British couple shot dead in Pakistan in suspected honour killing - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

A Pakistani-origin British couple hailing from Birmingham has been shot dead in Pakistan in a suspected honour killing. Gul Wazir, a taxi driver from Alum Rock in Birmingham , and his family had travelled to Salehana village in Pakistan 's Nowshera province to resolve a dispute over their daughter's arranged marriage. Wazir's daughter was reportedly due to marry a man in Pakistan , but she later decided to call off the wedding. The bridegroom went crazy and gunned down Wazir and his wife. It is believed that the couple's son was also hurt in the attack. West Midlands Police confirmed the deaths, and said that Pakistani authorities were carrying out an inquiry. "The murder inquiry is being carried out by the authorities in Pakistan and we will support their investigation as and when required," The BBC quoted a West Midlands Police statement, as saying. Khalid Mahmood, MP for Perry Barr in Birmingham , said that he was "shocked" and "disappointed" after the incident. "Honour killing is absolutely absurd in this day and age. Parents living in Britain should ensure their children understand the seriousness of rejecting a potential suitor from abroad," Mahmood said. "If the child refuses the marriage it's seen as an insult. I think people need to realise that if they want to continue their ties with their relatives in Pakistan , India , Bangladesh , they need to be aware of the extent, when their children aren't overly enthusiastic, that the family overseas will feel they're being slighted," he added.