Rawalpindi Jirga Linked to Woman’s Honour Killing

Download IPFS

Significant progress has been made in the investigation of the alleged honour killing of a 21-year-old woman in Rawalpindi’s Fauji Colony, under the jurisdiction of the Pirwadhai police station. Authorities believe the act was carried out on the orders of a local jirga.

According to police officials, three close family members have been identified as key suspects in the case. These include the victim’s father, Arab Gul; her father-in-law, Muhammad Saleh alias Saleem; and her uncle, Mani Gul. All three are believed to have been directly involved in the killing.

Investigators revealed that the woman, identified as Sidra Arab, was suffocated using a pillow in a room belonging to Mani Gul. Police have recovered several pieces of evidence from the scene, including the pillow allegedly used in the murder, a bedsheet, and other related items. These were found based on information provided during initial questioning of the suspects.

Further developments in the case came to light with the emergence of CCTV footage dated July 17, which captured the victim’s body being transported for burial. The video shows a loader rickshaw entering the pathway near the graveyard committee office, carrying Sidra’s body, covered with a red tarpaulin to shield it from rain.

Around 10 to 15 individuals can be seen in the footage standing around the rickshaw. Some of them are observed lifting the cover to look underneath before proceeding with the burial process. The presence of multiple people during the burial indicates possible community awareness or involvement, though no further arrests have been announced as of now.

Police are continuing their investigation to determine whether any members of the jirga or others who witnessed the burial will be charged. The recovered video evidence is expected to play a critical role in the legal proceedings.

The case has brought renewed attention to the issue of honour-based violence in Pakistan, particularly incidents that may involve informal community tribunals or jirgas. Authorities have reiterated that such acts are criminal offences and will be prosecuted under the law.