In another tragic case of a so-called honour killing, a young woman named Sidra was reportedly murdered by her family and buried secretly in the Fauji Colony area within the jurisdiction of the Pirwadhai police station in Rawalpindi.
The case, initially registered on July 21 as a kidnapping complaint by the victim’s husband, Ziaur Rehman, has taken a shocking turn. In the FIR, Ziaur Rehman stated that his wife Sidra, whom he got married to on January 17, had left home, allegedly taking gold ornaments and cash, and was suspected to have connections with a man named Usman. The complaint also included claims of an unlawful marriage and called for legal action.
It also mentions that her in-laws feigned ignorance about any search for her. However, sources revealed a far more disturbing reality — Sidra had allegedly been murdered by her in-laws in the name of honour and buried quietly without legal procedures.
Acting on suspicions and new evidence, the police sought and received court permission to exhume Sidra’s body to determine the actual cause of death. Area Magistrate Qamar Abbas Tarar issued notices to all parties involved and directed that the exhumation process be carried out under official supervision.
The court also ordered the station house officer (SHO) and Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) officials to deploy personnel at the grave to ensure its security until the exhumation takes place. The parties have been summoned to court on Saturday.
Police sources confirm that eight people have been arrested in connection with the case, including Sidra’s husband and father-in-law. Officials say they are determined to get to the bottom of the matter and hold all responsible parties accountable.
Senator Sherry Rehman expressed strong outrage over the alleged killing and the role of traditional dispute-resolution systems such as jirgas. “Women are being killed under the umbrella of jirga decisions and customs. This is poison for our society,” she said.
Sherry Rehman added, “It is unbearable to sacrifice women in the name of tradition. State institutions must eliminate such unlawful and inhumane practices with zero tolerance. Those who defend or enable such jirgas are equally guilty.”
She emphasized that perpetrators of honour killings should be treated like terrorists and face the full force of the law, with no leniency.
