Senate panel seeks tougher action against honour killings and illegal jirgas

ISLAMABAD: A Senate committee on Monday called for stronger legal and institutional measures to tackle honour killings, illegal jirgas and weaknesses in the criminal justice system during a review of key human rights issues.

The Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights, chaired by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, examined the legal status of jirgas and panchayats, conviction rates in gender-based violence cases, and progress in investigations into major incidents, including the killing of Ahmed Javed in Lahore and the 2023 Jaranwala violence. Senators, government officials and representatives of civil society organisations attended the meeting.

Provincial authorities briefed the committee on honour killing cases reported over the past five years, outlining patterns, causes and the regions most affected. Members expressed concern over the continued use of the term honour killing, stressing that such cases are grave criminal offences. They also voiced alarm over persistently low conviction rates, especially in Sindh and Balochistan, questioning the effectiveness of prosecution and legal procedures.

Senator Zehri identified delays in the registration of first information reports and misuse of legal provisions as major factors weakening gender-based violence cases. Civil society representatives told the committee that procedural and evidentiary gaps often lead to acquittals. They also raised concerns that some cases were being recast under other motives, including personal disputes, which weakens prosecution under existing laws.

Jirgas, panchayats under scrutiny

The committee reviewed the continued functioning of jirgas and panchayats, noting that although the Constitution and court rulings clearly prohibit such parallel forums, they remain active in parts of the country. Members observed that while the practice appears to have declined in Punjab, it is still present in some areas of Balochistan, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The panel said these informal systems erode the rule of law and reinforce harmful social practices, often deterring victims from turning to the formal justice system. It rejected proposals to recognise jirgas as alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, saying unconstitutional practices cannot be given legal cover. Authorities were instructed to ensure strict implementation of laws against such forums.

Witness intimidation and withdrawal of testimony were also identified as serious obstacles in prosecutions, and members suggested the use of video-recorded statements to strengthen evidence in such cases.

Concerns over social media and high-profile cases

The committee also discussed the role of social media in shaping narratives around gender-based violence cases. Members raised concern over misinformation, online harassment and efforts to influence legal proceedings, and called for a comprehensive and lawful framework to address harmful digital content, particularly in cases that are under trial.

The absence of representatives from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency drew criticism from the committee, which directed that the agency ensure attendance at future meetings.

Regarding the killing of Ahmed Javed, members voiced concern over the granting of bail to suspects and over allegations of character assassination of the victim. The committee also reviewed progress in the Jaranwala case, where attacks on the Christian community in 2023 caused extensive damage to homes and places of worship.

Officials told the meeting that while there had been some progress in compensation and rehabilitation in Jaranwala, delays were continuing, especially for smaller churches and individual victims. Members also raised concern over reports that some affected community members had been named in certain cases, which could place additional pressure on victims.

Officials described the Jaranwala incident as a national tragedy and stressed the need for prompt justice and accountability. The committee decided to treat the case as a benchmark for the protection of minority rights and transparent investigations, and called for the swift prosecution of those responsible as well as fair compensation for all those affected.