A court in Toba Tek Singh on Monday sentenced a father and son to death for the murder of Maria Bibi, who was killed in March 2024 in what was later classified as an honour killing. Additional Sessions Judge Abdul Hafeez Bhutta issued the verdict, Dawn reported.
Maria Bibi was murdered on March 17 in Chak 477-JB Allowal by her father, Abdul Sattar, and her brother, Faisal. The case gained national attention after a video of the crime surfaced on social media, leading to widespread public outrage. Authorities exhumed her body for an autopsy on March 28, and Faisal later confessed to the killing on camera while in police custody on March 31.
Initially, Faisal claimed that he had raped and strangled his sister to cover up an incestuous relationship. However, forensic examinations confirmed that Maria was neither raped nor pregnant, contradicting earlier allegations.
Legal Proceedings and Court Verdict
Police initially registered the case under Sections 34 (common intention), 201 (causing disappearance of evidence), and 302 (murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). However, after concluding that the murder was committed in the name of honour, the police amended the charges to include Section 311 (honour killing).
During Monday’s hearing, the court found both Faisal and Abdul Sattar guilty of Maria’s murder. Faisal was convicted under Section 302(b) of the PPC and sentenced to death, while Abdul Sattar was convicted under Section 302(b) read with Section 34 PPC and also sentenced to death.
A short order issued by the court stated:
“They are to be hanged by their necks till they are dead,” pending confirmation from the Lahore High Court (LHC).
Additionally, both convicts were ordered to pay PKR 10 million each as compensation to Maria’s legal heirs under Section 544A of the Criminal Procedure Code. Failure to pay would result in six months of simple imprisonment.
The court directed that they remain in district jail until execution warrants are issued. Both convicts have the right to appeal within 30 days.
Acquittals and Investigation Details
Maria’s other brother, Shahbaz, and his wife, Sumaira, were initially arrested for allegedly concealing the murder. Maria had confided in Shahbaz a day before her death, claiming she had been raped by Faisal and their father. Shahbaz reportedly recorded a video of the crime while pretending to be on a phone call with their sister Kausar.
However, during the trial, the court granted Shahbaz and Sumaira the benefit of the doubt, leading to their acquittal. Sumaira had already been released on bail, and Shahbaz was ordered to be released immediately.
Prosecutor General Praises Swift Justice
Punjab Prosecutor General Syed Farhad Ali Shah emphasised that authorities had treated Maria’s case as a high priority. His office issued a statement highlighting the prosecution’s role in securing justice.
Speaking to Dawn.com, Shah credited the high-profile cell established under his office for closely monitoring such cases from registration to verdict. He stated that the investigation adhered to the Anti-Rape Act and that the swift sentencing demonstrated the legal system’s effectiveness.
“The verdict in the Maria murder case is proof that the high-profile cell of the Punjab Prosecutor General Office is fully active,” Shah said.
The case has drawn widespread attention in Pakistan, with human rights activists calling for stricter measures to combat honour killings and ensure swift justice for victims.