Balochistan Honor Killing: 11 Arrested Including Tribal Chief Following Viral Video
QUETTA — In a shocking incident that has sparked widespread outrage, 11 suspects, including the head of the Satakzai tribe, have been arrested in connection with the brutal honor killing of a married couple in Balochistan. The horrific act, reportedly committed during Eid al-Adha, was captured in a viral video showing armed men killing a woman and a man in a desert area.
Addressing a press conference, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti condemned the crime as “murder and barbarity.” He emphasized the need to present facts clearly and rejected any victim-blaming. Bugti revealed that the female victim was a married woman with five children, highlighting the gravity of the tragedy.
The Chief Minister assured solidarity with the victims and stated that the government fully supports the oppressed. He disclosed that authorities were aware of the incident before the video went viral and took immediate action. Bugti ordered the Inspector General of Balochistan Police to take swift notice of the case and ensure justice.
During the operation, police arrested tribal elder Sardar Sherbaz Satakzai from the Satakzai House, which has led to criticism from Sarawan tribal leaders who claim the arrest is unjustified and politically motivated. Nevertheless, Bugti affirmed that all suspects would be pursued and brought to justice under the law.
Bugti also revealed that both parties involved have been reluctant to register a formal First Information Report (FIR), complicating legal proceedings. Additionally, the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) responsible has been suspended over the incident.
The Chief Minister strongly condemned tribal jirgas (councils) that carry out such acts and reiterated that the government does not support any jirga involved in unlawful practices. He highlighted past government interventions against these councils and pledged to follow constitutional and legal processes strictly.
He described the case as a “test case” for justice, a directive given by Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. Bugti acknowledged the challenges posed by Balochistan’s tribal society, including the widespread presence of weapons and resistance faced by police, including stone-pelting during operations.
Earlier, the Balochistan High Court (BHC) Chief Justice, Justice Rozi Khan, took suo moto notice of the killings and summoned the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) and the Inspector General of Police to appear on July 22 to explain the situation.
The gruesome video circulating on social media has drawn national and international condemnation, prompting swift action from the provincial government to prevent further tribal violence and ensure justice for the victims.
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