Bail Denied to Jirga Chief Who Issued ‘Honor Killing Fatwa’ in 17-Year-Old Sidra Bibi Murder Case

Rawalpindi: A local court in Rawalpindi has **rejected the bail plea** of **Saif ur Rehman Khan**, a **PML-N leader and head of the jirga**, who allegedly issued a **fatwa (religious decree)** ordering the killing of **17-year-old Sidra Bibi** in the name of honor.

The **Additional District and Sessions Judge Farhat Jabeen** announced the decision, also **dismissing the bail request** of **Rashid Mahmood**, the **cemetery secretary**, accused of **tampering with burial records**.

The court observed that **issuing a fatwa for murder is illegal, unconstitutional, and a criminal act**, adding that both accused appeared to be **directly responsible** for the killing.

According to police, the **Pirwadhai Police Station** registered the case on **July 21**, after recovering the victim’s body. A **challan (charge sheet)** against all accused has already been **submitted to the court**.

The court has now **summoned all suspects from Adiala Jail** for the **framing of charges** in the next hearing.