Outrage over Pakistani killing

Sharif told Punjab state's government on Thursday to submit a report within hours on the beating which took place on Tuesday. Hundreds of so-called "honor killings" are exacted each year in Pakistan, according to human rights activists.

Farzana Iqbal was beaten to death by brick-wielding assailants, including her brother and father, outside the city's court complex in broad daylight.

She had been due to testify for her husband Muhammed Iqbal that their marriage was genuine. Relatives had instead accused him of forcing her into marriage. The had taken offense at her marrying Iqbal instead of a cousin arranged for her.

The 25-year-old Farzana was three months' pregnant.

Sharif demands 'immediate' report

Prime Minister Sharif said Thursday he had directed his brother Shahbaz, who is Punjab's Chief Minister, to "take immediate action" to probe the fatal beating.

Iqbal (pictured) said police did nothing during the 15-minute outrage outside the complex - one of Pakistan's top courts - which lies on one of Lahore's busiest roads.

Iqbal said he begged police to save her, but they replied: "this is not our duty."

Farzana's lawyer said her family had tried to kill her on May 12 when she visited his office. The lawyer, Rai Ghulan Mustafa, said colleagues fought them off.

UN's Pillay demands end to practice

From Geneva, the UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay condemned the killing and called on Pakistan to put an end to "honor killings."

Pakistan's own Human Rights Commission said that reported instances of the practice led last year to the deaths of 869 women. The true level was probably far higher.

ipj/msh (Reuters, AFP)