Women in Pakistan have a long way to go to taste the freedom they truly deserve. While successive governments keep passing laws that provide some legal cover to women, the problem does not lie with the state. The root cause is the ultra-conservative families that attach their honour to women’s character and choices. Recent incidents have shown that a lot more needs to be done to make our society safe for women. In Khairpur, a young woman was shot dead in an alleged Karo-Kari incident in Bhutto Chandio village in front of police and villagers. Karo-Kari is a form of honour killing where mostly women are murdered for having a relationship with a man against their family’s wishes. If this shocking news is not enough, at least three people were killed in Taxila, including a couple who got married against their families’ wishes. Annually, 1,000 women are killed in the name of honour in Pakistan, a practice that is illegal but still quite popular across the country.
One reason such incidents recur is the lack of opportunities for people to evolve and discard old traditions. Almost all societies have had questionable customs in the past, but with time, people have evolved. Pakistan, however, remains largely patriarchal in many areas. Men often hold authority over women’s decisions, and controlling their autonomy is normalised. When that control is challenged, some individuals resort to extreme measures. Honour killing is a serious problem, but it can be reduced through clear, steady action. The country already has laws against it, but these laws must be enforced strictly so that no one can escape punishment. At the same time, people who are at risk, especially women, need safe places, legal help and quick support from authorities. Real change will also come from society itself. Community leaders, teachers and religious scholars must speak openly against such violence and make it clear that it has no moral or religious justification. Women also need a support system that goes beyond class.
Education, especially for girls, and better economic opportunities for women can also help them live with dignity and independence. Other countries have overcome harmful traditions by combining strong laws with changes in public attitudes. Pakistan can do the same with commitment, courage and unity. Special focus should also be paid towards modernising society. Societies evolve gradually through a mix of education, economic growth and exposure to new ideas, and entertainment plays a surprisingly powerful role in this process. Films, television, music and digital platforms introduce people to different ways of thinking and living, often making change feel more familiar and less threatening. When audiences see stories that challenge harmful traditions or promote equality, it can slowly shift public attitudes. We have to make an extra effort to bring that level of modernity and liberalisation to our households. In that way, we can bring the much-needed shift in people’s behaviour towards women.
