Femicide and Violence Against Women in Pakistan: A Psychological Perspective
Violence against women in Pakistan remains a deeply entrenched issue, manifesting in various forms such as domestic abuse, honor killings, and femicide. Despite legal reforms and increased awareness, societal and cultural norms continue to perpetuate gender-based violence.
Notable Cases of Femicide and Violence (2000–2025)
1. Sana Yousaf (2025)
On June 2, 2025, 17-year-old TikTok star Sana Yousaf was fatally shot in her Islamabad home. The suspect, her cousin Umar Hayat, allegedly committed the act after repeated rejections of his advances. Sana was known for her advocacy on women's rights and cultural identity, making her death a significant blow to progressive voices in Pakistan.
(Sources: deccanherald.com+9youtube.com+9timesofindia.indiatimes.com+9cbsnews.com+1timesofindia.indiatimes.com+1timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
2. Iqra (2025)
In February 2025, 13-year-old Iqra, a domestic worker in Rawalpindi, was tortured to death by her employers over allegations of stealing chocolates. The incident highlighted the exploitation and abuse of child domestic workers in Pakistan. people.com
3. Sobia Batool Shah (2024)
In August 2024, 22-year-old Sobia Batool Shah was violently attacked by her father and uncle in Naushahro Feroze, Sindh, for seeking a divorce. Her limbs were severely injured with an axe, underscoring the dangers women face when asserting autonomy. theguardian.com
4. Noor Mukadam (2021)
In July 2021, Noor Mukadam, daughter of a former diplomat, was brutally murdered in Islamabad. The case garnered national attention, highlighting issues of privilege, legal loopholes, and the need for systemic change. aljazeera.com
5. Ippi Shooting (2021)
In February 2021, four female aid workers were shot dead by unidentified gunmen in North Waziristan. The attack underscored the risks faced by women working in conflict zones and the broader challenges of ensuring their safety.en.wikipedia.org
6. Qandeel Baloch (2016)
Social media influencer Qandeel Baloch was strangled by her brother in an honor killing. Her death sparked nationwide debates on women's autonomy and the dangers faced by outspoken women in conservative societies
(sources: .time.com+1glamour.com+1timesofindia.indiatimes.com+3timesofindia.indiatimes.com+3timesofindia.indiatimes.com+3)
7. Farzana Parveen (2014)
Farzana Parveen was stoned to death by her family outside a Lahore courthouse for marrying against their wishes. The public nature of her murder highlighted the prevalence of honor-based violence.
(Source: glamour.com)
8. Fakhra Younus (2012)
Fakhra Younus, a former dancer, was the victim of a brutal acid attack allegedly orchestrated by her ex-husband, a politically connected figure. After enduring 39 reconstructive surgeries, she tragically ended her life in 2012.en.wikipedia.org
9. Mukhtaran Mai (2002)
Mukhtaran Mai was gang-raped on the orders of a village council as retribution for her brother's alleged misconduct.Defying societal expectations, she pursued justice and became a symbol of resistance against sexual violence.en.wikipedia.org
10. 2017 Karachi Stabbings
Between September and October 2017, a series of knife attacks targeted women in Karachi, injuring at least 16. The assailant's motive remained unclear, but the attacks instilled widespread fear among women in the city. en.wikipedia.org
Underlying Causes of Violence Against Women
Psychological Factors
sychological factors contributing to femicide and violence against women in Pakistan are deeply intertwined with cultural conditioning, gender roles, and individual mental health issues. Here’s a breakdown of key psychological drivers:
1. Patriarchal Conditioning
Male Superiority Complex: Men are often socialized to believe they are dominant and entitled to control women, especially in family or romantic relationships.
Gender Role Rigidity: From childhood, boys and girls are taught distinct, unequal roles. Any deviation—such as a woman asserting independence—is seen as a threat to male control.
Honor-Linked Identity: Men often internalize the belief that their "honor" is tied to the behavior and chastity of female relatives. This can trigger violence if a woman is perceived to have brought "shame."
2. Narcissistic and Antisocial Traits
Entitlement to Control: Some perpetrators exhibit narcissistic traits—believing they have the right to punish or control a woman who disobeys or leaves them.
Lack of Empathy: Antisocial behavior patterns, including lack of remorse or empathy, are common among repeat offenders.
Rejection Sensitivity: Some men react with extreme aggression to rejection, as seen in recent cases where romantic or marital refusal led to murder.
3. Emotional Dysregulation
Poor Impulse Control: A significant number of violent incidents occur in emotionally charged moments where perpetrators cannot regulate anger, jealousy, or humiliation.
Learned Aggression: Witnessing domestic violence as a child increases the likelihood of becoming a perpetrator later in life. It becomes normalized as a conflict-resolution method.
4. Psychological Insecurity and Inferiority
Threatened Masculinity: Economic dependency, unemployment, or educational inferiority compared to women can lead some men to assert dominance through violence to re-establish control.
Fear of Female Autonomy: As women in Pakistan increasingly seek education, jobs, and divorce rights, some men perceive this as a direct threat to their traditional roles.
5. Group and Tribal Psychology
Conformity and Peer Reinforcement: In cases of honor killings or jirga-ordered violence, perpetrators often act under group pressure or approval, minimizing personal guilt.
Moral Disengagement: When violence is sanctioned by family, elders, or society, individuals psychologically justify their actions as morally correct or necessary.
6. Lack of Mental Health Awareness and Services
Untreated Psychiatric Disorders: Depression, PTSD, substance use disorders, and personality disorders in both men and women often go undiagnosed and untreated.
Stigma Around Counseling: Men, especially, are discouraged from seeking emotional help, reinforcing harmful behaviors rather than resolving internal conflict.
Cultural and Societal Factors
Honor Culture: Women's actions are often tied to family honor in Pakistani culture, leading to extreme measures to 'protect' reputation.
Legal Loopholes: Perpetrators often escape punishment due to laws allowing family forgiveness, undermining justice.
Lack of Education: Limited access to education restricts women's awareness of their rights and avenues for help.
Strategies for Prevention and Education
Legal Reforms
Closing Legal Loopholes: Amend laws to prevent perpetrators from evading justice through familial pardons.
Strict Enforcement: Ensure existing laws against domestic violence and honor killings are effectively implemented.
Educational Initiatives
Curriculum Inclusion: Integrate gender studies and human rights education in schools to challenge patriarchal norms.
Community Programs: Conduct workshops and seminars to raise awareness about women's rights and legal protections.
Support Systems
Shelters and Helplines: Establish accessible shelters and 24/7 helplines for victims of domestic abuse.
Counseling Services: Provide psychological support to survivors to aid in recovery and empowerment.
Media and Advocacy
Responsible Reporting: Encourage media to report on gender-based violence sensitively, avoiding victim-blaming narratives.
Public Campaigns: Launch nationwide campaigns to challenge societal norms that condone violence against women.
The persistent issue of femicide and violence against women in Pakistan necessitates a multifaceted approach, combining legal reforms, educational initiatives, and societal change. The tragic death of Sana Yousaf serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by women who challenge societal norms. It is imperative for all sectors of society to collaborate in creating a safer environment where women can live without fear.