Culture & Lifestyle / Pakistani Social Media Star Qandeel Baloch Dies In Honour Killing

Pakistani Social Media Star Qandeel Baloch Dies In Honour Killing

Culture & Lifestyle Jul 17, 2016

by Nomaan Khan

Known for her liberal views and stirring controversy, Qandeel Baloch had a reputation of being Pakistan's first social media star.

Bold photos, videos and comments made Baloch a household name, and Pakistan's very own Kim Kardashian.

She was outspoken, and stepped outside the norm of what is considered "acceptable behaviour" for women in Pakistan.

Baloch was allegedly strangled to death in her family home on Friday night by her brother.

^{Photo Credit: www.abc.net.au}

"Qandeel Baloch has been killed, she was strangled to death by her brother, apparently it was an incident of honour killing," Sultan Azam, a senior police officer in Multan, told AFP.

"Baloch’s brother was upset over the 'disrespect' she had caused to the family," police said.

Her father, Muhammad Azeem told local media that the siblings were quarreling over Baloch's risque photos and money issues.

"He had serious reservations regarding her pictures being circulated on social media," Azeem told reporters in Multan. "He escaped after strangling Qandeel."

^{Photo Credit: www.au.news.yahoo.com}

Baloch was often under attack online by mysoginists, days before her death she told local media she was concerned for her safety but got no response from the Interior Ministry.

Her last post on Facebook encouraged women to "stand up for each other".

"I believe I am a modern-day feminist. I believe in equality," she wrote. "I don't think there is any need to label ourselves just for sake of society…I am just a women with free thoughts, free mindset, and I love the way I am."

^{Photo Credit: www.plus.google.com}

Baloch's death is igniting a debate on gender-based violence, misogyny and hypocrisy in Pakistan.

Along with that, social media is aflutter with speculation on who orchestrated her demise.

Baloch had made headlines after posting selfies and a video with Mufti Abdul Qavi, a religious scholar in Pakistan known for his conservative stance on women.

Media frenzy led to Qavis's suspension from a religious committee.

^{Photo Credit: www.indiatvnews.com}

After news of Baloch's death broke, Qavi said that "her death should be a lesson for all those who point fingers at someone's honor".

A vigil in Lahore was organized yesterday for Baloch by The Feminist Collective and Girls At Dhabas.

Activists carried signs with messages like, “There Is No Honour In Killing” and “Down With Patriarchy”.

_{Main Image Photo Credit: www.glamorous.pk}

Nomaan Khan

Author

After spending some time in a completely different field, Nomaan decided to drop it all and switch to Mohawk College to pursue his longtime interest in the world of Journalism. His experience working in multimedia platforms has helped him develop exceptional skills in thinking on his feet, being ...

COMMENTS

Buses In India Get Panic Buttons To Curb Violence Against Women

Island Flavours Breathe New Life Into Fettuccine Alfredo

How To Sound Like An Expert On The Euro 2016

Bring On The Bhajia With Our Crispy Onion Fritters Recipe

PM Modi Faces Backlash After Tweeting About Orlando Massacre

British Asian Author Takes On Rape And Upholding Family Honour

Parched: A Tale Of Ordinary Women Standing Up Against Misogyny And Repression

Indian Air Force Inducts First Batch Of Female Fighter Pilots

How To Get Your Kids To Eat Vegetables

South Asian Brothers Headed To Jail For Fraud

Take Your Chicken To The Next Level With This Citrus-infused Recipe!

Is Salman Khan Really In The Dark About Rape?

International Leaders To Unite Against Islamophobia In Europe

Indian Cricket Team Lands A New Head Coach

Big Fat Indian Fairytale Wedding For Royals

Pakistani Clerics Approve Transgender Marriage Under Islamic Law

Bangladesh In Mourning After Deadly Dhaka Attack

DIY How to Make Almond Milk At Home

DIY Tips For The Perfect Picnic

DIY Cool Down With Some Fresh Fruit Popsicles

DIY Make Your Own Fabulous Wedding Vases

DIY: Crazy And Cool Donut Recipes

DIY: Give Boring Table Top Trivets An Earthy Facelift

DIY: Spicy South Asian Summer Drinks To Keep You Cool

SRK Detained At LAX...Again!

Bardish Chagger Becomes First Female Government House Leader In Canadian History

DIY: How to Preserve Five Common South Asian Ingredients

India Makes World's First Leprosy Vaccine

'All Muslims Are Terrorists,' Says French Restaurateur Refusing to Serve Muslim Customers

Pakistani Social Media Star Qandeel Baloch Dies In Honour Killing

by Nomaan Khan

Known for her liberal views and stirring controversy, Qandeel Baloch had a reputation of being Pakistan's first social media star.

Nomaan Khan

COMMENTS

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE