Justice or Visibility: The Outcry Against Honor Killings in Pakistan

Unraveling the Tragedy of Honor Killings in Pakistan

The recent murder of Banu BBE and Assan Ula in Pakistan's Baluchistan province highlights a grim reality regarding honor killings: justice is often contingent upon visibility. The disturbing video of their execution has captivated social media, reigniting national outrage and shining a light on the systemic failures that protect perpetrators of such heinous crimes.

In 'Why a so-called ‘honor’ killing in Pakistan has sparked national outrage,' the video highlights the ongoing crisis of honor killings, prompting us to analyze the implications and responses that this tragedy has ignited.

The Role of Social Media in Justice

While honor killings are tragically common, they often go unpunished when left in the shadows. The chilling footage of Banu’s final moments created a surge of awareness that compelled authorities to take action. "Justice for a couple" trended across platforms, signaling a collective demand for change that is typically absent in less publicized cases. However, this raises pertinent questions: why does significant media attention become the catalyst for justice? This troubling dynamic suggests that many victims remain voiceless until the public pressure outweighs entrenched societal norms.

Systemic Failures in Protecting Women

Sadia Balon, a prominent human rights defender, articulates a pervasive issue: the lack of accountability in a system dominated by tribal structures. These norms often dictate that families handle such abuses privately, effectively shielding criminals from repercussions. Banu's murder illustrates not just a personal tragedy but a glaring systemic failure—one that leaves countless women in similar predicaments vulnerable and without recourse.

Resisting Cultural Traditions to Foster Change

Addressing the issue of honor killings demands confronting the tribal practices that allow them to flourish. Sadia notes that many laws exist on paper but lack enforcement. To effect real change, these archaic structures need to be dismantled. Society must evolve beyond outdated notions of honor and prioritize the sanctity of women’s lives. This transformation can only happen through meaningful dialogue and the active involvement of those in power to support rather than suppress progress.

Public Sentiment and Political Responsibility

The political response to honor killings often exacerbates the issue. Instead of condemning acts of violence unconditionally, officials sometimes resort to victim-blaming narratives, as demonstrated by the Baluchistan Chief Minister's remarks during a press conference. This type of response perpetuates a culture of misogyny that stigmatizes victims rather than protects them. It highlights a broader societal issue where female lives are treated as disposable commodities.

Supporting the movement against honor killings will require everyone—citizens, activists, and politicians alike—to take a stand against the cultural suppression of women's rights. We can no longer afford to ignore the voices of those who have suffered, and it's time to demand that justice be served regardless of visibility.