Category: 1. Pakistan

In the heart of Baluchistan, a crowd gathered, watching in silence as two young lives were ended in the name of “honour.” Their only crime: being accused of bringing shame. This was not a hidden act, but a public spectacle, a chilling reminder that in Pakistan, “honour” can still become a licence to kill.

But my question is how many more lives must be lost before we admit that “honour” has become a weapon, not a virtue? Each year, the silent toll of honour killings grows in lives cut short, families shattered, and justice denied. This is not just a statistic; it is a national emergency that demands our collective conscience and urgent action.

Most often, it is women who pay the highest price. In Pakistan, the concept of “honour” leads to the tragic loss of countless women each year, reflecting a persistent tradition that presents serious obstacles to justice and human rights. Honour killings, defined as the murder of women to protect family reputation, remain a troubling form of gender-based violence in Pakistan.

Taking on responsibility often brings a sense of authority, as legal consequences are often insufficient and societal norms prioritize family reputation over individual rights.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan recorded around 1,961 honour killings from 2004 to 2022, but the actual numbers are likely much higher due to underreporting.

Section 299 of the Pakistan Penal Code defines honour killing as an offence aimed at preserving honour. Sections 300 and 302 categorize it as murder and specify the punishment.

Despite the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2004 and the Anti-Honour Killing Act 2016 aiming to make these offences non-compoundable and state matters, notable loopholes remain. The Qisas and Diyat law illustrates this clearly, allowing pardons and reducing accountability, as seen in the Qandeel Baloch case.

In various regions of Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, informal justice mechanisms such as jirgas are crucial for resolving disputes, particularly in contexts where formal opportunities are restricted. Nonetheless, these forums are largely characterized by a male presence, with a notable lack of representation for women.

This gap is more than just a theoretical idea. In March 1999, a troubling incident occurred involving a 16-year-old girl in Parachinar, who was sent back to her tribe after being raped. The jirga determined she had dishonoured her tribe, leading to her execution in front of tribal members.

Honour killings occur in various settings, not limited to tribal or rural areas. Samia Sarwar, 29, was shot dead in her lawyer’s office in Lahore while pursuing a divorce. Her own mother, a medical professional, was involved in the heartbreaking choice to end a life.

Honour killings are wrongly justified by religion, yet neither the Quran nor Hadith endorses these actions. Islam strictly forbids the taking of innocent lives (Surah An-Nisa 4:93), and religious authorities consistently denounce honour killings, emphasizing that justice belongs to the legal system.

The actions stem from enduring customs that emphasize patriarchal control over women’s autonomy, rather than authentic religious beliefs, as shown by their absence in many Muslim-majority countries like Indonesia and Malaysia.

The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees key rights, including the right to life and liberty (Article 9) and protections for women (Article 25). The leniency in honour killing cases dates back to British colonial rule. The 1990 amendments incorporated Islamic principles like Qisas and Diyat into the legal system, allowing for family pardons. The 2004 and 2016 Acts strengthened the judicial system by making honour killings non-compoundable.

The legal system has flaws; courts sometimes grant exceptions, and victims’ families may choose to forgive offenders. The Qandeel Baloch case illustrates ongoing challenges, as her brother was initially sentenced but later acquitted by the Lahore High Court due to procedural issues. This situation reveals ongoing problems in the criminal justice system, including blood pardons, poorly crafted legislation, and narrow legal interpretations.

The Constitution of Pakistan ensures important rights, such as the right to life and liberty (Article 9), along with provisions for the protection of women (Article 25). Historically, the leniency observed in cases of honour killings can be traced back to the era of British colonial rule.

The amendments of 1990 brought Islamic principles such as qisas and diyat into the legal framework, permitting family pardons. In contrast, the Acts of 2004 and 2016 reinforced the judicial system by rendering honour killings non-compoundable. Nonetheless, the legal system is not without its flaws, as courts occasionally grant exceptions or victims’ families choose to forgive offenders.

