ISLAMABAD (Web-Desk); Authorities in Balochistan have arrested 13 individuals, including the prime suspect, in connection with the brutal murder of a man and woman whose killing was captured on video and widely circulated online. The disturbing footage sparked nationwide outrage, with many social media users alleging the crime was committed in the name of “honour.”
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti confirmed the identification of the victims in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the incident occurred a few days before Eid ul Adha. A case has been registered under anti-terrorism laws on behalf of the state. “The law will take its full course in this heinous crime,” CM Bugti said, vowing that justice will be delivered.
While the video has led to widespread speculation, including claims of honour killing, the authenticity of the footage and precise details of the incident are still under investigation. The state’s firm response follows criticism over past failures to act swiftly in gender-based violence cases, particularly those labelled as “honour” crimes.
In a late-night update, CM Bugti stated that 11 suspects had been arrested and that the search was continuing. Two more were apprehended later, raising the total to 13. “The state stands with the oppressed,” he wrote, reiterating his administration’s commitment to justice.
At a separate press conference held at the Karachi Press Club, Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind explained that both families involved had not reported the incident to the authorities, a common occurrence in “honour” cases due to cultural stigma and pressure. As a result, the state itself became the complainant to initiate legal proceedings and pursue justice.
Rind added that the provincial police and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) were actively operating in the area to locate remaining suspects. Efforts are also underway to identify the individuals in the video. To this end, data has been sent to the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) for biometric verification. Additionally, the excise department has been contacted to trace the motorcycle seen in the footage using its number plate.
While specific identities and tribal affiliations have been established through initial investigations, Rind said authorities are withholding these details “due to a strategic approach” to avoid hindering the ongoing operation.
The case has brought renewed attention to Pakistan’s alarming record on gender-based violence, particularly honour killings. According to the Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO), a total of 547 honour killings were reported in 2024 alone. These are part of a broader pattern of violence, which also includes 2,238 cases of domestic abuse and 5,339 cases of rape across the country — all with conviction rates below 2%.
From January to November 2024, 346 people lost their lives to honour-based violence. In comparison, 490 honour killings were documented in 2023, while 590 people were killed in similar incidents in 2022, indicating a disturbing persistence of this form of violence.
The Balochistan case, while still under investigation, underscores the state’s responsibility to not only punish perpetrators but also dismantle the cultural and systemic impunity that continues to fuel such crimes. The government’s proactive stance in this instance marks a potentially important precedent — one many hope will lead to broader reforms.
