Written by: Sami Sahil Baloch
Honour killings have long been a menace in tribal societies of Pakistan, with hundreds of reported victims annually and many more unreported cases. According to a report by the Aurat Foundation Balochistan, approximately 129 cases of violence were reported last year, including a significant number of honour killings and incidents of domestic violence. Quetta, the capital city with better accessibility to various organizations and internet services, reported the highest number of cases.
However, in other parts of Balochistan, numerous incidents go unreported due to the lack of internet services and general network coverage. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) reported over 470 cases of honour killings in 2021 alone. Human rights activists estimate that around 1,000 women become victims of honour killings annually in the country.
Recently, a horrifying incident took place in Girdi Jungle, a small town in District Chaghi. The town, located near the Pak-Afghan border, houses a refugee camp established following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. The area is sparsely populated by locals, with Afghan refugees engaging in business and trade on both sides of the border.
The incident involved the murder of a young girl in the name of honour. The act occurred following a verdict issued by a so-called Jirga, where a boy was set free while the girl was brutally killed based on the Jirga members’ forceful decision. The girl’s brother, under pressure from the Jirga Head, carried out the killing. It has been reported that the Jirga Head received around 20 million rupees from the boy, leading to the absolution of any charges against him and ultimately resulting in the murder of the girl. While allegations of sexual dishonour have not been confirmed, the murder itself is heinous.
Such incidents are rare in this region of Balochistan, despite being a tribal zone. The Baloch nation has consistently demonstrated various secular beliefs and immense respect for women. The lifestyle of the people is simple, and they have lived in harmony and peace. Consequently, residents and people from the entire District have expressed their outrage on social media platforms, demanding the arrest of the Jirga Head and others involved in this heinous crime.
There is growing anger towards the District Authorities for failing to deliver justice. Social activists, students, writers, and individuals from all walks of life have participated in trending topics on Twitter and posted on Facebook, condemning the act.
These unprecedented incidents will have a detrimental impact on society, potentially setting unfavourable precedents for both refugees and the local communities in the future if not dealt with strictly this time.
Some elements in the refugee camp have often engaged in other crimes such as smuggling and robbery. Consequently, the locals have criticized the deputy commissioner for their passive role in the District, especially in crime-prone areas.
These incidents create an extremely insecure environment, particularly for the women in the refugee camp, who are already victims of gender-based violence (GBV). Moreover, the intervention of the local government and international non-governmental organizations is seldom seen in this area.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Balochistan Post or any of its editors.