Qandeel Baloch murder is 'shocking' and 'senseless': Pakistani celebs condemn incident

Oscar-winning Pakistani filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, actress Nadia Hussain, former model and fashion choreographer Frieha Altaf are among those who have expressed "shock" over the murder of popular social media celebrity Qandeel Baloch, who was killed by her brother.

Qandeel, known for posting bold videos and statements on Facebook, was killed by her brother three days ago, the Dawn newspaper quoted police officer Azam Sultan as saying.

The murder took place in Multan in Punjab province.

Qandeel's brother had been threatening her over her Facebook posts and videos, said the police. He fled after murdering Qandeel, whose real name is Fauzia Azeem.

Earlier, TV channels reported that Qandeel, who became famous through her tireless self-promotion and suggestive "selfies" posted on social media, was shot by her brother. However, police now say she was "strangled to death" at her residence.

Sharmeen, who won two Academy Awards for the documentaries Saving Face and A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness, wrote on Twitter: "Qandeel Baloch killed in an honour killing. How many women have to die before we pass the Anti-Honour Killing Bill?"

Nadia, who is known for TV shows like Ladies Park and Shert wrote: "Was this expected? RIP".

Frieha, CEO of Catwalk Event Management, called Qandeel "sweet" and "alive".

"Spoke to Qandeel Baloch last night! She was so sweet and excited and alive! This is horrible. When does this stop(?)", she wrote.

Award-winning journalist and filmmaker Hasan Zaidi called the murder a "barbaric" act.

"Qandeel Baloch strangled to death by her brother! Whatever she may have been or done to shock our moralists, this is just so barbaric," he wrote.

Fifi Haroon, who sang for popular sufi rock band Junoon said she was "absolutely stunned and shocked" by Qandeel's murder.

"25-year-old Qandeel Baloch killed by her brother. Senseless end," Fifi wrote.

Pakistani novelist Kamila Shamsie, known for her books like Burnt Shadows and Kartography, called it "another bleak day for Pakistan and its 'honour'".

-- IANS