Having graduated in Fine Arts from the University of Baluchistan, Shaheena Shaheen Baluch was hosting a morning show at PTV Bolan and was editor of Balochi magazine Dasgohar.
Her murder in southern Baluchistan’s Turbat region resulted in a storm of condemnation of social media. It has raised calls for an end to domestic violence, safety measures for journalists and exemplary punishment for culprits.
Shaheena was married to her cousin first, and after a family dispute she got divorced a year ago and subsequently married Mehrab Kichki.
According to a police report, Mehrab Kichki opened fire with a 9 mm pistol, which caused Shaheena’s death on the spot at PTCL Colony. This allegedly took place in the house of Akbar Kichki, who is the uncle of the accused killer. Hospital sources reveled that she suffered two bullet wounds. An FIR has been registered on the complaint of Amjad Raheem under section 302 at Turbat Police Station.
SSP Police Najeeb Pindrani in a press release said that the police had cordoned off the exit and entrance of the entire area – and a search aimed at the arrest of accused had been initiated.
A number of journalists, civil society members and human rights activist condemned the act and demanded justice for the bereaved family.
Women Democratic Front Balochistan leader Jalila Haider tweeted:
Digital rights activist Nighat Dad tweeted:
Meanwhile, another woman was found killed at the Eastern Bypass Quetta today. At the time of filing this report, the reason for her death remains unknown, and her body was dumped at a nearby building under construction. According to hospital sources, she had suffered three bullet wounds in her abdomen.