killing women

Gender-based violence in Pakistan remains an alarming issue, with recent cases of femicide and honour killings painting a grim picture of societal and systemic failure. The brutal murder of a young lecturer by her husband in Sindh and several other incidents across the country highlight the persistence of patriarchal mindsets and the normalization of violence against women. Despite legislative efforts like the Honour Killing Act 2016, which made honour killings a non-compoundable offence, loopholes in implementation and systemic biases in law enforcement and judiciary continue to hinder justice. Women remain marginalized in Pakistan’s police and judiciary, with their representation under 2%, further exacerbating the lack of gender sensitivity in addressing such crimes.

The article underscores the need for a comprehensive approach involving legal reforms, community support mechanisms, and societal change. It suggests that honour crimes should be treated as crimes against the state, ensuring justice even if families refuse to pursue cases. Structural reforms in police and judiciary, along with increased representation of women, are vital. The statistics from a UN report reveal that in 2023 alone, 51,100 women were killed globally by family members, emphasizing the need for international and local action. This grim reality demands urgent state intervention to protect women as equal citizens of Pakistan.

Overview:

This article highlights the grim reality of gender-based violence and honour killings in Pakistan. It highlights systemic and societal issues, legislative developments, and the urgent need for reforms to protect women’s constitutional rights.

NOTES:

The article highlights critical points about gender-based violence in Pakistan, focusing on honour killings and systemic failures. It explains how crimes against women, such as femicide, persist due to patriarchal mindsets and societal acceptance. Despite the Honour Killing Act 2016, which makes such crimes non-compoundable, gaps in implementation and systemic biases in law enforcement and judiciary hinder justice. The lack of female representation in these institutions exacerbates the problem, with women comprising less than 2% of Pakistan’s police force and having minimal presence in the judiciary. The article emphasizes the need for treating honour crimes as offences against the state and suggests that reforms in police, judiciary, and societal attitudes are essential for meaningful change. Additionally, the UN report underscores the global scale of this issue, reporting 51,100 women killed by family members in 2023, a staggering 60% of all female homicides, which calls for urgent action to protect women as equal citizens

Relevant CSS Syllabus Topics or Subjects:

• Gender Studies: Violence against women, patriarchy, and legal reforms.
• Pakistan Affairs: Societal issues and legislative measures.
• Current Affairs: UN reports and global comparisons.
• Constitutional Law: Women’s rights and state responsibilities.

Notes for Beginners:

The article discusses how women face violence at home, often from family members, under the guise of “honour.” For example, a lecturer was murdered by her husband, showing how education and privilege do not guarantee safety for women in patriarchal societies. Laws like the Honour Killing Act 2016 aim to close legal gaps, but weak implementation hinders progress. Facts from the UN report reveal that 140 women are killed daily by relatives worldwide. This reflects the urgent need for gender-sensitive reforms in police and judicial systems, like hiring more female officers and judges.

Facts and Figures:

• A recent UN report titled Femicides in 2023 revealed that 51,100 women and girls were killed by family members globally, accounting for 60% of all female homicides.
• On average, 140 women and girls were killed every day by someone in their family worldwide.
• In Swat, Pakistan, 20 women were murdered in the first five months of 2024, with 10 killed in the name of honour.
• Women make up less than 2% of Pakistan’s police force, with only 572 female judges out of 3,142 judicial officers, of whom just seven serve in superior courts.
• The Honour Killing Act 2016 ensures a lifetime sentence for perpetrators, even if forgiven by family members, making honour killing a non-compoundable offence.

To wrap up, This article is a stark reminder of the deep-rooted misogyny in Pakistan’s social and legal systems. Legislative reforms, increased representation of women in law enforcement, and public awareness are essential to curb gender-based violence. It is the state’s responsibility to ensure justice and protection for all its citizens, especially women, to uphold their constitutional rights and dignity.

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