ProperGaanda reached out to the sister of Farooq Ali, a British national and aspiring senior tennis player for Pakistan who was allegedly murdered in the Capital’s said to be the most secured hotel Ramada. Below is the account shared by Dr. Rehiana, the sister of Farooq Ali, who herself is a British National. Back story: Farooq was a graduate of Imperial College London (2:1 in Biochemistry with a A* from British Biotech during year in Industry) and had Masters in Biochemistry – also from Imperial College London. Tennis career: He was currently playing tennis – he hoped to go on the senior’s tour and play for Pakistan. If you know tennis, then he was pretty good – and actually able to play with either hand. He was told by one coach that his serve accuracy was “better than Federer’s,” and some of his shots were “magic”. He was also currently writing a fiction book and it was nearing completion. He was also a UK national – but was staying in a hotel in Islamabad as it was close to the Pakistan Tennis Federation (which had clay and hard courts). More: He did look for a flat but preferred the convenience of a hotel – with room service, laundry and housekeeping. He was very well versed on Pakistani and Kashmiri politics – and had written on both. He was in Ramada by Wyndham hotel Islamabad, which is one of the top 3 hotels in Islamabad and reportedly “safe.” We believe he was murdered on the 11th or early hours of 12th March 2022. His body was “discovered” on 16th March 2022. The incident unfolds: It was brought to our attention that Farooq Ali was paying the hotel monthly bill by August 2021. At the same time, Farooq would pay the bill of each month by 8th or the 10th. Rehiana, his sister, paid a visit in June 2021, staying for 4 weeks, so she knew their systems. No concerns were raised when we spoke to our brother. He was completely well and very upbeat. If he had any health concerns, he would have almost certainly shared them with his sister, who is a doctor. He has no medical conditions at all. On 14th March, his sister noticed that no payment to the hotel had been made (they shared a Halifax credit card) – this was always made by 10th March. After alleged no payments: Despite an email and calls on 15th March, she had no response, shared Dr Rehiana. On 16th March from 04 19 – 04 33 (UK time), she made 12 unsuccessful calls to Farooq’s number and then decided to ring the hotel. She rang the hotel at 0430 (UK time) or 0930 (local time) – hotel made no reference to her about not having seen him for days, he not having ordered any meals for several days, nor that their bill had not been paid. She further added, “It was then shared by the hotel staff that my brother was dead.” She then demanded: She said she did not want our brother moved and that they were coming straight to Pakistan. She was very clear that forensic samples should be sent. She asked if food samples had been sent and were told they were. She was told photographs and forensics had been taken and they would await her before moving the body. The 2 sisters and parents caught a flight the same day from Manchester, UK. What was Dr Rehiana told, and as she shared in her words: Rehiana was told they thought it was a stroke – this was without examining our brother’s body and in advance of the post-mortem. As a Neurologist, she did not believe they could come to that conclusion. After confirming with the police they had taken all forensic samples including blood and foam, she said she was prepared to forgo the post-mortem given the distrust of the doctors – including the conduct of a Dr Javaria (the pathologist). She met the assistant commissioner and wrote in English (she does not read or understand Urdu) that despite the lack of post-mortem there would be an investigation into his death. She later found that the Police also ignored an order from the magistrate – this ordered them to at minimum perform a superficial post-mortem. They did not do this. Our brother’s body was then taken to Kashmir and buried on Friday 18th March 2022, this is what Dr Rehiana shared with team ProeprGaanda as her account of events. Dr Rehiana’s demands: The hotel told us lies – these were only discovered AFTER the burial – and these included: – The Manager stating “Farooq only ordered food twice a week” and when I replied, “really?” he said “yes, that has been his habit for a long time.” This was a lie as proven by itemised billing. – lies about the ‘Do not disturb’ sign – again lies according to CCTV coverage – lies that Front-desk Manager did not know my brother yet is seen outside his door on 7 th March. The lies told by authorities: Lies about house-keeping – that my brother had abdominal pain – lies according to other accounts and unlikely given my brother’s behaviour on those days – also not borne out by CCTV – that they did not chase billing as he was a long-term guest (in contrast to their behaviour evidenced) – which hotel allows a guest to stay free for 6 days? – delays and obstructing behavior in giving the CCTV – this showed suspicious activity on 7 th March, 11th March and early hours of 12th March – on the latter occasion, 4 men seem “interested” in my brother’s room; one of whom is wearing an FSS cap and ‘Fauji’ on his jacket. Lastly: When CCTV was eventually given, it omitted the 7th March. – they broke the lock without police (despite being an international hotel) and disturbed the crime scene. They allowed 15 people into the room.
