By Saleem Mubarak
LAHORE – The notion of a “heat of the moment” reaction has long been used as a smoke screen to justify the brutal killing of innocent people in the name of honor killing in Balochistan.
The latest incident–where a man and a woman were murdered in broad daylight on the orders of a jirga (tribal court)– is yet another bitter pill to swallow in a long chain of such tragedies.
This dangerous tradition has taken deep root, and it is high time we put our foot down to eliminate this menace.
Former Quetta police chief, Abdul Razzaq Cheema, expressed these views while talking to this scribe about the recent killings in Balochistan.
He said that the tribal jirgas run parallel to Pakistan’s legal system, which is a recipe for disaster.
‘Heat of the Moment’ No Excuse for Murder
“In the past, honor killings were often brushed off as emotional reactions that happened in the ‘heat of the moment.’ Because of this, such crimes were let off the hook, which encouraged the practice and allowed it to spread.
Although the laws have been tightened up in recent years, we still have a long road ahead to put a stop to such barbaric incidents,” he asserted.
He said that it’s a deeply unfortunate event that women are not even seen as human beings. Everyone—whether religious groups or political parties—should speak out loud and clear against this incident.
“We all must take responsibility and act decisively to protect human rights,” he emphasized.
Types of Jirgas Operating in Balochistan
He said that three types of jirgas operate in Balochistan, each with its own way of handling matters.
The jirgas led by Raisanis play by the book and make decisions properly and according to the law. Some leaders even provide written decisions, and if those rulings are called into question, they are ready to defend them in court.
The second category of jirga deals with all kinds of disputes–whether it’s about money, murder, or anything else. They call the shots only after collecting money from both parties. If it later comes to light that one party was telling the truth, their money is returned, while the guilty party’s money is confiscated, he explained.
He went on to say that in every case—whether it involves murder or a money dispute—the jirga does not lift a finger until both parties have paid upfront.
He added that the number of people in a jirga is not fixed, as it is an off-the-cuff system created and controlled by tribal leaders.
Why People Still Turn to Jirgas in Honor Cases?
Explaining the existence of jirga, Mr Cheema said that people put their faith in these traditional councils because they offer an alternative way to settle disputes. He said some jirgas operate completely on local customs, especially in honor-related cases, where traditions call the shots.
These decisions, he clarified, are kept under wraps and lie outside the legal framework.
Jirgas Exploiting Power for Personal Gain
He pointed out that a third type of jirga involves people who line their pockets by giving biased decisions.
“These are powerful and aggressive individuals who run the show through brute force, not justice,” he remarked.
Discussing the roots of the jirga system, he noted, “Each tribe has its own chief, and the tribal system is very strong. Where this system holds no ground, jirgas do not take place.”
He explained that tribal chiefs who step into mainstream politics usually follow the law. If a case involves people from different tribes, they often bury the hatchet by forming a joint jirga through mutual agreement.
Where Were the Police? Authorities Slammed for Inaction
When asked where the police and intelligence agencies were during the announcement of the man and woman’s execution, he said that police are only active in urban areas.
“About 80 to 90 percent of Balochistan is under the thumb of the Levies forces. Although the Levies are aware of these jirgas, they lack the muscle to crack down on them,” the former DIG Quetta added.
Bar Association Rejects All Parallel Justice Systems
President of the Lahore High Court Bar Association, Malik Asif Ahmad, while speaking to GL News said that this incident lays bare the complete failure of law enforcement agencies.
A jirga made such a big decision—ordering the killing of two people—and yet the police and intelligence agencies were completely caught off guard, he lamented.
He questioned where the special branch was, where the local police were, and why they didn’t get wind of such a serious decision being made.
He stressed that this decision wasn’t made behind closed doors—it happened openly and without fear. A woman and a man were murdered in broad daylight, which shows how emboldened the killers were.
The Lahore High Court Bar Association completely rejects any parallel system that acts outside the law. Pakistan already has a fully functioning legal system that should be the be-all and end-all for resolving disputes, he added.
He emphasized that strict action must be taken against the negligent officers who failed to protect the lives of two people.
If such officers are let off the hook today, then similar incidents will continue to happen down the line, he warned.
People must feel confident that the state is watching their backs, he remarked.
Only Courts Can Decide Guilt, Not Private Jirgas
The LHC Bar President said that although jirgas still hold sway in some parts of the country, people approach them for decisions. However, he insisted that no one has the right to take the law into their own hands.
Justice must be served through the courts. Only the courts can decide whether someone is guilty or not—not a private jirga or a handful of individuals, he asserted.
“We strongly condemn this incident and call on the government to ensure that those involved in this terrible crime are given strict punishment, so people can once again feel safe,” he added.
Excellent observer and writer
Appreciated.