Anti-Honour Killings Law in Pakistan
Reviewed by the Commoner Law editorial team. Sources: pakistancode.gov.pk, Punjab/Sindh/KP/Balochistan provincial codes, Supreme Court of Pakistan, FBR, EOBI, SBP, NEPRA, OGRA, PMDC, FIA, and provincial Healthcare Commissions. Provincial variations cite Punjab/Sindh/KP/Balochistan Acts and ICT-specific ordinances. Written in plain English with everyday Urdu legal terms (FIR, qabza, khula, NTN, CNIC) for a general audience — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Until 2016, honour killers regularly escaped punishment through the qisas-diyat (retaliation-blood money) framework. The accused was usually a family member, and the legal heirs of the victim were also family members who would "forgive" the accused, extinguishing prosecution. Qandeel Baloch's 2016 murder by her brother, who immediately publicly confessed, became the catalyst for the 2016 amendments.
Key changes:
- Honour killing falls within section 311 PPC as "fasad-fil-arz" (mischief on earth), and is non-compoundable.
- Mandatory minimum sentence: life imprisonment, with death as alternative.
- Family of the victim cannot waive qisas. The State prosecutes irrespective of family forgiveness.
- The court determines fasad-fil-arz independently. Even if the accused argues a non-honour motive, the facts can lead the court to find honour as the operating cause.
Practical impact:
- Conviction rates have improved but remain low. Aurat Foundation tracks 1,000+ honour killings annually with low prosecution success.
- FIA Special Cells in some districts handle honour-related cases with greater rigor.
- Coordinated NGO involvement (AGHS, HRCP, Aurat Foundation, War Against Rape) often necessary to keep cases on track.
When does it apply?
- A family member has been killed in apparent honour-related circumstances.
- You suspect or witness a planned honour-related attack.
- You're at risk of becoming a target due to elopement, choice of partner, or refusal of arranged marriage.
What to do as a target or family of an honour killing
- If at risk: contact NGOs (Aurat Foundation, AGHS, Bedari, HRCP) and provincial Commission on the Status of Women. They can arrange shelter at darul aman or private safe houses, plus court protection orders.
- For a killing: file FIR under PPC § 302 read with § 311. Ensure honour motive is captured in the FIR — important for non-compoundability.
- Engage NGOs early. Their continued attention prevents many cases from being "adjusted" out by family settlement.
- Monitor the case: hearings, witness statements, evidence. Honour cases are vulnerable to witness intimidation; NGOs help keep them on track.
- For at-risk individuals (couples): protective writ from High Court is fast and effective. Article 199 petition.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't accept family settlement in honour-related murder. It's not compoundable; settlement is meaningless legally and the State must continue prosecution.
- Don't return to family if at risk on assurances. Many threats are followed through.
- Don't ignore early warnings. Threats by family before an honour killing are often public; documented threats strengthen later prosecutions.
Frequently asked questions
Can the family forgive an honour killer?
No. Since 2016, honour killings fall under section 311 PPC as 'fasad-fil-arz' — non-compoundable. The State prosecutes regardless of any family settlement or pardon under qisas-diyat.
What's the punishment?
Mandatory minimum life imprisonment, with death as alternative. The court has no discretion to reduce below life for an established honour killing under § 311.
Is there protection for at-risk couples?
Yes — through habeas corpus and protective writ under Article 199 of the Constitution. NGOs (Aurat Foundation, AGHS, HRCP) facilitate. Many High Courts grant immediate protective orders within days.
When does anti-honour killings law apply?
A family member has been killed in apparent honour-related circumstances.You suspect or witness a planned honour-related attack.You're at risk of becoming a target due to elopement, choice of partner, or refusal of arranged marriage.
I'm at risk of an honour killing — where do I get help in Pakistan?
If at risk: contact NGOs (Aurat Foundation, AGHS, Bedari, HRCP) and provincial Commission on the Status of Women. They can arrange shelter at darul aman or private safe houses, plus court protection orders.For a killing: file FIR under PPC § 302 read with § 311. Ensure honour motive is captured in the FIR — important for non-compoundability.Engage NGOs early. Their continued attention prevents many cases from being "adjusted" out by family settlement.Monitor the case: hearings, witness statements, evidence. Honour cases are vulnerable to witness intimidation; NGOs help keep them on t...
What mistakes should I avoid with anti-honour killings law?
Don't accept family settlement in honour-related murder. It's not compoundable; settlement is meaningless legally and the State must continue prosecution.Don't return to family if at risk on assurances. Many threats are followed through.Don't ignore early warnings. Threats by family before an honour killing are often public; documented threats strengthen later prosecutions.