Pakistan PM views Oscar-nominated film on honor killings

Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has vowed to act against the "despicable" practice known as honor killing after viewing an Oscar-nominated documentary about the issue.

"A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness," by Pakistani filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, was screened at the premier's office today.

The killing of women -- often by their own family members -- over perceived sexual indiscretions is common in conservative parts of the Muslim world.

The 2015 film is about a girl who was shot and thrown in a river by her father after marrying a boy of her choice.

The girl survived, but was pressured to forgive her attackers.
 

A government statement released after the screening says Sharif vowed to promote women's rights.