Quetta (Monday, July 21, 2025) — Chief Minister of Balochistan, Sarfraz Bugti, has clarified that the two individuals brutally murdered in a recent incident in Quetta were not a newly married couple, as widely speculated on social media. Addressing a press conference, Bugti stated that both the man and the woman were already married and each had multiple children.

“There was no marital relationship between the two victims,” said the Chief Minister, refuting rumors that the couple had recently married. “The woman had five children, and her husband’s name is Noor. The murdered man also had a wife and six children. This needs to be made absolutely clear.”

He condemned the killings in the strongest possible terms, describing them as “barbaric and unacceptable.” “Neither the government nor society can tolerate such acts. Those responsible will be brought to justice without any leniency,” he assured.

Misinformation on Social Media

Sarfraz Bugti expressed concern over the spread of misinformation on social media. “This case has gone viral. People are speculating and spreading narratives that are far from the truth,” he noted. “The video of the incident was not leaked from an external source — it was posted by the killers themselves, which shows the level of impunity they believed they had.”

Bugti urged the public to exercise caution when engaging with unverified news online. “We are living in an era dominated by social media, where false information travels faster than the truth. I believe it’s essential for everyone to investigate and verify facts before sharing anything,” he emphasized.

Law Enforcement Response and Investigation

The Chief Minister confirmed that immediate action had been initiated against those involved. One of the key measures taken was the suspension of the DSP (Deputy Superintendent of Police) of the Special Branch in the area, due to his failure to inform the authorities in time. “He should have raised the alarm, and because of his negligence, the government was not alerted to the brewing situation,” said Bugti.

The government has launched a comprehensive investigation to bring all perpetrators to justice. “Every individual involved — whether directly or indirectly — will be held accountable. No one is above the law,” he said.

Despite these assurances, Bugti expressed frustration over the local community’s reluctance to come forward. “One of the most worrying aspects of this case is that no one is willing to file an FIR (First Information Report), not even the families of the victims. Their parents and children are alive, yet no formal complaint has been registered,” he lamented.

He explained that police officers are facing resistance during their investigation. “When law enforcement goes to the area, the men have already fled, and in many cases, women come out and pelt stones at the police,” he said. This, he suggested, reflects the deep-rooted tribal and social complexities that hinder justice.

The Role of the Jirga System

Sarfraz Bugti also touched upon the influence of the jirga system — a traditional tribal form of conflict resolution — still prevalent in Balochistan. “We can’t deny that we live in a society where the jirga system still holds sway. To some extent, we are all influenced by it,” he admitted. “However, the government is committed to acting strictly within the constitutional framework and taking action against any form of parallel justice.”

He stressed that traditional systems cannot replace lawful procedures and that tribal justice, in many cases, contributes to impunity and further conflict. “The state will not allow any unauthorized group to take the law into their own hands.”

Security Situation in Balochistan

Responding to questions regarding the broader law and order situation in the province, Bugti shared that security forces recently eliminated 10 terrorists during a counterterrorism operation. He described these terrorists as targeting “soft spots” in Balochistan — striking quickly and then fleeing the area.

“However, our forces are fully capable and prepared. They’re fighting back effectively and ensuring that such elements do not gain a foothold,” he stated confidently.

He pushed back against certain portrayals in the media that suggest Balochistan is becoming more dangerous. “Some groups are painting a distorted picture of the security situation. The reality is quite the opposite — things are gradually improving,” he insisted.

Bugti emphasized that the public should not panic, and that the provincial government remains determined to defeat terrorism and restore full peace to Balochistan. “We will not rest until these terrorist elements are completely defeated, and normalcy returns to every corner of the province,” he pledged.

Conclusion

The brutal double murder in Quetta has sparked public outrage, fueled in part by viral misinformation. Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti’s detailed clarification sheds light on the truth behind the incident and underscores the government’s commitment to justice.

But the challenges are clear: a lack of cooperation from the local community, the enduring influence of tribal customs over state law, and the continued threat of terrorism.

Even so, the provincial leadership appears resolute in addressing these issues head-on — using both force and reform to restore faith in governance and law. As the investigation continues, the public watches closely, hoping that justice will be served, and that this tragedy does not become just another forgotten headline.