A new report by Aurat Foundation has revealed that at least 212 cases of honour killings were reported in Balochistan between 2019 and 2024, raising serious concerns about gender-based violence and the failure of the justice system in the region.
The report provides a year-by-year breakdown of the reported cases:
- 2019: 52 killings
- 2020: 51 killings
- 2021: 24 killings
- 2022: 28 killings
- 2023: 24 killings
- 2024 (so far): 33 killings, including 19 women
The figures only account for officially reported cases. The Foundation notes that many incidents go unreported due to social stigma, fear of retaliation, pressure from local influential figures, or settlement through traditional systems like jirgas.
According to the report, the Naseerabad district recorded the highest number of reported cases during this six-year period, with 73 incidents, accounting for 34% of all reported honour killings in Balochistan. Other districts with notable case counts include:
- Jaffarabad: 23 cases
- Jhal Magsi and Mastung: 18 cases each
- Kachhi: 17 cases
- Quetta: 11 cases
- Kalat: 7 cases
- Sohbatpur and Loralai: 6 cases each
- Khuzdar: 5 cases
Aurat Foundation expressed deep concern over the lack of accountability and weak legal responses in most cases. According to the report, many perpetrators have not been arrested, and in numerous instances, legal proceedings remain incomplete. Slow-paced court processes, lack of police cooperation, and political and tribal influence continue to obstruct justice.
The organization has called on the Balochistan government and federal authorities to take urgent measures, including:
- Declaring honour killings as non-bailable offences
- Ensuring legal aid and protection for affected families
- Launching public awareness campaigns involving media, educational institutions, and community leaders
- Providing gender-sensitive training to law enforcement agencies
Women’s rights activists and human rights organizations have described the findings as alarming. They warn that women’s lives, dignity, and freedoms in Balochistan remain under serious threat, and the situation could deteriorate further without immediate legal and social reforms.