Honour killings

Within a week, two women were killed in separate incidents of honour killing. The first incident occurred in Rawalpindi when suspects opened fire on a couple who tied the knot a few months ago. The police claimed that the woman’s relatives were involved in the incident. The second woman was allegedly murdered by her father-in-law in Dijkot following a quarrel over her not having children. Unsurprisingly, those involved in honour killings are seldom convicted or sentenced because families want to avoid further conflict within their families or are complicit in the murder, which is why the practice is still plaguing our society.

Earlier this year, Qandeel Baloch’s brother Waleed Khan who was convicted of her murder was acquitted by a high court, which came as a shock to those who campaigned for justice for Baloch. It is worth mentioning that following Baloch’s murder in 2016, the Criminal Law (Amendment) (Offences in the name or pretext of Honour) Act, 2016 was passed. However, Baloch’s case and several others over the years have revealed loopholes within the laws that offer leeway to the perpetrators. As of 2021, nearly 470 cases of honour killing were reported to the police. However, the actual number could be higher as many cases go unreported.

All this talk of women empowerment is futile until the law does not protect women. The laws should be revised and strengthened to ensure that perpetrators are punished, and the victims and their families remain safe. Survivors of domestic violence should be offered support through shelters and rehabilitation programmes. More importantly, those at the helm of affairs must work on dismantling the structures and changing the mindsets that condone honour killings. The police forces in all the provinces should be trained to deal with domestic violence and familial dispute cases as they can play a vital role in averting the risks faced by victims early on.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 29^th, 2022.

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