PROJECT Karo Kari

What is Karo-kari?

Karo-kari "کاروکاری" is a Sindhi term (translating to blackened male and female) which refers to the premeditated murder of  a condemned individual, disproportionately affecting women, in the name of restoring "family honour" when they have brought perceived shame upon their community. Dressing a certain way, choosing one's own spouse, filing for divorce—all these liberties that every person should be entitled to are seen as a disgrace when women are objectified to nothing more than property, their sexuality becomes a tool to control them, and deep-rooted patriarchy rears its ugly, violent head.

"Yes, we killed them, but we did not do anything shameful. We acted according to Baloch traditions." said the Gul Jan, mother of Bano Satakzai about the murder of her daughter and Ehsanullah Samalani, according to the CSOH.

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Her callous words reflect thatdespite being condemned both legally and morally, karo-kari persists, particularly in rural regions of provinces such as Sindh and Balochistan, where tribal customs and patriarchal traditions often override formal law

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Understanding Karo-kari

At its core, karo-kari is not simply about morality—it is about power, control, and the regulation of female autonomy. Victims are frequently denied any form of due process; mere suspicion or accusation can lead to fatal consequences. As noted by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, “honour killings continue to be carried out with impunity, often justified under the guise of tradition.” This highlights a troubling reality: perpetrators are sometimes protected by societal acceptance and legal loopholes, especially through forgiveness provisions that allow families to pardon the killer.

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One of the most widely reported cases that brought international attention to honour-based violence in Pakistan was the murder of Qandeel Baloch in 2016. A rising social media figure known for challenging conservative norms, she was strangled to death by her own brother, who later stated he had “no regrets” because she had “brought dishonour to the family.” Her killing sparked nationwide outrage and led to renewed calls for legal reform. Similarly, in 2008, five women in Balochistan were reportedly buried alive for choosing their own spouses—an incident condemned by activists and described by a local politician as “a centuries-old tradition,” reflecting the deeply ingrained nature of such practices.

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Statistics further reveal the scale of the issue. According to reports from organizations like Amnesty International, hundreds of honour killings are reported annually in Pakistan, though the true number is likely higher due to underreporting and societal silence. Victims often come from vulnerable backgrounds, with limited access to legal protection or support systems, and culture dominates

Karo-kari also intersects with issues of gender inequality, lack of education, and weak enforcement of laws. While legislative measures—such as the 2016 anti-honour killing law—have attempted to close loopholes, implementation remains inconsistent. Cultural acceptance in some communities continues to legitimize violence, making eradication difficult.

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Understanding karo-kari requires confronting uncomfortable truths about how tradition, patriarchy, and justice collide. It is not merely a relic of the past but an ongoing human rights crisis; one that demands sustained attention, legal accountability, and societal change.