KHUZDAR: Asma Jatak’s father was shot dead in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province on Tuesday, reviving attention to the Asma Jatak case as the family alleged the killing followed repeated pleas for protection.
The family of Asma Jatak says her father, schoolteacher Attaullah Jatak, was shot dead on Tuesday in Khuzdar despite repeated warnings to authorities that his life was in danger.
According to police, unidentified gunmen opened fire on Attaullah Jatak as he left his home to offer afternoon prayers in Shahzad Town. Khuzdar Senior Superintendent of Police Dostain Dashti confirmed the killing and said investigators were examining the motive.
The case first drew national attention last year after Asma Jatak accused influential men of abducting and assaulting her. She said the dispute began after she rejected a marriage proposal.
She alleges she was abducted, tortured and repeatedly threatened after refusing the proposal. Her family says they have continued receiving death threats since 2025.
Just one day before her father’s killing, Asma released a video on social media while holding the holy Quran. She appealed to Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, former Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri and other officials to provide protection for her father and brother.
In the video, she said she had not received justice in the abduction case and claimed the suspect had continued issuing threats of abduction and murder. She also alleged that her father had been told to “prepare his shroud.”
Asma’s brother said the family had repeatedly submitted written requests to the district administration, police and the chief minister’s office, warning of the threats, but no effective action was taken.
He claimed his father was killed about two hours after Asma published her video statement.
The family alleges the dispute has claimed multiple lives. They say Asma’s fiancé was killed first, followed by her maternal uncle and now her father. They also claim three other members of their tribe were killed after supporting the family and protesting Asma’s alleged abduction.
Balochistan Assembly Seeks Police Report After Third Family Member Killed
The killing was also raised in the Balochistan Assembly. The speaker sought reports from the provincial police chief, the deputy inspector general and the Khuzdar police chief.
Balochistan Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove directed police to submit a report within two days and review progress on an earlier first information report (FIR).
Following Attaullah Jatak’s killing, human rights activists and social media users have called for an independent investigation into the murder as well as the family’s allegations of abduction, threats and earlier killings, urging authorities to bring those responsible to justice.
