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![Many in Pakistan have since 2005 been calling for such a more stringent penal code against honor murderers [Xinhua]](http://thebricspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/228195641_8-e1475775641702.jpg)
Many in Pakistan have since 2005 been calling for such a more stringent penal code against honor murderers [Xinhua]
On Thursday, Pakistan’s National Assembly deliberated for four hours on the amendment to the existing anti-honor killing law before passing it unanimously.
Pakistani authorities can now sentence convicted honor murderers up to 25 years in prison.
Rights groups have also lauded the Pakistani authorities’ decision to disallow pardons given by families to the honor murderer.
The amendment comes in the wake of two high-profile honor murder scandals.
Human rights organizations say that more than 1,000 women are killed by honor killings in Pakistan every year.
Honor killings are prevalent in a number of countries including India and Afghanistan in Asia.
According to the Honor Based Violence Awareness Network, honor killings in the Middle East and North Africa occur at a rather high rate and perpetrators largely receive reduced sentences.
The BRICS Post with inputs from Agencies
