HONOUR killing involves the murder of a female by male relatives who claim the victim has brought shame to the family. These acts are often underreported, but it’s estimated that about 5,000 women die annually for reasons of honour. These crimes happen globally, across various religions and cultures.
In June 2024 alone, multiple honour killings occurred across Pakistan, highlighting the severe disadvantages faced by women, who make up 51% of the population. Notable cases reported include: on June 9, 2024, in Mardan district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a 22-year-old female school teacher was killed in an honour crime for entering a court marriage. She was dragged out of a car and murdered in the Tazagram area. The perpetrators fled and are currently evading capture.
On June 21, 2024, in Balochistan’s Bolan district, a 13-year-old girl was killed by her father, Hasil Khan, and his accomplices in an honour killing. Machh police reported that a 15-year-old boy, Rab Nawaz, narrowly escaped but was injured with neck wounds. In Pakpattan’s Shahid Nagar, a man named Tayyab fatally slit his wife Kiran’s throat in an honour killing. Married for five years and father to three children, Tayyab was apprehended while trying to escape. Stringent measures are being taken against violence towards women following orders from the Punjab Chief Minister and Inspector General of Police.
Another tragic incident occurred on June 21, 2024, in Kabirwala Tehsil, Khanewal District, Punjab, where a son allegedly committed an honour killing by shooting his mother and three sisters in Mauza Ukanwala. On June 22, 2024, in Punjab’s Sialkot district, a husband named Mujtaba stabbed his wife and daughter to death in the name of honour. The incident occurred in Puki Kotli within the Sadar Police Station limits.
While these cases are recent, similar incidents occur annually. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province, Balochistan, and some areas of Punjab, nearly half of the estimated 1,000 women killed in the name of honour each year are from these regions, contributing significantly to global statistics. Educating women about their rights and national and religious laws is crucial for their protection. A study by a Pakistani NGO on honour killings revealed that 95% of the victims were either uneducated or unaware of their rights. Addressing this lack of awareness is essential in preventing future tragedies.
—The writer is associated with the University of Poonch, Rawalakot, AJK.
