MANSEHRA, October 13 — Police in Pakistan’s northwestern city of Mansehra have arrested two men suspected of killing their own siblings in separate incidents allegedly linked to so-called honour, officials said. Gul Nawaz, 27, and Sameera Bibi, 18, were found dead at different locations on October 6, prompting separate murder investigations within the jurisdictions of Mansehra City and Sadar police stations, according to police. District Police Officer Muhammad Azhar Khan said investigators had arrested Amjad, Gul Nawaz’s brother, in connection with his death and Abid, Sameera Bibi’s brother, in connection with hers. Police also claimed to have recovered weapons allegedly used in the killings. The cases appear to be linked to a dispute over an alleged relationship between Gul Nawaz and Sameera Bibi, which had reportedly prompted several meetings between their families, including traditional tribal councils known as jirgas.

Missing Woman’s Death Under Investigation

A murder case was registered at Sadar police station on October 6 following the discovery of Sameera Bibi’s body, according to the first information report (FIR). Her cousin, who filed the complaint, said Sameera had been missing for about a month and that a missing-person report had already been lodged at City police station. The FIR stated that the family had learned of her alleged friendship with Gul Nawaz and suspected that he had taken her away intending to marry her. The matter was reportedly discussed during a jirga involving the families.The complainant alleged that Sameera’s brother, Abid, had killed her in the name of honour. Police later arrested him in connection with the case.

Brother Initially Suspected Another Family

A separate murder case concerning Gul Nawaz was registered at City police station on October 6, with his brother initially naming members of Sameera Bibi’s family as suspects. According to the FIR, Gul Nawaz had been married for around seven years and had three children. His brother alleged that Gul Nawaz had been involved in a relationship with a woman for five to six months and that the issue had led to disputes between the families. The families had reportedly held two jirgas over the matter, with another meeting planned for October 6. Gul Nawaz’s body was subsequently reported to have been found near Safeda, the FIR said.

Police Allege Attempt to Mislead Investigators

Investigation officer Muhammad Shehzad told BBC Urdu that investigators initially examined the allegations made against Sameera Bibi’s family but later found evidence pointing to Gul Nawaz’s brother, Amjad. Shehzad said investigators also questioned claims in the original complaint that Sameera had been returned to her family. According to the officer, she had been sent back following jirgas and pressure surrounding the dispute, after which she was allegedly killed by her brother. Police said the two suspects were traced and arrested within six days of the killings. The investigation included examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths and the competing allegations made by the families. The allegations against the suspects have not yet been established in court. Their guilt will be determined through the judicial process. So-called honour killings remain a serious concern in Pakistan, where disputes over relationships and family expectations have sometimes led to violence. Under Pakistani law, criminal responsibility must be established through legal proceedings and evidence presented before a court.