Social media sensation and popular Pakistani model Qandeel Baloch has been killed in Multan on Saturday, Pakistani media reported. According to reports, Quandeel was reportedly murdered by her brother, who had allegedly been threatening her for putting up some “bold” posts and videos on Facebook.
The 26-year-old, who is popular for posting risque videos and statements on Facebook, was killed by her brother, Regional Police Officer Sultan Azam said. Her brother fled after killing Qandeel, whose real name is Fauzia Azeem.
Baloch, who became famous through her tireless self-promotion and suggestive “selfies” posted on social media, had earned thousands of followers. She had also been frequently posting semi-nude selfies on social media sites. Though she was criticized by many and frequently subject to misogynist abuse online, Baloch had also won praise by some of the country’s youth for her forthright attitude.
In one of her last Facebook posts, Qandeel reiterated her unapologetic approach saying, “No matter how many times I will be pushed down under… I am a fighter, I will bounce back.”
Baloch, who has often been compared to reality TV star Kim Kardashian, had reportedly been getting death threats and had sought security from the interior ministry but received no response. She was reportedly planning to settle down abroad and said in an interview that “I know I will not be provided security and I am not feeling secured here so have decided to move abroad with my parents after Eidul Fitr.”
While earlier reports suggested that Qandeel was shot by her brother, police have now confirmed she was “strangled to death” at her Multan residence.
“Qandeel Baloch has been killed, she was strangled to death by her brother, apparently, it was an incident of honour killing,” Sultan Azam, the senior police officer said, adding that Qandeel was in Multan for one week and that forensic experts are examining the corpse to prepare a medical report.
Qandeel Baloch has been murdered 3 days after her three marriages which were kept secret until then were revealed.
Check out how Twitterati reacted to her murder:
Its sad to hear about Qandeel Baloch’s murder. How she portrayed herself wasn’t right but how can someone murder a human being #RIP ?
— Sham Idrees (@Shamidrees) July 16, 2016
A good news after a long time….. Rejoicing finally someone done a fantastic job #QandeelBaloch
— sana shah (@SyedaShahaSana) July 16, 2016
Just imagine for a second, the lives of #QandeelBaloch ‘s family that lived in disgrace and died every time she posted a new video.
— Aamna Hassan Fasihi (@AamnaFasihi) July 16, 2016
BreakinG & Good News:
Pakistani Model #Fozia Azeem nick #Qandeel Baloch ko uske apne bhai ne qatal kr dya..— Muhammad Khan Marri (@MarriNews) July 16, 2016
At last Pakistanis heard a good news…#QandeelBaloch
— Usama Lodhi (@UsamaLodhi95) July 16, 2016
#QandeelBaloch killed in an #honorkilling– how many women have to die before we pass the Anti Honor Killing Bill?
— Sharmeen Obaid (@sharmeenochinoy) July 16, 2016
Thankfully, everyone on Twitter is not retarded
I hated Qandeel Baloch but I can never wish that upon any human. Terrible news.
— Osama Bin Liaqat Mir (@oblmir) July 16, 2016
YES, I dislike Qandeel Baloch, But killing someone in the name of honor is pathetic. No matter who it is, no one deserves this death.
— Furqan Shayk (@FurqanShayk) July 16, 2016
Sickened to the core!!Murder can never be https://t.co/82k5mqqkJ2 many more murders in the name of #honorkilling ?May she RIP.#QandeelBaloch
— Syeda Tuba A. (@TubaAtweets) July 16, 2016
People appreciated Salman Taseer’s murder but in Qandeel Baloch’s case they don’t.
A murder is a murder, no matter who,why and when commits
— Danish. (@DalAlifNoonShen) July 16, 2016
If we start to kill our bros & sons in the name of honour, the male species will become extinct.
May Allah forgive her. #QandeelBaloch— Ayesha (@ayeshah197) July 16, 2016
Forgive her?? For being killed?? Poori country hi chutiya hai. #QandeelBaloch pic.twitter.com/IBJQoywB1e
— Sanyaasan (@MohMaaya) July 16, 2016
Nobody deserves to be killed for their choices. In #QandeelBaloch case, her brother is the only person whose choice should be questioned
— Rashmi Singh (@RashmiSC) July 16, 2016
So many mocked her.So few thought of her security, the bold stances and risks she took. She was her own person. RIP Qandeel Baloch #Pakistan
— Waqqas Mir (@wordoflaw) July 16, 2016
During the World T20 tournament, Baloch had made news for promising to strip for Shahid Afridi if Pakistan beat India (which they didn’t).