Colombo, March 15: Honor killings continue to plague Pakistan, with no signs of abating. Reports indicate that societal silence and flaws within the legal system contribute to this ongoing crisis. The current legal framework allows perpetrators to escape punishment under the guise of “religious justice.”
Cases from various provinces and social classes reveal a disturbing reality. Despite legal reforms and public outrage, these heinous acts remain deeply embedded in Pakistan’s social fabric.
A report by Sri Lanka’s ‘Daily Mirror’ sheds light on this issue. It recalls the brutal murder of social media celebrity Qandeel Baloch, which occurred a decade ago at the hands of her brother, who claimed it was an honor killing. Her death shocked the nation and led to legal reforms categorizing honor killings as “crimes against humanity.” Following this, police began registering cases under sections 302 and 311 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). However, despite amendments made in 2016, the violence persists unabated, with offenders acting with impunity.
The report further states that patriarchal norms, gender discrimination, rising hatred towards women, and toxic masculinity are primary reasons for maintaining the beliefs linking “honor or disgrace” to women.
According to the U.S.-based human rights organization, Human Rights Watch, approximately 1,000 women are murdered annually in Pakistan in the name of “honor.” Alarmingly, this figure has remained virtually unchanged despite legal reforms.
In July 2025, a horrifying video circulated on social media, depicting the execution of a young couple who married against their families’ wishes. The report indicates that this couple was shot on orders from a tribal jirga in Balochistan.
The footage was chilling: a woman draped in a shawl stood lifeless as a man shot her at close range. After two shots, she remained standing, collapsing only after the third. Moments later, the camera captured a bloodied man lying next to her. The gunmen continued firing at both victims.
The release of this video ignited widespread outrage across the nation, with hashtags like “Justice for Couple” and “Honor Killing” trending throughout Pakistan.
Lawmakers condemned the murders and demanded action against those calling for jirgas, warning that allowing such parallel justice systems only exacerbates violence. These killings highlight the state’s failure to ensure citizen safety in poorly governed regions like Balochistan, where the absence of courts and ineffective police forces enable tribal power structures to dominate.
The report emphasizes the threat of honor killings across Pakistan, stating, “The reality is that the state’s indifference has allowed jirgas to flourish in areas beyond its jurisdiction. Instead of enforcing the law, the government has spent the past year undermining the judiciary and even considering the revival of jirgas in former tribal districts.”
My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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