Who was Rabia Ahsan? Pakistani TV anchor found shot dead at home, husband faces murder investigation

Pakistani television journalist and anchor Rabia Ahsan was found shot dead at her residence in Gulshanabad, Rawalpindi, on 8 November. Her husband Ahsan Tahir was taken into custody as police launched an investigation into her death.

A Rawalpindi court on Tuesday, November 10, extended Tahir’s physical custody by four days to allow investigators to question him further. A case was registered under Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which deals with murder, along with the provisions of the Punjab Arms Act.

These developments brought new attention to Ahsan’s career as a television journalist and the circumstances of her death.

Who was Rabia Ahsan?

Ahsan, 41, was a TV anchor associated with Pakistan’s Urdu broadcaster 92 News HD, where she hosted the news program Muqabil.

She hosted the show alongside journalist Amir Mateen and also collaborated on the broadcast with journalist Rauf Klasra.

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In a tribute posted on X, Mateen said he and Ahsan had worked together for at least five years. Her death caused a wave of grief among colleagues and members of the Pakistani journalist community.

Ahsan is survived by two daughters. Her funeral prayers were held in Rawalpindi on Monday.

What happened at Rabia Ahsan’s house in Rawalpindi?

According to a First Information Report (FIR) cited by Pakistan’s HUM English, Ahsan’s brother Khurram Ahmed told police that another of his sisters heard the gunshot from the bedroom and ran inside.

According to the complaint, she said she found Ahsan lying on the floor and saw her husband holding a gun.

Ahsana’s mother and sister were reportedly in the garden when the incident occurred. Police said the journalist suffered a gunshot wound below the neck.

Forensic investigators found a .30 caliber handgun and a spent shell casing at the scene. A domestic worker reportedly told police that Tahir initially described the shooting as accidental.

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Investigators also said Tahir could not produce a valid firearm license or permit.

What happened during the investigation?

Police registered a case of murder based on a complaint by Ahsan’s brother Khurram Ahmed under Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code and provisions of the Punjab Arms Amendment Ordinance, 2015.

Ahmed later told Pakistan’s ARY News that he was withdrawing his complaint, saying he believed the shooting could have been accidental. However, police said any decision to drop the case or accept a compromise is up to the trial court.

Tahir was initially taken into police custody for questioning. On 10 November, a Rawalpindi court extended his physical detention by four days and ordered investigators to produce him again on 13 November.

Police continue to review the circumstances of the shooting, including forensic evidence. The investigation did not publicly show how the weapon was discharged.

Pakistan’s first lady calls for an impartial investigation

Ahsana’s death also drew a reaction from Pakistan’s political establishment.

First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari expressed “deep sorrow over the killing” and condemned the violence.

She called for a “thorough, impartial and transparent investigation to establish the facts and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”

The investigation into the journalist’s death continues.