HONOUR KILLING AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IN PAKISTAN

REFLECTIONS ON INCIDENTS IN GUJRANWALA, 2012-2023

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35994/rhr.v9i1.256

Keywords:

Honour killing, Gujranwala, Pakistan, Code of Criminal Procedure, Eye witness

Abstract

This article examines the factors that contribute to gender inequality and violence against women in Punjab, Pakistan. It focuses on District Gujranwala and examines patriarchal power structures, cultural norms, and restrictive gender roles. The article analyzes court decisions in District Gujranwala from 2012 to 2023, which show a high number of acquittals, mostly because of retracted eyewitness testimony. We argue that despite statutory reforms, there exists an over-reliance on visual evidence that undermines justice. We suggest that a comprehensive policy is needed that challenges cultural norms, advances gender equality, fortifies legal frameworks, and reforms investigation and prosecution techniques to effectively prevent honour killings and increase conviction rates.

Author Biographies

Aqsa Ghazi, Superior Univeristy

Aqsa Ghazi is a Senior Program Manager at the Punjab Information Technology Board. She is a PhD scholar at Superior University

Umar Farooq Salamat, Punjab Police

Umar Farooq Salamat works as an SSP Investigation in Punjab Police. He did MSc in Physics from PU and MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Glasgow.

Additional Files

Published

2024-03-15

How to Cite

Ghazi, A., & Farooq Salamat, U. (2024). HONOUR KILLING AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IN PAKISTAN : REFLECTIONS ON INCIDENTS IN GUJRANWALA, 2012-2023. Review of Human Rights, 9(1), 118–142. https://doi.org/10.35994/rhr.v9i1.256