QUETTA, Balochistan, Pakistan – A shocking incident near Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan, has ignited widespread outrage across Pakistan, following the brutal murder of a man and woman allegedly on the orders of a tribal court for engaging in an extramarital affair.
The victims were reportedly shot multiple times – the woman seven times and the man nine times – in a gruesome act that has been widely condemned as an “honor killing.”
The incident, which is believed to have occurred recently and a video of which has gone viral on social media, has exposed the persistent and deeply troubling issue of customary justice systems overriding state law in parts of Pakistan. The killings have particularly horrified urban populations, prompting a wave of protests and strong condemnation on various social media platforms, with many terming the act a “disgrace to the nation.”
According to initial reports from international and local media, including Al Jazeera and The Indian Express, authorities have initiated an investigation and have made several arrests in connection with the murders. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti confirmed that at least 14 individuals, including a tribal chief identified as Sardar Sherbaz Khan, have been apprehended. Police also reportedly identified the victims as Bano Bibi and Ehsan Ullah.
While local police chief Naveed Akhtar stated that the tribal chief ordered the killing after the woman’s brother complained she had married without his consent, other reports, citing the First Information Report (FIR), indicate the couple was brought before the tribal leader, who declared them guilty of an “immoral relationship” and ordered their execution. Disturbing video footage circulating shows the couple being taken to a desolate area and then shot repeatedly, even after they had fallen to the ground.
The brutality of the act and the involvement of a tribal court in dictating such a severe punishment have drawn sharp criticism from human rights activists, politicians, and civil society organizations. Sherry Rehman, a prominent Pakistani Senator and former Ambassador to the United States, tweeted, demanding swift justice and strict punishment for all those involved in the heinous crime. Her sentiment echoed widespread calls for accountability and an end to such barbaric practices.
“No one has a right, no matter what, to kill someone in such a painful and disgusting way, and then video shoot it. It is a crime. It is a murder,” stated Chief Minister Bugti, emphasizing the government’s commitment to prosecuting all responsible parties. Authorities have also reportedly ordered the exhumation of the bodies for a formal autopsy.
“Honor killings,” often perpetrated against women for perceived transgressions against family or community “honor,” remain a grave human rights concern in Pakistan, despite legislation aimed at curbing such crimes. Activists highlight that while laws exist, convictions are rare, and tribal or customary laws often hold sway in many rural and remote areas, perpetuating a cycle of violence and impunity. This latest incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle to uphold the rule of law and protect fundamental human rights in all parts of the country.
