Senate Condemns ‘Honour Killing’ in Balochistan

The Senate unanimously approved a resolution on Thursday denouncing the murder of a couple in Balochistan, which was carried out in broad daylight under the orders of a Jirga, citing so-called “honour killing.”

The resolution, put forward by Sherry Rehman, stated that this deliberate act of extrajudicial killings constitutes a reprehensible crime and a severe infringement of human rights, the Constitution, and Pakistani laws.

It emphasized that this brutal murder cannot be concealed by any cultural, tribal, or traditional excuses under the guise of so-called ‘ghairat’ or “honour.” It is fundamentally a crime that has deeply dishonoured the nation. The resolution stated that any attempt to justify such an act based on custom or honor is completely unacceptable, as is the process of blaming the victim.

The killings, which transpired approximately six weeks prior, involved Bano Bibi and a man named Ehsanullah. Both were fatally shot in the Degari region near Quetta in what law enforcement officials have classified as an honour-related incident.

The event gained attention after a video circulated on social media depicting a gathering of over a dozen men in a remote, mountainous desert setting, with SUVs and pickup trucks in the vicinity.

The footage shows the woman being instructed to stand with her back to the group before a man draws a firearm and shoots her. He subsequently turns the weapon on a man and kills him.

As the video rapidly spread online, the Balochistan government was compelled to register a case under terrorism statutes. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti characterized the incident as “horrific.”

In the meantime, the resolution highlighted that Parliament has previously implemented legislative changes to address so-called honour crimes, specifically by prohibiting compoundability or ‘sulah’ in such instances, acknowledging the State’s need to act decisively against perpetrators.

Nevertheless, the House voiced significant concern that, despite these legal safeguards, implementation on the ground remains deficient, and justice is frequently undermined, as evidenced in past notable cases, particularly those involving women.

The resolution affirmed that so-called honour killings are not honourable but constitute murder under the law and must be treated and prosecuted accordingly.

“The rule of law cannot be selectively applied, nor can tribal or informal justice mechanisms be permitted to undermine constitutional protections and due process.”

The Senate has implored the government to ensure an immediate and transparent investigation into the recent murders, ensuring that all those implicated, directly or indirectly, including those who convened or sanctioned any jirga, are swiftly brought to justice.

It stipulated that law enforcement agencies must handle all such cases strictly under the relevant clauses of the Pakistan Penal Code, without compromise or discretion.

The resolution also called upon the Ministry of Law and Justice and the Ministry of Human Rights to conduct an extensive review of the enforcement shortcomings in existing legislation pertaining to so-called honour crimes and to propose actionable reforms for robust implementation.

It further advised that public prosecutors and investigating officers receive training and sensitization to regard gender-based violence and honour crimes as grave criminal offenses requiring proactive prosecution.

The House emphasized the need for provincial and federal governments to initiate awareness campaigns that unequivocally reject the notion of honour-based violence and reinforce the supremacy of constitutional law over tribal or feudal customs.

The resolution reiterated the Senate’s unwavering support for all Pakistani citizens as equals, entitled to legal protection, and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rights, safety, and dignity of all citizens, especially women, as enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan.