Syeda Sania Zehra, a young woman from a prominent family in Multan, Pakistan, met a tragic end at the hands of her husband. Five months pregnant, she was brutally raped and murdered, her body showing signs of severe torture. The horrific crime was initially disguised as suicide, but her uncle, who discovered the scene, found evidence of foul play, including knives and broken glass.
The motivation behind the murder was property disputes, with her husband pressuring Sania to sell or transfer ownership. To make matters worse, he had concealed his existing marriage and children from her. Despite facing abuse, Sania wanted to remain with her husband, a tragic testament to the complexities of domestic violence.
Sania’s story highlights the pervasive issue of domestic abuse in Pakistan, where women often face immense pressure to stay in abusive relationships due to societal and familial expectations. Her case underscores the need for support and protection for victims of domestic violence, as well as awareness and education to combat this scourge.
The tragedy has left behind two young sons, aged three and one and a half years, who will grow up without their mother’s love and care. Sania’s family and community must come together to ensure justice is served and to support her children in the face of this unimaginable loss. Her memory must not be forgotten, and her story must serve as a catalyst for change in a society where domestic violence is all too common.
