Popular Pakistani Singer Allegedly Murdered by Her Family
- Posted on May 4th 2009 4:00PM by Benjy Eisen
- Comments (543)
A singer-songwriter from Peshawar, Pakistan was allegedly murdered by her family, according to the Times Online. Ayman Udas' death, which her husband of only ten days is claiming was at the hand of her brothers, is being taken as a political statement in this conservative region that has seen a steady increase of Islamic fundamentalism.Udas sang in her native tongue (Pashto), winning acclaim and appearances on the state-run television channel PTV. You can watch one of her music videos here. Her family disapproved of her career and of her TV appearances, believing them both to be sinful.
It is not uncommon for popular artists (or comedians) in the region to receive death threats, and many have fled to more accepting, safer areas of the country or of the world.
Udas was in her early 30's, and married with two children. It is believed that her brothers broke into her apartment when she was there alone and shot her three times in the chest.
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Reader Comments(1 of 28)
Frankat 5-04-2009
Stupid ! Nothing like a religion to keep you down.
schmidtpropertyat 5-04-2009
Islam is suppose to be a non-violent religion? Why is there not an outcry from the so called peaceful Muslims.
Honor killings happen on an almost daily basis.Is it not the Muslims setting off car bombs and blowing themselves up ? When is the last time a Christian did something like this? We in America better wake up before we end up like Great Btittain or Europe. I am proud to live in this Democracy. If Obama doesn't turn us into a Socialist country. He is sure trying.
rncdiamondat 5-04-2009
Most religions embrace talent, not murder for it.
topflyt853at 5-04-2009
Do you have a religion? There are many in the middle east who die because of their religious beliefs.
It's sad that her brothers didn't think enough about their sister and more about how it looks to the family.
The culture is so much different there than her in the U.S.
Abbyat 5-04-2009
Islam is a peaceful religion. There are few who take what the Qur'an says and turns it into something bad. The only reason that people think that Islam is violent is because when violent things happen in Islam, it gets reported and the whole religion is punished. This is one of those instances where someone took the Qur'an to mean something violent and thus people are blaming the entire religion.
dd2ggat 5-05-2009
schmidtproperty,
The majority of Muslims are loving, peaceable people. Yet they can't protest or they'll be killed too. The militants have stripped the beauty and the rich spirituality from a faith practiced worldwide.
The Judgment Day will come too for the militant criminals too.
Elizabeth, nice quote.
Ijuswonasengat 5-05-2009
schmidtproperty:
If a people kill there own selves for the sake of their belief wy the surprise when they kill others?
There is no centralised Islamic leadership, so out-cry can only come from individuals. Sadly those brave enough may face the same fate...I know Christians aren't perfect but I'm glad I can believe and be of a different denomination in Christianity without the fear of puritanical persicution!
Janelleat 5-05-2009
Let me tell you that Islamic radicals are a radical form of being Muslim. Just like, oh lets say, David Koresch of Texas or Timothy McVeigh of the Oklahoma City bombings. Do you remember THOSE radical "Christians?" And, then there are the "not so radical" Christians that did no mass killings like "BTK"-Dennis Rader, Jeffrey Dahmer or even Jack The Ripper. They all professed Christianity. It just so happens that believing in radical Islamic, violence is more accepted. Yes, the radical Islamic terrorists and killers should be removed from this earth. But so should the radical so-called gang members and serial killers HERE in the USA who ALL say they are Christian and believe in Jesus Christ. But, Obama, and the rest of the 700 million Muslims in this world do NOT deserve persecution from anyone - nor do we Christians deserve it either. So, until you learn about other religions and beliefs, it just goes to show how ignorance and fear can start wars and kill even more people. It is always better to tolerate and understand than to persecute and remain ignorant! Here is a scripture from the Quran I found:
"Those who believe (in the Quran), and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures), and the Christians...and (all) who believe in their God and the last day and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve." The Qur'an, 2:62
Now does that sound like we should hate them ALL?
usaf1832at 5-06-2009
I find it amazing that we Americans always express our outrage about someone else's culture or religion and the different situations that men and women are subjected to in those particular cultures and religions. We don't have to go far to see comparable issues within our own culture and religious organizations that include human rights abuses, domestic violence, murder, rape, etc. Before we expend so much energy and verbage critizing another country's culture and religion, let us evaluate and correct our own. Quite frankly, we as Americans need to quiet our outrage and cleanup our own home.............
ccc530at 5-06-2009
It's not a religion. It's the biggest cult in the world!
Glenn20at 5-06-2009
Janelle, You are missing the whole point. Timothy McVeigh, "BTK"-Dennis Rader, Jeffrey Dahmer & Jack The Ripper didn't kill because of religion. They just happen to be killers, regardless of what religion they are. This article is about people who kill in the name of their religion. They believe they are acting as an instrument of their God.
jgijim4uat 5-06-2009
Janelle, you are a simple-minded idiot. Jeffrey Dahmer, BTK murderer, Jack the Ripper, etc. did not kill in the name of religion. Don't overlook the obvious if you're going to try to make sense.
wiggumat 5-06-2009
religion is the biggest scam ever!!! sheesh
VMISSVICKIEat 5-06-2009
I find it amazing that you would make a comment about religion when it wasnt even mentioned in the article. Put the blame where it needs to be. Her death was caused by two family members who are evil. India and other cultures are known for women being submissive to men in all areas. Don't judge other religions by your ignorance to lump all of them together.
Ilyas Iqbalat 5-06-2009
I'm living in Linkoping, Sweden and used to hear rape cases approximately on daily basis which are done by swedish men. and it is is the only story about one city, just imagine how many would there be. And none of them come on the stage (i'm news papers).
This is a propaganda to demoralize/disrespect the Muslim Nation specially Pakistanis, infront of whole world and those people are accomplishing their goals.
Open your Brain, Open your mouth, Don't you see!
KJAVEDat 5-06-2009
Its sad to know most of the people who say things about islam dont even know about islam .. according to human rights report usa having more rape cases and domestic voilance more than rest of civilzed countries of world .. they are also involve in human traffickling cases on very large scale .. they are on top of list !! girls from europe thailand china are bringing into usa to become prostitutes forced by human smugglers
sufalamat 5-06-2009
Why would u relate cultural norms and doings of individual people with religion...Christians had the Crusades, but Christianity is supposed to "peaceful", which BTW it is...Research, Read and Decide for yourself and not let ur opinions be influenced by the media or anyone else. After all we think we r superior and live in one of the most educated country.
midsouthsunnyat 5-06-2009
JESUS CHRIST THE FOUNDER OF CHRISTIANITY WAS A TRUE BLUE SOCIALIST, GO OBAMA FOR TRYING TO BE LIKE HIM.
greywolfjlcat 5-06-2009
the last time i checked christians, or one of the million forms of christians, were molesting teen girls on a ranch somewhere in texas. if that's not a good enough christian example, then wait five minutes for a "new and revised" addition to the religion, i'm sure something will come up. by the way, how is it exactly, that one could revise the word of god? i guess you'd have to be christian to know.
ps don't lash out on me if you're one of those christians that's only christian when muslims behave badly, or when it's christmas of course. cuz even i'm christian for christmas!
Mariana Malwitzat 5-06-2009
It is not right for family members to kill each other over doing something that is not approved by them. What is this world coming to? We need to come to our senses before the world gets into war with itself.