Honor Killings in Pakistan: A Deep-Rooted Instrument of Gender Based Violence and Social Control

Honor killings represent a grave form of gendered violence, where women are murdered by male relatives under the pretext of preserving family honor. These heinous acts, often carried out by fathers, brothers, or husbands, are sometimes supported by other female family members. The perpetrators are frequently emboldened by weak legal responses, which allow them to evade significant punishment. Such crimes are predominantly committed by young males, exploiting the law’s inadequacies. In some cultures, it is deemed dishonorable to let those who commit honor crimes go unpunished.

In several non-Arab Muslim societies, honor killings persist, erroneously linked to religious beliefs. However, neither the Quran nor Hadith condones these practices; in fact, Islam emphasizes the protection of women’s rights. For instance, countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, with predominantly Muslim populations, have never reported cases of honor killings. These acts stem from tribal customs and are associated with concepts of family lineage and controlling women’s reproductive rights to safeguard family honor.

In Pakistan, women from various backgrounds face harassment and are murdered in the name of honor due to factors such as poverty, illiteracy, tribal affiliations, cultural breakdown, remarriage, religious misinterpretation, and the Jirga system. These women are often targeted for actions deemed dishonorable by society, such as marrying without family consent, paying off debts, or being involved in community disputes. Unfortunately, international human rights reporting on honor crimes is scarce, and perpetrators often escape justice or receive minimal sentences, perpetuating the cycle of violence.

Cultural and societal pressures are key causes of honor killings in Pakistan. Traditions that uphold the notion of family honor often result in women being attacked to restore this so-called honor. This violence is deeply rooted in cultural norms that prioritize family honor over individual freedom. In patriarchal societies like Pakistan, women may be abused or killed for defying societal expectations, reinforcing gender roles, and increasing the likelihood of honor killings when these roles are challenged.

Gender inequality also contributes to the prevalence of honor killings in Pakistan. The practice is justified by deeply ingrained cultural norms that support male dominance over women. These cultural, social, and economic structures exacerbate women’s oppression, limiting their independence and perpetuating a culture of violence.

Efforts to combat honor killings in Pakistan have included legal reforms, such as the 2005 recognition of honor killings as a crime. However, challenges remain in law enforcement and the punishment of offenders. Despite legal advancements, honor killings continue, highlighting the need for comprehensive social and legal reforms to address this deeply rooted issue.

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Recent cases in 2024 illustrate the ongoing struggle against honor killings. For instance, a 22-year-old schoolteacher in Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was killed by her relatives for marrying without their consent. In another case, a 13-year-old girl in Balochistan’s Bolan district was murdered by her father and others in an honor killing. Similar incidents occurred in Pakpattan and Kabirwala, Punjab, where women were brutally killed by their husbands and sons. These cases demonstrate the persistence of honor killings and the urgent need for effective interventions.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan reported 1,961 honor killings from 2004 to 2022, with 2,537 victims, including men, women, and children. The highest incidences were in Punjab and Sindh, with moderate cases in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

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Another tragic incident in Karachi involved a well-educated man who killed his daughter and her friend in the name of honor. While the government has passed laws to prevent honor killings, implementation remains a significant challenge. Cultural and tribal traditions often undermine legal actions, with local jirgas (tribal councils) exacerbating the situation by labeling women as Kari (adulterous).

To combat honor killings, Pakistan must implement robust legal reforms, strengthen law enforcement, and shift public attitudes. Religious scholars in Pakistan have condemned honor killings, asserting that such actions are prohibited in Islamic law.

Currently, Pakistan operates under two justice systems: informal justice systems, including jirgas and village councils, and the formal legal system, encompassing customary, English, and Islamic laws. Although the informal system was declared illegal in 2006, it was practically legalized in 2017, complicating the fight against honor crimes. Legal amendments in 2004 and 2016 sought to address honor crimes, but challenges remain in differentiating these from other forms of homicide and involving families in these crimes.

To end honor killings in Pakistan, profound cultural and legislative changes are necessary. Strong and sustained actions are required to address the root causes, close legal loopholes, and seek justice for victims.
Strategies to Eliminate Honor Killings

1. Legal Reforms:

• Amendment of Laws: Strengthen existing laws to prevent repeat offenses by closing legal gaps and restricting forgiveness processes that allow offenders to escape justice.
• Specialized Courts: Establish specific courts to independently and efficiently try honor killing cases without bias.
• Enforcement: Tighten laws related to honor killings and ensure all involved in the crime are prosecuted and punished.

1. Education and Public Awareness Campaigns:

• Media Campaigns: Use television and newspaper advertisements to raise awareness about the immorality and unlawfulness of honor killings.
• School Curricula: Incorporate teachings on gender equality, human rights, and the consequences of honor killings to instill respect for women from a young age.
• Community Programs: Organize workshops and discussions on the harmful effects of honor killings, involving religious leaders, influential figures, and community members.

1. Empowerment of Women:

• Economic Stability: Provide vocational training, microcredit schemes, and job opportunities for women to empower them economically.
• Education Access: Ensure girls and women have access to education to challenge oppressive norms and promote gender equality.