Police in Karachi say a 14-year-old girl who survived being shot five times may have been the victim of an attempted honor killing

Aamer Ahmed Khan:

Noor Jehan was allegedly shot by relatives after being declared guilty of adultery under an ancient tribal tradition in southern Pakistan.

She was left in a roadside ditch but she managed to crawl her way to help.

Hundreds of women are killed every year in Pakistan in the name of "honour", usually related to marriages.

In recent years Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf has defended his government's record on violence against women and says he has done more for women's empowerment than any previous administration.

But human rights groups in Pakistan say the president's claims are not backed by adequate legislation.

Police say they are anxious to speak to Noor's parents who have not appeared at her bedside or inquired about their missing daughter.

An officer investigating the case told the BBC News website: "My experience tells me that they were aware of what was going on."

Noor was shot in both legs, the left arm and the stomach.

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