The killing of a newly married couple in Karachi has renewed concerns over police protection and low conviction rates in honour killing cases…reports Asian Lite News Desk
The fatal shooting of a newly married couple in Karachi has reignited debate over Pakistan’s response to honour killings, with reports and activists questioning whether law enforcement authorities failed to prevent a crime that many believe was foreseeable.
Nadia Aslam, 20, and her husband Najeebullah Aziz, 25, were shot dead shortly after leaving a court in Karachi where Nadia had formally stated that she had married of her own free will. Police have arrested her brother, who is the main suspect in the case.
The killings occurred after Nadia’s family had filed a complaint alleging that she had been kidnapped following her departure from home to marry Aziz. Appearing before a court in Malir on May 25, Nadia rejected the allegation, presented her marriage certificate and confirmed that the marriage was voluntary.
According to police officials, armed assailants on a motorcycle followed the couple after they left the court and opened fire on their vehicle, killing both of them at the scene.
The case has prompted criticism of law enforcement agencies, with commentators arguing that authorities should have recognised the risk facing the couple given the circumstances surrounding their appearance in court.
Writing in Pakistani newspaper The News International, columnist Ghazi Salahuddin questioned why police failed to anticipate the possibility of an honour killing, noting that similar attacks have occurred after court proceedings in the past.
He argued that greater vigilance could have prevented the deaths and raised broader questions about the state’s responsibility to protect vulnerable individuals seeking legal protection for marriages opposed by their families.
The incident has also renewed attention on the wider issue of honour killings in Pakistan, where rights groups say convictions remain rare despite existing legislation.
A recent report by the Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO), cited by The Express Tribune, found that weak investigations, judicial delays and social pressures continue to hinder justice for victims.
According to the report, Punjab recorded 225 honour killing cases but secured only two convictions. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported 134 cases and two convictions, while Sindh recorded multiple incidents without a single conviction. Balochistan reported 32 cases and one conviction.
The report highlighted a significant gap between the number of reported killings and successful prosecutions.
Women’s rights activist Imran Takkar told The Express Tribune that women account for around 90 per cent of honour killing victims. He stressed the need for stronger police investigations and more effective prosecution to ensure tougher punishments for perpetrators.
Human rights advocates continue to warn that honour killings remain a serious challenge in Pakistan, with legal and social obstacles often preventing victims and their families from obtaining justice.
