July 21, 2025
By Kaleem Ullah
LAHORE
As the country is still reeling from the recent honour based killing of a couple in Balochistan, another similar incident has emerged from the Kotkay area of Lower Dir.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), 35-year-old Nooruddin was driving home to Kotkay with his wife and children, when he was ambushed in the Bandagai area. The accused had allegedly placed rocks on the road in advance to block his vehicle. Once he stopped, they shot him dead on the spot.
Following the murder, the accused — identified as Manawar Khan and Daud Khan — proceeded to their house nearby, just 100 meters from the crime scene – and also killed their sister-in-law, Nahida Bibi. According to local sources, the accused claimed that both victims were killed on suspicion of having an illicit relationship, which they believed had brought shame to the family.
One of Nooruddin’s minor daughters were also injured in the firing, while his wife and another child remained unhurt.
Noor Muhammad, the Muharar at Kotkay Police Station, confirmed the incident to Voicepk and stated that the suspects are currently at large. However, efforts are underway to apprehend them.
Speaking about the crime, local journalist Zahid Jan talked to Voicepk.
“Honour killings occur every few months in the district, but many cases go unreported due to the stigma attached,” he said. “Relatives of the accused often refuse to speak to the media to avoid further disgrace.”
Flimsy accusations
It is important to note that most of these killings happen based on mere suspicion, often without any concrete evidence. This makes it easier for perpetrators to commit such crimes without fear of consequences, as societal silence around honour killings continues to persist.
In parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — where tribal traditions dominate and society remains deeply conservative — relationships perceived as ‘dishonourable’ are especially dangerous for women. Expressions of love outside socially sanctioned boundaries can lead to deadly consequences. If such relationships become known, both the man and the woman may be killed in the name of family honour.
According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), honour killings remain a serious issue across the country. While the highest numbers are reported from Sindh and Punjab, cases from Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are also significant.
Between January and November 2024, a total of 346 people were killed in honour-related crimes. The trend shows no sign of slowing: 490 cases were reported in 2023, and 590 in 2022.
KP-based social activist Imran Takkar highlighted the severity of the issue in his comments to Voicepk. “Abuse and violence against women and children reflect deeply rooted negative social attitudes. Tackling this requires urgent awareness rooted in religious values, the Constitution, and existing laws. No religion, society, or legal system justifies such violence,” he said.
Takkar emphasized the need for coordinated action from all stakeholders — supported by the government — with a focus on prevention, strict accountability, and support for victims.
“But this can only be achieved if tackling honour killings becomes a national priority, backed by strong political will and a transparent, effective human rights framework,” he concluded.