“She looked outside the door”: Quetta murder case renews concerns over domestic violence and women’s safety

A woman was allegedly shot dead by her husband in Kuchlak, on the outskirts of Quetta, on September 7, after the accused reportedly

QUETTA: A woman was allegedly shot dead by her husband in Kuchlak, on the outskirts of Quetta, on September 7, after the accused reportedly told police that he became angry when she looked outside the door of their house.

The incident, registered at Chakar Police Station under FIR No. KLK-9/7/2026-121, has renewed concerns among human rights activists and civil society groups over domestic violence, gender-based control and the safety of women in Balochistan.

According to the FIR filed by Sub-Inspector Jameel-Ur-Rehman, police reached the Trauma Center on Ana Stand Road after receiving a wireless alert and found the woman’s body there. The accused, identified as Kamran alias Abdul Sattar, son of Salah-ud-Din and a resident of Killi Sumli, Chakar, was reportedly present at the hospital and identified the deceased as his wife.

The FIR states that the accused allegedly told police that he shot his wife at around 5:20pm after becoming angry over the incident. The body was subsequently shifted to Bolan Medical Complex (BMC) Hospital for a post-mortem examination, while legal proceedings under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Code were initiated.

Police have appointed Abid Ali, IP/SCIW Quetta, as the investigation officer.

Activists call for justice

Women’s and human rights activists have condemned the killing and urged authorities to ensure a transparent investigation and prosecution.

Saba Dashtiyari, Executive Director of the Women’s Rights Association Balochistan, said the incident should not be treated as a private family dispute.

“When a woman is killed because of her actions inside or outside her home, it reflects control and entitlement rather than discipline,” she said, stressing that domestic violence must be treated as a criminal matter.

Human rights advocate I.A. Rehman said such cases test the state’s ability to protect women and ensure the effective implementation of the law. He called for stronger prevention mechanisms, safer reporting channels and consistent prosecution.

Civil society members in Quetta also held a protest on September 8, demanding timely completion of the investigation, protection for the victim’s family and access to legal assistance.

Police response

A senior Quetta Police official told *Minute Mirror* that the FIR had been registered and the accused was in custody. According to the official, forensic material and medical evidence had been collected and investigators were examining all aspects of the case, including the motive reportedly given by the accused.

The official said the investigation would proceed according to law and that no individual would be treated as above the law.

Experts highlight wider concerns

Medical and psychological experts say cases of domestic violence can involve patterns of control, isolation and threats that may escalate over time.

Dr. Nida Baloch, a consultant dealing with medico-legal cases at BMC Hospital, said medical facilities often encounter the physical consequences of violence while earlier warning signs may remain unreported.

Clinical psychologist Dr. Farida Kakar attributed such violence to factors including rigid gender expectations, poor emotional regulation and controlling attitudes within relationships. She stressed that anger or alleged disobedience could never justify violence.

Activists identified patriarchal attitudes, limited reporting mechanisms, weak community accountability and inadequate access to shelters, counselling and legal aid as major challenges in preventing domestic violence in rural and peri-urban areas.

They called for stronger police response, community awareness involving elders and religious scholars, expanded crisis centres and legal aid services, as well as improved district-level data collection.

The investigation remains underway, while police say the case will be forwarded to the prosecution after completion of legal formalities. The identity of the deceased has been withheld to protect the dignity and privacy of the victim and her family.