Balochistan News Today: 13 Arrested in Honour Killing Case
The arrests are a significant step towards justice, but the incident highlights the need for urgent action to address the root causes of "honour killings" and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable. The government's response to the incident will be closely watched, and it remains to be seen whether the case will lead to meaningful changes in the way "honour killings" are addressed in Pakistan.
Pakistani authorities have arrested 13 individuals, including a tribal leader, in connection with the "honour killing" of a couple in Balochistan province, a crime that has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation across the country.
The incident, which took place in May near Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, involved the killing of a couple, Bano Bibi and Ehsan Ullah, on the orders of a local tribal leader. The case has highlighted the prevalence of "honour killings" in Pakistan, a phenomenon that often arises from perceived family, tribal or caste dishonour, especially in love marriages. According to the Sustainable Social Development Organisation, over 32,000 cases of gender-based violence were reported nationwide in 2024, including 547 instances of "honour killings".
The Balochistan Chief Minister, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, has ordered a swift investigation and the immediate arrest of the perpetrators, directing law enforcement agencies to identify the crime scene and apprehend the suspects without delay. The government has condemned the brutality and assured the public that those responsible will face the full force of the law. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also condemned the murder and directed the authorities to punish the perpetrators according to the law.
The incident has sparked a national debate on the issue of "honour killings" in Pakistan, with many calling for legislation to end the practice. Rights activists have condemned the killings, saying they are a result of the "tyranny of medieval practices" still entrenched in many parts of Pakistan. The case has been handed over to the Serious Crimes Investigation Wing (SCIW) for further investigation, and the public is being urged to help identify the suspects and provide any information that could lead to their arrest.