logo
Landowner 'mutilates' cowfor straying into his field

Landowner 'mutilates' cowfor straying into his field

Express Tribune18-07-2025
In a disturbing incident in Upper Khanpur, a cow was reportedly mutilated and killed by a landowner after wandering into agricultural fields.
According to a complaint filed at Khanpur police station, Mehmoodur Rehman, a resident of Upper Khanpur, alleged that he had started a small livestock business with Muhammad Naeem in the village of Dhaniya Khanpur, where they raised and sold cows and calves.
On July 13, his cow allegedly wandered off toward a stream — possibly in search of water — and entered a field owned by Chaudhry Qayyum.
The complainant claimed that Qayyum set dogs on the cow and attacked it with stones and sticks, breaking its leg and causing severe injuries. Despite the cow's condition, it was not provided any assistance and reportedly died after suffering all day in the heat and sun.
An eyewitness was also present during the incident. Mehmood stated that the cow had recently given birth, leaving the calf without milk.
He further claimed that despite approaching the accused along with the witness to demand compensation, Qayyum refused to engage in any discussion.
According to Mehmood, the cow was valued at over Rs300,000 and was a source of milk income. He cited the incident as a punishable offence under Section 429 of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1890, and urged authorities to take legal action and compensate his loss.
Police have acknowledged receiving the complaint but stated that no formal action has been taken yet.
The incident has sparked concern among residents over the rising cruelty toward animals.
In response, Chaudhry Qayyum denied the allegations, stating that the cow fell from a 12-foot-high ledge due to fear of dogs and broke its legs. He claimed a butcher was called to slaughter the injured animal and described the cruelty claims as false accusations.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Beyond honour: reclaiming justice and humanity in Pakistan
Beyond honour: reclaiming justice and humanity in Pakistan

Business Recorder

time14 hours ago

  • Business Recorder

Beyond honour: reclaiming justice and humanity in Pakistan

In the heart of Baluchistan, a crowd gathered, watching in silence as two young lives were ended in the name of 'honour.' Their only crime: being accused of bringing shame. This was not a hidden act, but a public spectacle, a chilling reminder that in Pakistan, 'honour' can still become a licence to kill. But my question is how many more lives must be lost before we admit that 'honour' has become a weapon, not a virtue? Each year, the silent toll of honour killings grows in lives cut short, families shattered, and justice denied. This is not just a statistic; it is a national emergency that demands our collective conscience and urgent action. Most often, it is women who pay the highest price. In Pakistan, the concept of 'honour' leads to the tragic loss of countless women each year, reflecting a persistent tradition that presents serious obstacles to justice and human rights. Honour killings, defined as the murder of women to protect family reputation, remain a troubling form of gender-based violence in Pakistan. Taking on responsibility often brings a sense of authority, as legal consequences are often insufficient and societal norms prioritize family reputation over individual rights. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan recorded around 1,961 honour killings from 2004 to 2022, but the actual numbers are likely much higher due to underreporting. Section 299 of the Pakistan Penal Code defines honour killing as an offence aimed at preserving honour. Sections 300 and 302 categorize it as murder and specify the punishment. Despite the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2004 and the Anti-Honour Killing Act 2016 aiming to make these offences non-compoundable and state matters, notable loopholes remain. The Qisas and Diyat law illustrates this clearly, allowing pardons and reducing accountability, as seen in the Qandeel Baloch case. In various regions of Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, informal justice mechanisms such as jirgas are crucial for resolving disputes, particularly in contexts where formal opportunities are restricted. Nonetheless, these forums are largely characterized by a male presence, with a notable lack of representation for women. This gap is more than just a theoretical idea. In March 1999, a troubling incident occurred involving a 16-year-old girl in Parachinar, who was sent back to her tribe after being raped. The jirga determined she had dishonoured her tribe, leading to her execution in front of tribal members. Honour killings occur in various settings, not limited to tribal or rural areas. Samia Sarwar, 29, was shot dead in her lawyer's office in Lahore while pursuing a divorce. Her own mother, a medical professional, was involved in the heartbreaking choice to end a life. Honour killings are wrongly justified by religion, yet neither the Quran nor Hadith endorses these actions. Islam strictly forbids the taking of innocent lives (Surah An-Nisa 4:93), and religious authorities consistently denounce honour killings, emphasizing that justice belongs to the legal system. The actions stem from enduring customs that emphasize patriarchal control over women's autonomy, rather than authentic religious beliefs, as shown by their absence in many Muslim-majority countries like Indonesia and Malaysia. The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees key rights, including the right to life and liberty (Article 9) and protections for women (Article 25). The leniency in honour killing cases dates back to British colonial rule. The 1990 amendments incorporated Islamic principles like Qisas and Diyat into the legal system, allowing for family pardons. The 2004 and 2016 Acts strengthened the judicial system by making honour killings non-compoundable. The legal system has flaws; courts sometimes grant exceptions, and victims' families may choose to forgive offenders. The Qandeel Baloch case illustrates ongoing challenges, as her brother was initially sentenced but later acquitted by the Lahore High Court due to procedural issues. This situation reveals ongoing problems in the criminal justice system, including blood pardons, poorly crafted legislation, and narrow legal interpretations. The Constitution of Pakistan ensures important rights, such as the right to life and liberty (Article 9), along with provisions for the protection of women (Article 25). Historically, the leniency observed in cases of honour killings can be traced back to the era of British colonial rule. The amendments of 1990 brought Islamic principles such as qisas and diyat into the legal framework, permitting family pardons. In contrast, the Acts of 2004 and 2016 reinforced the judicial system by rendering honour killings non-compoundable. Nonetheless, the legal system is not without its flaws, as courts occasionally grant exceptions or victims' families choose to forgive offenders. The Qandeel Baloch case, where her brother was initially sentenced but later acquitted by the Lahore High Court due to procedural issues, exemplifies these persistent challenges. This situation highlights persistent issues within the criminal justice system, such as blood pardons, inadequately developed legislation, and restrictive interpretations of the law. Pakistan has made commitments to numerous international conventions and treaties, which require the country to protect women's rights and tackle gender-based violence in a meaningful way. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) stand as essential pillars in the ongoing struggle for equality and justice worldwide. Pakistan must eliminate discriminatory practices and ensure equal protection for women as per these agreements. Pakistan, as an Islamic state, promotes spiritual equality for both men and women. Islam forbids intentional killing, including honour killings, asserting that justice belongs to Allah or the courts. Islam promotes ethical principles for all individuals and prohibits causing harm or taking the life of a woman for failing to fulfil expectations. The Quran's guidance is applicable to all genders. The antiquated notion that ties family honour exclusively to the behaviour of women and rationalizes violence needs to be reformed. These actions are a more significant wrongdoing than the one under scrutiny. Education, awareness, and open dialogue are crucial for dismantling these harmful conventions. Elders, teachers, and religious leaders must define the true meanings of Islam and the law. The recent tragedy in Baluchistan, the murder of Qandeel Baloch, and the killing of a 13-year-old girl in Bolan district highlight the critical necessity for justice in Pakistan to be both inclusive and compassionate. Honour killings should be firmly denounced, no matter where they originate, whether from a jirga, family, or misguided customs. To put an end to violence and ensure justice, it is essential to uphold the law, rectify existing gaps, and shift societal attitudes and beliefs. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

