Rawalpindi police sub-inspector (SI) Muhammad Asif was found dead in his hired private room in Dhoke Hassu late Wednesday night under suspicious circumstances, police confirmed on Thursday morning.

The body of the 38-year-old officer, who served with the Rawalpindi police’s Special Branch, was discovered by his landlord around 11:30 pm after the landlord noticed the door was locked from the inside and became concerned. Police arrived at the scene within minutes and found the officer unresponsive. An initial medical check declared him dead on arrival.

What we know so far
- Who: Sub-Inspector Muhammad Asif, 38, attached to Rawalpindi police’s Special Branch
- Where: A private hired room in Dhoke Hassu, Rawalpindi
- When: Late Wednesday night (around 11:30 pm)
- How found: Landlord noticed locked door, forced entry
- Cause of death: Police have not confirmed an official cause; investigation underway
- Status: Case registered under Section 324 (attempt to commit culpable homicide not amounting to murder) at Dhoke Hassu police station

The timeline of events

Around 9:00 pm on Wednesday, SI Asif was seen alive by his landlord, who later told police the officer had no visible injuries or signs of struggle when he entered the room. The landlord said Asif had been renting the room for the past three months and was usually alone there during off-duty hours.

At 11:30 pm, the landlord returned to collect rent and noticed the door was locked from the inside. After knocking repeatedly and receiving no response, he broke open the door and found Asif lying on the floor. The officer was not breathing, and his body was cold to the touch, according to the landlord’s statement to police.

Neighbours told police they heard no loud noises or arguments in the area that night, and no one reported seeing any suspicious activity near the house.

Police response and investigation

Dhoke Hassu police registered a case under Section 324 of the Pakistan Penal Code (attempt to commit culpable homicide) and launched an investigation. Rawalpindi police’s Crime Investigation Department (CID) has taken over the case, with a senior officer confirming that no suicide note or signs of forced entry have been found so far.

A post-mortem examination was conducted at Rawalpindi’s District Headquarters Hospital on Thursday morning. Preliminary reports suggest no visible injuries on the body, but toxicology results are pending and could take several days. Police have also collected CCTV footage from nearby shops and are questioning the landlord and neighbours.

Key questions the investigation must answer
- Was the death natural, accidental, or homicide?
- Were there any recent disputes or threats against the officer?
- Did anyone enter or leave the room after 9:00 pm?
- Were there any signs of tampering with the room’s lock or windows?

Who was Sub-Inspector Muhammad Asif?

SI Asif had been serving with the Rawalpindi police’s Special Branch for the past five years, primarily handling counter-terrorism and intelligence-related duties. Colleagues described him as a dedicated officer with no known personal or professional conflicts.

According to police records, Asif was last posted at the Rawalpindi police headquarters and had no recent transfers or disciplinary actions against him. His family, based in Rawalpindi, was informed of the incident and has requested a transparent investigation.

What happens next?

The CID team is expected to submit its initial report within 72 hours. If foul play is suspected, the case will be transferred to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for further probe, especially given the officer’s role in counter-terrorism.

Meanwhile, Rawalpindi police have assured the public that no stone will be left unturned in uncovering the truth. The officer’s family has demanded a judicial inquiry to ensure impartiality.

What should you do if you have information?

If you have any information about SI Asif’s death—no matter how small—contact the following immediately:
- Dhoke Hassu Police Station: 051-111-911-100
- Rawalpindi CID Helpline: 051-9270300
- Crime Stoppers Pakistan: 0800-78678 (toll-free)

You can also report anonymously through the FIA’s Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at https://www.fia.gov.pk/cybercrime.

What to watch for

  • Toxicology results: Expected within 3-5 days; could reveal poisoning or drug overdose
  • CCTV footage analysis: May show who entered the area around the time of death
  • Landlord and neighbour statements: Further questioning may reveal new details
  • Judicial inquiry demand: If the family pushes for it, a judge may be appointed to oversee the probe

Police have urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information or speculation, stressing that only the investigation can determine the true cause of death.

This is a developing story. Stay with Naya Pakistan for updates as more details emerge.