📖 Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What Are Honor Killings?
- Historical and Cultural Roots
- Honor Killings and Islam
- Global Cases of Honor Killings
- Pakistani Laws Against Honor Killings
- PLJ 2024 Cr.C. 1083: A Landmark Judgment
- Steps to Eradicate Honor Killings
- Conclusion
📌 Introduction
Honor killings in Pakistan remain one of the most horrific violations of human rights. These acts are carried out under the false pretense of preserving family “honor” and are rooted in patriarchal and cultural beliefs. Victims—mostly women—are murdered for defying social norms such as choosing a spouse or expressing independence. Despite religious and legal condemnation, these crimes continue. This article explains what honor killings are, debunks religious myths, and outlines a multi-level strategy to eliminate them.
⚖️ What Are Honor Killings?
Honor killings in Pakistan, also referred to as honor-based violence, involve the murder of a family member—most often a woman—by close male relatives. These acts are committed when a woman is believed to have brought “shame” or “dishonor” upon the family.
Common reasons behind honor killings in Pakistan include:
- Choosing one’s own spouse
- Seeking divorce or separation
- Dressing outside traditional norms
- Using social media freely
- Alleged premarital relationships or associations
In many cases, these killings are not only concealed but also justified through tribal traditions and cultural practices, despite being illegal and un-Islamic. The persistence of such crimes highlights deep-rooted patriarchal beliefs and a failure to uphold the rule of law.
🏛️ Historical and Cultural Roots
The concept of honor killings predates modern civilization. In ancient Greece, Rome, and medieval societies, women were viewed as family property, and their actions linked directly to a family’s reputation.
In many tribal societies, especially across the Middle East and South Asia, these practices were integrated into cultural codes. The patriarchal structure made it acceptable—even honorable—for men to “cleanse” dishonor through violence.
Unfortunately, these outdated beliefs continue to impact modern legal and social systems.
🕌 Honor Killings and Islam
❌ Islam does NOT allow honor killings.
Contrary to what many claim, Islamic teachings strictly forbid murder and protect the dignity of both men and women.
🔖 Qur’anic Principles:
- Sanctity of Life: “If anyone kills a person…it would be as if he killed all of mankind.” – Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:32)
- Due Process:
Punishment for adultery requires four eyewitnesses (Surah An-Nur 24:4).
Honor killings skip this process and are therefore un-Islamic. - No Vigilantism:
Islam does not allow personal revenge. Justice must come through courts.
🕌 Fatwas Against Honor Killings:
Renowned Islamic scholars and institutions like Al-Azhar, Jamia Ashrafia, and Darul Uloom have condemned honor killings as anti-Islamic. They urge Muslims to uphold justice, patience, and compassion—not violence.
🌍 Global Cases of Honor Killings
| Victim | Country | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Qandeel Baloch | Pakistan | Social media activist killed by brother (2016) |
| Zeenat Rafiq | Pakistan | Married by choice, burned by family (2016) |
| Banaz Mahmod | UK | Murdered by Kurdish family (2006) |
| Shafilea Ahmed | UK | Killed by parents for being “too Western” (2003) |
| Amina and Sarah Said | USA | Egyptian-American sisters killed by father |
| Hina Saleem | Italy | Pakistani-Italian murdered by father (2006) |
| Noor Al-Maleki | USA | Killed by Iraqi-American father |
| Sandeela Kanwal | Pakistan | Strangled by father for marrying by choice (2016) |
📜 Pakistani Laws Against Honor Killings
Pakistan has introduced several laws aimed at curbing honor-based violence:
🔸 Anti-Honor Killing Law (2016)
- Treats honor killings as premeditated murder
- Family pardons are no longer acceptable
- Offenders face life imprisonment
🔸 Pakistan Penal Code (Section 302)
- Murder, including honor killing, is punishable by death or life imprisonment.
🔸 Other Laws:
- Qisas and Diyat Law (1990)
- Criminal Law (Amendment) Act (2004)
- Women Protection Bill (2006)
- Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (2012)
❗ Challenges:
- Weak law enforcement
- Cultural pressure
- Judicial delays
- Corruption
📚 PLJ 2024 Cr.C. 1083: A Landmark Judgment
In this powerful case, the court declared:
“There is no honor in killing. True honor lies in upholding justice and protecting life.”
The judgment condemned the misuse of “honor” to justify murder. It reaffirmed:
- The right to life
- The rule of law
- The immorality of honor-based violence
This case stands as a legal and moral beacon against honor killings.
✅ Steps to Eradicate Honor Killings
To eliminate honor killings, we need a holistic approach involving law, society, religion, and education.
1. Legal Reforms
- Remove loopholes in Qisas & Diyat laws
- Classify honor killing as non-compoundable murder
- Ensure swift trials and punishments
2. Access to Justice
- Provide shelters, legal aid, and hotlines
- Support NGOs and women’s protection networks
- Launch witness protection programs
3. Education and Awareness
- Public campaigns against honor violence
- Teach rights of women in Islam and law
- Involve men and boys in awareness efforts
4. Religious Engagement
- Religious scholars must publicly condemn honor killings
- Community-level khutbas (sermons) and talks
5. Women Empowerment
- Increase female literacy and employment
- Encourage women’s representation in politics and law
6. Community Programs
- Engage tribal elders and local leaders
- Promote non-violent conflict resolution
7. Media & Social Media Role
- Use television and online platforms to:
- Challenge myths
- Share survivor stories
- Broadcast court rulings
8. Research and Data
- Conduct national surveys on honor violence
- Track prosecution and conviction rates
- Use data to guide policy and funding
9. International Support
- Partner with UN Women, HRCP, and other organizations
- Learn from best practices globally
🏁 Conclusion
Honor killings in Pakistan are neither justified by religion nor acceptable by law. They are a brutal legacy of patriarchy and ignorance. Islam strictly forbids personal revenge and protects the sanctity of life. Pakistan’s legal system has evolved to address honor crimes, but implementation and societal change are urgently needed.
True honor lies in protecting life, not taking it.
To end honor killings, we must act collectively—through law, education, faith, and empathy.
🖼️ Image Alt Text Suggestions
- Image: Protestors holding “Stop Honor Killings” placards
Alt Text: “Public protest in Pakistan against honor killings” - Image: Gavel and Quran on a courtroom desk
Alt Text: “Islam and justice against honor-based violence” - Image: Portrait of Qandeel Baloch
Alt Text: “Qandeel Baloch honor killing case in Pakistan”
🔗 Internal Links Suggestions
- Pakistan Penal Code
- Women Protection Act 2006
- Anti-Honor Killing Law Summary
- [PLJ 2024 Cr.C. 1083 Full Text (if hosted)]