Brutal Honour Killing in Balochistan Sparks Outrage After Video Goes Viral; 15 Booked Under Terror Charges

A horrific case of alleged honour killing has shocked Pakistan after a video went viral on social media showing the cold-blooded murder of a woman and a man accused of “karokari” (an honour-based accusation) in Balochistan’s Quetta district. The brutal footage prompted widespread condemnation, with the Balochistan government confirming that a case has been registered against 15 individuals, including a local tribal leader (sardar), under terrorism charges.

The Crime and Viral Video

According to an FIR (First Information Report) filed by the police, the double murder occurred around 40 to 45 kilometres from Quetta, in a remote area known as Sanjidi Degar, under the jurisdiction of Hanna Police Station.

The chilling video, which surfaced on social media on Sunday, appears to show armed men executing a woman and a man in broad daylight. The location is a deserted hilly area, where several Vigo vehicles and jeeps are visible. The scene was captured in a mobile video later circulated widely on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), receiving millions of views and sparking outrage.

In the footage, the woman, dressed in a red outfit and light brown shawl, is seen standing a short distance away from the vehicles. Speaking in Brahui—a language spoken in various parts of Quetta and Mastung—she says, “Only shooting is allowed, nothing else.” A man responds, “Yes, only shooting is allowed.”

Moments later, another voice is heard saying, “Take the Qur’an from their hands,” though it is unclear whether the holy book was with the woman or the man. Tension builds as others urge silence. Then, several gunshots are heard, followed by the words, “Kill him too,” prompting a barrage of bullets.

After the initial round of gunfire, a man in the group appears to reprimand the person recording the video. Soon after, a second round of gunfire is heard, seemingly directed again at the woman to ensure her death.

While the identities of the individuals in the video have not been independently verified by BBC Urdu or other media, Balochistan’s Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti confirmed that the government had taken notice of the footage, and the victims had been identified. “The law will take its course,” he declared.

Police Response and FIR Details

Following the viral spread of the video, police dispatched a team to the site to verify the incident. Based on local intelligence, authorities confirmed that the crime occurred three days before Eid al-Adha, but the video only surfaced 35 days later.

The FIR states that the victims, identified as Bano Bibi and Ehsanullah, were taken to the area for execution by 15 individuals in three vehicles. A local sardar allegedly declared them guilty of “karokari”—a term often used in tribal areas to justify honour killings.

Acting on the sardar’s decision, the accused used automatic weapons to kill the two victims in the Sanjidi region. Shockingly, they recorded the entire episode and uploaded it to social media weeks later.

The police have charged the suspects under Section 302 (premeditated murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code and under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) for spreading fear and panic by circulating the video. Out of the 15 suspects, two remain unidentified, while the rest have been named.

Government Reaction

Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti initially announced on X that 11 suspects had been arrested and that a manhunt was underway to apprehend the rest. “All those involved will be brought to justice. The state stands with the oppressed,” he declared.

Shahid Rind, spokesperson for the Balochistan government, also condemned the act, calling it “inhuman” and asserting that no one is above the law. “Such barbaric acts are unacceptable, and the perpetrators will face full legal consequences,” he said.

Ongoing Investigations

Deputy Commissioner of Quetta, Major (Retd) Meharullah Badini, told BBC Urdu that investigations are still underway. Authorities are working to verify whether the location of the killing falls within Quetta’s Marwar area or Mastung district’s Dasht region.

Both Quetta police and Mastung’s Levies Force are conducting parallel investigations to ascertain exact details, including how the victims were brought there and who recorded the footage.

“The Chief Minister took immediate notice and ordered a thorough inquiry,” said Badini, adding that the provincial government is exploring all angles of the case.

Public and Media Outcry

The video triggered a storm of reactions on social media, with many demanding swift justice. Human rights advocates and legal experts called for stronger protections against tribal justice systems that bypass the courts and legal process. The use of social media to glorify or document such violence has further raised alarm about the impunity with which such crimes are committed in remote regions.

The incident has reignited debates on honour killings and the continued existence of extrajudicial tribal verdicts (jirgas) in Pakistan, despite legal prohibitions.

Conclusion:
The gruesome execution of Bano Bibi and Ehsanullah, allegedly sanctioned by a tribal sardar and captured on video, underscores the deadly consequences of parallel justice systems in Pakistan. As police continue their investigation and more arrests are expected, the case has become a litmus test for the state’s resolve in tackling honour-based violence and restoring faith in the rule of law.