A deeply disturbing incident has rocked social media after a young Baloch girl named Shetal was reportedly executed on the orders of a tribal jirga for marrying a man of her own choice. The case has ignited outrage across Pakistan, drawing attention once again to the grave issue of honor-based violence in Balochistan.
A viral video circulating online shows armed tribal men escorting Shetal to a remote mountainous location. Moments later, gunfire erupts and Shetal collapses. The graphic footage has triggered a wave of national outrage, with many condemning the cold-blooded killing and the brutal customs still practiced under the guise of tradition.
According to reports, the murder was sanctioned by a tribal jirga — a traditional council that continues to hold influence in remote parts of the region. The killing is being labeled an “honor killing,” a cruel punishment often inflicted on women for defying family or tribal expectations. In many areas of Balochistan, these jirgas operate with impunity, overriding constitutional protections and legal processes.
Following the tragic event, activists, journalists, and rights groups took to social media, sharing the video and demanding justice. Many claimed Shetal’s only “crime” was choosing to marry for love — a basic human right denied to many women in patriarchal societies. The horrifying footage and reactions online sparked widespread condemnation and fueled a renewed call for government accountability.
A widely shared post described Balochistan as a place where powerful men in expensive vehicles and large turbans gather in desolate landscapes to decide the fate of women far from public scrutiny. Shetal’s murder is being seen as part of a much larger pattern — the continued suppression and abuse of Baloch women under oppressive cultural traditions.
Critics have slammed the provincial government for failing to protect its citizens, especially women. Many are now questioning how many more lives must be lost before meaningful change occurs. Shetal’s death symbolizes not just a personal tragedy, but the silencing of countless Baloch women whose lives remain controlled and expendable.
