In a tragic incident in Sindh’s Khairpur district, a 22-year-old woman was brutally murdered in the name of so-called honour, known locally as karo kari. The killing occurred in Tando Masti Khan and has ignited widespread condemnation across the region.
The victim, Khalida, wife of Rashid Chandio, was accused of karo kari with a man from her community. Reports reveal that a jirga convened and ordered her execution, which was carried out publicly in front of a crowd. Eyewitnesses captured the horrifying event on their mobile phones, and the videos quickly circulated on social media, drawing strong criticism.
The footage shows the accused firing at Khalida, killing her instantly. Shockingly, bystanders neither intervened nor attempted to assist her, and no efforts were made to rush her to a hospital as she died at the scene from the gunshot wounds.
Police have registered a murder case against four suspects, arresting two so far, while raids continue to locate the remaining accused. In response, Shaheena Sher Ali, the provincial minister for women development, condemned the killing as deeply tragic and unacceptable. She also expressed grave concern over the passivity of those present during the murder, emphasizing that silent spectators contribute to the perpetuation of such violence.
The minister has requested a detailed report from the DIG Sukkur and instructed authorities to take stringent action against all involved, stressing that no leniency should be shown to the perpetrators. She further highlighted the Sindh government’s efforts to protect women through safe houses and shelter homes (Dar-ul-Amans) and urged women facing violence to seek assistance via the Women Development Department’s helpline (1094) or local offices.
Meanwhile, in a related development, a model criminal court acquitted eight individuals accused in the 2018 killing of Umme Rubab Chandio’s family members. The acquitted include Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leaders Sardar Ahmed Chandio and his brother Burhan Khan Chandio, former SHO Karim Chandio, and others: Sattar Chandio, Ali Gohar Chandio, Murtaza Chandio, Sikandar Chandio, and Zulfiqar Chandio. The verdict was announced under strict security measures at the court.
The 2018 incident took place in Mehar, Sindh, when armed men attacked a residence, killing Umme Rubab’s father, grandfather, and uncle. The victims were Raees Karamullah Chandio, then chairman of the Baldia Union Council in Mehar taluka, and his two sons—Mukhtiar Chandio, a district council member, and another son affiliated with the Tumandar Council.
