Honour killings persist as a significant human rights concern in Pakistan, with a high number of cases reported but low conviction rates, according to a report. The Express Tribune Magazine highlighted the prevalence of honour killings in the country, attributing the issue to factors like family forgiveness, judicial delays, and law enforcement weaknesses.
The Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO) report, backed by official data and international research, revealed persistent obstacles to justice such as inadequate investigations, legal delays, and societal pressures. The province of Punjab recorded the highest number of honour killing incidents at 225, with only two resulting in convictions.
In discussions with The Express Tribune, social activist Imran Takkar emphasized that women constitute 90% of honour killing victims, underscoring the need for stronger police investigations and improved prosecution to deter such crimes. Senior advocate Shabbir Hussain Gigyani highlighted the challenges posed by poor police probes and compromised witness testimonies, leading to high acquittal rates in honour killing cases.
SSDO Executive Director Syed Kausar Abbas stressed the urgent need for reforms to enhance police procedures, legal processes, and trial expediency in order to deliver justice effectively. The report underscored that without robust law enforcement, honour killings perpetuate a culture of fear and impunity, hindering accountability for these heinous acts.
