In a new development in the Balochistan honour killing case, a viral video of the alleged mother of Bano — the woman killed alongside Ehsanullah — has surfaced, where she holds the Quran and claims the murder was carried out in accordance with tribal customs. The incident took place in Daghari, Balochistan, three days before Eid-ul-Adha.
Bano, a mother of five, allegedly eloped with Ehsanullah. Her family claims that this act brought dishonour, forcing them to act under Baloch tribal norms. In the video, the mother says Bano’s eldest son is 18 while the youngest is 6. She states that Ehsanullah had sent threatening videos, including death threats towards Bano’s brothers, and claimed to be provoking the Simalani tribe.
As the police reports add, Bano and Ehsanullah were shot dead by 15 armed men who took them out to an open field in Sanjidi. It took 35 days after the recorded act was posted online, where it caused a chain of outrage. FIRs are registered in the sections of terrorism, murder and others.
To date, 20 individuals are detained, 11 of which are officially arrested. The act has been condemned by social media, human rights associations and human society which are demanding legal action. The case has also created controversy on the tension between state law and tribal traditions.
Tribal leader Sardar Sherbaz Khan Satakzai has denied organising any jirga. He claims that some villagers acted independently. Despite this, the victim’s family defends him and demands his release.
