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The Sensational Life and Death of Qandeel Baloch

The Sensational Life and Death of Qandeel Baloch

Availability: Available


Author: Sanam Maher


Genres: Nonfiction


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'Bold', 'Shameless', were just some of the (kinder) words used to describe Qandeel Baloch. She embraced these labels and played the coquette, yet dished out biting critiques of some of Pakistan's most holy cows. Pakistanis snickered at her fake American accent, but marvelled at her gumption. She was the stuff of a hundred memes and Pakistan's first celebrity-by-social media.

In July 2016, Qandeel's brother would strangle her in their family home, in what was described as an 'honour killing' - a punishment for the 'shame' her online behaviour had brought to the family. Just six days after Qandeel's death, the Anti-Honour Killings Law Bill was fast-tracked in parliament, and the loophole allowing families to pardon perpetrators of 'honour killings' was closed.

What spurred the change? Was it the murder of Qandeel Baloch? And how did she come to represent the clash between rigid conservatism and a secular, liberal vision for Pakistan?