The gruesome practice is prevalent in the majority of villages across the country and in some cities too. Earlier this month, around 5 women were killed in the name of honour by their own family members. In most cases, the killers are a woman’s own relatives e.g. fathers, brothers, husbands, uncles etc. The situation is getting worse on a daily basis.
Blood relatives would not think twice before murdering someone they had raised with love and attention, simply because they opted to have a say in matters of their concern. Media occasionally highlights the cases, but not much happens afterwards. Qandeel Baloch’s murder was perhaps the most highlighted cases of honour killing in Pakistan’s history.
But there are thousands of Qandeels that have died throughout history because they were ‘rebellious’. It is estimated that last year, nearly 985 honour killing cases were reported and at least three women were killed each day. However, umpteenth cases have not been filed. Most of the cases happen in small villages so not much attention is paid.
Also, families tend to forgive the murderer (also part of the family) because they too believe the same.
But why do people commit murder in the name of honour?
Mostly, people cite religion (Islam in Pakistan’s case) as a justification for their acts. However, there is no such thing as ‘honour killing’ in the Holy Quran and Hadith. Even well-known Islamic scholars issued Fatwas against it. It is not hard to deal with such cases, but a lack of concern is what worries the most.
Maybe women are not protected in Pakistan, or the country doesn’t prioritize their safety. The most important thing for women is education as once they get awareness they might change themselves. The media is playing an essential role in raising awareness about the gruesome practice. The same cannot be said about the government.
Women are continuously dying for ‘honour’ and the state is silent. Pakistan ranks third on the list of the most dangerous country for women, thanks to honour killings, sexual assaults, acid throwing, and domestic abuse. It has really become dangerous for women to protect themselves or to survive. Police have also failed to eradicate this heinous crime and investigate and arrest the criminals.
It is estimated that 90 per cent of the cases are not being investigated due to which women are being continuously killed in the name of honour. It is the responsibility of government to protect the females from criminals. The state should introduce laws and punish these people who do such crimes.
For honour killing, strict punishments should be implemented. Only then can women feel free.