In Dera Ghazi Khan (DG Khan), a man was reportedly tied with a rope and thrown into deep water to prove his innocence after being accused of having illicit relations with a woman.
According to media reports, the accused was forced into the water following a decision made by an illegal jirga in a remote area of southwestern Punjab. After remaining underwater for the prescribed duration, the man resurfaced alive.
As per local tribal custom, the accused must stay fully submerged underwater while another person walks 22 steps. If the accused keeps his head underwater for the entire time, he is considered innocent.
Later, a case was registered against nine individuals involved in organizing the illegal jirga.
Such strange and dangerous tribal rituals persist in other parts of the country as well. In Balochistan, for example, some communities follow a custom where the accused must walk across a trail of fire to prove their innocence.
