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Key Points

A shocking report by Aurat Foundation reveals 212 honour killings in Balochistan since 2019. Naseerabad district accounts for the highest cases, with 73 incidents. Legal delays and tribal interference obstruct justice, leaving many cases unresolved. Activists urge immediate reforms to protect women’s rights and ensure accountability.

Key Points: Balochistan Records 212 Honour Killings Since 2019 Aurat Foundation Reports

  • 212 honour killings documented in Balochistan since 2019
  • Naseerabad district reports highest cases at 73
  • Legal delays and tribal influence hinder justice
  • Aurat Foundation calls for non-bailable offence classification
2 min read

212 honour killings in Balochistan since 2019: Aurat Foundation report calls for urgent legal reforms

Aurat Foundation reveals 212 honour killings in Balochistan since 2019, demanding urgent legal reforms and justice for victims.

"Women’s safety and dignity in Balochistan are under severe threat without immediate legal intervention. - Aurat Foundation"

Balochistan, July 24

A recent report by Aurat Foundation indicates that from 2019 to 2024, there have been at least 212 documented cases of honour killings in Balochistan, raising significant alarm over gender-based violence and the inadequacies of the justice system in that area, as reported by The Balochistan Post (TBP).

The report offers a detailed annual count of these instances: in 2019, there were 52 killings; in 2020, 51; in 2021, 24; in 2022, 28; in 2023, 24; and in 2024 (up to now), 33 killings, with 19 of the victims being women.

These statistics reflect only the cases that have been officially reported. The Foundation highlights that numerous incidents remain unreported due to social stigma, fear of repercussions, influence from local power holders, or resolution through traditional systems such as jirgas, as stated in the TBP report.

The report indicates that the Naseerabad district had the highest number of reported incidents over these six years, totalling 73 cases, which represents 34 per cent of all recorded honour killings in Balochistan. Other districts with significant numbers include: Jaffarabad with 23 cases, Jhal Magsi and Mastung each with 18 cases, Kachhi with 17 cases, Quetta with 11, Kalat with 7, and both Sohbatpur and Loralai with 6 cases each, and Khuzdar with 5 cases.

Aurat Foundation has raised deep concerns regarding the absence of accountability and the ineffective legal responses across most cases. The report notes that many offenders have yet to be apprehended, and in several cases, legal processes remain incomplete. Delays in court proceedings, lack of police cooperation, as well as political and tribal influences continue to hinder the pursuit of justice, as highlighted in the TBP report.

The organisation has urged the Balochistan government and federal authorities to implement immediate actions, including: reclassifying honour killings as non-bailable offences, providing legal aid and safeguarding for affected families, launching awareness campaigns involving media, educational institutions, and community leaders, and supplying gender-sensitive training to law enforcement agencies.

Activists advocating for women's rights and human rights organisations have described the findings as distressing. They caution that women's safety, dignity, and liberties in Balochistan are under significant threat, and that the circumstances could worsen without prompt legal and social changes, as underscored in the TBP report.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While we have our own issues with gender violence in India, these numbers from Balochistan are shocking. The government there needs to take strict action - education and legal reforms are the only way forward.
A
Aditya G
The tribal justice system is failing women completely. In India we've seen how panchayats can sometimes be problematic too. Modern legal systems must prevail over outdated traditions when lives are at stake.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in women's rights in Delhi, these statistics make my blood boil. The international community needs to put pressure on Pakistan to protect its women. No religion or culture justifies murder.
V
Vikram M
This shows how crucial education is - especially for girls. When women are educated, they can fight for their rights. India has made progress in this area, but clearly Balochistan needs urgent intervention.
K
Kavya N
The most disturbing part is that these are just reported cases. How many more women have suffered silently? 😢 We need to support organizations like Aurat Foundation that are fighting for change.

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