MINGORA: At least six of eight women killed in Swat district were allegedly murdered by their husbands and two committed suicide during the last one month.

According to Barikot police, a man killed his wife at Bangrgey Nawagai village in Barikot tehsil on March 12, but reported to police that she was attacked by unidentified persons. However, after investigation the police found her husband and his sons guilty in the incident.

“We did not blindly believe the report of the husband and started investigation into the matter and we found that the husband, three sons and a brother of the deceased woman were involved,” said Badshah Hazrat, DSP Barikot tehsil, adding that all the five persons had been arrested. He said that the woman was killed in the name of honour.

On April 4, Anwar Shahid shot his wife dead after having verbal fight at Rasha Gatta area of Kokaria union council. According to Kokarai police, they filed a case against the accused and started search for him.

On April 9, police claimed to have arrested Anwar Sher who allegedly killed his wife over domestic issue at Garrassa area of Kokarai union council.

On April 17, Shakir, a resident of Charbagh, shot dead his divorced wife. According to the police, the girl, who got divorce from her husband, wanted to marry another man. “We have filed a case in the incident and started search to arrest the culprit,” said Ayaz Khan, SHO Charbagh police station.

On April 21, Suleman, a resident of Shamozai area in Barikot, shot dead his wife and sister-in-law. The police filed a case and had started search for the accused.

On April 22, Bakth Taj shot his wife dead over domestic issue at Dam Parrrai area of Barikot. The police have filed the case.

Meanwhile, on March 31, a 16-year-old girl allegedly committed suicide for unknown reasons by swallowing poison at Satal area in Bahrain tehsil. Bahrain police have started investigation.

On April 11, a married woman attempted to commit suicide in Barikot by swallowing poison. She was taken to hospital in a critical condition where she was under treatment.

Besides, on April 15, a 20-year-old girl tried to cut her throat with knife in an attempt to commit suicide. She was taken to a hospital in critical condition. The police registered the case.

Similarly, on April 21, a married woman shot herself dead on unidentified reasons at Qalagey area in Kabal tehsil. According to Kabal police, her husband was abroad. The police had started investigation into the mater.

“Killing of women in the name of honour is common and people do not take it as a serious issue,” said Shamsher Ali, a woman right activist, adding that relevant laws should be implemented properly to curb such incidents.

However, DSP Badshah Hazrat said that police took timely action in such cases and filed report under the honour killing laws.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2020