HONOUR OF KILLING IN SOUTH PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Honor killing is a serious social problem that persists in many South Asian countries, particularly in Punjab, Pakistan. It refers to the murder of someone, usually women, by close family members or loved ones who believe the victim's actions have shamed or embarrassed the family. The traditional cultural ideas of Punjab, where social concepts of "respect," and social status are strongly cherished, are firmly rooted in this practice. Honor killings often occur because of perceived violations of cultural norms, such as issues with individual liberty, marriage, or relationships.

killings for honor have been reported in the area even though laws have been taken to stop them, such as Pakistan's 2016 Anti-Honor Killing Law. This illustrates how patriarchal systems endure and how difficult it is to change deeply ingrained cultural attitudes. Murders of honor continues taking place, which shows an imbalance in both change in society and the enforcement of law.
The study looks at how societal, cultural, and legal elements contribute to the continuation of honor killings in Pakistan's Punjab. It examines the difficulties victims, particularly women, experience as well as the initiatives taken by civil society and legal reforms to address this problem.

A multifaceted strategy is needed to address the issue, with an emphasis on bolstering the judicial system, questioning gender social norms, and advancing awareness and education to eliminate the fundamental causes of honor-based killing. To guarantee accountability, fairness, and the defense of the rights of people in the area, effective measures are necessary.