13 suspects apprehended in line with honor killing
13 suspects apprehended in line with honor killing Micheile Henderson/Unsplash

A chilling video of an 'honour killing' in Pakistan has gone viral, showing a young couple being executed in Balochistan after marrying without family approval.

The incident, which occurred in Deghari village near Quetta, has led to the arrest of 13 suspects as police intensify their investigation into the deadly tribal ruling.

Honour Killing in Balochistan

The victims, identified as Bano Bibi and Ehsan Ullah, were reportedly shot dead by members of their own community after defying tribal customs and marrying of their own choice. The couple, in their early twenties, were lured to a remote area under the pretext of reconciliation, where they were filmed being executed.

The video shows Bano Bibi holding a copy of the Qur'an and walking seven symbolic steps, a traditional act signifying a marital oath. After affirming her commitment, both she and her husband were shot at close range. The footage quickly circulated on social media platforms, triggering public outrage both in Pakistan and abroad.

Pakistan Honour Killing: 13 Suspects Including Tribal Elder Arrested

Balochistan authorities have confirmed that 13 individuals have been arrested in connection with the honour killing. Among those detained is tribal elder Sherbaz Khan, who allegedly presided over the jirga (tribal council) that issued the death order, according to a report by The Guardian.

According to police officials, at least nine more suspects remain at large, including close relatives of the victims. A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered, and some of the accused may face charges under anti-terrorism laws.

An autopsy conducted at Civil Hospital Quetta confirmed that Bano Bibi sustained seven gunshot wounds. The post-mortem report for Ehsan Ullah is still pending.

Pakistan Officials Condemn Honour Killing as Arrests Mount

According to Arab News, Chief Minister of Balochistan Sarfraz Bugti stated that the video evidence played a critical role in identifying the perpetrators. He said: 'The individuals involved have been arrested and investigations are ongoing. Justice will be served.'

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also condemned the killing, urging swift and uncompromising legal action. Officials are now working to verify the authenticity and legal admissibility of the viral footage.

Honour Killings in Pakistan: A Persistent Crisis

This latest case highlights the continuing issue of honour-based violence in Pakistan. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) recorded 405 honour killings in 2024, though rights groups say the actual figure is likely much higher due to underreporting and social stigma.

Under Pakistan's Penal Code, honour killings are considered murder, yet loopholes still allow family members to forgive perpetrators. Although reforms were introduced in 2016, implementation remains weak, especially in rural areas where tribal customs hold sway.

Jirga System in Pakistan: Legal Loopholes Behind Honour Killings

The jirga system, which operates parallel to the state judiciary in many parts of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, often hands down extrajudicial punishments, including death sentences for 'moral' violations. These councils, dominated by male elders, operate beyond the reach of formal courts and continue to issue rulings that violate human rights and Pakistani law.

Despite government bans on jirgas issuing such orders, enforcement remains inconsistent. In many rural areas, families feel compelled to follow tribal rulings to avoid social ostracism.

Pakistan Human Rights Groups Call for Honour Killing Reform

Human rights advocates and women's rights groups have called for immediate and transparent trials of all arrested suspects. The HRCP described the killing as a 'barbaric act' and urged federal authorities to dismantle systems that allow honour killings to persist with impunity.

This case echoes past incidents such as the 2012 Kohistan killings and the recent murder of TikTok star Sana Yousaf in June 2025. Campaigners argue that without systemic reform, such tragedies will continue to claim innocent lives.

Writer's pick