Pakistan records 346 honor killing cases this year

Honour killings continued to plague Pakistan in 2024, with at least 346 people falling victim to this brutal practice, the majority of whom were women, according to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP).

According to Daw, the data revealed that most incidents occurred in Sindh and Punjab. Alarmingly, 185 men were also killed in the name of so-called honour.

However, these figures only accounted for reported cases, as many such incidents go unreported, with families often attempting to conceal the crimes.

The issue remains deeply rooted, with 490 cases reported in 2023 and 590 in 2022, highlighting the persistent nature of this heinous act.

Despite awareness campaigns and efforts to tighten laws, honour killings remain a major social menace in Pakistan.

Victims are often accused of engaging in immoral acts, which allegedly provoke their guardians or family members to take violent measures, leading to tragic loss of life.

Globally, honour killings claim the lives of over 5,000 women each year, according to the UNFPA .

The practice stems from deeply ingrained societal norms, including outdated traditions that tie a family's honour to the behavior of its women, and the patriarchal structure of society, where male family members exert control over women's lives. Addressing these underlying issues is essential to eradicating this horrifying crime.