Tragic Honor Killing in Jhelum Highlights Ongoing Violence Against Women in Pakistan
A 20-year-old woman was allegedly shot by her brothers in Jhelum, Pakistan, for making TikTok videos. Following a confrontation about her social media activity, they killed her and attempted to stage it as a suicide. This incident is part of a broader issue of honor killings in Pakistan, which continue to rise, reflecting deep-rooted cultural norms that punish women’s perceived dishonor.
In a troubling incident in Jhelum, Pakistan, a 20-year-old woman was reportedly murdered by her brothers due to her involvement in creating TikTok videos. Neighbors had raised concerns about her video-making, which led to a family confrontation, resulting in the brothers allegedly shooting her on the spot. After the act, they attempted to disguise the crime as a suicide and destroy evidence at the scene.
This incident is not isolated; another case of honor killing emerged when a dual national TikToker was shot dead in Quetta. Hira, a 15-year-old girl, was killed by her father and uncle after they disapproved of her TikTok activity. The father, Anwarul-Haq, reportedly plotted the murder when she refused to cease her online presence, demonstrating the extreme measures some take to enforce conservative social norms.
Unfortunately, such cases illustrate a pattern of honor killings in Pakistan, rooted in outdated traditions. Recent reports revealed that eight individuals, including five women, were killed in a span of three days across Sindh, highlighting the escalating violence against women linked to perceived dishonor. Honor killings have spread beyond rural areas into urban settings in Pakistan, as evident in these recent tragedies.
According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), honor killings remain a significant issue, with hundreds of women falling victim annually, largely at the hands of their relatives. A report indicated that from January to November 2024, there were 346 confirmed cases of honor killings across the nation, with Sindh and Punjab noting particularly high numbers, underscoring the urgent need for societal reform.
Honor killings in Pakistan occur when family members believe that a relative has brought shame to the family, often due to behavior that defies strict cultural norms, such as engaging in social media or romantic relationships. These acts of violence are largely perpetrated by close family members and are justified under the guise of preserving family honor. The practice targets mainly women and is prevalent in conservative regions but has increasingly appeared in urban areas as social media’s influence grows. Human rights organizations advocate for reform and protection for at-risk individuals as these incidents continue to rise.
The murder of the young woman in Jhelum and other similar incidents highlight the grave issue of honor killings in Pakistan, where cultural norms lead to violence against women. Each year, numerous women are victims of such killings, predominantly committed by relatives. There is an urgent need for societal change and stronger legal protections to address these human rights abuses more effectively.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
