Relatives arrested in 'honor' killing of Pakistani-origin Italian woman

The police arrested on Tuesday two main suspects in the alleged 'honor' killing of 26-year-old Italian citizen, Sana Cheema, in Gujrat, Punjab.

Her father Ghulam Mustafa and uncle Mazhar Iqbal have been charged and arrested for honour killing of Sana, who was an Italian woman of Pakistani origin, local media reported. Her brother Adnan Mustafa, who is on the run, is yet to be apprehended.

A district and sessions judge issued orders on Tuesday to exhume the Sana's body, which will be done today.

Sana was allegedly murdered by her family for not marrying the relative of their choice. The victim wanted to marry a man in Italy. Her father allegedly conspired with her uncle and brother and killed her on April 18. Her family termed her death 'accidental' and buried her in Mangowal area of District Gujrat.

However, District Police Officer (DPO) Gujjar started an investigation after the news of Sana's death was reported in a local Italian newspaper. Members of the Pakistani community in Italy demanded to know the truth about Sana's death.

The Italian Foreign Ministry says it’s closely following the case and is determined to reach the bottom of the case.