Quetta ‘honour’ killing: 11 suspects arrested

QUETTA: Eleven suspects have been arrested in connection with the brutal ‘“’honour’ killing of a couple over a love marriage in the outskirts of Quetta, the capital of Balochistan.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti shared the development on social media platform X, stating that 11 suspects had so far been arrested.

He added that the operation was ongoing and vowed that all those involved would be brought to justice. “The state stands with the oppressed,” he said.

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.

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.

According to reports, the couple was invited to a meal in the rural area of Degree just before Eid. They were later taken to a deserted location and informed of the decision.

Before being shot, the woman can be heard in the video speaking in Brahui, saying: “You have permission to shoot me, but nothing beyond that.” She also requested to walk seven steps before being killed. It is believed that her brother shot her three times before killing her husband.

So far, the bodies have not been recovered, which has complicated the investigation. The video is believed to have been recorded days before Eid-ul-Azha.

Raids are underway to arrest the remaining suspects, whose identities have been confirmed but names are being withheld for now.

Read more: ‘Honour’ killing: Bugti seeks probe into woman, man murdering incident