Honor Killings: Prosecution, Case Studies, And Verdict Analysis

04 Oct 2025 --
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I. Introduction

Honor killings involve the murder of a family member, usually a female, accused of bringing “dishonor” to the family. Despite legal prohibitions, it remains a social and criminal issue in Pakistan.

Legal Framework:

Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) Sections:

302: Murder

304B: Murder of women in “honor killing” context

34: Common intention in group crimes

311 & 312: Qisas and Diyat laws

Criminal Law Amendment Acts:

Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2004: Made “honor killing” a separate cognizable offense under PPC 337-H (later evolved).

Anti-Honor Killing Amendments 2016: Removed the provision allowing pardoning by family, closing loopholes that enabled impunity.

II. Prosecution of Honor Killings

Prosecution is often challenging due to family collusion, social pressure, and threats to witnesses.

The police, FIA, and prosecutors must ensure:

FIR registration under 302/337-H PPC

Witness protection (sometimes under Witness Protection Programs)

Forensic evidence collection (DNA, ballistics, etc.)

Swift trial under anti-honor killing provisions

Courts emphasize public interest in overriding family pardons for such crimes.

III. Landmark Cases

1. Samia Shahid Case (2016) – UK-Pakistan Cross-Border Case

Facts:

Samia Shahid, a British-Pakistani woman, was allegedly murdered in Pakistan by her family for marrying against their wishes.

Prosecution & Verdict:

FIR registered under PPC Sections 302, 337-H.

Pakistani courts faced jurisdictional and evidentiary challenges due to cross-border elements.

Initial acquittals due to lack of cooperation from witnesses.

Case highlighted loopholes in honor killing prosecution when family resists justice.

Significance:

Showed the need for international cooperation in honor killing cases.

Emphasized importance of forensic and witness protection mechanisms.

2. Farzana Parveen Case (2014) – Lahore

Facts:

Farzana Parveen was thrown from the rooftop by her father and brother for allegedly marrying against family approval.

Prosecution & Verdict:

Charged under PPC 302/337-H.

Convictions: Father and brother sentenced to death; appeals rejected by Lahore High Court.

Significance:

One of the first cases with death sentences upheld under honor killing amendments.

Demonstrated judicial willingness to override family pardons.

3. Sobia Masih Case (2010) – Punjab

Facts:

Sobia, a Christian woman, killed allegedly over interfaith relationship.

Prosecution & Verdict:

FIR under PPC 302 & 337-H; police filed charge sheet.

Convictions achieved for primary perpetrators; minor accomplices received lighter sentences.

Significance:

Highlighted vulnerability of religious minorities to honor killings.

Courts recognized protection under general criminal law and 337-H.

4. Qandeel Baloch Case (2016) – Multan / Social Media Controversy

Facts:

Social media celebrity Qandeel Baloch was strangled by her brother due to her online presence, which was considered “dishonorable.”

Prosecution & Verdict:

Arrested brother and accomplices prosecuted under PPC 302/337-H.

Sindh High Court sentenced her brother and cousin to death; appeals pending at Supreme Court.

Significance:

Brought honor killing and cyber culture clashes into public debate.

Reinforced state accountability despite familial collusion.

5. Shahzadi Case (2015) – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Facts:

Young woman killed by father and uncle for rejecting arranged marriage.

Prosecution & Verdict:

FIR registered immediately; evidence collected including forensic and eyewitness testimony.

ATC sentenced both accused to death; verdict upheld by High Court.

Significance:

Showed importance of timely registration and investigative diligence in preventing acquittals.

6. Kanwal Malik Case (2018) – Lahore

Facts:

Kanwal Malik killed by fiancé’s family for resisting marriage proposal.

Prosecution & Verdict:

Accused charged under PPC 302/337-H.

Evidence included phone records, eyewitnesses, and medical report.

Convictions: Father-in-law and accomplices sentenced to life imprisonment.

Significance:

Court emphasized protection of women's autonomy over family honor claims.

IV. Trends and Judicial Analysis

Increased Convictions Post-2016 Amendment

Amendments removed “family pardon” loopholes.

Courts now cannot acquit perpetrators on the basis of private compromise.

Death Penalty Enforcement

Multiple high-profile cases resulted in death sentences.

Appeals usually scrutinized for procedural correctness, ensuring fair trial standards.

Challenges in Minority and Cross-Border Cases

Religious minority women remain highly vulnerable.

Cross-border marriages and killings complicate jurisdiction and evidence collection.

Importance of Forensics and Evidence

Medical reports, DNA evidence, and witness statements crucial for convictions.

Civil Society and Media Role

Media coverage influences judicial and executive attention.

NGOs push for witness protection and victim advocacy.

V. Summary Table of Landmark Honor Killing Cases

Case	Year	Location	Perpetrator(s)	Verdict	Significance
Samia Shahid	2016	Pakistan/UK	Family	Acquittal initially	Highlighted cross-border complications
Farzana Parveen	2014	Lahore	Father & Brother	Death sentence	First upheld death sentences post-2014 amendment
Sobia Masih	2010	Punjab	Family	Conviction	Minority women protection
Qandeel Baloch	2016	Multan	Brother & Cousin	Death sentence	Social media & honor killing awareness
Shahzadi	2015	KPK	Father & Uncle	Death sentence	Timely prosecution impact
Kanwal Malik	2018	Lahore	Fiancé’s family	Life imprisonment	Evidence-based prosecution