Qandeel Baloch: She 'supported all of us, including my son who killed her', father says

  • Published
Pakistani relatives and residents carry the coffin of social media celebrity, Qandeel Baloch during her funeral in Shah Sadar Din village, around 130 kilometers from Multan on July 17, 2016.Image source, AFP/Getty Images
Image caption,

Qandeel Baloch's death has sparked a debate in Pakistan over "honour killings"

The father of Qandeel Baloch has spoken out in support of his daughter, after she was killed by her brother, Pakistani media report.

"She supported all of us, including my son who killed her," Mohammad Azeem told reporters, according to Dawn newspaper.

Ms Baloch's brother said he drugged and strangled her because she "dishonoured the family".

The controversial social media celebrity was buried on Sunday.

Ms Baloch, 26, whose real name was Fauzia Azeem, gained notoriety for posting suggestive or outspoken photographs, comments and videos on social media. She recently caused controversy by posting pictures of herself alongside a Muslim cleric.

Her death has sparked a debate over "honour killings" and what is acceptable behaviour online for women in Pakistan.

How the murder reflects a divided country

Ms Baloch in pictures alongside a Muslim cleric that appeared on social media
Image caption,

Ms Baloch appeared alongside a Muslim cleric in images uploaded on to social media

Mother of social media celebrity, Qandeel Baloch mourns alongside her body during her funeral in Shah Sadar Din village, around 130 kilometers from Multan on July 17, 2016.Image source, AFP/Getty Images
Image caption,

Ms Baloch's mother mourned beside her body

Father of social media celebrity, Qandeel Baloch mourns as he sits in an ambulance carrying the body of Qandeel in Shah Sadar Din village, around 130 kilometers from Multan on July 17, 2016.Image source, AFP/Getty Images
Image caption,

Media reports said Ms Baloch's parents were afraid to collect her body for burial because they thought their son might harm them too

Ms Baloch, who was also a model and actress, was killed at her family home in Multan early on Saturday. Her 25-year-old brother Waseem was arrested and confessed to the murder.

He said he decided to kill her after she uploaded images of her posing with the Muslim cleric, which were widely shared online.

line

Qandeel Baloch - in her own words

Media caption,

Qandeel Baloch had a reputation for being Pakistan's first social media celebrity

"I believe I am a modern day feminist. I believe in equality. I need not to choose what type of women should be. I don't think there is any need to label ourselves just for sake of society. I am just a women with free thoughts free mindset and I LOVE THE WAY I AM." (Facebook, 14 July)

Love me or hate me both are in my favour. If you love me I Will always be in your heart, if you hate me I'll always be in ur mind (Facebook, 3 July)

Tweets from Qandeel Baloch
line

Ms Baloch's funeral was held near her family home in Dera Ghazi Khan, about 130km from Multan. Media reports said thousands of people attended, including rights campaigners. She was buried at her ancestral graveyard.

Ms Baloch's parents lodged a report with police accusing her brother of killing her, and another brother of being complicit, according to Dawn.

He said his sons were unhappy over "her achievements" and turned against her even though she supported them, the paper added.

The residents of her village also condemned the killing.

honour killings data pic showing 39% increase between 2010 and 2015