In the heart of Pakistan, a tragic incident unfolded on March 7, 2025, in the Bhagwani Shumali area, highlighting the deep-seated issues within the country’s tribal justice system. A local panchayat, an informal tribal court, decreed that an 11-year-old girl be subjected to Vani—a practice where young girls are forcibly married off to settle disputes. This decision was a punitive measure against her father, Adil, a poor barber, whose nephew allegedly spoke to the daughter of an influential local figure, Farid. Perceiving this as dishonor, Farid and his associates abducted Adil, subjected him to severe torture, and coerced him into agreeing to the Vani of his daughter. Prior to this, the same panchayat had extorted 700,000 Pakistani Rupees from Adil. Overwhelmed by despair and injustice, Adil consumed poison the following day and later died in the hospital.
This harrowing event underscores the persistent influence of tribal customs that operate parallel to the formal legal system in Pakistan. Despite the existence of national laws, these traditional practices continue unabated, often leading to gross human rights violations, particularly against women and children.
In another distressing case reported on March 7, 2025, in the village of Matwala, a 14-year-old orphaned maid was repeatedly raped by her employer, a landlord, and his employee. When she became pregnant, they conspired with two midwives to forcibly induce a miscarriage, subsequently burying the fetus and threatening the victim to ensure her silence. When the victim’s family sought justice, local police allegedly offered them one million Pakistani Rupees on behalf of the perpetrators to settle the matter. Upon their refusal, the family faced continuous harassment from law enforcement.
These incidents are not isolated. They reflect a broader pattern of systemic injustice perpetuated by deeply entrenched cultural practices and a lack of effective state intervention. International human rights organizations have consistently highlighted such issues in Pakistan. For instance, Human Rights Watch, in its World Report 2022, noted that the Pakistani government intensified efforts to control the media and curtail dissent, with authorities harassing and detaining journalists and civil society members critical of government policies.
Amnesty International’s report on Pakistan further emphasizes the prevalence of human rights violations, including enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and violence against religious minorities, with little to no justice for victims.
A particularly egregious example of tribal injustice is the case from June 2002, where a tribal council sentenced a woman to be gang-raped as retribution for her brother’s alleged misconduct. This case drew international condemnation and highlighted the brutal consequences of parallel justice systems operating outside the state’s legal framework.
Despite legislative efforts to curb such practices, enforcement remains weak. The Prevention of Anti-Women Practices Act, enacted in 2011, criminalizes practices like Vani. However, the persistence of such customs indicates a significant gap between legislation and implementation.
The judiciary’s role in addressing these injustices has been inconsistent. While there have been progressive rulings, such as the Peshawar High Court’s stance that compromise is not permissible in honor killing cases, there have also been contradictory judgments. For instance, in 2023, the Peshawar High Court acquitted a man convicted of torturing and murdering his wife, despite the nature of the crime.
The state’s inability to effectively intervene and eradicate these parallel justice systems perpetuates a cycle of abuse and impunity. Victims, often from marginalized communities, have little recourse to justice, and perpetrators continue their actions without fear of accountability.
To address these deep-rooted issues, a multifaceted approach is necessary. Firstly, there must be a concerted effort to enforce existing laws uniformly across the country, ensuring that tribal customs do not supersede national legislation. Secondly, raising awareness about human rights and the illegality of such practices is crucial, particularly in rural areas where these customs are most prevalent. Thirdly, empowering local communities through education and economic development can reduce reliance on traditional power structures that perpetuate these injustices.
International organizations and foreign governments can play a supportive role by providing resources and expertise to strengthen Pakistan’s legal and institutional frameworks. However, the impetus for change must come from within, driven by a collective recognition of the inherent dignity and rights of every individual, regardless of their social or economic status.
The tragic stories of individuals like Adil and the young maid from Matwala serve as poignant reminders of the urgent need for reform. Without decisive action, countless others will continue to suffer under a system that fails to protect its most vulnerable citizens.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s struggle with entrenched cultural and tribal practices that perpetuate injustice against the poor and marginalized is a complex issue requiring comprehensive solutions. While legislative measures are in place, effective enforcement, public awareness, and community empowerment are essential to bring about meaningful change. The state’s responsibility to protect its citizens must be paramount, ensuring that justice is not a privilege of the powerful but a right accessible to all.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
