Honor Killing Is Murder, Not Tradition: NCSW

News Desk

Islamabad: The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) has strongly condemned the recent surge in violence against young girls, including killings in the name of honor and rising incidents of technology-facilitated gender-based violence.

NCSW Chairperson Ume Laila Azhar expressed grave concern over the disturbing trend, particularly the misuse of honor as a justification for violence.

Referring to a recent case in Rawat, Rawalpindi, where a father killed his daughter over a dispute related to TikTok, Ume Laila stated, “This is not honor—it is murder. What kind of honor compels someone to take their own daughter’s life over something as trivial as a mobile app?”

Highlighting the gravity of such acts, she also referenced a second case in Lyari, Karachi, where a 19-year-old girl was nearly murdered in a similar context.

She urged the government to ensure swift and strict legal action against the perpetrators in both incidents, emphasizing that justice must be served to set a precedent and deter future violence.

Ume Laila also underscored the growing threat of technology-facilitated gender-based violence and called for stronger safeguards, awareness, and regulation. “We must recognize this as a serious and evolving danger for the next generation,” she said.

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The NCSW further appealed to parents to thoroughly vet potential spouses for their daughters and to stop perpetuating harmful traditions that put girls’ lives at risk. “Marriage should never come at the cost of a girl’s safety or dignity,” the chairperson stressed.

Calling for collective action, Ume Laila urged parents, civil society, and authorities to work together to foster a culture of respect, equality, and zero tolerance for gender-based violence.

“NCSW stands firm in its commitment to protect the rights of women and girls,” she affirmed. “We call on all stakeholders to act now—before more lives are lost.”

NCSW Launches Review of Family Laws to Bolster Women’s Rights

The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) has initiated a comprehensive review of Pakistan’s key family laws to strengthen legal protections for women. The move follows a directive from the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Gender Mainstreaming.

Chaired by NCSW Chairperson Ume Laila Azhar, a high-level consultative session in Islamabad focused on revisiting three major laws: the Dowry and Bridal Gifts (Restriction) Act 1976, the West Pakistan Family Courts Act 1964, and the Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act 1939.

Officials from multiple ministries, legal experts, and NCSW members discussed legal gaps, implementation challenges, and proposed reforms to better reflect the lived realities of Pakistani women.

The review will inform a broader legislative reform agenda aimed at ensuring justice, equality, and dignity for women in Pakistan’s evolving social context. A formal report will be submitted to the National Assembly’s Standing Committee for further action.