The mystery surrounding the death of journalist Khawar Hussain, whose body was found in his car in Sanghar has taken a new turn.

A fact-finding committee has prepared a preliminary report, which concludes that Khawar Hussain committed suicide, based on forensic, medical, and CCTV evidence.

Preliminary investigation findings

According to the report, Khawar Hussain had reset his mobile phone to factory settings before taking his life, deleting all records and removing the SIM card. Sources revealed that his last call was made to a water tanker driver near Hyderabad, after which no further activity was detected on his phone.

CCTV footage shows Khawar Hussain entering a hotel parking lot at 8:15 PM, later visiting a tire shop opposite the hotel where he obtained his phone PIN and removed the SIM. Investigators say he ended his life between 10:05 AM and 10:15 AM inside his car.

Weapon and forensic details

Police recovered Khawar Hussain’s licensed personal pistol from the vehicle. Forensic testing confirmed that the weapon was fired inside the car, supporting the committee’s conclusion of suicide. DIG Shaheed Benazirabad Faisal Bashir Memon said no evidence had so far been found pointing to murder.

Following legal formalities and a postmortem, Khawar Hussain’s body was initially shifted to Civil Hospital Hyderabad. However, the administration declined to keep it in cold storage due to a prolonged power outage. It was later placed in the postmortem room before being moved to Hilal-e-Ahmer mortuary.

Family’s statement and government action

Hussain’s brother-in-law, Zubair Ali, said the family was unaware of his visit to Sanghar and that he had no known enmity.

The Sindh Home Department has formed a high-level inquiry committee comprising two DIGs, Sanghar SSP, and a senior officer to finalize the report. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has also taken notice and sought a detailed briefing.

Hussain’s funeral prayers will be offered after Zuhr at his ancestral graveyard in Sanghar.