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IOL News
19-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Honour killings in Pakistan: Court demands urgent action against growing violence
File photo In a strongly worded ruling, Justice Nisar Ahmed Bhanbhro said honour killings — a form of violence often committed under the guise of defending family honour — were rising at an alarming rate and must be stopped before they lead to "total anarchy." A Pakistani court has raised serious alarm over the growing number of honour killings in the country, calling the practice "uncivilised, barbaric, and abominable". The Sindh High Court (SHC) has urged the state to take immediate and firm action against those responsible, warning that failure to act could push society towards chaos. In a strongly worded ruling, Justice Nisar Ahmed Bhanbhro said honour killings — a form of violence often committed under the guise of defending family honour — were rising at an alarming rate and must be stopped before they lead to "total anarchy." The judge said the killing of women based on suspicion or false accusations has stained society, especially as many victims are denied the chance to defend themselves. The SHC made these observations while rejecting the appeal of Ghulam Mustafa, who had been sentenced to life in prison for murdering his wife in the name of honour in Kashmore in April 2023. The court not only upheld his life sentence but also added 14 years under Section 311 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), classifying the offence as ''Fasad fil Arz'' —a concept in Islamic law referring to acts that spread corruption or mischief in society. The court highlighted that honour killings are often based on flimsy allegations, particularly accusations of illicit relationships, and are frequently used to settle personal disputes or family feuds. 'In many cases, women are killed to target a rival man, and then a local jirga or community meeting gives a pardon to the killer under the excuse of defending family honour,' the judge noted. Justice Bhanbhro stressed that Islamic teachings do not support such killings. 'No school of Islamic thought allows citizens to take the law into their own hands,' he said, adding that the state must protect every citizen's life and liberty and to punish those who violate the law. Pakistan continues to face a significant challenge in curbing honour-based violence. Despite the passage of stricter laws in recent years, including the 2016 Criminal Law (Amendment) Act aimed at closing legal loopholes, implementation has been weak. Many cases go unreported, and social pressures often prevent victims' families from seeking justice. Activists say that honour killings are deeply rooted in patriarchal traditions and a lack of legal accountability. 'Until communities stop seeing honour as something that justifies murder, and until the legal system ensures real punishment, these crimes will continue,' said a Karachi-based human rights advocate. The court emphasised that karo-kari — the local term for honour killings—is not just a cultural issue but a criminal offence. Importantly, the SHC ruled that such cases cannot be settled or pardoned by the family of the victim, particularly when they fall under the category of ''Fasad fil Arz''. 'These crimes affect not only individuals but the entire society,' the court stated. The SHC ruling is seen as a major step in acknowledging the seriousness of honour-based violence and pushing for stronger enforcement of laws. It also serves as a reminder of the broader social and legal challenges Pakistan faces in protecting vulnerable communities, especially women. With courts taking a firmer stance, many hope this could signal a turning point. But without consistent action from law enforcement, lawmakers, and community leaders, the path to eliminating honour killings remains long and uncertain.
Arab News
18-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistani companies showcase precious gemstones, minerals at international expo in China
ISLAMABAD: Around 10 Pakistani gems and minerals companies are showcasing their specimens at the ongoing China Nanjing (International) Mineral, Gemstone & Fossil Expo to prospective buyers, state-run media reported this week. The third edition of the expo, which is being held from May 15-19 in the Chinese city of Nanjing, has attracted over 500 exhibitors from more than 50 countries, state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said in a report on Saturday. Various companies from around the world have displayed minerals, gemstones, fossils, and meteorites at the exhibition. 'Pakistani exhibitors are presenting a dazzling array of emeralds, tourmalines, topaz, morganite, quartz, aquamarine, pyrite, marble and onyx specimens from regions such as Gilgit Baltistan, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,' APP reported. It cited a report from Chinese business news website China Economic Net as saying that Pakistani specimens have attracted 'significant interest' from international buyers and collectors at the expo. Pakistan has significant gemstone reserves, particularly in its northern and northwestern regions, which include a variety of high-quality stones such as peridot, aquamarine, topaz, ruby, and emerald. There are 18 types of gemstones in Pakistan for which 178 major mining licenses have been issued. 'Pakistan possesses extraordinary geological treasures, and our trade ties with China are expanding beyond gemstones to industrial minerals,' Ghulam Mustafa, an exhibitor representing the Fine Art Minerals company, told APP. 'The response to our display has been phenomenal. Visitors are truly impressed by Pakistan's natural wealth,' he added. Muhammad Sadiq from Fine Nagar Gems and Minerals company returned to this year's exhibition with a larger collection of specimens. 'Last year feedback was incredibly positive and we are very optimistic about this year sales and orders,' Sadiq said. Pakistan hosted an international minerals summit in Islamabad last month. The summit aimed to attract foreign investment in the country's mining sector, seeing participation from major international companies including Canada-based Barrick Gold and government officials from the United States, Saudi Arabia, China, Turkiye, the United Kingdom, Azerbaijan and other nations. Islamabad hopes it can export its precious gemstones and minerals as it eyes sustainable economic growth driven largely by exports.
