All of us are aware of the unfortunate term called “honour killing”. Every year, it takes many innocent lives, out of which most are women. Well this time, it is Pakistan’s internet sensation and famous model Fauzia Azeem, popularly known as Qandeel Baloch, who lost her life because of it.
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As reported by various local media channels, this controversial model was shot dead by her brother “to protect the family honour” in Multan, Pakistan. However, some reports also claimed that she was strangled to death. In one report, Pakistan’s major daily, The Express Tribune, quoted the Regional Police Officer as saying:
“Baloch was killed by her brother over honour in Muzaffarabad’s Green Town. It appears that she was strangled to death.”
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The same report also quoted the family sources of Qandeel as saying:
“Qandeel’s brother had asked her to quit modelling and he had been threatening her about uploading pictures and videos on social media.”
Reportedly, Qandeel had received death threats earlier and had sought security.
She had told The Express Tribune in one of her interviews:
“I know I will not be provided security and I am not feeling secured here so have decided to move abroad with my parents after Eidul Fitr.”
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Also, the incident took place just three days after it was revealed by a man named Ashiq Hussain that she was once married to him. When she admitted being married to him, she also revealed what went wrong with that marriage. The model said:
“My husband used to beat me up. He never told my child I am his mother. It was a forced marriage. He tortured me day and night during the one year I was married to him. After a year, I ran away with my son and sought refuge in Darul Aman.”
On the other hand, Hussain claimed that the two had a love marriage and gave this statement:
“I still have the letters which she wrote with her blood. She wanted a car and bungalow from me.”
As soon as the world got to know about Qandeel’s death, they expressed shock over her killing. Paksitani actor, model and singer, who also appeared in Bollywood movie, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, expressed her anger over the incident through this tweet:
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Others also condemned the act through their tweets:
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Qandeel, who was also considered Pakistan’s Kim Kardashian, rose to fame because of her bold videos and statements that she frequently posted on various social media platforms. She was in news during World T20 tournament, as she had promised to strip for Pakistan cricket team’s captain, Shahid Afridi, if Pakistan beat India. However, after Pakistan lost to India, she became a fan of Virat Kohli. Recently, she was again in news as there were speculations of the model being a part of Bigg Boss 10.
Well, even though there is no honour in killing, 5000 women around the world still lose their life because of it. What is all the more scary for us is that out of these 5000 incidents, 1000 honour killings each take place in India and Pakistan*. Truly, honour killing has got nothing to do with “honour” but patriarchy, and we hope this comes to an end soon. And, may Qandeel Baloch’s soul rest in peace.
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*Data from Honour Based Violence Awareness Network