A local court in Rawalpindi has approved a three-day physical remand for two suspects arrested in connection with an alleged honour killing that occurred in the Pirwadhai area. The tragic case involves the suspected murder of a 19-year-old married woman who was reportedly killed following a verdict issued by a traditional jirga.
Court Hearing and Investigation Update
The court proceedings were overseen by Area Magistrate Qamar Abbas Tarar. During the hearing, Rawalpindi Police requested a five-day remand to carry out further investigations, but the magistrate granted a three-day custody period instead. The arrested suspects are believed to have facilitated the murder, which has shocked the local community.
Details of the Victim and Incident
The young woman, who was married to Zia-ur-Rehman from Fauji Colony, allegedly left her home on July 11. Reports indicate she took with her gold jewellery, Rs150,000 in cash, and several personal belongings. Investigators believe she was killed on July 16, with her body buried the following day in a local graveyard.
Secret Burial and Community Involvement
Following suspicions about an unusual burial, police launched an inquiry that led to multiple arrests. Among those taken into custody are members of the victim’s family, the gravedigger, and the secretary of the graveyard committee. Sources claim the victim was locked inside a room and later murdered in a courtyard in the presence of local residents. Her body was then handed over to female family members who discreetly conducted burial rites at night, and efforts were made to conceal the grave.
Exhumation Ordered for Post-Mortem
Magistrate Tarar has ordered the exhumation of the victim’s body, scheduled for July 28. Authorities aim to conduct a post-mortem examination to gather evidence and confirm the cause of death. This development is a key step in the ongoing investigation, which is still unfolding.
Condemnation from Human Rights Groups and UNFPA
The incident has drawn strong condemnation from human rights organizations and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Both local activists and international observers have expressed grave concern over the continued prevalence of honour-based violence in Pakistan. They are calling for immediate and decisive legal action to ensure justice is served and such incidents are prevented in the future.
Broader Implications of Honour Killings in Pakistan
This case highlights the enduring problem of honour killings in the country. Despite legal reforms, many victims continue to suffer due to societal norms, weak enforcement of laws, and informal justice systems like jirgas. Activists emphasize that honour crimes must be treated as serious criminal offenses, not personal or family matters. They urge the government to strengthen judicial action, improve victim protection mechanisms, and raise public awareness to combat the culture of silence surrounding such tragedies.
With the exhumation scheduled and the remand period underway, authorities are expected to gather more critical information in the coming days. The Rawalpindi Police remain committed to uncovering the full truth behind this horrifying case. As Pakistan watches this case closely, there is hope that the legal system will send a strong message that honour killings will not be tolerated and justice will prevail for the victim.
