Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti has announced the arrest of the prime suspect in a viral video depicting a brutal murder, which many believe to be an honour killing. The arrest is part of an ongoing operation that has so far resulted in the detention of 11 suspects.

CM Bugti confirmed the identities of the victims and stated that a terrorism case has been registered. He emphasized that the law will take its course and that the state stands with the oppressed.

Although some accounts claim the incident to be a qn ‘honour killing’, the claims are yet to be verified.

The incident, which occurred days before Eid-ul-Adha, remains under investigation. While the video has circulated widely on social media, its authenticity and all details surrounding the incident are yet to be independently verified. The Balochistan government spokesperson, Shahid Rind, confirmed that the victims’ families did not initially report the crime, prompting the state to file a complaint.

Authorities are using various methods to identify those involved, including analyzing the video, tracing the motorcycle seen in the footage via its license plate, and contacting the National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA). While some tribal members have been identified, their names are being withheld for strategic reasons.

The arrests come amidst a concerning rise in honour killings in Pakistan. According to the Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO) 2024 report, thousands of cases of domestic violence, honour killings, and rape were reported in 2024, with conviction rates remaining alarmingly low. The number of honour killings has increased steadily over the past few years. The bodies of the victims in this latest case have yet to be recovered.