September 2022,Seminar on honor killing biggest problem in Pakistan

September 2022

Seminar on honor killing biggest problem in Pakistan. This seminar was organized by the Mubashir Bhutta Human Rights and The law society of Pakistan, senior lawyers participated and deliver the lectures including senior lawyers Mr.Salim Salam Ansari advocate, Mr.Safeuddin awan advocate. While delivering the lecture Mr.Mubashir Bhutta Advocate said Honor killing is a serious problem in Pakistan, where it is estimated that hundreds of women are killed each year in the name of “honor.” Honor killings are acts of violence, usually committed by family members or close relatives, against women who are perceived to have brought shame or dishonor to their families. These killings often involve extreme violence, such as strangulation, burning, or stoning.

Honor killings are often carried out in the name of patriarchal values and cultural traditions that view women as property and uphold the honor of the family above all else. Women may be targeted for a variety of reasons, including refusing an arranged marriage, seeking a divorce, or engaging in behavior that is deemed “immoral” by their families or communities.

One of the biggest challenges in addressing honor killings in Pakistan is the lack of effective legal mechanisms to hold perpetrators accountable. Many cases go unreported or are dismissed by authorities, and even when cases are prosecuted, perpetrators often receive lenient sentences. In addition, there is often social pressure on families to maintain silence about honor killings, which can make it difficult for victims to seek justice.

To address the problem of honor killings, there is a need for legal reforms that strengthen penalties for perpetrators and ensure that victims have access to justice and protection. This may involve strengthening laws against honor killings and ensuring that law enforcement agencies are held accountable for investigating and prosecuting cases. It may also involve raising awareness about the problem of honor killings and promoting cultural and social changes that challenge patriarchal attitudes and promote gender equality.

The other participants said that honor killing is considered to be one of the most heinous crimes, as it involves the murder of an individual, usually a woman, in the name of “honor” or to protect the reputation of the family or community. It is a clear violation of human rights and a gross violation of the principles of justice and equality.

The practice of honor killing is often rooted in patriarchal values and cultural traditions that view women as property and uphold the honor of the family above all else. This often leads to a situation where women’s autonomy and freedom are severely restricted, and they are denied the right to make choices about their own lives, including decisions about marriage and relationships.

Honor killing is a serious problem in many countries, including Pakistan, where it is estimated that hundreds of women are killed each year. One of the biggest challenges in addressing honor killing is the lack of effective legal mechanisms to hold perpetrators accountable. Many cases go unreported or are dismissed by authorities, and even when cases are prosecuted, perpetrators often receive lenient sentences.

To address the problem of honor killing, it is important to strengthen legal frameworks and ensure that victims have access to justice and protection. This may involve amending existing laws to remove loopholes and ensuring that law enforcement agencies are held accountable for investigating and prosecuting cases. It may also involve raising awareness about the problem of honor killings and promoting cultural and social changes that challenge patriarchal attitudes and promote gender equality.

Furthermore, education and awareness-raising campaigns should be implemented to highlight the importance of human rights, equality, and respect for diversity. This will help to challenge the social and cultural norms that enable the practice of honor killing and promote a culture of tolerance and respect for individual rights and freedoms.