Honour killing: Couple who converted to Islam ‘killed by family’
Former Christians Bilal and Kalsoom tied the knot two months ago.
LAHORE:
A Christian couple, who recently married of their own will and converted to Islam, was gunned down by family members in South Punjab in yet another case of honour killing.
The incident took place in a Christian colony in Kalore Kot, a small town in Bhaker distinct late Thursday night.
According to police sources, Kalsoom Bibi, daughter of Irshad Masih and Muhammad Bilal, son of Ashraf Masih, were killed on the spot after Kalsoom’s brother Imran opened fire on them.
A two-year-old child, Alisha, also received bullet injuries in the firing and was shifted to the Kalor Kot Hospital in a critical condition, the investigation officer (IO) of the case told The Express Tribune.
Bilal and Kalsoom had recently converted to Islam and got married, by choice, two months ago, the IO said.
On Thursday, they were at Bilal’s house when Imran, along with his brother Zahid and father Irshad, barged in and exchanged harsh words with the couple. He then, shot at the couple, killing them instantly.
The three accused ran away from the scene, while shooting in the air, the contents of the First Information Report (FIR) stated.
A case has been registered against Imran, Zahid and Irshad under sections 302, 324 and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) at the Kalor Kot police station on the complaint of Bilal’s father.
So far no one has been arrested, while further investigations are under way, SHO Afzal Khan said.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 21st, 2012.
A Christian couple, who recently married of their own will and converted to Islam, was gunned down by family members in South Punjab in yet another case of honour killing.
The incident took place in a Christian colony in Kalore Kot, a small town in Bhaker distinct late Thursday night.
According to police sources, Kalsoom Bibi, daughter of Irshad Masih and Muhammad Bilal, son of Ashraf Masih, were killed on the spot after Kalsoom’s brother Imran opened fire on them.
A two-year-old child, Alisha, also received bullet injuries in the firing and was shifted to the Kalor Kot Hospital in a critical condition, the investigation officer (IO) of the case told The Express Tribune.
Bilal and Kalsoom had recently converted to Islam and got married, by choice, two months ago, the IO said.
On Thursday, they were at Bilal’s house when Imran, along with his brother Zahid and father Irshad, barged in and exchanged harsh words with the couple. He then, shot at the couple, killing them instantly.
The three accused ran away from the scene, while shooting in the air, the contents of the First Information Report (FIR) stated.
A case has been registered against Imran, Zahid and Irshad under sections 302, 324 and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) at the Kalor Kot police station on the complaint of Bilal’s father.
So far no one has been arrested, while further investigations are under way, SHO Afzal Khan said.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 21st, 2012.