LAHORE: The Lahore High Court sentenced to death on Wednesday four relatives of a woman who was bludgeoned to death by her family in an apparent 'honour killing' earlier this year in May.
Twenty-five year old Farzana Iqbal was previously engaged to a cousin but chose to marry one Muhammad Iqbal instead, following which, her family registered a kidnapping case against her husband.
While waiting at the LHC to record her statement in favour of her husband, members of Farzana's family opened fire on her followed by nearly a dozen men, including her father, brothers and former fiancée pelting her with stones and bricks.
The court today gave its decision on the case and sentenced Farzana's father Iqbal, brother Zahid Iqbal and cousin Jahan Khan to death, said defence lawyer Mansoor Afridi.
Another suspect Ghulam Ali was also sentenced to 10 years in prison and a fine of Rs1 million.
Afridi said the family planned to appeal, adding that the verdict was "a decision based on sensationalism." The state prosecutor was not immediately available for comment.
In 2013, 869 cases of so-called "honour killings" were reported in the media, according to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. The true figure is probably higher since many cases go unreported.
Murder in the name of honour is 'haraam' and it is not permissible in Islam for such an offence according to the members of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC).
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@Mirza: Sentenced to death is needed to eliminate of such evils & make example for others.
@Raghu: When did the HRCP ask for any death penalty? Can you quote an example, Raghu?
I am against death penalty as it has been a barbaric tradition of old times. However, these criminals must be given exemplary punishments and promptly. Rigorous imprisonment for life is a real good punishment.
i think this is good. no one should be alowed to take a human life. it should be this way since people here dont really learn any other way. if a few people are hanged, it should get the message accross. theres a reason saudis can leave their shops open during namaz time and just walk away without worrying about being stolen from, ive seen them do it. its because no one has the guts to steal there. i mean who would want to have a hand chopped off. im against saudi, but i like their hard policies. it really keeps dheet people in line.
Whats the use of issuing a death sentence when capital punishment has been put on a hold by the Govt. ?
What about the Police Officers there, they should be sentenced for negligence too...
@ Raghu,
I agree with you.
Good. Sentence should be carried out soon as possible.
This evil practice needs to be eliminated from our socitey. Good one Court.
Justice has been done and thats a very good thing........what remains is that it must also be seen to have been done. The perception that the sentence will not be executed and possibly at a later date, on an appeal, they would be released.......must be removed because its a damaging perception.
Bravo LHC!! now SCP hold the fort
Justice done. Good omen for Pakistani society.
Killing of humans as an act of collective revenge is even a bigger crime and not Justice! Such disgusting Arab laws of beheading humans have no place in our sacred homeland!
Teach them what you yourself want to learn..........the art of compassion and living together in harmony and mutual love!
Good. Kindly do the same for all other terrorists, and other culprits.