Remembering murder victim Shafilea Ahmed on 36th birthday

Today, Thursday, July 14, would have been Shafilea Ahmed’s 36th birthday.

The teenager was tragically murdered by her own parents in front of her siblings at the family’s home in Great Sankey in 2003.

Since 2015, July 14 has also been the National Day of Memory for victims of honour-based abuse.

Charity Karma Nirvana established the commemoration to ensure that people like former Great Sankey High School and Priestley College student Shafilea will not be forgotten.

Founder Jasvinder Sanghera said last year: “Like many, she had ambitions to be educated, independent and go to university.

“But unlike most teenagers, her parents murdered her as such ambition was deemed dishonourable.

Police searching the Ahmeds' home on Liverpool Road

“Had she lived, Shafilea would now be qualified as a lawyer and enjoying life in her mid-30s.

“Shafilea repeatedly refused an arranged marriage. The violence meted out by her parents escalated months before her death. Ultimately, she was killed for her resistance.

“I campaigned for this day for all to raise awareness and for us never to forget.”

Shafilea was suffocated to death 18 years ago after having a plastic bag forced down her throat, with her body discovered in the Lake District five months later.

In 2012, her mother and father, Farzana and Iftikhar Ahmed, were convicted of her murder, and each jailed for a minimum of 25 years.

The couple had believed that their daughter was becoming ‘too westernised’ and were angered that she had refused a forced marriage to her cousin in Pakistan.

John Dwyer, police and crime commissioner for Cheshire, also urged any victims of similar abuse to come forward.

Farzana and Iftikhar Ahmed were jailed for her murder

He said: “It is estimated that there are 12 honour killings each year in the UK, although the exact number is unknown. No victim of crime should feel like they are alone.

“So today, on what would have been Shafilea Ahmed’s 36th birthday, I want to encourage anyone who is experiencing abuse to speak out.

“There are support networks available to help victims and survivors, but if there is an immediate risk to life, then 999 should be people’s first port of call.

“No one should fear living their life how they want to and be denied the freedoms that many of us take for granted.

“So-called honour-based violence is often referred to as a hidden crime, and if you feel that someone you know might be at risk, please report it.

“I am committed to working with the chief constable to ensure we will continue to have a police service that is there to protect and serve everyone, especially those who are at risk of harm.”