Couple killed on jirga’s orders in Sakhia Goth

Jirga system gaining momentum in Karachi

KARACHI: The jirga system, a tradition that was once confined to tribal areas, is now permeating Karachi.

Extra-judicial actions are being taken after decisions made by jirgas and the police are helpless to curb this menace. Marrying for love carries the death sentence, while heavy financial penalties are imposed for other crimes.

Many couples are killed after decisions made by tribal jirgas. Such is the case of Amir Sohail and Mukhtalba, who were killed three days ago in Sakhia Goth, Superhighway Industrial Area. The incident came to light when a member of the jirga, Nosherwan, was arrested and presented in court.



Sohail was an electrician at a garment factory located near his wife’s house. He met Mukhtalba and around two-and-a-half years ago they had a court marriage and settled in Mominabad's Muslimabad area. Sohail left his job as an electrician and began driving a rickshaw. During this time, his wife was threatened by her brother, Nosherwan, father and other family members.



She had even filed a report at the Mominabad police station against her family, but the police did not take any action and the matter was handed over to the jirga, which decided that Sohail’s sister would be married to his wife’s brother. However, the jirga head, in collusion with the woman's father and others, decided to secretly kill the couple.

Nosherwan seemingly reconciled with his sister and brother-in-law following the marriage and began visiting their house. After gaining their trust, he invited them to his house. According to the jirga’s plan, the couple was killed on their way home from Nosherwan’s house.



According to the jirga's decision, one person was to be arrested and the police acted on the decision and arrested only one suspect. The other suspects are still free.