Families refuse to file elopement cases in K-P
Most cases involving young girls are registered as kidnappings
Enraged by people who encourage honour killings, he said elders of a family remain silent when their daughters and sisters are not given equal parts in property, but their preoccupation with honour suddenly reawaken over a love marriage. PHOTO: REUTERS
PESHAWAR:
A number of honour killing cases have been witnessed over the past few months. At the same time, there has also been a rise in elopements, but most of these incidents are reported by the family as kidnapping cases.
Over 2,000 cases of kidnapping of women were reported in the past two-and-a-half years, but most of them were actually elopement cases. However, in order to save face, relatives register the cases under Section 365(b) of the Pakistan Penal Code.
11-year-old given as vani for brother's crime
A majority of the girls who elope are under the age of 18 and hope to run away and lead a happy life with their other half. However, many of them risk their lives in doing so.
A police official said the force receives such cases in which a couple is tricked into thinking it has been forgiven. However, the boy and girl are killed in the name of honour once they return home.
According to a document of the Central Police Office, available with The Express Tribune, around 2,070 cases of kidnapping were reported across the province between January 2014 and July 20. The actual number may, in fact, be higher, but many of the incidents are not reported by the family.
The cases registered under Section 365(b) at police stations show a majority of them involve young people.
Most cases were reported in Hazara Division where 276 related to kidnapping and elopement were reported in Abbottabad, followed by 281 in Mansehra. In addition, 178 cases were registered in Shawar, 164 in DI Khan, 161 in Mardan, 109 in Swabi, 106 in Haripur, 105 in Karak, 98 in Lakki Marwat, 90 in Charsadda, 24 in Swat, 57 in Nowshera, 44 in Kohat, 11 in Hangu, 54 in Battagram, two in Kohistan, seven in Torghar, 74 in Bannu, 56 in Tank, 20 in Shangla, 36 in Buner, 35 in Lower Dir, 12 in Upper Dir and 40 in Chitral.
However, the relevant authorities are unaware of how many people or couples were killed in the name of honour. However, an analysis of the data and recent incidents indicated that couples were indeed being murdered for that very reason. The information also explained that the largest number of girls who elope are under the age of 18. Many such incidents result in years-long disputes and bloody feuds.
Honour killing: Jirga ordered girl’s murder for helping friend elope, says police
The kidnappings of women and honour killings take place in such societies in which customs are more powerful than the law, remarked Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Co-chairperson Kamran Arif.
In many incidents, the cases are decided by jirgas and the government seems to turn a blind eye to such activities and its responsibility of protecting citizens. He urged the relevant authorities to spread awareness, saying there is no harm in a love marriage and elders must accept the choices of their children.
Enraged by people who encourage honour killings, he said elders of a family remain silent when their daughters and sisters are not given equal parts in property, but their preoccupation with honour suddenly reawaken over a love marriage.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 25th, 2016.
A number of honour killing cases have been witnessed over the past few months. At the same time, there has also been a rise in elopements, but most of these incidents are reported by the family as kidnapping cases.
Over 2,000 cases of kidnapping of women were reported in the past two-and-a-half years, but most of them were actually elopement cases. However, in order to save face, relatives register the cases under Section 365(b) of the Pakistan Penal Code.
11-year-old given as vani for brother's crime
A majority of the girls who elope are under the age of 18 and hope to run away and lead a happy life with their other half. However, many of them risk their lives in doing so.
A police official said the force receives such cases in which a couple is tricked into thinking it has been forgiven. However, the boy and girl are killed in the name of honour once they return home.
According to a document of the Central Police Office, available with The Express Tribune, around 2,070 cases of kidnapping were reported across the province between January 2014 and July 20. The actual number may, in fact, be higher, but many of the incidents are not reported by the family.
The cases registered under Section 365(b) at police stations show a majority of them involve young people.
Most cases were reported in Hazara Division where 276 related to kidnapping and elopement were reported in Abbottabad, followed by 281 in Mansehra. In addition, 178 cases were registered in Shawar, 164 in DI Khan, 161 in Mardan, 109 in Swabi, 106 in Haripur, 105 in Karak, 98 in Lakki Marwat, 90 in Charsadda, 24 in Swat, 57 in Nowshera, 44 in Kohat, 11 in Hangu, 54 in Battagram, two in Kohistan, seven in Torghar, 74 in Bannu, 56 in Tank, 20 in Shangla, 36 in Buner, 35 in Lower Dir, 12 in Upper Dir and 40 in Chitral.
However, the relevant authorities are unaware of how many people or couples were killed in the name of honour. However, an analysis of the data and recent incidents indicated that couples were indeed being murdered for that very reason. The information also explained that the largest number of girls who elope are under the age of 18. Many such incidents result in years-long disputes and bloody feuds.
Honour killing: Jirga ordered girl’s murder for helping friend elope, says police
The kidnappings of women and honour killings take place in such societies in which customs are more powerful than the law, remarked Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Co-chairperson Kamran Arif.
In many incidents, the cases are decided by jirgas and the government seems to turn a blind eye to such activities and its responsibility of protecting citizens. He urged the relevant authorities to spread awareness, saying there is no harm in a love marriage and elders must accept the choices of their children.
Enraged by people who encourage honour killings, he said elders of a family remain silent when their daughters and sisters are not given equal parts in property, but their preoccupation with honour suddenly reawaken over a love marriage.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 25th, 2016.