Mother, brother burn Pakistani woman to death, police say

A young Pakistani woman was burned to death by her mother and brother Wednesday, apparently because she married a man against her family's wishes, police said.

Zeenat Rafique, 18, had eloped and moved away, but returned to her family's home in Lahore because she was under the impression a reconciliation could occur, Punjab police representative Nabeela Ghazanfar said.

But when Rafique arrived, her mother and brother tied her to a bed, poured gasoline and set her on fire, Ghazanfar said. She died on the spot.

"There were marks on the body but I cannot confirm torture because it was burnt. We have to wait for postmortem report," Ghazanfar said.

The mother, Parveen Bibi, turned herself over to authorities and has expressed no sorrow for her actions, police said. She's now in custody.

The brother, Ahmer Rafique, is on the run, police said.

15-year-old Pakistani set on fire

The crimes originate from tribal practices and are often meted out as punishment for behavior viewed as bringing dishonor to a family or village.

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