Model and actress Qandeel Baloch, entered the entertainment industry dreaming of fame and success, murdered on this day nine years ago, in an alleged honour killing by her brother.
Born on March 1, 1990, in Shah Sadr Din, one of the most underdeveloped areas of Dera Ghazi Khan, Qandeel Baloch rose to fame through her bold style and social media presence. She stepped into the world of glamour at the age of 14, and after more than a decade of struggle, her name became widely known in Pakistan.
Qandeel’s rise to fame fueled by her unapologetic attitude and viral content. Her TV appearance with Mufti Abdul Qavi and a selfie with him brought her further attention and controversy. In another talk show, she revealed the connections of a prominent politician to a Pir family in Pakpattan—claims that gained credibility after her death.
Despite achieving celebrity status, Qandeel remained devoted to her family. She spent most of her earnings on her disabled father, elderly mother, and even supported her unemployed brother Waseem by helping him start a business.
But in a tragic twist, the same brother murdered her in the name of “honour” on July 15, 2016—a crime that shocked the entire country and sparked debates around women’s rights, honour killings, and the justice system in Pakistan.
The murder case took another controversial turn when six accused, including Waseem and Mufti Abdul Qavi, released from jail following a forgiveness (diyat) granted by Qandeel’s parents—a move permitted under Pakistani law. This release, however, left deep concerns and criticism about the judicial process and the state’s failure to prosecute honour killings independently.
Even after nearly a decade, no formal justice served, and the silence surrounding Qandeel’s case remains a symbol of the systemic failures that continue to endanger women in Pakistan.
