In recent years, Pakistan has taken tangible steps to combat honor killings, a violent practice rooted in extreme notions of family “honor” that disproportionately targets women. The Anti-Honor Killing Ordinance of 2023 and amendments to the Pakistan Penal Code now categorically prohibit all forms of honor-based violence, eliminating loopholes that previously allowed perpetrators to escape justice through family forgiveness clauses. These legislative reforms, overseen by the Ministry of Human Rights and endorsed by both Houses of Parliament, illustrate a deliberate state resolve to uphold women’s rights and strengthen the value of life above misplaced honor.
While societal norms take time to evolve, state data suggests progress is underway. According to the Human Rights Ministry’s 2024 report, reported honor killing cases have dropped by 15% compared to 2022. Provinces such as Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are noted for improved conviction rates—over 85%—as the judiciary strictly applies the revised penal provisions. These outcomes indicate growing enforcement fidelity and a decline in judicial leniency that once characterised such crimes.
Shifting Norms: Community Outreach and Media Campaigns
Pakistan’s shift isn’t limited to legal texts; it is embedded in a multi-pronged strategy. The state has launched countrywide TV and radio awareness campaigns, highlighting the sanctity of life and the human cost of honor killings. The Women’s Development Department has also sponsored workshops in schools and mosques, partnering with local ulema (Islamic scholars) who emphasize Quranic teachings that affirm the dignity of women and the sanctity of human life. These religious endorsements are crucial in shifting public sentiment away from acceptance of violence committed in the name of honor.
Across the Provinces: Institutional Leadership
Provincial governments have taken proactive roles. Punjab’s Maryam Nawaz-led Social Welfare Department inaugurated ‘Respect for Life’ centres offering legal aid, psychological counselling, and shelter services for at-risk women. These centres are staffed by social workers and trained police personnel, demonstrating interdepartmental effort in safeguarding vulnerable populations.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the provincial assembly has approved special courts for gender-based violence cases, dramatically reducing trial times. Federal oversight includes mandatory reporting teams—comprising police, health workers, and educators—to investigate every suspected honor killing case swiftly and ensure offenders are brought to justice rather than allowed to exploit forgiveness loopholes.
Tragic Incidents: Bringing the Issue to Light
Recent high-profile cases have jolted public consciousness. In July 2025, a 16-year-old girl in Rawalpindi was tragically shot by her father over her refusal to delete her TikTok account. Authorities quickly classified it as an honor killing and arrested the perpetrator. In June 2025, 17-year-old TikTok influencer Sana Yousaf was fatally shot in Islamabad, sparking social media outcry and public protests urging justice. These incidents, involving state action and court condemnations, signal that life in the guise of “honor” can no longer be tolerated.
Source: People
Case Studies: Law in Action
One landmark example took place in January 2025 in Multan. A young bride was rescued after local authorities received an anonymous tip through the centre’s hotline. Police intervention prevented an imminent murder attempt by her in-laws, and the perpetrators are now facing trial under the new ordinance. Multan’s District and Sessions Court has already remanded suspects for six months, signaling the seriousness of the prosecution and highlighting how effective early reporting and enforcement mechanisms can save lives.
In another case from northern Sindh, a tribal council ordered the death of a woman accused of adultery. However, the provincial High Court overturned the decision, citing the federal Anti-Honor Killing law. According to police sources, judges explicitly referenced the ordinance, rejecting all defense arguments tied to “tradition”. These court rulings indicate that legal reforms are being effectively internalised in governorate judiciaries.
What the State Has Achieved?
Firstly, the legal framework is now robust and coherent. The removal of family pardon clauses and enhanced sentencing standards curtail impunity, ensuring honor-related murders are no longer easily excused. Secondly, institutional readiness has significantly improved. Police are receiving gender-sensitivity training, and rapid response protocols are operational across provinces. Thirdly, societal narratives are shifting—religious leaders publicly denounce honor killings, and survivors are increasingly willing to speak out, enabled by state-sponsored support systems.
What Remains to Be Done?
Despite some progress, challenges persist. Awareness of legal rights is low in rural areas, and cultural isolation hinders the dissemination of national messaging. The Ministry of Information plans to expand awareness through mobile theatre programs and local films.
Support services, such as shelters and legal counseling, are limited in Balochistan and the underdeveloped districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Provincial assemblies are exploring public-private partnerships to create safer houses.
Enforcement needs consistency; while arrest rates are high, investigations can falter due to interference and resource shortages. Federal police will conduct quarterly “honor audits” in districts with a history of high incidents to ensure case integrity.
Survivor reintegration programs, focusing on education and economic empowerment, are still lacking. The government plans to pilot a National Reintegration Grant for exempted survivors, starting in early 2026, pending budget approval.
Collaborative Efforts: NGOs and International Partnerships
To bolster state efforts, the government has partnered with NGOs like Rozan, Aurat Foundation, and SACH to expand training courses for law enforcement, welfare staff, and judges. These workshops encompass trauma-informed interrogation techniques, cultural sensitivity, and ensuring victim safety.
Pakistan is also engaging with UN Women and WHO on cross-border case monitoring. Joint field visits are designed to align Pakistan’s legal instruments with global standards and establish data-sharing protocols that enable impact tracking and informed policy reform.
Public Outlook and the Road Ahead
Conversations about honor killings are no longer confined to homes—they are being televised, tweeted, and discussed in public forums. The Central Information Department now tracks the visibility of these cases across media platforms and calculates sentiment scores, which are then fed into weekly reviews with provincial ministers. Such transparency helps sustain accountability and ensures the issue is not sidelined.
Key steps ahead include codifying the National Reintegration Grant, expanding safe shelter availability, scaling mobile awareness units, and ensuring judicial efficiency in honor-killing trials. The leadership of the Ministry of Human Rights in these domains signifies that the state is not only legislating but also actively enforcing and monitoring progress.
Pakistan’s journey against honor killings is evolving from silent acquiescence to proactive eradication. Legislative reforms, judicial courage, institutional preparedness, and societal awakening indicate meaningful change. Yet, sustainability will rely on expanded outreach, consistent enforcement, enhanced support for survivors, and empathetic public education.
By transforming law, policy, and institutional culture, Pakistan is redirecting centuries-old customs toward national ethics that celebrate life and dignity. In doing so, the state asserts both commitment and compassion, signaling to perpetrators, survivors, and society that honor is not tradition—it is a humane value grounded in rights, not violence.
