The Ongoing Crisis of Honour Killings in Pakistan
A disturbing video recently went viral in Balochistan, depicting a young couple being brutally murdered by their own family under the guise of “honour.” The footage, which spread rapidly online, highlights an issue that has plagued Pakistan for years. What makes this incident particularly alarming is not just the violence itself, but the fact that it is part of a larger, systemic problem. Every year, thousands of women in Pakistan are killed by their families, often justified as a defense of family dignity and reputation.
In 2024 alone, over 1,000 women were victims of such killings. However, these numbers represent only a fraction of the true scale of the issue, as many cases go unreported or are dismissed as family matters. The persistence of this problem underscores a deep-seated cultural acceptance of violence as a means of control.
Deep-Rooted Cultural Norms
Honour killings are deeply embedded in Pakistan’s social and cultural fabric. They are not merely acts of violence but are often seen as necessary measures to maintain the family’s status and respect within the community. Women who challenge traditional roles—whether through their choices, relationships, or behavior—are often perceived as threats to the family’s honour. This mindset leads to extreme actions, with some families resorting to murder to restore what they believe is lost.
Historical figures like Qandeel Baloch and Sana Yousaf have become symbols of this tragic reality. Their stories, though widely known, are just a few among countless others whose names never reach the public eye. These women were victims of a system that prioritizes societal norms over individual rights and freedoms.
Legal Framework and Its Limitations
Pakistan has attempted to address the issue through legal reforms. In 2016, the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act was introduced to close the “pardon loophole,” which allowed family members to forgive the murderer. Despite this, enforcement remains weak. The case of Qandeel Baloch exemplifies this failure. Her brother, who was convicted of her murder, was later released due to family intervention. This outcome reflects a broader pattern where the justice system fails to protect women and hold perpetrators accountable.
The problem is not solely with the law but with the cultural acceptance of violence. A 2019 Gallup poll revealed that nearly half of Pakistanis believe that killing a woman to protect family honour is justifiable under certain circumstances. This belief is not limited to rural areas; it is also present in urban centers, indicating that the issue is widespread and deeply ingrained.
Government Inaction and Public Response
Despite the prevalence of honour killings, the Pakistani government has failed to implement meaningful reforms. After each incident, there is a predictable cycle of condolences, statements, and promises of change. However, these gestures are often followed by silence, highlighting the state’s inability—or unwillingness—to address the root causes of the problem.
Political leaders rarely confront the cultural norms that enable these crimes. Instead, they focus on surface-level solutions while ignoring the deeper issues that perpetuate the cycle of violence. This inaction sends a clear message: the state does not take the issue seriously.
Pathways to Change
To combat this crisis, Pakistan must take decisive action. One critical step is abolishing the Qisas and Diyat provisions in cases of honour killings. These laws allow families to pardon murderers, effectively granting them immunity. By removing this provision, the legal system can ensure that no family can escape accountability.
Establishing fast-track courts to handle these cases would also be essential. These courts could provide quicker justice and reduce the likelihood of delays or interventions that undermine the process. However, legal reforms alone are not enough. Changing the culture that sanctions these killings is equally important.
Public campaigns aimed at challenging patriarchal norms and promoting gender equality can help shift societal attitudes. Strengthening protections for women, including better access to legal support and safe spaces, is also crucial. Most importantly, the government must enforce existing laws and hold perpetrators accountable.
Conclusion
There is no honour in honour killings. These acts of violence are not about protecting dignity but about controlling women and maintaining outdated power structures. For Pakistan to be a true republic, it must reject these practices and commit to real change. Only then can the country move toward a future where every individual, regardless of gender, is valued and protected.
