Pakistan Senators Condemn Honour Killing, Demand Swift Justice

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Pakistan’s Senate unanimously condemned a brutal honour killing in Balochistan, where a couple, Bano Bibi and Ehsan Ullah, were executed for marrying without family consent. The Senate denounced the act as “barbaric and inhumane” and demanded swift justice and systemic reforms.

On July 21, 2025, senators in Islamabad expressed outrage over the daylight executions, which were recorded on video and provoked national shock. Senator Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur, who tabled the motion, emphasized the need for policy action to combat gender-based violence. She stated, “No civilized society can tolerate this.” The motion was supported by Senators Sherry Rehman, Khalida Ateeb, Aimal Wali Khan, Irfan-ul-Haque Siddiqui, Ali Zafar, and Samina Mumtaz Zehri.

Senator Irfan Siddiqui criticized the delay by Balochistan authorities, noting the crime occurred two months prior but only gained attention after the video emerged. Senator Ali Zafar proposed establishing a monitoring committee to ensure the perpetrators are prosecuted within two weeks, a proposal later endorsed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti confirmed the arrest of 13 suspects, including a tribal leader, following the video’s release. A First Information Report named eight identified individuals and 15 unknown suspects.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) reported 547 honour killings in 2024, but noted only one conviction in Balochistan. HRCP Secretary-General Harris Khalique denounced the feudal system protecting perpetrators and called for decisive state action.