Fugitives nabbed in Sidra Arab case

Police claimed on Monday to have arrested two proclaimed offenders, including the brother of the deceased, in the case of 19-year-old Sidra Arab, who was killed in the name of so-called honour on the orders of a jirga head in the Pirwadhai Police Station area of Rawalpindi.

According to police, on July 17 Sidra Arab had left her home following a dispute over her decision to contract a marriage of her own choice. She was subsequently brought back, subjected to a jirga, and then murdered in the name of honour. Her body was later buried in a cemetery under mysterious circumstances.

The police said that the jirga head, the victim's husband and other accomplices—10 accused in total—had already been arrested and are currently in jail. However, Sidra's brother, Sohail, and another accused, Sanaullah, had been absconding. Both have now been taken into custody.

Police officials said that the suspects will be challaned with solid evidence after thorough investigation, and that all legal requirements are being fulfilled to ensure exemplary punishment in this grave case.