A heartbreaking case of honor killing in Balochistan has triggered nationwide outrage after a video emerged showing a young couple being shot dead for marrying by choice.
The incident occurred in the Dagari area, around 30 kilometers from Quetta, earlier this month. So far, 11 suspects have been arrested, while police continue the search for others involved in the crime.
The Incident
The victims had recently married without their families’ approval. Their decision to marry for love was seen as a challenge to tribal customs. The couple was reportedly called before a jirga (tribal council), allegedly led by an influential local elder, where they were sentenced to death in the name of honor.
In the viral video that captured their final moments, the couple stands calmly before being executed at point-blank range. Just before the shooting, the woman is heard saying:
“Only shooting is allowed, nothing else.”
She spoke in Brahui. She knew she had done nothing wrong. Her words were a final declaration: they had made their choice with dignity, and knew they were being punished for it.
What Is Honor Killing, Really?
Honor killing is when someone is murdered by their own family or community because they’re seen as having brought “shame” or “dishonor” – usually by making personal choices, like who to marry or how to live. It’s most often targeted at women and girls, but men can be victims too. The idea is rooted in outdated traditions, where family reputation is placed above a person’s right to live freely. But there is no honor in murder. It’s a crime, plain and simple – and no culture, religion, or custom justifies it.
Police Response And Investigation
The video prompted swift action by Balochistan police, who launched immediate raids and arrested 11 suspects, including the jirga leader. According to DIG Quetta Azfar Mahesar, nine more suspects are currently at large and being pursued.
Since the families of the victims have refused to file legal complaints, which is a common trend in honor killing cases, the Balochistan government has taken over the case, registering it as a state case under the Anti Terrorism Act. This ensures that the crime cannot be resolved through private forgiveness or settlement.
Public Reaction And Legal Background
The incident has been widely condemned across Pakistan. Human rights activists, political leaders, and religious scholars have all denounced the killing. Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti called it a “brutal and shameful act” and pledged full prosecution.
While the religion clearly grants both men and women the right to choose their spouse, this right is often denied in rural and tribal areas. Illegal jirgas continue to hand out punishments that go against both religious and constitutional laws.
According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, more than 400 honor killings were reported in 2024 alone. Many cases remain hidden due to family pressure, and even those reported often end without justice due to loopholes in the legal system and deep social acceptance of such crimes.
In October 2016, Pakistan passed the Criminal Law (Amendment) (Offenses in the Name or Pretext of Honour) Act, a landmark reform that closed the loophole allowing perpetrators of honor killings to walk free if pardoned by the victim’s family. Under this law, even if a legal heir forgives the murderer, the state can still prosecute and sentence the accused to a minimum of 14 years’ imprisonment up to life.
This is not just a legal or criminal issue. It is a crisis deeply rooted in patriarchy, outdated ideas of family control, and a warped sense of honor. Despite improvements in the law, mindsets have not evolved. Families continue to treat personal choices – especially by women – as threats to their honor and pride.
What Happens Next
Authorities have promised to bring all the culprits to justice. The arrests and state-led prosecution offer a small sign of progress, but long-term change will require deeper work – including education, awareness campaigns, and stronger protection for personal rights.
This should not be called a wakeup call – because we should have woken up long ago. How many more lives must be lost before we act? How many more people must be executed for love, for choice, for dignity?
It is no longer enough to express outrage only when a video goes viral. Justice should not depend on whether a case trends on social media or whether people are loud enough online. The system must work before the public demands it to.
We need strict enforcement, not just laws on paper. We need protection for those who dare to live freely. And we need to ask ourselves – why are we only moved to investigate when it is already too late?
This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Sources: DAWN News, The Express Tribune, and Arab News.
