Pakistan: Brother Jailed For Life For Qandeel Baloch's Killing

The brother of Pakistani social media star Qandeel Baloch was on Friday sentenced to life in prison for her murder - the country's highest-profile "honour killing".  However, the rest of the suspects charged in connection with the killing, including cleric Mufti Abdul Qavi, and her other brothers were acquitted by a model court in Multan, Pakistan.

Today is the first time in my entire working life that I've seen a man getting convicted and sentenced for murdering his sister over 'honour'. #QandeelBaloch

— Annie (@quratula1n_s) September 27, 2019

The 26-year-old was drugged and strangled in July 2016 by her brother Muhammad Waseem, who admitted to the crime. At the time, he said he had no remorse over what he did because the star had “brought dishonour to the Baloch name” with her social media presence.

Baloch, whose real name was Fauzia Azeem, rose to fame for her risqué selfies that saw her praised by some for breaking social taboos but condemned by conservatives.

Her murder made international headlines and ignited fierce debate in Pakistan over the prevalence of “honour killings” in which a victim -- usually a woman -- is murdered for flouting patriarchal social codes.

Six others were acquitted by the court, including a Muslim religious leader Mufti Abdul Qavi. Ms Baloch's family had initially pointed the finger at the mufti, saying he had instigated the murder after he was criticised for taking selfies with the social media star a month before her death. He has always denied any involvement. 

After the verdict was announced, Mufti Qavi's supporters, who had gathered outside the court, showered him with rose petals.

What a strange, bittersweet feeling. The verdict isn’t the end, and it doesn’t bring a measure of relief or closure for me at least. When I saw the photos of Mufti Qavi being showered with rose petals outside court, I realised why. 1/ #QandeelBaloch

— Sanam Maher (@SanamMKhi) September 27, 2019

It took 3 yrs to get a judgement for her brother. I wonder how long it will take us to recognise that we shouldn’t let ourselves off the hook, that our social structure is rotten & works against people like #Qandeel who wish to make something of themselves on their own terms 3/3

— Sanam Maher (@SanamMKhi) September 27, 2019

For many of us following the dramatic ups and downs of Qandeel Baloch’s life and death, this verdict offers an empty, dissatisfying closure . The lesson is that the powerful and influential - in this case Mufti Qavi - are never held responsible. https://t.co/kL0qxDq6cl

— Amber Rahim Shamsi (@AmberRShamsi) September 27, 2019