The Qandeel Baloch case, where her brother was initially sentenced but later acquitted by the Lahore High Court due to procedural issues, exemplifies these persistent challenges. This situation highlights persistent issues within the criminal justice system, such as blood pardons, inadequately developed legislation, and restrictive interpretations of the law.

Pakistan has made commitments to numerous international conventions and treaties, which require the country to protect women’s rights and tackle gender-based violence in a meaningful way.

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) stand as essential pillars in the ongoing struggle for equality and justice worldwide. Pakistan must eliminate discriminatory practices and ensure equal protection for women as per these agreements.

Pakistan, as an Islamic state, promotes spiritual equality for both men and women. Islam forbids intentional killing, including honour killings, asserting that justice belongs to Allah or the courts. Islam promotes ethical principles for all individuals and prohibits causing harm or taking the life of a woman for failing to fulfil expectations. The Quran’s guidance is applicable to all genders.

The antiquated notion that ties family honour exclusively to the behaviour of women and rationalizes violence needs to be reformed. These actions are a more significant wrongdoing than the one under scrutiny. Education, awareness, and open dialogue are crucial for dismantling these harmful conventions. Elders, teachers, and religious leaders must define the true meanings of Islam and the law.

The recent tragedy in Baluchistan, the murder of Qandeel Baloch, and the killing of a 13-year-old girl in Bolan district highlight the critical necessity for justice in Pakistan to be both inclusive and compassionate. Honour killings should be firmly denounced, no matter where they originate, whether from a jirga, family, or misguided customs. To put an end to violence and ensure justice, it is essential to uphold the law, rectify existing gaps, and shift societal attitudes and beliefs.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Senior Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader and vice-president Senator Sherry Rehman on Monday said that former Indian home minister Chidambaram’s statement has exposed Modi government’s false narrative

Sherry Rehman, responding to Chidambaram’s statement, said that there is no evidence of Pakistan’s involvement in the Pahalgam attack. Chidambaram’s remarks exposed the false accusations levelled by India against Pakistan.

She stated that the attackers were Indian citizens, which is why the Modi government is hiding their identities. Pakistan has already offered India an independent investigation into the matter.

Sherry Rehman further added that the Indian government is avoiding a transparent investigation out of fear that the truth will come to light.

 

ISLAMABAD: Former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Justice Jawwad S Khwaja on Monday requested the apex court to initiate contempt of court proceedings against Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif for his failure to implement its order of May 7 in military court’s case.

Justice (retd) Jawad S Khwaja filed a petition in the Supreme Court under Article 204 of the Constitution read with section 3 to 6 of the Contempt of Court Ordinance, 2003 and Order XXVII of the Supreme Court Rules, 1980. He prayed the apex court to initiate appropriate contempt of court proceedings against prime minister, as Chief Executive of the Federation, for its disobedience of the court’s order of May 7, 2025 in intra court appeal.

On May 7, 2025, a seven-member constitutional bench of the apex court headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan had allowed trials of May 9 suspects in the military courts after restoring the clauses of Army Act 1952 which were declared earlier as ultra vires the Constitution and of no legal effect by the apex court. The court had allowed Intra Court Appeals (ICAs) of Federal Government, Ministry of Defence as well as Ministry of Interior against the apex court judgment that had declared trail of civilians in the military courts as unconstitutional. The Shuhuda Foundation Balochistan as well as government of Punjab and Balochistan had also filed intra court appeals against the apex court judgment. Other members of the bench included Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Musarrat Hilali, Justice Naeem Akhter Afghan and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan. The court by majority 5-2 had allowed the Intra Court Appeals and set aside the impugned judgment, dated 23.10.2023, rendered by the learned bench of the apex court

