A brutal murder of a couple in Balochistan, which was captured in a viral video, has sparked widespread outrage and immediate action from provincial authorities and political leaders across the country.
On July 20, Shahid Rind, spokesperson for the Balochistan government, addressed the press at the Karachi Press Club. He shared critical updates on the investigation, confirming the arrest of one individual seen in the viral video.
He also revealed that more arrests are expected as the investigation continues. However, Rind stated that the authorities have withheld the identities of the suspects and the tribal groups involved for strategic reasons.
Read more: Couple murdered in Balochistan for love marriage
“We have identified the suspects and the people involved, but we cannot disclose many details at this stage. Our main priority is to ensure that justice is served,” Rind said during the press conference. “We are working diligently to bring the investigation to its logical conclusion.”
Rind confirmed that authorities made an arrest within 24 hours of the crime but emphasized that they were still working on recovering the victims’ bodies. He assured that legal action would target not only the direct perpetrators but also those who may have facilitated the crime through tribal arbitration or jirgas.
“FIRs are being filed based on the information available, and raids are underway to apprehend additional suspects,” Rind said.
The tragic incident, which occurred just before Eid al-Adha, was not initially reported by the victims’ families. Only after the disturbing video spread on social media did the government intervene and register a case on its own behalf. Authorities have used NADRA’s facial recognition technology to trace the suspects visible in the video.
“One individual has already been arrested, and we will not tolerate any pressure in this case. We will pursue justice relentlessly,” Rind asserted.
The brutal murder of the couple has drawn strong condemnation from Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
Bilawal described the perpetrators as “beasts” and emphasized that they should not be granted any leniency. He called for the authorities to treat this case as a prime example and bring the criminals to justice without delay.
“This is not just a murder; it is a clear case of gender-based terrorism,” Bilawal said. “The perpetrators of this crime must face the full force of the law.”
Bilawal pointed out that Islam grants women the right to choose their life partners and emphasized that the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees this fundamental right. He also reaffirmed his party’s commitment to ending gender-based violence and discrimination against women.
“The PPP remains resolute in its commitment to protecting women’s rights and ensuring their empowerment,” Bilawal added. “Shaheed Benazir Bhutto’s legacy stands on the protection of women’s rights, and we will continue working towards their safety, dignity, and advancement.”
Mir Sarfraz Bugti, the Chief Minister of Balochistan, acted swiftly following the viral video’s emergence. Bugti instructed the police to begin an investigation and confirmed that the incident took place just before Eid al-Adha.
He further stated that the victims’ identities have been confirmed, and that a terrorism case has been filed by the state.
“One of the suspects involved in the murder has already been arrested, and we are committed to bringing all those responsible to justice,” Bugti said in a social media post. “The law will take its course, and the perpetrators will face the consequences of their actions.”
The murder of the young couple has sparked nationwide outrage, particularly highlighting the dangers posed by certain tribal customs and archaic practices that restrict personal freedoms, especially those of women. As investigations continue, demands for stronger legal protections for women and calls for the overhaul of outdated tribal customs are intensifying.
The incident has underscored the urgent need for legal reform in regions where tribal customs and gender-based violence remain rampant. As the investigation progresses, there is growing anticipation that the Balochistan government will set a strong precedent in addressing gender-based violence and safeguarding women’s rights.
Authorities have pledged to hold the perpetrators accountable and ensure that such crimes are prevented in the future. As public demands for justice increase, many hope that this case will mark a turning point for both legal and societal change in Balochistan.
This incident also highlights the need for enhanced protection for women in Pakistan, particularly in areas dominated by tribal influences and regressive social norms.
As the investigation unfolds, both the Balochistan government and national political leaders face growing pressure to ensure that justice is served and that stronger safeguards are implemented to prevent future tragedies.
