Honor Killing: Cultural Defense to Regain Honor: Cultural, Religious, and Legal

Abstract

The concept of culture has been used countless times as justification for various wrongdoings, misunderstandings, and unbridgeable gaps. Honor killing has been a tradition and customin Pakistan and worldwide for many centuries. This article highlights the various socio-cultural values related to honor killings in Pakistan. There is no religious justification for this heinous crime. The study concluded that adherence to customary practices and belief in women’s chastity and virginity results in the killing of women. The article emphasizes the provocation of the law on honor killings. It highlights the role of the judiciary in perpetuating crimes through ambiguous interpretation of law and acceptance of a plea of sudden provocation in such cases. It educates about the importance of human life and interpretation of honor by reviewing the cultural and physical milieu and marking some policy recommendations based on research.