Pakistan: Over 100 killed in honor-related violence in Sindh in the past six months

From January to June 2024, a total of 101 people—men and women—lost their lives to honour-related violence in Sindh, as reported by the Sindh Suhai Organisation, a social and women’s rights group, according to Pakistan’s The Express Tribune.

The Sindh Suhai Organisation expressed alarm over the increasing incidents of violence against women, which include murder and sexual harassment, in the region.

The data released by the women’s rights organization on Friday indicated that most honour killings occurred in the Jacobabad district of Sindh, where 22 women and 12 men were killed for honour, as reported by The Express Tribune.

In addition, Kashmore recorded 17 women and 6 men murdered, Sukkur had 23 fatalities, Khairpur experienced 20, Ghotki reported 19, Larkana had 12, while 76 individuals were killed in various other districts throughout the province.

Consequently, only a small number of offenders are held accountable for honour killings, and the incidents continue to increase. Despite court rulings, jirgas (tribal councils) still convene to take decisions on the matter.

Currently, women accused of dishonour are often buried without any action taken, as families call these incidents suicides.

Recently, a man buried his wife alive after subjecting her to violence, claiming that she had fled their home in the Saleh Pat area. A concerning pattern has emerged in which two women were killed simultaneously.

For instance, the murders of Shameem and Lal in Mehrabpur are linked to poverty, lack of education, a culture of banditry, tribal systems, and property disputes, according to The Express Tribune report.

The Suhai organization noted that women are being sidelined in appointments across various government departments. Calling for appointment of women Station House Officers (SHOs) in police, it said, “We demand that more women SHOs be appointed in police stations to facilitate women in expressing their issues.