Jerusalem Post/World NewsAnwar-ul-Haq, the girl’s father, told police that gunmen fired on her. However, police found that ul-Haq, a naturalized US citizen, has organized the killing with his brother-in-law.Follow us on GoogleA protestor carries a poster during a demonstration to protest against femicide, sexual violence and all gender-based violence ahead of the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women, in Valletta, Malta November 23, 2025. (photo credit: DARRIN ZAMMIT LUPI/REUTERS)ByDANIELLE GREYMAN-KENNARDJUNE 22, 2026 17:13Two men were handed life sentences in Pakistan on Saturday after being found guilty of the murder of an American teenager, over fears her “Western” lifestyle would dishonor the family, according to international reports. The 14 year-old victim, Hira Anwar, was killed by her father and uncle in January last year after being lured to Pakistan. Anwar, a New Yorker, was shot to death outside her family home in Quetta.Anwar-ul-Haq, the girl’s father, told police that gunmen fired on her. However, police found that ul-Haq, a naturalized US citizen, has organized the killing with his brother-in-law and both were convicted."Our investigation so far has found that the family had an objection to her dressing, lifestyle, and social gathering," police investigator Zohaib Mohsin told Reuters at the time.A district court in Quetta confirmed that ul-Haw felt his daughter’s clothing, friendships and social media presence were a source of shame, particularly her communication with boys.Judge sentenced the murderers to life in prison, instead of death penaltyA court heard that this shame motivated ul-Haq to convince his relatives to kill his daughter, who traveled to Pakistan believing only that they were enjoying a family vacation.Pakistani pilgrims walk with their belongings after they returned from Iran, following the Israeli strikes in Iran, at the Pakistan-Iran border crossing in Taftan, Pakistan June 19, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/NASEER AHMED)Ul-Haq left his daughter alone in the street, pretending he forgot his phone inside their home, which is when her uncle drove by on a motorcycle and shot her, the court heard.Despite Judge Shahid Javed acknowledging the murder was premeditated, he reduced the sentence from the death penalty, arguing that there was no evidence of a proven motive, the New York Times reported. The men were also fined $715 each.Naveed Qambrani, a lawyer for ul-Haq and Anwar’s uncle Muhammad Tayab, told the American newspaper that they would appeal the verdict, arguing the court’s decision was impacted by external pressures.Over 1,000 women are killed each year in Pakistan at the hands of community or family members over perceived damage to "honor," according to the independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.Reuters contributed to this report.Follow us on Google