When consent is erased and honour becomes a weapon, women’s bodies become the battlefield of a broken nation

At least 201 people—mostly women—have reportedly been killed in the name of so-called “honour” in Swat since 2018, while social stigma, forced settlements and

There were 470 women killed in such circumstances across the country last year, with rights groups saying the true toll will be even higher, reflecting a system that still protects the accused

The article details the tragic case of Khalida Chandio, a 20-year-old woman murdered in Pakistan’s Sindh province after being accused of an illicit relationship. Her death highlights the pervasive issue of 'honour killings' driven by patriarchal tribal systems. Police allege her grandfather and uncle orchestrated the killing following a jirga (tribal council) verdict declaring her 'kari'—a term justifying such violence. Over 470 women were killed in similar circumstances across Pakistan in 2025, with rights groups estimating higher tolls due to underreporting. The systemic failure of legal protections, weak prosecutions, and the influence of powerful tribal elites perpetuate these crimes. Survivors like Shahzadi, a woman who fled after being accused of adultery, face constant threats and displacement. Experts stress that addressing 'honour killings' requires dismantling patriarchal structures and ensuring consistent enforcement of laws to protect women’s rights.

Femicide in South Asia persists through dowry deaths in India and honour killings in Pakistan, rooted in patriarchy and weak legal systems.

Alishah Mushtaq recounts her experience growing up in a South Punjab village where the cost of honor manifested itself in femicide.

​This book is about harmful traditional practices: damaging and often violent acts which include female genital mutilation, forced marriage, honour killings and abuse, breast ironing, witchcraft and faith-based abuse, often targeting women or young girls.

The state’s approach has largely focused on responding to interpersonal violence, while underlying institutional and structural factors continue to

The state’s approach has largely focused on responding to interpersonal violence, while underlying institutional and structural factors continue to

Until honour is disentangled from control and violence, honour killings will continue to reflect a society that places tradition and social prestige above the

Recent tragedies in Nasirabad and Dadu highlight how systemic influence and impunity allow perpetrators to bury their crimes alongside their victims

Just as humanity once looked at birds and dreamed of flying, we must now look at our words and dream of making them soar with moral clarity

We’re told honour is a man’s inheritance—but why does it always require a woman’s blood to preserve it?