Man held for allegedly killing wife, five children in Sargodha 'honour' case

SARGODHA: Police in Punjab's Sargodha district have arrested a man accused of murdering his wife and five children in what authorities described as a so-called 'honour' killing. The incident occurred in the Chak 25 South area, with police confirming the arrest on Monday.

According to Sargodha District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Sohaib Ashraf, the main suspect, who is the husband of the deceased woman, was taken into custody alongside another individual named in the case. DPO Ashraf stated that the primary suspect is currently in stable condition after allegedly attempting to end his own life following the killings.

A first information report (FIR) was filed at Bhagtanwala Police Station in the early hours of Monday, based on a complaint lodged by the brother of the slain woman. The FIR includes charges under sections 302 (Punishment of qatl-i-amd), 311 (Ta’zir after waiver or compounding of right of qisas in qatl-i-amd), and 322 (Punishment for qatl-bis-sabab) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

The victims were identified as the suspect’s wife and their five children, including a daughter aged between 15 and 16 years. The police have not released further details regarding the identities of the other children or the second individual arrested in connection with the case.

DPO Ashraf confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that both suspects remain in police custody as authorities continue to gather evidence and determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The incident has drawn attention to the persistent issue of so-called 'honour' crimes in the region, with law enforcement officials reiterating their commitment to pursuing justice in such cases.