Body of Italian-Pakistani woman killed for 'honour' to be exhumed

Victim was murdered on April 18, however, locals remained unaware of it

GUJRAT: Police in Gujrat on Tuesday approached a sessions judge for permission to exhume the body of a 26-year-old Pakistani-Italian woman who was reportedly killed for honour by her brother and father.

The death of Italian citizen Sana Cheema caused a stir in international media, with Italian media organisations raising questions about her death. According to an FIR filed, the victim was murdered on April 18, however, people in the locality remained unaware of the crime.



Her death was termed as 'accidental' and the body was buried in a graveyard far from Mangowal. Sana was reportedly killed by her father Ghulam Mustafa, uncle Mazhar Iqbal and brother Adnan Mustafa in the name of 'honour'. The DPO, taking notice of the news on social media, registered a case against the accused.

According to details, Sana had been living in Italy since 2002 and was to return to Italy on April 19, but she was killed a day prior to her return.

Sana wanted to marry an Italian man and had turned down multiple proposals from within her family. Knowing of her plans, the family tricked her to visit Pakistan. Sana arrived in the country three months ago.

DPO Cheema instructed Kunjah Police Station SHO Waqar Gujjar to register a case against victim’s father, brother and uncle.

According to sources, the victim was working as a driving instructor in Italy while her brother was working as an elected councillor of their district in Pakistan. The real cause of death can only be ascertained after excavation and post-mortem examination of the body, the police said, revealing that no arrests have so far been made.



Honour killing has become a regular practice in the districts of Kharian and Gujrat. Foreign residents, especially women, are easy victims of targeted attacks in the name of honour.