Woman Shot Dead in Wah Cantt in Suspected Honour Killing

News Desk 

Rawalpindi: A married woman was shot dead at her father’s home in Wah Cantt on Friday in what police described as a suspected honour killing, allegedly orchestrated by her husband and uncle from Qatar through phone and video calls.

The victim, identified as Samira Aziz, had been living in Qatar with her husband.

According to police, she was brought back to Pakistan about a week ago by two uncles, reportedly on a pretext.

The incident took place at the family’s residence in the Lalazar area of Wah Cantt. Police said that relatives arrived at the house late at night and, acting on instructions allegedly given via a video call from Qatar, shot the woman multiple times, killing her on the spot.

According to the first information report (FIR) registered on the complaint of Sub-Inspector Asif Iqbal Khan, the assailants, identified as Waleed and Asrar, close relatives of the victim’s father, entered the house after the victim’s aunt was instructed by phone to open the door.

The FIR states that Samira’s husband, Suleman, then made a video call and allegedly directed the aunt to remove the victim’s sister from the room and allow the attackers to proceed.

The two accused allegedly pulled out pistols and opened fire, hitting Samira in various parts of her body, resulting in her immediate death.

Police said the motive behind the killing was suspicion by the husband, who allegedly accused the victim of speaking to another man on the phone while in Qatar.

Samira’s sister, Sana Khan, who witnessed the incident, recorded her statement with the police. She said that earlier in the evening several male relatives, including their father Aziz Muhammad and the two uncles who had brought Samira from Qatar, had gathered at the house before leaving.

She added that only women were present when the attackers arrived.

Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) Khalid Hamdani has taken notice of the case. Police have registered charges of murder, honour killing and abetment, and the case has been filed on behalf of the state.

The victim’s uncle Imtiaz and her husband Suleman are currently in Qatar. Police said raids are under way to arrest the main suspects, including Waleed, Asrar and Sabir, who was allegedly standing guard at the door during the attack. Authorities said arrests are expected soon.

The incident has once again highlighted the persistence of honour-related violence in the region, despite legal measures aimed at curbing such crimes.