Pakistan cleric gets bail in model’s murder case

By The Associated Press

Posted Nov 14, 2017 06:49:54 AM.

Last Updated Nov 14, 2017 07:20:21 AM.

This article is more than 5 years old.

MULTAN, Pakistan – A defence lawyer says a Pakistani court has granted bail to a Muslim cleric who was arrested for his alleged involvement in the 2016 murder of social media model Qandeel Baloch.

Khurram Babar said Judge Amir Khan on Tuesday ordered the release because police had implicated his client, Mufti Abdul Qawi, on unsubstantiated grounds. Qawi was arrested last month while fleeing the city.

Baloch was found strangled in her home in the city of Multan after posting racy pictures on Facebook of herself with the cleric.

Baloch’s brother, Mohammed Wasim Azeem, has confessed to her murder and is facing trial. Baloch’s father blamed Qawi for instigating his son to kill his sister.

Nearly 1,000 Pakistani women are killed by relatives each year in so-called “honour killings,” for violating norms on love and marriage.

Keep it Factual

Add CityNews Ottawa as a trusted source on Google to see more local stories from us.

Submit a Correction

Accessibility Feedback

Top Stories

Synagogue shooting was 'premeditated,' 'targeted' hate crime: Belleville police

Belleville Police Chief Murray Rodd confirmed Thursday that the shooting outside a synagogue that left a police officer critically injured and the shooter deceased was a hate crime. Chief Rodd addressed...

10h ago

Moose saved after being trapped in a Rideau River locks

It took multiple different organizations to figure out how to save a moose that ended up swimming in a lock along the Rideau River. On Thursday morning, a resident of Merrickville, Ont., was walking...

12h ago

Drug trafficking bust brings search warrants to Riverside South, Nepean

Four people from Ottawa and one from the Greater Toronto Area are facing a slew of charges after police searched multiple areas in the nation's capital. On Sept. 18, officers from the tactical unit...

13h ago

More than two in three Canadians back EU associate membership: poll

OTTAWA — Canadians overwhelmingly support Canada becoming an associate member of the European Union, a new poll suggests — even though the details of that arrangement haven't been finalized.

23h ago

Top Stories

Synagogue shooting was 'premeditated,' 'targeted' hate crime: Belleville police

Belleville Police Chief Murray Rodd confirmed Thursday that the shooting outside a synagogue that left a police officer critically injured and the shooter deceased was a hate crime. Chief Rodd addressed...

10h ago

Moose saved after being trapped in a Rideau River locks

It took multiple different organizations to figure out how to save a moose that ended up swimming in a lock along the Rideau River. On Thursday morning, a resident of Merrickville, Ont., was walking...

12h ago

Drug trafficking bust brings search warrants to Riverside South, Nepean

Four people from Ottawa and one from the Greater Toronto Area are facing a slew of charges after police searched multiple areas in the nation's capital. On Sept. 18, officers from the tactical unit...

13h ago

More than two in three Canadians back EU associate membership: poll

OTTAWA — Canadians overwhelmingly support Canada becoming an associate member of the European Union, a new poll suggests — even though the details of that arrangement haven't been finalized.

23h ago

Most Watched Today

3:04

Vatican returns Indigenous artifacts to Canada

After years of negotiations, the Vatican has returned 62 Indigenous artifacts to First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples. Karling Donoghue reports.

December 7, 2025 3:03 am EST EST

2:34

Russia launches mass air assault on Ukraine amid peace talks

The Kremlin has launched a mass air attack on Ukraine as negotiations to end the war continue. Karling Donoghue details how this comes as the war-torn nation celebrates its national army day.

December 7, 2025 3:03 am EST EST

2:08

Carney meets Trump and Sheinbaum at World Cup draw

Prime Minister Mark Carney briefly met with President Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum at the World Cup draw in Washington. As Glen McGregor tells us, soccer wasn't the only issue on the PM's mind.

December 5, 2025 6:11 pm EST EST

3:28

Fans react to Canada’s 2026 World Cup draw

Canada has learned who it will face in the group stage in the 2026 World Cup. Brandon Choghri with reaction from fans, as they look ahead to a potential match with Italy.

December 6, 2025 2:58 am EST EST

2:36

Fighting continues in D.R. Congo despite Trump’s peace deal

Fighting continued in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo Friday, a day after Trump’s peace deal ceremony with D.R.C and Rwanda. Michelle Mackey reports.

December 6, 2025 2:58 am EST EST