A Rawalpindi court has extended the physical remand of Ahsan Tahir, husband of television journalist and anchorperson Rabia Ahsan, by four days as police continue investigating her killing at their residence. The court directed investigators to produce the suspect again on November 13, along with a detailed investigation report and the post-mortem findings.
Senior Civil Judge Muhammad Nasrullah Wattoo approved the police request on Tuesday after investigators sought 10 days of physical custody for further questioning.
Police Seek More Time to Investigate Journalist’s Killing
During the hearing, the investigating officer requested an extension of the suspect’s physical remand, arguing that additional time was required to investigate the circumstances surrounding Rabia Ahsan’s death.
After considering the request, the court granted four days of physical remand instead of the 10 days sought by police.
The court also directed investigators to submit a complete investigation report and the post-mortem examination report at the next hearing scheduled for November 13.
No lawyer appeared on behalf of the accused during Tuesday’s proceedings.
Ahsan Tahir had previously been granted one-day physical remand on Monday, November 9, after police requested seven days of custody for interrogation.
What Happened to Anchorperson Rabia Ahsan?
Rabia Ahsan, a 41-year-old television anchorperson associated with 92 News, was found shot dead at her residence in Gulshanabad Sector II, near Adiala Road in Rawalpindi, on Sunday, November 8.
According to the first information report (FIR) registered on the complaint of her brother, Khurram Ahmed, the incident occurred at approximately 2:30pm.
The FIR alleges that Ahsan Tahir shot his wife inside their bedroom. Her mother and sister were reportedly in the lawn when they heard a gunshot and rushed towards the room.
According to the complaint, Rabia was found lying on the floor with a gunshot wound, while her husband was holding a pistol.
Police subsequently arrested Ahsan Tahir and registered a case under Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code and relevant provisions of the Punjab Arms Amendment Ordinance.
The suspect has not been convicted, and the allegations are subject to judicial proceedings.
Rawalpindi Court Grants One-Day Physical Remand of Anchorperson Rabia Ahsan’s Husband
Police Examine Circumstances Surrounding Gunshot
Investigators are examining different accounts of how the shooting occurred.
According to a preliminary statement by a domestic worker recorded by police, the family was arranging seasonal clothing when a .30-bore pistol was discovered among the clothes.
The worker reportedly told investigators that Ahsan Tahir picked up the weapon and was waving it when a shot was fired accidentally.
However, the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation.
An initial post-mortem report indicated that the bullet struck Rabia in the lower part of her neck from the front. Police also said the recovered pistol was unlicensed.
Investigators are awaiting forensic findings to establish further details about the incident.
Family Calls for Justice as Investigation Continues
Rabia Ahsan’s brother has rejected reports suggesting that the family intends to withdraw the murder case.
Khurram Ahmed previously told reporters that no decision had been made to drop the proceedings and that the family wanted a proper investigation into his sister’s death.
He also said the family was still seeking answers about what had happened inside the bedroom when the shooting occurred.
Rabia’s funeral prayers were offered at Gulshanabad Central Jamia Mosque, after which she was buried in the area. She is survived by two daughters.
First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari also expressed sorrow over the journalist’s killing and called for a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation.
Police will continue questioning the suspect during the extended remand period before presenting him before the court again on November 13.
Reporting sources: The Express Tribune, Dawn and ARY News, November 10, 2026.