Express Tribune
27-04-2025
- Express Tribune
Girl falls to death from swing
A 12-year-old girl died of a head injury after falling from a swing in an amusement park. A complaint was lodged with the police by the father of the victim, Ghulam Mustafa, a resident of Doctor City, blaming negligence of the staff for the incident. The complainant stated that his 12-year-old daughter, Hamna Mustafa, had purchased a ticket and sat on the swing, but the operator started it without taking any safety measures. As soon as the ride started, his daughter lost her balance and began to stumble. He said he immediately informed the operator, who fled from the spot instead of stopping the ride, after which he informed the park's manager and contractor Qamar Zaman. He alleged that despite being informed, the manager, contractor and operator did not take appropriate action, due to which his daughter fell from the swing and suffered a severe head injury. She was immediately transported to the Allied Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. The complainant alleged that by operating the swing without necessary precautions and failing to take timely action, the manager, contractor and operator had caused the death of his daughter. The Civil Lines police registered the case against the manager, contractor and swing operator under Section 322 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). The police temporarily closed the park and initiated a search for the suspects nominated by the complainant. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif sought a report about the incident from the commissioner of Faisalabad.
Express Tribune
09-03-2025
- Express Tribune
9th member of human trafficking gang held
A key member of the 'Chinioti gang' involved in human trafficking, who defrauded 34 citizens of Rs40 million for visas, has been arrested by FIA Composite Circle Faisalabad. Officials say a crackdown is being carried out against elements involved in human trafficking. Ghulam Mustafa, an accused in human trafficking, was arrested from Gujranwala. The gang was involved in extorting millions of rupees in the name of sending citizens to Europe. Nine operatives of this Chinioti gang have been arrested, while two are operating the gang from abroad and Interpol is being contacted for their arrest. The accused received a total of more than Rs40 million on the pretext of sending 34 victims to Europe. The accused were found involved in sending naive citizens abroad illegally. The accused used to provide fake documents to the citizens after receiving huge sums of money. The accused went into hiding after receiving money from several citizens. According to Deputy Director FIA Composite Circle Faisalabad, Umar Farooq, statements of several victims of the Chinioti gang have been recorded. All resources are being utilised to arrest the other two accused. He said that special teams have been formed to arrest the elements involved in human trafficking in the zone. Operations are underway against human traffickers on the basis of intelligence, no one is allowed to play with the lives of innocent citizens. In the light of solid evidence, the accused will be given the appropriate punishment. Meanwhile, fraudsters deprived five citizens, including a woman, of cash, mobile phones, and two motorcycles. The rising incidents of fraud in the city have exposed the police's failure to control crime, with citizens falling victim to five to six incidents daily. According to the police report, fraudsters distracted Ali Raza's mother and stole her cash, gold jewelry, earrings, rings, and bangles in the Liaqat Chowk area of Ghulam Muhammadabad police station. Zubair was tricked by fraudsters and lost his cash and an expensive mobile phone in Kokianwala. Akram's son Subhan was distracted and his motorcycle was stolen in New Bazaar Jaranwala. A fraudster named Hamid engaged Naqash in conversation and stole his motorcycle in the City Samundri area.
