Qandeel Baloch, Pakistani Social Media Star, Killed In Suspected 'Honour Killing'

Police are now searching for her brother.

A Pakistani social media star has been strangled in an apparent “honour killing”.

Qandeel Baloch was killed in her family home in Multan, a large city in the Punjab province, Reuters was told by Punjab Police spokeswoman Nabeela Ghazanfa.

Qandeel Baloch is believed to have died in an apparent 'honour killing'
Qandeel Baloch is believed to have died in an apparent 'honour killing'
STR via Getty Images

She said: “Her father Azeem informed the police that his son Waseem has strangled Qandeel.

“Apparently, it is honour killing but further investigations would reveal the real motives behind this murder.”

She said that Baloch’s brother had now disappeared and police were searching for him.

Baloch, whose real name was Fauzia Azeem, often received death threats and was seen as controversial by some in her home country.

The 26-year-old became well known for her social media posts.

I will fight for it. I will not give up. I will reach my goal. & absolutely nothing will stop me.#qandeelbaloch pic.twitter.com/UQOpeWdHQw

— Qandeel Baloch (@QandeelQuebee) July 14, 2016

As a women we must stand up for ourselves..As a women we must stand up for each other...As a women we must stand... https://t.co/v8XoETLh8A

— Qandeel Baloch (@QandeelQuebee) July 14, 2016

Family sources told the Express Tribune that she had been asked by her brothers to quit modelling.

According to Sky News, Baloch had been reportedly set to appear on the next series of Big Boss, the Indian version of Big Brother.

More than 500 people are killed in Pakistan each year in so-called “honour killings”.

Many people used social media to pay tribute to Baloch...

#QandeelBaloch was so badass and like so many activist lost to male violence we will not forget her. ✌️ pic.twitter.com/LwTYgSMliN

— Nimko Ali (@NimkoAli) July 16, 2016

Heartbreaking news. RIP #QandeelBaloch! https://t.co/psnMj9fPtr

— DaughtersofEve (@DaughtersofEve) July 16, 2016

#QandeelBaloch was larger than life, in your face, unapologetic about her ambitions and her womanhood. Goodbye, you crazy, beautiful woman

— Mehreen Zahra-Malik (@mehreenzahra) July 16, 2016

No justification no honour no defence.An extreme e.g should be set against this heinous act beginning wit her brothers arrest #QandeelBaloch

— Bakhtawar B-Zardari (@BakhtawarBZ) July 16, 2016

She didn't conform to the norm, outspoken& unapologetic, silenced 4 ever. Shocked & saddened at #QandeelBaloch's murder

— Sharmila faruqi (@sharmilafaruqi) July 16, 2016
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