A judicial magistrate on Saturday extended the physical remand of Hina Javed’s husband Faisal Asghar and domestic worker Zeeshan by four days as police continue investigating her murder.
The two suspects were produced before Duty Judicial Magistrate Nadia Yaqoob following the expiry of their previous remand. The court directed investigators to complete further questioning and produce both men again on September 2.
Police had sought a seven-day extension, arguing that additional time was required to recover items allegedly used in the killing and obtain other evidence relevant to the investigation.
According to an application submitted by the Civil Lines Station House Officer, investigators are seeking to recover a screwdriver and other tools, along with a rope, wire and cloth allegedly connected to the crime. Police also want to obtain documentation relating to Asghar’s first marriage and divorce.
The investigating officer told the court that the suspects had already spent six days in police custody but that several pieces of evidence remained outstanding.
Hina, 45, was found dead at her in-laws’ home on August 20 after her father-in-law initially informed police that burglars had entered the residence. Officers subsequently found her body in a bathroom, with her hands bound behind her back.
Police later arrested Asghar and Zeeshan in connection with the killing. Both have since been held on successive periods of physical remand as investigators attempt to establish the circumstances surrounding Hina’s death.
Police said on Friday that Zeeshan had confessed to involvement in the killing, although the investigation remains underway and the allegations have yet to be tested at trial.
The latest remand follows two previous three-day periods of police custody. The court has now ordered both suspects to be brought before it again on September 2.