Who is Hafiz-e-Quran Sidra? Her Story Exposes a Dark Side of Illegal Jirgas

Shocking details have emerged in the suspected honor killing of 18-year-old Hafiza of Quran, Sidra, in the Pirwadhai area. She was allegedly murdered on July 17 by her own family after being forcibly taken from Muzaffarabad, where she had recently married a man of her choice.

Secret Jirga Ordered Her Death

Police reports reveal that a jirga (tribal council), held in the early morning hours of July 17, declared Sidra’s death sentence for marrying against her family’s wishes. Her father, brother, and uncle-in-law allegedly suffocated her with a pillow following the jirga’s verdict.

🕯️ Burial Without Records

A gravedigger at Chatti Graveyard said he was ordered by Gul Badshah, a local committee member, to dig a grave at 5:30 AM. The grave was dug in the rain with the help of nearly 25 people. Sidra’s body was brought in a loader rickshaw and buried secretly. All traces of the grave were removed, and the grave receipt was later tampered with to erase records.

🧾 The Missing Record

Grave receipt number 78, under the name “Sidra, daughter of Arab Gul,” was later removed from the register, allegedly to hide the evidence. Funeral rites were performed by family women, and the funeral prayer was led by Ismatullah, the man who issued the jirga ruling.

💍 Second Marriage Triggered the Tragedy

Sidra had allegedly married Usman, a local mechanic, in Muzaffarabad on July 14, three days before her death. Her nikahnama (marriage certificate) has surfaced, showing her as unmarried. Her new father-in-law claimed she had escaped a forced marriage and lived in fear of her family.

🚨 First Husband Filed FIR to Mislead

Sidra’s first husband, Zia-ur-Rehman, filed a false FIR on July 21, accusing her of theft and an illicit relationship. However, Usman and his father have appeared before police and presented proof of Sidra’s marriage and the threats she faced.

🇵🇰 Call for Justice

This case has sparked outrage, with rights groups and citizens demanding immediate justice and a crackdown on illegal jirgas and honor-based violence. Police are now investigating all suspects, including family members and cemetery officials.