A man accused of blackmailing a female teacher, leading to her suicide last year, has been shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Balochistan’s Awaran district.
The incident took place on Friday in Geshkoor Bazaar, where armed assailants opened fire on Noor Bakhsh, killing him on the spot.
Local sources said that the attackers fled the scene, taking Bakhsh’s motorcycle and gun. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
It is important to note that Bakhsh had been accused of blackmailing Najma Baloch, a schoolteacher who took her own life in 2023.
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According to local sources, Bakhsh, a policeman with links to Pakistan’s intelligence agencies, and his associates pressured Najma to work for Pakistani forces.
They reportedly used multiple phone numbers to threaten Najma and her family, warning of harm if she refused to comply. In an act of defiance, Najma chose to protect her dignity and ended her life rather than give in to the pressure.
Her death sparked protests across the region, with demonstrators demanding justice. While Bakhsh was initially arrested, he was later released, causing further outrage.
Najma’s death highlighted the harassment and abuse faced by women in the region, particularly the coercive tactics employed by Pakistani security forces.