For the sake of humanity

Harsher punishment has failed to stop honour killing tells a lot about lax implementation of relevant laws

It shocks and pains hearing of honour killing — whether involving men or women — in these modern times when education is accessible to all. It is a serious dichotomy because it indicates the lack of awareness expected in educated societies. The clocks are not in unison. The two clocks are giving widely differing times, the consequences of which are tragic.

Recently, a couple who married of their own free will were fired upon while travelling in a car on the ever-busy Sharea Faisal in Karachi. The husband died in the attack and his wife was wounded. The wife is said to be under treatment for the injuries. The couple, along with some of their relatives, were returning from court where they had gone in connection with an FIR against them. One of the woman’s family members had registered an FIR with the police in Hyderabad accusing the woman’s husband of kidnapping her. The continued killing of women and men for honour in various parts of the country shows the prevalence of a toxic patriarchy with regard to marriage of choice. In several societies, women are considered as a significant protector of family honour, so even perceived departure from tradition on their part invites grave consequences.

According to a study conducted by the Sindh police, around 770 persons, of them 510 women, have been killed in the name of honour between 2014 and 2019 in the province. Even harsher punishment for the inhumane deed prescribed under an amendment made to the anti-crime law in 2016 has failed to work much. The fact that even harsher punishment has failed to stop honour killing tells a lot about the lax implementation of the relevant law. The lack of awareness about the law might be leading some people to take the extreme step of snuffing out human life for the sake of honour. However, ignorance of the law is no excuse. The government should immediately set up a helpline for those in distress.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 18^th, 2021.

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