Not all men, but the man. This phrase has long circulated on social media whenever violence against women – such as honour killings, acid attacks, and harassment – is broadcast or published. Femicide has been deeply entrenched for centuries, but the twenty-first century has witnessed a new version of cruelty inflicted upon women for a meagre sin or no sin at all.

The case of Dr Mahnoor, who was severely injured in an acid attack by a hospital employee while on duty at Civil Hospital Quetta, again raises questions. Is woman still shackled everywhere, her education deemed unacceptable by a patriarchal society? Has throwing acid on her face shrunk to a simple act of revenge, meant only to disfigure her forever? Is this the justice that prevails for women in our mainstream society? Is this the ultimate status granted to them?

Femicide statistics show that over 7,500 women were killed between 2021 and 2024 in reported gender-based violence (GBV) cases. At least 1,553 were killed in the name of honour (karo-kari) and 3,385........

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