In Pakistan, honour killing is a pervasive social problem that involves the killing of people, usually women, who are thought to have brought disgrace to their families. Cultural norms and societal expectations regarding gender roles, family honour, and the control of women's behaviour frequently serve as justifications for these killings.
The idea of honour is closely related to women's conduct in a patriarchal society such as Pakistan. Family members may react violently to behaviours that are considered transgressions, such as going to school, selecting a partner, or even experiencing sexual assault, which can have disastrous results. Male family members frequently commit honour killings because they feel that using violence to restore the family's honour is the right thing to do.
Prominent Examples
Norwegian Pakistani girl murdered by her father and uncle in Jhelum: In 2011, a young Lahori woman was killed by her relatives for allegedly turning down an arranged marriage. Before and after her murder, many cases of honour killings were brought to court and covered in the media, which showed the harsh reality of honour killings in Pakistan. Sana Yousaf’s murder provoked indignation and highlighted the necessity of societal and legal changes to safeguard women's rights.
Due to cultural pressures and a desire to keep the family together, many families decide to forgive the offenders
Qandeel Baloch: Known for her daring and provocative online persona, Qandeel Baloch was a social media star and model who may have been one of the most well-known cases in recent years. Her brother killed her in July 2016 after claiming that her behaviour had embarrassed the family. The murder of Qandeel attracted attention from all over the world and sparked conversations about women's rights, social media, and the pressing need for legislative changes to stop honour-based violence.
The Prevention of Anti-Women Practices Act and other laws prohibiting honour killings exist in Pakistan, but they are not strictly enforced. Due to cultural pressures and a desire to keep the family together, many families decide to forgive the offenders. The cycle of violence against women is sustained by the legal loopholes and the social acceptance of these acts.
Honour killings are a serious human rights violation that also speaks to broader social problems with patriarchal control and gender inequality. In addition to a more general cultural shift towards gender equality and women's empowerment, the tragic cases of Sana Yousaf and Qandeel Baloch serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in Pakistan's legal system. To end this horrible practice, it is imperative to advocate for better protections for women, educate communities, and raise awareness.