Quetta, July 24, 2025: In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the Balochistan honour killing case, police have arrested Gul Jan, the mother of the slain woman, Bano Bibi, for publicly defending the murder in a video statement.
According to officials, Gul Jan appeared in a video where she described her daughter’s killing as a “punishment” in line with Balochi tribal customs and traditions. She also claimed that the individuals arrested in connection with the crime were innocent, which authorities say was an attempt to justify a double murder and influence judicial proceedings.
Police presented Gul Jan before an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC), which granted a two-day physical remand for further investigation.
In the controversial video, Gul Jan said the murder was carried out following a jirga decision, accusing her daughter of being in a relationship with a boy who allegedly created TikTok videos that enraged her sons. She said Bano, a mother of five children, had a 16-year-old eldest son.
“Our people did not make an unjust decision. It was in accordance with Balochi traditions,” she claimed, adding that Sardar Sherbaz Satakzai was not involved in the jirga and had no role in the decision-making.
Police confirmed that the main accused, identified as Jalal, remains absconding, and efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest him. A case has been registered under the Anti-Terrorism Act, and further legal proceedings are underway.
Authorities have condemned the use of tribal customs to justify violence, stressing that such acts are criminal offences under Pakistani law, regardless of cultural context.
