In-laws file case over 'secret abortion'

A case has been registered at Sadr Wah Cantt police station against a married woman, her parents and her brother for allegedly terminating a pregnancy secretly in the absence of her husband.

According to the police, Bilal Ashraf stated that his son, Talha Khan, was married to Shanza Abbas in February 2025. Shanza Abbas lived with her husband for about four months and nine days.

She was taken to a doctor and medical tests were conducted, which clearly confirmed her pregnancy. The delivery date was recorded as January 18.

On June 22, Shanza Abbas went happily to her parents' home. After a few days, when she did not return, the family inquired about the reason, but she allegedly adopted self-imposed separation without any justification.

After one and a half months, the family went through a jirga to bring Shanza Abbas back from her parents' home, but her parents refused to send her back.

Later, when Shanza Abbas filed a suit for khula (judicial divorce) in court, it was revealed that Shanza Abbas, along with her mother, father Mureed and brother, mutually conspired and secretly terminated the pregnancy at an unknown place with the help of an unknown doctor, thereby killing the unborn child through abortion.

The complainant stated that the family was hopeful for the arrival of a new member, who, according to the doctor's report, was due to be born on January 18.

However, the accused persons allegedly acted illegally and jointly committed the act against the unborn child.

Police have registered a case and started an investigation.