4112 cases of gender-based violence reported in 2024
4112 cases of gender-based violence were reported in Pakistan in 2024.
As a disturbing reflection of the growing gender-based violence in Pakistan, a report has been compiled by Sahil, an organization working for the safety and security of women and children.
The report revealed that 4,112 cases were reported across Pakistan from January to November 2024, including murder, rape, suicide, kidnapping, honor killing and torture. Violence is becoming a norm for women at all ages.
The report was prepared based on data collected from 81 newspapers covering all four provinces of the country, Islamabad Capital Territory, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. The report paints a bleak picture of Pakistan’s ongoing struggle against gender-based violence. According to the report, among these cases, 1,273 cases of murder, 799 cases of kidnapping, 579 cases of torture, 533 cases of rape and 380 cases of suicide are included.
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Moreover, a large number of victims are young women. Although only 5 percent of victims were under the age of 18, this data shows young women and girls are vulnerable to various forms of exploitation. The most affected age group was women aged 21 to 30 years, with 459 cases reported. This is followed by 444 cases of women aged 11 to 20 years, and 167 cases of women aged 31 to 40 years.
According to the report, most abusers (33 percent) were acquaintances, while 14 percent were husbands and 10 percent were strangers. In several cases, the identity of the accused was not known or reported, accounting for 22 percent.
Distribution of reported cases on the basis of provinces revealed an unbalanced distribution of gender-based violence. The highest number of cases at 73 percent were reported in Punjab, the country’s most populous province. This was followed by Sindh 15 percent, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 8 percent and Islamabad Capital Territory, Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan 2 percent cases.
According to the report, the districts where the most cases of violence against women have been reported have been identified. Faisalabad leads with 766 cases reported, followed by Rawalpindi with 367 cases. Lahore and Sialkot reported 269 cases while Gujranwala has 257 cases.
There is also a significant number in Kasur where 215 cases were reported. Other districts like Multan, Rahim Yar Khan and Sheikhupura reported 134, 129 and 102 cases respectively while Peshawar has 100 cases. These figures indicate the need to focus on gender-based violence in these areas.
These findings reflect a disturbing trend of rising levels of violence against women. Despite efforts by civil society organizations, law enforcement agencies and the government, women in Pakistan continue to face violence and limited accountability for perpetrators.
According to the report, the government of Pakistan, local authorities and all members of the society need to take more effective measures to ensure the safety and security of women. It calls on lawmakers to pass stronger laws, prioritize enforcement of existing laws and implement measures that help protect vulnerable women and girls from becoming victims of gender-based violence.
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The report added that violence is not limited to urban areas. Rural communities, where access to resources and legal aid is limited, often have cases that go unreported or overlooked.
Although December figures were not included in the report, preliminary data showed 554 more cases were reported in December, highlighting a new wave of concern.
These figures are very disturbing for Pakistan and women’s rights organizations have called for immediate measures to prevent gender-based violence. Every member of society has a responsibility to contribute to creating a safe environment where women can live free from violence, abuse and discrimination.