A Pakistan court on Thursday rejected a request made by the parents of social media star Qandeel Baloch to pardon her brothers, who are accused of killing her.
Fouzia Azeem, better known as Baloch, was strangled to death at her home in Multan, Punjab province, on July 15, 2016 by her brother Waseem Azeem.
Waseem later confessed to have killed his 26-year-old sister because she brought "disrepute" to the "family's honour" with her "risque videos and statements posted on social media".
Her brother Aslam Shaheen was also an accused in the case, which attracted much global attention.
On Wednesday, Qandeel's parents -- Muhammad Azeem and Anwar Bibi -- who are complainant in this case, submitted an affidavit in a Multan court, stating that they have forgiven her alleged murderers and asked the court to acquit them.
They also backtracked from their earlier statement that Qandeel was killed in the name of honour.
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On Thursday, Multan Sessions Court judge Imran Sharif dismissed the parent's plea, observing that the "court no longer accepts pardon or reconciliation in honour killing cases".
He said the trial will proceed as per law. The case is pending in the court for the last three years and a total six suspects are facing the trial.
The judge also asked Qandeel's father if he has pardoned the other four suspects as well, to which Muhammad replied, "No. I have only pardoned my two sons and want the court punish the other suspects."