Spanish prosecutors seek 14-year sentence for father in brutal killing case of Spanish-Pakistani sisters

Spanish prosecutors seek 14-year sentence for father in sisters’ murder case, as shocking details of forced marriage, abuse, and cross-border killing continue to unfold in court.

WEBDESK – MediaBites Crime News

In a major development in the high-profile murder case of two Spanish-Pakistani sisters, prosecutors in Spain have sought a 14-year prison sentence for their father, Ghulam Abbas, over charges linked to forced marriage, abuse, and coercion.

The request was formally submitted on March 10, 2026, as part of ongoing proceedings in a Barcelona court examining crimes committed in Spain prior to the victims’ travel to Pakistan.

The victims, Arooj Abbas, 24, and Aneesa Abbas, 21, were dual Spanish-Pakistani nationals residing in Terrassa near Barcelona. Their case has drawn international attention due to its links to alleged forced marriages, domestic violence, human trafficking, and so-called “honor killing.”

According to the prosecution, Ghulam Abbas is accused of coercing his daughters into marriages with relatives in Pakistan, subjecting them to sustained abuse, and exerting pressure through threats and control.

Two sons are also implicated in the case. Prosecutors have requested a 14-year sentence for Shehryar, who is described as a central figure in the events, while Asfandyar faces an eight-year sentence for a comparatively lesser role.

The court proceedings in Spain are currently limited to offenses that occurred within Spanish jurisdiction, including forced marriage arrangements and alleged abuse. A separate investigation into possible involvement in the killings is ongoing at Spain’s National Court.

Grim background

The case traces back to 2021, when the sisters were allegedly forced into marriages with cousins in Pakistan. Reports indicate they endured strict confinement, physical violence, and intense family pressure while living in Spain.

In May 2022, they were reportedly lured to Pakistan under the pretext of visiting their ill mother. After arriving, tensions escalated when the sisters refused to sponsor visas for their husbands and expressed a desire for divorce.

On May 20, 2022, both women were brutally killed in a village near Gujrat, Punjab. Reports suggest they were beaten, strangled, and shot.

Pakistani authorities arrested six individuals, including the husbands, an uncle, and brother Shehryar. While some initially confessed, all were later acquitted due to lack of evidence and family pardons under local laws.

Legal action in Spain

Ghulam Abbas was arrested in Terrassa in February 2023 and later released on bail, with his passport confiscated and a travel ban imposed.

Spanish courts have split the case into two tracks: one addressing crimes committed in Spain, and another investigating potential complicity in the murders abroad.

The case has reignited debate across Europe on forced marriages, violence in the name of honor, and challenges in delivering justice across borders.

As proceedings continue, the case remains a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by women in coercive family structures — and the complexities of seeking accountability when crimes span multiple jurisdictions.