Pakistan court sends 'honor killing' suspects on 10-day remand
Two suspects have been sent on physical remand as legal proceedings begin in the Degari couple’s case, following a viral video that sparked outrage and calls for justice
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A still from the viral video shows tribal men in Quetta’s Degari moments before executing a woman in the name of so-called 'honor'.
Nukta
A Pakistani anti-terrorism court granted a 10-day physical remand on Tuesday of two suspects linked to the brutal killing of a man and a woman in Quetta’s Degari area, in what authorities describe as so-called "honor killing".
The case has drawn nationwide condemnation following the circulation of a harrowing video showing the couple's execution in a remote desert, allegedly ordered by a tribal council.
The suspects, identified as Sardar Sher Baz Satakzai and Muhammad Bashir, were presented before the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Quetta under tight security. Presiding Judge Muhammad Mubeen approved the request from the Special Crime Investigation Wing (SCIW) for their custody to continue the investigation.
SCIW had sought an extension in physical remand to carry out further interrogation and collect additional evidence in the case.
The killings, which reportedly occurred last month, sent shockwaves through the local community and sparked national outrage. In the widely circulated video, the woman is seen holding a copy of the Holy Quran and instructing the man to walk "seven steps" with her -- a symbolic act -- before telling him he may shoot her. Moments later, both were executed.
Authorities say the execution was carried out on the orders of a tribal council, and the disturbing footage prompted swift action from the Balochistan government.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti vowed that justice would be served, asserting that no tribal affiliations or local power structures would shield the perpetrators.
The case has renewed focus on Pakistan’s persistent struggle to curb ‘honor killings,’ which often stem from deeply entrenched patriarchal customs. According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), at least 405 such killings were reported in 2024 alone -- most of the victims being women.
Despite existing legislation and growing civil society pressure, many of these crimes continue to go unpunished, particularly in rural and tribal regions.
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