The investigation into the death of 92 News anchorperson Rabia Ahsan has entered another important phase, with police arranging a polygraph test for the arrested suspect after identifying inconsistencies in his statements. The test is scheduled to take place in Lahore as investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The latest development comes after a court granted police an additional four days of physical remand to question the suspect and collect further evidence. Investigators are also waiting for forensic laboratory reports that could provide important information about the shooting.
The suspect, identified as Ahsan, was presented before Senior Civil Judge Nasrullah Wattoo after completing his initial one-day physical remand. Police requested additional custody, explaining that further investigation and questioning were necessary.
Accepting the request, the court extended the suspect’s physical remand by four days. The police will use this period to investigate conflicting statements, examine available evidence and establish the sequence of events that led to Rabia Ahsan’s death.
According to police sources, investigators decided to arrange a polygraph examination because certain details in the suspect’s account reportedly did not match. The examination is expected to form part of the wider investigation, although its findings will need to be assessed alongside other available evidence.
Post-Mortem Examination and Forensic Evidence
The initial post-mortem examination reportedly found no visible signs of physical violence on Rabia Ahsan’s body. Investigators have also stated that they have not found evidence so far indicating that the incident was related to an honour killing.
Meanwhile, forensic experts are examining several pieces of evidence collected during the investigation. Biological samples obtained from the victim, the pistol recovered from the suspect and a spent bullet casing have been sent to Lahore for laboratory analysis.
These examinations are expected to help investigators understand the circumstances of the shooting and determine whether the available physical evidence supports the account provided by the suspect.
Police are also planning another visit to the location where the incident occurred. Revisiting the scene will allow the investigation team to examine the surroundings and assess the reported sequence of events.
What Happened Before the Shooting?
According to the initial police account, the incident took place on Sunday when the couple was retrieving warm clothes for themselves and their children from a cupboard at their residence.
A pistol was reportedly inside the cupboard. The weapon allegedly came into the suspect’s hands and discharged suddenly, with the bullet striking Rabia below the neck before exiting through her back.
Investigators are examining this account alongside other evidence to establish exactly how the shooting occurred. The police have not yet completed their investigation, and the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under examination.
A 15-year-old domestic worker who had joined the household approximately two weeks earlier was also questioned during the initial inquiry. After questioning, investigators allowed the teenager to return home.
Police are continuing to review the statements of individuals connected to the incident as they work to establish a complete picture of what happened.
Attaullah Tarar Calls for Transparent Investigation
Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar has expressed grief over the killing of Rabia Ahsan, describing the incident as deeply distressing and condemnable.
The minister assured that the government would support a thorough and transparent investigation. He said the legal process would continue following the registration of the first information report and that all relevant aspects of the case would be examined.
Tarar also stressed that the authorities must establish whether Rabia had experienced any violence in the past. He called for investigators to consider the broader circumstances surrounding her life while ensuring that the inquiry remains impartial.
According to the minister, the government would take an active role in ensuring that the requirements of justice are fulfilled and that the investigation proceeds without interference.
Forensic Reports and Polygraph Test Awaited
With the suspect remaining in police custody for another four days, investigators are expected to focus on the results of the polygraph examination, forensic laboratory findings and evidence collected from the incident site.
The upcoming reports could provide additional information to help clarify the sequence of events. However, police have yet to announce a final conclusion about the circumstances of Rabia Ahsan’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities expected to examine all available evidence before determining the facts of the case.