Pakistan's femicide crisis: thousands of women killed with few prosecutions

A 2025 report by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan recorded at least 470 women murdered by fathers, brothers or sons, classified as "honor killings". The same report added 1,332 murders linked to domestic violence and nearly 3,000 assault cases against women.

Anthropologist Samar Minallah argues the term "honor" obscures the cold‑blooded nature of these femicides and campaigns to drop it. She trains police recruits to recognise the pervasive violence against women.

The 2016 killing of influencer Qandeel Baloch sparked public debate and led to some legislative changes, yet only two convictions for honor‑related murders were recorded in the first half of 2025. The case of Rabia Shah, killed alongside her 16‑month‑old daughter by relatives in northern Pakistan, illustrates the pattern: five suspects were arrested, but three were released on bail.

Critics also highlight a 1990 forgiveness clause that allows families to pardon perpetrators, calling for its repeal. UN‑Women data note that globally 137 women are killed daily by relatives, underscoring the wider context of femicide.