HRCP ‘appalled’ by killing of Mansehra girl

Commission highlights state's failure to rein in SC’s 2019 ruling that declares jirga unconstitutional

LAHORE:

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) is “appalled” by the recent “honour” killing of a young girl in Mansehra.
The girl was allegedly killed by her family members after a video featuring her went viral on social media.

The fact that the murder was sanctioned by a local jirga in Kohistan is a harrowing reminder that violence against women remains deeply accepted in Pakistan, the HRCP said in a statement.

Read more Father of girl killed for ‘honour’ arrested

The commission noted that the state had failed to rein in antiquated means of so-called justice despite the Supreme Court's 2019 ruling that jirga decisions were illegal and unconstitutional.

Hailing the arrests of the perpetrator, suspected accomplices and three members of the Jirga, the HRCP urged the state to ensure that solid evidence was collected against the accused and no provision was left for blood money.

The commission demanded security for others featured in the video, including a girl who returned to her family and boys who had gone into hiding.