Report on crimes against women reveals Punjab leads in sexual assault cases

A detailed report on crimes against women has revealed that the highest number of sexual assault cases are reported in Punjab.

The report, which covers discriminatory treatment, sexual and physical violence against women, as well as murders and abductions of women across the country, indicates that Punjab ranks first in cases of rape. Out of a total of 7,010 cases reported nationwide, 6,624 occurred in Punjab.

Similarly, Sindh recorded the highest number of abduction cases involving women, with a total of 1,666 incidents.

In cases of honor killings, Sindh also topped the list with 258 reported incidents, accounting for nearly half of the honor killings in Pakistan.

The report states that law enforcement agencies can help combat serious crimes by providing protection, support, and guaranteed justice to affected women and their families.

Executive Director Syed Qausar Abbas noted that the report is based on statistics obtained from complaints filed with provincial police departments.

It analyzes gender-based violence (GBV) cases reported in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan during 2023. While the number of cases reported by provincial police has increased, many thousands of incidents are likely undocumented.

He mentioned that the statistics on rape, abduction, and honor killings are concerning. Punjab led in rape cases, with 6,624 incidents reported out of a total of 7,010 nationwide, resulting in a percentage of 94.5%.

This indicates that most rape incidents in Pakistan occur in Punjab. In contrast, 188 cases were reported in Sindh, 187 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and 11 in Balochistan.

Sindh also reported the highest number of abduction cases, with 1,666 women abducted, accounting for 56.4% of total abductions nationwide.

In comparison, Punjab had 562 cases, Balochistan reported 163, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had 36 cases.

Syed Qausar Abbas highlighted that the honor killings in Sindh reflect a severe lack of safety for women.

The province reported 258 incidents, which is about half of all honor killings in Pakistan. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had 129 cases, Punjab 120, and Balochistan 26.

He pointed out that the significant differences in reported cases among provinces do not indicate that violence against women is less prevalent in Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, or Balochistan.

Instead, it reflects social stigma, fear, and lack of support from family members that lead to underreporting.

Syed Qausar Abbas further stated that the report highlights the dark aspects of gender-based violence in the provinces.

The SSDO report recommends establishing a centralized national database cell to track GBV cases, which should be accessible through a public website and mobile app.

He urged that these sensitive cases be taken seriously, calling for specialized training for police, timely registration of cases, and ensuring the implementation of transparent departmental procedures.

He added that individuals from various sectors should be mobilized, and existing laws against perpetrators of serious crimes should be strictly enforced.

The cases reported in Punjab, Sindh, and other provinces demonstrate the need for an organized system to ensure that the families of affected women can approach law enforcement without fear or intimidation for justice.

Syed Qausar Abbas commended the provincial police for the increase in the registration of gender-based violence cases but expressed concern that thousands of cases remain unreported.

He stated that courts need to prioritize these cases. Emphasizing the importance of improving data transparency, he noted that accessible statistics will help bridge the gap between reported and unreported cases and assist lawmakers in making informed decisions.