A flood of crimes against women

The article sheds light on the grim reality of gender-based violence (GBV) in Pakistan, where despite grand celebrations on International Women’s Day, the oppression of women remains a stark reality. Statistics paint a harrowing picture—one in three women globally faces physical violence, while Pakistan ranks 145th out of 146 countries in sexual violence. Crimes such as abduction, rape, honour killings, domestic violence, and acid attacks persist, with an alarming conviction rate of less than 1%. The justice system is fraught with delays, weak law enforcement, and cultural stigma, allowing perpetrators to escape accountability. The data from various provinces further reveal how thousands of cases remain unresolved, and the failure to deliver justice exacerbates the suffering of victims.

The article calls for urgent legal reforms, including the recruitment of female police officers, fast-track courts, and digital platforms for victim assistance. It also argues for strict Islamic punishments, referencing the “Puppo Case” from General Zia’s era, where a public execution led to a temporary drop in crime rates. The author contends that severe deterrents, such as public hangings, are necessary to combat heinous crimes against women. The article acts as a powerful critique of the state’s failure to implement effective legal frameworks and highlights the need for a justice system that prioritizes victims rather than shielding offenders.

Overview:

The article underscores the alarming rise of GBV in Pakistan and the systemic failures in addressing it. While statistics reveal shocking figures, the lack of convictions exposes the inefficacy of the judicial system. The author proposes strict legal reforms and harsher punishments to deter future crimes, emphasizing the need for societal and institutional transformation to ensure justice for women.

NOTES:

Gender-based violence (GBV) in Pakistan remains a critical issue, deeply rooted in societal structures and legal inefficiencies. The country ranks 145th out of 146 nations in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2022, highlighting severe gender inequality. Crimes such as abduction, rape, honour killings, and domestic violence persist with alarmingly low conviction rates, exposing weaknesses in law enforcement and the judicial system. The Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (2017-2018) reports that 28% of women aged 15-49 experience physical violence, while 6% face sexual violence. Despite laws against GBV, delayed justice, patriarchal norms, and stigma prevent effective legal action. Historical cases, like the “Puppo Case” under General Zia’s rule, show that strict punishments can act as deterrents, though long-term solutions require systemic reforms. The need for fast-track courts, increased female police representation, digital complaint mechanisms, and strict legal enforcement is pivotal for ensuring justice.

Relevant CSS Syllabus Topics:

• Pakistan Affairs (women’s rights, gender-based violence, legal system)
• Current Affairs (global gender rankings, human rights violations)
• Criminology (judicial system, conviction rates, criminal deterrence)
• Governance and Public Policies (law enforcement, policy reforms)

Notes for beginners:

Gender-based violence refers to physical, sexual, or psychological harm inflicted on individuals, especially women, due to societal norms and power imbalances. In Pakistan, this manifests in the form of forced marriages, domestic abuse, honour killings, and workplace harassment. For instance, in 2024, Punjab alone recorded 4,641 rape cases, yet only 20 resulted in convictions. The conviction rate for abduction cases was a mere 0.1%, showing the inefficiency of law enforcement. The stigma around reporting crimes, coupled with delayed justice, discourages victims from seeking help. To combat this crisis, female representation in law enforcement must be increased, and special courts must be established to expedite cases.

Facts and Figures:

• One in three women globally faces physical violence in their lifetime.
• Pakistan ranks 145th out of 146 countries in sexual violence, just above Afghanistan (WEF Global Gender Gap Report 2022).
• In Pakistan, 28% of women aged 15-49 experience physical violence, while 6% face sexual violence (Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2017-2018).
• In 2024, an average of 67 abductions, 19 rapes, 6 domestic violence incidents, and 2 honour killings were reported daily.
• Punjab recorded 4,641 rape cases, yet only 20 resulted in convictions, showing an abysmally low conviction rate.
• The overall conviction rate for sexual assault and rape cases in Pakistan stood at 0.5%, while abduction cases had a 0.1% conviction rate.
• Punjab reported 225 honour killings, but only two convictions, yielding a 0.8% conviction rate.
• Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan recorded zero convictions for honour killings, further highlighting the inefficiency of the justice system.
• The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) reported that 90% of Pakistani women faced domestic violence during the COVID-19 lockdown.

To sum up, The article acts as a wake-up call to address the deep-rooted issue of gender-based violence in Pakistan. While laws exist, their implementation remains weak, allowing criminals to operate with impunity. The government must prioritize legal reforms, societal awareness, and strict punishments to ensure that justice is not just an illusion but a reality for women suffering in silence.

Difficult Words and Meanings:

• Heinous – shockingly evil or wicked (syn: atrocious, horrendous | ant: admirable, noble)
• Stigma – a mark of disgrace (syn: shame, dishonor | ant: respect, honor)
• Acquittal – legal judgment of innocence (syn: exoneration, absolution | ant: conviction, sentencing)
• Pervasive – widespread throughout (syn: omnipresent, prevalent | ant: rare, limited)
• Patriarchy – a system dominated by men (syn: male dominance, androcentrism | ant: matriarchy, feminism)