Woman in Karachi Set on Fire by Husband After Objecting to His Affairs

Synopsis

A woman in Karachi was horrifically set on fire by her husband after she objected to his extramarital affairs. This case highlights the alarming rates of violence against women in Pakistan, where, according to reports, around 300 women per year fall victim to similar acts. The low conviction rates for such crimes reflect serious flaws in the legal system.

Key Takeaways

Violence against women remains a critical issue in Pakistan.
A woman was severely burned for confronting her husband's affairs.
Pakistan sees approximately 300 annual cases of women being burned by family members.
The HRCP notes a troubling low conviction rate for crimes against women.
Extensive GBV cases reported in 2024, with low conviction rates persistently reported.

Karachi, March 19 (NationPress) In a tragic incident of violence against women in Pakistan, a woman was set ablaze by her husband in Karachi after she confronted him about his extramarital relationships.

Before being ignited, she endured severe torture and was soaked in petrol, resulting in 40 percent burns. The husband fled the scene but was apprehended by local authorities a few days later.

Reports indicate that this woman had been a victim of ongoing abuse and mistreatment at the hands of her husband. Currently, she is receiving care at the Burns Ward of Civil Hospital in Karachi, while police are interrogating the detained husband.

A recent report from the Progressive Women's Association (PWA) indicates that approximately 300 women are burned to death annually in Pakistan by their spouses or in-laws, with the frequency of such violence on the rise, as reported by local media.

Additionally, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) held a meeting on Tuesday focused on justice for women and gender minorities. During this meeting, the commission voiced concerns over the low conviction rates in cases involving rape, abduction, domestic violence, and other harmful practices, as reported by leading daily Dawn.

The commission noted that while crimes against women are frequently highlighted in the media, the conviction rates for such offenses remain dismally low.

The gap between reported crimes and the low conviction rates underscores significant flaws in the legal system. Inadequate investigations, social stigma, and delays in the judicial process obstruct justice. This lack of accountability perpetuates violence, complicating the pursuit of justice and protection for survivors.

Moreover, the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) in Pakistan recently published its report, 'Mapping Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Pakistan 2024', which provides a provincial breakdown of incidents of rape, honor killings, kidnapping, and domestic violence.

This report highlights the alarming prevalence of GBV cases and the critically low conviction rates within the country.

According to the data, a staggering total of 32,617 GBV cases were reported nationally in 2024, including 5,339 incidents of rape, 24,439 cases of kidnapping and abduction, 2,238 incidents of domestic violence, and 547 cases of honor killings, as per the leading Pakistani newspaper, The Express Tribune.

Despite these disturbing statistics, conviction rates remain alarmingly low throughout all provinces of Pakistan. The national conviction rate for rape and honor killings is a mere 0.5 percent.

Kidnapping and abduction cases have an even lower conviction rate of 0.1 percent, while domestic violence cases boast a conviction rate of only 1.3 percent.