Rawalpindi honor killing over love marriage:
Another tragic case of an alleged honor killing has emerged from Pirwadhai, Rawalpindi, where a young woman named Sidra was reportedly strangled to death on July 17 after marrying a man of her own choice. According to media reports, the act was carried out on the orders of a local jirga — an informal tribal council — in what is being described as another chilling instance of extrajudicial justice against free-will marriage.
Sidra had reportedly faced intense pressure from both her family and society following her decision to marry for love. Initially, she fled to Kashmir in fear for her life, but was eventually persuaded or forced to return. Upon her return, she was allegedly murdered and buried secretly under the cover of night. In an attempt to erase any trace of the crime, the grave marker was also removed.
Police sources have confirmed the arrest of the former chairman of the graveyard committee and the gravedigger who were involved in the clandestine burial. A formal case has been registered on the complaint of Sidra’s husband, Zia-ur-Rehman, who claimed that Sidra had initially left with another man named Usman and had also taken jewelry and cash. However, law enforcement authorities have indicated that the situation points to a more serious and possibly premeditated honor killing.
Magistrate Qaisar Abbas Tarrar has issued notices to Sidra’s family and scheduled a court hearing for July 26. He has also ordered strict security around Sidra’s grave to prevent any tampering with the burial site. Investigators are now seeking court approval for exhumation in order to conduct a post-mortem examination to determine the actual cause of death.
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The Rawalpindi police have pledged a transparent and thorough investigation. They emphasized that the exhumation is a critical step in uncovering the truth and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
This incident comes in the wake of national outrage over a similar case in Quetta, where the mother of a murdered girl named Bano was recently arrested for justifying the killing. Both cases have reignited urgent calls for legal reforms and stronger enforcement of laws to protect women from violence carried out under the guise of tradition or honor.
