Gender-based violence soars but conviction rate remains scare: report

ISLAMABAD: In a stark revelation of the pervasive issue of gender-based violence (GBV) in Pakistan, a report from the Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO) highlights a staggering 32,617 cases reported nationwide in 2024.

Among these, The News reported, there were 5,339 reported incidents of rape, 24,439 cases of abduction, 2,238 instances of domestic violence, and 547 honour killings.

Alarmingly, the national conviction rates for these heinous acts are shockingly low, with only 0.5% for both rape and honour killings, a mere 0.1% for abduction, and just 1.3% for domestic violence.

Additionally, the SSDO's report, titled 'Mapping Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Pakistan 2024,' provides a detailed province-wise analysis covering Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Islamabad Capital Territory.

Notably, Punjab recorded the highest number of GBV cases, totaling 26,753, according to data gathered through the Right of access to Information (RTI) laws of the respective provinces. 

The province reported 225 honour killing cases, but only two convictions while for rape, Punjab had 4,641 cases, with a conviction rate of merely 0.4%. 

Meanwhile, kidnapping and abduction cases were alarmingly high at 20,720, yet only 16 convictions were made and domestic violence cases stood at 1,167, with just three convictions.

The KP government recorded 3,397 GBV cases in total, including 134 cases of honour killings with two convictions, 258 cases of rape with only one conviction whereas kidnapping and abduction cases reached 943, with only one conviction. 

Domestic violence cases in KP totalled at 446, but no convictions were recorded.

Sindh registered 1,781 GBV cases, including 134 cases of honour killings, 243 rape cases, 2,645 cases of kidnapping and abduction, and 375 cases of domestic violence. Yet, no justice was served in terms of convictions.

Balochistan had a total of 398 GBV cases that included 32 cases of honour killings with just one conviction, 21 rape cases with zero convictions, 185 cases of kidnapping and abduction with no convictions reported.

However, domestic violence cases in Balochistan were recorded at 160, with 25 convictions — the highest conviction count among all provinces for this category. 

ICT reported 220 GBV cases, inlcuding 22 cases of honour killings with no convictions, 176 rape cases with only seven convictions, and 22 domestic violence cases with no convictions.

Kidnapping and abduction cases were not reported in the territory, according to the data provided by the prosecution department.

These grim statistics, with alarmingly low conviction rates, underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in law enforecement and judicial systems.