THE blood of women continues to be spilled in the name of honour and still, the state remains a spectator. A recent high-profile killing involves Bano Bibi and Ehsan Ullah Samalani, killed in Balochistan, reportedly on the orders of a jirga. The murders, filmed and widely circulated online, showed Bano being shot allegedly by her own brother. The footage went viral and triggered national outrage, forcing the authorities to act. Sixteen individuals, including a tribal leader and Bano’s mother, were arrested, though the gunman remained at large. The Balochistan chief minister has called this a “test case”, pledging to dismantle illegal tribal courts. Yet many suspect this urgency stems more from public pressure than genuine resolve, and worry it may fizzle out once media attention wanes. In Rawalpindi, 18-year-old Sidra Bibi was allegedly suffocated after marrying by choice, again reportedly on the orders of a local council. Her body was buried in a concealed grave until a post-mortem confirmed foul play. Nine suspects, including her father and ex-husband, were arrested. These are but two out of an unknown number of such tragedies. According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, 405 ‘honour’ killings were reported in 2024, up from 226 the year before. Rights groups estimate the real toll to be closer to 1,000 annually, as most cases go unreported or are misclassified.

Despite a 2016 amendment that removed the loophole allowing families to pardon the killers in such cases, enforcement remains patchy. Jirgas continue to pass unlawful rulings, especially in tribal and feudal areas, and police are reluctant to act. Convictions are rare. Survivors receive little state support. Witness protection mechanisms are almost non-existent, and families who resist such customs face ostracisation or violent reprisals. It begs the question: how many more women must have their fate sealed by a bullet fired in the name of honour before the state cracks down? The 2019 Supreme Court ban on jirgas must be enforced without delay. Informal courts must be dismantled and replaced with accessible legal institutions. ‘Honour’ killings — a rash of which have been reported lately — must be prosecuted swiftly and both the killers and those who sanction the murder brought to book. A national database to document gender-based violence is essential for transparency and accountability. Outrage alone cannot deliver justice. The law — not custom — must dominate.

Published in Dawn, August 4th, 2025