Cases of domestic violence and honor killing in different parts of Gilgit-Baltistan are highly alarming. Two such painful incidents have taken place in the last one week. In Bubar valley of Punial, a brother brutally killed his married sister with an axe.
In another incident in Jaglot, a man threw hot water on his wife and two children in causing severe injuries. According to the first investigation report (FIR) registered, an attempt was made to kill the mother along with the two children by pouring hot water on them.
Those involved involved in these horrific incidents do not deserve any mercy. Whatever be the reasons, torture and murder cannot be justified. As inhuman and painful traits, they need to be discouraged at all levels.
The right to life is the first and most important right among the basic human rights. All other human rights come after that. Therefore, in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the sanctity of human life has been declared as the most important thing. Instead of becoming a civilized society, our society casts a picture of a forest full of beasts.
The right to life is the first and most important right among the basic human rights. All other human rights come after.
Israruddin Israr
Every year, dozens of cases related to the honor killing and domestic violence take place in Gilgit-Baltistan with both male and females falling victim to it. It has been seen that the victims of such incidents are often and usually the weak and downtrodden sections of the society, i.e., women and children.
In most of the cases, it is family members that are involved in the cases of honor killings. The plaintiff is another family member who later forgives the accused. Thus the perpetrators easily escapes punishment in such cases. Similarly, the apparent reason for honor killing considered to be the suspicion of character of the victim. In reality many other reasons including acquisition of property, transactions, family feuds and other disputes operate behind such acts
Likewise, there are are several factors underlying domestic violence on women and children. Among these reasons, outdated social traditions/norms, lack of tolerance and mental pressure are prominent. Gilgit-Baltistan does not have a separate domestic violence law at the moment. A new act against domestic violence was drafted in the past which is still awaiting its approval from G-B Legislative Assembly for last one year.
A new act against domestic violence was drafted in the past which is still awaiting its approval from G-B Legislative Assembly for last one year.
Israruddin Israr
The frequent cases of honor killing and domestic violence surfacing in G-B all the more necessitates the immediate passage and implementation of the domestic violence law from the GB Assembly. Moreover, there is a dire need to implement law present at national level. Similarly, there is also a need to run an awareness campaign to prevent such incidents in society.
There is no such provision in law in any civilized society giving a right to kill or torture in the name of honor. In the face of increasing incidents of honor killings, it becomes imperative for the government and society to take concrete steps towards eradication of violence in society in any form and manifestation.
The writer is a Gilgit-based human rights activist and columnist. Currently, he is associated with HRCP as regional coordinator Gilgit-Baltitsan. He can be reached at israrhrcpglt@gmail.com
