In a harrowing reminder of Pakistan’s struggle with obsolete traditions, honour killings—regionally known as Karo Kari—has once again claimed innocent lives. Within a span of just 36 hours, eight individuals, including five women, were brutally murdered across four districts in Sindh. This grim episode underscores the alarming persistence of a deeply ingrained cultural practice that continues to thrive despite legislative reforms and mounting advocacy efforts.
A Wave of Violence
Among the reported cases, Razia and her alleged paramour, Majid Chachar, were killed in Village Qabil Chachar near Obaro, District Ghotki. The assailant, Bhoral Chachar, voluntarily surrendered to the authorities, admitting to the crime. Similarly, in Bungul Dero, Larkana, Riaz Brohi and Samina Brohi were murdered by the latter’s husband, who fled the scene after the act.
The wave of violence extended to village Taj Muhammad Chandio in District Qambar-Shahdadkot, where Sultan Chandio killed his sister-in-law, Rukhsana Chandio, along with Bakhat Janwari. In Shikarpur’s Pir Jalil area, Zamir Maarfani fatally shot his wife, Khanzadi, over alleged misconduct. Another incident in Sanjoro involved Muhammad Umar Buggti, who killed his wife, Azima, on suspicions of adultery.
An Endemic Issue
Honour killings are not confined to isolated incidents. Data from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) reveals that 346 people fell victim to such crimes in 2024 alone, with particularly high figures in Sindh and Punjab. The motives behind these killings often stem from accusations of extramarital relationships, elopement, or conduct deemed “immodest” by patriarchal societal standards.
Despite the enactment of laws such as the 2004 ordinance addressing honour killings and the 2016 Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, implementation remains a challenge. The 2016 amendment introduced provisions under Section 311 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), allowing the state to intervene even if the victim’s family pardons the offender. However, procedural inefficiencies rooted in colonial-era legal frameworks and the extrajudicial authority of tribal councils undermine these reforms.
The unchecked power of tribal councils, or jirgas, exacerbates the issue. These councils often sanction killings to preserve “family honour.” A notable case in November 2023 saw an 18-year-old woman executed on jirga orders following the circulation of doctored images on social media. Amnesty International has repeatedly criticized Pakistan for failing to curb these councils, calling for intensified governmental action to uphold international human rights obligations.
A Culture of Silence
The persistence of honour killings highlights a culture that prioritizes family reputation over individual rights and lives. The victims, predominantly women, are stripped of agency, while perpetrators often evade justice through societal complicity or legal loopholes. The HRCP’s report on rising cases throughout 2024 is a stark indication that societal attitudes must change alongside legal reforms.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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