Pakistan: A heartbreaking incident of honor killing in Balochistan!

A video of an honor killing in Pakistan's Balochistan province that is going viral on social media shows some of the people appearing in the video speaking in the local Brahui language. However, none of the affected families have contacted the administration so far.

The woman who was killed is said to be around 30 years old. She was taken down by armed men from a red car, including her husband, and shot dead in a mountainous area.

What is the government's stance on the gruesome murder?

A case has been registered under the Hasht-e-Gardi (trafficking) charge at the behest of the state chief minister in connection with this incident of honor killing.

Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind says that the state itself is going to become a party in this case.

In a statement issued in Quetta, he said, "Initial investigations have identified the location of the incident.

The process of identifying the people appearing in the video with the help of NADRA is underway. So far, one accused involved has been arrested. The bodies of the victims have not been recovered yet. The government will not accept any political or tribal pressure to ensure justice in this matter."

Abdul Jabbar Baloch, a senior security official posted in Quetta, says that the mountainous area where the couple was killed is a remote suburb of the province and the data of the accused's vehicles has also been handed over to the excise department.

Speaking to Deutsche Welle, he said, "All aspects of the murder are being examined. The victims are local Baloch. During the investigation, important progress has been made in the case, in light of which action is being taken to arrest the absconding accused."

Jabbar Baloch said that due to the tribal system prevalent in Balochistan, victims of such incidents in the name of honor are often deprived of justice due to social traditions and pressure.

He added, "No custom or tradition can justify such incidents. The elements involved in this sad incident will be arrested very soon and brought to justice. Such brutal incidents are an insult to human dignity and social authority, which cannot be tolerated under any circumstances."

Social reaction to the incident and growing public concern

Quetta-based human rights activist Samira Baloch says that as long as we continue to consider honor killings as a traditional issue, couples who marry of their choice will continue to live in fear.

Speaking to Deutsche Welle, she said, "Such sad incidents have been happening in the tribal society of Balochistan in the past as well. Government claims and announcements are in place, but no attention is paid to the real motives behind these incidents. Due to the lack of comprehensive legislation, the concept of social power and honor often makes people commit murder in the name of saving the family's honor.

There are many other reasons for honor killings, which are never considered. This trend of considering marriage of choice as rebellion is still growing in this modern era instead of decreasing.

Sameera Baloch said that there is a law in place to prevent honor killings in the country, but it seems to be implemented very little.

According to her, "Such incidents have been declared illegal and un-Islamic in many court decisions here, but due to outdated traditions, the affected families often remain silent on such incidents instead of taking legal action."

What do human rights experts say about honor killings?

Abdul Qayyum Khan, a senior official at the Universal Human Rights Organization, says that the country's law does not justify anyone killing their sister, daughter or wife for marrying them of their own free will.

Speaking to Deutsche Welle, he said, "Look, the continuous occurrence of such incidents in Balochistan certainly raises many questions about the rule of law. Tribal pressure is strangling justice in this rotten system. Under Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code, honor killing falls under the category of premeditated murder. Under the amended Criminal Law of 2016, even if the heirs of the deceased forgive the accused, the court can still punish the accused on behalf of the state.

The government will have to work on a priority basis to ensure effective protection and timely justice in this matter."

Qayyum Khan said that honor killing is also a form of social violence that some people escape legal action by calling it a cultural tradition. According to him, "Honor killings are always happening here, but in very few cases the accused are punished. The reason is not only tribal pressure or lack of evidence, but also poor investigation by the police and weak preparation for prosecution. There is a need to remove the obstacles in the way of the justice system in the country."