Rise in honor killings and acid attacks highlights deep‑rooted misogyny

Among the 1,95,787 gender‑based incidents recorded in Punjab, honor killings and acid attacks have surged dramatically. The province logged 830 honor‑related murders and 442 cases of women being burned, which includes 143 acid attacks and 299 stove‑burn incidents.

These figures underscore a persistent culture of misogyny where perceived violations of family honor trigger lethal retaliation. Victims are often young women who defy traditional expectations, making them targets for extreme punitive measures.

Human‑rights advocates stress that without robust protective mechanisms, community education, and swift legal enforcement, such crimes will continue to proliferate, further entrenching gender inequality.