Who is Sardar Sherbaz Satakzai? The Controversial Figure who declared the judgment of “karokari” Balochistan Couple

Sardar Sherbaz Khan Satakzai is a well-known tribal leader and the chief of the Satakzai tribe in Balochistan, Pakistan. His name recently made national headlines after he was arrested in connection with the brutal honor killing of a couple near Quetta. The incident shocked the public, triggered widespread outrage on social media, and led to a major crackdown by law enforcement.

Background and Tribal Role

Sardar Sherbaz Satakzai holds a powerful and influential position in Balochistan’s tribal structure. As a Sardar (tribal chief), he exercises traditional authority over members of the Satakzai tribe. Tribal leaders like Sherbaz often resolve disputes through jirgas—informal, traditional councils that sometimes act outside of state law. However, such tribal decisions have increasingly come under scrutiny, especially when they conflict with human rights and state law.

Honor Killing Case & Arrest

On the outskirts of Quetta, in the Degari area, a young couple—Bano Satakzai and Ehsanullah Smalani—were allegedly killed in the name of “karokari” (honor killing) just days before Eid al-Adha. A horrifying video of the incident went viral on social media, showing the couple being shot. The footage prompted immediate action from authorities.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), the couple was brought before Sardar Sherbaz Satakzai, who allegedly declared the judgment that they had committed “karokari” and ordered their execution. The couple was then reportedly taken by vehicles to a remote location and shot.

Quetta Police arrested more than 20 individuals in connection with the case, including:

• Bashir Ahmed (main suspect),

• Sardar Sherbaz Satakzai,

• His four brothers,

• Two armed guards,

• And several other tribal members.

The case has been registered under Section 302 (murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code, along with provisions from the Anti-Terrorism Act, due to the public nature and viral spread of the video.

Political and Tribal Fallout

The arrest of a tribal chief like Sardar Sherbaz Satakzai has sent shockwaves through Balochistan’s traditional tribal hierarchy. Sardars from the Sarawan region have strongly reacted to the arrest and condemned the incident. A tribal jirga is being called to decide how to respond to the growing state involvement in tribal matters.

Balochistan’s Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti condemned the honor killing and confirmed the arrest of 11 individuals as of July 21, 2025. He announced that the government has taken suo motu (self-initiated) notice and that the case is now under top-level investigation by the Serious Crimes Investigation Wing.

Bugti made it clear: “There will be no concessions for anyone involved, regardless of their influence. Justice will be served. The state stands with the oppressed.”