A man and a woman have reportedly been shot dead in Kohlu district of Balochistan in what authorities suspect to be an alleged honour-related killing.
According to reports, the male victim was targeted in the Mithazai area of Kohlu, while the woman was attacked separately in the Rakhni area. The deceased man has been identified as Shabal, son of Gulzar.
Following the incident, the assailants fled the scene. Local administration and law enforcement agencies arrived shortly afterwards, collected evidence, and initiated an investigation. No arrests have been reported at this stage.
Initial accounts from local sources suggest the killings may be linked to allegations of “honour”, although police have stated that inquiries are ongoing and the case is being examined from multiple angles.
Observers from political and social circles note that, in some instances, personal disputes or family disagreements are labelled as “honour” to justify acts of violence, raising concerns about misuse of the term.
Honour-related killings continue to be reported in parts of Balochistan. Rights groups have expressed concern that such cases are often inadequately prosecuted, with perpetrators sometimes avoiding accountability due to social pressures, customary practices, or gaps in enforcement of the law.
Civil society organisations and women’s rights advocates have repeatedly highlighted the prevalence of gender-based violence in the region, warning that many incidents remain underreported or unresolved, particularly in remote areas.