Interpol arrests Qandeel Baloch’s brother in Saudi Arabia

Qandeel Baloch, who was brutally murdered by her brother and cousins in July 2016, may finally get the justice she deserves.

According to lawyer and human rights activist, Nighat Dad, Qandeel’s elder brother Arif, who was nominated in the FIR under Section 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) for abetting and encouraging his brother to murder Qandeel has been arrested by the Interpol on Thursday night.

Arif has been living in Saudi Arabia for the last three years, avoiding arrest.

Qandeel’s other brother, the main accused, Waseem is under arrest and his bail has been cancelled by the High Court twice. However, Mufti Qavi, Haq Nawaz (cousin), Abdul Basit (relative) Zafar, (a relative of Haq Nawaz) and Aslam (brother) are all out on bail.

Parents can’t pardon any of their sons under Section 311 of the PPC, added on the request of the Prosecutor General after the amendment. Under this, the court may punish an offender against whom the right of Qisas has been waived. Under this amendment, relatives of the victim would only be able to pardon the killer if he is sentenced to capital punishment. However, the culprit would still face a mandatory life sentence of twelve-and-a-half years.

Qandeel was murdered by her family members for bringing “dishonour.”