Pakistan Reports 547 Honor Killings in 2024 Amidst Persistent South Asian Retribution Practices

Islamabad, Pakistan – Recent reports indicate that Pakistan recorded 547 instances of honor killings in 2024, with only one conviction in Balochistan, highlighting the ongoing challenge of retributive violence in the name of reputational damage across South Asia. This figure underscores a broader regional concern where such acts are tragically prevalent. A social media post observed, "According to Wiki, it's prevalent in specifically North India, + Bangladesh and Pakistan, which makes sense, because we constantly see those South Asians engage in this bizarre acts of retribution for reputational damage."

Honor killings, often referred to locally as "karo-kari" in Pakistan, are a deeply entrenched form of violence where individuals, predominantly women, are murdered by family members for perceived transgressions that bring "dishonor" to the family. These acts are typically rooted in patriarchal cultural norms that link a family's reputation to the sexual propriety and obedience of its female members. Such perceived dishonor can stem from actions like marrying outside caste or religion, eloping, refusing arranged marriages, or engaging in relationships without familial consent.

Globally, the United Nations estimates that approximately 5,000 women and girls are victims of honor killings annually, with a significant number reported in South Asia and the Middle East. In India, while official figures reported 251 honor killings in 2015, and 24 in 2019, activists suggest these numbers are significant undercounts due to widespread underreporting and concealment. The recent incident in Pakistan's Balochistan province, where 13 individuals were arrested following a viral video depicting the alleged honor killing of a couple, demonstrates the continued gravity of the issue.

Societal pressures, including the influence of informal community councils like "khap panchayats" in parts of India, often condone or even order such violence, undermining formal legal systems. Despite legal frameworks in countries like India and Pakistan that criminalize these acts, enforcement remains inconsistent, and perpetrators often benefit from loopholes or community silence. Human rights organizations consistently highlight the failure of authorities to adequately investigate and prosecute these crimes, perpetuating a cycle of impunity.

The persistence of honor-based violence has prompted international and national calls for stronger legislative measures and increased awareness. In August 2025, the Labour Party in the UK announced plans for clearer legislation to define and combat honor-based violence, reflecting a global effort to address this complex issue. These efforts aim to protect vulnerable individuals and challenge the cultural justifications for such brutal acts.