The body of a young woman, Sidra, was exhumed Monday morning in Rawalpindi’s Chhati Graveyard following court orders. The exhumation was conducted amidst tight security, overseen by Judicial Magistrate Qamar Abbas Tarar, who inspected the gravesite before the procedure commenced.
Municipal personnel from the Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) performed the exhumation, with a medical team, including Dr. Misbah from Holy Family Hospital and other medical board members, present to collect forensic evidence. Sources affirmed the successful completion of the court-mandated exhumation and autopsy. After the examination, Sidra’s remains were reinterred in the same location. Police established a secure perimeter around the graveyard, controlling access with barriers.
The case garnered attention after allegations emerged that Sidra was a victim of an honor killing sanctioned by a tribal council. Initially reported as a natural death, ensuing circumstances raised concerns, leading to the court-ordered exhumation and post-mortem examination to ascertain the true cause of demise.
It’s believed Sidra was killed on July 16 and secretly buried the next day. The court intervened after taking notice of the incident. The incident has reignited the debate on honor killings and the role of tribal councils in Pakistan, with human rights advocates demanding stronger legal measures and societal reforms.