• A viral video reveals a couple shot dead for marrying without family consent, sparking outrage.
• Authorities have arrested 11 to 13 suspects, including a tribal leader, in Balochistan province.
• The couple, identified as Bano Bibi and Ehsan Ullah, were targeted under traditional tribal laws.
• Human rights activists are calling for strict punishment and an end to honour killings in Pakistan.
• In 2024, at least 405 honour killings were reported in Pakistan, mostly involving female victims.

Pakistani authorities have arrested at least 13 individuals, including a tribal leader, following nationwide outrage over a viral video showing a couple killed for marrying against their families' wishes. The incident, which occurred in the Balochistan province, highlights the alarming prevalence of "honour killings" in South Asia, often deeply rooted in cultural traditions and family honor, according to SCMP, Reuters, and Al Jazeera.

The couple, identified as Bano Bibi and Ehsan Ullah, were reportedly shot upon the order of a local tribal council after being accused of engaging in an illicit relationship. The brutal act was filmed and shared widely, prompting public outcry and demands for justice from various sectors of society, including human rights groups and political leaders, as reported by Reuters, India Times, and CBS News.

The alarming nature of the incident has drawn attention to the broader issue of honour killings in Pakistan, where the Human Rights Commission estimates at least 405 such murders occurred in 2024 alone, with most victims being women targeted by family members. Many honour killings go unreported or unpunished due to existing cultural practices and legal loopholes, as highlighted by TRTGlobal and Al Jazeera.

The graphic footage shown includes horrendous details, like the couple being confronted before being shot in daylight, provoking calls for accountability and a crackdown on these crimes against women. Activists argue that the state has failed to establish effective protections against such violence, with many citing systemic issues within Pakistan's legal and societal framework that facilitate these tragedies, according to India Times, CBS News, and Al Jazeera.