By Tooba Tehrim
Honour killing is one of the most heart-wrenching and disturbing issues in Pakistan. While education, media and legal reform has been achieved, there are still too many women who suffer from violence and discrimination for the sake of so called family honour. Honor-based violence has been reported each year from various locations across the country, and there are significant concerns regarding issues of human rights, gender equality and the effectiveness of the justice system. An alleged act that brings shame/dishonor to the family and is responsible for the killing of a person, usually a woman, by a member of the family or by someone on his/her behalf. In most cases, these crimes are related to traditional and patriarchal values in Pakistan, where the honour of the family is more important than an individual’s right to freedom, or even life. Women are typically the victims of marital choice, divorce, social interaction with men, social networking, and being targeted for not marrying based on a marriage contract. For some, sadly, the rumours and suspicions become enough to convince them of a victim’s guilt, and they go on to kill them, even though there is no proof. The centuries-long traditions, culture and tribal laws that still govern a part of the Pakistani society have it embedded. Cultural ideas that give men power over women in terms of decisions, location and life exist in many rural areas. It is oftentimes more feared than punishment as families know that they will be shamed or criticized by others for the actions that they have taken. Consequently, some feel that they have the right to resort to violence in order to give the family respect, although this is a clear violation of human rights and the law. According to human rights organisations hundreds of honour killings occur in Pakistan annually, but experts believe this is a more conservative estimate. Murders are covered up, evidence tampered with or accidents are reported as suicide by families.Numerous incidents are not reported as family members cover-up the crimes, and either cover-up the evidence for the crime or claim it was an accident or a suicide. Fear of social pressure and threat and lack of trust in the justice system are often reasons why many witnesses do not testify freely. In some communities, local jirgas or tribal councils continue to exist where there is high prevalence of harmful practices against women, and where women are less likely to be willing to seek legal remedies. The murder case of Qandeel Baloch in 2016 has been one of the highly discussed cases in Pakistan. Her Facebook persona was so courageous and assertive, which stepped out of the norm when it came to the roles of women. Her independence and her popularity however came in for a lot of criticism in the conservative circles. Her eventual death was at the hands of her brother, who said that her actions brought discredit to the family. The case made headlines across the country, and even the world, as a symbol of the perils that beset women who question the norms in Pakistan. Another case which made headlines last year, and which brought tears to many eyes, concerned the killing of social activist Saba Qaiser because she entered into a marriage with a man of her own choice, and which she somehow survived despite the attempted honour killing. Her story has been documented in documentaries and media reports which brought the issue of honour based violence to light and the inadequacies of the justice system. These make up situations in which women’s personal decisions are intricately regulated in some parts of society.
The rising dismay and condemnations from different quarters led the government of Pakistan to introduce new laws to strengthen the various punishments for honour killing. In the past, there was a gap in the law that enabled a perpetrator to be forgiven by the family members and consequently evade punishment under the notion of “Qisas and Diyat.” However the killer and the victim were usually of the same family, so criminals were often released and pardoned. After the death of Qandeel Baloch and pressure from activists, there were modifications to ensure that the penalty is more effective and that there is no forgiveness in honour killings.
These reforms were applauded but the implementation is weak, according to human rights activists. Investigations are often not thorough, evidence is not handled properly and influential people push the police/courts. Families of victims also may drop complaints for fear, poverty or social pressure. This enables perpetrators to feel like they aren’t responsible. The importance of education in tackling honor killings can’t be neglected. The high levels of illiteracy and lack of awareness are thought to play a major role in gender-based violence. Education fosters critical thinking, tolerance and understanding on human rights. The empowerment of women through education and empowerment allows women to become independent and self protective of their rights. In addition, educating men and boys about respect, equality and non-violence is a crucial component to changing social attitudes. Media and civil society are also found to be quite influential in sensitising people with regard to honour killing in Pakistan. There have been newspaper reports, TV programmes, films, documentaries and social media campaigns encouraging public discussion of hidden cases and exposing them. The Pakistani films and dramas regarding women rights and the violence against women have taken the initiative to break the silence and raise awareness about the issues of women rights among the younger generation. Even today, journalists and activists are still threatened and criticised for reporting on issues of such sensitivity. Over and over religious scholars from all over Pakistan define honor killings as non-Islamic. In Islam, there is no room for murder; and the value of justice, compassion, respect for human life is very important. Cultural traditions have nothing to do with religion, and it is not permitted to kill another human being without the law’s permission. But, errors and misuses of religion still prevail in certain parts of the country, where the use of religious words and expressions is used to justify what is based on the tribe’s traditional practices rather than on Islamic teachings.
Women’s rights groups continue to petition for more protection measures for women at-risk. They stress upon providing safe shelters, emergency helplines, legal aid centers and quicker judicial processes to the victims of domestic and honour-based violence. Further, there are a few organisations conducting awareness programmes in the schools, colleges and the villages in order to propagate awareness about women rights and legal protection. Younger generation in Pakistan shows increasing disapprobation towards acts of violence in the cause of honour. The ideals of equality, freedom and justice are being championed by many young Pakistanis via social media activism, public discussion, university seminars and online campaigning. They’re bringing a change to old traditional gender norms and fostering dialogue on gender discrimination and women’s rights.
But if it could be done without the cooperation of all people there would not be any difference. These should be taught to the family about the need for women to have a choice, to be individuals and not be dominated by fear and violence. Human rights, tolerance and equality should be introduced to students at an early age in schools. All stakeholders, including religious leaders, politicians, teachers and media, have a role to play in denouncing harmful social norms and promote peaceful conflict resolution. Honor killing has nothing to do with pride, dignity or respect. It’s a vicious crime that attacks families, crushes the voice of women and marred the society’s image. There is no custom or tradition that permits the killing of one human being. A truly progressive Pakistan can be developed when all the citizens irrespective of gender have safety, freedom and equality based on law.
Society has a contribution to make in the fight against honour killing because the government cannot do everything. The path to a future in which honour is achieved through humaneness, respect and equality, not through control and violence is through education, awareness, justice and compassion.
Also Read: Honor Killing in Swat: Cousin Kills Married Woman and Non-Male in Matta Tehsil
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