A judicial magistrate in Quetta has ordered the exhumation of a woman’s body who was brutally killed in the name of so-called “honor” in Dagari, located on the outskirts of Balochistan’s capital. The investigation is moving swiftly under judicial oversight to uncover more details about this heinous crime.
The incident, which occurred last month, garnered nationwide attention after a distressing video went viral on social media. The footage showed tribal men forcibly removing a couple from a vehicle, coercing them into a barren desert area, and executing them at close range. The couple’s identities remain unknown at this stage.
This disturbing act prompted immediate reactions, with Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti condemning the crime via a post on X, reaffirming the government’s commitment to bringing the culprits to justice. Bugti declared, “The state stands with the oppressed.” He also addressed the systemic flaws behind ‘honor’ killings and reiterated the government’s opposition to parallel judicial systems such as tribal Jirgas.
An FIR has been registered against the suspects under the Anti-Terrorism Act and sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, including those pertaining to murder and armed rioting. Eleven suspects have been taken into custody, while two additional suspects, including the primary accused, were arrested recently. One of the key suspects, Sardar Sherbaz Khan, has been remanded to the Serious Crime Investigation Wing for further questioning.
The Balochistan High Court has taken suo motu notice, with the Chief Justice summoning the provincial home secretary and inspector general of police for a hearing to assess the case’s progress. This reflects the judiciary’s growing commitment to tackling such crimes head-on and ensuring accountability.
Balochistan Chief Minister Bugti labeled the case a “test of justice” for the provincial government. Addressing misconceptions, he clarified that the victims were not married and that the murdered woman was a mother of five children. He emphasized that tribal Jirgas will not be supported under his administration and declared that adherence to the Constitution is paramount.
This atrocity highlights a deeper issue. According to the Sustainable Social Development Organization’s 2024 report, 547 ‘honor’ killings were reported in Pakistan last year alone, alongside 2,238 cases of domestic violence and 5,339 instances of rape. Even more troubling is the conviction rate for these crimes, which remains below 2%. The numbers reveal a grim picture, with 346 honor crimes reported from January to November 2024, 490 in 2023, and a staggering 590 in 2022.
The swift response to this case offers hope for a judicial precedent that could help deter future honor killings. However, systemic reforms, community interventions, and public awareness are essential for eradicating these barbaric crimes at their root.
