THE Sindh Assembly’s discussion on karo-kari this week reminds us of the enduring nature of ‘honour’ killings in Pakistan. Despite public condemnation and legal reforms, women — and at times men — continue to be murdered by relatives claiming to defend family ‘honour’. The killing of Rubina Chandio, referenced during the debate, is only the latest in a long line of such cases. It is disturbing to note not only the brutality with which these crimes are carried out, but the social acceptance that surrounds them in parts of the country. Honour killings are often discussed as if they are a menace confined to remote tribal regions or are somehow tied to illiteracy and poverty. That is misleading. As Sindh’s law minister observed, such crimes also take place within influential households. Wealth, status and education do not serve to erase patriarchal thinking. In fact, in many cases, influence merely provides stronger networks of silence and protection. Families with political, tribal or economic clout are able to pressure witnesses, influence investigations and negotiate settlements that perpetuate impunity. The crime persists because it is embedded in deeply rooted, warped notions of male control over women’s choices, mobility and relationships.

Pakistan has attempted legal reform. The 2016 anti-honour killing law closed the loophole that allowed families to ‘forgive’ killers and thereby secure release. Yet implementation has been patchy. Police investigations are often compromised from the outset. Murders are disguised as suicides or accidents, witnesses retract statements under pressure, and local authorities hesitate to confront powerful clans. In some areas, jirga culture continues to operate alongside the formal justice system, normalising violence in the name of family reputation. Society, too, continues to look away. Honour killings are still rationalised as private family matters rather than recognised as premeditated murder. This is why legislation alone cannot solve the problem, though stronger enforcement is essential. Provinces must establish specialised investigation units for gender-based crimes, ensure witness protection and fast-track honour killing cases through dedicated courts. Police officers who deliberately weaken investigations should face penalties. At the same time, the state must confront the ideology behind the violence. Religious scholars and media campaigns should consistently reinforce that there is no justification for honour killing in Islam. Until society stops confusing control with honour, the cycle of violence will continue.

Published in Dawn, May 8th, 2026