CJ Balochistan HC takes notice of Quetta ‘honour’ killing

QUETTA: Chief Justice of Balochistan High Court taking notice of the ‘honour killing’ in Quetta area of Margat has summoned additional Interior Chief Secretary and IG Police.

The development has come after a video of killing of a woman went viral on social media, triggering severe reaction from the masses.

The couple has reportedly been killed over marrying by choice and without taking consent from their parents.

Taking notice of the disturbing video of killing, the Chief Justice of Balochistan High Court has summoned additional Interior chief secretary and IG Balochistan to the court tomorrow.

Meanwhile Quetta’s Judicial Magistrate‑13 Akhtar Shah ordered exhumation of murder victim Bano Satakzai’s grave. He then supervised the grave’s opening in Degari.

The incident reportedly occurred around Eid-ul-Azha and is being described as an ‘honour killing’. A video circulating on social media shows a group of men executing a man and a woman, allegedly for marrying against their families’ wishes.

After the video went viral, CM Bugti ordered police to register a case under anti-terrorism laws. Following the directive, Levies and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) launched a joint operation and arrested a key suspect.

Read more: Quetta ‘honour’ killing: 11 suspects arrested

Officials said that the case was registered by the provincial government itself under anti-terrorism laws, as no one from the victims’ families or local residents approached the authorities to file a complaint.

Sources said the victims, Ehsan Smalani and Bano Satakzai, had married of their own free will, angering their families. The matter was brought before local elders, who allegedly issued a death sentence.