We need both internal and external control methods to free our society from the clutches of this age-old evil
KARACHI: One of the greatest evils that still prevails in our so-called modern world is the dreaded phenomenon of honour killings. Honour killings have been a part of our society for a long time and there seems to be little effort made to curb this menace.
Honour killings occur in order to save the so-called pride of a family or community. There are those who believe that certain acts bring great dishonour to the whole family and the way to regain their ‘honour’ is to perpetrate murder. One often sees an honour killing case coming to light if a young couple chooses to marry of their own free will, but against the wishes of their family members. There is a twisted mindset prevalent in our society that sees this as an act bringing dishonour to one’s family or community. Every individual has the right to live his or her own life according to his or her own wishes. After reaching adulthood, the family has no right to force young people into marriages or any other act if they are unwilling to do so. If an individual wants to marry of their own accord, the parents should accept their wishes.
It is time that our laws were modified to enable the punishment of those involved in honour killings. These killings need to be roundly condemned and the perpetrators brought to justice so that we can save innocent lives. We need both internal and external control methods to free our society from the clutches of this age-old evil.
Javeria Kamran
Published in The Express Tribune, May 22nd, 2016.
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