Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Reports 258 Rape Cases in 2025 with Only One Conviction
Synopsis
In a shocking revelation, the Human Rights Council of Pakistan reports that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa saw 258 rape cases in 2025, yet only a single conviction was made. This raises urgent questions about the safety of women and the effectiveness of legal protections in the province.
Key Takeaways
258 rape cases reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2025.
Only one conviction recorded.
30% of gender-based violence cases reported.
Concerns over digital harassment with 160,000 cybercrime cases .
Call for stronger laws and protections for women.
Islamabad, March 10 (NationPress) The Human Rights Council of Pakistan, a non-profit organization, disclosed that in the year 2025, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province witnessed a staggering 258 reported rape incidents. Alarmingly, only a single conviction was achieved, according to local media sources.
The Human Rights Council of Pakistan (HRCP) presented these recent figures during a human rights report unveiling at the Peshawar Press Club, as covered by Pakistan's prominent newspaper Dawn.
At the report's launch, the provincial president of the council, Izharuddin Khan, noted that approximately 5% of women in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regularly experience violence. He highlighted that about 30% of gender-based violence cases are reported, leaving nearly 70% unreported.
Khan also brought attention to harassment incidents occurring in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's universities, emphasizing that female students remain vulnerable to gender-based harassment. Complaints were lodged at both the University of Peshawar and University of Malakand. He pointed out that traditional customs, such as swara, where girls are given in marriage to resolve disputes, continue to persist in certain regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Moreover, the report indicated a concerning rise in digital harassment, with around 160,000 cybercrime cases recorded in 2025. Officials acknowledged that these figures only reflect cases where victims were aware of how to report cybercrimes, estimating that 30% to 40% of such incidents go unreported due to a lack of awareness.
Council representatives urged the government to enact laws to protect women's rights and enhance their safety. They called upon the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly to endorse a women’s empowerment policy and to implement legislation addressing issues like acid attacks and domestic violence. The representatives also advocated for the establishment of special courts and dedicated funding to address gender-based violence cases, demanding more robust measures to empower women and safeguard their rights, as reported by Dawn.
The report further expressed concern regarding violence against transgender individuals, highlighting that several members of this community were murdered over the year, with many others reportedly forced to flee from specific areas.
Point of View
It is evident that the statistics presented by the Human Rights Council of Pakistan highlight a severe crisis regarding women's safety in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The low conviction rate amidst a high number of reported rape cases underscores a significant gap in legal protections and societal attitudes towards gender-based violence. Urgent reforms are necessary to protect vulnerable populations and uphold human rights.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number of reported rape cases in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for 2025?
In 2025, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported a total of 258 rape cases.
How many convictions were made for these cases?
Only one conviction was recorded in relation to the 258 reported rape cases.
What percentage of gender-based violence cases in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are reported?
Approximately 30% of gender-based violence cases are reported, while nearly 70% remain unreported.
What measures are being proposed to protect women's rights?
The Human Rights Council urges the government to enact laws for women's protection and establish special courts to address gender-based violence.
Are there issues related to harassment in educational institutions?
Yes, there have been reports of gender-based harassment in universities such as the University of Peshawar and University of Malakand.
