KARACHI, Sept 4: A new publication, Beyond Honour: A Historical Materialist Explanation of Honour Related Violence, an academic study on gender-based violence, was launched here on Monday.

In the study, the author, Tahira S. Khan has defined, contextualised and theorised various patterns and dimensions of violence against women committed in the name or rather the notion of family honour.

Focusing on honour-related violence, this study attempts to explain the origin and persistence of the honour code by applying Marx’s historical materialist approach.

The book takes readers through the histories of religious, legal, social and political institutions, and its comparative historical approach identifies the economic basis of the existence of honour-related violence in some societies and its absence in others.

This research work examines honour-related issues personal experiences and present day stories of victims around the globe.

A panel discussion on questions invited from the audience was conducted by Dr Jaffar Ahmad of Karachi University.

The panel members included Dr Arifa Syeda Zehra, Chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women, Bilquis Edhi, head of the Bilquis Edhi Foundation, Justice (r) Nasir Aslam Zahid and Dr Tahira S. Khan.

The discussion generated a stimulating debate on the root-causes and forces behind the perpetuation of gender-related violence.Earlier, in her introductory remarks, Ameena Saiyid, Managing Director of the OUP, Pakistan, welcomed the guests.—APP