Quetta Honour Killing: One Arrested as Outrage Grows Over Viral Murder Video
Quetta, Pakistan – A horrifying case of honour killing has shocked the nation after a disturbing video emerged showing a young couple being murdered in cold blood in the Dagari area near Quetta. The incident, believed to have occurred around Eidul Azha, involves the killing of Ehsan Samalani and Bano Satakzai, allegedly for marrying without their families’ approval.
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After the graphic video went viral on social media, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti ordered swift action, resulting in the arrest of a key suspect. Law enforcement agencies, including the Levies Force and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), are conducting raids to apprehend the remaining perpetrators, whose identities have reportedly been confirmed through facial recognition and NADRA data.
Murder Ordered by Local Elders
According to sources, the couple was invited to the village under the pretense of lunch but were later taken to an isolated area. There, they were informed of a so-called verdict issued by tribal elders, sentencing them to death. In the viral video, Bano is seen bravely confronting her killers in Brahvi, saying:
“You are allowed to shoot me, but nothing more than that.”
She requested to take seven steps before being executed. She was then shot three times, reportedly by her own brother, followed by the killing of her husband. Their bodies have not yet been recovered, complicating the investigation.
State Takes Control of Investigation
Notably, no relatives or local residents filed any complaint. In response, the Balochistan government became the complainant, registering the case under anti-terrorism laws to ensure that justice is pursued regardless of social or tribal pressures.
CM Bugti stated on X (formerly Twitter):
“The state will not remain a silent spectator to such barbarism.”
“Honour Killing in Pakistan: What Happened in Quetta”
Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind confirmed during a press conference that authorities had identified all individuals visible in the video and handed their data to NADRA. He affirmed that justice will be served and outside interference will not be tolerated.
National Outrage and Condemnation
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari strongly condemned the act, stating:
“Those involved in this heinous murder are nothing less than beasts and deserve no mercy.”
Human rights groups have also raised alarm. Aladdin Khilji, provincial director of Aurat Foundation and chairman of the Balochistan EVAWG Alliance, called the video a “stark reminder” of the ongoing crisis of honour-based violence in the region.
“From 2019 to 2024, 212 people have been murdered in the name of honour,” he said.
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While one arrest has been made, the search for the remaining suspects continues. Activists and the public are demanding full transparency, quick justice, and systemic reforms to prevent further incidents of honour killings in Pakistan, especially in remote and tribal areas.
The state’s decisive action and strong statements from leadership have been welcomed, but the true test lies in ensuring accountability — not just for the killers, but for a culture that still enables such brutality in the name of 'honour'.
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