Man, Woman Gunned Down in Name of ‘Honour’ in Swat: Police
SWAT: In yet another tragic incident of so-called ‘honour’ killing, a man and a woman were shot dead late Sunday evening in the Bashigram area of Madyan, Swat district, police confirmed on Monday.
According to the first information report (FIR) lodged by a close relative of the deceased woman, the accused — her husband — suspected her of having an illicit relationship with the man. Acting on this suspicion, he first shot the man and then went home, killed his wife, and struck her with an axe.
FIR Registered, Suspect on the Run
Swat police spokesperson Moin Ali stated that the FIR has been registered under Sections 302 (premeditated murder) and 324 (attempt to commit murder) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).
A search operation is underway to apprehend the suspect, who remains at large. District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Umar Khan has directed the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Madyan Circle to investigate the incident from every possible angle.
Alarming Pattern of ‘Honour’ Killings
This tragic double murder is part of an ongoing series of ‘honour’-related crimes across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- On June 15, a couple was killed in Mardan district in a similar suspected ‘honour’ killing.
- On the same day, a 17-year-old boy was shot dead in Martung tehsil for alleged ‘honour’.
- Earlier on May 26, a man allegedly gunned down three people, including a child, for ‘honour’ in Upper Dir district.
Shocking Data on ‘Honour’ Killings in Pakistan
According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), ‘honour’ killings remain a grave human rights issue in the country.
📌 Key Facts:
- 2024: 346 people were victims of ‘honour’ crimes.
- 2023: 490 incidents were reported.
- 2022: 590 people were murdered in the name of ‘honour’.
These figures highlight the urgent need for stronger enforcement of laws, protection for vulnerable women, and community awareness to combat this brutal practice.
Related Tragedies
Sadly, the region has recently seen other devastating incidents too. For example, 4 children killed after drowning in a pond in KP’s Lakki Marwat shows how communities continue to struggle with preventable tragedies due to neglect and lack of protective measures.
🚨 Authorities Urged to Act
Rights activists have repeatedly called for comprehensive legal and societal reforms to eradicate ‘honour’ killings and protect women’s rights in Pakistan. Community leaders and local authorities have been urged to break the silence around such crimes and bring perpetrators to justice.
