KARACHI,February 20,2005:As many as 34 people, including 27 women, were killed in the name of honour (karo-kari) during the first month of this year. This was reported in a report issued by Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP). Most of the cases occurred in Sindh while some in Balochistan.

The report, referring to December 2004’s statistics among 24 persons killed, 13 were women victims of the menace of karo-kari. Around 69 people, including 21 women committed suicide in January, while 69 others, including 29 women, attempted to end their lives, but prompt medical aid saved them.

The report said that most of the people, who committed suicide, were teenagers, while over 90 percent cases of suicide occurred in Punjab.

The report quoted poverty, unemployment, economic problem, illness and matters regarding marriage as the major causes of suicides.The HRCP report noticed a marked decline in suicides cases as compared to 76, including 19 women, who committed suicide in December 2004, while 60 were saved.

On an average, 25 people are killed in the name of karo-kari, while 50 committed suicide each month in the country.The report also pointed out many cases of sexual abuse against women and children.

Source: Business Recorder

Date:2/20/2005