In the name of honour: Woman kidnapped by father, brothers, says husband

Rabia Bibi’s husband fears her family might kill her for marrying without their approval

MANSEHRA: A man allegedly kidnapped his married daughter with the help of his sons and other relatives in Guliabad village in Baffa, Mansehra on Wednesday.

A police official told The Express Tribune, Rabia Bibi was on her way home with her husband Muhammad Amir and his family when her father Behram and her brothers, Tariq and Hashim, ambushed their vehicle.

They attacked the couple and shot Amir’s family. As a result, Rabia Bibi, Amir, Ishtiaqur Rehman, Saeedur Rehman and Amir’s mother Resham Jan were injured. The injured were rushed to King Abdullah Teaching Hospital and subsequently shifted to Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad for tertiary care.

“Amir told the police Behram and his sons kidnapped Rabia Bibi,” the official said. “They are going to murder her in the name of honour.”

Hurling allegations

According to the official, Rabia Bibi had married Amir in June 2014.

“Amir told the police Rabia’s family was not happy with her decision,” he said.

“As a result, Rabia’s relationship with her family remained strained. A series of attempts were made to seek forgiveness from them. However, the matter could not be resolved.”

After they got married, Rabia Bibi’s family registered an FIR against Amir and accused him of kidnapping her.

“However, Amir told the police his wife had recorded a statement under Section 164 of Code of Criminal Procedure, stating she had married him of her own volition,” the official said. “The case is still pending with a family court in Mansehra.”

Without a trace

On Amir’s complaint, the police have registered a criminal case against Behram and his two sons under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Behram and his sons remain at large while Rabia Bibi’s whereabouts remain unknown.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 31^st,  2016.