Rawalpindi Tragedy 19 Year Old Bride Killed By Husbands Family on Jirga Orders
A 19-year-old newlywed was murdered in Rawalpindi on the orders of a local jirga. Shocking details have emerged about a secret burial, honour killing, and multiple arrests.
By Raja Awais Ali
7/27/20251 min read
Published: July 27, 2025
A horrifying incident in Pirwadhai, Rawalpindi, has shaken the nation. Sidra Arab Gul, a 19-year-old newlywed, was allegedly murdered in the name of honour by her husband’s family following a jirga's illegal decision on July 16, 2025. She was secretly buried, and the case has sparked nationwide outrage.
Case Details
According to the police FIR (First Information Report):
Sidra married Zia-ur-Rehman in January 2025.
On July 11, she left her husband’s home with jewelry, Rs. 150,000 in cash, and some clothes.
Her in-laws accused her of dishonouring the family.
An illegal jirga was held, which allegedly ordered her murder.
She was reportedly strangled to death on July 16.
Secret Burial
After the murder, her body was secretly buried on the night of July 17 in a local Rawalpindi graveyard. The grave was reportedly unmarked or removed to eliminate evidence. Police investigations revealed that the gravedigger and members of the graveyard committee were also involved in the cover-up.
Police Action and Arrests
Rawalpindi police acted swiftly and arrested the following suspects:
Her husband, Zia-ur-Rehman
Her father-in-law
Members of the local jirga
The gravedigger
The graveyard committee’s secretary
On July 28, a local court ordered the exhumation of Sidra’s body for a forensic post-mortem to determine the exact cause of death.
Legal Action and Public Response
The case has been registered under anti-terrorism laws.
Police are investigating whether the jirga's role amounts to criminal conspiracy.
Human rights activists and women’s protection groups have condemned the killing and demanded swift and transparent justice.
Social Media Reaction
The incident has ignited public outrage across Pakistan. Social media platforms are trending with hashtags like:
#JusticeForSidra #StopHonourKillings #EndJirgaJustice
Conclusion
The murder of Sidra Arab Gul is not just a personal tragedy — it is a national crisis. Illegal jirga systems that bypass the law must be eliminated. The government and judiciary must take immediate, decisive action to deliver justice and prevent such horrific crimes in the future.