Qandeel Baloch’s parents just made a heartbreaking announcement.
The case of Qandeel Baloch had become a test case for the rights of women, recently. Her voice being stifled by the insecure men in her life became a roaring call for female empowerment. Sadly, her case has taken a turn that leaves everyone heartbroken.
Yesterday, the news of Qandeel Baloch’s parents announcing that they want to forgive her brother just sent shockwaves through social media
In 2016, the world was shocked to learn that Qandeel Baloch had been brutally murdered
She had been murdered in the name of honour allegedly by her brothers who were upset at the image she portrayed of herself on the internet; one they did not approve of.
Her brother, Waseem Azeem who strangled Qandeel in their family home confessed to the media about killing Qandeel for honor. Yet even with a recorded confession in a room full of people, he somehow still remains unpunished.
And now that three years have passed since the murder, Qandeel’s parents who initially expressed that they would not pardon their sons for the crime they had committed and would make sure they were punished are apparently asking the justice system to forgive their sons.
They have submitted an affidavit to court asking their sons, the alleged murders of Qandeel to be forgiven and the case to be thrown out. Their argument is the fact that the amendment to the honor killing law which gave courts the right to carry on prosecuting a case of honor killing even if the victims family had forgiven the perpetrator had been passed after Qandeel’s murder hence did not apply.
It is up to the courts to decide, finally and everyone seems to be hoping that the courts will decide to carry on anyway and dismiss the affidavit.
Court shouldn’t accept it and strangle him to death likely,
State organisation are put onto a duty and this is result .!
Qandeel Baloch's parents announce pardon for sons, urge court to wrap up murder case – Pakistan – https://t.co/aBqzOAFiRs https://t.co/RnYDDeLez0— Engr Meer Ishtiaq Ahmad (@meer_ishtiaq) August 21, 2019
This is the 2nd affidavit Qandeel’s parents have submitted. First one was dismissed & only Haq nawaz got the bail. Court has the power after amendment in PPC sec 311 to continue with the trial even after pardon by heirs. Now prosecution has to fight hard to seek justice for QB https://t.co/S5NHdOC0Qu pic.twitter.com/w6bZ7fygLO
— Nighat Dad (@nighatdad) August 21, 2019
People were upset to learn about the parents asking for the killers to be forgiven.
In a tragic turn of events, the parents of #QandeelBaloch have submitted an affidavit in a Multan court saying they have pardoned their sons who were responsible for the tragic murder of Qandeel in her own home, termed as "honor killing" by her brother Waseem in 2016. pic.twitter.com/rt0dEUfbSy
— Raheel Rao (@RahealRao) August 21, 2019
Pardons followed by acquittals in murder cases only further chaos in society. Hoping the judges will do the right thing in Qandeel's case. As for our lawmakers, can you people please make sure we don't have laws that allow acquittals of murderers?
— Annie (@quratula1n_s) August 21, 2019
It doesn't matter who you are, how many people know you, how you were murdered, who murdered you. As long as you're a woman in this society, killed in the name of honor, you'll never get any justice. https://t.co/6ToHySQpQC
— Javaria (@JavariaWaseem) August 21, 2019
Many expressed shock at the change in sentiments of the parents.
Unbelievable; when I and @Jon_Boone visited Qandeel’s hometown in 2017 and met her parents. I observed family had no intention to forgive accused. These were her father’s words. “I cannot forgive him. I want him to be shot dead in front of my eyes.” #QandeelBaloch https://t.co/KunTrYrOpG
— Kiyya Baloch (@KiyyaBaloch) August 21, 2019
It would be a tragedy to see the killers set free without any action taken against them. Qandeel’s case could set a legal precedent for years to come and should be dealt with very carefully. Hopefully justice will be served.
What do you think the court should do with the request Qandeel Baloch’s parent have made? Let us know in the comments below.
Qandeel Baloch Was Murdered By Pakistanis, Not Her Brother
Beyond The Grave: A Letter From Qandeel Baloch
Cover Image Source: thenation.com.pk/herald.dawn.com