Justice Demanded as Tribal Jirga Orders Killing of Newlywed Couple in Balochistan

QUETTA, July 21, 2025 , Ali Imran Chattha

A horrifying case of honor killing in Balochistan has drawn nationwide outrage and international condemnation after a graphic video surfaced online showing the execution of a couple — Bano Bibi and Ahsan Ullah — in the village of Deghari, near Quetta.

The couple, who reportedly married against their families’ wishes, were shot in broad daylight. In the footage, Bano Bibi can be seen holding a copy of the Holy Qur’an, begging her killer in the Brahavi language:

“Come walk seven steps… then you can shoot me.”
Her plea was ignored. Both she and Ahsan Ullah were killed on the spot.

Jirga Justice and Government Response

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti condemned the murders, stating:

“This was not a marital relationship. It was a cold-blooded, premeditated murder under the guise of tribal custom.”

He confirmed the couple’s deaths were ordered by an illegal tribal jirga, which has no legal standing in Pakistan. Despite the Supreme Court ban on jirgas, they continue to operate in tribal areas, often imposing extrajudicial punishments.

A formal First Information Report (FIR) has been filed. Police have arrested 11 individuals, and ongoing raids are being conducted in Mastung, Kalat, and Khuzdar districts to apprehend others involved — including tribal elders who allegedly approved the killings.

 Honor Killings on the Rise

According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), 405 honor killings were reported in 2024, with 32 in Balochistan alone. Many more are believed to go unreported, especially in rural regions where patriarchal and tribal systems dominate.

The victims’ families have not lodged any complaints. However, the government has taken suo moto notice and is proceeding with prosecution to prevent this case from being silenced.

Global Condemnation

The video prompted strong reactions from both local and international organizations:

• Amnesty International called it “barbaric and deeply rooted in gender injustice.”

• UN Women Pakistan demanded action to dismantle patriarchal customs.

• Global media including BBC, Reuters, AP, and Al Jazeera highlighted the failure of state authorities to prevent such crimes in tribal regions.

 The Need for Reform

Legal experts and activists stress the urgent need for Pakistan to assert state authority over tribal jirgas and ensure justice systems operate under constitutional law.

“What happened in Balochistan is not justice — it is lawlessness masquerading as culture,” said human rights advocate Jibran Nasir.

A Call for Justice

The government has vowed to pursue the case until all responsible are brought to justice.

“We must not allow the memory of Bano and Ahsan to fade. Let their story be the last of its kind,” a statement from the HRCP.

This case could become a turning point in the fight against honor-based violence — if the law prevails over tradition.