In a significant development in Balochistan, authorities have arrested 11 suspects, including a tribal leader, in connection with the brutal murder of a couple, identified as Bano Bibi and Ihsanullah, in an alleged honour killing. The case, which gained widespread attention after a video of the incident surfaced online, has been transferred to the Serious Crimes Investigation Wing (SCIW) for a thorough probe.
The incident occurred in the Sanjidi area of Dagari, near Quetta, shortly before Eidul Azha. The viral footage depicted armed men leading the couple into a desert and shooting them, an act reportedly ordered by a tribal leader who deemed their relationship “immoral.” The police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against eight named individuals and 15 others yet to be identified, highlighting the scale of involvement in this heinous crime.
Balochistan’s Chief Minister, Sarfraz Bugti, has taken a firm stance, vowing that all perpetrators will face justice. Operations to apprehend additional suspects are ongoing, with authorities using NADRA records to trace those involved. Political leaders, including PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, have condemned the act, labeling it “gender terrorism” and calling for swift accountability. Senator Sherry Rehman also denounced the killings, emphasizing that such acts violate fundamental human rights and challenge the state’s authority.
The case has reignited discussions on the persistent issue of honour killings in Pakistan, with 2024 witnessing 405 such incidents, primarily targeting women, according to human rights reports. The Balochistan government has pledged a transparent investigation to ensure justice and deter future atrocities. Public appeals have been made to assist in identifying remaining suspects, reflecting the urgency to address this deeply rooted societal issue.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 21st, 2025
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