Authorities in Balochistan have arrested at least 11 suspects after a harrowing video emerged online showing a man and woman being shot dead for marrying against their families’ wishes in what has been described as yet another case of so-called honour killing.
According to provincial officials, the incident occurred last month when a local tribal council ordered the killing of the couple, whose identities have not been disclosed. The video, which went viral on social media, prompted outrage and swift action from the government.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti confirmed on Monday that a case has been registered against all those involved in the killing. “All suspected perpetrators have been arrested and will face prosecution,” Bugti said in a statement, adding that the authorities had successfully identified both the location and individuals seen in the footage.
The deeply disturbing video shows the woman, wrapped in a shawl, being handed a copy of the Quran before she turns to the man accompanying her and says, “Come walk seven steps with me, after that you can shoot me.”
She does not plead for her life. Instead, she tells him in Brahavi, “You are allowed only to shoot me. Nothing more than that,” according to a translation by a local police official. Her meaning remained unclear.
The footage shows her standing in the desert as a man follows her, raises a pistol, and shoots her at close range. She remains standing after the first two shots, only collapsing after the third. The video then shows a bloodied man lying near her body as gunmen fire additional shots into both victims.
Reuters could not independently verify the video’s authenticity.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan condemned the killings, highlighting that at least 405 honour killings were recorded across the country in 2024 alone. Most victims, the commission noted, are women murdered by relatives seeking to “protect family honour.”
Political leaders also denounced the brutal killings. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called the suspects “beasts” who deserve no concessions, saying, “I have faith that the criminals involved in this murder will be brought to justice soon. This murder should be a test case for the Balochistan government, as it is gender terrorism.”
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, reacting to the video on social media, urged the people of Balochistan to stand against oppressive local systems. “Those who have taken up arms against the state — start by raising your voice against the unjust system that surrounds you,” he wrote. He added that those responsible for such violence were their own brothers, not the travellers and labourers who are often targeted.
He further noted, “By mercilessly killing the married couple, not only have law and justice been insulted, but the authority of the provincial government has also been challenged. The chapter of oppression and barbarism under the guise of jirgas must be closed.”
