Even Today, Honour Killing Plagues Sindh – Voicepk.net

Report on Honour Killings in Sindh, Pakistan: A Challenge to Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, Sindh, Pakistan’s second most populous province, faces an ongoing crisis of honour killings, locally known as karo kari. Despite the global focus on health, this grave human rights issue continues to undermine the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to gender equality, peace, justice, and strong institutions.

Emergence of New Cases

On April 10, 2020, two separate incidents of honour killings were reported in northern Sindh’s Kacha area:

1. In Shikarpur’s Khanpur area, Shah Bahadur Taighani and accomplices killed his wife and a relative, Ghulam Akber Taighani, on suspicion of an illicit affair. The accused fled the scene, and police faced jurisdictional challenges in registering the case or recovering the bodies.
2. In Sukkur district’s Bakho Mahar area near Panno Aqil, Idrees Mahar shot and killed his 20-year-old wife, Wajidan Mahar. The accused was arrested, and the victim’s body was returned to her family after post-mortem examination.

Prevalence and Contributing Factors

Honour killings remain a persistent issue in Sindh, especially in northern districts bordering South Punjab, including Sukkur, Khairpur, Qambar Shahdadkot, Ghotki, Larkana, Shikarpur, Kashmore, and Jacobabad. Factors contributing to this violence include:

• Tribal and feudal systems
• Land disputes and encroachment
• Conflicts over agricultural water
• Lack of education and awareness

According to the Sindh Suhai Sath Organization, an NGO advocating for women’s rights, between January 1, 2019, and January 31, 2020, 186 people were killed in the name of honour, of whom 130 were women. Approximately 70% of these cases were reported from northern Sindh.

Dr. Aisha Hassan Dharejo, Chairperson of the organization, estimates that including unreported cases, an average of three women are killed daily in Sindh due to honour-based violence.

Legal Framework and Challenges

Barrister Zamir Ghumro, former Advocate General Sindh, emphasizes that karo kari constitutes murder under the law and should be prosecuted accordingly. However, the recurrence of such cases indicates weak enforcement and inadequate protection of citizens’ rights, contravening SDG 16, which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies and access to justice.

Religious Declarations Against Honour Killings

In June 2016, over 40 Islamic scholars from the Sunni Ittehad Council issued a fatwa declaring honour killings un-Islamic and an unpardonable sin. The fatwa urged the government to enact legislation to prevent such crimes and protect women’s rights, aligning with SDG 5 on gender equality. Similarly, the Pakistan Ulema Council has condemned these killings. Despite these religious rulings, honour killings persist.

Need for State Intervention and Exemplary Punishment

Dr. Aisha highlights that nearly half of the reported karo kari cases since 2019 have seen no arrests. She advocates for all First Information Reports (FIRs) to be registered on behalf of the State to prevent victim families from succumbing to pressure for compromise, ensuring justice and accountability.

Advocate Sattar Zangejo supports this approach, citing historical precedent from General John Jacob’s administration in the 19th century, where strict punishments effectively curtailed honour killings. Implementing similar exemplary punishments today is critical to eradicating this practice, thereby advancing SDG 16 and SDG 5.

Conclusion

Honour killings in Sindh represent a significant barrier to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on gender equality, justice, and strong institutions. Comprehensive legal enforcement, societal awareness, and state-led interventions are imperative to protect women’s rights and uphold human dignity.

References

• Data from Sindh Suhai Sath Organization
• Fatwa issued by Sunni Ittehad Council, June 2016
• Statements from Barrister Zamir Ghumro and Advocate Sattar Zangejo

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • The article focuses on violence against women, specifically honor killings, which is a critical gender-based violence issue.
   • It highlights the need to protect women’s rights and eliminate harmful practices against women.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article discusses law enforcement challenges, weak state writ, and the need for effective justice systems to address honor killings.
   • It emphasizes the importance of legal frameworks and state responsibility in protecting citizens and ensuring justice.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article mentions lack of education and awareness as one of the root causes contributing to honor killings.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
   • Target 5.3: Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
3. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including gender equality and human rights awareness.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Indicators related to SDG 5 (Gender Equality)
   • Number of reported and unreported cases of honor killings (violence against women).
   • Proportion of women subjected to violence (implied through data on killings).
   • Legal actions taken and arrests made in honor killing cases.
2. Indicators related to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)
   • Number of murders and violent crimes reported and solved.
   • Number of cases registered by the state on behalf of victims (FIRs lodged by the state).
   • Effectiveness of law enforcement and judicial processes in prosecuting honor killings.
   • Presence and enforcement of legislation against honor killings.
3. Indicators related to SDG 4 (Quality Education)
   • Levels of education and awareness in communities prone to honor killings (implied as a root cause).
   • Programs or initiatives promoting gender equality and human rights education.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: voicepk.net