Parliament's 2016 amendments removed the wali's power to forgive in honour killings and made punishment mandatory. This guide explains the old loophole, the reform, current punishments, and the protection available to those at risk.

Draft pending advocate review. This guide is awaiting final review by Advocate Muhammad Iqbal Khan.

The murder of a woman by her own family in the name of "honour" — for marrying by choice, seeking divorce, or simply being suspected of impropriety — has long shamed Pakistan. For years, perpetrators escaped punishment through legal loopholes: the victim's family "forgave" the killer, and the case collapsed. A landmark 2016 reform closed the most notorious of these loopholes.

This guide explains the laws against honour killing in Pakistan, the 2016 amendments, and how the criminal justice system now treats these crimes. This is general information, not advice for your particular situation.

The old loophole: forgiveness in honour cases

Pakistan's criminal law on homicide is built on the Islamic concepts of qisas (retribution) and diyat (blood money), under which the victim's heirs (wali) play a central role — including the power to pardon the offender or accept compensation instead of punishment.

In honour killings, this structure was grotesquely abused: the killer was often a family member, and the "wali" empowered to forgive was another family member — who duly forgave. The murderer walked free, and the cycle continued. This "forgiveness loophole" became internationally notorious.

The 2016 reform: closing the loophole

The Criminal Laws (Amendment) Act, 2016 — passed unanimously by Parliament — directly addressed honour crimes:

  • No forgiveness in honour cases: where murder is committed in the name or on the pretext of honour, the wali's power to waive qisas is removed. The state prosecutes and punishes regardless of family "forgiveness."
  • Mandatory punishment: honour killing now attracts mandatory imprisonment — the court must impose a custodial sentence, removing the discretion that once let killers go free.
  • Definition: the law defines honour crimes to capture killings committed on the pretext of honour, closing definitional escape routes.

The reform was widely recognised as a landmark — the first time the forgiveness mechanism was legislatively overridden for a category of murder.

How honour killing is punished now

  • Murder (qatl-i-amd): punishable under the Penal Code with qisas or, where qisas is not applicable, imprisonment — with the 2016 amendments ensuring that honour motives do not mitigate but rather lock in punishment.
  • No compounding: the parties cannot "settle" an honour killing out of court to defeat prosecution.
  • Related offences: attempted honour killing, threats, and abetment attract their own punishments.

Beyond the criminal law: prevention and protection

Punishment after the fact is necessary but insufficient. The law also provides preventive tools:

  • Protection orders for women facing threats in the name of honour.
  • Police protection where there is credible danger.
  • Women's shelters and crisis centres operated by government and civil society.
  • Forced-marriage and domestic-violence provisions that often overlap with honour-based coercion.

Families and communities should know: threatening a woman in the name of honour is itself unlawful, before any violence occurs.

Your practical checklist

  • Take threats in the name of honour with absolute seriousness — they are the warning sign the law recognises.
  • Report threats to the police immediately; do not wait for violence.
  • Seek protection orders and safe shelter where needed.
  • Keep evidence of threats: messages, witnesses, dates.
  • Know that family "settlements" cannot legally bury an honour killing anymore.
  • Support prosecution as a witness where safe to do so — convictions depend on evidence.
  • Seek a lawyer experienced in criminal matters without delay.

Frequently asked questions

Can the family still forgive an honour killer?

No — the 2016 amendments removed the wali's power to waive punishment where murder is committed on the pretext of honour. The state prosecutes regardless.

What counts as an "honour" killing under the law?

A killing committed in the name or on the pretext of honour — typically of a woman by family members for perceived violations of family or community norms.

What should I do if someone I know is threatened?

Treat it as an emergency: police report, protection orders, safe shelter. Threats are themselves unlawful — do not wait for them to be carried out.

Does the law apply across Pakistan?

Yes — the Penal Code amendments apply throughout the country, in all provinces and territories.

Related guides

Need guidance on your situation? Honour-based threats are emergencies — if you or someone you know is at risk, seek help immediately. Contact us to book a confidential consultation.

By Advocate Muhammad Iqbal Khan

Draft pending advocate review.

Last reviewed:

This article provides general legal information, not legal advice for your specific matter.

Common questions

No — the 2016 amendments removed the wali's power to waive punishment where murder is committed on the pretext of honour. The state prosecutes regardless.

A killing committed in the name or on the pretext of honour — typically of a woman by family members for perceived violations of family or community norms.

Treat it as an emergency: police report, protection orders, safe shelter. Threats are themselves unlawful — do not wait for them to be carried out.

Yes — the Penal Code amendments apply throughout the country, in all provinces and territories.

Related guides

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