Islamabad, August 18, 2026: The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) has called for stronger laws and effective enforcement mechanisms to prevent honour killings and gender-based violence, while also urging the government to expand safe and affordable hostel facilities for female students and working women.
The demands were made during the 13th meeting of the General Assembly of the WPC held at Parliament House, where the Ministry of Human Rights (MoHR) briefed members on the rising incidence of honour killings, gender-based violence, femicide and premeditated murders in Pakistan.
The ministry’s briefing examined the existing legal and policy framework dealing with gender-based violence and femicide and stressed that there could be no justification for killing a person in the name of social or tribal prestige.
Secretary WPC Dr Shahida Rehmani welcomed the participants and appreciated the Ministry of Human Rights for providing the briefing on the sensitive issue. She also congratulated Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights Saba Sadiq on the successful organisation of the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women, hosted by Pakistan in Islamabad on July 12 and 13.
Dr Rehmani appreciated the efforts of Saba Sadiq and other stakeholders in making the conference a platform for dialogue, cooperation and exchange of experiences on women’s empowerment. The conference brought together ministers, senior officials and delegations from OIC member states to strengthen collective efforts for women’s social, economic and political empowerment.
Members of the WPC welcomed the ministry’s briefing and called for regular thematic sessions on critical issues affecting women and girls. They said such briefings were important for parliamentary oversight, legislative scrutiny and the development of practical policy recommendations.
During the discussion, lawmakers expressed serious concern over the continued occurrence of killings committed in the name of “honour”. They called for a comprehensive review of existing laws relating to honour killings to identify gaps in legislation, implementation, prosecution and protection mechanisms.
The members also suggested reconsidering the term “honour killing”, arguing that it could inadvertently create an impression of legitimacy or justification for such crimes. They stressed that there was no honour in taking a human life and that every such act should be treated as a serious criminal offence.
The lawmakers further called for stronger implementation of existing pro-women legislation, better coordination among law-enforcement agencies and relevant institutions, and more effective prosecution to ensure justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators.
The meeting also discussed the shortage of safe, affordable and accessible hostels for girls, particularly female students and working women travelling from remote and underserved areas.
Members said the lack of secure accommodation could limit women’s access to higher, professional and technical education as well as employment opportunities.
They called for appropriate legislation and a comprehensive policy framework governing the establishment, regulation and management of girls’ hostels.
The WPC members also proposed public-private partnership models for establishing new hostels and expanding existing facilities. They urged the government to construct hostels in areas with high demand and renovate and upgrade existing government facilities to provide safe, hygienic and dignified accommodation.
The General Assembly also adopted a resolution commemorating Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day and paying tribute to the contributions of Pakistani women.
The resolution acknowledged the role played by women in the Pakistan Movement and recognised the contributions of successive generations of Pakistani women to the country’s political, social, economic, educational and professional development.
It also paid tribute to the families of Pakistan’s Shuhada and Ghazis, particularly mothers, wives, daughters and sisters, and recognised their sacrifices.
The resolution called for continued efforts towards gender-responsive legislation, greater participation of women in decision-making and expanded opportunities for women and girls in education, skills development, technology, entrepreneurship and leadership.
The WPC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting women’s rights through parliamentary dialogue, legislative scrutiny and policy advocacy, stressing that protection from violence, access to education, safe accommodation and meaningful participation in national development were essential for building a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive Pakistan.
The meeting was attended by a large number of women parliamentarians, including Shahida Begum, Treasurer WPC; Saba Sadiq, Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights; Rana Ansar; Tamkeen Akhtar Niazi; Zahra Wadood Fatemi; Sofia Saeed Shah; Kiran Imran Dar; Saira Afzal Tarar; Farah Naz Akbar, Parliamentary Secretary for Federal Education and Professional Training; Erum Hamid; Ghazala Anjum; Shumaila Rana; Mahjabeen Abbasi; Zainab Baloch; Naeema Kishwar Khan; Neelam; Samina Khalid Ghurki; Mussarat Rafique Mahesar and other officials and representatives.
