WASHINGTON, Oct 8: Terming it as an important step towards ensuring the protection of women in Pakistan, the US has welcomed the country’s decision for its legislation against honour killings.
“We commend the efforts of the Government of Pakistan to end this practice,” the State Department Spokesman John Kirby said, adding that this legislation is an important step toward protecting women and girls in Pakistan and promoting their full participation in society.
“Raising social awareness and holding perpetrators accountable are critical next steps, and we will continue to support Pakistan’s efforts,” he said.
The US regularly reports on violence against women and girls around the globe and works to prevent and respond to such violence, including advancing accountability by working with law enforcement, supporting civil society’s efforts, and engaging with critical stakeholders such as men and boys, Kirby said.
Pakistan’s National Assembly on Thursday passed legislation closing a loophole that allowed people to go free who killed in the name of “honour”, mandating life imprisonment even if the victim’s relatives forgive the murder.
Honour killings “claim the lives of hundreds of victims every year”, the bill stated, adding that the legislation was “essential in order to prevent these crimes from being repeatedly committed”. (PTI)
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