Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Awami Action Committee Vice Chairman Javed Iqbal, also known as Javed Naji, has been shot dead in an alleged “honour killing” incident along with a married woman in Chief Minister (CM) Gulbar Khan’s home constituency.

According to reports, the killing in the Tangir district marks the second incident of its kind in the area within a week, sparking outrage across the region.

As per the FIR registered at Jaglot Police Station, Iqbal was at his house with his wife and children when two individuals, Afsar Khan and Dar Khan, shot him dead. The two accused later also killed a married woman. 

On July 21, a man named Bareem from Frori village of the same area also reportedly shot and killed his wife – a mother of four – as well as a man in the name of “honour”.

The incidents have provoked anger and condemnation from rights groups, political activists and the local community. Protests have erupted on social media platforms, demanding justice and protection for vulnerable citizens.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has also strongly condemned the killings, calling them “brutal” and pointing out that Iqbal was murdered in front of his wife, highlighting the sheer inhumanity of the act.

“This marks the second such incident in Tangir within a week in which two women and two men were killed in the name of honour,” the HRCP said in its statement.

“We demand an immediate and transparent investigation, swift prosecution of the perpetrators, and urgent action to dismantle the culture of impunity surrounding honour-based violence in Gilgit-Baltistan.” 

Local political leaders and civil society organisations have echoed the HRCP’s demand, urging the authorities to take concrete steps to ensure justice and prevent further loss of life under the guise of so-called honour.