In the contempt petition, the former Chief Justice Jawad S Khwaja submitted that the seven member constitution bench had noted down in its judgment delivered in May 7, 2025 that the learned AGP reiterated that if the Constitutional Bench refers the matter to the Government/Parliament to amend the law and create a window of an independent right of appeal over and above the provision of appeal already provided under Section 133-B of the Pakistan Army Act, 1952, that will be respected and considered seriously. The court referred the matter to the Government/Parliament for considering and making necessary amendments/legislation in the Pakistan Army Act, 1952, and allied rules within 45 days, he said. Contending that the 45-day period provided for passing the legislation has lapsed, and the government’s actions constitute a willful disobedience of the court’s order. No system can function if the federation flouts time-bound court orders. “Consequently, it is the prime minister that is liable for contempt of court for failure on the part of the federal government to comply with a court order,” Justice (retd) Jawaad S Khwaja submitted. He prayed the apex court to initiate appropriate contempt of court proceedings against the prime minister.

The government on Monday ordered strict monitoring of the sugar stocks after it was observed that several sugar mills were not adhering to the mutually-agreed framework regarding the supply and release of the commodity.

National Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain chaired a meeting with representatives of the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) and other stakeholders to review the ongoing sugar supply situation in the country.

During the meeting, it was observed that despite repeated assurances, issues relating to timely dispatch

sugar stocks, Page 6

Monitoring of sugar stocks ordered

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and availability of sugar in the market persisted. Taking serious note of the situation, the minister announced that the government would now exercise strict oversight of sugar mill stocks.

“For this purpose, officials will be deputed to each sugar mill to monitor stock levels and ensure uninterrupted supply in accordance with agreed terms,” said a statement issued after the meeting.

On the occasion, the PSMA chairman highlighted challenges facing the mill owners. Tanveer assured him of redressing their genuine issues. He directed the formation of a ‘Grievance Redressal Committee’ and a dedicated WhatsApp group to ensure real-time coordination between officials and the mill.

“The government is committed to maintaining price stability and ensuring adequate sugar supply in the market. Any negligence or violation of agreements will not be tolerated. At the same time, we will work closely with the industry to resolve their legitimate concerns in a timely manner,” said the minister.

The ministry, according to the statement, reiterated its commitment to transparent stock management, price stabilisation, and coordination with all stakeholders to protect both consumer and producer interests.

Highlight

Officials will be deputed to each sugar mill to monitor stock levels and ensure uninterrupted supply in accordance with agreed terms

The ongoing dispute over sugar supply, wholesale pricing, and retailer profits involving sugar mills, brokers, dealers, and district administration has triggered a severe sugar crisis in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

With wholesale supply disrupted, most retailers in the district have run out of stock. Sugar is now being sold at inflated prices of up to Rs220 per kilogram.

In response to heavy fines and shop closures by the district administration, many retailers have removed sugar from shelves, with some selling it secretly at higher prices only to known customers.

Initial negotiations between the sugar merchant association, the cane commissioner, and FBR have shown some progress.

A breakthrough is expected in an upcoming meeting chaired by the federal minister.

However, the crisis remains unresolved. Association leaders Rizwan Shaukat and Saleem Pervaiz Butt claim the government set the ex-mill price at Rs165 and allowed an Rs8 profit margin—permitting retail sale at Rs173.

But mills are allegedly charging Rs176 per kg, making it unviable for retailers to comply.

Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqas Cheema said pricing is not a district matter and must follow federal directives. Authorities are strictly enforcing the Rs173 rate, with penalties for violations.

In the last 24 hours, 127 violations were reported. Fines totaling Rs145,000 were imposed, five retailers were arrested, and nine shops sealed.

District-wise breakdown includes Rawalpindi (2 violations, Rs30,000 fines), Attock (11 violations, Rs8,500), Jhelum (16 violations, Rs30,000), Chakwal (8 violations, Rs22,000), and Murree (90 violations, Rs55,000, 3 arrests).

Commissioner Amir Khattak has instructed retailers to ensure sugar availability at government-set prices, display rate lists prominently, and avoid hoarding or artificial shortages.

