Murder most foul: Man, woman allegedly killed over affair

Saima Bibi returned to parents home where rumours spread of extramarital relationship

PESHAWAR: A man and a woman were killed allegedly over honour in Badabher on the outskirts of the city.

“Saima Bibi married [Fazal Rabi] two weeks ago and visited her parents for the first time [after marriage]. She also met her neighbour Tahir Khan,” a local told The Express Tribune, “Saima Bibi did not return to her husband’s.”

“As you know gossip spreads fast – rumours surfaced the bride had a boyfriend and she met him on her first visit to her parents and refused to return to her husband’s house afterwards,” the local added.

Fatal end 

However, her father and brothers reportedly killed their neighbour Tahir, her alleged boyfriend, on Thursday in Mohalla Bacha Khel, Badabher. Tahir’s uncle Amir Nawaz registered an FIR against Saima Bibi’s father Mehar Gul and brother Muhtajuddin.

On Friday, Saima was killed. Her brother registered an FIR against Abid and Shah Abid, Tahir’s brothers, and their uncle Amir Nawaz. “Saima got married recently and was on a visit to our house. I was taking her back when they [the accused] opened fire on her, killing her on the spot while I escaped unhurt,” her brother stated in the FIR.

“The family of Tahir has been booked and blamed for the murder. But it is very much an honour killing,” a local said.

An official of Badabher police station told The Express Tribune, they had filed an FIR in the case of Saima Bibi’s murder against the brothers and uncle of Tahir, the man who was allegedly killed by Saima’s father. “It is premature to jump to a conclusion, but we are investigating the matter,” he added.

SHO Sardar Hussain said they were aware of the rumours the woman and man had been killed in the name of honour.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 9^th,  2016.