Father Extradited from Pakistan to Italy for Killing Daughter in Arranged Marriage Dispute
Rome – In a significant development, the Italian justice ministry has announced that a man accused of murdering his 18-year-old daughter will be extradited from Pakistan to Italy to stand trial. Shabbar Abbas, the prime suspect, was apprehended in his village in Punjab last November for allegedly killing his daughter, Saman Abbas. She had gone missing in April 2021 after refusing to travel to Pakistan for an arranged marriage.
The extradition of Shabbar Abbas marks a crucial step towards ensuring justice for this horrific crime, according to Justice Minister Carlo Nordio. Expressing satisfaction with this development, he stated, This is a step forward to allow justice to run its full course after a horrific crime.
The investigation into Saman Abbas’ disappearance led to a distressing discovery. Human remains were found near her family home in the town of Novellara, Italy, over a year after her disappearance. Dental records confirmed that the remains belonged to the teenager.
Prosecutors believe that Saman’s family was angered when they learned of her romantic relationship with a boyfriend in Italy. It is alleged that she was killed when she returned to the family home to collect some documents after residing in the vicinity under the custody of social services.
Shabbar Abbas, however, has vehemently denied any involvement in his daughter’s death. Nevertheless, his extradition to Italy will enable the legal proceedings to move forward.
It is noteworthy that Saman’s uncle was also extradited from France to face trial, along with two of her cousins who are implicated in the case.
This tragic incident has shed light on the disputes surrounding arranged marriages and the control exerted by families over young individuals’ lives. The case has garnered international attention and sparked discussions on issues such as forced marriages and the importance of individual autonomy.
As Shabbar Abbas makes his way back to Italy to face trial, many hope that justice will prevail and that this case will serve as a reminder of the urgent need to address and prevent such crimes. The trial will provide an opportunity to examine the complexities surrounding arranged marriages and the rights of individuals caught in these situations.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the world watches closely, hoping for a fair and just resolution for Saman Abbas, whose life was tragically cut short amidst a dispute over her right to choose her own future.
