The family of a Bradford biochemist have remembered his life with a vigil almost a year after his death.

Farooq Ali, 44, was found dead in his room at the Ramada by Wyndham Islamabad hotel on March 16 last year.

It has sparked a long battle for answers from Pakistan authorities over the circumstances leading up to the aspiring author’s tragic death.

Almost a year since he died, Mr Ali’s family has vowed to continue its fight.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The family of a Bradford biochemist are searching for answers into what they describe as “suspicious” circumstances surrounding his death in PakistanThe family of a Bradford biochemist are searching for answers into what they describe as “suspicious” circumstances surrounding his death in Pakistan (Image: Farooq Ali's family)

It comes as the family, which has continued to push authorities for a trial, waits for the result of a High Court hearing in Islamabad.

A vigil in Farooq’s memory was held today (Saturday, January 28) in Centenary Square in Bradford city centre. Members of Mr Ali’s family, including his sisters and mother, attended the event, holding bunches of orange roses in tribute to him.

The gathered crowd chanted ‘We Want Justice’ during the vigil.

Yasmin Ali, Farooq’s sister, said her family want answers about his death, adding: “This is a small protest that will gather in pace. Enough is enough.”

Bradford West MP Naz Shah also attended the vigil. She previously held a press conference about Farooq’s death in August.

Speaking at the vigil, Ms Shah said: “It is quite sad the family are having to have this kind of protest and are not able to grieve properly. They want to know how their brother died.

“I will continue to support the family in seeking justice. I will continue to make representations to the Pakistan authorities and to the Foreign Office.”

  • A report from district prosecutor Muhammad Naseem Zia, dated October 2022, said: 'After analyzing the postmortem, forensic reports and investigation conducted so far, it seems to be a natural death and no evidence pointing to murder and suicide has surfaced." However, the investigating team was continuing its work at that time. Contacted in November 2023, The Foreign Office said it had no update. The Pakistan High Commission has not responded to requests for further information.

     

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