3 Women Killed in One Week: A Grim Reminder of Honour-Based Violence in Pakistan

By: Sheikh Mohammad Isa

3 women were killed in separate incidents across Rawalpindi and Islamabad within the space of one week, bringing renewed attention to the continuing threat of violence against women, including cases allegedly linked to family disputes, forced marriage and so-called honour. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The three cases have raised serious questions about women’s safety, personal freedom and the role of families in protecting rather than threatening their own daughters, sisters and wives.

Hina Zareef Allegedly Killed After Seeking Khula

The first case was reported from the Kirpa area of Islamabad, under the jurisdiction of Nilore Police Station.

According to reports, Hina Zareef was allegedly killed after refusing to accept a forced marriage.

She had reportedly obtained khula, a judicial dissolution of marriage, through the courts and was living in Lahore.

Her family allegedly brought her back to Islamabad after assuring her of safety. However, according to the allegations, she was killed after returning to her family home.

The case has raised concerns over the dangers faced by women who attempt to exercise their legal rights and make decisions about their own lives.

Ayesha Gulamana Murdered in Taxila

The second case involved content creator Ayesha Gulamana, who was killed near the Margalla Bypass in Taxila on August 14.

According to reports, Ayesha’s brother initially registered a police complaint naming people outside the family as suspects.

However, investigators later reportedly turned their attention towards members of her own family.

The investigation allegedly found that some family members objected to Ayesha’s social media activities and that the murder had been planned in Lower Dir.

The case has once again highlighted the dangers faced by women who become the target of opposition because of their personal choices, professional activities or presence on social media.

The allegations remain subject to the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings.

Hina Javed Killed in Rawalpindi

The third case was reported from Lalkurti in Rawalpindi on August 20.

Hina Javed was allegedly killed by her husband with the involvement of his father and a domestic worker, according to her family.

Her brother alleged that Hina’s body was found inside a bathroom with her hands tied behind her back and a cloth over her mouth.

The disturbing circumstances surrounding her death have prompted demands for a thorough investigation and strict legal action against those found responsible.

When Will Women Be Allowed to Live on Their Own Terms?

The three cases raise a deeply troubling question: how can a society protect women when violence can allegedly come from the people closest to them?

A woman’s decision about marriage, divorce, employment, education, clothing, social media presence or the way she chooses to live does not give anyone the right to harm or kill her.

Family disagreements may be serious, but violence can never be a legitimate response.

In cases involving marital disputes or family pressure, the answer must be found through the law and lawful dispute-resolution mechanisms, not through intimidation, assault or murder.

Families Should Be Places of Safety

Parents and relatives should be protectors, not people who control a woman’s life through fear.

A daughter should be able to speak about her problems. A sister should be able to seek help. A wife should be able to leave an abusive or unwanted relationship through lawful means without fearing violence.

The idea of “honour” can never justify taking another person’s life.

When violence is committed in the name of family honour, there is no honour in the act. There is only the loss of a human life and the devastating consequences for those left behind.

Silence Cannot Be the Answer

The deaths of three women within a single week should encourage society to look beyond individual cases and examine the wider attitudes that can allow violence against women to develop behind closed doors.

Communities, families, law-enforcement agencies and institutions all have a role to play in preventing such crimes and ensuring that women can seek help without fear.

Most importantly, daughters, sisters and wives must be treated as human beings with dignity, rights and personal choices.

A home should be a place of safety, love and trust — never a place where a woman fears that exercising her basic rights could cost her life.