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Authorities in Pakistan arrested a suspect on Sunday after a disturbing video surfaced on social media showing a man and woman being shot dead in an alleged honour killing in Balochistan province.
The attack allegedly happened last month but was only discovered after the clip became viral. The couple whose names are withheld were murdered on the command of a tribal council for marrying without the consent of their families, provincial officials said.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has confirmed the arrest in a statement. “A case has been registered against all those who were present in the video,” he said, adding that police had identified the people and location featured in the video.
The video shows the barren desert landscape, with SUVs and trucks parked at the site. In the video, the woman, who is wearing a shawl, is given a copy of the Quran and says to the man, “Come walk seven steps with me, after that you can shoot me.” The man walks a few paces behind her as she requested.
As reported by a local police commander, the woman was composed and did not beg for mercy. “You only have the right to shoot me. Nothing else,” she tells the man in Brahavi. The man then shoots at her several times. Although she is hit twice, the woman still stands up until she falls after being hit by a third shot. Shortly later, the man is also shot, his body next to hers as more shots are fired.
The video’s authenticity could not be independently confirmed by Reuters.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan decried the action, pointing out that at least 405 honour killings were carried out in the country in 2024 alone. Most of the victims are women, who are usually killed by their relatives to maintain perceived family honour.
Although honour killings are prohibited in Pakistan, implementation is uneven, especially in traditional areas where tribal traditions continue to control social mores.
