Five lives, one empty kitchen: Ahsanabad deaths baffle police

An almost empty kitchen, a lone egg in the refrigerator and five members of a family found dead - a grim scene inside a flat in Ahsanabad has left police searching for answers. The deaths of Dr Umar, his wife and their three children have prompted a police probe, with investigators recording statements from neighbours and examining the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Neighbours told police that Dr Umar was last seen on Thursday. Investigators are now awaiting the preliminary post-mortem report, which is expected to help determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Police said a decision on registration of a case, as well as the constitution of an investigation committee, would be taken after the report is received and examined. The decomposing bodies of 45-year-old Dr Omar, his wife Mehwish, aged between 30 and 35, and their three daughters were found inside their locked flat located in Lakhani Tower after neighbours alerted police to a foul smell emanating from the residence. The family is believed to have been dead for several days. A detailed inspection of the flat by police indicated the family had been facing financial difficulties. Police said there was only one egg in the refrigerator, while the kitchen contained almost no flour. No other food or edible items were found in the apartment. Police have been recording statements from people living in the vicinity as part of the probe. Kamran Bukhari, former president of the Lakhani Tower Union, told The Express Tribune that he lived on the 6th floor while Dr Umar's family occupied a flat on the 7th floor. Bukhari said Dr Umar had moved to Lakhani Tower in February 2024 and subsequently opened a clinic near his residence. However, the clinic could not operate successfully and was eventually closed. He added that Dr Umar and his wife had been estranged from their relatives for a long time. The bodies were taken into custody by Dr Umar's brother, Abu Bakr, and his father-in-law, Jamshaid, after they contacted the police on Monday night. The five deceased were later buried following funeral prayers held under police supervision.