Islamabad [Pakistan], March 2: A new report by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) has revealed that 32,617 cases of gender-based violence (GBV) were reported in Pakistan in 2024. These incidents include 24,439 cases of kidnapping/abduction, 5,339 cases of rape, 2,238 cases of domestic violence, and 547 cases of honor killings, according to The Express Tribune.
The SSDO’s “Mapping Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Pakistan 2024” report provides detailed provincial statistics for GBV cases across Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Balochistan, and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). Despite the rising number of reported cases, the report highlights alarmingly low conviction rates across all provinces, stressing the urgent need for reforms in law enforcement and the judicial system.
Conviction Rates and Provincial Statistics
The national conviction rate for rape and honor killings stands at only 0.5%, while the conviction rate for kidnapping and abduction cases is just 0.1%. Domestic violence cases had a slightly higher conviction rate of 1.3%.
- Punjab: The province recorded the highest number of GBV cases with 26,753. These included 4,641 cases of rape, 20,720 cases of kidnapping/abduction, and 1,167 cases of domestic violence. However, the conviction rate was significantly low, with only 0.4% for rape, 0.1% for kidnapping, and minimal convictions for domestic violence.
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP): A total of 3,397 GBV cases were reported, including 258 rape cases and 943 cases of kidnapping. However, convictions were sparse, with only one conviction for kidnapping and none for domestic violence.
- Sindh: Sindh reported 1,781 GBV cases, including 243 cases of rape and 2,645 kidnapping/abduction cases, but no convictions were recorded for any of these incidents.
- Balochistan: Balochistan had 398 reported GBV cases, including 32 honor killings and 160 cases of domestic violence. While there was one conviction for honor killings and 25 convictions for domestic violence, the overall conviction rate was still notably low.
- Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT): ICT recorded 220 GBV cases, including 176 cases of rape and 22 honor killings. Convictions were minimal, with only seven for rape and none for honor killings or domestic violence.
SSDO’s Call for Reforms
Syed Kausar Abbas, Executive Director of SSDO, emphasized that the report’s findings highlight serious deficiencies in Pakistan’s legal and judicial systems, particularly regarding the protection of survivors and the accountability of perpetrators. He urged immediate reforms to improve police investigations, legal procedures, and trial efficiency, which would prevent delays that obstruct justice.
Shahid Jatoi, Director of Programs at SSDO, pointed out the deep-rooted issues within the criminal justice system. The weak investigations, poor evidence collection, societal stigma, and a lack of judicial accountability have contributed to the alarmingly low conviction rates. Jatoi added that these flaws in the judicial process leave survivors vulnerable and often result in perpetrators going unpunished.
The SSDO’s report highlights the need for a coordinated effort between government institutions, civil society, and legal bodies to create a system where survivors feel safe, supported, and empowered to seek justice, and where perpetrators are held accountable for their crimes.