Couple killed on jirga’s orders in Sakhia Goth
Jirga system gaining momentum in Karachi
PHOTO: FILE
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.
Pashtun couple who married two years ago killed in Karachi
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.
In the name of honour: Family allegedly kills couple over love marriage
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.
Initial investigation suggests personal enmity behind Karachi police killing
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.
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.
Pashtun couple who married two years ago killed in Karachi
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.
In the name of honour: Family allegedly kills couple over love marriage
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.
Initial investigation suggests personal enmity behind Karachi police killing
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.