
Forensic Tests and Other Evidence Under Review
A special investigation team led by Investigation SSP Saifullah previously took Faisal Asghar and Zeeshan to Lahore under tight security.
Their samples were submitted to the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) for DNA and polygraph examinations.
Hina’s father-in-law, who has also been included in the investigation, accompanied the team and was questioned before returning to Rawalpindi.
A preliminary post-mortem report reportedly found a fractured neck bone along with injuries to Hina’s ribs and hip.
Samples required for DNA testing were also sent to a forensic laboratory.
Police have said that the precise cause of death will be established after the complete post-mortem and forensic reports are received.
Police Investigate Multiple Possible Motives
Investigators are examining several possible motives behind Hina’s death.
One line of inquiry concerns allegations that Zeeshan had previously stolen money and other belongings from the house.
Police are investigating whether he could have feared that Hina had discovered the alleged theft and whether this may have contributed to the killing.
Investigators are also examining whether more than one person was involved.
One key question is how the body could have been moved to the bathroom and positioned near the shower if only one person had carried out the alleged crime.
Police are therefore examining the sequence of events, physical evidence, forensic findings and statements from all relevant individuals.
The investigation is also looking into the role of Hina’s father-in-law, who has been questioned but has not been reported as arrested.
Authorities have yet to establish the complete circumstances surrounding Hina Javed’s death.
The suspects remain in police custody under court-authorised remand, while investigators work to recover additional evidence and determine responsibility.
