Killings over property, honour continue unabated
Pakistan
Deadly cases are a direct product of our worldview and traditions
LAHORE (Web Desk) – Four people were clubbed to death in Ghotki over just another deadly property dispute as such killings remain a routine news item in Pakistan.
Obviously, the murdered persons were family members because these matters involve blood relations. So a son killed his mother Maryam (55) and sister Sumaira (25) along with two nieces Iqra (9) and Ayat (6).
These and other killings, including those involving honour, completely negate our claims that our culture and traditions are strong and that they protect the individuals against the harmful social elements. Police stations and courts – not to mention the issues and incidents which remain unreported – across the country are filled with cases representing “competing interests” within the families.
At the same time, these traditions also result in competition and enmity between two families that may or not belong to the same clan or tribe – the identity which makes a person respectable or otherwise in our traditional society.
According to the latest figures released by Lahore police, a total of 337 people have so far been killed in the city over honour rivalry and old enmity.
So issues like a simple marriage proposal or small piece of land or the desire to educate your daughters can result in deaths.
The basic issue before us is whether we want to carry on with this mindset that makes us a hostage to these traditions. If yes, then what is our place in the 21st century? What do we want to achieve in today’s world?
You know why the Greek philosopher emphasised on reasoning? Because asking question about yourself and surroundings do help solving puzzles that remain mysteries otherwise.
