Out in force: Civil society condemns Qandeel Baloch’s murder

Say issue such as honour killings must be highlighted through positive debates

PESHAWAR: Civil society activists strongly condemned the brutal killing of Qandeel Baloch in Multan, at the hands of her brother, in the name of honour.

They protested outside the Peshawar Press Club, holding placards against honour killing. The participants asked the government to take effective measures and protect the rights of women.

“No civilised society would allow such a gruesome murder,” head of Pakhtunkhwa Civil Society Taimur Kamal said. He added dozens of women were killed and the attitude of officials compelled them to come on the roads.

He added the government had not passed even a single bill for the protection of women during its three-year tenure.”

On the occasion, head of Blue Veins, Qamar Naseem, said Qisas (retribution) and Diyat (blood money) laws should also be amended so that the people committing honour killings do not escape punishment.

“More laws should be framed at both the provincial and federal levels to protect women against killings in the name of honour.”

He added the voice of women should not be suppressed.

Similarly, Shahida Shah of Khwendo Kor added that the killing of a human being cannot be justified under any norm or principle. She said the issue must be highlighted through positive debates as with the passage of time, incidents of honour killing were increasing.

Social activist Sana Ijaz said every individual should have the freedom of expression. “Qandeel challenged social and cultural taboos and was a brave soul who never stopped expressing her views on the media.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 17^th, 2016.