An anti-terrorism court in Quetta has handed over two suspects, Sardar Sherbaz Satakzai and Bashir Ahmed, to the Serious Crime Investigation Wing (SCIW) on a 10-day physical remand in connection with a double murder case under the pretext of honour.
The case pertains to the killing of a man and a woman in the Sanjidi area of Quetta. Both suspects were produced before the court under tight security.
The hearing was conducted by Judge Muhammad Mubeen of ATC-I, who approved the remand, allowing investigators time to conduct further interrogation and gather evidence.
The incident has sparked concern over continued violence in the name of honor, with calls growing louder for stricter enforcement and accountability.
Victim’s mother defends murders, calls it tribal justice
In a shocking development in the Sanjidi double murder case, the mother of the slain woman, Bano, has released a video statement defending the killings and declaring them justified under tribal customs. The case, involving the murder of Bano and a man named Ihsanullah, is being treated as an honor killing and is currently under investigation.
In her video message, Bano’s mother, Gul Jan, claimed that her daughter and Ihsanullah had brought dishonor to the family, saying, “We killed them and did so rightfully, according to Baloch tradition.” She also declared that the main accused, Sardar Sherbaz Satakzai, was innocent and had no role in the decision.
Gul Jan alleged that Ihsanullah, who lived in the same neighborhood, eloped with her daughter and stayed with her in Duki for 25 days before returning. She claimed that after their return, Ihsanullah repeatedly taunted her sons, made TikTok videos holding bullets, and threatened the family with violence.
“He would challenge my sons, mock them, and even made threats by crossing out my son's pictures, saying he would kill them,” Gul Jan said. “First he eloped with his own sister, then dishonored our family. We are Baloch. We cannot tolerate this disgrace.”
She stated that the decision to kill was made within the family, without involving any tribal elders or a formal jirga. “This was our decision, made according to Baloch customs. No sardar, elder, or notable was involved,” she added.
The confessional statement has raised serious concerns over extrajudicial justice and deep-rooted tribal practices in Balochistan. Authorities are continuing their investigation, and both accused are currently on physical remand as ordered by the anti-terrorism court.
