Honour Killing in Pakistan is rising. In 2024 alone, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) documented 405 instances. Family members killed the majority of the victims, who were women, in the name of alleged honor. These offenses are often go unpunished in rural communities. As part of tradition, families and communities frequently condone this kind of violence.

Honour Killing Pakistan and Shocking Silence by Law

In Pakistan, honour killing is illegal under the 2016 law. But weak enforcement lets tribal customs win.
Many areas still use jirgas (tribal courts), which allow extrajudicial punishments. These systems act beyond government control.

Victims rarely get justice. Instead, families justify murder under the banner of honour.

Case That Sparked Outrage

One of the most shocking honour killing cases went viral from Balochistan in 2024. A woman, Bano Bibi, and her partner, Ehsanullah Samalani, were executed on video. Her brother handed her the Holy Quran, then shot her three times. Seconds later, he killed Ehsan too. The video caused national outrage. Yet, the crime happened months before and near a city but no one acted until it went viral.

Sixteen people were later arrested, including the mother and local elders. The mother defended the killings, saying, “Bano and Ehsan were killed according to our customs.” Activists say such violence will continue if tribal courts remain. Civil society protested. But many believe the anger will fade, and the state will stay silent.

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What’s next for honour killing in Pakistan?

Experts say visibility is key. Viral videos force temporary action.
But lasting change demands consistent law enforcement and a complete ban on parallel justice systems.

The government must ask: why do jirgas still exist?
Until then, more victims may die silently with no honour, no justice.