On July 20, Pakistani authorities arrested a suspect after a harrowing video went viral on social media, showing a man and woman being executed in a suspected honour killing for marrying against their families’ wishes. The incident reportedly took place in June in a remote area of Balochistan and was allegedly carried out on the orders of a local tribal council, according to provincial officials.
The viral footage shows a desolate desert scene with several pickup trucks and SUVs in the background. In the clip, the woman is handed a copy of the Quran and is heard saying to the man, “Come walk seven steps with me, after that you can shoot me.” The man complies, walking a few steps with her before the tragic act is carried out.
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The brutality of the video has triggered widespread outrage across Pakistan and beyond. Social media users have expressed collective shock, grief, and anger, calling for immediate justice and demanding the dismantling of parallel justice systems like tribal councils, or jirgas, that continue to sanction violence in the name of “honour.” Many are questioning how such acts continue to happen in the 21st century, and why the state has failed to ensure even the most basic rights and safety for women.
Activists, journalists, and civil society organizations are raising serious concerns about the systemic failure to protect women from gender-based violence. Critics point out that despite existing laws against honour killings, enforcement remains weak, especially in remote and tribal regions where traditional customs often override legal protections.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti confirmed that one suspect has been arrested after authorities identified the individuals and location in the video. A case has been registered against all involved, but activists warn that arresting a single suspect is not enough. They are calling for a comprehensive investigation, swift prosecution, and stronger measures to dismantle the societal norms that allow such atrocities to occur with impunity.
The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for legal reforms, better law enforcement, and robust protections for women in Pakistan. Many are now asking: how many more women must die before real change is made?
Here’s how social media reacted
Men never miss a chance to remind you that you have no rights. First her, and now, in Balochistan, yet another woman falls victim to the cruelty of an “honour” killing. pic.twitter.com/wJkVE8Fc6L
— Bulbul✨ (@tired2tryagain_) July 20, 2025
When Hazrat Ali (RA) sent a proposal for Hazrat Fatima (RA), the Prophet (PBUH) didn’t say yes immediately. He said: I will ask my daughter first.
That was 1400 years ago. Islam gave that right but society still denies it.
This is us failing religion. pic.twitter.com/zTmIldRL9k
— Khan Saab (@Hanii_tales) July 20, 2025
This is how Pakistanis treat
Their own daughter American eloped girl pic.twitter.com/M9xhVK6L5X
— m.🇵🇸 (@warrashot) July 20, 2025
JUST SAW THE ORIGINAL CLIP AND IM TRAUMATIZED SHE DIDN’T GO FOR ANY HARAM STUFF SHE MARRIED A MAN OF HER CHOICE, ISLAM HAS GIVEN HER THIS RIGHT. SHE RAN WITH A STRANGER CUS SHE KNEW HOW HER FAMILY WILL TREAT HER. DISOWN KAR DETE USKO MAARTE TOH NA APNI SASTI GHAIRAT KE LIYE.
— rauftar🇵🇸 (@arubah56) July 20, 2025
When you hear about cases like Sana Yousaf, men cheating left and right, Noor Mukadam, 5 year old Zainab r*ped by a man, how can you not say men are trash they are. There are countless cases that are not reported, I was raped by a man when I was 12, so I have valid reasons to-
— Arslan (@stfuarslan) July 19, 2025
Love brought her death.She chose love over life. She embraced death with dignity. She is Sohni, Heer, Sassi, Juliate and Laila of our times. pic.twitter.com/rGsfKZXx0J
— Naureen Saleem Janjua (@NaureenJanjua) July 20, 2025
theres no man theres no masculinity its a woman surrounded by animals. pic.twitter.com/M4GI4rZM1E
— ._amir (@caffeinexher) July 20, 2025
Fcuk your culture
Fcuk Y’all
May you guys rot in hell#HonorKilling pic.twitter.com/qqjpeC9nJ0— ح (@mir_zyyy) July 20, 2025
یہ معاشرہ نہیں حیوانیت ہے 💔🥲 pic.twitter.com/fEG6jcmnnl
— Husnain Rafique (@Husnainrafique_) July 20, 2025
Unpopular opinion but Balochistan suffers not bcz it’s not given enough funds (check NFC award) but bcz of its backward tribal primitive mindset, you can’t reason with ppl who love to take up arms. https://t.co/Hq3lnvrg4L
— Eeman Yousuf (@EemanYousuf) July 20, 2025