QUETTA – Chief Minister CM Balochistan, Sarfaraz Bugti, has clarified that the two people killed in a recent honor killing incident in Degari were not a married couple.
Speaking at a press conference, Bugti rejected victim-blaming and called the killings an act of “barbarity.” He stated that the female victim was already married and had five children.
Bugti condemned the killings and said the government stands firmly with the oppressed. He said the authorities had knowledge of the crime before a video of the brutal murders went viral on social media. He also directed the Inspector General of Balochistan Police to take immediate action.
One tribal elder has already been arrested. The chief minister added that police are conducting further raids to catch other suspects involved.
However, both families involved in the incident are reportedly unwilling to register an FIR, which is slowing down the legal process. In response, the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) linked to the case has been suspended.
Bugti also strongly criticized illegal tribal jirgas. He stated that the government does not support these gatherings and has taken steps to stop them in the past. He assured that justice would be pursued through legal and constitutional means only.
The chief minister said many suspects have fled, and the police are facing resistance during raids. Women in the area have reportedly pelted stones at officers. Despite these difficulties, the state is determined to bring the criminals to justice.
Bugti said this case would be treated as a “test case,” following instructions from PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. He also noted that although the situation could have led to further bloodshed, the government’s action prevented more loss of life.
He admitted that tribal customs and widespread weapons make law enforcement in Balochistan more challenging. However, he remained firm in his commitment to justice.
Earlier, Balochistan High Court Chief Justice Rozi Khan summoned top officials for a briefing on the case. The viral video of the killings, reportedly filmed during Eid al-Adha, has caused national outrage.
For more details on the arrests made in this case, read: Police Arrest 11 in Balochistan Honour Killing Case