NEW DELHI: A major political row erupted over Congress leader P Chidambaram’s remarks that those behind the Pahalgam massacre could be “homegrown terrorists”and that it was wrong to assume that they were from Pakistan.Senior BJP leaders hit out at the former home minister over his statements in a video interview, which was endorsed by a few others in Congress, with Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan accusing Congress and Chidambaram of “speaking the same language” as used by Pakistan. Chidambaram, however, said his remarks had been taken out of context. “Why is P Chidambaram saying this?” Chouhan asked. “The language in which Pakistan is speaking, the same language is being used by Chidambaram and Congress…The mask has been removed from the opposition’s face,” he said, wondering if the Congress leader was asking for proof about Pakistan’s hand in the Pahalgam terror attack in J&K.In the interview, Chidambaram had said, “…for all we know they could be homegrown terrorists, why do we assume they came from Pakistan.”He later said this bit was part of larger statement which his accusers have suppressed. “Trolls are of different kinds and use different tools to spread misinformation. The worst kind is a troll who suppresses the full recorded interview, takes two sentences, mutes some words, and paints the speaker in a black colour!” he said on X. BJP leader Anurag Thakur accused Congress of casting doubts on the achievements of the Indian armed forces during Operation Sindoor. “When it comes to terrorist attacks, Pakistan is unable to defend itself, but Rahul-occupied Congress leaders are quick to take its side,” he said.He said this was not the first time that Congress leaders have demanded evidence from the armed forces while attempting to “absolve Pakistan in advance”. “The country will not give dossiers anymore, it will give doses. We will not give proof, we will give coffins to terrorists,” the Hamirpur MP said.BJP MP Sambit Patra said Chidambaram has made evident that the opposition is not standing with Operation Sindoor and the bravery of the Indian Army. “Chidambaram is giving a clean chit to Pakistan. It is not he who is speaking; it is the voice of the Gandhi family and the Congress, Chidambaram is only articulating it,” Patra said.

The Punjab Assembly session on Monday was thrown into chaos when two brawls erupted between lawmakers, leading to the suspension of a Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA), according to a Dawn.com correspondent present at the scene.

Earlier today, opposition member Khalid Nisar Dogar struck ruling PML-N’s Hasan Riaz during the session, before the two were separated by other lawmakers. Footage of the incident has since gone viral.

Acting speaker Zaheer Iqbal Channar called the altercation “highly inappropriate”.

According to the correspondent, the session was adjourned until 2pm on Tuesday by Channar, who summoned government and opposition MPAs to his chambers. He suspended Dogar for 15 sessions under Rule 210 (power to order withdrawal of members or suspend sitting) of the Rules of Procedure of the Provincial Assembly of Punjab, 1997.

Speaking to reporters following the fracas, Riaz called it “a dark day”.

“I was addressing the speaker, but an opposition lawmaker was hurling insults at me,” he said. “When I saw him, he came and attacked me. These people have no control over themselves; they’ve been the same since May 9 [riots in 2023].”

Another altercation later erupted in the assembly’s press hall, where a government MPA’s staff members reportedly hurled insults at opposition lawmakers.

As a result, opposition MPAs Sardar Mohammad Ali Khan and Muhammad Ejaz Shafi also hurled abuse as both sides came face-to-face again. However, security personnel arrived at the press hall and separated both groups of lawmakers.

Video footage recorded in the press hall shows Khan and Shafi claiming that two people came and hurled abuse at their fellow lawmakers before leaving the press hall.

“They insulted our MPA,” Khan emphasised. “You all witnessed that two miscreants abused an honourable member. If you do not raise your voices, this will happen to you too.”

This is not the first time that unruly behaviour has been seen in the Punjab Assembly.

In June, Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan ordered the suspension of 26 opposition MPAs for 15 sittings after their protests disrupted the proceedings as Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif was presenting the budget.

According to an order issued by Malik on June 27, the suspended MPAs “became disorderly, beyond all parliamentary reasoning and practices”, including tearing the agenda papers and hurling torn pieces towards the treasury benches as well as using “offensive, abusive, and unparliamentary language and slogans”.

The order was issued under Rule 210 of the Punjab Assembly Rules of Procedure, 1997.