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The discovery of Humaira Asghar Ali’s decomposed body in a Karachi apartment yesterday has left the entertainment industry reeling with shock, grief, and a deep sense of unease.

The 32-year-old actor and model, and former Tamasha Ghar contestant, was found dead in her Defence Housing Authority flat, possibly weeks after her passing, with no one having sounded the alarm.

According to South DIG Syed Asad Raza, the body was discovered when police were executing a court order to evict occupants from the Ittehad Commercial Phase-VI apartment on Tuesday. With no response at the door, officers broke the lock and entered, only to find Ali’s body inside. The police believe she had been dead for up to two weeks.

Dr Summaiya Syed, police surgeon at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, confirmed the body was in an “advanced stage of decomposition.” A postmortem has been conducted, but the cause of death is currently reserved.

The fact that her body went undiscovered for days has disturbed many, especially her peers.

Actor and Tamasha Ghar host Adnan Siddiqui, who shared screen space with her, expressed his sorrow in an Instagram story. “Deeply shocked and saddened. A young life was cut short so suddenly. May you be in peace, Humaira, and your family, and get the strength to deal with the vacuum you have left behind.”

Model Saheefa Jabbar Khattak highlighted the complexities of showbiz life. “The industry often looks glamorous from the outside, but navigating it can be deeply challenging. I won’t claim to have known her well… but please have respect for the departed. Be gentle, be sensitive, and be mindful of what you say in the comment section.”

Actor Ali Rehman Khan recalled her professionalism and warmth. “She always spoke to me with kindness and respect. I only have the most pleasant of memories of her.”

Model Alyzeh Gabol added, “Can’t believe this. Her energy was always kind, warm, and uplifting. Life is so temporary… not even our next breath is promised.”

Sadaf Kanwal prayed for the departed, while actor Zara Tareen simply wrote, “This is so sad.”

Actor Hina Altaf reflected, “She lived alone. She passed away alone. And days went by before anyone even noticed. This isn’t just a loss, it’s a wake-up call. Check in on your friends, and also people who never ask.”

Faysal Qureshi, too, urged, “For the love of God, keep in touch with loved ones who live alone.”

Ali first caught attention through modelling assignments and later appeared in ARY’s Tamasha Ghar in 2015, as well as in the ensemble cast of the action-thriller Jalaibee the same year. Though her work was not as prolific as some of her peers, she made a lasting impression on those who worked with her.

Ali had stopped paying rent last year, prompting the landlord to seek eviction through the court. According to South SSP Mahzoor Ali, initial findings suggest there was no foulplay: the apartment door was locked from the inside, including the balcony. Police are awaiting a coroner’s report and attempting to trace her next of kin via her mobile phone.

As the investigation into her death continues, perhaps what’s needed most urgently is not just answers from the police, but answers from ourselves about the ways we show up for each other — or don’t.