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Qandeel Baloch killed by brother: Pak raunchy social media star strangled in apparent 'honour killing'

By FnF Desk | PUBLISHED: 16, Jul 2016, 17:44 pm IST | UPDATED: 17, Jul 2016, 18:34 pm IST

Qandeel Baloch killed by brother: Pak raunchy social media star strangled in apparent 'honour killing' Lahore: Pakistani social media celebrity Qandeel Baloch was strangled in what appeared to be an "honour killing", police said on Saturday, shocking the South Asian nation where she was viewed as a controversial figure.

Baloch's raunchy social media photos challenged social norms in Pakistan, a deeply conservative Muslim country where women are often repressed by their family members or the community.

Pakistan's Punjab Police spokeswoman Nabeela Ghazanfar told Reuters Baloch, whose real name is Fauzia Azeem, was killed in her family home in Multan, a large city in the Punjab province.

"Her father Azeem informed the police that his son Waseem has strangled Qandeel," Ghazanfar said. "Apparently, it is honour killing but further investigations would reveal the real motives behind this murder."

Police were now looking for Waseem, who had disappeared, she added.

Reuters was not immediately able to reach the family.

Local media reported Baloch had struggled to reconcile her family's conservative values with her social media stunts and received frequent threats from the public.

More than 500 people are killed in Pakistan each year in so-called "honour killings", usually carried out by members of the victim's family meting out punishment for bringing "shame" on the community.

Here are 10 empowering quotes by Qandeel Baloch:

1. “I am an inspiration to those ladies who are treated badly by society. I will keep on achieving and I know you will keep on hating.”

2. “No matter how many times I will be pushed down under but I am fighter I will bounce back. Qandeel Baloch is ‘One Women Army’.”

3. “At least international media can see how I am trying to change the typical orthodox mindset of people who don’t want to come out of their shells of false beliefs and old practices.”

4. “I want to give those girls a positive message who have been forcefully married, who continue to sacrifice.”

5. “I will fight for right. I will not give up. I will reach my goal and absolutely nothing will stop me.”

6. “Love me or hate me both are in my favour. If you love me I will always be in your heart and if you hate me I will be in your mind.”

7. “As a woman, we must stand up for ourselves. As a woman, we must stand up for each other.”

8. “If you have a strong will power, definitely, nothing can let you go down.”

9. “It’s time to bring a change because the world is changing. Let’s open our minds and live in present.”

Qandeel Baloch’s ex-husband comes forward with startling claims

10. “I am a modern day feminist. I believe in equality. I need not to choose what type of women should be. I don’t think there is any need to label ourselves just for sake of society.”

Rest in peace, Qandeel.