March 7, 2025
By Xari Jalil
LAHORE
Estimates published by the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that globally about one in three (30 percent) of women worldwide have been subjected to either physical and/or sexual intimate partner
violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime.
A recent report on gender-based violence (GBV) in Pakistan shows that it remains a critical issue across the country, with an immediate need to address these systemic issues. Violent crimes including honour killings, rape, kidnapping and abduction, and domestic violence are prevalent in all provinces. Statistics revealed in a recently released report by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) throws a light on the situation, and calls for improvement in legislative reforms, law enforcement, and better survivor support mechanisms.
The report provides a detailed statistical analysis of GBV cases across Pakistan’s provinces, revealing significant regional disparities and systemic gaps in the criminal justice system.
Honor Killings
In 2024, a total of 547 honor killing cases were reported across Pakistan. Punjab led with 225 cases, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Sindh, each with 134 cases. Balochistan and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) reported 32 and 22 cases, respectively. Despite the high number of cases, conviction rates remain alarmingly low, with Punjab recording only 2 convictions out of 225 cases (0.8%). 
Rape
Rape cases continue to be a grave concern, with 5,339 cases reported in 2024. Punjab accounted for the majority with 4,641 cases, while KP, Sindh, Balochistan, and ICT reported 258, 243, 21, and 176 cases, respectively. The conviction rates for rape are disturbingly low, with Punjab achieving a mere 0.43% conviction rate. 
Kidnapping/Abduction
Kidnapping and abduction emerged as the category with the highest number of reported cases, totaling 24,493 in 2024. Punjab alone accounted for 20,720 cases, reflecting improved reporting mechanisms and increased public awareness. However, the conviction rates remain critically low, with Punjab recording only 16 convictions, resulting in a 0.07% conviction rate.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence persists as a significant issue, with 2,238 reported cases in 2024. Punjab reported the most cases at 1,167, followed by KP (446), Sindh (375), Balochistan (160), and ICT (90). Despite the high number of cases, the conviction rates are dismally low, with Punjab securing only 3 convictions.
Challenges and Recommendations
The report highlights several systemic challenges, including underreporting, societal stigma, weak law enforcement, and judicial delays. To address these issues, the report recommends legislative and policy reforms, revising existing GBV laws to ensure swift and compulsory action, outlaw out-of-court settlements in GBV cases, establishment of fast-track courts for GBV cases, mandate the reporting of GBV incidents by key societal actors, and enhance enforcement mechanisms for protective legislation.
Syed Kausar Abbas, executive director of SSDO said that there is a serious need to implement laws. “There is a need to set up specialized GBV police units in every district,” he said. “We need to expand forensic evidence collection units as well, create a digital case-tracking system.” Abbas added that it was extremely important to train law enforcement and judiciary for gender sensitivity and launch nationwide public education campaigns.
Abbas also said that survivor support and rehabilitation should be improved by expanding the network of women’s shelters and crisis centers; set up one-stop crisis response centers at public hospitals; guarantee free legal aid and psychological counseling for survivors; introduce a nationwide emergency GBV hotline and roll out economic empowerment programs for survivors.
He also pushed for data driven decision making. “Annual GBV case statistics must be published in a national report,” he said. “By implementing the recommended measures, Pakistan can make significant strides towards protecting women and girls from violence and ensuring justice for survivors. “