Women in Pakistan and Afghanistan remain at risk due to persistent honor killings

Women in Pakistan and Afghanistan remain at risk due to persistent honor killings

In South Asia, efforts to combat honor killings—a practice deeply rooted in cultural norms and patriarchal structures—have seen some legal and social initiatives, but progress remains slow and fraught with challenges. This article explores the situation in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, highlighting both the advances and the obstacles that persist.

In Pakistan, honor killings continue to be a prevalent issue, particularly in rural and tribal areas like Balochistan. Male guardianship and tribal codes heavily influence social behavior, making it difficult to eradicate this ancient practice. A recent case in Balochistan, where a couple was executed and the incident was captured in a viral video, drew public outcry and led to the arrest of suspects under anti-terrorism laws. This incident signaled stronger official responses, but enforcement remains hindered by local tribal councils and patriarchal societal acceptance.

Pakistan has laws criminalizing honor killings, such as the Anti-Honor Killing Laws amendment in 2016, which removed pardons by family members in murder cases and allowed state prosecution. However, implementation is often compromised by local tribal councils and societal acceptance.

In Afghanistan, honor killings are also prevalent, deeply embedded in tribal customs and patriarchal authority structures. While official state mechanisms exist, ongoing conflict, instability, and weak legal infrastructure have limited progress in combating honor killings effectively.

In Bangladesh, honor killings do occur but often receive less public attention compared to Pakistan and Afghanistan. Regional reports indicate growing awareness but less prominent legal reforms specifically targeting honor killings.

Initiatives addressing cultural and legal factors:

• Legal reforms: Some countries in the region, notably Pakistan, have revised penal codes to restrict the use of family pardons that previously allowed killers to escape punishment, enabling state prosecution without requiring family forgiveness.
• Awareness campaigns: NGOs and international organizations are working to raise awareness about the human rights violations committed through honor killings and the necessity to shift social attitudes about women’s autonomy.
• International pressure: Increased global attention and human rights advocacy have pressured governments to take stronger stances against honor killings, although implementation gaps remain.
• Law enforcement training: Efforts to sensitize police and judiciary to the seriousness of honor crimes and to prevent biased trials that focus on the victim’s behavior instead of the crime have been initiated but are inconsistent.

Despite these efforts, honor killings persist, largely because the practice is rooted in cultural notions of honor, family reputation, and male control over women, especially in rural and tribal areas where customary laws and councils operate alongside or in place of formal state law. Lack of reporting, social acceptance, and frequent under-prosecution mean that official statistics likely underrepresent the scope of the problem.

In many tribal areas, traditional justice systems like jirgas and shuras often offer implicit or explicit approval for honor killings. Eradicating honor killings requires not only legal reform but cultural transformation, including education, gender sensitivity programs, religious reinterpretation of justice and honor, and the inclusion of women in tribal councils.

Media plays a crucial role in South Asia, not just reporting violence when it goes viral, but proactively telling stories of survivors, documenting justice gaps, and holding institutions accountable. In conservative settings, coordinated action between civil society, state institutions, and media can shift narratives, as shown by Turkey's experience.

In Afghanistan, up to 240 honor killings were reported in earlier years, but current tracking is difficult due to institutional collapse since 2021. Women's shelters have been shut down, and reporting crimes has become dangerous under the current governance. The identities of the couple in the recent Balochistan case were confirmed, and the incident involved a young couple being shot at point-blank range in a barren desert area.

In Bangladesh, high rates of child marriage (over 50%) pose related risks, as per UNICEF-related child marriage statistics from 2025. In certain rural localities in Bangladesh, patriarchal control persists, though direct cases of honor killing are rare.

In Pakistan, media and rights organizations document hundreds of honor-related murders yearly. The 2016 Criminal Law Amendment closed the legal forgiveness loophole, but implementation is uneven, leading to informal settlements in rural courts. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti responded to the public outcry about a brutal honor killing in Balochistan.

