KARACHI:
Last year, several honour killings were reported within Sindh. At least 152 women and 65 men were killed in the name of family honour. Honour killing is an inhumane practice that takes place around the world. In Sindh and other parts of Pakistan, the victims are usually young women who are subjected to violence, torture, and ultimately killed to protect family honour. The practice is a grave violation of human rights and a stain on the moral fabric of our society.
Honour killing is a country-wide problem. Thus, the federal and provincial governments should fulfil their responsibility of protecting the lives and rights of all citizens regardless of their gender or social status. This includes taking decisive action to prevent honour killings and punish the culprits. The legal framework to protect women’s rights should be strengthened and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) must be directed to support women in lodging complaints. LEAs officials and judicial authorities should be trained and sensitised to investigate and prosecute honour killing cases.
The cultural norms and values that perpetuate honour killings and other oppressive practices need to be dismantled through education and awareness initiatives. Perhaps, the relevant government departments can work with local clerics, non-governmental and community organisations, and education institutes to promote respect, compassion, and gender equality. In addition, victims of domestic violence and abuse must be provided with rehabilitation services and legal protection to ensure their safety and well-being. The government must take swift and stringent action to put an end to this barbaric and illegal practice once and for all.
Pardeep Kumar
Tando Jam
Published in The Express Tribune, March 25th, 2023.
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