Quetta, Balochistan, July 21, 2025 – A shocking video showing the brutal honor killing of a couple in Balochistan, Pakistan, has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage across the country. The disturbing footage, which depicts the cold-blooded murder of a man and a woman allegedly over an “illicit” relationship, has drawn sharp condemnation from civil society, religious leaders, and political figures. Authorities have arrested 11 suspects in connection with the crime, and the full video is available to watch here for those seeking to understand the gravity of the incident.
The Incident: A Tragic Honor Killing
The video, believed to have been filmed around Eid-ul-Adha in June 2025, shows a group of armed men leading a couple, identified as 24-year-old Shetal and 32-year-old Zerk, into a desert area in Balochistan. The couple, who reportedly married a year and a half ago against tribal customs, were invited to a supposed feast, only to be ambushed and gunned down in broad daylight. The chilling footage captures the woman, her head covered with a shawl, walking ahead of the man and speaking in the Brahui language, saying, “You are only allowed to fire at me, nothing else,” before she is shot multiple times. The man is also executed shortly after.
The video’s graphic nature has fueled public anger, with many calling for justice and an end to the persistent issue of honor killings in Pakistan. According to the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), 547 honor killings were reported across Pakistan in 2024, highlighting the ongoing challenge of addressing such violence.
Official Response and Arrests
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti swiftly responded to the viral video, ordering law enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation and arrest those responsible. As of July 21, 2025, 11 suspects have been apprehended, and an FIR has been registered by the state at Quetta’s Hanna-Urak police station. Government spokesperson Shahid Rind emphasized that the perpetrators will face justice, stating, “No one will be allowed to take the law into their hands.” Raids are ongoing to capture additional suspects identified through the video.
The Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) condemned the act as “un-Islamic, anti-Sharia, and terrorism,” urging authorities to file terrorism charges against those involved. Political leaders, including Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, described the perpetrators as “beasts” and demanded severe punishment.
Public Outrage and Broader Context
The viral video has reignited discussions about honor killings in Pakistan, a country where such acts remain prevalent, particularly in rural and tribal areas. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan reported 405 honor killing cases in 2024, underscoring the systemic nature of the issue. Social media platforms, including X, have been flooded with posts expressing grief and anger, with hashtags like #StopHonorKillings trending widely. One user wrote, “Two innocent lives taken in Balochistan honor killing over a love marriage. Demand exemplary punishment for these perpetrators.”
The incident occurs against the backdrop of ongoing unrest in Balochistan, where separatist groups like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) have been active. While unrelated to the honor killing, the province’s volatile security situation, marked by attacks such as the BLA’s hijacking of the Jaffar Express in March 2025, adds complexity to the region’s challenges.
Watch the Full Video
The full video of the incident, while deeply disturbing, is available for viewing to raise awareness about the severity of honor killings and the urgent need for justice. Viewer discretion is strongly advised due to the graphic content. Watch the full video here.
Call for Action
Civil society groups and activists are calling for stronger legal measures to combat honor killings and protect vulnerable individuals. The Balochistan government has vowed to pursue justice relentlessly, with Chief Minister Bugti emphasizing that such acts challenge the state’s authority. Citizens are encouraged to assist authorities by providing information about the suspects seen in the video.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for cultural and legal reforms to address honor-based violence in Pakistan. As investigations continue, the nation watches closely, hoping for justice for Shetal and Zerk, and an end to such atrocities.
For the latest updates on this case and other breaking news from Balochistan, stay tuned to our platform.
