Introduction

The Kohistan video case stands as a chilling reminder of the brutal consequences of honor killings, a practice still prevalent in certain regions of Pakistan. This case unfolded in the remote Palas Valley of Kohistan in May 2012, involving the alleged honor killing of up to five girls featured in a video that had been leaked online. This tragic event highlights the clash between modern social practices and traditional tribal customs.

The Video That Sparked Outrage

A video emerged online showing four girls, identified as Bazeegha, Sereen Jan, Begum Jan, and Amina, clapping and singing at a wedding celebration. Another girl, Shaheen, was present but not visible in the footage. A separate shot captured a boy dancing, while another boy filmed the scene. The sharing of this video, depicting intertribal mingling, led to a tribal jirga.

A village council, led by a Muslim cleric, decreed the execution of young women for engaging in dancing and clapping. The girls were subjected to torture with hot coals by their kin before their bodies were concealed in mountainous graves.

Concocted by community elders, a scheme emerged to substitute the victims with similar-looking girls from their relatives, instructing these replacements to impersonate the deceased if inquiries were made by police or outsiders. The local judiciary dismissed Kohistani’s appeals for a probe, accusing him of violating revered customs by questioning the judgments of the tribe.

The Fight for Justice: Afzal Kohistani’s Campaign

Afzal Kohistani, brother to the boys in the video, defied local norms by bringing this case to national attention. He sought protection for the video’s participants and later claimed that the girls had been murdered. His relentless pursuit of justice over seven years tragically ended with his assassination in March 2019. Despite his efforts, three men were convicted only in September 2019 for the murder of three of the girls, leaving the fate of the others uncertain.

Legal Battles and Investigations

The case gained media attention in June 2012 when Afzal Kohistani accused the Azadkhel tribe of ordering the girls’ execution. Initial investigations claimed the girls were alive, a conclusion supported by two visits to the village sanctioned by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. However, inconsistencies in the ages and appearances of the girls presented to officials raised doubts, leading to further investigations and legal proceedings. Ultimately, the Supreme Court ordered the registration of a first information report for the alleged honor killing in August 2018.

Discrepancies and Final Verdict

Investigations revealed glaring discrepancies between the girls presented to officials and those seen in the video. Digital analysis confirmed these doubts, leading to a renewed focus on the case. In December 2018, it was confirmed that three of the girls had been killed. The perseverance of activists and legal challenges culminated in the conviction and life imprisonment of three individuals associated with the killings in September 2019, though some accused were acquitted.

Afzal Kohistani: A Life Lost in Pursuit of Justice

Afzal Kohistani stood out as a valiant individual, defying deep-seated tribal traditions in his quest for justice for the victims. Throughout his life, Afzal was involved in various enterprises; he operated a tailoring shop, served as a clerk for a lawyer, and was engaged in the honey trade. Additionally, he dedicated his free time to studying law. In 2010, he made his home in Mansehra with his wife and two younger brothers, Bin Yasir and Gul Nazar. Tragically, Mr. Kohistani was assassinated in a bustling area of Abbottabad, a city in the northwest. His murder highlighted the perilous consequences for those who challenge entrenched customs in the region. Prior to his death, Afzal had been tirelessly working across different ventures, including his tailoring business and honey trading, all while championing the cause of justice for both his brothers and the girls involved in the case.

The Ongoing Battle against Honor Killings

The Kohistan video case is a stark reminder of the pervasive challenge of honor killings within certain communities in Pakistan. Despite the convictions, the case underscores the need for continued efforts to protect vulnerable individuals and reform societal norms that perpetuate such violence. In Kohistan, upon the discovery of such incidents, the girl’s family labels her as “daaghi” during the Jirga, which then mandates her execution. It highlights the courageous individuals who risk everything in the pursuit of justice and the complex interplay between tradition and modernity in rural Pakistan.