HONOUR KILLING IN PAKISTAN: LAW, CULTURE, AND THE CONTINUING STRUGGLE FOR THE RIGHT TO LIFE

Abstract

Honour killing is the killing of someone, particularly a female, on the pretext of saving honor. It is a severe femicide offence in Pakistani society and is widely criticized. There are many reasons behind this heinous offence, including social taboo, religious extremism, and masculinity – masculinity is particularly mentioned because no man has ever been killed in the name of honor. In different parts of Pakistan, its name is different, but the act is the same: to kill someone. It is called Karo-kari, siyah-kari, and is committed for different personal reasons.  Marriage disputes, sexual disobedience, or conduct are commonly considered dishonor of men.Pakistan has legislated on this heinous issue and amended the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2024, and made further amendments in the year 2016. One of the main hurdles in implementing the laws on honor killing is Islamization by Gen Zia in the shape of compromise through Diyat and Qisas Laws. In one of the cases, a family had killed their daughter and sister, but subsequently, the perpetrators were compounded with the support of Islamic laws. In 2024 alone, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has recorded approximately 400 cases in the country. The Constitution provides the right to life and liberty, protection of fundamental rights, women's rights, and the dignity of men and women. But unfortunately, successive federal and provincial governments have failed to protect against this heinous crime. Perhaps seriousness in policing is lacking.