Azam Nazeer Tarar, the federal Human Rights Minister, demanded “strict legal action” after Kaneez Fatima–a mother of five– was said to be burned alive in Bahawalnagar.
Fatima was killed on November 30, allegedly by her husband and six accomplices. Police say they have arrested four of the accused and registered murder and rioting charges. A statement from the human rights ministry has called on the Punjab government to conduct an immediate and transparent investigation, but outrage in Pakistan often fades as quickly as it flares. The federal government had, not too long ago, pointed to new women’s support centres and police desks as proof of institutional resolve; promises that do nothing for Fatima now.
The horror fits a grim national pattern. Women in Pakistan face widespread discrimination, domestic violence and workplace harassment. A government commission reported over 7,500 women killed from 2021 to 2024, including 1,553 so-called honour killings.
Last year alone, 32,617 cases of gender-based violence were reported, including 5,339 rapes, 2,238 domestic assaults and 547 honour killings. Many such murders – including so-called “honour” killings – are buried under tradition, fear and silence.
Convictions are virtually nil: only about 0.5% for rape and honour murders, and 1.3% for domestic violence. The lawbook seems stronger than ever. Sadly, the enforcement is not. Provincial and federal laws outlaw pardons for honour-based murderers, and courts are supposed to treat such crimes as ordinary homicide.
Still, in the man’s world, cases drag on, FIRs are delayed, and local police often treat such crimes as private family matters. Survivors, wherever they exist, frequently find themselves abandoned by the system. Thus, the state’s failure is two-fold: first, in preventing such atrocities; second, in denying justice after the fact. That failure cannot be resolved through symbolism.
If Pakistan is serious about protecting half its citizens, it should do more than register condemnations. It should treat violence against women with the same urgency with which it pursues any other crime–fast-track investigation and prosecution; ensure female officers are available in every police station; enforce strict accountability on law enforcement; and provide genuine support in every district, not only in cities.
Equally critical is breaking the cultural logic of “family honour” that some invoke to justify violence against women. We draw the red line today. Women’s lives are not tradable and their dignity is not negotiable. Justice must follow. *