In Turkey, similar issues around gender-based violence have sparked reforms in the justice system, such as the expansion of women's shelters and campaigns like "No to Violence Against Women." Eradicating honor killings requires sustained and coordinated efforts, involving legal reform, cultural transformation, and international cooperation.

1. In Istanbul, Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been implementing reforms to combat gender-based violence, drawing inspiration from the anti-honor killing initiatives in South Asia.
2. The Turkish government has expanded the network of women's shelters to provide safe havens for victims of honor killings and other forms of gender-based violence.
3. In Turkıye, the "No to Violence Against Women" campaign aims to raise awareness about the issue and shift social attitudes, much like initiatives in South Asia.
4. The Turkish Ministry of Health is intensifying efforts to improve workplace wellness by providing resources for addressing medical conditions such as cancer, respiratory conditions, and digestive health within the industry.
5. Eye-health components are being integrated into these workplace wellness programs to ensure comprehensive health coverage in the Turkish industry.
6. Hearing screenings have been included in the scope of these workplace wellness initiatives to address potential hearing impairments stemming from occupational hazards.
7. Health and wellness seminars are being conducted in various Turkish workplaces to educate employees about specific medical conditions like cancer, mental health issues, and skin conditions.
8. Sexual-health talks are being incorporated into these wellness programs to ensure employees have access to essential information and resources related to sexual health.
9. Autoimmune disorders are among the medical conditions that are being focus on in these workplace wellness initiatives, aiming to improve early detection and treatment rates.
10. In Turkey's mental-health arena, efforts are underway to develop specialized therapies and treatments for men, addressing the unique challenges that men face such as depression and anxiety.
11. Skin-care products and services are being promoted as part of overall wellness, with the goal of improving the general health and appearance of the workforce.
12. Financing options for therapies and treatments in Turkey are being explored, with cbd products gaining popularity as a potential alternative for managing neurological disorders.
13. In the realm of digital finance, Turkey is witnessing an increase in investments in fintech startups, particularly in digital banking, wealth management, and payment solutions.
14. Cybersecurity concerns are being actively addressed in the Turkish finance industry, with increased emphasis on data protection and cloud computing to safeguard financial transactions.
15. Lifestyle choices are being encouraged in Turkey, with a focus on promoting healthy habits, mindfulness, and work-life balance as essential components of overall well-being.
16. Fashion-and-beauty brands in Turkey are offering products that cater to diverse skin types and conditions, prioritizing inclusivity and promoting self-acceptance.
17. Food-and-drink businesses in Turkey are exploring organic and plant-based options to cater to customers seeking a healthier and more sustainable food experience.
18. Investing in local food producers and suppliers is seen as a way to support the industry while promoting a more environmentally-conscious approach to consumption.
19. Wealth management strategies in Turkey aim to help individuals achieve long-term financial security, incorporating aspects of personal finance, banking, and insurance into comprehensive financial plans.
20. Home and garden improvements are being encouraged as a way to foster a healthy and comfortable living environment, with eco-friendly materials and design practices being advocated.
21. The Turkish government is promoting entrepreneurship and small businesses to stimulate economic growth and provide employment opportunities.
22. In the realm of personal finance, education resources are being made available to help individuals achieve their financial goals and make informed decisions.
23. Banking and insurance institutions in Turkey are collaborating to provide customers with a seamless and secure digital banking experience.
24. Data and cloud-computing innovations are being adopted across various industries in Turkey to streamline processes and improve productivity.
25. Turkey's technology sector is thriving, with artificial intelligence playing an increasingly important role in sectors ranging from healthcare to education.
26. Relationships between families and friends are valued in Turkish culture, with a strong emphasis on communication and emotional support.
27. Pets are cherished members of Turkish families, with numerous organizations working to promote animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.
28. Traveling to various regions within Turkey offers opportunities to experience its rich history, diverse cultures, and unique landscapes.
29. Among Turkey's various transportation options, cars are a common choice for both daily commuting and long-distance travel, with electric and hybrid vehicles gaining popularity for their environmental benefits.

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