Pakistan is falling short in meeting fundamental constitutional and moral duties concerning women’s rights, as highlighted in a local media report following the tragic ‘honour’ killing of Gulaan Bharo. Despite having a legal framework on paper to address such crimes, the enforcement and deterrence regarding gender-based violence remain challenging, the report from News Pakistan pointed out. Gulaan Bharo, a 25-year-old woman, became another victim of domestic violence when her husband took her life on May 2, joining the long list of Pakistani women who have been killed by their partners.
Gulaan Bharo had expressed her fears before her tragic fate, stating, “I know I will be killed. I am a mother of two children, but for the sake of my father’s dignity, I will sacrifice myself and go back to live with him.” Despite her initial refusal to return to her family and her wish to seek refuge in a shelter, she eventually yielded to her family’s persuasion. The report’s author, Mohammed Sarwar Khan, highlighted the intertwining issues of institutional culture, inefficiency, and deeply rooted social patriarchal norms contributing to the problem.
The report shed light on the prevalent systemic failures and offenses, such as delays in registering FIRs, questionable settlements under specific laws, and leniency towards ‘honour’-related crimes. It pointed out the lack of clarity in defining responsibilities for protection and the use of necessary force throughout the criminal justice system. The author criticized the parliament and courts for their failure to establish a legal doctrine ensuring impartial justice and operational autonomy in policing.
According to Khan, the district courts are plagued by inefficiencies, lack of control over proceedings, delays, and other procedural issues that undermine justice delivery. He emphasized the urgent need for a reevaluation of the justice system, which currently fails to align with societal needs and values, calling for a shift towards a more effective and just legal framework.
