Khanewal teen murdered 'in the name of family honour'

Victim called for help, but police arrived five hours after her murder

KHANEWAL:

A 17-year-old girl was murdered in Khanewal on Wednesday, allegedly due to family "honour".

Rida Fatima, who had recently married a man of her choice from a different community in Nawan Shahar, Khanewal, faced disapproval from her family.

Despite her marriage, her family later approached her husband, asking him to formally marry Rida in a traditional ceremony to maintain their social honour.

Late last night, Rida's relatives - identified as Asif Shah, Jafar Shah and Fida Hussain - reportedly attempted to kill her.

In a desperate effort to save her life, Rida locked herself in the bathroom and called the police helpline (15) for help.

As per the record of the emergency police helpline 15, police did not arrive until five hours later, by which time Rida had been killed.

The suspects allegedly tortured her before fatally shooting her and discarding her body in a separate room.

The incident sparked outrage on social media, drawing the attention of higher authorities.

Police subsequently filed a case for Rida's abduction, but her body was found during the search, with evidence suggesting severe abuse prior to her death.

Authorities are now reportedly waiting for Rida's husband to formally register a case so that the police can officially proceed.

Earlier, in March in Jarannwala, a young woman was shot dead by her uncle on suspicion of alleged illicit relations. The incident had occurred in the area of Chak 380 GB, within the jurisdiction of Rodala police station.

Despite receiving medical assistance and being rushed to the hospital, Sanam Bibi, 22 succumbed to her injuries en route.

SP Jaranwala Abid Hussain Zafar, DSP Jaranwala and SHO Rodala Road arrived at the scene. Honour killings remain a common occurrence within Punjab. In October last year, a 17-year-old girl and 18-year-old boy were allegedly murdered by the girl's father for 'honour' in Kahna area of Lahore.

Reportedly, 17-year-old Farah had eloped from her house three days ago to be with 18-year-old Adnan Maseeh, greatly frustrating her family. The suspect seized an opportunity shot the victims.

In July last year, a man shot and killed his two daughters in Havali Nathu Wala village within the jurisdiction of Saddar police station.