“Honor” Killings - Murder by Family
An "honor killing" in Pakistani culture refers to the murder of a family member, usually a woman or girl, by relatives who believe that the victim has brought shame or dishonor upon the family. This perceived dishonor can stem from a range of actions that violate traditional norms, like: Marrying someone of one’s own choice (especially without family approval) Having an alleged or real romantic relationship outside of marriage Dressing or behaving in a way deemed “improper” or “inappropriate" Being a victim of sexual assault (tragically, the victims are blamed) Honor killings are rooted in patriarchal and tribal traditions , not in religion. In some parts of rural or conservative Pakistan, family reputation is closely tied to the behavior of female family members. When that reputation is perceived to be damaged, some families feel compelled to "restore" their honor through violence and even murder. Pakistan has historically struggled to effectively pr...