Honour Violence in Pakistan — Emergency Help, Your Rights and How to Escape

Honour-based violence (HBV) — including honour killings (karo kari), acid attacks, forced marriage, and family assault — remains one of Pakistan's most severe human rights crises. If you are in danger, help exists.

What Is Honour-Based Violence?

HBV is violence — physical, psychological, or fatal — committed by family or community members in the belief it protects "family honour." Triggers include: choosing a partner, refusing an arranged marriage, divorce, being seen with someone of the opposite sex, or reporting abuse.

Recognising Escalating Danger Signs

• Family discussing your behaviour as bringing shame
• Threats to your life from family members
• Being confined, phone removed, or movements controlled
• Pressure to marry someone you've refused
• Family bringing you back from another city
• Being told by relatives the family plans to "deal with you"

Emergency Escape Plan

Legal Position in Pakistan

The Criminal Law Amendment (Offences in the Name or Pretext of Honour) Act 2016 closed the "compoundable offence" loophole that had allowed families to pardon honour killings. Honour killing is now punishable by mandatory minimum 25 years imprisonment or death penalty.

If Someone You Know Is at Risk

• Take any threats seriously — "it's just talk" kills people
• Help them contact a shelter before it escalates
• Do not confront the family — this may accelerate violence
• Contact Aurat Foundation for guidance: 051-2800312

International Protection (Overseas Pakistanis)

If you are in the UK and facing honour-based violence: Karma Nirvana helpline 0800 5999 247 | Forced Marriage Unit 020 7008 0151. Similar specialist services exist in Canada, USA, and EU countries.