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‘Heartbreaking’ — Hira Tareen laments crumbling community, family structures after Humaira Asghar Ali’s death

‘Heartbreaking’ — Hira Tareen laments crumbling community, family structures after Humaira Asghar Ali’s death

'Hearing about people found dead days later, alone in their homes, is beyond disturbing,' the actor wrote in an Instagram story.
09 Jul, 2025

Model and actor Hira Tareen is opening up about crumbling community and family structures in light of the deaths of actor and model Humaira Asghar Ali and veteran actor Ayesha Khan, who both passed away alone in their homes and were found days later, something that Tareen found “beyond disturbing.”

Ali’s body was found in an apartment in Karachi’s Defence Housing Authority on Tuesday, police confirmed. South DIG Syed Asad Raza told Images that Ali’s body was recovered from a flat in Ittehad Commercial in Phase-VI. In a statement, the Gizri police identified the body as that of the 32-year-old actor and said she had died around two weeks prior to the discovery.

In June, Khan was found dead in her apartment in Karachi’s Gulshan-i-Iqbal area. The deceased’s remains indicated that she may have died a few days before she was found, and police discovered she lived by herself.

In a note posted to her Instagram story, Tareen addressed Ali’s passing and said she met her at a few fashion weeks when she was modelling, adding, “People can be really cruel in the fashion industry at times.”

“But what we’re witnessing these days is something heartbreaking, something we don’t talk about enough. The way community and family structures are crumbling right in front of us. Hearing about people found dead days later, alone in their homes, is beyond disturbing.”

Tareen continued that this was a sign of how disconnected people were and that everyone assumed someone would be okay in real life if they appeared alright on social media. “We forget most people only show their best side here.

“We don’t talk to each other. We turn to acquaintances who tell us what we wanna hear or AI who is programmed to tell us we are always right,” she wrote.

The Ishq Murshid actor said people constantly consume content that tells them they’re better off alone and everyone else is toxic. She clarified that she was not implying that this happened in Khan and Ali’s cases, but was a reminder of where things were heading.

“Prayers for those we lost. May they rest in peace.”

After Ali’s passing, many celebrities took to social media to urge people to check on their friends. 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 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.”

Mawra Hocane asked friends and acquaintances to reach out to her without any judgment. “If you’re in trouble or caught in spiralling thoughts, if I have known you briefly or extensively, if you’re a friend or an acquaintance, if you’re from my fraternity and you feel I will understand your pressures, please reach out!” Hocane wrote.

Comments

Taj Ahmad Jul 09, 2025 05:09pm
So sad and heartbreaking, it’s a wake up call now for all artists struggling financially and cannot asked anyone for help. Please all living artists try to help your fellow artists as much as you can. Collect all senior artists or retirees personal data and keep in touch with them at least twice a month for any help. Thanks to all.
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M. Saeed Jul 09, 2025 05:52pm
Heartbreaking news of the unfortunate deaths in isolation of two ladies of TV. May their souls rest in perfect peace. But, I would refuse to add my sympathies with their kins who left them unattended for such a long time that, even their bodies decomposed beyond recognition. That means, the so called near- ones never loved them, as nobody dared to even phone them in more that two weeks, at least?
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Jul 09, 2025 06:03pm
Tangible sights and terrible sounds of dissimating centuries old close family valus and crumbling inter and intra community love, adoreness, understanding, care and cooperation in the name of "modern living" is highly distrubing, eye-opening and mind-boggling.
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Laila Jul 09, 2025 06:56pm
Lovely but where was this regard, consideration, empathy and concern when she was alive. Also we dont factually know for sure that there wasn't foul play but a person lying dead in her flat with no family or friends reaching out for weeks is disturbing.
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Big Ben Jr. from UK Jul 09, 2025 09:11pm
Never say what the mind want you to say when you are upset. Never do what the mind want you to do when you are upset. Make friends. Not enemies. Show love and caring during those difficult times. Trust me, as you get old - love and charity and sharing is what life is about. All, all, all dying people in hospitals said this - as per nurses. Help others and the world will help you. They should of helped this actress/model with love, wisdom and experience.
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Ron Jul 10, 2025 03:43am
sad in deed
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tee emm Jul 10, 2025 03:22pm
Dear Dawn، who is this Ali mentioned in this story?
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A reader Jul 10, 2025 04:49pm
@ Tee Emm I would assume it's Humaira Asghar Ali?
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Abid Urrehman Jul 10, 2025 07:51pm
Parents can be tough because they don’t want this to happen. If you hurt them following and checking on you , they will stop.
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Attamash Shadia Jul 10, 2025 08:18pm
"Looked Glamorous on the Outside, but was actually Rotten Inside!" I’m deeply disturbed and saddened. The showbiz world often presents a polished illusion: fame, beauty, wealth, and admiration. But behind the cameras and red carpets, many of these individuals struggle deeply with loneliness, pressure, rejection, addiction, depression, or the feeling that their worth is only tied to how they look or perform. Artists often feel things deeply, that’s part of what makes them talented. But it also makes them more vulnerable to anxiety, depression, burnout, and substance use. Many feel they can’t ask for help because it might make them appear “weak” or “difficult.” This is a wake-up call not just for the industry, but for all of us. Look around. Talk to people. Ask how they’re really doing. It’s a basic human act one that, sadly, we seem to be failing at more and more these days. RIP!!!
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