Murders in the name of honour - findings from an ethnographic study

This presentation aims to discuss the wider context in which honour murders occur, the social structures which contribute to the occurrence and perpetuation of the honour murders practice in Sindh, Pakistan. An ethnographic fieldwork was conducted in Jacobabad Sindh Pakistan. Honour murders were not solely driven by customs and traditions, but also by the local feudal structure, male-dominated social structures and a web of vested interests. Therefore, honour murders may be prevented by reducing the influence and interference of feudal lords on state institutions in particular law enforcement agencies and by promoting education that challenges patriarchal and feudal mind-set in the community.