Is Pakistan Facing a Surge in Violence Against Women?
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Synopsis
A recent report reveals a shocking trend of daily violence against women in Punjab, Pakistan, highlighting a need for urgent action. As incidents of rape, domestic violence, and trafficking rise, the Sustainable Social Development Organisation calls for improved data transparency and enhanced support services for survivors.
Key Takeaways
- 85 women are victims of violence daily in Punjab.
- 9 rape cases occur each day.
- Over 15,000 incidents reported in six months.
- Lahore has the highest rate of sexual violence.
- Data gaps hinder the understanding of the crisis.
Islamabad, Nov 22 (NationPress) Over the past six months, an alarming average of 85 women have been victims of violence every day in Punjab province, Pakistan, with nine rape incidents reported daily. This data comes from a biannual report published by the Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO) based in Islamabad.
In addition, during the same timeframe, 51 kidnapping cases were recorded, and approximately 25 women fell prey to domestic violence daily.
The statistics, gathered through the Right to Information (RTI) from local law enforcement, reveal the widespread nature of violence against women in Punjab from January to June 2025. This includes incidents of rape, kidnapping, honour killings, trafficking, and cyber harassment, totaling over 15,000 reported cases.
Lahore was identified as the district with the highest incidence rate, showcasing 340 sexual assault cases, 3,018 kidnappings, and 2,115 domestic violence cases. The provincial capital also recorded one of the highest instances of honour killings.
Other districts such as Multan, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Kasur, Toba Tek Singh, and Nankana Sahib also exhibited persistently high levels of violence against women.
Conversely, Okara, Sheikhupura, Layyah, Pakpattan, and Gujrat reported incidents of cyber harassment, a situation the SSDO attributes to a lack of access to digital complaint mechanisms and considerable underreporting. Muzaffargarh and Pakpattan noted the highest trafficking-related crimes.
The report raises serious concerns regarding absent data from multiple districts. Despite numerous requests from the Punjab Information Commission, districts such as Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Chakwal, Chiniot, Dera Ghazi Khan, Faisalabad, Hafizabad, Narowal, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, Rawalpindi, Sahiwal, and Sargodha failed to comply with the information requests, as reported by Pakistan's leading daily, The Express Tribune.
SSDO emphasized that the lack of comprehensive data breeds misinformation, diminishes public trust, and obscures the reality of the crisis.
Under the RTI Act, law enforcement agencies are mandated to share these records, and the absence of data significantly undermines the transparency and accuracy of provincial statistics concerning violence against women.
Describing the situation as 'alarming', SSDO urged for coordinated efforts to enhance reporting and referral systems, bolster police investigative capabilities, expedite judicial processes, and expand survivor support services, including shelters, legal assistance, and psycho-social aid.
Point of View
It's crucial to approach the alarming statistics on violence against women in Punjab with a comprehensive perspective. The SSDO's findings underscore a pressing need for government action and societal awareness. Ensuring that women's rights are prioritized is not only a legal obligation but a moral imperative for a just society.
NationPress
22/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current rate of violence against women in Punjab?
Currently, an average of 85 women face violence daily in Punjab, with nine cases of rape reported each day.
What are the main forms of violence recorded?
The report highlights rape, kidnapping, domestic violence, honour killings, trafficking, and cyber harassment.
Which district reports the highest violence against women?
Lahore reports the highest incidence of violence against women, including significant numbers of sexual assaults and kidnappings.
What is SSDO's stance on data reporting?
The SSDO emphasizes that missing data fosters misinformation and calls for improved transparency from law enforcement agencies.
What actions are being recommended to tackle this issue?
The SSDO recommends coordinated efforts to enhance reporting systems, strengthen police capabilities, expedite judicial proceedings, and expand survivor support services.
