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A life lost in honour killing
In Kamber, Sindh, another life of innocent girl was cruelly extinguished by her father in the name of ‘honour.’ This brutal act mirrors a tragic reality in Pakistan, where patriarchal traditions continue to strip women of their right to live freely, to dream and to be safe. Each lost life speaks of a system deeply embedded in patriarchal norms, where women are denied their autonomy and violence is justified in the name of honour.
This horrifying incident is not just another act of violence—it is a mirror to the pervasive system of oppression that has claimed the lives and future of so many women and girls in Pakistan. Under the guise of honour, a deeper injustice continues: the denial of their humanity, autonomy and right to exist beyond patriarchal control. Regardless of legal reforms, this cycle of abuse persists, hidden behind silence, fear and societal indifference.
How many more daughters must we bury before we collectively rise against this injustice? Every year, hundreds of such cases are reported and countless more go unreported, hidden behind silence and societal fear. Despite legal reforms and increasing awareness, honour killings remain a brutal reality, largely owing to cultural complicity and lack of accountability.
We must understand that the term “honour” is nothing more than a socially constructed weapon used to control women’s choice and autonomy. In a civilized society, no justification—cultural or otherwise—can condone the murder of an individual under any circumstances.
It is imperative that the government enforces stricter legal measures to combat honour killings, but equally important is the need for grassroots change in mindsets through education, awareness, and community dialogues. I urge the authorities to investigate this recent murder swiftly and bring those responsible to justice.
TANIA SHAHJAHAN
Sindh
Importance
of time
I would like to share a few thoughts on a subject that affects us all deeply: the importance of time. Time is one of the most valuable resources we have. Unlike money, knowledge or material possessions, time is finite. Once a moment passes, it is gone forever. This makes it essential to understand the value of time and how we spend it.
In our fast-paced world, it is easy to get caught up in distractions or activities that do not contribute meaningfully to our lives. However, each day presents an opportunity to invest our time wisely, whether through personal growth, nurturing relationships, pursuing meaningful work or simply taking care of our well-being.
Time management plays a key role in helping us achieve balance and success. By prioritizing tasks and setting clear goals, we can make the most of each moment and ensure we are moving toward what truly matters to us. It is not just about being productive but also about being present, fully engaged in whatever we are doing at a given moment.
Moreover, recognizing the value of time can inspire us to appreciate life’s fleeting nature. Moments shared with loved ones, the pursuit of our passions or even simple acts of kindness become all the more precious when we realize that time is a limited gift. In closing, time is a treasure we must respect and use wisely. By doing so, we can lead more fulfilling and meaningful lives, both for ourselves and those around us.
SARFRAZ ISHAIQ
Karachi
Monsoon havoc
On October 9, 2024, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) published its 2024 Monsoon Summary on Pakistan, which underscores the weak response of the Pakistani government to natural disasters. Pakistan experienced significant monsoon rains from July to September, resulting in 368 deaths and 668 injuries. These figures, typical of OCHA reports, depict the inadequate planning of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
The flooding displaced thousands of people, damaged critical infrastructure and submerged farmland, threatening food security and livelihoods. Pakistan is one of the countries, most vulnerable to extreme weather events caused and/or exacerbated by the climate crisis, as seen with the devastating floods in 2022.
The government’s failure to develop sustainable policies that could prevent substantial loss of life and property is evident. There have been no serious efforts to revise existing policies to assist the victims of natural disasters effectively. The response by the government is not commensurate with the damage inflicted by the rains and floods. The 2024 monsoon resulted in the destruction of 58,199 houses and displaced approximately 600,000 people across the country. In contrast, the government provided only 623 ration bags, a figure that falls far short of the actual need.
The havoc caused by the monsoon in 2024 highlights Pakistan’s ongoing humanitarian needs and the urgent requirement to strengthen disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation strategies. The existing policies are not aligned with the realities on the ground, which shape climate impacts in Pakistan.
SAJJAD ALI MEMON
Islamabad
ses of clarity and space.