Shops looted as lock-breakers go on spree
Shops looted as lock-breakers go on spree

Express Tribune

time19 hours ago

  • Express Tribune

Shops looted as lock-breakers go on spree

A gang of criminals comprising five armed outlaws, including a woman, looted shops after breaking the locks in Gulshan-e-Hadeed and fled with valuables worth millions of rupees. Reportedly, the gang, in a car, reached the market, broke the locks of a jewellery shop, a mobile phone shop and a retail shop, and decamped with gold ornaments, cash and other valuables. SHO Steel Town Aslam Baloo told The Express Tribune that the incident occurred at 5:30am on Monday. A female member engaged the guard in talks and in the meantime her accomplices overpowered him. They then broke the locks, and stole five tolas of gold, Rs150,000 in cash from the jewellery shop and the retail shop.

Foreigners granted bail in online fraud case
Foreigners granted bail in online fraud case

Express Tribune

time19 hours ago

  • Express Tribune

Foreigners granted bail in online fraud case

Faisalabad Special Court on Monday approved the bail of 18 foreign nationals arrested in a major online fraud case, ordering their release from Central Jail Faisalabad upon submission of surety bonds worth Rs200,000 each. Senior Civil Judge Muhammad Ashfaq Malik granted bail to the accused. The individuals are among the over 149 suspects arrested earlier this month by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), during a sweeping crackdown on online scams in Faisalabad. The crackdown resulted in the registration of eight separate FIRs against more than 70 foreign nationals, including the prime accused. On Monday, the main suspect, Malik Tahseen Awan, former chairman of the Board of Directors of Faisalabad Electric Supply Company (FESCO), was produced in court along with 60 foreign men and women under tight security. Judge Ashfaq Malik ordered Awan to appear again on July 31, while the foreign nationals were remanded to FIA's Cybercrime Cell and scheduled to reappear on August 11. The high-profile arrests followed a joint raid conducted on July 8 by intelligence agencies and the FIA's Cyber Crime Wing.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store