Pakistani authorities have made a series of arrests after a deeply disturbing video showing the apparent honour killing of a young couple in Balochistan began circulating widely on social media. The footage, which surfaced online in recent days, appears to depict the couple being executed for marrying without their families’ consent—a practice that continues to claim lives in parts of the country, despite legal prohibitions and repeated condemnations.

• Honour killing
• Balochistan
• Social media

According to officials, the incident occurred in Balochistan several weeks ago, but came to national attention only after the video was shared across digital platforms. In the recording, the young woman can be seen clutching a Quran before making a final plea: “Come walk seven steps with me, after that you can shoot me.” Moments later, both she and her husband were shot at close range. Armed men and vehicles are visible in the background, underscoring the premeditated and public nature of the act.

• Balochistan
• Quran

Following a surge of public outrage, authorities launched a swift investigation. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti announced that a case had been formally registered and that multiple suspects had been detained. “Eleven people have been arrested,” Bugti confirmed in a statement. “The law will take its course.” He noted that the arrests were facilitated by the clarity of the video, which helped identify the individuals present at the scene.

• Sarfraz Bugti

The reaction from political and religious leaders was swift. Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called the killing “a test case” for Balochistan’s judiciary and government, urging the strongest possible application of the law against those responsible. Religious scholars also joined the chorus of condemnation, with many calling for systemic changes to better protect women and vulnerable individuals from such violence.

• Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
• Pakistan Peoples Party
• Balochistan

Observers note that while honour killings are not sanctioned by Islamic law, they continue to be carried out under the guise of cultural or family “honour”—particularly in rural and tribal areas. The act has reignited debate about the effectiveness of existing laws, the influence of traditional norms, and the role of local enforcement in preventing such crimes.

• Honour killings
• Islamic law

Civil society organizations across Pakistan have mobilized in the wake of the video, holding vigils and demanding comprehensive reform. “This is not just a tragedy—it’s a reflection of continued impunity,” said one activist involved in a women’s rights coalition in Quetta. “What we saw on that video was not just an act of violence, but a public performance of control.”

• Civil society
• Pakistan
• Quetta

As the investigation continues, authorities say they are searching for additional suspects who may have been involved or complicit. The incident has become a national flashpoint, raising renewed questions about how much has changed—and how much remains entrenched—when it comes to honour-based violence in Pakistan.

• Honour-based violence
• Pakistan