Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has announced that 11 suspects have been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of a couple in a remote desert area of the province.
The case sparked widespread outrage after a disturbing video of the honour killings went viral on social media.
The video shows a group of men escorting a couple out of vehicles into a desolate desert region in Balochistan before shooting them with pistols and then firing at their bodies once again.
Activists and political leaders criticized the incident as honour killing.
The video, filmed in a desert amid pickup trucks, shows the woman being given a copy of the Quran. She then tells a man: “Come walk seven steps with me, after that you can shoot me.”
The man follows her for a few steps when she says, “You are allowed only to shoot me. Nothing more than that.” The man then aims the pistol at her and shot her three times.
The woman did not cry or seek mercy but simply dropped to the ground after the third shot. The video then showed the bloody corpse of a man lying on the ground beside her. The men are then shown shooting at both bodies.
CM Bugti confirmed that the victims had been identified in a post on X, which stated that the awful incident occurred a few days prior to Eidul Azha this year.
“Taking immediate notice of the viral video of the murder of a woman and a man on all social media, orders were issued to Balochistan Police for action,” the CM wrote.
“A terrorism case has been registered on behalf of the state, and one suspected killer has been arrested; the law will take its course in this heinous matter.”
Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind, speaking at the Karachi Press Club, said efforts were underway to trace and apprehend the remaining suspects.
“The two affected families had not filed any report of the incident; however, the state has registered a case,” he stated.
“The tribes and individuals seen in the video have been identified; however, their names are not being disclosed at this stage as part of a strategic approach,” Rind added.
He further confirmed that the location in the video had been identified but was not being disclosed. “Whether it is the killers or those who possibly held a jirga, strict legal action will be taken against all of them,” Rind warned.
“An FIR has already been registered based on the facts revealed in the video, and now the investigation will be taken to its logical conclusion.”
Rind also conveyed CM Bugti’s message: “Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti has said that such brutal acts are not only intolerable but are also a serious insult to social values and human dignity. CM Bugti has made it clear that those who challenge the rule of law will be dealt with strictly and no one can be allowed to take the law into their own hands.”
Political leaders and activists strongly condemned the video after it went viral. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari strongly denounced the murder, calling the suspects “beasts,” and demanding justice.
“I have faith that the criminals involved in this murder will be brought to justice soon,” he said. “This murder should be a test case for the Balochistan government, as it is gender terrorism.”
He further highlighted how the Constitution protects women’s right to marry the men of their choosing under Islam.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also shared the video on X, addressing the people of Balochistan. Referring to the province’s militancy, he said: “Those who have taken up arms against the state, start by raising your voice against the unjust system that surrounds you.”
Senator Sherry Rehman, the vice president of the PPP, condemned the act as an “unforgivable crime.” “Crushing the right to marry is a violation of fundamental human rights. Killing in the name of tribal decisions is a despicable act. The cycle of brutality in the name of honour must be stopped,” she wrote on X.
“By mercilessly killing the married couple, not only have law and justice been insulted, but the authority of the provincial government has also been challenged,” she added. “The chapter of oppression and barbarism under the guise of jirgas must be closed.”
Sammi Deen Baloch, a local activist, also criticized the murder and urged tribal elders to honour the autonomy of women. “As a woman, this chilling incident is deeply painful and heart-wrenching for me,” she wrote on X.
“Killing any woman in the name of honour is not only a heinous crime but also the worst humiliation of humanity. I appeal to Baloch and Pashtun tribal elders, influential sections of society, and intellectuals to respect women’s decisions. Today’s woman is the same woman who is educated, aware, and fully capable of making decisions about her future.”
She called for an open and thorough investigation to ensure justice and prevent such barbaric acts in the future.
The woman, identified as Sheetal, had chosen to marry a man of her choice, which reportedly led to the incident. According to officials and activists, murder suspects include her father, brothers, and other relatives who accused her of violating tribal customs. They handed her a copy of the Quran before carrying out the killing, which they claimed was to preserve “honor.”
