Cultural Norms and Safety Management: Understanding Honour Killing in Pakistan

Abstract

Killing in the name of honour is often used as a means to preserve or restore a family's reputation by punishing or murdering women accused of behaviour perceived as sexually inappropriate or immoral. Honour killing remains a significant issue in Pakistan, with this study aiming to analyze the current situation and its impact on other members of society. A descriptive study used data from Islamic texts, prior research papers, and various reports. An exploratory review of existing literature was also carried out. The findings reveal a high number of honour killing cases in Sindh and Punjab provinces, driven by strong tribal systems and inadequate governance. Many incidents go unreported due to the influence of feudal systems in these regions. It is emphasized that the Holy Quran and Sharia explicitly prohibit murder in the name of honour and do not condone such actions under any circumstances. To address this issue, the study recommends that federal and provincial governments take decisive action against individuals involved in honour killings. Stronger legal frameworks, enforcement mechanisms, and awareness campaigns are crucial to eradicating this practice and ensuring justice for victims.