A 22-year-old woman was killed, and her husband was left in critical condition after an armed attack in Karachi’s Orangi Town area on Tuesday. The couple, who had married of their own free will just months ago, were targeted by gunmen near their home.
Police investigators identified the deceased as Saima and her husband as Asif. Both sustained multiple gunshot wounds when unidentified attackers opened fire on their motorcycle before speeding away.
Saima died on the spot. Her husband, Asif, was rushed to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital. Doctors describe his condition as life-threatening due to severe blood loss and internal injuries.
Family members of the deceased allege the attack was an “honor killing.” They claim Saima’s relatives had repeatedly threatened the couple since their marriage, viewing the union as a violation of family tradition. The police have registered a case and are currently hunting for three primary suspects identified by witnesses.
“We are looking at all angles, but the family’s testimony points toward a targeted attack over the couple’s marriage,” said the area’s Senior Superintendent of Police. He confirmed that investigators are currently reviewing CCTV footage from nearby streets to track the escape route of the shooters.
This incident marks another grim addition to the city’s rising number of domestic-related violent crimes. Despite legislative efforts to curb “honor” killings in Pakistan, the practice persists, driven by archaic social norms and a slow judicial process that often fails to protect those who choose their own partners.
Asif remains in the Intensive Care Unit. Police have increased security around the hospital ward, fearing the perpetrators may attempt to finish the job while the survivor is still vulnerable.
