Why Pakistan is not As "Pak" as they Claim?

Pakistan’s deeply entrenched patriarchal and feudal power structures foster a climate where violence against women is normalized and often goes unpunished. Women face domestic abuse, police torture, and systemic discrimination in law and custom. So-called “honor” traditions—most shockingly including forced rape of women from “lower” families to avenge perceived slights—are enforced by extra-legal jirgas (village councils) and perpetuate cycles of violence and impunity. High-profile cases such as Mukhtaran Mai’s gang rape and the punishment-rape of a teenage girl in Multan illustrate both the brutality of these customs and the obstacles survivors face in seeking justice. Despite legal reforms criminalizing honor killings and “honor rape,” implementation remains weak, and societal pressure continues to shield perpetrators. Sustained legal enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and reform of feudal power dynamics are urgently needed to protect women’s lives and dignity.

Historical and Cultural Context

Patriarchal Norms and Feudal Power

Pakistan’s patriarchal society assigns women a subordinate status, viewing violence against them as a “private” matter beyond public or legal intervention. This normalization of abuse is rooted in gender roles that valorize male authority and control over women’s mobility and behavior (Rape culture).
In rural and semi-urban areas, feudal landlords wield immense social and economic power, often operating above the law. Such feudal traditions reinforce collective notions of family “honor” (ghairat), which men may defend through violence against women perceived as transgressors.

The Jirga System

Despite being illegal, jirgas—informal assemblies of male elders—continue to adjudicate “moral” disputes. They issue rulings ranging from forced marriages to “honor” punishments, sanctioning violence without due process. These rulings often override state law, leaving women with little recourse.

Treatment of Women in Pakistan

Domestic Violence and Custodial Abuse

Domestic violence remains pervasive: Amnesty International documented cases where women were beaten, immobilized in hospital wards, and denied legal help when seeking protection from abusive relatives.
Human Rights Watch reported systematic rape and ill-treatment of women in police custody, noting that the only reason many survived was their families’ social standing—highlighting impunity for state actors.

Legal Framework vs. Enforcement

Pakistan has passed laws to protect women—such as the Anti-Honor Killing bills and the Punjab Protection of Women Against Violence Act (2016)—but enforcement is weak. Loopholes allow perpetrators to secure acquittals through “blood money” settlements or by coercing family forgiveness.

“Honor” Traditions and Rape as Punishment

Honor Killings

An estimated 1,000 women are killed annually in Pakistan in the name of “honor,” often by close male relatives. These killings are sometimes publicly celebrated and rarely prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Honor Rape and Reputation

In some communities, rape is used as a weapon to punish a woman (or her family) deemed to have brought dishonor. A notorious 2002 case in Meerwala saw Mukhtaran Mai gang-raped on a jirga’s orders as “revenge” for her brother’s alleged affair; she was paraded naked and expected to commit suicide, but instead pursued justice in court.
In Multan in 2016, a 16-year-old girl was raped by jirga-appointed assailants to punish her brother for alleged misconduct; more than 20 were later arrested, but the original perpetrator remained at large.

Case Studies

The Mukhtaran Mai Case

Mukhtaran Mai’s gang rape drew international attention after a tribal council ordered her assault to restore “honor.” She challenged powerful local figures, and an anti-terrorism court eventually sentenced six men to death for rape—an exceptional outcome in Pakistan’s justice system.

Diaspora Honor Crimes: The Saman Abbas Murder

In Italy, the 2021 murder of Pakistani-born Saman Abbas—killed by her family after she refused an arranged marriage—underscored how honor traditions persist among migrants. Italian courts recently upheld life sentences for her parents, highlighting transnational dimensions of “honor” violence.

Legal Reforms and Civil Society Responses

Legislative Progress

• Criminal Laws: The 2016 Protection Act and amendments to “honor killing” statutes criminalize many traditional practices.

• Coerced Marriage Ban: Italy’s 2019 criminalization of forced marriages reflects broader international efforts.

Grassroots Activism

Movements like “Mera Jism Meri Marzi” (“My Body, My Choice”) challenge entrenched norms through public protests and social media campaigns. Women’s shelters and legal aid NGOs provide crucial support, yet lack sufficient resources to meet the scale of demand.

Conclusion and Recommendations

While Pakistan has undertaken legal reforms to curb “honor” violence and protect women, feudal power structures, weak enforcement, and deeply rooted patriarchal norms continue to perpetuate abuses—most horrifically, sanctioned rape to defend family reputation. Addressing these challenges requires:

1. Strengthening Law Enforcement: Ensure prompt, impartial investigations and prosecutions of jirga-endorsed crimes.

2. Judicial Training: Educate judges and police on women’s rights and the illegality of honor practices.

3. Community Engagement: Partner with local leaders and religious scholars to delegitimize “honor” violence.

4. Support Services: Expand shelters, counseling, and legal aid for survivors.

5. Education Campaigns: Promote gender equality and challenge patriarchy through school curricula and mass media.

Only through a multi-pronged strategy—combining legal, societal, and grassroots efforts—can Pakistan move beyond harmful traditions and uphold the dignity and rights of all women.