Pakistan: More than 100 men, women killed in the name of honor in Sindh from January to June

At least 101 men and women were killed in the name of honor in Sindh from January-June 2024, according to data released by Sindh Suhai Organisation, a social and women’s rights organisation, Pakistan-based The Express Tribune reported.

Sindh Suhai Organization expressed concern over the increasing incidents of violence against women, including murder and sexual harassment, in the province.

According to data released by the women’s rights body on Friday, most of the honor killings took place in Sindh’s Jacobabad district, where 22 women and 12 men were killed for honour, The Express Tribune reported.

Additionally, 17 women and 6 men were reported killed in Kashmore, 23 in Sukkur, 20 in Khairpur, 19 in Ghotki, 12 in Larkana and 76 people were killed in other districts across the province.

Many incidents go unreported, and in cases where the state files complaints, families of women killed for alleged insults often do not pursue legal action. Even when they do, they often compromise later, the report said.

As a result, only a small number of criminals are held responsible for honor killings, and the incidents are increasing. Despite court rulings, jirgas (tribal councils) are still convened to decide on the case.

Currently, women accused of abuse are often buried without any action being taken, as families call these incidents suicide.

Recently, a man buried his/her wife alive after doing violence to her, claiming that she had run away from their house in Saleh Pat area. A worrying case has come to light in which two women were murdered simultaneously.

For example, as The Express Tribune reports, the murders of Shamim and Lal in Mehrabpur are linked to poverty, lack of education, bandit culture, tribal system and property disputes.

Suhai organization said that women are being sidelined in appointments in various government departments. Calling for the appointment of women station house officers (SHOs) in the police, it said, “We demand that more women SHOs be appointed in police stations to facilitate women in expressing their issues.”