A heartbreaking incident from Balochistan, now widely circulated on social media, has once again exposed the deep-rooted injustice faced by people choosing to live for themselves in our society.
According to reports, a couple was shot dead on the directives of a tribal leader “for engaging in an immoral relationship” according to tribal customs. The woman was shot eight times, and the man was shot nine times.
This incident reflects the tragic reality that many women in Pakistan face — being denied the right to make decisions about their own lives. Girls are often silenced, ignored and punished for speaking up. Families decide their futures without asking their opinion, even in life-changing matters like marriage.
The government must take serious steps to protect citizens against authoritarians who take matters into their own hands. Until we start to respect the right to choice, tragedies like this will continue to haunt our society.
Zohair Ahmed
Kech
