Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Pakistani Italian woman did not die of natural causes, confirms autopsy report

An autopsy report has confirmed that Pakistani Italian woman Sana Cheema was strangled to death.

Cheema was killed in an alleged case of honour killing and police officials in Pakistan have arrested the 26-year-old's father, brother and uncle.


According to reports, the girl's father, identified as Ghulam Mustafa, wanted to marry her off to a relative. But she wanted to marry someone of her own choice back in Italy. She was reportedly killed a day before she was set to return to Italy.

The autopsy report stated that Cheema's cervical bone was fractured.

Cheema's family had initially claimed she died of natural causes and they buried her body in West Mangowal area of District Gujrat on April 18. However, online reports soon surfaced alleging foul play, prompting investigation into Cheema's death. Her body was exhumed on April 25 and samples were sent for post-mortem.

Sadly, this is not the first case of honour killing coming out of Pakistan.

Until 2016, honour killing perpetrators in Pakistan walked away free after paying a small amount of money to the victim's family. But Pakistan introduced stringent measures in October 2016 following the killing of social media starlet Qandeel Baloch.

Baloch was drugged and then asphyxiated by her brother Waseem while she was asleep at her parents' home. Confessing to killing his sister, Waseem said "she [Qandeel Baloch] was bringing disrepute to our family's honour and I could not tolerate it any further. I killed her around 11:30 p.m. on Friday night when everyone else had gone to bed."

The practice of honour killing is widespread. Male family members often kill women for a number of reasons ranging from dressing immodestly to even talking to a stranger.

In 2016, 1100 cases of honour killing were reported, but the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan believes that at least another 1,000 went unreported, reported Abc.net.au.

More For You

Southport

Floral tributes left by members of the public are seen following the fatal knife attack on three young girls in July in Southport.

Reuters

Public inquiry begins into Southport girls' murders

A PUBLIC inquiry begins on Tuesday into the murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport last year.

The inquiry will examine whether the attack could have been prevented and how future incidents might be avoided.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less