Video Viral: Honour Killings Continue in Pakistan
The Pakistan Ulema Council's condemnation of the incident is a step towards acknowledging the gravity of the issue, and it is crucial for the state to take firm action against those responsible and to work towards creating a society that values and respects women's rights and dignity.
A recent incident of honour killing in Quetta, captured in a viral video, has sparked widespread condemnation and highlighted the pervasive issue of violence against women in Pakistan, with 405 reported cases in 2024.
The incident, which resulted in the murder of a man and a woman, was defended by the woman's mother in a video statement, citing local custom and tradition. However, the Pakistan Ulema Council strongly condemned the statement, calling it contrary to Islamic teachings and the Constitution. The council urged the state to take firm action against those facilitating the perpetrators and to bring all responsible parties to justice.
The root of the problem lies in societal norms and values that perpetuate violence against women, and addressing this issue requires a fundamental shift in how society views women and their roles. Even those who consider themselves "open-minded" often shy away from discussing issues of gender equality, and a honest assessment of barriers to dignity for women is often avoided.
The incident is part of a larger issue of honour killings in Pakistan, which continued to claim lives in 2024, with 346 people falling victim to such crimes from January to November. It is essential to address the underlying societal issues that perpetuate violence against women and to prioritize women's rights and dignity.