PESHAWAR: The representatives of various civil society organisations on Saturday held a protest demonstration here on Saturday against the murder of model Qandeel Baloch and demanded early arrest of those involved in the crime to be awarded punishment.

The demonstration was arranged under the aegis of Pakhtunkhwa Civil Society Network.

The protesters were holding banners and placards inscribed with slogans to condemn the murder.

Condemning the killing of the model, Sana Ijaz said that the cases of honour killings were the rise in different parts of the country. It was a matter of grave concern, she added.

Talking to journalists, she urged the government to take stern action against those involved in the killing of Qandeel Baloch.

No one had the right to take life of anyone on the basis of personal likes and dislikes, she said.

Speaking on the occasion, Qamar Naseem asked for necessary amendments in the relevant law so that the heirs of the victim could not forgive the killers.

Zar Ali Afridi said that murder of the model proved that space for progressive and secular people was narrowing and extremists’ thinking was getting stronger in the society.

Similarly, Taimoor Kamal also condemned the murder of the model and demanded proper investigation into the case.

He also criticised the government for its failure to respond to the demand of the killed model about provision of security.

Other participants of the demonstration including Shafiq Gigyani and Amna Durrani also condemned the murder of the model and stressed the need for proper legislation to overcome the growing incidents of honour killings.

Published in Dawn, July 17th, 2016