BALOCHISTAN: Authorities in Balochistan have arrested at least 14 individuals involved in the shocking public execution of a man and a woman. The brutal killings, captured on video and widely shared on social media, have sparked outrage across Pakistan.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti confirmed the arrests of 11 people and assured that all involved would face justice. He emphasized that strict legal action would be taken. The case has prompted Balochistan High Court Chief Justice Rozi Khan Barrech to take suo motu notice, ordering the appearance of senior officials at the court to brief on the investigation.
The police, led by the Serious Crimes Investigation Wing (SCIW), have confirmed the arrest of 14 suspects, including the woman’s cousin and the tribal elder who ordered the killings. The authorities have gathered forensic evidence and taken statements from local residents, further advancing the investigation.
The victims, identified as Bano Bibi and Ihsanullah, were shot in a brutal act of violence three days before Eidul Azha. The disturbing video shows the woman receiving a Quran before walking a few steps with the shooter. She then stands still as he shoots her multiple times at close range. The footage further shows Ihsanullah being shot after the woman’s murder. The killers filmed the act and later shared it online, which led to widespread public outrage.
Chief Minister Bugti condemned the killings as “inhumane” and stressed that such violence would not be tolerated. He also clarified that the victims were not married to each other, despite rumors circulating on social media. Bano Bibi had five children from a previous marriage, and Ihsanullah had six.
The incident has highlighted the continuing influence of the tribal jirga system in Balochistan. The tribal elder, Sardar Sherbaz Khan Satakzai, who reportedly authorized the killings, was produced in court. The authorities have taken strong action against those involved and are committed to bringing justice to the victims.
A murder case under Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and relevant sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) has been filed, with the FIR indicating that the victims were declared “karo-Kari” (honour killing) by the jirga. The case remains under investigation, with the authorities working diligently to ensure that the perpetrators face the full extent of the law.
