Honour Killing in Pakistan (a legal view)

Background

The Honour Killing is one of the rising curse in Pakistan. A recent shocking honour killing case from Nasirabad, Balochistan, Pakistan has gone viral across Pakistan. A disturbing video showed two young people — Bano Bibi and Ehsan Ullah Samalani — being executed on the orders of a local jirga (tribal court).

The video triggered widespread anger, with human rights activists and legal experts demanding justice.

Police have arrested at least 16 people, including:

The tribal chief who led the jirga,
Bano Bibi’s mother, accused of assisting in the murder.

The killings were allegedly committed to protect “family honour,” a common but unlawful justification used in rural areas of Pakistan.

Why Honour Killing Still Exists in Pakistan

As a third world and developing country, honour killings still exists due to weak implementation of laws by law enforcement agencies, a deep factors of tribal influence, and societal acceptance in some regions. There are multiple cases reported where police hesitate to act against influential landlords or tribal leaders. In our society victims often have no voice and approach to the higher authorities. So, the cases are quietly settled through informal mechanisms or out of the box. A factors like lack of education, fundamental rights, gender inequality, and delayed justice further makes the situation worse. Until Pakistan treats honour killings as a national emergency and considers it seriously not just a regional or personal problem of individuals, the cycle of violence will continue and grow.

Laws on Honour Killing in Pakistan

Under Pakistani law:

Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) punishes accused with death or life imprisonment.
Section 311 (Fasad-fil-Arz) ensures that honour killings are non-compoundable, meaning the state can prosecute even if the victim’s family forgives the offender.
The Prevention of Anti-Women Practices Act, 2011 bans harmful traditional practices like forced marriages and honour-based violence.
Jirgas have been declared illegal by the Supreme Court, but they continue to operate in parts of Balochistan, Sindh, and South Punjab.

Why This Matter Happened

This case highlights the conflict between tribal customs and state law. Despite the existance of clear laws, jirgas continue to act as parallel courts independently, especially in areas with poor access to justice. Honour killings are not just a cultural issue, they are a crime against humanity, and the rule of law. The dignity of Woman is same as precious like Man and no one should be allowed to decide Women’s fate.

Conclusion

The murders of Bano and Ehsan are not just a personal tragedy but hey represent a failure of law enforcement in pakistan The government must take strict action against all those involved, dismantle illegal jirga, wadera systems, and strengthen awareness about women’s rights and the design the legal system to protect the dignity of women. True justice means no customs, no family ties, and no jirga should be above the law..

Author:

Osama Ameer (Advocate of High Courts)

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