The death anniversary of Fouzia Azeem, famously known as Qandeel Baloch, is being observed today (Tuesday). A pioneering social media figure in Pakistan, Qandeel was tragically murdered by her brother Muhammad Waseem on July 15, 2016, in what he claimed was an "honour killing" due to her bold online presence.
Her killing sparked a national and international outcry, drawing condemnation from activists, celebrities, and civil society. The incident ignited widespread protests demanding justice and a stronger stance against honour-based violence in Pakistan. Celebrities such as Sanam Baloch, Meesha Shafi, and Osman Khalid Butt publicly denounced the murder, while international figures like Madonna, Miley Cyrus, and Jamie Lee Curtis also expressed outrage.
Qandeel, born in the village of Shah Saddardin in Punjab, rose to fame for challenging societal norms with her unapologetic online persona. Despite coming from a conservative background, she supported her family financially, even purchasing a house in Multan and helping fund her sister’s wedding.
She was strangled in her sleep by Waseem, who had reportedly drugged her and their parents before committing the crime. Waseem confessed to the murder and was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2019. However, he was acquitted in 2022 after their mother pardoned him, using a legal loophole. He later withdrew his confession. Several others, including cleric Mufti Abdul Qavi and her brothers Aslam Shaheen and Arif, were also acquitted.
Qandeel’s legacy remains a powerful reminder of the dangers faced by women who defy patriarchal norms, and her death continues to fuel the call for justice and reform.
