Every year, hundreds of women in Pakistan fall victim to ‘honor killings,’ crimes rooted in deeply ingrained patriarchal traditions. These acts of violence often stem from accusations that a woman has dishonored her family, whether through an extramarital affair, premarital pregnancy, or perceived disrespect to family honor. The issue has long been a topic of debate within Pakistan, with activists and human rights groups repeatedly calling for stronger legal reforms and greater societal awareness.
A recent report by Deutsche Welle (DW) highlighted the grim reality of these crimes by accompanying a women’s rights activist to a graveyard in Sindh province, where the bodies of several ‘honor killing’ victims are buried. The site is a silent testament to the systemic issue of gender-based violence in the country, with families often reporting the deaths to authorities under the guise of ‘accidental’ or ‘intentional’ self-defense. Activists say the lack of accountability and the stigma surrounding these cases make it difficult to secure justice for the victims.
Despite growing international attention and calls for legal reform, the issue persists. In 2019, the Pakistani government passed a law criminalizing ‘honor killings,’ but implementation remains weak. Many victims’ families are reluctant to report the crimes, fearing ostracization or retaliation, while the justice system is often too slow or biased to ensure meaningful change. Women’s rights organizations, however, continue to push for awareness, education, and legal reforms to end this cycle of violence.