Parents fail to secure pardon for sons over daughter’s murder case

A Pakistani court has rejected a mother and father's efforts to have their sons pardoned over their daughter's murder.

Qandeel Baloch was strangled by her brother in July 2016. Source: Getty

The parents of a Pakistani social media figure who was killed by her brothers have failed to clear their sons’ names.

Qandeel Baloch was strangled in 2016 - with the 26-year-old’s brother Waseem initially confessing to the crime.

The brother justified the act by accusing Ms Baloch of bringing shame on their family – but later changed his plea.

Anwar Bibi (R) mother and Mohammad Azeem, father of Pakistani social media celebrity Qandeel Baloch. Source: AFP

The young woman’s parents had told a Pakistani court they had forgiven Waseem and Aslam Shaheen, urging for the pair to be pardoned.

The primary legal defence focused on a loophole in the law which afforded perpetrators the chance to avoid punishment by seeking forgiveness from another relative.

This loophole was closed in the wake of Ms Baloch’s death, but the woman’s parents argued the reform should still apply given its closure happened after the killing.

However, the court rejected the plea and the case against the two men will proceed as intended.

Wasim (R), brother of Qandeel Baloch and his cousin, who are accused of killing her, are escorted by policeman as they arrive at a local court in Multan. Source: AFP

A further six men have been arrested in connection with the violent act, while a seventh man who is believed to be another brother – has absconded.