One is justified to ask the authorities where their all tall claims have gone regarding the protection of women’s rights as in the current year, 954 women have been murdered in the Punjab province alone in the name of honour and as a result of domestic violence, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Friday.

According to the latest staggering crime statistics, as many as 954 women got murdered on the pretext of honour killing and domestic violence. 

Lahore topped the list where the highest number of women i.e. 89 were put to death followed by Faisalabad where 66 women were killed. 

In Rawalpindi 48, Gujranwala 42 and in Sargodha 41 women were murdered on the filmy grounds of honour killing and domestic homicide. 

On Wednesday, a woman who came to attend a court hearing was shot dead in the name of honour by her father and brother in Peshawar. According to the initial investigation report, the woman came to the Judicial Complex, Peshawar to attend the court hearing. But her father Shah Wali and brother Nauman opened fire on her, killing her on the spot.

Four women were killed in Rahim Yar Khan’s Kot Samaba area for ‘honour’ on Monday night. Those who were killed for ‘honour’ were included: a woman, her two daughters, and daughters’ cousin. While an injured woman was shifted to Sheikh Zayed Hospital in Rahim Yar Khan. 

Police said that they had arrested all three accused including Sajid, Suleman and Zahid. Police said that the women were killed because they had eloped with their paramours.   

Regional Coordinator Human Rights Commission Faisal Mehmood stressed the need for educating people so that they refrain from taking lives of others for ‘honour’. “If people involved are brought to justice on time, such type of incidents can be prevented,” he added. 

Crime against women has reached epidemic proportions as this issue is shrouded in secrecy and shame. Reportedly, from 60% to 70% women in Pakistan are suffering from some form of violence and abuse. Around 5,000 women are killed every year, a report said, adding that thousands become disabled because of domestic violence.

On October 21, a woman was allegedly tortured and raped by a university student in the underpass of the Metro Bus Station in Rawalpindi. On October 14, police claimed to have arrested one of the three suspects of rapping a teen in Toba Tek Singh district Punjab. On October 12, a newlywed was tortured to death allegedly by her in-laws in the Shadbagh area.

The horrific murder of 27-year-old Noor Muqaddam murder in Islamabad, the country’s capital, earlier in the ongoing year made headlines and triggered countrywide demos for stepping up efforts for ensuring women’s protection.