Authorities investigating the death of journalist Khawar Hussain have concluded that he died by suicide, closing weeks of speculation that followed the discovery of his body in a parked car in Sanghar.
Inquiry Points to Suicide
A preliminary report prepared by a fact-finding committee cites forensic tests, medical evidence, and CCTV footage to support the conclusion. According to investigators, Hussain appeared to have taken deliberate steps before ending his life, including resetting his phone to factory settings and removing the SIM card. His last known call was to a water tanker driver near Hyderabad, after which the phone showed no further activity.
Final Hours Captured on Camera
CCTV footage reviewed by the committee shows Hussain arriving at a hotel parking area around 8:15 p.m. He was later seen at a tire shop across the road, where he reportedly accessed his phone’s PIN and removed the SIM card. Investigators believe he shot himself inside his car the following morning, between 10:05 and 10:15 a.m.
Weapon and Forensic Findings
Police recovered Hussain’s licensed pistol from the vehicle. Ballistic analysis confirmed the gun had been discharged inside the car, aligning with the suicide determination. “So far, we have not found any evidence to suggest murder,” DIG Shaheed Benazirabad Faisal Bashir Memon told reporters.
Body Handling Raises Questions
After legal and medical procedures, Hussain’s body was first taken to Civil Hospital Hyderabad. However, the hospital reportedly refused to store it in the mortuary due to prolonged electricity outages, forcing officials to temporarily place the remains in the postmortem room before shifting them to the Hilal-e-Ahmer facility.
Family Caught Off Guard
Hussain’s brother-in-law, Zubair Ali, said the family had no knowledge of his trip to Sanghar and emphasized that he had no known personal disputes or enemies.
Official Response
The Sindh Home Department has formed a higher-level inquiry committee—comprising two DIGs, the Sanghar SSP, and a senior officer—to finalize its findings. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has also demanded a comprehensive briefing on the case.
Hussain will be laid to rest in his ancestral graveyard in Sanghar following Zuhr prayers.
