World | Mon Jul 18, 2016 9:06am EDT

Pakistani 'selfie' cleric investigated over Qandeel Baloch's murder

LAHORE, PAKISTAN | BY MUBASHER BUKHARI

A prominent Muslim cleric in Pakistan who was censured for appearing in "selfie" photographs with murdered social media celebrity Qandeel Baloch is being investigated in connection with her killing, police said on Monday.

Baloch, 26, described as Pakistan's Kim Kardashian, divided opinion in the deeply conservative Muslim society with her risqué photos. Her murder on Friday has shocked the country and sparked fresh debate about so-called honor killings.

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"We have decided to widen the scope of the investigation and include Mufti Abdul Qavi in the probe," Azhar Ikram, the police chief in the town of Multan, where Baloch was killed, told Reuters.

Qavi has denied any involvement in Baloch's murder but told Reuters on Monday he would present himself to police for questioning if summoned.

Qavi told media on Saturday Baloch's death should serve as an example for others who tried to malign the clergy, though he also stated that he had "forgiven her".

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