Man, minor girl shot dead in Peshawar over 'illicit relationship'

Officials say the couple was targeted by the girl's relatives in the name of 'honour'

PESHAWAR: A man and a minor girl were shot dead on the outskirts of Peshawar on Wednesday after they were suspected of illicit relationship.

Officials said that 14-year-old Zakia Bibi and 24-year-old Azharudin were targeted by the girl's relatives near Sheikhan police post. Both of the deceased were residents of Akka Khel, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

“We have been informed that two men opened firing at the couple, killing them on the spot,” an official said, adding that it was without a doubt a case of honour killing. He added that both the attackers managed to escape from the scene.



“An FIR is yet to be registered by the family but police have examined the crime scene and the bodies are being sent for an autopsy,” he added.

Meanwhile, talking The Express Tribune, rights activist Imran Takkar blamed the 24-year-old man, saying it was a crime in itself for an adult to have relations with a 14-year-old child. He lamented it had led to their deaths.

“The incident means that there is no child protection system in place despite the exorbitant claims of the government and demands of the civil society."