HOUSTON/KARACHI (HRNW): Imad Siddiqui, the 18-year-old nephew of imprisoned Pakistani scientist Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, was shot and killed during a suspected carjacking at a gas station in Alvin, a suburb of Houston, Texas. The incident has sent shockwaves through the Pakistani-American community and the Siddiqui family, who have long been at the center of international human rights advocacy.
Details of the Incident
According to police reports and family sources, the fatal encounter occurred around 10:30 PM on Thursday near a college gas station in Alvin:
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The Encounter: Imad, who was involved in an online car trading business, had gone to the location accompanied by two Spanish friends to sell a vehicle.
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The Attack: While at the station, suspects opened fire on Imad before fleeing the scene in his Chrysler. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, the teenager succumbed to his injuries.
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Police Investigation: Authorities have recovered a secondary vehicle (a Hyundai) used in the crime near the scene. Investigators claim to have identified the suspects through surrounding surveillance footage, with family sources indicating one suspect has been identified as “Oliver.”
Family Background and Academic Standing
Imad Siddiqui belonged to a prominent and highly educated family residing in the New Territory area of Sugar Land:
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Parents: He was the son of Mohammad Ali Siddiqui (Dr. Aafia’s brother). His mother, Dr. Lubna Khawaja, is a Professor of Internal Medicine at the prestigious Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, and an alumna of Aga Khan University (Class of 1993).
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Siblings: Imad is survived by a sister and a 26-year-old brother, Omar Siddiqui, who recently earned his MBBS and is completing his residency in San Antonio.
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Future Cut Short: Having recently secured admission to university, Imad was just beginning his higher education journey while managing his entrepreneurial interests in the automotive trade.
Funeral Arrangements
The funeral prayers (Namaz-e-Janaza) for Imad Siddiqui will be held at Masjid Sabireen in Houston on Sunday, April 5, 2026, following the Zuhr prayer. Police have released the body following a post-mortem examination and have recorded statements from the victim’s friends, including reviewing a video of the crime scene captured by one of his companions.
While the incident is being treated primarily as a violent carjacking, the high profile of the Siddiqui family has led to calls for a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances of the shooting.
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