Rising Honour Killings in Sindh, Pakistan
In the first half of 2024, 101 men and women were killed in Sindh, Pakistan, in the name of honour, according to the Sindh Suhai Organisation, a social and women’s rights group. The majority of these killings occurred in Jacobabad, with 22 women and 12 men losing their lives. Other districts like Kashmore, Sukkur, Khairpur, Ghotki, and Larkana also reported numerous cases.
Many incidents go unreported, and even when complaints are registered, families often do not pursue legal action or reach compromises, leading to few offenders being held accountable. Despite court rulings, tribal councils, known as jirgas, continue to make decisions on these matters. Women accused of dishonour are often buried without investigation, with families labeling these deaths as suicides.
In a recent case, a man buried his wife alive in Saleh Pat, claiming she had fled their home. The murders of two women, Shameem and Lal, in Mehrabpur highlight issues like poverty, lack of education, and tribal systems. The Sindh Suhai Organisation has called for more women to be appointed as Station House Officers in police stations to help women express their issues.
Doubts Revealed
Honour Killings -: Honour killings are when someone is killed by their family or community because they believe the person has brought shame or dishonor to them. This is a very serious and illegal act.
Sindh -: Sindh is a province in Pakistan, which is a country that shares a border with India. It is known for its rich history and culture.
Sindh Suhai Organisation -: The Sindh Suhai Organisation is a group that works to help people in Sindh, especially focusing on issues like violence against women. They report on problems and try to find solutions.
Jacobabad -: Jacobabad is a city in the Sindh province of Pakistan. It is one of the places where many honour killings have been reported.
Tribal councils -: Tribal councils are groups of leaders in a community who make decisions based on traditional customs. Sometimes, their decisions can go against the law, especially in cases like honour killings.